Hate That Blooms" by Izzy Ravas was an emotional journey that hit close to home. As the eldest sibling who had to step into a motherly role, I deeply related to Gabriela—her exhaustion, loneliness, and resilience felt so real. I admired how she navigated loss, bullying, and the weight of responsibility with quiet strength.
Joaquin, on the other hand, gave me mixed feelings. I understood his pain, but the way he handled it at times was frustrating—especially how he ignored the red flags in his inner circle. That said, his growth was worth the wait. By the end, he truly became the "king" Gabriela and her sister deserved.
Overall, this book had its ups and downs, but the character development and emotional depth kept me hooked. A solid read for fans of step-sibling bully romances.