I adore Lucy Gilmore – y’all know this much about me at this point.  I Hate You More is another adorable dog-centered romance from her, and while it’s not my absolute favorite among her many books, it’s still worth a recommendation and a read.

Ruby Taylor is a former beauty pageant queen who raked in titles as a teenager but is so done with that scene now that she’s grown up.  Then Mrs. Orson, an elderly woman who lives in Parkwood Manor, the retirement community where Ruby works, begs Ruby to enroll her Golden Retriever, Wheezy, in a dog show.  This even though Wheezy is lazy, out of shape, undisciplined and has never seen so much as the end of a leash in years.  Ruby reluctantly enrolls the dog in the Canine Classic, where even she thinks he’s not pageant material.

Local vet Spencer Wilson has volunteered to judge the Canine Classic this year, and he takes one look at Wheezy and sees a loser. But Sam’s words light a fire under Ruby’s bustle. She’s going to make the judges love this dog, come hell or high water or Sam’s snobby disapproval or an inability for Wheezy to live up to breeder’s standards.  She hires Caleb, Spencer’s twin brother, to train Wheezy, sparking jealousy in Spencer.  Let the games begin!

I Hate You More is your traditional enemies-to-lovers romance made even greater by Gilmore’s love of dogs and people.  The book’s biggest problem is its pacing, but first I’ll break down what works.

Ruby is lovable.  Trying to navigate a life without pageants, she discovers a medical calling and decides to train as a nurse while giving dogs enemas and trying to make Wheezy sit up straight.  Spencer is a walking stiff upper lip, but I believed in his eventual softening toward Ruby and Wheezy. And as always, Glimore’s four-legged characters are fun and genuine and don’t feel like the canine version of a plot moppet. I loved romance-reading Mrs. Orson and the folks down at Parkwood Manor as well.

Ruby’s desperate attempt at training Wheezy (and convincing him to resist the lure of cheeseburgers) is particularly delightful.  The book as a whole is sharply written and funny.

The pacing, though, is notably uneven.  While I found Spencer’s softening toward Ruby credible, it happens way too soon, and they shift from hate to lust far too early in the book; both characters needed more time and seasoning to really make that shift into a full-on romance. I was also frankly shocked that there wasn’t a love-triangle between Caleb, Ruby and Spencer; instead, the conflict between the two men is based on their business relationship.

I Hate You More is a fine afternoon’s jaunt, and is plenty funny and sweet and romantic, even with a few flaws thrown in.

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This was a really fun quick read! I enjoyed all of the dog content throughout this one. I do think that the characters and the relationship could have been a little more developed. I felt like the relationship kind of came out of the blue, there wasn’t a whole lot of buildup. I liked the characters enough but I wasn’t obsessed with their relationship, I think they could have had some more deep conversations to strengthen the bond. Overall this is a very light and cute romance!

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!

I was really excited for this book just based on the title, cover and enemies-to-lovers description. However, It did not live up to my expectations.

Ruby is a former beauty pageant queen who is now entering a dog show. Spencer is the grumpy/serious love interest who is the judge of the dog show. Caleb is the easy going twin who trains the dog.

I enjoyed all of the characters individually but I did not feel the connection between Ruby and Spencer. Ruby was a little annoying and it felt like she forced herself on Spencer. I did like how their relationship ended up but the in-between was lacking for me. And their first sexual encounter was awkward.

I enjoyed the relationship between Caleb and Spencer and was happy with that outcome.

If you love dogs and cute romcoms then give this book a try.

Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I feel badly about giving this book a low rating but if I'm honest I just didn't enjoy it that much. I found some of the plot and character development to be lacking. I was also taken aback by the sexual content - it came up very quickly! There are some sweet parts to the story and a good amount of humor. But these characters always felt like fiction to me. I know other readers will love this hot romance, but unfortunately, I'm not one of them.

Humorous story of Ruby, a former beauty queen, who is trying to make a friend's dream come true by entering her Golden Retriever, Weezy, into a local dog show and winning. Weezy is not dog show worthy according to the primary judge, Sam. Sam is a grumpy vet who knows an untrained dog when he sees one. But Ruby doesn't take no for an answer and hires Sam's charismatic twin brother to train him before the show. Twin brothers, Weezy's antics, Ruby's determination, and her elderly friends, combine to make this book a fun read.

A quirky enemies to lovers romance about a former beauty pageant winner falling for a grumpy dog show judge. This reminded me of “Best in Show” with a twin twist. Full of snarky humor and lots of animal mishaps, it’s a story about dreaming big and being brave. Even with the slow start, I ended up really enjoying this one.

𝙱𝚕𝚞𝚛𝚋: Ruby, nudged by her elderly friend and client to enter the Canine Classic, will stop at nothing to win best in show, especially when the judge and veterinarian Spencer Wilson tells her she could never win with the Golden Retriever Weezy. So to prove him wrong, Ruby hires Spencer’s twin brother Caleb to train Weezy in hopes of changing the lazy and adorable dog. Every day of training Spencer and Ruby battle it out and they can’t help their growing attraction.

This romance felt like two completely different books, the whole first half explaining Ruby and Spencer’s backstories and the second half full of flirting and steam. The rivalry between the twins made the storyline a lot more fun and even though it was rough for the first thirty percent, it’s worth it to finish this one! Now we just need Caleb’s love story!

A cute, fun read that kept me interested the entire time ☺️ I had high expectations with this one after reading the description, and I was pleased with how this book went.

As much as I loved both Spencer and Ruby, I think Wheezy was my favourite character 🐶 he kept everyone on their toes with his strong personality & willingness to just be himself! No matter what was happening around him. On the other hand, Ruby’s determination to always work for what she wanted was great to see 💕 and I loved that she didn't want things handed to her. Spencer was fun, and I enjoyed the banter with his brother! The tape on the floor had me laughing, and the growth of their relationship was great to see.

I also loved the setting of a dog show!! I haven't read a book like this one, and it surprised me in a good way! I also really liked the older ladies and their book club had me chuckling ☺️ I would love to be able to sit in a room with them!!

I love a good hate to love trope!
I thought this was cute and witty and I ate it up! Definitely one for romance lovers to keep their eye on!!

I Hate You More is a wonderful heart-warming read about Ruby and Spencer's love to hate relationship.

Ruby is a former pageant girl who is convinced that people don't take her seriously because she's a pretty face. She is also convinced that she doesn't have her life together.

Spencer on the other hand is a twin and has a seemingly perfect life. He's a veterinarian, good looking, smart and a judge of one of the most popular dog shows in Washington state.

When Ruby signs one of patients dogs up for the dog show, Spencer tries to immediately put the brakes on it. But Ruby is determined for Weezy to come out on top.

I really enjoyed this love story and loved the side characters in this book. I thought Spencer's relationship with his twin brother, Caleb, was super realistic and fun to read about. It was very apparent that they loved each other and had each other's backs.

The only negative I have about this book is the miscommunication between some of the characters. Their problems could have been solved very easily, but they just didn't talk to each other. I also hate the lying trope. But other than those things, I thought this was a solid novel that made my dog-loving soul happy.

There were scenes that made me laugh hard and then there were parts that felt rushed. Overall this book was a mix of good writing and rushed plot. She's an ex-pageant queen who quit and now plans to train a golden retriever to win the Best in Show after being challenged by him a veterinarian who's tightly wound. Th is feel like the start of a series. Overall 2.5 stars.

******************I received an ARC for my honest opinion.**********************

While a book with a Golden Retriever instantly has my heart, this book just progressed too slow for my liking. I loved the idea of it: grumpy Spencer, determined Ruby, and hungry/disobedient Wheezy! But I was over 50% done with the book and felt like nothing happened yet. There was too much build up of each of the characters. I really wanted to love this one, but sadly it just took too long for me to get there.

Who doesn’t love dogs, a meet cute, and twin brothers? Ruby and everything she brings to the table is amazing. She’s not the pretty face everyone judges her as, she’s so much more. Sam finally meets someone who doesn’t put him second to his twin brother. Ruby and Sam have some spicy moments but I definitely want MORE!!! I also need a second book for Caleb!

This was a cute novel with one of my favorite romance tropes (enemies to lovers). This was a really fun read and I loved the dog, Wheezy! He was one of my favorite things about this book. I really enjoyed this quick read!

Another enemies to lovers contemporary romcom that was just why I needed to get me through these long work days.

Ruby was asked to enter Wheezy into a dog competition but we learn rather quickly, the dogs not having it. But when she’s told she can’t do something, Ruby is even more determined to prove them wrong. In this case, that’s Spencer, the owner and judge of the competition.

Thank you to @netgalley and @sourcebookscasa for the advanced digital e-copy. Available now!

I laughed out loud, I had my heart broken and I also swooned so much while reading this story. It’s perfect for any romance lovers with a great characters and banter, family,friends and life as it is.
Read it and I hope you’ll love it as much as I did.

I just didn't love this one. I wanted to, gosh so much! But it fell flat for me. I didn't connect with any of the characters or the overall storyline. It all felt so forced.

3⭐/5

Ruby is no stranger to the stage- wheezy couldn't be more opposite. But here she is, pouring all of her energy into making him a show dog. Then there's Spencer. Honestly the conflict made me dislike him a little. It was almost like he didn't know Ruby at all, and that was disappointing. But he made up for it and I forgave him in the end. Ruby matched Spencer's challenging personality and those unexpected steamy moments 🥵🔥👌🏻

I do wish there was a little more banter between Ruby and Spencer. There wasn't really a big build up of tension either, so it didn't feel like a full blown enemies to lovers romance.

Wheezy was a trip! I could definitely relate to him though, we share love for the same condiment.

As for supporting characters, I really liked Eva and Caleb. No matter what they have been through in life, Caleb proved that family is always there. OH! And Ms.Orson- that crazy old lady. She was absolutely fantastic!

Thank you NetGalley, Lucy Gilmore and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.25-4.5⭐️

Okay... I LOVED this book!!!! Like so so so much and tbh I wasn’t expecting to like it nearly as much as I did. But this book seriously stole my heart! It was so dang CUTE. Also... I was so shocked by the sexual tension and steam! The tension... jeeeeeeeez man. They had tension bouncing off the walls!!! I know that I shouldn’t underestimate the steaminess that comes with romance with cute covers, but the plot summary just looked and sounded so innocent lol. I should know better by now.

I LOVE the two main characters. Ruby is such a sweetheart. She is so determined and yet thinks so little of herself. When she honestly brings out the best in people. She has such an incredible spirit and joy that’s contagious. And it definitely rubs off on Spencer (speaking of rubbing... that one scene with mutual... pleasure??? Holy shit.) HOT. HOT. HOT. Both of these characters seem to have such low self esteem and think so little of themselves when in reality, they are both such incredible people and it’s beautiful that they found each other because they are so insanely compatible. Ruby and Spencer are just a perfect fit. They’re different and yet have this chemistry and they are a perfect match for each other. They’re definitely each other’s equal.

I also just LOVED the writing style. I’m not entirely sure I can be specific, but I loved the humor and the banter and the character dynamics with each other. It was all so fun and entertaining and I honestly just couldn’t put it down. I was so enamored with the spirit of the book and the liveliness of it. I was completely captured by the characters, the plot, and everything! It was such a fun experience!

Overall, I definitely recommend this book. It was cute, sexy, fun, and such a great read! I love love LOVE!!!

*Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.*

Thank you so much to @NetGalley and @SourcebooksCasablanca the copies of this book that were shared with me.

I had such high hopes for this book. First of all there are adorable puppies on this cover and hot twin brothers? I am was in. Unfortunately this was a firm DNF from me.

For some reason there was absolutely no chemistry between the main character and either two of the love interests at the beginning. The author pits the two brother’s against each other in a weird love triangle where both of the brothers hate each other.

Top that off with the most annoying scene ever where our lead takes her shirt off after just talking about how she doesn’t want to just been seen for her good looks and then gets offended when the guy doesn’t immediately fall all over himself for her… it was ridiculous and I had to stop there.

DNF at 15%. The premise sounded really cute but unfortunately the execution didn’t work for me - I’m not enjoying the characters and decided to stop reading. Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.