Review: To Have and to Hate

✩✩✩✩

Marry a man I barely know to save my family from ruin.

It might’ve been simple, if my betrothed were anybody else.

On our wedding day, my husband-to-be arrived at the courthouse like a black cloud rolling over Manhattan. Walt didn’t crack smiles or pepper in pleasantries as we exchanged hollow vows in front of the judge.

His disdain for me was so palpable I assumed we’d walk out of that ceremony and resume our regularly scheduled programming. But then fate was like, Hold my beer. I got this.

In desperate need of help and with nowhere else to turn, I had no choice but to ignore a crucial rule in our contract: I shall only contact Mr. Jennings II in case of emergency. But hey, what’s a little fine print between husband and wife?

Turns out, Walt’s a stickler for legalese—I think it might be his love language. Oh, and his attitude at the courthouse wasn’t a put-on. My so-called husband is a jerk. He takes what he wants without giving any consideration to other people—specifically ME, his blushing, contractually-obligated bride!

I knew life with Walt would be no honeymoon, but a marriage of any sort should still come with a few standard guarantees:

To have and to hold.

For richer or poorer.

In sickness and in health.

But after experiencing Walt’s version of wedded bliss, I say let’s forget about all that lovey-dovey crap and just take me straight to death do us part.

Genre: contemporary romance

Publication date: March 2021

Mature content: yes

Review: I loved the first part of this book. Walt and Elizabeth's un-marriage is just about perfect - not. I liked Elizabeth's ability to stand up for herself - even if she was forced to marry a man she hardly knew. And I loved Walt's attention to the details, especially those that concern his new wife. Despite all his feigned indifference, he tries to make Elizabeth happy - in his own way - from the beginning. 

 

I found the second part of the book a bit weaker - hence just the four stars rating. Elizabeth looses a bit of her backbone and quite frankly some of the sex scenes seem to have been written in to tick the boxes of some checklist and don't really match the rest of the plot. 

Overall, however, this arranged-marriage-with-a-twist story is fairly good. To Have and to Hate will account for a few well spent hours - and is likely to put a smile on your face.

Happy readings!

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