Hate Reads | Hers by Dawn Robertson
This book felt like running through soup but also like slamming face first into a pile of dicks. I can elaborate and I will.
⭐️ ⭐️
Why I Liked it: the author is darling, kinky smut
Why I Didn't: cringey, aggressive, try hard love story with no likable characters
TW: sexual content, toxic relationship, toxic friendship, sexual abuse, rape
So I wasn't going to write a review blog for this book because I really did not like it HOWEVER, here I am, doing it anyway. I downloaded this book initially because I follow the author on TikTok and I thoroughly enjoy her presence there. She seems delightful, genuine and like she isn't a piece of shit. What's not to like? Of course I'll read one of your books!
So anyway, I downloaded it and very quickly figured out that it was not a book I was going to like... but it is one that I had a lot of fun reading and hating. A hate read, we love to see it! So I thought I would start a series where I talk about the hate reads that I like and would still recommend to people if they, too, enjoy consuming media that they fully anticipate disliking!
I think this book perfectly encapsulates that love/hate dichotomy that I seek out with my hate reads but before we get into it, let's start by discussing what a hate read is.
What is a "hate read"?
The term "hate read" refers to consuming books, blogs or other forms of media that a person chooses to read based solely on the expectation that they will dislike it and deriving pleasure from picking it apart or making fun of it. A great example of this for myself and many others is the Twilight saga. I love to hate read/watch Twilight, it comforts me, it makes me feel secure in the fact that I got to experience this fever dream in real time and lived to tell the tale through memes, jokes and art.
There is a sweet spot, a balance to be sought after in a hate read as well. This isn't just a willy nilly hatefest. I want to hate this thing, yes, but if the thing is too terrible, I won't enjoy myself at all! On the flip side, if the thing is too good, too likable then it’s not a hate read, it’s simply a book I enjoy and may be considered a guilty pleasure if you still view it as objectively bad. A hate read is a delicate dance and one wrong step and the whole thing is ruined.
This brings us up to speed on what a hate read is, so let's dig into Hers by Dawn Robertson. This is going to get nasty really quickly folks, so just prepare yourselves.
Let's start with the blurb I found on GoodReads:
I am weak. I am lonely. I am a slut. I am strong. I am Dominant. I am independent. I am Seven James.
Right away, a vibe is set and things can be assumed, right? One of the things I assumed is that this writing was going to get on my nerves. To use. That many. Periods. To make. A point. I mean, we can all agree right? That’s obnoxious and it set a precedent. Then, we get to the "I am a slut" and "I am Dominant" lines and I don't have to mention the fact that the main character's name is Seven do I? Do I?! I didn't think so.
Deep breaths everyone, we are only just beginning.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Weirdo Book Club to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.