Cover Image: I Hate You More

I Hate You More

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Member Reviews

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reading copy! This is a fun, charming, cute romantic comedy that has a great grump and sunshine, enemies to lovers plot and it features adorable dogs! Ruby is a former beauty pageant queen, working in a nursing home, and she agrees to enter and compete in a dog show with a resident’s pet Wheezy. Spencer is a veterinarian and also a judge of the dog show where Ruby is entering Wheezy. Ruby and Spencer immediately clash and show their competitive spirits, sparking Ruby to become determined to win the show, even though Wheezy is an adorable, disobedient, untrainable dog. This was a quick and delightful book, with funny banter between the main characters and plenty of charming side characters as well. This was my first book by Gilmore, but I will be seeking out more since she seems to write in a formula that I appreciate - dogs, romance, steamy chemistry, and comedy. I recommend this book for fans of romantic comedies, open door, lighthearted plot, dogs, and contemporary fiction.

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Ruby is going to have to rely on her pageant days when her friend asks her to enter her Golden retriever Wheezy into a dog show. The problem is that Wheezy is the most unmanageable dog Ruby has ever seen. Also she has no experience with dog shows. Wheezy is 15 pounds over weight for the show, and isn't motivated to move unless he gets a whiff of a cheeseburger.

Spencer is the rule abiding Judge of the show that is struggling to believe Ruby really wants to enter the show. He does manage to get Ruby to hire his twin brother to train Wheezy, though he didn't mention the circumstances regarding him staying with Spencer and their competitive nature.

While I loved some of the back story of Wheezy's owner and her book club, and the twin brother, with the nursing home issues, I felt the romance part of the rom-com fell a little short. The majority of the romance was close door however their was one scene that was so out of the blue, and steamy but it was out of character for Spencer. Which is how most of their romance went.

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This book has the cutest plot - a former beauty queen entering a dog show and starting a love /hate relationship with the judge - I was so excited to read it!

Though I liked the story overall I found the relationship between the two main leads a bit rushed and the first steamy scene (of which there were many!) was pretty unrealistic for a first intimate moment between two people. It had good character development and a bunch of funny quirky side characters to keep up the comedy. Id recommend it to anyone who loves a steamy rom-com with a big emphasis on dogs.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital ARC of this book. All opinions remain my own as always.

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This was such a cute and quick book to read! I loved Ruby so much, and having the grump/sunshine trope was my favorite part. Ruby and wheezy (dog) had me laughing so many time I love them so much! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good grumpy/sunshine or a little enemy to lovers! One of my most favorite parts was that we not only got Ruby's POV but also Spencer's which always helps because even though he's very grumpy on the outside you get to actually know what he's thinking on the inside.

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This one was a cute and fast read, full of lovable characters and sweet dogs, what more can you ask for?!

I really enjoyed seeing how determined Ruby was and how little by little she disarmed Spencer.

Their interactions had me smiling, I felt their insecurities and was rooting for them from the start. All the side characters were easy to like, but Wheezy had my heart from the beginning!🐶❤️

I’d recommend this one to anyone looking for a sweet romcom with lots of heart and adorable pups!!!

✨ Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing a free eARC in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. ✨

Review posted on my Instagram account: @bm.bookish.girl

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The gorgeous cover and fun storyline drew me in for this romance read. I enjoyed the dog show aspects and the characters in this book. I thought Ruby was great and loved her interactions with the other characters the book. She’s someone you want to root for and is relatable throughout. The main romance felt a bit rushed, insta-love style, but it ended up growing on me in the end.

Also, Weezy is my spirit animal. I’m just saying, I love to lay around being all sassy, and getting bribed by cheeseburgers sounds like a dream 🍔❤️

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The last place that Ruby ever thought that she would find herself again in is competing in a show competition, but low and behold it would seem that the former pageant queen is headed back to the spotlight only this time to strut around Wheezy the worlds most lazy dog! With Ruby reluctantly agreeing into entering Wheezy into the West Coast annual dog show after being guilted by one of her old lady friends things take an interesting twist when Ruby and Wheezy face harsh judgment from one of the judges. Little does Caleb know that his judgy looks are exactly what lites the competitive fire under Rudy’s bum!

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This book was pure and absolute perfection! I absolutely loved reading every single second of this enemies to lovers romcom and having a few cute furry faces into the mix only made this book all the more perfect!

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Ruby was such an amazing female lead, I loved her drive and passion to prove that she is more than a pretty face. It was really nice getting to see that she didn’t take the easy way out even when it was offered to her, also getting to see her take charge of what she wants out of life was inspiring.

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As for our snobby judge Caleb, gosh I just loved this guy! Not only was he genuinely a good guy but I loved getting to see Ruby worm her way under his skin! I really liked getting to see Caleb mend his relationship with his brother and all the crazy antics that they had going on.

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The secondary characters in this book was marvellous! From the crazy oldies to Ruby’s pageant loving mother, the wacky judges and Spencer! I loved that they each added an extra layer of goodness to the story. I have to give Wheezy a huge shout out for being such a cutie! I loved his zero care attitude and love for all things food, by far Wheezy was the best dog to feature in a book! Also how boss lady were the old gals!

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I Hate You More was one of my favorite books to read, this book has everything any romance lover could ask for and more! I would highly recommend reading this enemies to lovers romcom asap!

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*Link to review post on release date, on Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CVyUz_Erf3u/?utm_medium=copy_link *
Review:
I Hate You More is a really fun, lighthearted and easy read! This romcom follows Ruby, a former beauty pageant queen on her mission to win a dog show with her elderly clients disobedient dog. She and Wheezy have a long way to go to being show dog ready so she's in need of a lot of help, including reluctantly accepting the help of the twin of the handsome dog show judge.
I loved all the pageantry throw backs and seeing Ruby refusing to give up when it did not seem like Wheezy was making any progress. It was also really nice to have a love interest with a softer side - I love that Spencer is a vet who cares and doesn't feel confident with girls compared to his twin brother. I also liked seeing all the different dynamics explored between family and friends for both Ruby and Spencer.
This book was super fun and cute, but with enough steam to keep things interesting! Definitely a good one to read if you like cute dogs, exploring family dynamics, strong & determined women and some spice to your romance!

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This book had me laughing from the beginning. It was such a fun romcom! I’m obsessed with romance books with cute dogs and Wheezy really stole the show in this one, he was great. I just want to cuddle him.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Ruby and Spencer, their banter really made me laugh. They’re enemies to lovers and grumpy/sunshine, what more could you want? And the spicy scenes between them…🥵

If you’re looking for a quick feel-good read, then definitely pick this one up!

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I Hate You More is a perfectly pleasant way to spend a few hours, but was missing something for me.

Namely, I didn't really buy into the romance. Which is, uh, kind of important. Particularly in the first half, the MCs didn't seem to connect much. Then there's this very steamy and bold scene which felt like it came out of nowhere, both story and character-wise. The second half improves by getting them together a little more and there are some really strong moments, but I wasn't buying into it.

Toward the end of the book, both MCs make choices that felt a bit as if they came out of nowhere. I mean, I was along for the ride, so it wasn't upsetting, but it was a little head scratchy.

It's fine. It has its moments. The dogs steal the show.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Let me just say I did not hate anything about I Hate You More. This was such a fun, grump/sunshine story. Ruby was such a great character. She’s an ex-beauty pageant contestant who now works as a nursing assistant a retirement community where she finds herself helping one of the residents by trying to get her overweight, untrained (maybe not so purebred) golden retriever Wheezy into (and winning) a dog show. Quite the task. One of Ruby’s big obstacles is veterinarian and dog show judge Spencer who is a stickler for the rules in every way. Oh man did I love Spencer and watching his buttoned up, rule following walls come crumbling down around Ruby.

This book is just fun. It’s a light and easy read with some steam and plenty of heart. I love books with dogs and animals, and I have to say that there is a bulldog that will have you laughing and Wheezy, oh Wheezy. How can you not love a dog that just wants to eat cheeseburgers and sleep?! I mean, if I had a spirit animal it might be Wheezy. Ha ha.

I would definitely recommend grabbing I Hate You More out November 2. It will leave a smile on your face! This is the first book I have read by Lucy Gilmore but this one certainly has me itching to read more. Thank you for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review.

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Puppies, pageants and parole. A recipe for a great romcom. Even though I pretty much predicted the plot after chapter one I still really enjoyed this book.

The emphasis was definitely on the characters for me as opposed to the storyline, but because the characters were so much fun I didn't really mind as much.

Also, this was a bit spicier than expected. There were a few rather explicit scenes, something that I really thoight added to tge suspense, but I get that it's not for everyone.

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Sorry to say it, but I HATE YOU MORE just didn't work for me. It felt very disjointed and oddly paced. It was extremely slow and had a lot of unnecessary story that didn't add to the plot.

Then, out of nowhere, without so much as a kiss or the brushing of hands, the main characters have a very steamy scene. Then it's back to slow-moving and lots of extra info the reader doesn't need.

The only redeeming factor was a great side-story of the male lead's twin brother. His character was interesting and his situation was one I hadn't read before. And the relationship between these twins was both funny and endearing. This side character was the best part of this book.

Sadly, I HATE YOU MORE was a book that completely missed the mark for me.

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This was such a cute premise for a book, with tons of really great characters (Wheezy obviously being at the top of the list). It's pretty low-angst, and the plot requires a lot of character growth, particularly on Spencer's part, which I love. It's not just "things happen to people," but rather "things happen and we assess our knee-jerk responses to them." And the book itself is pretty fun, too! You can't help but empathize with Wheezy, want to befriend Mrs. Orson, and admire Ruby.

As fun as it was, I didn't totally buy the chemistry between Ruby and Spencer until late in the game. It seemed just convenient until he really got to know her, even though it was always presented as a more serious feeling. I was also uncomfortable with a lot of the body talk; I think it could be pretty triggering so I'll be sure to mention that when I recommend it.

This was a cute, relatively light read, and fairly low-steam (surprisingly, given their first romantic encounter). If you love dogs and strong heroines, you'll love this.

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A grumpy/sunshine romance involving dogs, whats not to love!? Truly a joyful read. The senior citizens from Ruby's job were so cute without being meddling and overbearing, I loved the relationship Spencer had with his brother, it was so relatable, you know you always want what your siblings strong suits and they want your strengths back. This was definitely a slow burn, cute romance, with a little bit of steam here and there. Overall this book was enjoyable and cute 3.5 stars.

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Ruby Taylor, former beauty pageant now nursing assistant, enters an elderly friend’s grumpy bacon-obsessed golden retriever, Wheezy, into a dog show. Enter Spencer Wilson, the dog show’s judge; he’s orderly and a stickler for accuracy and detail. He looks down on Wheezy and classifies him as unqualified to enter.

But who can get in the way of a strong-willed sass on heels who always gets what she wants?

Enemies to lovers is my fave, so my expectations are high. I always anticipate humour, sexual tension, witty banter, and angst; of course, a good story can’t hurt. Though each of these elements are present, I feel like the physical intimacy happened out of no where. I won’t give anything away; you’ll definitely get your steamy scenes, but there’s not much of a lead up to it. I’ve got to have that ache in my chest preceding the “sexy times” if you know what I mean.

All in all, I enjoyed this story and even found myself laughing out loud - esp. with a dog that refuses to be trained. I appreciated Ruby’s will power and determination; her flirting was on point and I wish I could be that bold. Spencer epitomizes all grumpy “neat freak” heroes who have a heart of gold. Give me a dog whisperer with his commanding voice and I swear I’ll do anything he says. 𝘈𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. There are some mentionable side characters that you will root for as well: Spencer’s twin brother, Caleb, and Ruby’s elderly friend, Mrs. Orson. Both “get” Ruby, have no filters, and ultimately had my attention from the start.

Any story with a dog in the mix will win my heart, so I’m purely subjective when I say get this book. The cover made me do it!

Lucy Gilmore’s “I Hate Your More” comes out Nov. 2. I received this e-arc from Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an exchange for an honest review.

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A charming dual perspective enemies to lovers romance set in the world of competitive dog shows. This was a fun, quick read with a bit of steam, quirky characters and twin brothers. Recommended for fans of Accidental beauty queen. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy!

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I Hate You More follows Ruby, a former pageant queen turned nursing home assistant. She begrudgingly decides to help out one of her patients, who wants her stubborn golden retriever, Wheezy to be entered into the local dog show that just so happens to be judged by Spencer. Spencer's twin brother, Caleb, a dog trainer who's currently living at his brother's house, offers to coach Wheezy.

I thought this was such a fun premise for a book and I'm a sucker for a cover that features dogs, it's true. While I thought Ruby was a strong-willed and witty character, I wanted more development in her relationship with Spencer. They went from sort-of enemies to a very steamy scene that felt completely out of place. With a lack of chemistry, the insta-love just didn't translate for me.

I also thought there were too many underdeveloped storylines between these two characters. I think this added to the lack of connection I felt.

In saying that though, I Hate You More did feature fun side characters, interesting family dynamics, an adorably stubborn golden retriever and a resilient main character. So if you're looking for a fun and light read (with a dash of steam), I Hate You More might be for you.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for this review.

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This was such a fun read. A perfect enemies-to-lovers and with dogs. AHHH my dog loving heart! I love our chonky and the laziest golden retriever Wheezy. I didn’t know I want to read about pets in books (especially dogs) until I read this super cute rom-com.
I loved everything about this book. The dog show, the judges, Ruby’s determination and persistence, Spencer being the best vet and caring for everyone and letting his brother crash at his place.
This book releases on 11/2/21 so please go read the blurb on Goodreads and read this for our boy Wheezy.

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Ruby grew up in the pageant world. Now, she’s back in it again—trying to enter Wheezy, a golden retriever, into the West Coast Canine Classic. Wheezy belongs to one of the residents of the facility she works at as a nursing assistant.

According to Spencer Wilson, dog show judge and veterinarian, Wheezy is not fit to compete. Ruby is determined to prove him wrong.

This is a cute, light romance. It has its funny moments, sexy times, gorgeous twins and a very lovable dog. Wheezy is definitely the star of the show in this romcom!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

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