Sweetest Hate

Guys Next Door, Book 2

By: Baylin Crow

Narrated by: Iggy Toma

Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Kellan: Messing around with Arsen is like playing with fire, and I can't help but crave the burn.

The day I met my best friend's new stepbrother I fell into hate with the moody jerk. The feeling is mutual. I loathe him and unfortunately want him in equal measures. At least he seems to be suffering the same undeniable pull. He infuriates me. He's crawled under my skin.

Arsen has the ability to ruin me for anyone else, and I want to let him.

A mix-up during a trip to the lake puts us in an inconvenient situation where we end up sharing a room. Worse, once we get home, I'm left unable to escape him. He's right next door and impossible to ignore.

As we spend time together, I'm forced to realize there's so much more to him than I expected. I thought I had feelings for my best friend, but Arsen has me questioning everything I know about love.

It's the sweetest hate, or maybe it's something else entirely.

Contains mature themes.

©2021 Baylin Crow (P)2022 Tantor

The title says it all.

I'm really big on passion, and that's why I love the "hate" to romance trope. The one thing about most of these that is frustrating in most books is how quickly they progress from heated angry passion to the sappy parts. THIS book, however, did NOT disappoint! The passion starts quickly and does not subside! By the time you get to the sweetest HEA, you're breathless and tearing up! Iggy ALWAYS delivers with performance also! I don't even have to hear the sample when I see that name. You know who's who and none of the characters have a cringy voice. You don't wanna miss this one!

Awesome story, outstanding narration

Book 2 is as great as book 1. Iggy Toma made this series shine. he brings the characters to life and makes the writing of Baylin Crow so sweet and special. this is an awesome story and an outstanding series. well worth the credit and your time to listen.

Don’t grind your molars, give it a listen!

After really not enjoying the first book in this series, I was more than pleasantly surprised at how much this title clicked for me.

Iggy Toma is in his element with the dark, brooding Arsen, but he also does a fine job with Kellen and the support characters.

While Crow falls into some very predictable romance novel elements - overly hyped descriptions of hair and eye color, or repetitive use of phrases like “I ground my molars”, she does create a compelling back story that gives Arsen depth that was completely missing in the first installment.

Never resorting to being syrupy, Crow digs deep in the hate part or enemies to lovers. While the Quinn/step brother story is left hanging a bit, Crow shows a controlled hand in creating a story she can actually conclude. Believe me, I hesitated pressing play after how much I disliked her earlier work.

She was focused and clear from the beginning, starting with a heartstring tugging prologue. While there are always little things you wish were done differently, I was impressed with this outing and highly recommend this book!

great story

great story... Iggy as always killed the narration... short and sweet .. but worth a listen

Absolutely loved the storyline

Loved the storyline and chemistry between the main characters was off the chart . Absolutely amazing!!!

Great all around

I loved the pace. It started with a little background and moved right into the thick of it. I live this whole series. It’s sweet and sexy.

Love The Audio Version

i read the book and really love Arsen and Kellan. When I saw that is was on audible I had to get it. Iggy Toma brings life to the characters. I love his voice.

Love it

I loved this book! It was so sweet!!
I think these types of books are my favorite.
I adore this narrator!

A bit slow

I did like the characters and story. It did drag a bit for me. I found myself needing to increase the speed during the last couple of chapters.

A solid, good M/M romance

The story was good and Iggy Toma had a good performance (outside his occasional irritating pronunciation of one of the character's names - Orson instead of Arsen) but there really isn't anything memorable about this romance or the characters. There is nothing to make you think or care about what happens long after you finish the book. 3 stars - I won't listen again.