Hated Book Review

Hated by Christine Manzari

Frankie DiGorgio has returned home for the summer to fix up and sell the home she grew up in. But when Frankie discovers Austin Stone is also back home and right next door, her summer suddenly seems more exciting than the motocross tracks she races on.

Four years ago, Austin was her best friend. Her first love. The only boy who saw more than just her rough edges.

But Austin left Frankie behind to perform in Las Vegas with his brother Dallas after winning Rising Stars. And Frankie didn’t wait around for him. Instead, she disappeared with no explanation and she hasn’t spoken to Austin since then.

Austin hates Frankie now.

Unfortunately, they’re next door neighbors again and Frankie and Austin can’t avoid each other anymore. With little more than bitterness, heartbreak, and secrets between them, they soon find themselves reverting to their childhood habits—prank wars. As Frankie and Austin’s past is put back together and old feelings resurface, they discover it’s a fine line between love and hate.

And the secrets Frankie has kept could cross the line right into hate.

***Review***

Hated is an interesting and amusing read of two old friends reunite after years of separation. Throughout a good portion of the book, I kept wondering what kind of betrayal took place that made these two best friends no longer speak to each other. 

The way the two characters interact after not seeing each other for four years amused and frustrated me. The lack of communication between Austin and Frankie is frustrating. Too many years wasted over secrets. The secret was very drawn out and revealed far into the story. I wish it would have come up sooner. It is amusing that no matter how angry they were with each other, the prank wars they had to relieve their anger, get a reaction, and to actually feel always put a smile on my face. 

The first chapter of the story was difficult for me to get into. It was a lot to set up the setting and story line about who Frankie and Austin were as children. By chapter two, I was curious to what happened between the two characters. As the story went on, the more and more I felt invested in their lives and wanting to know how everything works out between Frankie and Austin. 

Frankie is outspoken, independent, and determined. I love her personality. No matter how hard things got, Frankie kept doing what she thinks is best for the other person. Her witty comebacks were my favorite. 

Austin seems angry at first, but the anger doesn't seem to last long. It doesn't feel like it comes off as the level of hatred. Even though a lot has changed for Austin, deep down, there are still signs of the Austin described from their childhood. 

There are moments in the story that are emotional. There were at least two times that I cried while reading this story due to what happened to some of the characters. It made me hope for the best for the characters even more. 

Overall, Hated is a good read that's both amusing and emotional.

Find out more on Christine Manazri's website.

I received Hated as an Advance Reader Copy. All opinions on the story is my own.