At First Hate

AT FIRST HATE is the second instalment in KA Linde’s contemporary,young adult to new adult to adult COASTAL CHRONICLES erotic, romance series focusing on a group of friends from Savannah Georgia. This is Derek Ballantine, and Marley Nelson’s story line. AT FIRST HATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. The events of AT FIRST HATE cross over with and run parallel to the events of book one HOLD THE FOREVERS. Told from first person perspective (Marley Nelson) with a chapter by Derek Ballantine using present day and memories from the past, divided into 5 timelines, AT FIRST HATE covers approximately sixteen years in the life of Derek Ballantine and Marley Nelson. Attending opposing high schools in Savannah Georgia, Marley met Derek at a high school football game, and from the outset our couple’s on again, off again sixteen year relationship was fraught with betrayal, rumors and lies, trepidation, and one-night stands. Fast forward to present day wherein, Marley’s beloved grandmother has passed away, and the now thirty something attorney Derek Ballantine has been hired by Marley’s dysfunctional and absentee mother in an effort to claim her children’s inheritance. Along with her twin brother Maddox, Marley was raised by her grandmother from the age of two, only ever having contact with her mother when she needed money. With Derek’s return for Marley’s grandmother’s funeral, our heroine realizes betrayal by the man she once loved, continues in the aftermath of her grandmother’s death. What ensues is the acrimonious back and forth relationship between Marley and Derek, and the numerous fall-outs as every separation and reconciliation is met with trepidation, and reminders of past betrayals. Derek Ballentine attended a private Catholic school, and Marley was often made to feel less than worthy but sixteen years of back and forth, up and down, love and hate culminate in the ultimate betrayal upon her grandmother’s death. Marley Nelson had fallen in love with our story line hero but love is often one sided, and Marley was left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Derek now a successful attorney, and Marley with a doctorate in neuroscience, our couple forged ahead with their school and careers, only to come together every few years, to rekindle a romance that was inevitably doomed to fail. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters most of whom we met in HOLD THE FOREVERS. We are introduced to Marley’s embittered mother Hannah, and her beloved Gran. AT FIRST HATE is a story of family dysfunction, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, issues of trust, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is complex, entertaining and captivating; the romance is seductive but struggles in the face of uncertainty and perceived betrayal, and time apart.

Marley and Derek have been at odds since their first meeting in high school. Marley and her twin brother, Maddox, were abandoned at two years old by their mother, and raised by their grandparents. They have no money, and Marley has come by all of her schooling via scholarships. Derek is the opposite. He has grown up surrounded by wealth, never struggled to make ends meet or get what he wants, and is every bit the entitled, rich, bad boy. Despite how opposite they are, they have an intense chemistry and seem to be drawn to each other. This is an enemies to lover, second chance romance. This is a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book. I actually had missed that this was the second book in the series, and so was slightly confused by what was occurring with some of the side characters – which now I realize is because their story is explained in the first book. Despite this, you can easily follow along with what is happening with Derek and Marley. This book starts in the present day, just after Marley’s grandmother has died. She quickly learns that her mother is suing her brother and her to contest her grandmother’s will, and Derek is now the lawyer representing her. We go back and forth between present and past as we learn of Derek and Marley’s complicated and complex history from high school, through college and after until present day. This is full of a lot of what I love in my romance – angst. The chemistry between Derek and Marley is intense and when they finally get together it’s downright steamy. I loved their story, but was irritated by Derek a fair amount throughout the story, and honestly would have enjoyed some more grovel or backbone on his part. However, if you love enemies to lover, second chance or angst this is definitely for you! I received an Advance Reader Copy and have voluntarily left an honest review.

Two words: DEREK BALLENTINE « Derek Ballentine could very easily be the most addictive substance on the planet. » I devoured this story and I want more words… I want to know what’s next for Josie and Amelia! I LOVED THIS STORY TO MARS AND BACK!!! Derek and Mars story is kismet! The relationships are portrayed with compassion and honesty The ways KA Linde wrote a story that is absolutely stunning and her writing is so full of emotion. You. Feel. Everything and GOSH…. Emotional rollercoaster!! KA Linde showed us that being in love is not pain free , she showed us that the truest about love is that you have no control over it. Minivan thought she could choose who she loved but she couldn’t hide from love or ignore it. You will fall in love with Mars and Derek and it won't take long before you feel like you have known them your whole life. All the secondary characters are endearing and play a key role in the story. Gran is my favourite and I’m definitely going to try to make Sidecars. One kiss changed everything. “You’re always the upgrade, Mars,” KA Linde is a master at capturing the infinite small heartbreaks of love and loss and grief. A must read