LOVE THE ONE YOU HATE BY R.S. GREY | REVIEW

REVIEW | LOVE THE ONE YOU HATE BY R.S. GREY
Rating 4 Stars

There isn’t a book by R.S. Grey that I haven’t read and every time a new book is announced it automatically gets added to my TBR. I love a bit of dark and complicated romance and even a little twisted when the mood takes me but sometimes I just need something lighter to read; a standalone that offers a nice, clean HEA. This is R.S. Grey’s forte – she never fails to weave an uplifting tale.  

It doesn’t matter that this Gilded Age mansion is big enough for the both of us. From the moment I arrive at Rosethorn, Nicholas Hunt wants me gone.

Maren Mitchell has had a tough ride in her life and while she has a good heart she has not always been the best judge of character. When we first meet her one bad judgement call in her teens has led to the poorer circumstances she finds herself in with little in the way of prospects and plenty of wasted dreams. By contrast, Nicholas Hunt is heir to one of America’s wealthiest families, a workaholic lawyer born to privilege. Their enemies-to-lovers storyline unfolds with a bit of Jane Austen flare: Nicholas feels very Darcy-esque to me with a sharp tongue and desire to protect those he loves at all costs whilst missing the truth in front of him due to his stubbornness and oftentimes arrogance. Meanwhile Maren is easy to like with her caring and conscientious ways. The idea of Cornelia Cromwell, a wealthy blueblood, taking Maren under her wing as somewhat of a ward gave me some lovely throwback vibes and further secured that modern Austen feel.  

I stand in the shadow of Rosethorn, racked with indecision. Feelings churn inside me: longing, shame, anger at myself for not pressing her for the truth. What just happened rocked me to my bones, but Maren seems wholly unaffected by it. Is she truly? Are we not in this together? Falling? 

What strikes me about this book is that, for me, it wasn’t the enemies-to-lovers romance that stood out but the relationship between Maren and Cornelia. It felt so much like a story of friendship that I felt there relationship deeply and loved Cornelia for the caring and compassionate character she was. Their relationship is heart-warming and I adored Cornelia’s tenacity.  

Be careful there, Maren – too much time spent doing what one ought to do leaves little room for anything worthwhile.

I enjoyed Nicholas and Maren’s relationship – it was a slow burn and read as believable. The verbal sparring in particular really intensified their relationship. However, whilst I enjoyed the pace of the book for the most part, I really wanted to see and learn more of them once their battle was over and their HEA began. Perhaps I’m just greedy but the epilogue painted a colourful ten years together that I wish I could have seen more of. 

Overall this was a heart-warming tale of friendship with an interwoven love story that proved that the course of true love never does run smooth.   

“And who might this delicate flower be?” Rhett teases, beaming up at Maren as we descend the final few stairs together. “His name is Nicholas,” Maren quips, stepping away from me. I have no choice but to let go of her hand. “Be careful though – he’s not a delicate flower. More like a Venus flytrap if you ask me.” 

If you haven’t read LOVE THE ONE YOU HATE get your copy below and if you have read it let me know your thoughts.  Love bit of light-hearted romance? You might want to check out R.S. Grey’s COLDHEARTED BOSS (I loved it!) 


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LOVE THE ONE YOU HATE

REVIEW | LOVE THE ONE YOU HATE BY R.S. GREY COVER

A full-length STANDALONE romantic comedy from USA TODAY bestselling author R.S. Grey.

Nicholas Hunt is the man I hate.
For good reason.

His opinion of me is tainted by prejudice even before my arrival at his grandmother’s estate, and my first impression of him is just as abysmal.

His arrogance and icy demeanor make it clear that he’s the type of man who’s best handled at a distance.

Fortunately, space shouldn’t be an issue inside this Gilded Age mansion and its lush gardens. If I stick with the servants and he keeps to his sailboat and vintage Porsche, we should hardly cross paths at all. Unfortunately, at Rosethorn, I find that all roads eventually lead to Nicholas Hunt.

Sparks fly as we spar at the dinner table. Fighting words are flung in the shadows of the palatial halls.

We hang suspended in our hatred of one another, painfully oblivious to the heat and tension that build with every moment we’re left alone. We’re liable to kill one another, I think…right up until my eyes land on his lips and a new feeling grips hold of me: lust.

What’s worse?
He knows it.

They say you should keep your enemies close, but when Nicholas tightens his grip on my waist and draws me near, I’m not sure if it’s out of loathing or love.

One thing’s for sure—I intend to find out.

About R.S. Grey

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels, including seven #1 bestselling romantic comedies. She lives in Texas with her husband, daughter, and dog.

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