Needed more

This was a pretty good story, but I needed a bit more...I felt like there was opportunity for some angst but it just didn't happen and I think it could have used some. The narration was ok, but still just 3 stars. I was hoping for more out of this book than I got.

3 people found this helpful

Hate turned QUICKLY to love

I wanted to love this book, but I just couldn't manage it. The writing was good, with a cute story,and a great premise, but it just didn't quite come together for me. I did really enjoy the strong narration from Randi Johnson. Voicing was good, quality was good. I'm really looking forward to listening to more of his work.

2 people found this helpful

Try

Mason is asked by a close friend to help plan the wedding. Only there is a catch. He must work with his secret crush and basically a frenemy, Liam. He agrees - since their mutual friend is important to both of them. They agree to try.

Liam has been in love with Drew forever. Planning his wedding was never in the plans he saw for their future. Then he starts to work with Mason. He finds that he understands him better the more he gets to know him.

This was an amazing read. They start off with incredible banter and the best laid plans..... per usual, the end is vastly different. I found many points were quite compelling and profound. The narration was amazing - the different voices were obvious and very nice. I love the sounds of the voices. This was one of the best I have heard in a while.


***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.

1 person found this helpful

Lovely characters but needed some editing

As usual, this author write characters that I really like. This was no exception. Both Liam and Mason are amazing. Especially Liam. Swoon worthy. My my.

With that being said, this book would’ve needed another round of editing. There was a lot happening behind the scenes that I would’ve wanted to happen on ”stage”. There was a lot of times when I felt that I was missing something and had to go back to check what was actually happening.

Overall good. Amazing characters, great narration, but needed some editing to bring some stuff out and tie the loose knots.

1 person found this helpful

LOTS OF SOUL SEARCHING AND SELF REALIZATION

Start with a bully, without knowing his background . Add the one being bullied, without knowing his background and you get a hefty-sized hate relationship with a good friend to both caught in the middle, trying to fix things without telling anyone’s secrets. Add an obsessed and crazy ex to the mix after the bully and his prey are forced to work together and find that they are normal and caring people. Meet, Liam and Mason to find out how things go.

As usual, the narration is superb!

1 person found this helpful

Childhood Enemies to Lovers

This book was an enjoyable one to listen to. It's my first book from both the author, JP Oliver and Randi Johnson.

The story was sweet, long in angst. I really enjoyed the flow. However, I heard some inconsistency.The major one was the big "I Love You" moment outside the restaurant. I replayed it three times, in case my audio book "skipped". There was no such moment. It was only mentioned on the next chapter. I'd think that such big moment wouldn't have been skipped, specially since both MCs were already doing a heart to heart talk anyway. Other than that, the story was good.

Randi Johnson is an excellent narrator. He has that voice. That kind of voice that would really want to make you listen. He gave the characters justice. I cannot wait to hear more from him, I'm pretty sure this is jhis early MM audio book days. This narrator is going places.

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful love story!

I asked to receive this Audible book and voluntarily wrote this unbiased review. Mason was bullied unmercifully by Liam when they were kids. Now grownups, they see things in a new light. Both had major problems at home. Now they are drawn to each other, but can they move on from their past? This is an insightful look into the effects of bullying and home life, forgiveness, moving on from a past love, friendship, stalking, and finding love. The author, J P Oliver, masterfully and emotionally has written such a passionate and powerful story.

Randi Johnson is a wonderful storyteller. He immediately draws you into this story of love. His voice portrays the emotions and personalities of the characters. If you like m/m stories, I highly recommend this Audible book.

Childhood Enemies to Lovers

This book was an enjoyable one to listen to. It's my first book from both the author, JP Oliver and Randi Johnson.

The story was sweet, long in angst. I really enjoyed the flow. However, I heard some inconsistency.The major one was the big "I Love You" moment outside the restaurant. I replayed it three times, in case my audio book "skipped". There was no such moment. It was only mentioned on the next chapter. I'd think that such big moment wouldn't have been skipped, specially since both MCs were already doing a heart to heart talk anyway. Other than that, the story was good.

Randi Johnson is an excellent narrator. He has that voice. That kind of voice that would really want to make you listen. He gave the characters justice. I cannot wait to hear more from him, I'm pretty sure this is jhis early MM audio book days. This narrator is going places.

M/M Enemies to Lovers

The story is about a group of childhood best friends and finding love in unexpected places. Both Mason and Liam are best friends with Drew, but don't like each other much. Liam picked on Mason when they were younger, and despite that fact, both are forced to work together as best men when Drew announces his engagement. Yet when they find themselves in close quarters some surprising facts are revealed leaving each of them to reevaluate where they stand with each other. Lots of great banter and sizzling romance as these enemies become friends and lovers.
Randi Johnson does a fantastic job narrating as usual with great voices for each of the guys that are easily distinguishable and plenty of emotion displayed.

Enemies to Lovers

What happens when the tormentor and the tormentee must play nice? That’s what we discover in the audiobook Hate To Love You by J.P. Oliver, narrated by Randi Johnson. Toss in a strong dose of animosity between these enemies and what could possibly spring forth? Certainly not feelings!?

WTF is Drew thinking, asking both Mason and Liam to be his best men for his upcoming wedding? To add insult to injury, he wants his two best friends to work together assisting with the arrangements. Liam is a bully. Or at least he was during his younger years. And Mason isn’t sure he can get past the taunts, “‘Hey, nerd! Come do my homework for me’” – “‘Get out of the way, four-eyes’” – “‘What? Loser going to cry’”, that Liam, “the kid who used-to-call-me-names-everyday”, threw at him.

The history between Mason and Liam is nothing but hate and anger. Yet, hidden secrets, naive young minds and insecurities foster the majority of the tension. As those secrets reveal themselves, altered desires emerge, adding more definition to such a tumultuous past.

There are a few inconsistencies throughout this story, yet it still follows its intended trajectory. First by defining their history and what brings Mason and Liam to the current state of their relationship. Followed closely with a “learn to get along” approach to their alliance. As the past unfolds their co-existence morphs into feelings. Much to their disbelief, there is suddenly more radiating between them. When tragedy strikes, of course it does, so does a realization that shocks both Liam and Mason in an amazingly good way.

Randi Johnson is a smooth storyteller bringing the characters to life as you immerse yourself in the story. There is something about his alluring voice that pulls you in as he gives true voice to each character with an effortless flow from beginning to end.

Hate To Love You is most definitely an enemies to lovers romance, yet so much of the enemies framework is due to pent up frustrations and the denial of feelings. There is a true sense that this was how their history was meant to be, which in some ways feels disheartening. Perhaps Mason and Liam’s past is a “the end justifies the means” situation. Because in the end, the intense connection morphs from one of hate and animosity towards one another, to one with a promising and loving future.