[Skye’s Review:] I Hate You More by Lucy Gilmore

I Hate You More
by Lucy Gilmore
Pages: 272
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: November 2nd 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romance
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC
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Discover what makes Lucy Gilmore an instant fan favorite with this unforgettably funny enemies-to-lovers romcom starring:
• a grumpy dog show judge
• a determined former beauty queen
• and a Golden Retriever more interested in stealing bacon than winning Best in Show.

Ruby Taylor gave up pageant life the day she turned eighteen and figured she'd never look back. But when an old friend begs her to show her beloved Golden Retriever at the upcoming Canine Classic, Ruby reluctantly straps on her heels and gets to work.

If only she knew exactly what the adorably lazy lump of a dog was getting her into.

If there's one thing veterinarian Spencer Wilson knows in this world, it's dogs. Human beings are an entirely different animal. Especially stubborn, gorgeous women clearly in way over their heads. As judge for the local dog show, Spencer advises Ruby to quit while she still can, but her old fervor for winning has returned―and she wants to show the stern, broody-eyed judge that she's more than just a pretty face. In the end, she'll show him who's best in show.

“AS APPEALING AS A PUPPY.” –Publishers Weekly STARRED for Puppy Christmas

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

If you’re looking for a light-hearted, quick, yet steamy rom-com read, then I Hate You More is the book for you. This book has witty banter between the heroine and hero. Fun, entertaining side characters that will steal your heart immediately. Plus, it even has an adorable yet sassy dog. Need I say more?

I couldn’t believe how fast I finished this book! Trust me, you’ll breeze through the pages too. As I said earlier, this book is cute–how could it not be with a cover like that?  However, I wasn’t able to rate this cute rom-com higher than 3 stars. I wanted to love this book. I expected to love this book, but I ended up only liking it. 3 stars for me means it was a good, solid book, but it’s not a new favorite. Now, you’re probably wondering what prevented me from rating this book higher.  My first issue with the book was the romance and the pacing. Lucy and Spencer fell for each other too quickly, in my opinion. I needed more scenes between them showing their relationship as their feelings were developing and growing. It felt like the author told me about their growing feelings rather than showing me how they grew to care about each other. My second and final issue is that the conflict between Lucy and Spencer at the end of the book fell flat. I think the author could have come up with a better issue for Lucy and Spencer to resolve.

That being said, I did enjoy this book. It made me smile and laugh on nearly every page. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the author’s next book–maybe a book for Caleb? A girl can hope, right?