Hate To Love You: A Fairview/Spruce Texas Romance

Daryl Banner deftly constructs enchanting worlds within his Spruce Texas series and the interconnected town of Fairview. In this particular installment, Liam reflects on his dismal high school years, marked by taunts from Teague Jenson, who derided him with the nickname Peanut—a term Liam detested. When Teague, the former captain of the wrestling team, with the energetic spirit of a Labrador Retriever and strikingly good looks, begins working at the same grocery store where Liam is employed for the summer, Liam is dismayed. He resents the need to instruct Teague on job responsibilities, laments having to give repeated instructions for fundamental tasks, and notes Teague's attractiveness. Liam has been engaging with an anonymous individual on a dating app, sharing confidences and aspirations. It is, of course, revealed early on that the person is Teague, identifiable by his handle "HateToLoveYou," where he admits he was unaware it was Liam with whom he was communicating. The two are unexpectedly brought together in almost serendipitous circumstances, compelling them to embark on journeys together, learn grocery store operations from Liam, and undertake other assignments that necessitate their continued collaboration. This book provides a delightful reading experience. While the ending is anticipated, the journey itself is profoundly enjoyable. The happily ever after transforms everything—including Teague's significant estrangement from his father, and Liam's heartfelt…

An amusing and heartfelt story, with lots of “nearly angst” emotions and a touch of nearly drama. Ends with enough smiles to go around.

Author/composer Daryl Banner graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. His writing includes new adult romance, M/M romance, post-apocalyptic fantasy, and dystopian. According to his brief biography he is ‘most inspired by the smart and unlikely hero, but urges you (the reader) not to fall in love with them; they may deceive you with their innocence.’ This is a new novel in Daryl’s always excellent Spruce Texas Romance series, this time he incorporates that at times challenging concept of online dating with Liam, finding just what he needs (he thinks) and has to focus his real time attention on a buff new contact Teague: is choosing between the two a question? As Daryl writes, ‘when the lines blur between the two, Liam finds himself torn between the anonymous intellect on the app who gets him and the real-life disaster with a charm he can't seem to get away from.’ Always in top form, Daryl once again makes Texas romance sizzle!

I really felt this story. Everyone has that one person from school that rubbed you the wrong way. Just so happened that Liam's wanted to getvloser to him, because he had a crush. I lov s d how it played out and how t uh rh finally came together. I loved this book and would love to see a few more books from Liam and Teague's friends from the grocery store.

Not even close to the level of other Spruce books. A standalone only, not a continuation. the whole thing felt different. I was quite bored with the characters and the storyline. Very dissatisfied