Hate to Date You

About This Audiobook

*Hate to Date You* isn’t just another enemies-to-lovers romp—it’s a sharp, family-driven rom-com where the real tension isn’t just between the leads, but between Stella Ricci and the entire Ricci clan. Monica Murphy drops her heroine into a claustrophobic world of overprotective Italian relatives, where every espresso pull and pastry box comes with a side of unsolicited life advice. The audiobook thrives on this dynamic, turning Stella’s frustration into a relatable, laugh-out-loud rebellion. Narrators John Lane and Avery Reid lean into the humor with impeccable timing, especially Reid, whose delivery of Stella’s eye-rolls and muttered Italian curses makes her feel like your funniest, most exasperated friend.

What sets this apart is the *pace*—the romance simmers in the background while Stella’s battle for independence takes center stage. The dual narration amplifies the push-pull: Lane’s deep, measured tones as the love interest (and family rival) contrast with Reid’s fizzy, rapid-fire energy, mirroring the book’s balance of steam and sarcasm. The production is polished, with seamless transitions between perspectives, though listeners who prefer high-stakes drama might find the conflict *too* internal at times. Still, for fans of witty banter and heroines who fight for their happiness, this is a standout."

"review": "I’ll admit, I went into *Hate to Date You* expecting a light, fluffy romance, but what I got was a surprisingly nuanced story about family loyalty and self-worth—wrapped in a rom-com package. Stella Ricci is the kind of protagonist you root for *hard*: she’s talented, stubborn, and so done with her family’s smothering love that her rants about their interference (delivered with *perfect* exasperation by Avery Reid) had me nodding along. Reid’s performance is the audiobook’s secret weapon—she nails Stella’s mix of warmth and frustration, especially in scenes where she’s torn between her love for the family café and her desire to scream into a pillow. John Lane, as the brooding love interest, plays the straight man to Reid’s chaos, and while his deeper register sometimes flattens the humor, his chemistry with Reid in their shared scenes is electric.

The story’s strength lies in its refusal to rush the romance. Murphy lets Stella’s personal growth drive the plot, which means the first half leans heavier on family dynamics than on sparks with the love interest. That’s a bold choice, and it won’t work for everyone—if you’re here *only* for the steam, the slow burn might test your patience. I also wished the secondary characters (like Stella’s meddling nonna) had more distinct vocal treatments in the narration; their voices occasionally blurred together. But the payoff? A third act that feels earned, with a grovel scene so satisfying I replayed it twice. The production quality is flawless—no awkward edits or volume jumps—just a tight, engaging listen that’s perfect for a road trip or a lazy weekend. If you love rom-coms with heart, humor, and a heroine who’s *actually* allowed to be messy, this one’s a winner."

"tags": [
"enemies-to-lovers with family drama