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Don't Hate the Player...Hate the Game
For Noah Sullivan being the best friend to a douchebag and player like Jake Nelson has never been easy. It's been a rocky road since kindergarten when Jake duct taped Noah to his chair before recess. With just six weeks to high school graduation, Jake accidentally blows his drunken ass up on his grandfather's tractor, and Noah finds himself immersed not only in a whirlwind of grief, but on a quest to find a mystery girl from Jake's past.
While cleaning out Jake's room, Noah and Jake's dad make a startling discovery. Instead of the obligatory porn collection or pot stash, they find a ring, but not just any ring. Its half a carat of commitment in a platinum setting-proving even man whores have taste. After Jake's mom pleads with Noah to find the girl who meant so much to Jake, Noah begins a modern day Grail quest to track the girl down.
Since Jake was a notorious player with a legendary collection of trophy panties, Noah finds himself in over his head. There are the usual suspects like Avery, the Ice Princess Jake dated for appearances, or Presley, the school mattress Jake dated for convenience. But the trail begins to point to the most unlikely of suspects: Maddie, the Valedictorian and choir girl who was trying to help the unmotivated jock graduate--the girl who also has surprisingly caught Noah's eye and meddled with his heart.
Hanging out with Maddie shows Noah a different side of Jake--one that was deeply human and surprisingly douche-free. And the more he tries to solve the mystery of the ring and of Jake, the more Noah starts to discover about himself and of love.
While cleaning out Jake's room, Noah and Jake's dad make a startling discovery. Instead of the obligatory porn collection or pot stash, they find a ring, but not just any ring. Its half a carat of commitment in a platinum setting-proving even man whores have taste. After Jake's mom pleads with Noah to find the girl who meant so much to Jake, Noah begins a modern day Grail quest to track the girl down.
Since Jake was a notorious player with a legendary collection of trophy panties, Noah finds himself in over his head. There are the usual suspects like Avery, the Ice Princess Jake dated for appearances, or Presley, the school mattress Jake dated for convenience. But the trail begins to point to the most unlikely of suspects: Maddie, the Valedictorian and choir girl who was trying to help the unmotivated jock graduate--the girl who also has surprisingly caught Noah's eye and meddled with his heart.
Hanging out with Maddie shows Noah a different side of Jake--one that was deeply human and surprisingly douche-free. And the more he tries to solve the mystery of the ring and of Jake, the more Noah starts to discover about himself and of love.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2013
168 people are currently reading
6,991 people want to read
About the author
Katie Ashley
65books8,991followersKatie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Three Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She's written rockers, bikers, manwhores with hearts of gold, New Adult, and Young Adult. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her rescue mutts, Belle and Elsa, and her two cats, Mama Kitty and Luna. She has a slight obsession with The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.
Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her toddler daughter isn't monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.
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With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.
Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her toddler daughter isn't monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.
CONNECT WITH KATIE
➜ NEWSLETTER:
➜ FACEBOOK:
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (ASHLEY'S ANGELS):
➜ WEBSITE:
ᱷմҸ鴡:
➜ TWITTER:
➜ PINTEREST:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 568 reviews
May 4, 2013
4-4.5 Stars!
Noah is a typical high school senior. It’s his first day back from spring break when everything changes. He finds out Jake, the guy that has been his best friend since Jake duck taped Noah to a chair in kindergarden, died in a freak accident. Jake was one of the most popular guys in school. A jock, a player... ‘that guy’.
While going through Jake’s things with his dad, Noah finds something. Its a ring. An engagement ring. Everyone is shocked to say the least. Jake had an on again off again girl friend, Avery; a friends with benefits type girl, Presley; and he also spent a lot of time with his tutor and the preachers daughter, Maddie. No one has any idea who the ring is for. There is a clue though... the ring is wrapped with song lyrics. Jake’s mom begs Noah to help find this girl, and Noah can’t turn her down.
Noah goes on a search to find this mystery woman who stole Jakes heart and had him changing his ways.
Meanwhile, Noah’s life is changing in a big way. Not only did he lose his best friend, he feels like things are changing too much at home. It’s always been just Noah and his mom, and now things are about to be different.
The person he would always talk to (Jake) is gone. But while doing his search, he finds Maddie to be someone he can talk to, connect with, lean on.
Noah is not an emotional guy. He expresses himself with his music, but he doesn’t put his feelings out there. But with Maddie, he feels like he can talk to her, get it all out there. She teaches Noah a lot about himself, and they are able to lean on each other and be there for one another.
The more Noah gets to know Maddie, the more he likes her. He starts to struggle with his feelings. What if Maddie really is Jake’s girl?
A great YA read! I love Katie Ashley’s writing. My favorite thing about this book is that it was from Noah’s p.o.v. Katie did an amazing job writing from the male’s perspective! Even though some of the content was heavy and a little emotional, it was a really sweet read. I did shed a few tears... Jake’s letter had me crying. Overall, it was a quick read that kept my attention. Really enjoyed this one!
“Sometimes we just have two sides to us, Noah. One that we’re willing to let the world see, and then the other that we hide deep within ourselves.”
Noah is a typical high school senior. It’s his first day back from spring break when everything changes. He finds out Jake, the guy that has been his best friend since Jake duck taped Noah to a chair in kindergarden, died in a freak accident. Jake was one of the most popular guys in school. A jock, a player... ‘that guy’.
Jake Nelson was the biggest douchebag I’ve ever known. He was also my best friend.
While going through Jake’s things with his dad, Noah finds something. Its a ring. An engagement ring. Everyone is shocked to say the least. Jake had an on again off again girl friend, Avery; a friends with benefits type girl, Presley; and he also spent a lot of time with his tutor and the preachers daughter, Maddie. No one has any idea who the ring is for. There is a clue though... the ring is wrapped with song lyrics. Jake’s mom begs Noah to help find this girl, and Noah can’t turn her down.
“I want you to find the girl who this ring belongs to. Even though Jake didn’t get the chance to give it to her, I want her to have it.”
Noah goes on a search to find this mystery woman who stole Jakes heart and had him changing his ways.
Meanwhile, Noah’s life is changing in a big way. Not only did he lose his best friend, he feels like things are changing too much at home. It’s always been just Noah and his mom, and now things are about to be different.
Damn, why did everything have to change? I mean, once you got used to something, it had to change. People came into your life, and then they left it. It seemed so pointless.
The person he would always talk to (Jake) is gone. But while doing his search, he finds Maddie to be someone he can talk to, connect with, lean on.
Noah is not an emotional guy. He expresses himself with his music, but he doesn’t put his feelings out there. But with Maddie, he feels like he can talk to her, get it all out there. She teaches Noah a lot about himself, and they are able to lean on each other and be there for one another.
The more Noah gets to know Maddie, the more he likes her. He starts to struggle with his feelings. What if Maddie really is Jake’s girl?
A great YA read! I love Katie Ashley’s writing. My favorite thing about this book is that it was from Noah’s p.o.v. Katie did an amazing job writing from the male’s perspective! Even though some of the content was heavy and a little emotional, it was a really sweet read. I did shed a few tears... Jake’s letter had me crying. Overall, it was a quick read that kept my attention. Really enjoyed this one!
December 12, 2012
I read this novel a while back and I LOOOOOVED it so much! Noah stole my heart in this book! I can't wait until the rest of the world gets to experience this story! You do not want to miss this AWESOME YA novel by Krista Ashe/Katie Ashely (NY TIMES Best Selling author of The Proposal)! It's one of my top reads. Very memorable! It hasn't left me after two years of reading it.
May 10, 2013
So...
Let's put it this way, this wasn't my fav book of the year!
The story itself wasn't bad but I was just so...
BORED
Noah Sullivan is 17years old and his best friend ever is Jake.
Best friends since age 5 but Jake is the ladies man of the duo.
When he comes back from Spring Break he gets news that Jake has been killed in an accident.
Noah's world is shattered and when he goes to Jakes house, he accompanies Jakes dad to his room to gather some sentimentals for the funeral.
They find a black box with a stunning engagement ring and some song lyrics.
They all baffled because Jake Was SO NOT the "marriage type"
Maddie the pastors daughter and Jakes tutor also comes to the house and accompanies Noah to the funeral home.
She is crying as well and they find themselves spending time together.
This was me at times...
Jakes mother tells Noah she wants him to find the girl who the ring belongs to..
Noah starts a hunt, speaking to all potential girls and somewhere along the line he ends up wanting to spend time with Maddie. She helps him deal with the pain of loosing his best friend.
Maddie changes Noah for the better and it seems that Maddie changed Jake too, like Jake was a totally different person to the one he knew.
At this point I was...
Yep it never did, we just find out Jake wasn't who everyone thought he was.
Noah is also different from what he was... What he did for Josh was amazing!
"Life is hard, but it’s even harder when you don’t wanna face it.”
He is caring and sweet and has totally fallen for Maggie.
He realises the ring Jake had was for Maggie and that He also loved her.
He doesn't want to tell Maggie because he doesn't know how to, scared she won't feel the same.
The letter at the ending gives him all the answers he needed.
"I wasn’t drowning in sadness anymore. Instead I was drowning in her—her smile, her beauty, her giving heart and beautiful spirit."
I admit, I was so happy when I finished this book because I don't think I could've went on for more.
This definitely is a very YA book recommended for ages 13-15
June 5, 2013
Yeah, yeah, I gave it 5 stars, and it's my own book. Gotta love yourself!!
May 2, 2013
4 1/2 Player Stars
”You’ve been my beacon of light in my storm of grief, and I don’t know if I could live without you.”
Don’t Hate the Player Hate the Game is a well told YA story. It is told in an all male pov of our main character, Noah Sullivan. The manner in which Katie Ashley presented this story through the eyes of a seventeen year old boy was not only believable but also captivating.
The story starts with the heart breaking news that Noah’s best friend since kindergarten has died in an accident. We are told how much of a man whore and party animal he is and we meet two girls, Avery and Preston who are battling it out as the broken hearted girlfriend.
As the story progresses it turns out that another girl is added to the mix, the preacher’s daughter, Maddie. Maddie had been tutoring Jake. When a ring is found in Jake’s belongings Jake’s mother puts Noah on a mission to find out who the girl is:
”I want you to find the girl who this ring belongs to. Even though Jake didn’t get the chance to give it to her, I want her to have it.”
Through Noah’s research and inquiries he finds out that there was more to his friend than he knew of. Jake was turning over a new leaf, which was shocking to Noah.
”Don’t you know how hard it was to be two people? The guy everyone expected him to be and the guy he really was deep down?”
Noah’s home life is changing, he starts to reconnect with his estranged father, graduation is approaching and Noah finds that Maddie is someone he wants to be around all the time.
Noah’s feelings for Maddie grow and grow but Noah is conflicted as to where he stands when it seems her heart belongs to Jake.
"Something within me didn't want Maddie to be Jake's or most of all that Jake was Maddie's."
Noah’s story held so many lessons in life for a reader—always be yourself and share the love you have with your loved ones.
There were a couple of omitted words as well as misplaced words but the book held so many twists and turns that really keeps a reader on their toes.
A reader finds themselves not only connecting to Noah but to the man Jake had become and the special friendship they shared.
”The life of one we love is never lost. Its influence goes on through every life it every touched.”
This book was well worth the read. Although the loss was so sad the love that was found was meant to be!
”You’ve been my beacon of light in my storm of grief, and I don’t know if I could live without you.”
Don’t Hate the Player Hate the Game is a well told YA story. It is told in an all male pov of our main character, Noah Sullivan. The manner in which Katie Ashley presented this story through the eyes of a seventeen year old boy was not only believable but also captivating.
The story starts with the heart breaking news that Noah’s best friend since kindergarten has died in an accident. We are told how much of a man whore and party animal he is and we meet two girls, Avery and Preston who are battling it out as the broken hearted girlfriend.
As the story progresses it turns out that another girl is added to the mix, the preacher’s daughter, Maddie. Maddie had been tutoring Jake. When a ring is found in Jake’s belongings Jake’s mother puts Noah on a mission to find out who the girl is:
”I want you to find the girl who this ring belongs to. Even though Jake didn’t get the chance to give it to her, I want her to have it.”
Through Noah’s research and inquiries he finds out that there was more to his friend than he knew of. Jake was turning over a new leaf, which was shocking to Noah.
”Don’t you know how hard it was to be two people? The guy everyone expected him to be and the guy he really was deep down?”
Noah’s home life is changing, he starts to reconnect with his estranged father, graduation is approaching and Noah finds that Maddie is someone he wants to be around all the time.
Noah’s feelings for Maddie grow and grow but Noah is conflicted as to where he stands when it seems her heart belongs to Jake.
"Something within me didn't want Maddie to be Jake's or most of all that Jake was Maddie's."
Noah’s story held so many lessons in life for a reader—always be yourself and share the love you have with your loved ones.
There were a couple of omitted words as well as misplaced words but the book held so many twists and turns that really keeps a reader on their toes.
A reader finds themselves not only connecting to Noah but to the man Jake had become and the special friendship they shared.
”The life of one we love is never lost. Its influence goes on through every life it every touched.”
This book was well worth the read. Although the loss was so sad the love that was found was meant to be!
September 6, 2013
Please don't let my star rating discourage you from reading this story.
The premise was good, the writing was also good, but I was just bored...
I didn't connect with any of the characters. And to be honest, I don't think I was in the right mindset when I started, I might have enjoyed it more if I had been told that this was going to a Christian YA novel. I went in expecting an angst filled story but what I got was a story filled with references to the bible. I really wished that I liked this more.
The premise was good, the writing was also good, but I was just bored...
I didn't connect with any of the characters. And to be honest, I don't think I was in the right mindset when I started, I might have enjoyed it more if I had been told that this was going to a Christian YA novel. I went in expecting an angst filled story but what I got was a story filled with references to the bible. I really wished that I liked this more.
May 3, 2013
Updated: 5/3/2013. Updated a few parts of my review.
4 1/2 GRIEVING Stars
**(Mature YA read)**
Noah is a typical 17-year-old guy with sex and partying on the brain. He's a senior in high school and best friends with the biggest player on campus. This story takes him on a journey that will put him through hell and back and change his life completely as he knows it.
Come take a roller-coaster of a ride with Noah as he learns that not everyone, including himself, is who they really think they are. Journey with him as he learns that one young mans actions, in life, can affect so many people and lead others to each other.
What I Loved
1. Flashbacks of Jake
2. The raw emotions of pain/grief/life choices
3. The Cover
4. The cursive writing of the chapters and the hearts
5. Twists & Turns
6. Playing the guessing game most of the book
7. Noah's POV
8. Made me laugh & made me cry
9. I couldn't put the book down
10. This book messed with my emotions & my head
11. Makes you grieve for Jake right along with Noah
I had the titled figured out after a few chapters however, it wasn't until Noah is putting the final pieces of it together himself that you truly feel and understand it. This book was filled with such emotions, questions and left you guessing at a lot of things as the story went along. I was constantly second guessing myself when, really, I thought I had it all figured out. Then Ms. Ashley would throw you off course or add in a twist or turn and you would rethink everything all over again.
From chapter one and through the epilogue, I had tears in my eyes. Ms. Ashley had a way to make you cry on a drop of a hat. You felt the raw emotions that Noah experienced as if you were honestly experiencing them with him. Noah and Jake and a few other characters felt so real to me, that's how drawn in to the story I was. When I finished the book I felt strange coming back in to reality and leaving my "book" friends behind.
I felt like Ms. Ashley left this book with a few good messages.
1. Be true to yourself
2. Always share & show your love with those dear ones every day
3. Never be afraid to be different
4. Stand up for what you believe in and what you feel is right
5. Let your inner beauty shine, even when it's not the way of the world
I felt this book ultimately was about self discovery, finding love & happiness, forgiving others, and the motions of grieving.
A few things I could have done with out/or bugged me a bit:
1. Use of the "P" word
2. Sometimes words were missing to bridge two words together. Or sometimes a word was placed in the sentence at the wrong spot.
When it's all said and done, at the end of the day, I felt like I was grieving the loss of this book and Jake. I can't get the book out of my head and it messed with my emotions. Well done Ms. Ashley, I take my hat off to you!
Content: Language, drinking, mention of/or sexual situations
4 1/2 GRIEVING Stars
**(Mature YA read)**
Noah is a typical 17-year-old guy with sex and partying on the brain. He's a senior in high school and best friends with the biggest player on campus. This story takes him on a journey that will put him through hell and back and change his life completely as he knows it.
Come take a roller-coaster of a ride with Noah as he learns that not everyone, including himself, is who they really think they are. Journey with him as he learns that one young mans actions, in life, can affect so many people and lead others to each other.
What I Loved
1. Flashbacks of Jake
2. The raw emotions of pain/grief/life choices
3. The Cover
4. The cursive writing of the chapters and the hearts
5. Twists & Turns
6. Playing the guessing game most of the book
7. Noah's POV
8. Made me laugh & made me cry
9. I couldn't put the book down
10. This book messed with my emotions & my head
11. Makes you grieve for Jake right along with Noah
I had the titled figured out after a few chapters however, it wasn't until Noah is putting the final pieces of it together himself that you truly feel and understand it. This book was filled with such emotions, questions and left you guessing at a lot of things as the story went along. I was constantly second guessing myself when, really, I thought I had it all figured out. Then Ms. Ashley would throw you off course or add in a twist or turn and you would rethink everything all over again.
From chapter one and through the epilogue, I had tears in my eyes. Ms. Ashley had a way to make you cry on a drop of a hat. You felt the raw emotions that Noah experienced as if you were honestly experiencing them with him. Noah and Jake and a few other characters felt so real to me, that's how drawn in to the story I was. When I finished the book I felt strange coming back in to reality and leaving my "book" friends behind.
I felt like Ms. Ashley left this book with a few good messages.
1. Be true to yourself
2. Always share & show your love with those dear ones every day
3. Never be afraid to be different
4. Stand up for what you believe in and what you feel is right
5. Let your inner beauty shine, even when it's not the way of the world
I felt this book ultimately was about self discovery, finding love & happiness, forgiving others, and the motions of grieving.
A few things I could have done with out/or bugged me a bit:
1. Use of the "P" word
2. Sometimes words were missing to bridge two words together. Or sometimes a word was placed in the sentence at the wrong spot.
When it's all said and done, at the end of the day, I felt like I was grieving the loss of this book and Jake. I can't get the book out of my head and it messed with my emotions. Well done Ms. Ashley, I take my hat off to you!
Content: Language, drinking, mention of/or sexual situations
May 3, 2013
4.5 Stars
I loved Don’t Hate the Player...Hate the Game. It wasn’t what I was expecting after reading Katie Ashley’s Music of the Heart. This was an emotional rollercoaster for me. It had me laughing one moment, then sobbing my eyes the next. There were so many twists and turns I couldn’t put the book down. I was so happy with how everything turned out for the characters but yet sad at the same time. I would recommend this book to everyone, just make sure you have tissues handy.
I loved Don’t Hate the Player...Hate the Game. It wasn’t what I was expecting after reading Katie Ashley’s Music of the Heart. This was an emotional rollercoaster for me. It had me laughing one moment, then sobbing my eyes the next. There were so many twists and turns I couldn’t put the book down. I was so happy with how everything turned out for the characters but yet sad at the same time. I would recommend this book to everyone, just make sure you have tissues handy.
February 22, 2019
Necesitaba un libro como este, desconectar un poco de lo que venía leyendo, y esta historia siento que ha caído del cielo exclusivamente para mi jaja bueno no.
Ya, hablando seriamente, este libro me ha gustado. Es muy ligero y entretenido, me mantuvo enganchada todo el tiempo, si no fuese porque tuve que hacer muchas cosas me lo hubiese leído completito el mismo día que lo empecé.
Estoy emocionada porque todo ha salido como a mi me hubiese gustado,lastima algo que sucedió hacia el final, siento que me dejó media perpleja, en plan, no es mucho pero yo pensaba en "Dude, que estas diciendo pendejo?" y como que lo arruinó un poco pero bueno, no es para tanto.
Ya, hablando seriamente, este libro me ha gustado. Es muy ligero y entretenido, me mantuvo enganchada todo el tiempo, si no fuese porque tuve que hacer muchas cosas me lo hubiese leído completito el mismo día que lo empecé.
Estoy emocionada porque todo ha salido como a mi me hubiese gustado,lastima algo que sucedió hacia el final, siento que me dejó media perpleja, en plan, no es mucho pero yo pensaba en "Dude, que estas diciendo pendejo?" y como que lo arruinó un poco pero bueno, no es para tanto.
May 1, 2013
The basis of the this novel is Noah's best friend Jake dies tragically. Noah and Jake's father find an engagement ring in Jake's room. Shocking because Jake is pretty much the definition of a player. Noah is asked to find out who the ring belongs to and thus our journey begins. This book is about so much more than just finding out who the "ring girl" is. It's about finding yourself. As someone who has lost someone close to them, like most people have, I found this story incredibly touching. Katie hits the emotions of grief, denial, and anger right on the head. It's so real that at times I felt my emotions slipping and tears brimming in my eyes because I knew exactly what these characters were going through. This book brought me to tears, but it also had me laughing. Katie's words come alive in this novel. I could feel the connection she has to this story. Her feelings bled through to her writing and it created something so amazing that I don't even know how to accurately describe it. This book really makes you think about life and what we have in it. Thank you, Katie for giving us a part of you.
I know this is an emotional review, but it's an emotional book. I highly recommend it. 5 stars, without a doubt. There are humorous parts, though. I particularly loved Noah's Grammy. They way her words and gestures were written I could envision and hear her perfectly in my head. She made me laugh and smile. Just like she was a bright spot for Noah, she was a bright spot for me as reader, too.
I know this is an emotional review, but it's an emotional book. I highly recommend it. 5 stars, without a doubt. There are humorous parts, though. I particularly loved Noah's Grammy. They way her words and gestures were written I could envision and hear her perfectly in my head. She made me laugh and smile. Just like she was a bright spot for Noah, she was a bright spot for me as reader, too.
May 1, 2013
This book was amazing. I loved the emotions that it inspired in me. It was inspiring to see how something so hard as unexpected death could enable so many great things to happen.
I loved Noah's growth during the book - he started as a normal teenager, with some issues, and throughout the book we could see how he confronted them and in the end, he could overcome them.
This is, hands down, one of the best stories I've read this year.
I loved Noah's growth during the book - he started as a normal teenager, with some issues, and throughout the book we could see how he confronted them and in the end, he could overcome them.
This is, hands down, one of the best stories I've read this year.
May 11, 2013
More reviews at:
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
This book produced so many feels my eyes hurt....but I mean that is the greatest way possible!
When Noah's best friend Jake dies is a freak accident, Noah is left in utter turmoil. All his life, Noah is used to losing the ones he loves. His grandfather, his best friend, etc. And under the unbearable weight of grief, Noah is used to shoving it deep in the recesses of his heart. He is constantly trying to be the 'macho-guy' always avoiding the powerful emotions and 'man-ing' up.
When Noah is helping collect Jake's belongings for his funeral, he stumbles upon an engagement ring. When Jake's mother finds out about it, she makes Noah promise that he will find the girl the ring belongs to. As Noah tries to discover who the girl is that Jake left behind, he ends up discovering a different side of Jake, and all of Noah's per-conceived notions about friendship, life, love and faith are put to the test.
To say that I cried throughout reading "Don't Hate The Player..." is an understatement. I know I could blame this on PMS, or the fact that I cry very often, BUT the emotions I felt reading this cut me to my core. In the acknowledgments Ms. Ashley states that the idea for this novel came after the tragic passing of one of her students. Between middle school and high school I remember 3 of my classmates that passed away and reading "Don't Hate The Player..." brought back a flood of emotions that made me identify with Noah so strongly. I felt the pain every time he reminisced about Jake. I felt the cruel twist of irony that Jake's life was gone before he could really start living. I think this novel was a beautiful testament to the grief, guilt and overall strength a person feels after losing someone.
"Don't Hate The Player..." has romance but I think the reflection of Noah and Jake's friendship, as well as the relationship between Noah and his family, really took center stage and created a beautiful story about grief and the ways one person can move on from that. This wasn't just a story about Noah just finding love. Noah also finds strength, faith and forgiveness.
"Don't Hate The Player..." is one of those books I could honestly recommend to my best friend or my grandma. I know it is technically "young adult" but I think the lessons and overall message would resonate to anyone that has lost someone.
4 stars*
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
This book produced so many feels my eyes hurt....but I mean that is the greatest way possible!
When Noah's best friend Jake dies is a freak accident, Noah is left in utter turmoil. All his life, Noah is used to losing the ones he loves. His grandfather, his best friend, etc. And under the unbearable weight of grief, Noah is used to shoving it deep in the recesses of his heart. He is constantly trying to be the 'macho-guy' always avoiding the powerful emotions and 'man-ing' up.
When Noah is helping collect Jake's belongings for his funeral, he stumbles upon an engagement ring. When Jake's mother finds out about it, she makes Noah promise that he will find the girl the ring belongs to. As Noah tries to discover who the girl is that Jake left behind, he ends up discovering a different side of Jake, and all of Noah's per-conceived notions about friendship, life, love and faith are put to the test.
To say that I cried throughout reading "Don't Hate The Player..." is an understatement. I know I could blame this on PMS, or the fact that I cry very often, BUT the emotions I felt reading this cut me to my core. In the acknowledgments Ms. Ashley states that the idea for this novel came after the tragic passing of one of her students. Between middle school and high school I remember 3 of my classmates that passed away and reading "Don't Hate The Player..." brought back a flood of emotions that made me identify with Noah so strongly. I felt the pain every time he reminisced about Jake. I felt the cruel twist of irony that Jake's life was gone before he could really start living. I think this novel was a beautiful testament to the grief, guilt and overall strength a person feels after losing someone.
"Don't Hate The Player..." has romance but I think the reflection of Noah and Jake's friendship, as well as the relationship between Noah and his family, really took center stage and created a beautiful story about grief and the ways one person can move on from that. This wasn't just a story about Noah just finding love. Noah also finds strength, faith and forgiveness.
"Don't Hate The Player..." is one of those books I could honestly recommend to my best friend or my grandma. I know it is technically "young adult" but I think the lessons and overall message would resonate to anyone that has lost someone.
4 stars*
May 5, 2013
The summary of this book will not mislead you to expect something else. Like it was written in pure black and white. While the death of Jake triggered things in Noah’s life, I still find myself fascinated that him being gone still moved huge things in his life. He found his issues sorted because of the girl Jake was supposed to ask to marry.
What I loved about Ms. Ashley’s book that it just written in my right formula. I don’t have to be in super deep thoughts. Not that this book is shallow or anything. I read book because I want to be entertained. And that’s always what I get from her books. And this one is no exemption. Although it took me some time to warm up to the idea of Jake and Noah’s being close buddies. If were in his place and the person who bullied me will be the last guy/girl I’ll plan to include in my friends list. But hey, as they say, there’s a fine line between love and hate.
My issue is Noah’s oblivious to Jake changes. If he is truly his friend he should have at least noticed subtle changes on him. Because I will. But I kind of understand Jake’s stance of keeping his reformed status hidden. I know with kind of society and they expect to conform on it; it’s hard to be who you are because of what people expect of you. It’s hard to remove impression on people on you. They judge on you on things and expect you to be that ever step of the way. Harsh, harsh world. Anyhoo, the thing is, what’s missing on their friendship is trust. I get that the girl needs to know first and all that but if Noah is what he claimed to be, does he not trust him enough to keep the fact secret? Does he not think that maybe, just maybe, Noah will accept his changes? Well, that’s my two cents on that matter.
I liked that Maddie didn’t become this uber goody two shoes. And the fact that her family isn’t entirely perfect, I mean with her father’s profession it’s not a big secret that her family is in everyone’s scrutiny. I liked how they show their flaws that they do need understanding. It’s a good thing that Maddie didn’t push her freedom too much like the girl from The Vincent Boys (sorry totally forgot her name). She craves things her age had experienced but without doing it too much, too soon. I liked how well it was presented.
Now, this is a new adult book that I actually believed why the boy fell in love with the girl. It’s not only because she has nice curves and pretty face, Maddie has personality—a personality she embraced. I totally get why Noah developed feelings for her. Key word here: ‘developed.’ Instant attraction? Yeah, that’s present but how they come into terms made it for me. It’s nice to read books that invested time and effort to make their stories believable and enjoyable. And this one, well, it is indeed believable and highly enjoyable.
What I loved about Ms. Ashley’s book that it just written in my right formula. I don’t have to be in super deep thoughts. Not that this book is shallow or anything. I read book because I want to be entertained. And that’s always what I get from her books. And this one is no exemption. Although it took me some time to warm up to the idea of Jake and Noah’s being close buddies. If were in his place and the person who bullied me will be the last guy/girl I’ll plan to include in my friends list. But hey, as they say, there’s a fine line between love and hate.
My issue is Noah’s oblivious to Jake changes. If he is truly his friend he should have at least noticed subtle changes on him. Because I will. But I kind of understand Jake’s stance of keeping his reformed status hidden. I know with kind of society and they expect to conform on it; it’s hard to be who you are because of what people expect of you. It’s hard to remove impression on people on you. They judge on you on things and expect you to be that ever step of the way. Harsh, harsh world. Anyhoo, the thing is, what’s missing on their friendship is trust. I get that the girl needs to know first and all that but if Noah is what he claimed to be, does he not trust him enough to keep the fact secret? Does he not think that maybe, just maybe, Noah will accept his changes? Well, that’s my two cents on that matter.
I liked that Maddie didn’t become this uber goody two shoes. And the fact that her family isn’t entirely perfect, I mean with her father’s profession it’s not a big secret that her family is in everyone’s scrutiny. I liked how they show their flaws that they do need understanding. It’s a good thing that Maddie didn’t push her freedom too much like the girl from The Vincent Boys (sorry totally forgot her name). She craves things her age had experienced but without doing it too much, too soon. I liked how well it was presented.
Now, this is a new adult book that I actually believed why the boy fell in love with the girl. It’s not only because she has nice curves and pretty face, Maddie has personality—a personality she embraced. I totally get why Noah developed feelings for her. Key word here: ‘developed.’ Instant attraction? Yeah, that’s present but how they come into terms made it for me. It’s nice to read books that invested time and effort to make their stories believable and enjoyable. And this one, well, it is indeed believable and highly enjoyable.
Shelved as 'considering'
May 9, 2013Okay, I'll be frank with you, I didn't know this was written by Katie Ashley, so that kind of changes things for me.
First off... I LOVED , so when I heard Katie Ashley was coming to Texas next week, I HAD to pick up her other reads.
And.. I was not so much a fan of :(
I debated if I should give a go.
BUT, now I hear good things on Don't Hate the Player... Hate the Game so... I am very interested now and will give it a go :)
For Noah Sullivan being the best friend to a douchebag and player like Jake Nelson has never been easy. It's been a rocky road since kindergarten when Jake duct taped Noah to his chair before recess. With just six weeks to high school graduation, Jake accidentally blows his drunken ass up on his grandfather's tractor, and Noah finds himself immersed not only in a whirlwind of grief, but on a quest to find a mystery girl from Jake's past.
While cleaning out Jake's room, Noah and Jake's dad make a startling discovery. Instead of the obligatory porn collection or pot stash, they find a ring, but not just any ring. Its half a carat of commitment in a platinum setting-proving even man whores have taste. After Jake's mom pleads with Noah to find the girl who meant so much to Jake, Noah begins a modern day Grail quest to track the girl down.
Since Jake was a notorious player with a legendary collection of trophy panties, Noah finds himself in over his head. There are the usual suspects like Avery, the Ice Princess Jake dated for appearances, or Presley, the school mattress Jake dated for convenience. But the trail begins to point to the most unlikely of suspects: Maddie, the Valedictorian and choir girl who was trying to help the unmotivated jock graduate--the girl who also has surprisingly caught Noah's eye and meddled with his heart.
Hanging out with Maddie shows Noah a different side of Jake--one that was deeply human and surprisingly douche-free. And the more he tries to solve the mystery of the ring and of Jake, the more Noah starts to discover about himself and of love
First off... I LOVED , so when I heard Katie Ashley was coming to Texas next week, I HAD to pick up her other reads.
And.. I was not so much a fan of :(
I debated if I should give a go.
BUT, now I hear good things on Don't Hate the Player... Hate the Game so... I am very interested now and will give it a go :)
For Noah Sullivan being the best friend to a douchebag and player like Jake Nelson has never been easy. It's been a rocky road since kindergarten when Jake duct taped Noah to his chair before recess. With just six weeks to high school graduation, Jake accidentally blows his drunken ass up on his grandfather's tractor, and Noah finds himself immersed not only in a whirlwind of grief, but on a quest to find a mystery girl from Jake's past.
While cleaning out Jake's room, Noah and Jake's dad make a startling discovery. Instead of the obligatory porn collection or pot stash, they find a ring, but not just any ring. Its half a carat of commitment in a platinum setting-proving even man whores have taste. After Jake's mom pleads with Noah to find the girl who meant so much to Jake, Noah begins a modern day Grail quest to track the girl down.
Since Jake was a notorious player with a legendary collection of trophy panties, Noah finds himself in over his head. There are the usual suspects like Avery, the Ice Princess Jake dated for appearances, or Presley, the school mattress Jake dated for convenience. But the trail begins to point to the most unlikely of suspects: Maddie, the Valedictorian and choir girl who was trying to help the unmotivated jock graduate--the girl who also has surprisingly caught Noah's eye and meddled with his heart.
Hanging out with Maddie shows Noah a different side of Jake--one that was deeply human and surprisingly douche-free. And the more he tries to solve the mystery of the ring and of Jake, the more Noah starts to discover about himself and of love
May 4, 2013
Touching would best describe this book. Every word, action and scenario told is straight to the heart - from the grief, anger, love and denial every emotion written on this book feels so raw. It feels like its clawing its way on me. The first chapters are all so emotionally gripping, it’s hard to explain but what happened to Jake really did take quite an impact. I know before hand that something unfortunate would happen to Jake but I was surprised by the powerful way it was told.
When it comes to love and life, it's not about the player, it’s about the game.
Jake Nelson is what a typical High school asshole/doucebag is all about.
But he was taken away by a certain event, but he left a two carat platinum setting ring.
Now, the search for the owner of the ring is up to Noah.
Would he be ready for the things that he might find out or would he be disappointed that the friend that he used to know is not really the kind of friend that everyone thinks that he is.
Losing Jake and spending time with the preacher's daughter, Maddie opens up not only doors but a lot of windows for Noah. (I don't know what's with me but whenever I encounter a preacher's daughter it reminds me of Jamie Sullivan from A Walk To Remember). Anyhow, the story is mainly about looking for the ring owner but beyond that it’s also about a journey to self discovery not only for Noah but to each and every character on this book. It is also about acceptance especially on Noah's part - acceptance over his mother's new find happiness with a guy and a baby to come, acceptance of his own father after years of not being able to communicate with him and mostly acceptance of losing someone so dear to your life.
Even though we didn’t get the chance to completely meet Jake but from the memories that Noah kept alive we get glimpses of his douchebag-ness and as weird as it may seem I wanted to meet that guy. I wanted to see how he handled the situation he was under. I wanted to see the guy that Maddie see as changed. I’m literally keeping my fingers crossed for the author to have a prequel to this story. ;) That last letter unhinged my tear dam!
Another fantastically, awesome and moving story from Katie Ashley! It's not the read I was expecting it to be. Happy! :)
When it comes to love and life, it's not about the player, it’s about the game.
Jake Nelson is what a typical High school asshole/doucebag is all about.
But he was taken away by a certain event, but he left a two carat platinum setting ring.
Now, the search for the owner of the ring is up to Noah.
Would he be ready for the things that he might find out or would he be disappointed that the friend that he used to know is not really the kind of friend that everyone thinks that he is.
Losing Jake and spending time with the preacher's daughter, Maddie opens up not only doors but a lot of windows for Noah. (I don't know what's with me but whenever I encounter a preacher's daughter it reminds me of Jamie Sullivan from A Walk To Remember). Anyhow, the story is mainly about looking for the ring owner but beyond that it’s also about a journey to self discovery not only for Noah but to each and every character on this book. It is also about acceptance especially on Noah's part - acceptance over his mother's new find happiness with a guy and a baby to come, acceptance of his own father after years of not being able to communicate with him and mostly acceptance of losing someone so dear to your life.
Even though we didn’t get the chance to completely meet Jake but from the memories that Noah kept alive we get glimpses of his douchebag-ness and as weird as it may seem I wanted to meet that guy. I wanted to see how he handled the situation he was under. I wanted to see the guy that Maddie see as changed. I’m literally keeping my fingers crossed for the author to have a prequel to this story. ;) That last letter unhinged my tear dam!
Another fantastically, awesome and moving story from Katie Ashley! It's not the read I was expecting it to be. Happy! :)
November 1, 2014
Más que nada , lo odié . Parecía un sermón religioso disfrazado de novela y no me lo tragué para nada . Odio esas autoras que te meten la relgión disimuladamente - o no tanto , como es este caso .
Lo único que me gustó era el punto de vista del protagonista y como se va enamorando de la muchachita . Lo demás , bobadas escondidas sobre " como la chica va a ser amada y buena solamente si espera al matrimonio para tener relaciones ; las que tengan sexo serán castigadas " ...
Esta leve pero está .
Lo único que me gustó era el punto de vista del protagonista y como se va enamorando de la muchachita . Lo demás , bobadas escondidas sobre " como la chica va a ser amada y buena solamente si espera al matrimonio para tener relaciones ; las que tengan sexo serán castigadas " ...
Esta leve pero está .
July 18, 2015
Review coming soon!
October 8, 2023
Free 7 October 2023
May 8, 2013
Don’t Hate the Player…Hate the Game by Katie Ashley
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Young Adult
Release Date: April 29, 2013
Print Length: 266 pages
Format: PDF - Nook
Source: DRC
Review Date: May 5, 2013
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality Rating: Mild (YA)
Review:
I have been in a New Adult (NA) book craze lately so I was unsure of how I was going to like this one. But I was definitely pleasantly surprised. It is like a cross between YA and NA. I say this because the storyline was definitely YA being set in high school, but the mood and writing style was more mature and descriptive. There was no sex, but the emotions were high throughout the entire book. It drew me in at page one and didn’t let me go until the end of the epilogue. I read it in one day, and I haven’t been that drawn into a story in a while…
Noah is almost at the end of his senior year of high school when his best friend Jake dies in a tragic accident. He is grief stricken; Jake has been his constant companion since kindergarten. Although Jake was a jerk much of the time, he was there for Noah when it counted. He feels empty and alone and has no idea how to let his feelings out without looking weak. When looking through some of Jake’s belongings he finds an engagement ring. He is shocked. Jake is described as being a total manwhore, so this is extremely out of character for him. But even more shocking is that Noah has no idea who the girl Jake was going to propose to is.
At Jake’s funeral he sees and has an instant attraction to Maddie, a pretty but straitlaced girl he goes to school with. He doesn’t really know her because Noah hangs in the “cool” crowd, and Maddie does not. From there they start a friendship that turns into something more. But Noah comes to believe she may be the mystery girl that his best friend was going to propose to. And he is desperately afraid to lose her if this is true.
I love the unique storyline, but there was something I became frustrated over. To me it was obvious the entire book who the mystery girl was, and somehow Noah couldn’t see it or he was in denial. I also did not understand how the title fit in with the book. I know that Jake was a player, and that you come to find out there was so much more to him than he let on; but that is not what I think about when I hear the phrase “Don’t hate the player, hate the game.” Jake was complicated, and we never really figure him out, but by the end when many of his secrets are revealed, he does redeem himself.
Overall, the book is a great read, and I definitely recommend it. It will suck you in immediately to the roller coaster ride of emotions, from heartbreaking to happiness—and it’s worth the ride…
~StacyHgg
Books Unhinged
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Young Adult
Release Date: April 29, 2013
Print Length: 266 pages
Format: PDF - Nook
Source: DRC
Review Date: May 5, 2013
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Sensuality Rating: Mild (YA)
Review:
I have been in a New Adult (NA) book craze lately so I was unsure of how I was going to like this one. But I was definitely pleasantly surprised. It is like a cross between YA and NA. I say this because the storyline was definitely YA being set in high school, but the mood and writing style was more mature and descriptive. There was no sex, but the emotions were high throughout the entire book. It drew me in at page one and didn’t let me go until the end of the epilogue. I read it in one day, and I haven’t been that drawn into a story in a while…
Noah is almost at the end of his senior year of high school when his best friend Jake dies in a tragic accident. He is grief stricken; Jake has been his constant companion since kindergarten. Although Jake was a jerk much of the time, he was there for Noah when it counted. He feels empty and alone and has no idea how to let his feelings out without looking weak. When looking through some of Jake’s belongings he finds an engagement ring. He is shocked. Jake is described as being a total manwhore, so this is extremely out of character for him. But even more shocking is that Noah has no idea who the girl Jake was going to propose to is.
At Jake’s funeral he sees and has an instant attraction to Maddie, a pretty but straitlaced girl he goes to school with. He doesn’t really know her because Noah hangs in the “cool” crowd, and Maddie does not. From there they start a friendship that turns into something more. But Noah comes to believe she may be the mystery girl that his best friend was going to propose to. And he is desperately afraid to lose her if this is true.
I love the unique storyline, but there was something I became frustrated over. To me it was obvious the entire book who the mystery girl was, and somehow Noah couldn’t see it or he was in denial. I also did not understand how the title fit in with the book. I know that Jake was a player, and that you come to find out there was so much more to him than he let on; but that is not what I think about when I hear the phrase “Don’t hate the player, hate the game.” Jake was complicated, and we never really figure him out, but by the end when many of his secrets are revealed, he does redeem himself.
Overall, the book is a great read, and I definitely recommend it. It will suck you in immediately to the roller coaster ride of emotions, from heartbreaking to happiness—and it’s worth the ride…
~StacyHgg
Books Unhinged
July 30, 2016
First off this book was good, but sometimes I felt like I was reading a young adult book not a book about 17-year-old high school students. With the under age drinking and partying and with Jake having more than one girlfriend at the same time who does that at 17 and what girl would go with it. Why didn't the parents step in.
Noah and Maddie were great characters there relationship started off being friends who where grieving for Jake, but they both had feelings for one another neither one told each other until almost to the end of the book. I really like that it was Noah's POV it was nice to see Noah's emotion and how he was healing after Jake's death. What really annoyed me is when Noah was crying he always told himself to stop being a pansy I didn't like that. Maddie is one of few heroin that didn't annoy me for the hole book that's rare.
When it came to Jake I get the guy died it was a tragic accident. I know that it was sad but how the book started off saying that he was a douchebag and a man whore so I was like why should people care about him. To my surprise he had a lot of friends and a great mom but he had a asshole father I guess that's where he gets it from. But the thing is that he was nothing like how his family and friends new him. He had a lot of secret that went with him when he died.
On a random note, the two girls that was obsess with Jake love they need to get a clue because he was dead and he didn't want them.
The story reminds me little of A Walk To Remember with the popular guy and preachers daughter who wants to come out of her shell.
Overall It was a good story.
{MY LIKE SCALE}
Romance: 3/5 (IT WAS MORE OF A FRIENDSHIP BUT BY THE END YOU SAW MORE)
Drama: 3/5 (THE HOLE THING WAS PRETTY MUCH DRAMA)
Cover: 4/5 (NICE COVER)
Maddie: 5/5 (SHE WAS A GREAT HEROINE)
Noah: 4/5 (I LIKED HIM MOST OF THE BOOK BUT HE ALMOST TOTALLY FUCK IT UP BY THE END)
Writings: 4/5 (GOOD WRITING)
Humour: 3/5 (HAD A LITTLE)
Hotness: 3/5 (NOT MUCH)
HEA:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2013
Noah is a senior in high school. Upon returning to school from spring break, he learns that his best friend Jake was killed in a horrible accident. Jake and Noah have been thick as thieves since they were 5 years old. This friendship began after Jake duct taped Noah to his chair!! At freaking 5 years old! Jake was Mr.Popular< player with the ladies< and a jock..
While going through his room with Jakes dad to gather things for the funeral, they find a black box with an engagement ring and some song lyrics. This is a shocker to everyone, especially Noah. Jake had Avery, the girlfriend but mainly for appearances. Presley, the girl known for getting around and his friend with benefits, and Maddie his tutor and pastors daughter. Jake was NOT known to commit.
Jakes mom asks Noah " I want you to find the girl who this ring belongs to. Even though Jake didn't get the chance to give it to her, I want her to have it."
Noah then begins the task of finding this girl. Maddie was Jakes tutor and so he starts there. In talking to her, he realizes there was more to Jake than what he knew. Maddie tells him about her Jake. And boy is it a different person than ANYONE knew. "Dont you know how hard it was to be two people? The guy everyone expected him to be and the guy he really was deep down?".Noah is blown away, he questions if he really knew his best friend as much as he thought he did. Through Maddie, he finds a friend. Jakes gone, and things at home are changing so much his tail is spinning, so he goes to Maddie. She needs a friend too, and they both lean on each other. He is still on his quest to find the girl Jake was going to commit to, and during this time his friendship with Maddie blooms. He likes her..... but what if she is his dead best friends girl???
This book was an emotional read for me, in a terrific way. The journey Noah takes to find this girl, actually led him into finding out who HE really is. And the type of person he wanted to be vs the person others wanted to see. I loved all the new things he learned, the changes he made, and when your reading him opening his heart, you feel the emotion and vulnerability, it was beautiful. The talk with Joe and the ballpark,,, tears. What Noah does for Josh...tears. Noah and his mom at the ceremony...tears. Katie Ashley did a great job writing this from Noah's pov. I loved the flashbacks of his memories of Jake, and the letter from Jake at the end......... well that'll do in you in for sure!! Oh, and its really funny that through the entire book he refers to Jakes dad as the asshole!
While going through his room with Jakes dad to gather things for the funeral, they find a black box with an engagement ring and some song lyrics. This is a shocker to everyone, especially Noah. Jake had Avery, the girlfriend but mainly for appearances. Presley, the girl known for getting around and his friend with benefits, and Maddie his tutor and pastors daughter. Jake was NOT known to commit.
Jakes mom asks Noah " I want you to find the girl who this ring belongs to. Even though Jake didn't get the chance to give it to her, I want her to have it."
Noah then begins the task of finding this girl. Maddie was Jakes tutor and so he starts there. In talking to her, he realizes there was more to Jake than what he knew. Maddie tells him about her Jake. And boy is it a different person than ANYONE knew. "Dont you know how hard it was to be two people? The guy everyone expected him to be and the guy he really was deep down?".Noah is blown away, he questions if he really knew his best friend as much as he thought he did. Through Maddie, he finds a friend. Jakes gone, and things at home are changing so much his tail is spinning, so he goes to Maddie. She needs a friend too, and they both lean on each other. He is still on his quest to find the girl Jake was going to commit to, and during this time his friendship with Maddie blooms. He likes her..... but what if she is his dead best friends girl???
This book was an emotional read for me, in a terrific way. The journey Noah takes to find this girl, actually led him into finding out who HE really is. And the type of person he wanted to be vs the person others wanted to see. I loved all the new things he learned, the changes he made, and when your reading him opening his heart, you feel the emotion and vulnerability, it was beautiful. The talk with Joe and the ballpark,,, tears. What Noah does for Josh...tears. Noah and his mom at the ceremony...tears. Katie Ashley did a great job writing this from Noah's pov. I loved the flashbacks of his memories of Jake, and the letter from Jake at the end......... well that'll do in you in for sure!! Oh, and its really funny that through the entire book he refers to Jakes dad as the asshole!
July 20, 2014
I tried really hard not to cry. I thought of happy things, I thought of scary things...but it did not work. Katie Ashley pulled out all the stops here and made sure that you could not escape this without shedding tears.
This is not an easy love story. This is the struggle of a best friend who feels conflicted over wanting the girl his best friend loved - and hating him for keeping her hidden when she deserved more, hating him for keeping secrets about who he was all those years. But as Jake's secrets are uncovered Noah finds that sometimes people are who they are, not because they want to be that person - but that is what is expected of them. Sometimes you overlook the signs of true change.
The connection that Maddie and Noah shared was moving. The way she guided him through his pain and the honest way Noah reacted to his battle of loyalty towards Jake and his anger towards him after his passing.
The summary of the book gives you the basics about this story. But the depth that this reaches is far greater than just trying to piece together the different side of Jake. This is Noah's story. This is Noah finding his way and learning about himself, letting himself let go of the pain - the anger. Learning to forgive and how to love.
I found the most moving parts were the quiet times when Noah is just trying to suffocate his emotions. He has a need to let it out but he hears Jake telling him to man up and he hears his grandfather telling him not to hide his emotions. These moments felt like I was watching something so personal happen that I was intruding on it. It was so raw and honest that it just hit you to your core. I could not help but fall back on memories of my own feelings after losing someone I loved.
Noah search for Jake's girl leads him to find the one girl that he needs to guide him.
May 9, 2013
Wow, this was one intense emotional read. I am a HUGE fan of Katie Ashley – this woman can write some amazing stories that suck you in as a reader. I was enthralled with Don’t Hate the Player…Hate the Game! It kept me emotionally engaged and I was left with moments of happiness and sadness. This is so much more than a love story. It’s about hope, love, grief, sadness, and a journey of self-exploration to find out who you really are. I think Katie Ashley did a fantastic job on this novel.
So what’s this story about? Well Noah is Jake’s best friend and a senior in high school. Upon returning from spring break he is hit with the tragic news that his childhood and current best friend Jake has died in an accident. Jake was your resident playboy never committing to one girl or so Noah thought! While cleaning out his room Noah and Jake’s father find a black box that contains no other than an engagement ring. Imagine Noah’s surprise when he finds it. Jake had girls sure but they were more for appearances none that he was truly committed to at least that is what everyone thought. So, Noah is enlisted in the task of finding out who the ring belongs to so she can have it even though Jake is gone. Noah begins his search through all the possible girls the ring could have belonged too. This is what leads Noah on the path of self-exploration. He finds that Jake may not have been who he portrayed to be. He begins wondering if he knew his best friend at all. Will Noah find who or what he is looking for? You will have to read Don’t Hate the Player…Hate the Game to find out!
If you are looking for an intense emotional read that will leave you thirsty for more you definitely want to pick this book up! Kate Ashley hones in on your emotions and at times you may find yourself happy, sad, elated, and in tears. Yes, I truly shed many tears while reading the little gem. Katie Ashley has a way of being a puppet master when it comes to her novels pulling at all my strings. I gobbled this book up and was left wanting more! Happy Reading! xoxo
So what’s this story about? Well Noah is Jake’s best friend and a senior in high school. Upon returning from spring break he is hit with the tragic news that his childhood and current best friend Jake has died in an accident. Jake was your resident playboy never committing to one girl or so Noah thought! While cleaning out his room Noah and Jake’s father find a black box that contains no other than an engagement ring. Imagine Noah’s surprise when he finds it. Jake had girls sure but they were more for appearances none that he was truly committed to at least that is what everyone thought. So, Noah is enlisted in the task of finding out who the ring belongs to so she can have it even though Jake is gone. Noah begins his search through all the possible girls the ring could have belonged too. This is what leads Noah on the path of self-exploration. He finds that Jake may not have been who he portrayed to be. He begins wondering if he knew his best friend at all. Will Noah find who or what he is looking for? You will have to read Don’t Hate the Player…Hate the Game to find out!
If you are looking for an intense emotional read that will leave you thirsty for more you definitely want to pick this book up! Kate Ashley hones in on your emotions and at times you may find yourself happy, sad, elated, and in tears. Yes, I truly shed many tears while reading the little gem. Katie Ashley has a way of being a puppet master when it comes to her novels pulling at all my strings. I gobbled this book up and was left wanting more! Happy Reading! xoxo
May 17, 2015
Esta historia se mueve entre lo cliché y lo original.
November 25, 2023
While the story line was good, I was so bored through it and I did NOT connect to the characters at all. Noah’s best friend DIED and all he kept saying every time he felt like crying was that he wasn’t a pansy, only pansy’s cry. Are you serious right now!? Annoying. And the entire book he droned on about how much he loved Maddie and then she tells him she loves him and he basically tells her to pound salt for no reason and then has to win her back and she just willingly takes him back right away with no hesitation 🤦🏻♀️ ummm okay.
May 7, 2013
This is the first book of Katie Ashley's that I have read, and I am happy to say I was not in the least bit disappointed. When I saw she was releasing a young adult book, and from the boy's point of view... I knew I had to buy it as soon as it was released. I absolutely adore a love story when told from the male perspective, and I can easily say I have fallen in love with Noah.
“The world I'd known had shattered around me in an instant, and now everything seemed so surreal. People went on doing exactly what they'd done before while I tip-toed through this new reality.”
Don't Hate the Player... Hate the Game is a touching and lovely story. You fall in love with every single character by the end, even the ones that you start out disliking. Well... maybe there is one that you continue to dislike, but trust me there is no getting around Mr. Nelson being a jerk. Everybody hates him, so don't feel bad about that.
“I've never thought Mr. Nelson had much use for me since I wasn't an athlete. He probably considered me a failure to the male species, and I'm sure he harbored questions about my sexuality. To him, I was some artsy-fatsy guitar playing fairy. Like I said, the man was an asshole.”
As I mentioned before, I love Noah. There is no easier way to describe him than just by saying... he is real. I mean, yeah I know he isn't really 'real' but Katie has done a brilliant job with his voice. He speaks and acts exactly how I would assume a teenage boy would. He is constantly trying to push his emotions away because he thinks others will look down upon him, because that is not how men act. How he responds to his ever growing feelings for Maddie... it is just all handled exactly how I would assume it would be dealt with by somebody his age.
“Don't be ashamed of your emotions, Noah. Experience them and embrace them. They're what make us alive and strong.”
This is really saying a lot about Katie's writing ability. So many young adult book out there right now are simply too adult. Yes the characters are described as eighteen and nineteen year olds but there is no way a vast majority of kids this age act the way they are portrayed. Therefore, I must take my hat off to Katie because I truly feel she has managed to hit the nail on the head with this one. And in all honestly, this simply enhanced my love for the story because I could easily believe everything that was happening.
“I'm not going anywhere, Maddie. You mean everything to me-you saved me from the darkness and brought me to the light. And I can't imagine a future without you in it. I intend on spending the rest of my life with you.”
There are so many other issues that Noah is faced with, other than the loss of his best friend. That tragic event is simply the catalyst for the directions that Noah finds himself pulled in. This is a true coming of age novel with a lovely and happy ending. It is about always being true to yourself, and letting others see you exactly how you want to be seen. Life is far too short to build up walls, and to allow others to dictate how you should be acting.
I know this all can sound corny as hell but believe me when I say it is touching and well worth a read, regardless of your age. I can be in no way classed as a young adult, and I haven't been for many, many years... but that didn't stop me falling in love with the story and characters.
“Sometimes we just have two sides to us, Noah. One that we're willing to let the world see, and then the other that we hide deep within ourselves.”
I mentioned before that this was my first book by Katie Ashley, but I know it will not be the last. I am not aware if she has other books in this genre but seeing how well she told this story, and how easy it was for me to fall in love with her characters... I have no doubts in her ability to write. I will be checking out her other novels very soon.
“The life of one we love is never lost. Its influence goes through every life it ever touched.”
Christine
“The world I'd known had shattered around me in an instant, and now everything seemed so surreal. People went on doing exactly what they'd done before while I tip-toed through this new reality.”
Don't Hate the Player... Hate the Game is a touching and lovely story. You fall in love with every single character by the end, even the ones that you start out disliking. Well... maybe there is one that you continue to dislike, but trust me there is no getting around Mr. Nelson being a jerk. Everybody hates him, so don't feel bad about that.
“I've never thought Mr. Nelson had much use for me since I wasn't an athlete. He probably considered me a failure to the male species, and I'm sure he harbored questions about my sexuality. To him, I was some artsy-fatsy guitar playing fairy. Like I said, the man was an asshole.”
As I mentioned before, I love Noah. There is no easier way to describe him than just by saying... he is real. I mean, yeah I know he isn't really 'real' but Katie has done a brilliant job with his voice. He speaks and acts exactly how I would assume a teenage boy would. He is constantly trying to push his emotions away because he thinks others will look down upon him, because that is not how men act. How he responds to his ever growing feelings for Maddie... it is just all handled exactly how I would assume it would be dealt with by somebody his age.
“Don't be ashamed of your emotions, Noah. Experience them and embrace them. They're what make us alive and strong.”
This is really saying a lot about Katie's writing ability. So many young adult book out there right now are simply too adult. Yes the characters are described as eighteen and nineteen year olds but there is no way a vast majority of kids this age act the way they are portrayed. Therefore, I must take my hat off to Katie because I truly feel she has managed to hit the nail on the head with this one. And in all honestly, this simply enhanced my love for the story because I could easily believe everything that was happening.
“I'm not going anywhere, Maddie. You mean everything to me-you saved me from the darkness and brought me to the light. And I can't imagine a future without you in it. I intend on spending the rest of my life with you.”
There are so many other issues that Noah is faced with, other than the loss of his best friend. That tragic event is simply the catalyst for the directions that Noah finds himself pulled in. This is a true coming of age novel with a lovely and happy ending. It is about always being true to yourself, and letting others see you exactly how you want to be seen. Life is far too short to build up walls, and to allow others to dictate how you should be acting.
I know this all can sound corny as hell but believe me when I say it is touching and well worth a read, regardless of your age. I can be in no way classed as a young adult, and I haven't been for many, many years... but that didn't stop me falling in love with the story and characters.
“Sometimes we just have two sides to us, Noah. One that we're willing to let the world see, and then the other that we hide deep within ourselves.”
I mentioned before that this was my first book by Katie Ashley, but I know it will not be the last. I am not aware if she has other books in this genre but seeing how well she told this story, and how easy it was for me to fall in love with her characters... I have no doubts in her ability to write. I will be checking out her other novels very soon.
“The life of one we love is never lost. Its influence goes through every life it ever touched.”
Christine
May 9, 2013
Taken from our book blog:
“Who knows. Sometimes we just have two sides to us, Noah. One that we’re willing to let the world see, and then the other that we hide deep within ourselves.”
Katie Ashley has written an amazing book, told in the perspective of a boy, Noah. Now I know many books are usually told in alternating points of view or told strictly in the perspective of a girl, but to read a book solely told from a male perspective, was so refreshing! I loved it!
The story begins with an introduction to Noah and his best friend Jake, who is a self proclaimed 'douchebag' and ladies man, however the plot quickly thickens when Jake passes away suddenly. Before I get on with the review, I must proclaim my love for this book was instant! It was really well written and actually had me experience such a range of emotions. At the beginning of the book I was crying - actually throughout the whole book I was crying, but there were some parts in which I laughed, other parts where I was insanely happy, and then other parts where my mother thought I was crazy because I was just casually jumping up and down with anticipation of what I wanted to happen next.
I really LOVED the whole storyline, and I credit it to unique concepts and issues discussed within this novel. These issues really resonated with me, and are issues which everybody has or will experience: identity and expectations, change, loss, love, grief, forgiveness and life after the death of a loved one. This novel follows Noah’s discovery of finding put who is best friend really was and through this journey, he embarks on his own journey of self-discovery.
One of my favourite lines from the book was,
“Like you were a product of what society wanted of you for a long time- even though it wasn't who you really were deep down inside”
I think identity and expectation are issues in which a lot of people, both young and old, deal with on a daily basis. Ashley teaches us that it’s ok to be who we are and that the expectations placed on us by society and those around us don’t define who we are deep down - in the end, we just need to be ourselves. This book taught me some very interesting things and also reaffirmed my love for books, and this genre in particular. It's not everyday where I read a book written in the perspective of a guy and actually like it, so that was surprising, but perhaps not as surprising as Jake's one and a half carat of commitment to a mystery girl. I just can't get over the fact that this book was actually so amazing and the fact that it talked about so many different concepts. I really loved this book - if you couldn't tell already, a in all honesty it was a good read that I would definitely recommend to anyone and everyone. It's not too long, and for the length of the novel you get an amaze-balls book which talks about things that I think we as a society or as friends and family need to address.
Here's a quote that I think summed up what I took away from the book, I mean if I can't have Noah and you guys can't have Noah, and nobody can have Jake, at least we can have this quote:
But I grew tired of that. More importantly, I grew tired of being somebody I really wasn’t…
Although the novel was about romance, I focused more on the self discovery part of it. I think when we read certain books, we take away different aspects, mine's was about how its was ok to be myself, that society's expectations didn't need to affect me and that other things in the world matter more. I can't really find the right words to do this book justice, the only thing I can say is that I highly recommend you get a copy of this book. It was truly a great read and its one of those books that you only come across once in a blue moon. I rate this book 4 stars it is totally worth reading and is just all round amazing.. seriously.
“Who knows. Sometimes we just have two sides to us, Noah. One that we’re willing to let the world see, and then the other that we hide deep within ourselves.”
Katie Ashley has written an amazing book, told in the perspective of a boy, Noah. Now I know many books are usually told in alternating points of view or told strictly in the perspective of a girl, but to read a book solely told from a male perspective, was so refreshing! I loved it!
The story begins with an introduction to Noah and his best friend Jake, who is a self proclaimed 'douchebag' and ladies man, however the plot quickly thickens when Jake passes away suddenly. Before I get on with the review, I must proclaim my love for this book was instant! It was really well written and actually had me experience such a range of emotions. At the beginning of the book I was crying - actually throughout the whole book I was crying, but there were some parts in which I laughed, other parts where I was insanely happy, and then other parts where my mother thought I was crazy because I was just casually jumping up and down with anticipation of what I wanted to happen next.
I really LOVED the whole storyline, and I credit it to unique concepts and issues discussed within this novel. These issues really resonated with me, and are issues which everybody has or will experience: identity and expectations, change, loss, love, grief, forgiveness and life after the death of a loved one. This novel follows Noah’s discovery of finding put who is best friend really was and through this journey, he embarks on his own journey of self-discovery.
One of my favourite lines from the book was,
“Like you were a product of what society wanted of you for a long time- even though it wasn't who you really were deep down inside”
I think identity and expectation are issues in which a lot of people, both young and old, deal with on a daily basis. Ashley teaches us that it’s ok to be who we are and that the expectations placed on us by society and those around us don’t define who we are deep down - in the end, we just need to be ourselves. This book taught me some very interesting things and also reaffirmed my love for books, and this genre in particular. It's not everyday where I read a book written in the perspective of a guy and actually like it, so that was surprising, but perhaps not as surprising as Jake's one and a half carat of commitment to a mystery girl. I just can't get over the fact that this book was actually so amazing and the fact that it talked about so many different concepts. I really loved this book - if you couldn't tell already, a in all honesty it was a good read that I would definitely recommend to anyone and everyone. It's not too long, and for the length of the novel you get an amaze-balls book which talks about things that I think we as a society or as friends and family need to address.
Here's a quote that I think summed up what I took away from the book, I mean if I can't have Noah and you guys can't have Noah, and nobody can have Jake, at least we can have this quote:
But I grew tired of that. More importantly, I grew tired of being somebody I really wasn’t…
Although the novel was about romance, I focused more on the self discovery part of it. I think when we read certain books, we take away different aspects, mine's was about how its was ok to be myself, that society's expectations didn't need to affect me and that other things in the world matter more. I can't really find the right words to do this book justice, the only thing I can say is that I highly recommend you get a copy of this book. It was truly a great read and its one of those books that you only come across once in a blue moon. I rate this book 4 stars it is totally worth reading and is just all round amazing.. seriously.
May 2, 2013
The world I'd known had shattered around me in an instant, and now everything seemed so surreal. People went on doing exactly what they'd done before while I tip-toed through this new reality.
I was immediately drawn into this story told in Noah's point of view in present time and flash backs. Noah is a typical, popular seventeen year old young man who has good friends and a stable life despite being raised in a single parent home. But in one terrible moment, his life is changed forever.
His best friend, Jake is gone and it not only affects him deeply, but also brings up past hurts and feelings of loss. Noah is trying to navigate through his pain and grief while also trying to find out more about Jake's recent past. We learn about Jake through flashbacks, observations of others, and clues he left behind. One of those clues leads Noah on a search for the girl that Jake had true feelings for. As more information surfaces, Noah begins to question how much he really knew about what was going on in Jake's life in the last few months. I adored Noah. He was struggling with so much and trying to be stoic, but he had such strong feelings and emotions that they were hard to control. It just broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
"Facin' means acknowledgment and acceptance."
"You're not there yet, baby."
Noah meets the Preacher's daughter, Maddie and feels an immediate connection. But he learns she also might have had more of a connection with Jake than he realized. Noah is torn between emerging feelings for Maddie, Loyalty to Jake, and confusion about what the truth is. Maddie is strong, smart, and holds strong to her ideals. She is sweet and supportive, but does not let people walk over her.
Maddie and Noah bond over shared grief and are just what each other needs to deal with the pain. They challenge and support each other and have good chemistry. But both are fearful, nervous, and have difficulty sharing their true feelings. I absolutely loved them together. They really were each other's anchor in a sea of grief.
I enjoyed seeing Noah's growth during the course of the story. He faces tragedy, loss, heartache, insecurity, and confusion. But he begins to come to terms with things and make positive changes for himself and others.
"So it's kinda like 'don't hate the player, hate the game', right?"
"Like you were a product of what society wanted of you for a long time--even though it wasn't who you really were deep down inside."
This story had many layers and unfolded at a good pace. The characters were complicated and likable. There were serious story lines involving secondary characters that also added complications to Noah and Maddie's lives. Situations continue to change for Noah and he has no choice but to keep adapting.
Ultimately this book shows how one person can make a difference and how it has a ripple effect. It is about finding your own path, not being afraid to be who you are or becoming who you want to be. I really enjoyed the characters and the message. It was sad, emotional, heart breaking, heart warming, and inspirational. A very enjoyable and beautiful read despite the serious subject matter. It was not sad all the time, but also had episodes of humor as well. Another fantastic book in my Katie Ashley collection.
The life of one we love is never lost. It's influence goes on through every life it ever touched.
Thanks to Katie Ashley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at
I was immediately drawn into this story told in Noah's point of view in present time and flash backs. Noah is a typical, popular seventeen year old young man who has good friends and a stable life despite being raised in a single parent home. But in one terrible moment, his life is changed forever.
His best friend, Jake is gone and it not only affects him deeply, but also brings up past hurts and feelings of loss. Noah is trying to navigate through his pain and grief while also trying to find out more about Jake's recent past. We learn about Jake through flashbacks, observations of others, and clues he left behind. One of those clues leads Noah on a search for the girl that Jake had true feelings for. As more information surfaces, Noah begins to question how much he really knew about what was going on in Jake's life in the last few months. I adored Noah. He was struggling with so much and trying to be stoic, but he had such strong feelings and emotions that they were hard to control. It just broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
"Facin' means acknowledgment and acceptance."
"You're not there yet, baby."
Noah meets the Preacher's daughter, Maddie and feels an immediate connection. But he learns she also might have had more of a connection with Jake than he realized. Noah is torn between emerging feelings for Maddie, Loyalty to Jake, and confusion about what the truth is. Maddie is strong, smart, and holds strong to her ideals. She is sweet and supportive, but does not let people walk over her.
Maddie and Noah bond over shared grief and are just what each other needs to deal with the pain. They challenge and support each other and have good chemistry. But both are fearful, nervous, and have difficulty sharing their true feelings. I absolutely loved them together. They really were each other's anchor in a sea of grief.
I enjoyed seeing Noah's growth during the course of the story. He faces tragedy, loss, heartache, insecurity, and confusion. But he begins to come to terms with things and make positive changes for himself and others.
"So it's kinda like 'don't hate the player, hate the game', right?"
"Like you were a product of what society wanted of you for a long time--even though it wasn't who you really were deep down inside."
This story had many layers and unfolded at a good pace. The characters were complicated and likable. There were serious story lines involving secondary characters that also added complications to Noah and Maddie's lives. Situations continue to change for Noah and he has no choice but to keep adapting.
Ultimately this book shows how one person can make a difference and how it has a ripple effect. It is about finding your own path, not being afraid to be who you are or becoming who you want to be. I really enjoyed the characters and the message. It was sad, emotional, heart breaking, heart warming, and inspirational. A very enjoyable and beautiful read despite the serious subject matter. It was not sad all the time, but also had episodes of humor as well. Another fantastic book in my Katie Ashley collection.
The life of one we love is never lost. It's influence goes on through every life it ever touched.
Thanks to Katie Ashley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at
May 10, 2013
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
Heat Rating: Mild to Simmering (These are teenagers, so think about what you were like)
When I first saw this book I paused, surprised that Katie Ashley was writing a YA novel. I have read Katie's Proposition Series and LOVED her passionate and hot stories full of drama and characters that were very real. Typically, I don't read YA but since it was Katie I assumed I would get a great story and I was not disappointed! This story was so incredible that you don't miss the graphic "adult" scenes because you were so involved with Noah and his journey that everything else falls away (even your family and dinner prep).
“Don’t be ashamed of your emotions, Noah. Experience them and embrace them. They’re what make us alive and strong.”
Don't Hate the Player... Hate the Game is a honest, raw and real story told from Noah's point of view. I LOVE a story told from the boy's perspective and in this story it added another layer of wonderful in an already decadent cake. From the blurb you know as a reader that one of the worst possible tragedies has befallen Noah, he has lost his best friend in a crazy accident and now has to figure out who he is without Jake and move on with his life.
"The life of one we love is never lost. Its influence goes on through every life it ever touched."
I knew that this story was going to be sad in parts but I was unprepared for how Katie's writing through Noah's perspective would shred me. I think I cried through the first 25% of this book, the writing evoked such strong emotions and really let the reader see inside Noah and what he was going through.
"Sometimes we just have two sides to us, Noah. One that we’re willing to let the world see, and then the other that we hide deep within ourselves.”
Don't Hate the Player, wasn't all grief and raw story-telling, it was more of a journey that Noah went through at the end of his Senior year of high school that changed how he viewed himself and his relationships with others. Maddie enters Noah's life when he loses Jake and her brand of goody-two shoes teenager is the antithesis of what Noah is used to in girls. Maddie was a delight to read, she was funny, innocent and a bit goofy, I instantly liked the person Noah was when he was around her and knew good things were going to happen.
“Like I said. I don’t want to go all hardcore—I hear it’s easy to get addicted. I wanna say outta Ice Cream Rehab if you don’t mind!”
Katie Ashley has written a beautiful story that any age group can enjoy. As a mother and a woman in her mid-thirties this book resonated on many levels and really reminded me that what we see on the surface isn't always what lies underneath a person. I LOVED this book. It made me laugh, cry and feel hope, something we all can use in our lives. If you enjoyed Katie's other books you will NOT be disappointed in this YA novel, and if you have never read a book by Katie Ashley, this is a MUST read! Go. Go now and 1-click!!
Heat Rating: Mild to Simmering (These are teenagers, so think about what you were like)
When I first saw this book I paused, surprised that Katie Ashley was writing a YA novel. I have read Katie's Proposition Series and LOVED her passionate and hot stories full of drama and characters that were very real. Typically, I don't read YA but since it was Katie I assumed I would get a great story and I was not disappointed! This story was so incredible that you don't miss the graphic "adult" scenes because you were so involved with Noah and his journey that everything else falls away (even your family and dinner prep).
“Don’t be ashamed of your emotions, Noah. Experience them and embrace them. They’re what make us alive and strong.”
Don't Hate the Player... Hate the Game is a honest, raw and real story told from Noah's point of view. I LOVE a story told from the boy's perspective and in this story it added another layer of wonderful in an already decadent cake. From the blurb you know as a reader that one of the worst possible tragedies has befallen Noah, he has lost his best friend in a crazy accident and now has to figure out who he is without Jake and move on with his life.
"The life of one we love is never lost. Its influence goes on through every life it ever touched."
I knew that this story was going to be sad in parts but I was unprepared for how Katie's writing through Noah's perspective would shred me. I think I cried through the first 25% of this book, the writing evoked such strong emotions and really let the reader see inside Noah and what he was going through.
"Sometimes we just have two sides to us, Noah. One that we’re willing to let the world see, and then the other that we hide deep within ourselves.”
Don't Hate the Player, wasn't all grief and raw story-telling, it was more of a journey that Noah went through at the end of his Senior year of high school that changed how he viewed himself and his relationships with others. Maddie enters Noah's life when he loses Jake and her brand of goody-two shoes teenager is the antithesis of what Noah is used to in girls. Maddie was a delight to read, she was funny, innocent and a bit goofy, I instantly liked the person Noah was when he was around her and knew good things were going to happen.
“Like I said. I don’t want to go all hardcore—I hear it’s easy to get addicted. I wanna say outta Ice Cream Rehab if you don’t mind!”
Katie Ashley has written a beautiful story that any age group can enjoy. As a mother and a woman in her mid-thirties this book resonated on many levels and really reminded me that what we see on the surface isn't always what lies underneath a person. I LOVED this book. It made me laugh, cry and feel hope, something we all can use in our lives. If you enjoyed Katie's other books you will NOT be disappointed in this YA novel, and if you have never read a book by Katie Ashley, this is a MUST read! Go. Go now and 1-click!!
September 7, 2016
―Así que es un poco como "no odies al jugador, odia al juego" ¿岹?
Joe me dio una mirada confusa. ―¿Qué?
―Como si fueras un producto de lo que la sociedad quería que fueras por un tiempo, incluso aunque no fuera eso quien realmente eras muy en el fondo. ―los latidos de mi corazón se aceleraron cuando me di cuenta que lo que Joe estaba diciendo es lo que Jake había estado sintiendo.
Para Noah, ser el mejor el mejor amigo de un idiota, mujeriego y jugador como Jake Nelson, nunca fue fácil. Pero cuando Jake muere unas semanas antes de la graduación, Noah se encuentra perdido en su propio dolor y en la búsqueda de una misteriosa chica a la cual le pertenece el anillo que encontró en el cuarto de Jake.
Narrado desde una perspectiva masculina, llena de dolor, angustia, negación y culpabilidad, Don't Hate the Player...Hate the Game hace que tus sentimientos parezcan estar en una montaña rusa. Decir que llore por Noah es un eufemismo.
Puedo fácilmente relacionarme con Noah la mayoría del tiempo. No es que mi mejor amigo se haya muerto, pero la historia de Jake y Noah me hace cuestionarme lo muy poco que conozco a mis amigos y lo muy pero muy poco que ellos me conocen. E incluso me hizo comprender que por mucho que te esfuerces, siempre habrá personas que esperen que seas algo que no quieres ser, y es difícil ser tu mismo cuando tienes que cumplir las expectativas de los demás. Realmente puedo entender la amistad de Jake y Noah, porque ellos realmente no se conocían pero siempre estaban ahí el uno para el otro; No me agrada pero lo puedo entender.
Por otra parte, Maddie fue un personaje que me mostró que no todo es lo que parece, si bien su padre es un pastor de una iglesia su familia no es perfecta y mostraban todas sus fallas pero tambien intentaban arreglarlas.
Y aunque no me gusto como termino la relación de Noah y Maddie, me gusto como ella ayudo Noah a darse cuenta de que necesitaba cambiar ciertos aspectos de su vida y superar los conflictos con su padre. Me gusto que ella no lo obligara a cambiar. El romance era totalmente innecesario y definitivamente eso es lo que me detiene de darle cinco estrellas, porque si Noah y Maddie tan solo hubieran terminado como una amistad o el comienzo de una relación entonces el libro seria perfecto.
Incluso los personajes secundarios y las sub-tramas, te dejan algo con lo que pensar; Desde el hermano de Maddie hasta Presley, cada uno con una historia de la cual aprender.
Pero mas que todo, me gusto como un evento o una persona (Jake) pueden afectar a tantas personas, como se puede hacer una gran diferencia solo con la ausencia de un ser querido. Esta es una de esas historia llenas de tristeza, angustia, culpabilidad pero tambien de perdón y redención. Sobre encontrar tu lugar en el mundo y sobre ser quien eres a pesar de las expectativas de los demás.
Un lectura increíble.
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