ARC Book Review | 'Love The One You Hate' By R.S. Grey*

Have you ever had that one author, who no matter what they write, you literally just can’t wait for whatever it is they come up with next? Because you literally just know it’s going to be that good?

Well, R.S. Grey is that author for me.

Seriously, whenever I feel like I’m in need of a good romance that can sweep me away into a different world for a few hours, I know Grey will deliver. And whilst I’ve read all of her books now (plus, thanks to Kindle Unlimited I can go back and reread for free to my hearts content), I still find myself getting ridiculously excited for any new releases. So that’s exactly how I felt when I received a copy of ‘Love The One You Hate’ on my Kindle.

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 demeanour 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 is 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.

'Haven't you managed to discover the truth? I live by your breath.'

I love a good enemies to lovers romance, honestly. There’s just something about the sparring between the two characters, the development of the relationship from hate to love…its always going to be a great read and an amazing journey. To create that kind of relationship and let it unfold before the readers eyes…well, it certainly takes some skill that’s for sure, especially to keep you invested in the story.

Maren was a character that it was hard to not like from the start – stuck in the foster system from a young age, stuck in a job where people automatically assume the worst of her, she still doesn’t let it dampen her spirit. Luckily for her though, she is offered a once in a lifetime job opportunity at none other than Rosethorn, a Gilded Age mansion, owned by the rich and powerful Cromwell family.

Nicholas is a family man through and through, and when a scandal starts regarding the Cromwells, he takes it upon himself to protect those he holds dearest. And when his grandmother Cornelia (more on her shortly) hires Maren, sirens immediately start going off for Nicholas when he does a little digging. I loved the sense of protection Nicholas felt towards his family and how protective he is of Cornelia – it really tugged at my heartstrings!

'She takes on such an etheral form that I find myself unable to speak.'

Secondary characters are key in this book, and I just have to say now – I love Cornelia. Nicholas’ grandmother is the epitome of fairy godmother to Maren, and I loved how she saw something in her and took her in. The relationship between Maren and Cornelia was so beautiful and heart-warming, and honestly so incredible to witness.

The sparring between Maren and Nicholas worked up the angst, and with Nicholas giving off serious Mr Darcy vibes it was like reading a modern day Pride and Prejudice. With a dash of Cinderella thrown in. Seeing Nicholas’s opinion of Maren slowly change as he got to know her, and seeing Maren’s journey throughout the book and how she grows was a lovely sight to behold.

Overall, I couldn't help but fall a little bit in love with Maren and Nicholas's story - Maren is such a positive and compassionate individual, it's hard not to be drawn in by her story. I love R.S. Grey's books, and thankfully 'Love The One You Hate' is no exception.

Are you adding 'Love The One You Hate' to you TBR? Or have you read it already? Let me know in the comments below!