REVIEW: I Hate You More by Lucy Gilmore

I Hate You More by Lucy Gilmore: This was a quick rom-com that was full of humor, brotherly clashes along with some emotional moments. I was not very familiar with this author, but the concept of the storyline sounded interesting. I was not sure if it would really work, but the author did it. Comparing the techniques for winning a beauty pageant competition to a dog show was unique and entertaining. The dogs were adorable and made me laugh out loud several times.

Ruby Taylor declared herself done competing in beauty pageants when she turned eighteen much to her mother’s disappointment. Lately Ruby had been thinking she had not accomplished anything since she had quit competing and had been thinking of her future. Then Mrs. Orson, a friend, convinces Ruby to show her dog Wheezy in the West Coast Canine Classic dog show. So, when Ruby meets Spencer while enrolling Wheezy for the contest and he expresses doubts about Wheezy’s chances of winning, she takes it personally and sets out to prove him wrong. With the help of house-bound Caleb, Spencer’s twin brother, she uses all her beauty pageant skills and to train Wheezy.

Grumpy veterinarian Spencer Wilson was a judge in the dog show and a rule follower. Letting Ruby enroll Wheezy after the deadline when Caleb interfered irritated Spencer. His first impression of Ruby was that she was used to getting her way by using her good looks. Eventually, he comes to admire her persistence and determination. Spencer had always been the responsible and boring twin but around Ruby, he wants to be more carefree and outgoing.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved meeting the residents of Parkwood Manor and all their funny shenanigans. It was great seeing Spencer become more confident as his relationship with Ruby grew. He had such a big heart, and it was wonderful to see him come out of his shell and be more social. Ruby wanted to be seen for the person she was inside rather than her outside appearance. The dog show competition was a reminder of who she was before she stopped competing in beauty pageants and gave her the courage to pursue her dreams. This was a fast, easy book to read, and will leave you with a smile in the end. I look forward to future books by the author and hope to see Caleb’s story soon.

Book Info:

Publication: November 2, 2021 | Sourcebooks Casablanca |

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.