'I Hated You In High School' by Kathleen Gros [BOOK REVIEW]

 'I Hated You In High School' by Kathleen Gros

Thank you to the author Kathleen Gros, the publisher Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In this contemporary, romance graphic novel Tessa is a struggling twenty-something artist that is struggling with her creative career at the same time she is fired from her job as a barista in Vancouver. After the cofee shop she works in closes abruptly she decides to visit her parents and sister for the first time in years.

A bitter surprise awaits for her when she arrives at her parents' house, as she discovers that they're renting the basement apartment to her high school bully: Olive.

Unhealed wounds and complicated feelings resurface as they attempt to keep their distances from each other and be cordial and nice, until they get trapped together in the attic while searching for something for the upcoming anniversary party for Tessa's parents.

I'd love to highlight the artwork of the author. It's beautiful and stunning. I really adored it. On the other hand, Tessa's character is what I loved more about this book. Tessa is resilient and strong despite circumstances force her to face difficult, awkward situations like being trapped in an attic alone with the person that made your life miserable in high school after backstabbing you.

I have to be honest. I liked Olive at first, although I was a bit biased thinking she made Tessa's life miserable in high school. I just didn't know what happened. I was open-minded to think and judge whatever she did. That was until I read what she did. It's inexcusable how she publicly humiliated, isolated and bullied Tessa at the time. Even though Tessa didn't quite understand what she was feeling at the time and considered her a good friend, her best friend even.

It's a slow burn romance bloomed from being high school nemesis (well, Olive being Tessa's bully) to almost strangers in their 20s to a slow cordial friendship to being lovers.

I found it quite realistic and relatable. Frankie is such a good supportive friend, I love her support towards Tessa. She's the best.

I was happy with the ending as Tessa deserves happiness but I still stand by what I said about the bullying Olive made her go through.

This book comes out tomorrow 15th April, so stay tuned and read it!

#IHatedYouInHighSchool #Netgalley