Fracturing fluid for prevention of shale fracture hydration during well stimulation by hydraulic fracturing

Friction reducers for hydraulic fracturing fluids, hydraulic fracturing fluids containing the friction reducers, and methods of making and using same are disclosed. The friction reducers comprise ethylene oxide polymers, propylene oxide polymers, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide co-polymers, and combinations thereof, and can further comprise a dispersant, such as polypropylene glycol. The friction reducer formulations can be active across a wide range of brine salinities, and tolerant of high levels of divalent cations in solution. The friction reducers can have a cloud point temperature, above which temperature they can precipitate out of solution and deposit on a surface of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation to inhibit hydration of the shale formations lining the fractures.