Hate to Love You

NY Nights: Bodyguard Edition #1

by Ava Olsen

He loves me…

Oliver Gaston loves his job as lead bodyguard with Spartan Security, taking every available assignment to keep his mind from ruminating on his haunted past. Now if only he could forget Jon Thackery, a mouthy but sexy private investigator he was paired with on a recent case, a man he loves to hate.

He loves me not…

Jon Thackery is a hard-working PI with absolutely no filter. His blunt manner provokes the temper of many, including the grumpy but gorgeous Oliver. But underneath their heated sparring lies an attraction neither man is prepared for.

He hates to love me. Even better.

Thrown together on a new case, one revealing moment sparks their fiery chemistry and with it, an unexpected depth of emotion they find only in each other’s arms. If love is the flip side of hate, Jon and Oliver are in for a powerful reckoning.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2022

About the author

Ava Olsen writes steamy & dreamy contemporary romance.

Reviews

[Amur Thera · Rating 2 out of 5]

The good
+ Neither man being intimidated by the other
+ Oliver never getting embarrassed by what Jon says in public
+ Jon stating clearly they're equals outside the bedroom
+ Oliver clearly communicating what he wants in the bedroom, so Jon doesn't doubt himself
+ Jon loving Oliver's body, scars and all
+ Both of them opening up to each other about difficult things

The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o They moved in together after they just had a huge fight, claiming being in love was enough. Shouldn't they spend a little more time getting to know each other first?
o Some of the dialogue felt unnatural. Like they didn't use sentences people would actually use when talking to each other

The bad
- The whole Xander thing was really cringy and also not necessary for the story
- Oliver was in danger, and Jon decided to just charge ahead on his own and endanger Oliver's life in some misguided attempt to save him, while he should have waited for backup. Hell, he had a whole security company at his disposal, so why risk Oliver's life with his one-man mission?
- Oliver needing to be saved was unrealistic anyway. What kind of security company are they if some stalker can get the drop on two bodyguards at once?
- Oliver was mad that Jon had a file on him. A very basic file, even. But Oliver works in security, so if Oliver (or his boss) didn't have a file on Jon they were not doing their jobs properly. Which means he was a hypocrite, while also failing to understand that it's Jon's job and for his own safety to have files on the people he works with
- Jon spent two days completely miserable while Oliver went home and had a good time with his brother, instead of seeking contact with Jon immediately. Jon was the one who had to come over to try to fix things, while Oliver was clearly the one in the wrong. Poor Jon
- Oliver did the whole "I don't want to be friends" thing, where it takes ten more minutes before he says "I want to be more than friends". Just casually breaking Jon's heart, no big deal... Ugh


This was a quick and entertaining read. I liked the communication between the main characters a lot. Unfortunately, I didn't like the amount of relationship drama that was crammed into such a short story. The way Oliver and Jon were portrayed in a professional setting also made them seem very incompetent. I think that was a real pity. I probably wouldn't recommend this book to someone, because I definitely wasn't wowed, but I wouldn't warn someone away from it either.

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava Olsen has mastered the Novella. She manages to not only bring the relationships to life and provide them with enough backstory to feel attached to them, but also complex storylines that let the characters shine, grow, and feel believable.

Oliver and Jon are no different. Granted we met them in Unforgettable You, and though this one can be read independently, I highly recommend reading it first. You get to experience the bickering and tension that leads to this one. Trust me, you will be even more satisfied with their happy end if you do. It also makes it feel less insta-lovey.

Alas, I really enjoy these two. The bickering and pushing of each others buttons is highly enjoyable, and watching them push past their fiery barbs, past their walls, and give in is very pleasurable.

I also enjoy the suspense/drama of the Bodyguard theme, so I can’t wait to read more. Especially if it involves grumpy Mason getting a little gooey for someone!


< ARC provided by Netgalley and this is my honest review >

[Marleen | Favoritez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love enemies to lovers, especially when they take place in a work place. This one was a really fun and easy read, which kept me almost up at night. The novella makes it perfect to read between some longer romances and it’s perfect to read next to the pool or on the beach this summer.

This book was my first read from Ava Olsen, but I would definitely read more books from her. Her writing is addictive and her characters really fun and lovable. Because of the length of the story everything went pretty fast, but can easily be forgiven, because the rest of the story was amazing. The chemistry, the spice, everything worked out perfectly. My first encounter with this author was really fun and I enjoyed reading this.

Absolute must read for M/M lovers who wants to dive into a fun, bantering enemies to lovers work place romances. I can’t wait to read the second book!

I received an ARC from NetGalley, this did not influence my opinion whatsoever.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, Ava Olsen and Evernight Publishing for this ARC.

Ava Olsen is fast becoming one of my favourite authors! Hate To Love You is a quick and spicy MM romance, with a dash of sweetness, a little bit of witty and a whole lot of sexual tension. This book was soooo good that I read it within 4 hours! My only criticism is that I would have liked a longer story. I can't wait for the next book!!

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava Olsen is a relatively new author to and after this book and I will be reading more of Ava's book. I enjoyed this enemies to loves book. The tension and steam between these two was great. I enjoyed the small escape that this book offered.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Iz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Well, this was okay. I loved bits of it, especially in the beginning: as with any type of enemies-to-lovers romances, I always adore the "I hate you so much" phase of the relationship a bit more. All that chemistry and reluctant sexual tension is my absolute jam, 100%. So, yes, I especially liked the beginning.
I thought Jon and Oliver had the potential to be really great, but unfortunately I just wasn't feeling them nor their relationship together. Maybe if the book was slightly longer, if there was a bit more backstory to their antagonism (and yes, this could actually be my fault, since "Hate to Love You" is my first Ava Olsen book, so I have no idea if there's a previous series I should have read before: I just loved the blurb of this one too much) or just a bit more character and relationship development before they ended up falling for each other, I would have loved them more.
Oh well.
Anyway, I loved the plot: it's got danger and a tiny bit of action, plus I really adored the side characters. I'm especially curious to read more about Mason and Dax: now, that's a story I can already tell will absolutely slay me. Age-gap, uper protective older lover, abusive ex who needs to be taught a lesson or twenty, all the potential hurt/comfort? YES, please.
I'm looking forward to that, but unfortunately this book was a bit of a miss for me. I'd give it a very generous 3 stars' rating (mainly for Dax and Mason). I'm sure it was mainly a me issue, so if you're looking for something short and steamy, with a decent plot and some terrific side characters, give this novel a try: hopefully you'll love it more than me.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book
Oliver is a bodyguard for spartan security he keeps himself busy to stop the nightmares of his time when he was blown up by a roadside bomb serving with the army. The free time he does have volunteered to help veterans. He was put on a special case. Mason the owner of Spartan security has asked him to look after his friends nephew he was a very famous actor but was having some serious problems with his ex. Oliver was happy to help until he found out that Jon Thackery the private investigator, was also on the case. You see they work together not long ago and Oliver was big enough to admit that he was attracted to him but boy did they bicker Jon had no filter he would say the first thing that came through his mind and didn’t care what it was .
Jon had been in the police force but that didn’t work out and he got out and he became a private investigator working for himself. He was getting a bit fed up of the cases he was taking but he was now getting to the point he could pick his own cases and the chance to work with the sexy Oliver again was a no brainer. To say he was attracted to Oliver is an understatement and how did he love to flirt.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book I love the banter between these two the attraction the passion was off the charts and then you had the excitement of the case they’re working on. there was something vulnerable about both of these characters but together they found a soulmate and understanding support basically they found exactly what they needed. I was absolutely gutted when this Book came to an end.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reading to Escape · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hate to Love You is a fast-paced, quick read about Oliver, a bodyguard who was just assigned a new case and now has to work with a private investigator he has worked with in the past that just loves to push his buttons. Jon tends to say whatever he wants and is more the guy to make people laugh and keep things light.

There were some parts of the story I really liked and some I struggled with. I felt like Oliver and Jon complemented each other well and balanced each other out personality wise. I thought the story line was interesting but maybe needed a little more development. I would have liked some more backstory about how Jon and Oliver knew each other or came to be in this sort of tension-filled, button-pushing stage of their relationship as I feel like I was only given a small glimpse but not enough to get the full picture. In addition, the book is short, so it didn't feel like enough time to develop the whole story fully and do it justice. I feel like Oliver went from strongly disliking Jon to them getting their happily ever after at warp speed and it felt somewhat unnatural and unrealistic.

I have read a few of this author's books and have really enjoyed them, but this was not my favorite. I would like to see more about Dax and Mason perhaps, and do look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Jon and Oliver. You first meet them in the book Unforgettable by this author. Jon is an ex cop who is now a PI. He is very good at his job. Not as good with social interaction. He seems to have no filter between his brain and mouth. And his special treat is when he gets to annoy Oliver. His whole day is made. Oliver is the lead bodyguard at Spartan Security Services. Mason his boss and CEO assigns him to protect his best friends nephew Dax. Dax has a restraining order against his ex boyfriend who has been upping the threats and stalking. In order to ensure that Dax is safe, Mason hires Jon to work with Oliver to ensure Dax is safe and that his ex is caught. Oliver is not happy about the situation but will do whatever is necessary to keep Dax safe. As we saw in a previous book, the chemistry and friction between the two of them is off the charts! It continues in this book as well. Intense emotions such as dislike and love are two sides of the same coin. Oliver and Jon are about to learn that the hard way. There is lots of action and interaction between all the players. I really enjoyed it. It is well written and very easy to read. I look forward to the next book by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this despite wanting it to be longer

Oliver and Jon appeared in Unforgettable You, when we saw how much they antagonised each other but also got a sense that it wouldn't take much to turn that animosity to something much more powerful and lasting. This is their story and I loved it, glossing over the fact that it was quite unbelievable in parts because I just didn't care about that more than I cared about them.
Working together again as bodyguard and P.I., protecting someone from their insane ex, sparks fly again but this time, they realise they could have something special if they actually let their guards down and owned up to their feelings.
At less than half the length of the NY Nights books, their relationship developed very quickly, even taking into account the nine month verbal foreplay, and I would have loved for this to be longer to see more of them falling properly in love but I was glad they got their HEA and I'm hoping for cameos in future books.
Troublemaker is my favourite book of the NY Nights series and I loved seeing a very quick glimpse of Mac and Luca in this spin-off novella. I'm looking forward to Elijah and Billie's story (who were in Unforgettable You alongside Oliver and Jon), as well as Mason and Dax who made their debut here.

[Stephanie Panach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava Olsen is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! Her New York nights series was awesome - and this spin-off continues with folks we've seen in some of those books. Oliver is a personal protection officer for a high end security firm. He and Jon met while Oliver was protecting a client from a stalker. Jon is a former cop, now a private investigator. Jon has no filter and is very much in your face. Oliver and Jon throw sparks off one another like you wouldn't believe - and immediately start fighting when they see each other. When they are thrown together to protect a friend of Oliver's boss from an abusive ex - they learn that there is a lot more going on under the surface of each other.

Both Jon and Oliver have been through traumatic experiences in their lives - so finding each other and connecting on a deeper level happens fast and hard. But for these guys - who are serious tough guys on the outside - it really works.

Overall - I recommend this one and all the other books Ava Olsen has written!

I received this via NetGalley as an ARC, but these opinions are all my own.

[The Artsy Book Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava Olsen is becoming a new favorite author of mine (yes, I have a lot of favorite authors, sue me). Hate To Love You is my first novella by her, and it certainly won't be my last.

I loved the relationship between Oliver and Jon, how they played well off each other, and fell in love fast and hard. I did feel at one point, that their relationship was going a bit too fast, but it worked out in their favor, so.

I always feel like novellas go by fast, but Olsen nailed it. The pacing and timing of her stories don't feel too fast, and is well set. However, me being me, I WANT more.

Though this is a spin off of another series, you don't really need to read it first before diving into HtLY.

I highly recommend Hate To Love You to anyone looking for a fast-paced, LGBT+ achillean, bodyguard romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Evernight Publishing and Ava Olsen for the e-ARC.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angry foreplay, is HOT! Oliver, is a lead bodyguard working with Spartan Scurity. He uses his work schedule as a defense against his memories. His work, is his distraction from life. Jon, is a PI, proud of not having a filter, using that as his defense mechanism. When they work together, it's like a skilled fencing competition. Once they start working a case together and get to know each other better, their perspectives change and the relationship heats up. The author, has given us strong fun likeable characters and a great adventure! The book, takes us on some fun seesaw moments with a few seconds of quiet. Are they able to keep the client safe? Do they catch the stalker? Do they find the balance in their lives? Great group of found family! Fun, excitement that keeps us on our toes. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is hard to find a male/male romance which has an actual plot ,that alsopasses the queer bechdel test. This book follows the plot of a security agent and a PI who work together to stop a lethal stalker of a celebrity. There are some close calls along the way, and some obviously needed steam. However, I still wanted more substance to the plot and more steam., more than one scene. Though this is a short book, it was written in really lovely way. Which is why this is definitely worse teh read, a certain plus in the literary queer community.
Things we want in queer fiction:
- steamy moments
-An unpredictable top or vers.
-An actualy plot which is good.

And this book checkes these boxes.

Also, this could develop into a nice series with therest of the security team having a different book, especially the security boss.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver and Jon's Story . . .

Oliver Gaston is a bodyguard, Jon Thackery is a PI. The two of them are hired to investigate an abusive ex who is stalking their client, Dax. Oliver and Jon give off vibes that they love to hate each other, with Jon especially not willing or able to stop from speaking his mind without any filters in place. That just makes it more fun for the readers, however, as their snarky comebacks and banter are so much fun.

But despite their apparently hostile situation, working together this time seems to let them see aspects of the other that draw them together. Will they finally drop some of their defenses and take a chance on each other? Will one or both admit their true feelings to see if a HEA is possible? Or will they let love go once again?

[Laura Carter-Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hate To Love You is a steamy enemies to lovers MM romance with a hefty dose of sass.

Oliver is a bodyguard forced to work with private investigator Jon on his latest case. Jon has no filter so his blunt manner tends to rile others, especially the grumpy but devilishly handsome Oliver. But what neither realizes is that underneath all their barbs lies an attraction that knocks both men off their feet.

One night, in a heated moment, everything changes. Sparks fly when these men collide and unveil an unexpected intensity filled with pure emotion. They say there's a thin line between love and hate. Well... Oliver and Jon are about to find out.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and this is Oliver and Jon’s story. Oliver loves hi job as the lead bodyguard for Spartan Security, and Jon is a PI, and when these two are assigned to work together on a new case, the sparks fly. These two have a hate / love relationship, and they certainly know how to push each other’s buttons. This is a well written quick read, with undeniable chemistry, bickering, suspense, drama, danger, intrigue, and with a complex storyline. I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to Lovers is one of my favs and this one didn't disappoint.Oliver and Jon thrown together as partners with all that intense sexual animosity, just made it more entertaining. Once they got to know one another, their true selves, things turned from hate to more loving feelings. A little drama/action with the bodyguard work but other than that a really HOT romance...nice ending for the guys...Very Nice!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver is the lead bodyguard at Spartan Security, having joined after being discharged from the military. He enjoys his job, but there is just one part of it that makes him crazy, PI Jon Thackery, the two bickered constantly on the last job they worked. Now his boss is pairing him up again for another job.

Jon has no filter, which provokes Oliver, but hides a desire for the buff security guard. On this new case, true feeling come to the surface, can these two continue to hate each other?.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a full story even if it was novella length. It had everything in it for me enemies to lovers, or was it just always attraction?
I loved the flow of the story, the action, pull and push of attraction. Jon and Oliver have it all including heat and spice in the bedroom.
Ther is also a stalker story in this tale and all that entails to positive end, after some upheavel.
I read this straight through and felt like it was a much longer story due to how it was set out and how much was in it.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being a novella, the entire story line read like a full novel. Each of the characters were well written and their stories felt complete.
The flow for Jon and Oliver molded together exceptionally well, even though their personalities should have clashed at every turn. You can only hold out on mutual desires for so long. In the end, those frustrations turned heated and enticing.

Highly recommended!

**I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hate to Love You is such a great read! I loved the banter between Jon and Oliver. I am sure the air was full of electricity when Ava wrote not only this series but especially this book. There is a little angst, but not over the top. When Oliver is injured and the feelings Jon felt, I felt like crying for him. That is great writing when it can evoke emotions in the reader. Ava Olsen is definitely a 5 star writer! Can hardly wait for Mason's book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine Gray]

An enemies to lovers romance with Oliver and Jon. They are working together to protect a client from his abusive ex. The book is romantic, funny, and witty, with some angst, sweet, and intense moments and I enjoyed it. Jon and Oliver are always griping with each other and Jon have no filter. The book had my attention from start to finish and I read in one sitting. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bodyguard and the PI

Oliver is an experienced and professional bodyguard, but PI Jon just rubs him the wrong way. Jon is used to running his mouth and arguing, but somehow, those arguments with Oliver lead to something more. These two had the best banter, plus I just loved how protective of each other they became. . I’m looking forward to more books in this series - Dax and Mason have some seriously unresolved feelings to address.

[Flavia Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Ava Olsen book I've read, and I loved it.
Oliver is a bodyguard and Jon is a private investigator and together they have to solve a new case...
I don't know if he falls into the category of enemies to lovers... I think Oliver is very strict and Jon is often annoying. But they do develop an interesting story to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time warming up to Jon, he literally came in like a bull in china shop. Secretly he longed for Oliver but couldn't break through the ticked off barrier Oliver had, he was stumped at how to break through, well, DUH! Cut down on the sarkiness! You know it irks him. Anyway, as the drama progresses he become more centered and the game is on to protect their client and end the blackmail. I've always loved bodyguard stories but this one twisted in a different way and I loved it.

[Paige Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read by Ava Olsen. Hate to Love You is a fast-paced enemies-to-lovers novella. Oliver works for a security company and Jon is a PI, and when a new case brings the two together, it's not all fun and games. Filled with a lot of back and forth banter and some great steamy scenes, this novella is a good read.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver is lead body guard at Spartan Security Service. Jon is a private investigator who sometimes works for the security service. Both men can't seem to get along. They're always arguing with each other. What each of them doesn't realize is their arguing is foreplay for what they really want. I really enjoyed the two main characters and the plot of the story.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Hate to Love You by Ava Olsen. It's the first book in the NY Nights: Bodyguard Edition series. I loved Jon and Oliver's story. Their chemistry was hot, and so were their scenes together. I really hope the author does a story about Dax and Mason.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

10/10 for a well written story. Personally I dont enjoy the novellas. Too short, too rushed. This was no different. All the makings of a great full length story but the evolution of the relationship was speedy fast. The redeeming point is that there is reference to past meeting between the 2 MC's so you get some back story which fleshes out the novella, but a longer novel would have been my preference. But again I mention, at least it was written well without a gazillion typo's and/or editing errors