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P.S.: I Hate You
Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 17:40:33
10 copies available
U.S. only
Maddie Sanderson would be proud to honor her older brother’s dying wish, that she scatters his ashes over eight destinations that the adventurous 29-year-old never got to visit before he died from cancer. But in his will, Josh assigned her an impossible partner to help complete the mission—Dominic Perry. Seriously, if Maddie weren’t already at his funeral, she would have killed him for this.
Sure, Dom was Josh’s life-long best friend. He’s also the infuriating man who broke Maddie’s heart back when she was naïve enough to give it to him. But since Dom insists on following the rules and Josh didn’t leave much room for Maddie to argue the matter, they embark together on a farewell trip that spans thousands of miles, exploring new places and revisiting their complicated history along the way.
After a snowstorm leads to a shared bed, Maddie starts to wonder if her brother might be matchmaking from the grave. But when grief also reopens old wounds between them, Maddie will need more than Josh’s ghostly guidance to trust Dom again.
Sure, Dom was Josh’s life-long best friend. He’s also the infuriating man who broke Maddie’s heart back when she was naïve enough to give it to him. But since Dom insists on following the rules and Josh didn’t leave much room for Maddie to argue the matter, they embark together on a farewell trip that spans thousands of miles, exploring new places and revisiting their complicated history along the way.
After a snowstorm leads to a shared bed, Maddie starts to wonder if her brother might be matchmaking from the grave. But when grief also reopens old wounds between them, Maddie will need more than Josh’s ghostly guidance to trust Dom again.
432 pages, Paperback
Expected publication December 3, 2024
About the author
Lauren Connolly
34 books371 followersLauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 1, 2024
This book hit me hard, making me embrace my own grief process, which is nasty, painful, and never completely heals. Even though the bleeding stops, the wound is always there, triggered by a small memory, a word, a place, or sometimes a person.
This bittersweet, emotionally compelling, but also promising enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, self-exploration, and second-chance romance is engaging and well-written. It takes two people on a journey, both literally and metaphorically, to understand their pasts, learn forgiveness, and discover themselves, thereby changing their future paths. Maddie and Dominic have a task to complete a bucket list for someone they love, someone they never wanted to lose, and whose disappearance from their lives hurt more than they could imagine.
Maddie Sanderson returns home for the funeral of her brother, the only family she had after years of dealing with an abusive grandmother and narcissistic mother, abandoned by their father at a young age. Her plan to attend the funeral in Philly and return to Seattle without looking back changes when her brother’s best friend Dominic, who is the main reason she left home at 19 after he broke her heart, is there to read his will. The worst part is that her brother's dying wish is for her and Dominic to visit eight different cities, spreading his ashes, starting from Delaware to Alaska—a journey that may take them two years to complete.
Maddie is initially against her brother's decision to take a long farewell trip with the man who hurt her feelings, making her insecure about people who may always choose to leave her like her father, ex-boyfriends, and now her brother. But she cannot betray her brother’s last wishes, and with each coordinate they reach, they open a letter he wrote. These letters are the only things left from her brother, motivating her to continue this journey.
During their travels, Maddie confronts her resentments and finds missing pieces of her past relationship with Dom. She realizes her hatred turns into forgiveness, and she starts thinking they can even be friends because they need each other. But the hardest thing is not falling for the man who broke her heart into pieces. Can she manage that when he's all she can see, and what if their feelings are mutual? Can Maddie get over her insecurities and learn to open her heart, destroy her walls, and give happiness a chance?
Overall, this is a beautiful, meaningful, angsty, bittersweet grief journey, with two people finding themselves lost in the dark, holding each other to see the end of the tunnel. I hated Maddie’s mother and wanted to punch her every time she opened her mouth to push insecurities on her daughter with her abusive words. I loved Maddie’s tough healing journey and her chemistry with Dom. What more can I add? I loved this book and have added Lauren Connolly to my auto-approved authors list!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this amazing novel’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This bittersweet, emotionally compelling, but also promising enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, self-exploration, and second-chance romance is engaging and well-written. It takes two people on a journey, both literally and metaphorically, to understand their pasts, learn forgiveness, and discover themselves, thereby changing their future paths. Maddie and Dominic have a task to complete a bucket list for someone they love, someone they never wanted to lose, and whose disappearance from their lives hurt more than they could imagine.
Maddie Sanderson returns home for the funeral of her brother, the only family she had after years of dealing with an abusive grandmother and narcissistic mother, abandoned by their father at a young age. Her plan to attend the funeral in Philly and return to Seattle without looking back changes when her brother’s best friend Dominic, who is the main reason she left home at 19 after he broke her heart, is there to read his will. The worst part is that her brother's dying wish is for her and Dominic to visit eight different cities, spreading his ashes, starting from Delaware to Alaska—a journey that may take them two years to complete.
Maddie is initially against her brother's decision to take a long farewell trip with the man who hurt her feelings, making her insecure about people who may always choose to leave her like her father, ex-boyfriends, and now her brother. But she cannot betray her brother’s last wishes, and with each coordinate they reach, they open a letter he wrote. These letters are the only things left from her brother, motivating her to continue this journey.
During their travels, Maddie confronts her resentments and finds missing pieces of her past relationship with Dom. She realizes her hatred turns into forgiveness, and she starts thinking they can even be friends because they need each other. But the hardest thing is not falling for the man who broke her heart into pieces. Can she manage that when he's all she can see, and what if their feelings are mutual? Can Maddie get over her insecurities and learn to open her heart, destroy her walls, and give happiness a chance?
Overall, this is a beautiful, meaningful, angsty, bittersweet grief journey, with two people finding themselves lost in the dark, holding each other to see the end of the tunnel. I hated Maddie’s mother and wanted to punch her every time she opened her mouth to push insecurities on her daughter with her abusive words. I loved Maddie’s tough healing journey and her chemistry with Dom. What more can I add? I loved this book and have added Lauren Connolly to my auto-approved authors list!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this amazing novel’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
August 1, 2024
This was everything I needed in a contemporary romance novel!!!
Maddie and Dom have a strained relationship at the start of the book. They were once friends, had a one-night stand, and now are basically strangers, at least from Maddie’s point of view.
I adored the whole plot of Josh using his funeral as a means to bring Maddie and Dom back together, without them realizing it until halfway through the book. The adventure through different states and the reveal of each letter was both heartwarming and heartbreaking to read. Usually, I have a dislike for books that contain time skips, but this one does it so well, contributing to the plot without feeling unnecessary. I love how the story takes place over two years, with the main characters only meeting up every season for the next letter. I adore the character growth that takes place during the time skips.
Josh is the central heart and soul of this book. We know from the start that he has died, but the story keeps his soul alive throughout the novel by reminiscing about his memory and all the fun times the characters had with him till the very end. This was by far my favorite part of this book.
This book focuses on loss, grief, and learning to move on while still holding those we love dear to our hearts, as well as a story about second-chance romance...
My main issue is that the romance aspect of this book could have been easily solved years ago if only the characters had communicated with each other. That’s my main irk about it. I would have loved this even more if it was a dual POV to get the male lead's side of the story, as he didn’t speak much until the second half of the novel. I think this would have made for a more fleshed-out conclusion, as it felt like something was missing for me.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Maddie and Dom have a strained relationship at the start of the book. They were once friends, had a one-night stand, and now are basically strangers, at least from Maddie’s point of view.
I adored the whole plot of Josh using his funeral as a means to bring Maddie and Dom back together, without them realizing it until halfway through the book. The adventure through different states and the reveal of each letter was both heartwarming and heartbreaking to read. Usually, I have a dislike for books that contain time skips, but this one does it so well, contributing to the plot without feeling unnecessary. I love how the story takes place over two years, with the main characters only meeting up every season for the next letter. I adore the character growth that takes place during the time skips.
Josh is the central heart and soul of this book. We know from the start that he has died, but the story keeps his soul alive throughout the novel by reminiscing about his memory and all the fun times the characters had with him till the very end. This was by far my favorite part of this book.
This book focuses on loss, grief, and learning to move on while still holding those we love dear to our hearts, as well as a story about second-chance romance...
My main issue is that the romance aspect of this book could have been easily solved years ago if only the characters had communicated with each other. That’s my main irk about it. I would have loved this even more if it was a dual POV to get the male lead's side of the story, as he didn’t speak much until the second half of the novel. I think this would have made for a more fleshed-out conclusion, as it felt like something was missing for me.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 16, 2024
Reading this book was an intense and emotional experience for me. The story of losing a brother and the deep grief that follows was portrayed so vividly that I couldn’t help but feel connected to the characters. The author did an incredible job of capturing the raw pain of such a loss, and I found myself deeply moved by the sister's journey through her grief.
As the story unfolded, I felt a deep connection to the sister as she navigated her way through the unimaginable pain of losing someone so close. Her bond with her friend became a lifeline, a way to cope with the overwhelming sadness. Their journey together wasn’t just a physical one, but an emotional and spiritual quest to find meaning and healing. The way they supported each other, even in their own moments of vulnerability, added a layer of depth to the narrative that I truly appreciated.
What struck me the most was how the book balanced the heaviness of grief with moments of hope and connection. The sister's relationship with her friend provided a sense of solidarity and understanding, showing how important it is to have someone by your side during the darkest times. By the end of the book, I felt a sense of closure, not just for the characters, but for myself as well. It was a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and friendship to help us heal.
This story stayed with me long after I finished reading. It was heartbreaking, yes, but also a powerful exploration of loss, love, and the journey toward healing. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.
As the story unfolded, I felt a deep connection to the sister as she navigated her way through the unimaginable pain of losing someone so close. Her bond with her friend became a lifeline, a way to cope with the overwhelming sadness. Their journey together wasn’t just a physical one, but an emotional and spiritual quest to find meaning and healing. The way they supported each other, even in their own moments of vulnerability, added a layer of depth to the narrative that I truly appreciated.
What struck me the most was how the book balanced the heaviness of grief with moments of hope and connection. The sister's relationship with her friend provided a sense of solidarity and understanding, showing how important it is to have someone by your side during the darkest times. By the end of the book, I felt a sense of closure, not just for the characters, but for myself as well. It was a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and friendship to help us heal.
This story stayed with me long after I finished reading. It was heartbreaking, yes, but also a powerful exploration of loss, love, and the journey toward healing. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.
August 16, 2024
life changing. raw. devastating. beautiful. hilarious. romantic. i can’t stop crying. thank you so much to Berkeley for this arc. ill probably add more when I have the words but I just think I wont be the same after reading this. lauren connolly is now in my list of new favorite authors.
tw: grief, emotional abuse & neglect, cancer
tw: grief, emotional abuse & neglect, cancer
July 10, 2024
An easy 4.75. The world is gonna love this 😭😭
June 14, 2024
First, I have to say three things:
One, I don’t like contemporary romance (at least what I consider contemporary romance, of which this book is a prime example).
Two, I don’t like to suffer or cry for entertainment (I hated Bambi and The Lion King).
Three, none of that seems to matter where Lauren Connoly’s stories are concerned (as my rating can attest).
I loved this story. I wanted to finish it and I wanted it to continue forever at the same time. It took me around two days to finish not because it wasn’t good, but because I didn’t want it to be over. I really liked Maddie and Dom, and as usual with a Lauren Connoly Romance, the side characters are memorable as well as endearing. They feel fully fleshed out, and the world feels full of their presence. Maddie is snarky and sarcastic, and her dry (and oftentimes dark) humor made me laugh or giggle every time. Dom’s stoic presence looms in the background even when he’s not in the scene, in a good way. As if you could feel his presence and his support through Maddie’s words, even if she didn’t realize it.
This is a story about grief, but it is also about forgiveness and self-worth. Maddie grows a great deal through the story, and Dom is a very supportive partner through it all, even when Maddie pushes him away. I always can see something of myself in Lauren Connoly’s characters, and this book wasn’t the exception. Maddie’s insecurities and her tendency to bottle up her feelings resonated with me. But you could always count on her snarky remarks to make you laugh and lighten things up. Being in her head was interesting, and I didn’t miss the usual dual POV. The romance is realistic, they work for the relationship, and their issues don’t get solved magically once they say I love you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I thank Berkeley, NetGalley, and, of course, the author, for the opportunity to read and review the ARC for this book.
One, I don’t like contemporary romance (at least what I consider contemporary romance, of which this book is a prime example).
Two, I don’t like to suffer or cry for entertainment (I hated Bambi and The Lion King).
Three, none of that seems to matter where Lauren Connoly’s stories are concerned (as my rating can attest).
I loved this story. I wanted to finish it and I wanted it to continue forever at the same time. It took me around two days to finish not because it wasn’t good, but because I didn’t want it to be over. I really liked Maddie and Dom, and as usual with a Lauren Connoly Romance, the side characters are memorable as well as endearing. They feel fully fleshed out, and the world feels full of their presence. Maddie is snarky and sarcastic, and her dry (and oftentimes dark) humor made me laugh or giggle every time. Dom’s stoic presence looms in the background even when he’s not in the scene, in a good way. As if you could feel his presence and his support through Maddie’s words, even if she didn’t realize it.
This is a story about grief, but it is also about forgiveness and self-worth. Maddie grows a great deal through the story, and Dom is a very supportive partner through it all, even when Maddie pushes him away. I always can see something of myself in Lauren Connoly’s characters, and this book wasn’t the exception. Maddie’s insecurities and her tendency to bottle up her feelings resonated with me. But you could always count on her snarky remarks to make you laugh and lighten things up. Being in her head was interesting, and I didn’t miss the usual dual POV. The romance is realistic, they work for the relationship, and their issues don’t get solved magically once they say I love you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I thank Berkeley, NetGalley, and, of course, the author, for the opportunity to read and review the ARC for this book.
July 30, 2024
Disclaimer: This is a book that you should read while hugging a comfort person, pet, blanket, stuffed animal, pillow, etc. because you'll need it. I read the last 30% of this book curled up against my sleeping partner in the wee hours of the morning crying my eyes out.
This was a slow-burn, forced proximity, second chance novel with mild to medium spice that I've been obsessing over the past few days (to the point where my partner suggested that I take a break from reading). This book made me laugh out loud at times, my jaw drop in disbelief on a few occasions, had me giggling with glee and anticipation numerous times, and had me on the verge of tears and bawling my eyes out more times than I can count. I had a really hard time putting down this book whilst also doing whatever I could to prolong my reading experience (by re-reading certain interactions over and over again) because I didn't want the story to end.
The story follows Maddie, a chronically asthmatic 26/27 year-old, who is grieving the loss of her older brother, Josh. At the funeral, she discovers that Josh left her and Dom (Josh's best friend) instructions on how to scatter his ashes, including a series of letters addressed to both her and Dom for them to open together and read at specified destinations across the U.S. The only issue? Maddie absolutely hates Dom for breaking her heart 7 years ago. But Maddie is determined to fulfill and honor her brother's wishes, even if it means spending time with someone who brings back painful memories of their shared past.
This was a beautifully crafted, emotional, and heartbreaking story with loveable characters and heartwarming relationships.
First, let's talk about Maddie. Maddie goes through various stages of grief and emotional distress as she grapples with the loss of her brother and with her feelings towards Dom while bottling up all these feelings by losing herself in her work. She's angry at the world and at Dom and comes across as snarky and mean but we quickly learn that she has a morbid and dry (and very funny!) sense of humour that she uses as a defense mechanism. She's also a workaholic and is constantly throwing herself into her work instead of taking time off to grieve and work through her emotional stress. Maddie was such a well-developed and oftentimes funny character who is going through so much in life - I found her to be incredibly relatable and really connected with everything that she was going through. To top it off, I found her puzzle, sweatshirt and cheese addiction very endearing (can we be BFFs?!)
Then there's Dom. A looming, serious, and responsible man, Dom is a very loyal friend to Josh, and also incredibly patient with Maddie's anger and occasional outbursts. I really liked experiencing how Maddie's feelings towards Dom changed as she slowly realizes just how much Dom loved Josh and is also grieving as much as she was. I also loved their banter and texts (Dom is a worrywart and I love that!). Maddie's scared to trust and open up to Dom (I don't blame her, given their history), so I really loved seeing Dom work on and slowly gain Maddie's trust.
I also want to acknowledge the amazing side characters. I loved Dom's younger twin brothers, Adam and Carter (Adam, mainly). They're like Fred and George from Harry Potter - they're so funny! Maddie's best friends Jeremy and Tula are also amazing . I loved all of these characters so much, I would love to read a book (or short story) about them.
Finally, although this is a romance novel, this is also very much a book about grief, loss, and acceptance. This book handled these themes perfectly and I had a really good cry (for the first time in a really long time!).
Overall, I loved the themes that this book tackled, the romance, the friendships, the humour, and the banter. This is definitely one of the best romance novels that I've read in a while.
Also, I would LOVE it if the author published another version of this book from Dom's POV. I would scoop that book up in a heartbeat.
*All quotes are taken from an Advanced Readers Copy and may change prior to the release of the final copy.*
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
*** #43 of my 2024 Popsugar Reading Challenge - A second-chance romance ***
______________________________
If you like the following, then you might like PS: I Hate You or vice-versa:
This was a slow-burn, forced proximity, second chance novel with mild to medium spice that I've been obsessing over the past few days (to the point where my partner suggested that I take a break from reading). This book made me laugh out loud at times, my jaw drop in disbelief on a few occasions, had me giggling with glee and anticipation numerous times, and had me on the verge of tears and bawling my eyes out more times than I can count. I had a really hard time putting down this book whilst also doing whatever I could to prolong my reading experience (by re-reading certain interactions over and over again) because I didn't want the story to end.
"There is an endless list of reasons why I am the furthest possible thing from okay.
Top of the list: my brother, the person I love - loved - most in the world, is gone only three months before his thirtieth birthday."
The story follows Maddie, a chronically asthmatic 26/27 year-old, who is grieving the loss of her older brother, Josh. At the funeral, she discovers that Josh left her and Dom (Josh's best friend) instructions on how to scatter his ashes, including a series of letters addressed to both her and Dom for them to open together and read at specified destinations across the U.S. The only issue? Maddie absolutely hates Dom for breaking her heart 7 years ago. But Maddie is determined to fulfill and honor her brother's wishes, even if it means spending time with someone who brings back painful memories of their shared past.
This was a beautifully crafted, emotional, and heartbreaking story with loveable characters and heartwarming relationships.
First, let's talk about Maddie. Maddie goes through various stages of grief and emotional distress as she grapples with the loss of her brother and with her feelings towards Dom while bottling up all these feelings by losing herself in her work. She's angry at the world and at Dom and comes across as snarky and mean but we quickly learn that she has a morbid and dry (and very funny!) sense of humour that she uses as a defense mechanism. She's also a workaholic and is constantly throwing herself into her work instead of taking time off to grieve and work through her emotional stress. Maddie was such a well-developed and oftentimes funny character who is going through so much in life - I found her to be incredibly relatable and really connected with everything that she was going through. To top it off, I found her puzzle, sweatshirt and cheese addiction very endearing (can we be BFFs?!)
Then there's Dom. A looming, serious, and responsible man, Dom is a very loyal friend to Josh, and also incredibly patient with Maddie's anger and occasional outbursts. I really liked experiencing how Maddie's feelings towards Dom changed as she slowly realizes just how much Dom loved Josh and is also grieving as much as she was. I also loved their banter and texts (Dom is a worrywart and I love that!). Maddie's scared to trust and open up to Dom (I don't blame her, given their history), so I really loved seeing Dom work on and slowly gain Maddie's trust.
I also want to acknowledge the amazing side characters. I loved Dom's younger twin brothers, Adam and Carter (Adam, mainly). They're like Fred and George from Harry Potter - they're so funny! Maddie's best friends Jeremy and Tula are also amazing . I loved all of these characters so much, I would love to read a book (or short story) about them.
Finally, although this is a romance novel, this is also very much a book about grief, loss, and acceptance. This book handled these themes perfectly and I had a really good cry (for the first time in a really long time!).
Overall, I loved the themes that this book tackled, the romance, the friendships, the humour, and the banter. This is definitely one of the best romance novels that I've read in a while.
Also, I would LOVE it if the author published another version of this book from Dom's POV. I would scoop that book up in a heartbeat.
*All quotes are taken from an Advanced Readers Copy and may change prior to the release of the final copy.*
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
*** #43 of my 2024 Popsugar Reading Challenge - A second-chance romance ***
______________________________
If you like the following, then you might like PS: I Hate You or vice-versa:
August 26, 2024
4.5 stars— this book GUTTED me. Haunting, hilarious, heart wrenching. It reminded me of one of my favourite books of 2023 (YOU WITH A VIEW by Jessica Joyce), and had MANY of my favourite tropes— second chance, enemies to lovers, forced proximity. Do NOT miss this one!!!
*big thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*
*big thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*
July 1, 2024
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the ARC of this book. This was my first book by this author and I truly loved every word! This book did a fabulous job telling a beautiful love story while also weaving in the difficult subject of grief. The characters were so relatable and beautifully written. As they navigated their grief, I enjoyed reading about how they found comfort in each other and relied on one another. I was also rooting for their second chance love story the entire time. This will undoubtedly be one of my favorite books of
the year!
See below for a brief synopsis:
Maddie is in her mid twenties and has just lost her big brother to a devastating battle with cancer. When she reads the letter he left for her, it reveals his plans for her to visit all of the states that he didn't make it to alongside his best friend Dom. Maddie had a brief romantic history with Dom back in her late teens and his actions at the end of their relationship devasted her. As Maddie and Dom travel to all do the places that her big brother left for them, they read a new letter he wrote. The development of their relationship over the course of a few years was a joy to read. As they finsld their way back to each other, they realize that it's okay to rely on one another. Wow, I just loved it! 5 bright shiny stars! Highly recommend!
the year!
See below for a brief synopsis:
Maddie is in her mid twenties and has just lost her big brother to a devastating battle with cancer. When she reads the letter he left for her, it reveals his plans for her to visit all of the states that he didn't make it to alongside his best friend Dom. Maddie had a brief romantic history with Dom back in her late teens and his actions at the end of their relationship devasted her. As Maddie and Dom travel to all do the places that her big brother left for them, they read a new letter he wrote. The development of their relationship over the course of a few years was a joy to read. As they finsld their way back to each other, they realize that it's okay to rely on one another. Wow, I just loved it! 5 bright shiny stars! Highly recommend!
July 14, 2024
Talk about a tear jerker. I 100% cried multiple times throughout this book. Maddie's feelings and worried of loneliness and loved ones leaving her really affect her grieving over her brother's death... this story is an amazing journey across the country that is fueled by love.
Besides the emotional toll this book has put me through... 😭 let's talk about our MMC Dom.... 🥵 where can I find one? This book is not only emotional and heart wrenching, it's also fun with banter and hot with spice. Lauren Connolly really went ALL OUT.
Preorder this book. It's a must. It read so smoothly and was so amazing... expected pub date is Dec 3, 2024!
Thank you so much to Berkley and the author for an ARC of this book... I'm going to go contemplate my life choices and call my brothers now.
Besides the emotional toll this book has put me through... 😭 let's talk about our MMC Dom.... 🥵 where can I find one? This book is not only emotional and heart wrenching, it's also fun with banter and hot with spice. Lauren Connolly really went ALL OUT.
Preorder this book. It's a must. It read so smoothly and was so amazing... expected pub date is Dec 3, 2024!
Thank you so much to Berkley and the author for an ARC of this book... I'm going to go contemplate my life choices and call my brothers now.
September 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✦ POV: Single (FMC), first person.
✦ Pub date: 03 Dec 2024
» I didn’t like Maddie at the start. She was childish but as we learn more about her childhood, her reactions make sense. I loved her growth, and I was cheering for her by the end.
» I had difficulty connecting with Dom until later when we get to hear more of his voice. I wanted his POV badly but can see it was necessary to omit once we get more context. I loved him though; he’s a little possessive and a lot considerate of Maddie’s needs. Excellent book-boyfriend material!
» The relationship between Maddie and Dom felt organic. Their personalities were opposites but perfectly complementary; he’s dry and she’s sarcastic. She made him work hard to regain her trust and his grovel was next level!
» It was a fast-paced read and I liked the sections being indicated in seasons. It made it easy to contextualize the passage of time.
✩ Honourable mention: the banter! Maddie exasperates Dom and it is basically foreplay for him. Between the verbal sparring, emails, and text messages, their interactions were super entertaining.
♡ A lot of humour and snark is thrown in to lighten the heavy and emotional content. Lauren Connolly drew emotion from me with precision and I loved every moment (even the ugly-cry ones). P.S.: I Hate You is a great read, I recommend it!
⚠️ Contains discussions of chronic asthma, anxiety, death, grief, cancer, parent abandonment and toxic relationships. Please check warnings.
✨ Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Connect with me on Instagram for more bookish content!
✦ POV: Single (FMC), first person.
✦ Pub date: 03 Dec 2024
» I didn’t like Maddie at the start. She was childish but as we learn more about her childhood, her reactions make sense. I loved her growth, and I was cheering for her by the end.
» I had difficulty connecting with Dom until later when we get to hear more of his voice. I wanted his POV badly but can see it was necessary to omit once we get more context. I loved him though; he’s a little possessive and a lot considerate of Maddie’s needs. Excellent book-boyfriend material!
» The relationship between Maddie and Dom felt organic. Their personalities were opposites but perfectly complementary; he’s dry and she’s sarcastic. She made him work hard to regain her trust and his grovel was next level!
» It was a fast-paced read and I liked the sections being indicated in seasons. It made it easy to contextualize the passage of time.
✩ Honourable mention: the banter! Maddie exasperates Dom and it is basically foreplay for him. Between the verbal sparring, emails, and text messages, their interactions were super entertaining.
♡ A lot of humour and snark is thrown in to lighten the heavy and emotional content. Lauren Connolly drew emotion from me with precision and I loved every moment (even the ugly-cry ones). P.S.: I Hate You is a great read, I recommend it!
⚠️ Contains discussions of chronic asthma, anxiety, death, grief, cancer, parent abandonment and toxic relationships. Please check warnings.
✨ Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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July 22, 2024
Maddie always harbored a secret crush on her big brother's best friend, Dominic. One summer her wildest dreams are fulfilled when they finally hookup. However, Dominic shattered her heart by proposing to his on-again, off-again girlfriend the very next day.
Devastated, Maddie moved across the country to start her life anew. Now, many years later, at her brother’s funeral, she discovers that he had a dying wish: for her to travel to seven U.S. states to spread his ashes with Dominic- now divorced- the very last person she wants to see again.
Reluctantly, Maddie agrees and embarks on a journey with Dominic. As they go on these uniquely curated road trips together, they slowly begin to let down their walls, unravel their past, and ultimately realize that their love never truly faded.
This emotional romance delves into heavy topics like grief and childhood trauma, while also featuring beautiful travel scenes and the joy of found family. Fans of second chance romances with intense emotional depth will enjoy this novel.
Recommended for fans of Kate Clayborn.
Thank you to Netgalley, Edelweiss, and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Devastated, Maddie moved across the country to start her life anew. Now, many years later, at her brother’s funeral, she discovers that he had a dying wish: for her to travel to seven U.S. states to spread his ashes with Dominic- now divorced- the very last person she wants to see again.
Reluctantly, Maddie agrees and embarks on a journey with Dominic. As they go on these uniquely curated road trips together, they slowly begin to let down their walls, unravel their past, and ultimately realize that their love never truly faded.
This emotional romance delves into heavy topics like grief and childhood trauma, while also featuring beautiful travel scenes and the joy of found family. Fans of second chance romances with intense emotional depth will enjoy this novel.
Recommended for fans of Kate Clayborn.
Thank you to Netgalley, Edelweiss, and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2024
Fans of P.S. I Love You and Jessica Joyce will love this!!!Lauren, you owe me a new sweatshirt because mine is soaked in tears and snot 😭😭😭
July 15, 2024
Seriously run and pre-order this romance by Lauren Connolly immediately! This is the fifth book I've read by this author and certainly my favorite and her best work. I don't cry easily at books, and the epilogue had me so emotional I was tearing up!
Read this for:
- Road trip
- She hates him but really loves him
- Forced proximity
- Brother's best friend
- Asthma rep
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Childhood crush
- Second chance
Maddie Sanderson is forced to go on a road trip spreading her dead brother's ashes as her brother's last wish to her and his best friend. The problem is that the stoic Dominic Perry is not anyway she wants to be around having shared a tumultuous past with him leaving her heartbroken.
The story takes you on extended road trips happening over a couple years of going from one destination to another to read and enact Maddie's brother's wishes in all the states and places he couldn't end up getting to when he was alive.
This book explores what it means to grieve. How the past trauma we experience can effect our current way of processing the grief. There is no timeline and no set way to go through it, only that you have to go through it.
Maddie comes from a past of neglect, and that trauma really impacts her when here brother "leaves" her when he dies. Even though it was not his fault, her anger throughout the story is palpable. As she is forced to get closer to Dom, she starts to let her walls fall down, and think that maybe he deserves another chance.
Dom is able to ride the waves of Maddie's emotions and know what she truly needs and provide that caring nonjudgmental space for one another. He truly knows her and supports her in any way he can. The chemistry between these too is extremely intense and once they give into it, it is something that cannot be denied.
I really loved seeing how much growth Maddie had throughout her journey of grieving. She was stubborn, but eventually she started to really see how she was in her own way and let down her walls to be vulnerable with Dom and her friends that really cared for her.
I felt like this book had such a unique and emotional storyline that will have you laughing, crying, and blushing. The best things you want out of a romance! This one will be staying with me for a long time and I can't recommend it enough.
Thank you to Berkley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Read this for:
- Road trip
- She hates him but really loves him
- Forced proximity
- Brother's best friend
- Asthma rep
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Childhood crush
- Second chance
Maddie Sanderson is forced to go on a road trip spreading her dead brother's ashes as her brother's last wish to her and his best friend. The problem is that the stoic Dominic Perry is not anyway she wants to be around having shared a tumultuous past with him leaving her heartbroken.
The story takes you on extended road trips happening over a couple years of going from one destination to another to read and enact Maddie's brother's wishes in all the states and places he couldn't end up getting to when he was alive.
This book explores what it means to grieve. How the past trauma we experience can effect our current way of processing the grief. There is no timeline and no set way to go through it, only that you have to go through it.
Maddie comes from a past of neglect, and that trauma really impacts her when here brother "leaves" her when he dies. Even though it was not his fault, her anger throughout the story is palpable. As she is forced to get closer to Dom, she starts to let her walls fall down, and think that maybe he deserves another chance.
Dom is able to ride the waves of Maddie's emotions and know what she truly needs and provide that caring nonjudgmental space for one another. He truly knows her and supports her in any way he can. The chemistry between these too is extremely intense and once they give into it, it is something that cannot be denied.
I really loved seeing how much growth Maddie had throughout her journey of grieving. She was stubborn, but eventually she started to really see how she was in her own way and let down her walls to be vulnerable with Dom and her friends that really cared for her.
I felt like this book had such a unique and emotional storyline that will have you laughing, crying, and blushing. The best things you want out of a romance! This one will be staying with me for a long time and I can't recommend it enough.
Thank you to Berkley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2024
A human life is fleeting. We only get so much time before we run out. Sometimes, there is no warning. Sometimes, you get a heads up that the end is inevitable. Either way, death is a reminder of our ticking clock, and often shines a spotlight on what is important, and what is not. This is a theme that has come up a lot in my reading this year, and it strikes home every time. Because we're all alive, and one day, we won't be. What are we going to do with the time we have?
Before Josh Sanderson died of cancer, he wrote some letters to those he left behind. To his mother, his grandmother, and his friends. But to his best friend Dominic and his sister Maddie, he left a task: travel to the last eight states he never got to visit using the coordinates he left, scatter some of his ashes there, and read the letter he left for each place - together. The only problem is, Dominic Perry is the reason Maddie fled PA for the west coast all those years ago. If it were under any other circumstances, Maddie would've told them both to kick rocks, but Josh was the only person in the world who loved her, and she'll do anything read the letters he left.
I think my favorite part of the whole adventure was that Josh didn't spell out his reasons for sending them on their quest, leaving Maddie to speculate what his intentions could possibly have been. She comes up with several theories along the way, each of them making her reconsider everything she thought she knew.
I was pulled in from the very beginning by Maddie's snarky, heartbroken voice. Her backstory is devastating, and she's developed unhealthy coping mechanisms to survive. In the depths of her grief, she clings to them harder than ever, but the journey through the eight destinations illuminates the need for changes.
Dominic is the strong silent type. Through so much of the book, all we really see from him are 'looks'. He's staring at her, he has a strange look on his face, you know the drill. It leaves a lot of room for the reader to project what they want him to be thinking, which is clever. The one complaint I have is that Connolly WAY overused the phrase 'the man', when referring to him, especially at the beginning.
The themes in his book are heavy, but it reads very much like a rom-com. There is plenty of banter to enjoy, and a lot of personal growth for our MC. There is a fun cast of friends which make me hope there might be another book featuring one of them (Tula?) still to come. This was my first Lauren Connolly book, and it certainly won't be my last!
Thank you to Berkley & Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released on December 3rd, 2024, but it is currently available for pre-order!
Before Josh Sanderson died of cancer, he wrote some letters to those he left behind. To his mother, his grandmother, and his friends. But to his best friend Dominic and his sister Maddie, he left a task: travel to the last eight states he never got to visit using the coordinates he left, scatter some of his ashes there, and read the letter he left for each place - together. The only problem is, Dominic Perry is the reason Maddie fled PA for the west coast all those years ago. If it were under any other circumstances, Maddie would've told them both to kick rocks, but Josh was the only person in the world who loved her, and she'll do anything read the letters he left.
I think my favorite part of the whole adventure was that Josh didn't spell out his reasons for sending them on their quest, leaving Maddie to speculate what his intentions could possibly have been. She comes up with several theories along the way, each of them making her reconsider everything she thought she knew.
I was pulled in from the very beginning by Maddie's snarky, heartbroken voice. Her backstory is devastating, and she's developed unhealthy coping mechanisms to survive. In the depths of her grief, she clings to them harder than ever, but the journey through the eight destinations illuminates the need for changes.
Dominic is the strong silent type. Through so much of the book, all we really see from him are 'looks'. He's staring at her, he has a strange look on his face, you know the drill. It leaves a lot of room for the reader to project what they want him to be thinking, which is clever. The one complaint I have is that Connolly WAY overused the phrase 'the man', when referring to him, especially at the beginning.
The themes in his book are heavy, but it reads very much like a rom-com. There is plenty of banter to enjoy, and a lot of personal growth for our MC. There is a fun cast of friends which make me hope there might be another book featuring one of them (Tula?) still to come. This was my first Lauren Connolly book, and it certainly won't be my last!
Thank you to Berkley & Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released on December 3rd, 2024, but it is currently available for pre-order!
August 26, 2024
RUN, do not walk, to add this one to your TBR!! I enjoyed every single page of this adventurous, contemporary romance, filled with laugh-out-loud sarcasm and morbid humor, scavenger hunts, sour patch pirates, puzzles, letterman jackets, cheese boards, matching tattoos, second chances at love, and finding a way through grief. 💕
Synopsis: Maddie’s brother Josh’s dying wish is for her to scatter his ashes in the eight states he never got to visit during his adventures as a wildlife photographer… Unfortunately, Josh wants her to complete this task with his best friend Dom, who happens to have broken Maddie’s heart, and she’s done her best to avoid him ever since. Can their shared experience of losing Josh and a storm that leaves them with only one room change the course of their relationship?
Three things I LOVED about this book:
1️⃣ Maddie and Dom’s complementary personalities. 👏🏼 Maddie hilariously refers to Dom as “Mr. Responsible Asshole” and to herself as a “sarcastic troll person” and these traits are SO spot on. I loved their quirks, the way their differences made them butt heads sometimes, but also how they balanced each other out.
2️⃣ The best supporting characters! 🤩 Dom’s twin brothers Adam and Carter, and Maddie’s best friend Jeremy were all so fiercely in her corner, and added some amazing comic relief.
3️⃣ That plot twist near the end! 😱 I love a good happily ever after, but I did not see this other plot point coming at all!
“If I have one day left, or thousands, I want you to be in every one of them.” 💕
read if you like:
+ brother’s best friend
+ friends to enemies to lovers
+ scavenger hunt / road trip vibes
+ one bed (with some major spice after a loooonnggg slow burn!)
+ found family
+ grief processing
thank you soooo much to @berkleypub, @netgalley, and @laurenconnollyromance for the e-arc! I adored this book! 🙌🏼
Synopsis: Maddie’s brother Josh’s dying wish is for her to scatter his ashes in the eight states he never got to visit during his adventures as a wildlife photographer… Unfortunately, Josh wants her to complete this task with his best friend Dom, who happens to have broken Maddie’s heart, and she’s done her best to avoid him ever since. Can their shared experience of losing Josh and a storm that leaves them with only one room change the course of their relationship?
Three things I LOVED about this book:
1️⃣ Maddie and Dom’s complementary personalities. 👏🏼 Maddie hilariously refers to Dom as “Mr. Responsible Asshole” and to herself as a “sarcastic troll person” and these traits are SO spot on. I loved their quirks, the way their differences made them butt heads sometimes, but also how they balanced each other out.
2️⃣ The best supporting characters! 🤩 Dom’s twin brothers Adam and Carter, and Maddie’s best friend Jeremy were all so fiercely in her corner, and added some amazing comic relief.
3️⃣ That plot twist near the end! 😱 I love a good happily ever after, but I did not see this other plot point coming at all!
“If I have one day left, or thousands, I want you to be in every one of them.” 💕
read if you like:
+ brother’s best friend
+ friends to enemies to lovers
+ scavenger hunt / road trip vibes
+ one bed (with some major spice after a loooonnggg slow burn!)
+ found family
+ grief processing
thank you soooo much to @berkleypub, @netgalley, and @laurenconnollyromance for the e-arc! I adored this book! 🙌🏼
September 2, 2024
Firstly, thank you so much to Quercus, Netgalley & Lauren for the opportunity to read The ARC of PS. I Hate You in exchange for honest feedback 🫶🏻
This was an absolute pleasure to read & I have never related to a character more. Maddie Sanderson has been through a horrific time after losing her brother (Josh - the light in her life) to cancer and deals with it through sarcastic humour & snapping at everyone, especially those closest to her. Rather than opening up about her true feelings & fears and showing her vulnerable side, she suffers alone with the worry that everyone will leave her 🖤✨️
Queue Dom... the looming best friend of Josh & a guy that Maddie had a huge crush on years ago, until she didn't - I'll say no more! 👀 They have a wee bit of history, and it's safe to they're not a huuuge fan of each other when they're forced into becoming travel companions 🫣 🛩
For a story that you'd expect to be raw, dark, vulnerable and emotional (which it absolutely is - I cried a couple of times! 😭), Lauren injects perfectly placed humour which shows that everyone deals with their grief in their own way, and that it's okay that everyone deals with it differently.
This story hit me pretty hard because I lost my little sister in 2003 when she was 9 & I was 11; she was born with a rare genetic condition, so different circumstances, but this book felt like a heavy, warm blanket over my shoulders that made me feel less alone and like someone understood 🦋
I genuinely loved everything about this story & it will stay with me for a long time. I'll be recommending it to everyone 🖤 This is my favourite book of the year & it will absolutely be added to my all-time favourites list.
🦋 'Just Keep Living' 🦋
This was an absolute pleasure to read & I have never related to a character more. Maddie Sanderson has been through a horrific time after losing her brother (Josh - the light in her life) to cancer and deals with it through sarcastic humour & snapping at everyone, especially those closest to her. Rather than opening up about her true feelings & fears and showing her vulnerable side, she suffers alone with the worry that everyone will leave her 🖤✨️
Queue Dom... the looming best friend of Josh & a guy that Maddie had a huge crush on years ago, until she didn't - I'll say no more! 👀 They have a wee bit of history, and it's safe to they're not a huuuge fan of each other when they're forced into becoming travel companions 🫣 🛩
For a story that you'd expect to be raw, dark, vulnerable and emotional (which it absolutely is - I cried a couple of times! 😭), Lauren injects perfectly placed humour which shows that everyone deals with their grief in their own way, and that it's okay that everyone deals with it differently.
This story hit me pretty hard because I lost my little sister in 2003 when she was 9 & I was 11; she was born with a rare genetic condition, so different circumstances, but this book felt like a heavy, warm blanket over my shoulders that made me feel less alone and like someone understood 🦋
I genuinely loved everything about this story & it will stay with me for a long time. I'll be recommending it to everyone 🖤 This is my favourite book of the year & it will absolutely be added to my all-time favourites list.
🦋 'Just Keep Living' 🦋
August 8, 2024
ARC Review: PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly
Pub Date: December 3
Thanks to @berkleyromance for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thanks to @bookswithnopictures and @justtalkingtomyshelf for arranging this traveling ARC! I had such a good time reading this one.
When Maddie's brother dies, he asks her to do one final thing for him - spread his ashes in the states he didn't get to visit. Josh was the biggest adventurer and Maddie...is not. But she agrees to do this for her brother. The only problem is that he also asked his best friend, Dom, to undertake this journey with her. After Dom broke Maddie's heart when they were younger, she has no interest in rekindling any sort of relationship with him. But, she can't ignore her brothers last wishes so she reluctantly agrees to go on these trips with Dom.
My GOSH you guys this book - it's a heartbreaking story of grief, loss, and protecting yourself from hurt - I cried multiple times towards the end. Like literal tears running down my face. But it also made me laugh out loud?!? It's honestly the perfect mix for this book, I have absolutely no notes.
The banter between Maddie and Dom is absolute perfection - Maddie is also just such a complex character and all of her actions throughout the book make a lot of sense given the context of her experiences. Going from enemies to almost friends to lovers felt like the perfect arc for Maddie and Dom's relationship. And I actually like that this book is single POV! I think Maddie has so much to work through that it's helpful to be in her brain the whole time but also I think readers can clearly see that Dom has loved her the whole time. So watching Maddie come to that realization is really satisfying.
I also loved all of the side characters - Maddie's friends who don't let her hide from them and her brother Josh (because even though he's no longer alive, he is absolutely a side character here!).
Pub Date: December 3
Thanks to @berkleyromance for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thanks to @bookswithnopictures and @justtalkingtomyshelf for arranging this traveling ARC! I had such a good time reading this one.
When Maddie's brother dies, he asks her to do one final thing for him - spread his ashes in the states he didn't get to visit. Josh was the biggest adventurer and Maddie...is not. But she agrees to do this for her brother. The only problem is that he also asked his best friend, Dom, to undertake this journey with her. After Dom broke Maddie's heart when they were younger, she has no interest in rekindling any sort of relationship with him. But, she can't ignore her brothers last wishes so she reluctantly agrees to go on these trips with Dom.
My GOSH you guys this book - it's a heartbreaking story of grief, loss, and protecting yourself from hurt - I cried multiple times towards the end. Like literal tears running down my face. But it also made me laugh out loud?!? It's honestly the perfect mix for this book, I have absolutely no notes.
The banter between Maddie and Dom is absolute perfection - Maddie is also just such a complex character and all of her actions throughout the book make a lot of sense given the context of her experiences. Going from enemies to almost friends to lovers felt like the perfect arc for Maddie and Dom's relationship. And I actually like that this book is single POV! I think Maddie has so much to work through that it's helpful to be in her brain the whole time but also I think readers can clearly see that Dom has loved her the whole time. So watching Maddie come to that realization is really satisfying.
I also loved all of the side characters - Maddie's friends who don't let her hide from them and her brother Josh (because even though he's no longer alive, he is absolutely a side character here!).
June 22, 2024
If you just looked at the tropes this would be a second chance, brother's best friends romance, with a dose of forced proximity and only one room left at the inn. But PS: I Hate you was so much more than the sum of it's tropes. It is a bittersweet love story about going through the grief of losing your most beloved person while trying to navigate the wounds of your first heartbreak. It was about learning to trust people and take the risks that are worth it in spite of your family trauma and fear of abandonment. It's about letting your support system help you through the tough times, because that's what friends are for.
While I love the Rom-Com, contemporary romance genre, I don't always go in expecting to think deeply and feel so much. I read this in one sitting, and it brought me to tears multiple times. I loved these characters, and I would have gladly spent a few more years with them. Their deep love for their brother and best friend was endearing, the way they navigated through their grief felt real, and their love story was bittersweet perfection. Our MMC took awhile to give us the full story, and when he finally did I fully melted and forgave him immediately. He has everything I want in a perfect fictional man: steadfastness, patience, grunting and veiny forearms.
All the stars for PS: I hate you. 10/10 must recommend.
While I love the Rom-Com, contemporary romance genre, I don't always go in expecting to think deeply and feel so much. I read this in one sitting, and it brought me to tears multiple times. I loved these characters, and I would have gladly spent a few more years with them. Their deep love for their brother and best friend was endearing, the way they navigated through their grief felt real, and their love story was bittersweet perfection. Our MMC took awhile to give us the full story, and when he finally did I fully melted and forgave him immediately. He has everything I want in a perfect fictional man: steadfastness, patience, grunting and veiny forearms.
All the stars for PS: I hate you. 10/10 must recommend.
July 1, 2024
This book absolutely slayed me
But in a completely amazing way. I read the first 20% of the book with tears in my eyes, a tight chest, and second-hand moral outrage burning in my gut. I read the last 20% of the book working my way through a box of tissues - literally. It looked like I had a snow pile next to me.
I am not a huge fan of emotionally devastating books - there’s generally enough of that in real life, in my opinion - however I am a huge fan of Lauren. And as usual, she delivers in this book. The emotions of the characters are so very real that this book really is quite the journey. There is plenty of humour sprinkled through the entire story, and moments of perfectly timed comic relief.
If you are struggling with grief or loss yourself, I’d suggest reading with a bit of caution. This book is so very well written and immersive, that it could be a bit much to take on - or, it could be the perfect story to help guide you through. Only you can know.
No matter what is going on in your life, I’d suggest that anyone who dives in to this heartrendingly beautiful story, have some tissues handy, and if you aren't into public displays of emotion, this may not be the right book for your commute!
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
But in a completely amazing way. I read the first 20% of the book with tears in my eyes, a tight chest, and second-hand moral outrage burning in my gut. I read the last 20% of the book working my way through a box of tissues - literally. It looked like I had a snow pile next to me.
I am not a huge fan of emotionally devastating books - there’s generally enough of that in real life, in my opinion - however I am a huge fan of Lauren. And as usual, she delivers in this book. The emotions of the characters are so very real that this book really is quite the journey. There is plenty of humour sprinkled through the entire story, and moments of perfectly timed comic relief.
If you are struggling with grief or loss yourself, I’d suggest reading with a bit of caution. This book is so very well written and immersive, that it could be a bit much to take on - or, it could be the perfect story to help guide you through. Only you can know.
No matter what is going on in your life, I’d suggest that anyone who dives in to this heartrendingly beautiful story, have some tissues handy, and if you aren't into public displays of emotion, this may not be the right book for your commute!
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
July 2, 2024
P.S. I Hate You by Lauren Connolly was a great read. Maddie’s brother Josh sends her on missions via road trips after he passes from cancer. But Josh wants her to complete the missions with his best friend Dominic who she is not thrilled with. Together they navigate visiting different places around the US and their relationship.
This story was very good, and very raw. The characters touched me deeply and walking through their story was powerful. Maddie and Josh’s lives were very hard, and I appreciated how they changed and worked through their issues. Dom and Maddie are complicated and I enjoyed watching their story play out and their transformation. As someone who has walked through grief the deep emotions were well done.
I enjoyed the banter, romance, some surprises, and the transformations of the characters. I highly recommend PS I Hate You by Laruen Connolly.
I was given a copy by the publisher, but not required to write a positive review.
CW below
CW grief; child neglect, open door, grief with anger, abandonment issues
This story was very good, and very raw. The characters touched me deeply and walking through their story was powerful. Maddie and Josh’s lives were very hard, and I appreciated how they changed and worked through their issues. Dom and Maddie are complicated and I enjoyed watching their story play out and their transformation. As someone who has walked through grief the deep emotions were well done.
I enjoyed the banter, romance, some surprises, and the transformations of the characters. I highly recommend PS I Hate You by Laruen Connolly.
I was given a copy by the publisher, but not required to write a positive review.
CW below
CW grief; child neglect, open door, grief with anger, abandonment issues
August 15, 2024
I received an advance copy of this book to review from Quercus Books, via NetGalley. I really appreciated the opportunity to do this!
I so rarely describe a book this way, but this was life-changing. I am struggling to come up with the words to accurately convey how good this book is, and how much I loved it. I was hooked a few pages in, and the story consumed my thoughts from every moment thereafter.
This is not only a beautiful romance, but a raw and honest journey of grief.
I was smiling, laughing, crying, swooning...you name it! And sometimes multiple of those from the same page. I felt every emotion as if I was Maddie. I felt her grief. I understood her insecurities. I celebrated her triumphs. And I definitely live for her snarky humour.
Lauren Connolly - you and your team have done something so special here. This book deserves every accolade sent its way. I look forward to seeing this grace the best seller's lists when it's released!
I could not recommend this book more. Please read it!
Thank you again!
I so rarely describe a book this way, but this was life-changing. I am struggling to come up with the words to accurately convey how good this book is, and how much I loved it. I was hooked a few pages in, and the story consumed my thoughts from every moment thereafter.
This is not only a beautiful romance, but a raw and honest journey of grief.
I was smiling, laughing, crying, swooning...you name it! And sometimes multiple of those from the same page. I felt every emotion as if I was Maddie. I felt her grief. I understood her insecurities. I celebrated her triumphs. And I definitely live for her snarky humour.
Lauren Connolly - you and your team have done something so special here. This book deserves every accolade sent its way. I look forward to seeing this grace the best seller's lists when it's released!
I could not recommend this book more. Please read it!
Thank you again!
June 13, 2024
Wow! An emotionally moving story
A beautiful story of loss, love and a brother’s final wishes.
Such a deeply emotional story that had me laughing out loud then crying multiple times throughout, eager to keep reading.
Faced with sharing a heartbreaking task with her teenage crush, who just so happened to hurt her badly many years ago, Maddie must now accept Dom’s part in the adventure they both have to partake in.
Unable to accept being so close to Dom and all the emotions he evokes in her she finds herself wanting to hurt and lash out at him.
Dom ever patient allows Maddie to set the tone and pace each time they head off together.
Can Maddie get over her insecurities?
Or will she sabotage what is growing between her and Dom and forever be distrustful of anything good happening in her life?
Secrets were uncovered and truths told along the way making this a truly beautiful and heart wrenching story.
I loved the storyline, all of the characters and their evolving relationships.
A beautiful story of loss, love and a brother’s final wishes.
Such a deeply emotional story that had me laughing out loud then crying multiple times throughout, eager to keep reading.
Faced with sharing a heartbreaking task with her teenage crush, who just so happened to hurt her badly many years ago, Maddie must now accept Dom’s part in the adventure they both have to partake in.
Unable to accept being so close to Dom and all the emotions he evokes in her she finds herself wanting to hurt and lash out at him.
Dom ever patient allows Maddie to set the tone and pace each time they head off together.
Can Maddie get over her insecurities?
Or will she sabotage what is growing between her and Dom and forever be distrustful of anything good happening in her life?
Secrets were uncovered and truths told along the way making this a truly beautiful and heart wrenching story.
I loved the storyline, all of the characters and their evolving relationships.
June 28, 2024
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Final wishes are a funny thing. My mom asked to be scattered under a tree at our home but it seemed so final to me so I kept a bit of her and took her on the trip she planned for us to Yellowstone and the Tetons (her final gift to us before she died). It was really cathartic and beautiful to share picnics and the scenes with her ashes. Lauren Connolly’s P.S. I Hate You conveyed this sentiment perfectly. When Maddie is tasked with spreading her brother’s ashes with his best friend in the states he never visited, she is less than thrilled to travel with the man she had a failed summer fling with years ago. This beautiful, heartfelt rom com tackles grief in an unconventional yet moving manner that gives the reader permission to grieve and feel the feelings in your own way. Life is too dang short not to live it on our own terms with the people we love and Lauren Connolly celebrates this poignantly in her new novel P.S. I Hate You Too.
June 15, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this book, with my honest review below.
PS I Hate You blended a story about growing through grief with a road trip romance. While this was a combination I didn’t know could work well it did exceptionally well here, reading as bittersweet throughout in a heart rending way and ending extremely hopeful which was just perfect after the journey. Maddie and Dom are honoring Maddie’’s brother’s final wishes on their series of trips and inadvertently fulfilling one of his unspoken ones. Maddie grew to throughout the story but both acted as perfect foils to one another. I love to be taken to a different place in books and this fulfilled that but also the hit some deeper emotions. I would highly recommend this if you want to go just a little deeper in your destination fiction.
PS I Hate You blended a story about growing through grief with a road trip romance. While this was a combination I didn’t know could work well it did exceptionally well here, reading as bittersweet throughout in a heart rending way and ending extremely hopeful which was just perfect after the journey. Maddie and Dom are honoring Maddie’’s brother’s final wishes on their series of trips and inadvertently fulfilling one of his unspoken ones. Maddie grew to throughout the story but both acted as perfect foils to one another. I love to be taken to a different place in books and this fulfilled that but also the hit some deeper emotions. I would highly recommend this if you want to go just a little deeper in your destination fiction.
June 15, 2024
This book broke me and put the pieces back together again. The amount of time I laughed and sobbed during this book were too many to count. It was really perfectly done and I'm not exaggerating when I say this has become one of my favorite books. The journey this book took me through was so heartwarming and real, and I was so invested in the characters and watching them find their way to each other. The book spans 2 years after Josh dies and is 44 chapters long, but it still didn't feel like enough time with the characters. I never wanted this book to end. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book
July 3, 2024
I recently found Lauren Connelly and I have to say she is a brilliant author. However, this book is just a masterpiece.
Maddie is dealing with the loss of her brother, a toxic family and is now expected to travel with a man she loved from afar but rejected her as soon as he had her. Maddie has so much depth and character and I feel her pain and her love. This is not just a story of love, it’s a story of growth, of loss, and of found family.
I could not put this down. At all. I stayed up late and got up early. This has been in my brain from the moment I picked it up.
All I have to say is that this is all I see.
Thank you Lauren, Berkeley and Netgally for the ARC.
Maddie is dealing with the loss of her brother, a toxic family and is now expected to travel with a man she loved from afar but rejected her as soon as he had her. Maddie has so much depth and character and I feel her pain and her love. This is not just a story of love, it’s a story of growth, of loss, and of found family.
I could not put this down. At all. I stayed up late and got up early. This has been in my brain from the moment I picked it up.
All I have to say is that this is all I see.
Thank you Lauren, Berkeley and Netgally for the ARC.
June 20, 2024
Thank you, Edelweiss, for the ARC copy! This was one of the best books I have read this year! I cried, laughed, and got angry. I felt like I had gone through all the emotions possible. The character development was excellent, and I enjoyed the backstories. The angst between Maddie and Dom was great and wasn't rushed, but it also created a buildup that was worth the read. I recommend reading this book with some tissues nearby! Loved it! I can't wait to see what Ms. Connolly has in store for us in the next book!
August 1, 2024
While this is a second chance, slow burn romance, it's also a book about grief. A messy, real book about grief and connection and trauma and mistakes and healing trust and growth. I didn't always agree with the choices the characters made, but I appreciated how real life this felt. And I loved the travel destinations I'm adding to my bucket list. ❤️ It's a great one to discuss.
Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy with me. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy with me. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2024
Went into this expecting just another romcom-y enemies to lovers fluff story, but was pleasantly surprised by how much more it had to offer. It still had some pretty good enemies-to-lovers dynamics but the characters were nuanced and relatable, and the portrayal of grief and loss felt authentic and believable. This is probably one I would re-read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC
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