Hate: An Enemies to Lovers Reverse Harem Romance (The Madison Kate Series, Book 1)

I found out about Tate James because of her collab with Jaymin Eve on the Dark Legacy trilogy. I loved that series and decided to give her solo stuff a try. It's decent, but there are some issues.*contains some spoilers*The initial setup is good. The whole scene with the Laughing Clown on Riot Night at the beginning was done well and it creates a good foundation of understanding the animosity Madison Kate has towards Archer, Kody, and Steele. It starts off strong.Then we get into some of the problems, at least for me. Bree is a crap friend. Yes, it's easily explained away why she did what she did and didn't come forward to try to help clear her best friend's name and it's explained why Madison Kate forgives her, but it's one thing to forgive. It's another to jump right back in like nothing happened. To make it worse, Bree is fully aware of how much MK despises the three guys, but on her first morning there to visit her supposed best friend, she's drooling over Archer and enjoying breakfast with him. Not only that, but later on, she's still fully aware that MK's feelings haven't changed much, yet she extends a party invite to the three guys in addition to MK. She's too busy drooling and commenting on how hot the guys are and it really makes me question why someone would want Bree as a best friend (she does get better as the series continues, but for the purposes of this book standing on its own, she's not the greatest).Of the three guys, Steele is by far the most likable and behaves the least douchey. He's not completely innocent because he divulges intimate details of him and MK to Archer REALLY quick. But he's still the most mellow of the three of them. Regarding spilling the details to Archer, that's quite frustrating because MK keeps thinking about how much of a betrayal that was, but she never bothers speaking to Steele about, despite the fact that when she brought it up with Kody, he even told her to talk to Steele, but she never did. So that situation was kind of left hanging.Kody exploits MK, in all honesty. Upon her return home, she didn't have the gate code, so when she asked for it to let Bree in, Kody holds it hostage until she agrees to have coffee with him, with the intent of using her to shake off his ex-girlfriend. That said, he has some redeeming qualities, such as the fact that when MK pulls her prank on them and his face turns purple, he is a really good sport about it and he also wasn't bothered too much with the photoshopped image of him, Archer, and Steele together. He has some laid-back qualities sometimes.Archer is the worst of the three of them, and for no reason (it seems). When she shows up to the first day of classes, he's so over-the-top regarding what she's wearing. His reaction is a bit much. The way he strong-arms everything to get his way is kind of cringy.It also seems like his nickname of Princess Danvers for MK is right on the money because while she's moaning and groaning about the three of them being in the same house, she doesn't even make any attempts to try to get a job so she can just get away and get out on her own. She says she can't because she's branded as a criminal, but after she learns everyone knows she was the scapegoat for Riot Night and learns that she has sympathizers, it would have made sense that she at least should have been able to get a job in Shadow Grove, but she didn't even attempt to try. So that whole, "I can't get a job because I'm a criminal in everyeone's eyes," argument is pretty weak.I also had an issue with the overuse of names. This continues throughout the whole series. It doesn't get better. It's about as about as how often Sam and Dean use each other's names in Supernatural. Maybe worse. And it's completely unnecessary in the majority of the spots, especially when it's just two characters involved. I think we get all of their names.That all said, I loved the chemistry. It's a slow-burn setup and her chemistry with all three guys is just amazing. The animosity she feels is actually a huge aid in that department because of the whole thin-line-between-love-and-hate thing.Even though I mentioned earlier that I had some issues with Bree, I do also like that she was able to forgive that betrayal. It's a double-edged sword for me. While I had problems with that particular character, I can also understand why the forgiveness was written in because if she hadn't, MK's character would have just been a pure ball of hate and rage, mostly to the point of obnoxiousness.I also loved MK's confidence. When Archer tried to get her to go home from classes and change with that juvenile juice move, she completely called his bluff (though, admittedly, that scene had a similar vibe to one of the scenes in the Dark Legacy books, I won't lie about that). It was still nice that she didn't cave and do what he wanted and managed to make him even angrier in the process.This book overall was a decent beginning of the series. It was shaky in parts and maybe could have been a little stronger, but it was still a good read. If you enjoy the reverse harem books, I would absolutely recommend giving this a try.

First book I’ve read by this author! I love that nothing I guessed quite came true in the book- and I am constantly trying to figure out what happens next before it happens 😂 Definitely intrigued by the back story for each guy and MK! Praying for more POV in the coming books but not complaining! I enjoyed the increase in spice as we went along too - excuse me while I go download the next book! These cliffys have me like 😤🤨😅🤪

Tate James is one of my favorite authors- she’s so incredibly versatile in the kinds of words she can build and she’s so refreshingly unapologetic about her character’s imperfections- the layer nuances that make them so interesting.. I’ve yet to read a book by her that doesn’t immediately enthrall me and leave me ravenous for more, and Madison Kate is probably my favorite book of hers to date. This story is addictive- it is not short, yet I somehow read it in one sitting because I literally could not tear myself away.We’ve seen the trope before- the tough as nails heroine who finds herself living with her enemies/stepbrothers who are involved in some sort of shady business- it's one of my favorite book set-ups. Honestly, I’d never get tired of interactions, but let me tell you, Tate makes it fresh and interesting- in part because her heroine is as much the bully/aggressor, in part by the brilliant and HOOKING opening chapter, and in part because these characters are trope-defying- they are more interesting, more layered, more complex. And so damn fascinating.The opening chapter of this series is one of the strongest I’ve read in a way- straight into the action, neck deep in trouble and thrust into the mystery and danger. It is also a beautiful case study of some of the characters we see- by seeing MK’s highs and lows in these opener, we really get a glimpse into who she is- she’s an adventurer, craving connection, tough as nails, but also weighed down by expectations and trauma. The Riot Night on Halloween ended up permanently altering MK’s life- and most of the book is a year later journey of the aftermath, when she finds herself connected to those she believes wronged her.Our story starts out in a fight ring, and for much of the book, you feel like you are in one. Backed up in a wall, trying to figure out the next move, unsure what is happening around you, dodging punches.Tate smartly delivers this book only in MK’s pov- I’ve noticed a lot of authors doing this in the first of a bully-ish series- that way the men remain mystery, we don't know their true intentions or feelings, and here it is all the more important because MK is trying to figure some stuff out, and the boys are key- having their thoughts withheld mean we are experiencing this like MK- confused, frustrated, angry, torn- as she tries piece together all that is withheld from her/about her.Tate is again unapologetic about creating interesting, flawed characters. This book is called Hate, our main character is fueled by it- so naturally, at times we don’t like things she does are are frustrated by are, naturally at time she’s not seeing what is around her because she’s blinded by the rage she’s built, by the narrative she’s told herself about what happened for almost a year. She’s not trusting or vulnerable, and I’m looking forward to more of her vulnerability as the series progresses, but she is so incredibly tough, so resilient. And, I love that she’s so comfortable in her skin- she’s embraced who she is and what she wants, even if at times new information makes her question her feelings. The boys are so deliciously alpha- glimmers of kindness and tenderness but mostly raw, dark, and dangerous men- we have a thoughtful one (Steele), the fun, flirty playboy who seems like he needs a hug (Kody) and the alpha leader who seems irredeemable (Archer). I get why some don’t like him, but I think once we see the truth behind him, he’ll floor usTate does not hold back here- her characters are flawed and not always likable, there is darkness, and the only thing you can predict about the action or the characters is that they are unpredictable, not (yet) fully understood. This story is so engaging, so unique, so addictive. And the cliffhanger? BRUTAL. Need Liar now!

Mk was set up and used as a scapegoat. No help really from her father or the three guys she believes set her up. Year later and back home her dad is more cold them before and she runs I to the three ppl she hates the most. Kody, Archer, and Steele. When she finally lets her guard down it might be a big mistakeGreat book the author gives it the best twist and turns.

Doing a Tate James reread since I can't move past the Hades series it seems. I also never wrote a review for this one.Let's start with the basics. I love MK. She's tough without being obnoxious and I like the fire in her personality. Do I wish she would cut them some slack at certain points? Yes. But we will get there right.Now for the guys. I will always have a soft spot for Archer, I know that he isn't even likable until the end of this series but I love him. Steele and Kody to me seem too similar at point like the author was purposely writing them vaguely so she could interchange scenes. I can't remember if that gets better in the series but I'm hopeful.I also somehow forgot who the stalker is! Which has been exciting and has made the reread worth it. I keep thinking I remember but then stuff happens and I feel like I'm wrong. I'm for sure excited to keep reading.

It's odd because I like the author(s) but I found this book really hard to get through. I get that its part 1 of however many but it was such a slog.She's furious at these guys for whats happened but the first time one of them takes off their shirt, its all googly eyes and "omg aren't they hot let me just forget everything I know to admire them". She's had a year or so to plan and all she can come up with are some mediocre pranks? (with exception to her one act of real vengeance against the below mentioned. That was awesome!)Archer is a Grade A d*ck. Its not even that Alpha stuff that seems to make most swoon. he is a grade A controlling D.Plus all this nonsensical cryptic S**T.We want you to do this for reasons, but we aren't going to explain these reasons and be all cryptic so you can justifiably be annoyed at us and act out, when all it would take is ONE CONVERSATION to give her even some basic details and she might be a little more on their side.I like the premise of the story and I really liked the beginning but then it seemed to just spiral.Hopefully the second book will provide answers that should have been in the first to make any of the other characters in anyway relatable or likeable.One i'd punch, two I would have slapped the first time not the second, that's assault anyway you look at it. doesn't matter how hot someone is. the third I kinda like but he just lets the other two get away with such obnoxious behaviour.

Holy pancakes! This author can literally do no wrong in my eyes BUT that being said, I think this might be my new favourite book. So much badassery happens and that cliff hanger?!! Plus I can already tell that I'm not ready for the twists and turns this series is going to take. Also can we all have a round of applause for Tate who wrote such a kiss ass book after losing her mom? *Hugs* I'm sure she would be proud xxP.s. I know I complained about the cliff hanger (she's even held off releasing the blurb for book 2 so there's no spoilers, SNEAKY!) But the next book is coming out super soon so I can't actually complain all that much.P.p.s. I'm writing this review at 5am and I haven't slept yet so that gives you a pretty good indication of how great this book is.

Madison Kate (MK) has had a traumatic past. At 11 years old she was locked in the closet whilst her mum was brutally murdered, and 6 years later was framed for orchestrating something that became known as Riot Night. She has nothing to do with Riot Night, and was unfortunately just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Seemingly set up by three gorgeous guys who had been helping her up until that point.A year later she returns home from Cambodia - having gone to stay with her aunt following the her public arrest and trial - only to find that the three gorgeous guys she’d come to hate are living at her father’s new house too.MK spends her time plotting against the guys - Archer, Kody, and Steele - but finds herself warming to them. Much to her horror. Obviously she’s physically attracted to them, they’re all part time models for a reason, but she doesn’t want to like them. See them as anything but the monstrous, scheming, gang bangers they are. Or at least that she believes them to be.There is a lot going on in this book! MK has a stalker and she believes him to be the same man that killed her mother. At first she doesn’t really believe she has a stalker as the guys were keeping it from her, but then she overhears a phone call with her father who has known about this stalker for YEARS. And never reported it to the police. And has instructed the guys not to either.As for the characters: I love MK’s snark and feistiness, but she makes some irrational decisions sometimes without thinking. All three guys are hot AF and I believe have truly started caring for her. But there is so much that could be solved with just a little open communication! Her dad is an ass and I believe has so much more to do with the bad things in her life than she realises. And I have a bad feeling about her bestie, Bree! Time to read book two to see if I’m right!

#hate By #tatejames The First Book In The #madisonkate Series Was One Of Two Books Selected By My Indie Book Club. I Absolutely Love Our Monthly Indie Picks For Buddy Reads Which Continually Not Only Help Me Support #indieauthors But Keep Discovering New #indiebooks 😍“”Madison Kate Danvers Was Murdered Tonight.” Those Words Changed My Life, And Not For The Better. They Were Wrong, Of Course. But I Was Set Up.”Just These Words In The Blurb Sold This Story To Me So Much. Following Madison Who Has A Promising Future With Offers To Multiple Ivy League Schools Which Is All Ripped Away From Her In One Night Due To Being In The Wrong Place At The Wrong Time & Naively Trusting Young Men. This Leads Her To Being Sentenced To Multiple Offences & Set Away With Only Hate In Her Heart Towards Those That Have Wronged Her. Though How Hot Hate Will This Hate Rage When She Returns To Find Those Three Young Men Now Residing In Her Family Home? 🔥Honestly It’s Cliche To Say But I Truly Was Hooked From Page One. Tate James Gripped Me From The Moment Madison Attends The Underground MMA Fight Where The Events Unfold To Her Downfall. 👏Madison AKA MK Is A Fantastic POV. The Main Exterior To Her Is The Hate & Revenge Armour She Wears Which Protects The Vulnerable, Hurt & Emotional Young Women Inside. She’s Impulsive With Her Actions But The Remorse She Feels Is So Tangible That I Was Questioning If I Had Helped Commit Her Acts Of Revenge. That Paired With The Steam……. 🥵All I Can Say Upon Finishing This One Is I’m Equal Parts Exhilarated & Terrified To Dive Into Book Two #liar 🥺⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Madison Kate Danvers was murdered tonight’​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​These words changed my life and not for the better. They were wrong, of course I wasn’t dead. But I was set up.​​​​​​​​Archer D’Ath and his boys messed with the wrong chick and they’re about to learn just how cold MK’s hate can run.​​​​​​​​…………………………………………​​​​​​​​Someone’s going to pay for derailing my carefully laid out future. Someone is going to catch the full force of my hate. How very convenient that someone just moved into the bedroom down the hall from me.​​​​​​​​------------------------​​​​​​​​Madison Kate was framed for a crime she didn’t commit (yes I read that in the A-Team introduction voice) by the three men now living in her fathers house. After returning to Shadow Grove from exile in Cambodia MK returns to find that her faither and his new love are jetting off to Italy the same day, leaving her with three new roommates that, not a year earlier, ruined her life. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This is a classic enemies to lovers trope and I love MK, in all her petty malevolent glory! Some of the tricks and pranks she pulls are epic! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​These three guys all have an interest in MK, she does in each of them too but she tries to maintain her spite towards them, only resolve crumbles now and again.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​I’m enjoying that Bree is back in MK’s life and remaining a stalwart friend when it appears all others have abandoned her – I hope it lasts. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This book left me wondering:​​​​​​​​• Who is MK’s stalker?​​​​​​​​• Who is chasing her?​​​​​​​​• What hold does Arch, Kody and Steele have over her father?​​​​​​​​• Who wants to hurt MK?​​​​​​​​• Did Zane really murder Deb?​​​​​​​​4 Stars​​​​​​​​