A Review
Nicholas and Livvy. The fact that this was an homage to Romeo and Juliet—such a well written one, set in a grocery store business fued at that!—made the English/Theater major in me OVER THE MOON. I’ve tried to read Alisha Rai before with A Gentlemen in the Streets but I think the story just wasn’t for me, it seemed a small vehicle for super exotic scenes. Essentially I wanted more plot development from her as a writer. But Hate to Want You did not disappoint in that department! The set up of all of the family history and bad blood was such a juicy backdrop for a romantic story. I loved the anger and the resentment and the forbidden love. This really is a modern day Romeo and Juliet without all that death and sword fighting. What’s even better is how Alisha created such rich and layered relationships between every character in the story, not just the hero and heroine. I found Livvy’s relationships with her mother and aunt fascinating, her bond with her sister in law heartwarming, and Nicholas’ duty to his father painful, and unconditional love for Eve SO endearing. I must admit I enjoyed Nicholas as a character far more than Livvy, he just seemed stronger when sometimes I found Livvy to be a little whiny oh woe is me! But once she threw that to the side and just admitted to how she was feeling I started to like her a little bit more.
The subtle sequel bait had me crazy me pumped to read about Jackson and Sadia in Wrong to Need You. Just when you think Alisha started untangling the complex connections, she introduced hints of a tense past between Livvy’s brother and their sister in law that is driving me crazy for answers!
4.5 Stars
Thanks for reading!
Em Xx
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