Hating Dr Fox

Aussie Cravings #3

by Layla Pine

Georgina Menzies might be having a quarter-life crisis …

She just quit her eight-year career to work in television production. And when her boyfriend of two years calls to break up, all she feels is relief.

But that relief flies out the window when she discovers that her first job as showrunner is a documentary about a sexy Sydney vet—a man who, as an eighteen-year-old, broke her heart …

She’s determined to keep things professional … with maybe a couple of little tweaks, to punish him just a teeny bit …

***

When Xander Fox discovers that the woman producing his new documentary series is his high school sweetheart, and the girl who ghosted him after one stupid teenage mistake, twelve years of anger and bitterness resurface.

He’s determined to get through filming with the minimum of fuss … but how will that be possible when Georgie seems hell-bent on driving him insane?

Stuck together in a small town, all their old resentments, old hurts, and old chemistry re-ignite … and their frustration feels a hell of a lot like foreplay …

Genres: Romance

454 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2023

About the author

Layla has been writing stories ever since she could pick up a pencil and shape words. The most memorable works of her tween and teen years included a rap version of 'Little Red Riding Hood' and an embarrassingly spicy high school camp/murder mystery (which was possibly a sign of things to come).

​
Layla studied Communications at Newcastle University in NSW, Australia, and worked as a buyer and marketing coordinator in the education sector, before joining her husband in the family retail business. That's still her day job (she's very lucky her boss is pretty lenient, or she'd never get any writing done).


Layla lives on an acreage in regional NSW with her husband, two rambunctious children, four mostly feral cats, and an ancient German Shepherd who still thinks he's a puppy. Oh, and some angry Plovers that swoop her every spring without fail.

Reviews

[Nikki - Nikki's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I picked this book up I was reminded why I love Laylas writing so much.

This book is a second chance romance set in a small town with plenty of lovable characters, including pets!
It's written in dual point of view with now and then chapters, which flowed so well and didn't take away from the story whatsoever. I felt like the chapters with snipits of the past not only gave an understanding of their history together but also helped me connect with the characters.

Xander and Georgies story is full of ups and downs, heartache and happiness (and also the amazing spicey scenes we expect for Laylas' writing).
I loved the TV show aspect for a bit of fun and added tension.
This story truely highlighted the fact that we can't allow our past mistakes to hold us back.

I can not recommend this book or the Aussie cravings series enough.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankyou to Layla for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first I've read of Layla's and after much recommendation from a friend, I decided to take the leap with Xandar and Georgina.
This gorgeous second chance, small town Aussie romance was such a cosy, easy read and the writing made it extremely easy to devour.

There was dual POV with a now and then swap, giving outline to their history together which unfurled a beautiful story in the last 15% of the book.

You need not read the others in the series to understand this, but I'd be keen to go on and read the other books in Aussie Cravings.

Solid spice, did NOT disappoint. Representation from non-binary characters, pets, and really healthy discussions about pain, growth and relationships.

Trigger warnings: death of animals, cancer.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Layla Pine for providing me ARC of this book 💖

This is the first book from Layla that I’ve read and it definitely won’t be the last! Second Chance romance is not a trope I particularly gravitate towards however I ate this one up. The past and present timelines were very seamless and easy to follow along with. Not fully knowing what happened in the past between Georgie and Xander made me turn the pages quicker and quicker as I needed to know what happened…which I did guess half of the big plot twist, but I was so heartbroken for Georgie 😭😩

I loved the Aussie references especially Smiths salt and vinegar chips and cannot forgot about Bubble O’Bill (iykyk 🥵) I also love books with reality tv shows imbedded into it so that made it such a fun read. Both Mollys and Jumbo were my absolute fave and made me shed a few tears 😅

The spice was also phenomenal and the Ute scene was 👩‍🍳 💋

Overall, I absolutely love Layla’s writing and now I’m going to go back and read the other two in this series 😍

[ems_booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: death of an animal, cancer.

From the beginning of this book right until the very end, it reminded me exactly why I am so obsessed with this author.

Here’s what you need to know. This is a second chance, small town romance between Georgina and Xander (who we meet in Strokes at Midnight) who were childhood best friends. It is Dual POV, dual timeline. It has non binary representation, it has life altering events and medical aspects, as well as representation of realistic, small town communities and their challenges.

I am blown away. Every book I read from this author sets the bar a step higher every single time, and she never disappoints.

This book felt like home to me. I grew up in a small community just like this one, and have lived through the trials of being a small community just like the characters in this books. The characters are loveable, quirky and absolutely hilarious. They are a true representation of what it is like to be a true blue Aussie.

The spice hits the right spot every single time. The relationships that are explored, and what the characters are into are unique and different every single time. The banter is just right. The tropes are spot on to match the growth and personality of the characters.

There was scenes of friendship in the flashbacks, heartache too, deepening the relationship of not only Xander and Georgie, but the relationship they both shared with Dom as well.

I highly recommend this book, and the first 2 books of the Aussie Cravings series, to everyone who loves a good romance series that explores many different tropes and walks of life.

[Meagan Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional roller coaster this book was! Whenever there’s animals involved I’m bound to cry, gets me in the feels every time.
The mystery of what happened in their past kept me turning the pages wanting to get to the juicy reveal and even though I had guessed part of what happened I didn’t get it all and I love that. Keeps me on my toes.
And it made me want a Bubble O Bill real bad!!

[Sam Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jan 2024 Re-read: still love it, especially with the added context of now having read Ace My Heart and Strokes At Midnight. Looking forward to Dom’s book - even if I’m not a fan of the big age gap trope.

Original read September 2023

Special thanks to Layla for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is admittedly the first of Layla’s Aussie Cravings series I’ve read - but it won’t be the last.

Hating Dr Fox is about Georgie and Xander who grew up together and fell in love until a tragedy of miscommunication and misunderstandings tore them apart. Now as adults, they’re thrown together in outback NSW to make a reality TV Show centred around Xander, a Bondi vet, with Georgie making her official debut as show runner. Hilarity, heartbreak and unbelievable tension ensure.

I’ve read the reality TV romance genre before but this is genuinely my favourite so far - it had all of the angst and romance and chemistry that had me on the edge of my seat. The characters felt real and well-rounded, the narrative was strong, the writing was genuinely good, and the Australian verbiage and setting was really refreshing. As an Aussie myself I love to see Bubble O’Bills get the respect that they deserve.

Georgie’s resistance to Xander did start to get a bit frustrating by around 60% and the push/pull could have been shaved back a little to get to the conclusion, but overall I really liked how the romance played out.

I had a great time with this book and highly recommend it! I’ll be taking a cold shower tonight then curling up with the fuzziest of feelings.

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers, second chance, small town romance, reality TV.

Trigger warnings:
Loss of a pet, miscommunication, illness and pregnancy termination.

[Jessica Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to say thank you to Layla for allowing me the opportunity to read an arc. This book was so good. I loved all the characters and the style of writing. I cried with them and laughed with them and just had so much fun reading this book. Layla is so good at this type of genre.

[Charley’s Book Diary · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my Australian girlies this is a must read. You’ll never look at a Bubble-o-bill the same again🥵It’s sexy hot and emotional all at once.

Georgie left Xander and Dom in the dust 12yrs ago after a catastrophic event. Now she must produce a show called the Beach vet goes Bush, the star of the show of course is hot Xander.

After 12yrs the chemistry is out of this world but she’s still keeping secrets and doesn’t want to dredge up the past.

She’s determined to film this 3month show and go back to Sydney and forget Xander again. But it’s really not that easy is it.

The sexual tension in this book had me so riled up and once you find out about the catastrophic event that occurred you will be balling your eyes out.

I absolutely loved this book and Layla has done a magnificent job!!

Thank you so much Layla for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. I can’t wait to read the other two

[Terri All Spice Archive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hating DR Fox was definitely a journey. There was alot of tension building between Georgie and Xander for the first half ofnthe book. With it being teased something happened previously but neither willing to talk about it. The last 40% was where its at and was hard to put down. I really enjoyed the story of Georgie and Xander and seeing the other characters appear and the teasing of Dom's book to. The spice was really well done!!!

[Pandora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet and spicy second chance romance.
I loved going from 'then' to 'now' with Xander and Georgie to explore how their relationship first started and how they've been thrown back together. I also loved all the little Australian isms, especially the Bubble O Bill 😉
There are lots of moments that will make you laugh and also moments that will make you cry but this book is absolutely worth it. I can't wait to explore Dom's story next.

[Kristen Weber-Moll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a must read for any romance lovers out there. Layla knows how to write the pants off (pun intended) a spicy scene!

I loved the country town vibes, and could feel the tension through the pages.

[Day Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book via ARC -

This is JUST CHEF KISS!!!! Friends to enemies to lovers forced proximity small town and TAYLOR SWIFT?????? Yes give it to me all. Layla did it again with a well written plot that got me crying, spiced and laughing. Is just the perfect mix! I ADORE Xander and Georgie story. But I am a fan of Georgie as a resilient woman who never stoped being a swiftie 💛💛💛💛💛💛

[Jennah Sobevski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never get tired of reading Layla’s books, and this one is no exception. This second chance romance is both heartwarming with lots of laugh out loud moments, and heart-wrenching with a back story that will make you ugly cry. I love that we get to see the other characters from the Aussie Cravings world and I cannot wait for Dom’s story.

This book does contain some heavy topics, so be sure to check out the trigger warnings before reading, but Layla handles them with great care.

Congratulations on another great book!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg this was such a great read! The spice is 5 ⭐️ and it keep you on your toes! That twist at the end I did not see coming!!! I loved all the banter between the FMC Georgie and the MMC Xander!

[Satchel Paige (Southernbellbookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hating Dr Fox Beta Read

WOW where do I even start?? This book had me all in the feels and the emotional journey through the story was perfection!! I have so many thoughts but not sure how to get them all out so this may change lol.

Georgie is producing a reality TV show featuring a certain vet she has a long history with. What started out as a way to get a little revenge on him for what he’d done to her 12 years ago, becomes so much more; more anger, more thoughts and fears, more tension, more of everything she’s not ready for.

Xander has spent the last 12 years trying to get over his first love, the one who ghosted him because of one stupid mistake as a teen. When she ends up being the producer of the show, he isn’t sure how he’s going to make it three months in close proximity to the person who hates him more than anything.

They are riled up with pent up frustration and unresolved feelings leading to some very steamy encounters! It’s all just fun and games though right?? The looks, the touches, the pinky holding (swoon), are just the tip of the iceberg!

We get to relive each moment of their childhood from both of their POVs and is weaved throughout the events of present day. Both of them have been through so much and were essentially broken, along with their best friend Dom. As the past unfolds, nothing is as it seems and the real reasons of the fall out had me in tears. Layla had me bawling my eyes out on numerous occasions because I felt the hurt, I could imagine being right there seeing and hearing the angry exchanges, the guilt, the loss, the “just make it not hurt” moments. I loved their journey through the pain, the past, and everything in between!!

Phenomenal story! Great job Layla (and thank you for the special surprise)!

[Tez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to author Layla Pine for my ARC copy of Hating Dr Fox.

‘I hooked my pinkie over his, squeezing. He squeezed back, his breaths ragged. “I’m here,” I whispered’

Georgie is kicking goals in her career, so when she gets the opportunity to produce a new reality tv show about a Sydney vet going bush she accepts the challenge, only to discover that the star of the show is none other than the boy who broke her heart when she was 18yrs old.

When Bondi vet Xander discovers that Georgie is producing his new tv show all the old feeling resurface and he doesn’t know how he will last the three months in close proximity to the person who ghosted him for the past twelve years and who he believes hates him for the mistake he made all those years ago.

Both Georgie and Xander are determined to keep things professional but they cannot deny their attraction to each other and the brewing sexual tension between them leads to them both caving into their desires despite their unresolved issues. In the end Georgie has no other choice but to tell Xander what really happened that fateful night that changed things for them forever.

I really enjoyed this book, this is a second chance romance that is set in dual POV and also dual timeline as we are lead back to when the characters were teens and then to present day. This was done in such a way that it allowed the story to flow beautifully.
This story touched on so many topics from the plight of the drought in rural Australia to teen pregnancy, infidelity, illness, miscommunication and trust.

As with all of Layla’s books the spice was perfect and I can honestly say I’ll never be able to look at a Bubble O Bull ice cream the same again! 😉

[Have you seen Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never actually had a Bubble O'Bill ice cream before, but I am now convinced to try one after reading this book.

This story is so much more than a contemporary romance. It reflects life in such an honest way, and highlights some very real struggles that we may have to endure at one time or another.
Layla has such an easy to read, flowing writing style, and a talent for keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I couldn't stop turning each page because I needed to know the big secret that was driving the plot of the story and motivating the characters.
The small Aussie town was the perfect setting, and I really enjoyed the representation of life in Budgerigar and it's quirky residents which you couldn't help but love. It was great to see the story also highlighted not only how difficult being a vet can be but specifically a rural vet, which I believe to be an important message.
The book is written as a dual point of view, but also features a 'Then' and 'Now' format by the way of flashbacks. I felt that this was executed perfectly, with the flashbacks inserted seamlessly into the story, and giving us just the right amount of information about the characters each time.

The sexual tension between the two main characters was off the charts, and there was no shortage of spice which was very well written and fit smoothly into the storyline.

This is the third book in the Aussie Cravings series, but does work as a standalone story.
However, I guarantee that you won't be able to stop at just one Layla Pine novel after reading Hating Dr Fox.
I really enjoyed this book and give it 4 1/2 stars!

[Kita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been hanging out for book 3 of the Aussie Cravings series by Layla. This was such a sweet small town second chance/duel timeline story of former teenage loves that go 12 years without speaking to each other. So much to love about this. MMC Xander falls HARD and he is all about Georgie the FMC. Adorable animal sidekicks including a miniature sheep. Loveable small town characters with plenty of humour thrown in. It was also great to see Levi and Amanda back through this story (though it can easily be read as a stand alone if you haven’t read books 1 and 2).

There is plenty of drama in this story with some spice thrown in. Make sure you check the triggers as cancer and others are part of the storyline.

Can’t wait to read all about Dom’s love story!

What to expect
- duel timeline/duel POV
- Enemies to lovers
- Small town
- Second chance
- Adorable animal sidekicks
- Vet
- Documentary series filming
- Non-binary rep
- Aussie slang/writing

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Another amazing book by Layla Pine

Hating Dr Fox is the 3rd book in the Aussie Cravings series. This follows Xander Fox, who we met in the previous book. He has been cast on a new reality tv show following his life as a veterinarian. But his producer is none other than Georgina, his ex who he hasn’t seen or spoken to in 12 years.

I absolutely loved this book!! It is a second chance romance in a small outback town, with dual POV and also flash backs throughout. You don’t find out straight away what happened between Georgina and Xander 12 years ago but the flashbacks slowly build up to it and gives more context of their past.

It was funny, spicy and everything you want in a romance novel. Highly recommend.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Layla for sending me an ARC of this book. Hating Dr Fox is available for preorder now, or you can purchase from the 15th October.

This book has:
- Small town vibes
- Second chance 🥹
- Taylor swift references!
- Cute pets
- Diverse characters
- Then and now timelines
- And *chefs kiss* spice 🌶️

I love a good second chance romance and the whole time I needed to know what happened for them to drift apart!!

This book was full of Aussie references and as a Kiwi this was actually very refreshing to see! I will not look at a Bubble O Bill the same again 😅

Overall I enjoyed this book and will definitely be giving Laylas other books a try!

[Jessica Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if I will be able to put into words how much I loved this book. It has been a long time since a contemporary romance has grabbed me the way this story did. The characters are fantastic, the storyline is engaging, the romance is spicy and heart warming. I loved that there were so many elements to the story, the duel timeline, the show production, the secret, even the side characters were fun and engaging. There wasn’t a single moment that felt like a struggle, I devoured it each time I had a spare moment to read. I laughed, cried, gasped, and swooned.
Layla is an incredible writer, I’m so glad I have come across her work.
I absolutely recommend this book!

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎬Small Town Romance
🎬Second Chance
🎬Taylor Swift References
🎬Dual POV

This is my first Layla Pine book and I was sucked in. I am a sucker for small town/second chance romance and Layla delivered! I loved Xander and Georgie’s story…the banter, the tension, the spice, even the heartbreak.

The dual POV and the dual timeline (now and then) between their childhood and the present was easy to follow and allowed their story to be told beautifully. It kept me turning pages to find out what happened in the past for us to be where we are now.

Layla kept me on an emotional roller coaster with this one. I laughed, I cried, and still kept coming back for more. Thank you for an amazing story!

[Ashli Volk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished it and am blown away. This is my FAVORITE of the 3 so far and I truly thought Levi and Amanda’s story was going to be hard to top. Also, those taboo sex scenes like DAMNNNNNNN. 🥵 you kind of brought to light and talked about a personal sex “issue” lots of women have and I have never read about it in books and it was such a relatable read! It didn’t feel made up or fake. It was so authentic and wholesome. Can’t believe some of those twists. Still picking my jaw up off the floor. Eeeeekkkkk I’m so so excited to read anything u put out and feel so incredibly privileged for you to allow me to read for you. I love them all ♥️🫶but CONGRATS TO YOU! 🎉

[Lisa Sssshhhh I’m reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xander and Georgie’s story starring Bubble-O-Bill

Xander and Georgie were good friends as teenagers and were edging towards being much more. Things went bad and they didn’t seem each other for twelve years when they were both working on a reality show/documentary about a city vet in a remote rural town.
This story is dual POV in two timelines.
There is lots of good spice in the adult timeline and lots of angst in both timelines.
This book has some female reproductive issues covered. So it might pay to check the trigger warnings if this is a concerning topic for you.
Otherwise, put on a TayTay album, grab the featured ice-cream and enjoy!!!!

[Layna allbookedup23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Aussie cravings series and it follows Xander and Georgie 💕

Xander has been casted to be on a new reality TV show to share his life as a Vet, when he finally meets his producer it is none other than his ex girlfriend, Georgie, who he has not spoken to in over 12 years.

i absolutely adored this book, its a small town second chance romance, dual POV with flashbacks throughout the book.

the suspense of not finding out what caused the 12 years of non contact had me binge reading (i read 60% in one day)

definitely worth the read, Layla Pine never misses with her romance books 🥵

[Esmee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het is een goed verhaal, maar duurde echt lang. Te lang. En zonde dat het zo gegaan was... 12 jaar elkaar niet gezien... Die jongen, oke. Wat hij deed was fucking dom... Maar dat ze haar beste vriend ook niet meer sprak is wel onredelijk... Ze drong soort van aan om seks met hem te hebben als wraak naar Xander... in Xanders pov lees je ook hoe sterk zijn gevoelens voor haar zijn... Echt jammer dat hij zo'n domme dronken fout had gemaakt... Wel echt pissig op haar dat ze niet communiceerde.. ze had 2 mensen die superveel om haar gaf ...

[Grace Callan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If I’d tried to cut her out of me, I’d have bled out.”

Layla has knocked it out of the park again with Hating Dr Fox, just when I thought this series couldn’t get better.

Between Georgie and Xander, the entire cast of loveable characters, the genuine feeling of rightness and connection to country and outback, and of course the romance and spice, it’s definitely a story not to be missed.

Forever grateful to have received an ARC, immediately ordered my own signed physical copy and merch too I loved it that much.

[Jorgiagood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was AMAZING I’m Obsessed with Layla Pines books they are so good! The tension, the secrets, omg I did not expect that to be the truth. I can confirm I was shocked and literally gasped out loud! So good! The chemistry between these and the contrast of love and hate was so good. The jealousy as well was great. Overall loved the book! The last 40% had me in a choke hold, I couldn’t put it down! And now I’m dying to read about Dom!

[Maddi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! It's always great to read a book set in Australia. All the Aussie slang, Bubble O bill, and the golden gay times ice cream really made me feel nostalgic.
I really enjoyed the tension between Georgie and Xander. The romance and spice was fantastic! Although I did guess at what had happened with Georgie, the little twist there was an interesting surprise!
This is my first book of Layla Pine, but I will be off to grab the next one!

[Metika Constable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed!

I am obsessed with!!! HOT XANDER!!! I adore you!!!
Georgie! You Sassy Fiery Feisty BOSS!!!

I wish I had read this book sooner so I could’ve loved them both longer!!!

I absolutely adore small town romance! Dogs! (Animals) Strong Tough Women and Worship at her feet MMC and this book HAD IT ALL!!!!

Layla has a very special writing style and I’ve loved every single one of her books! Thank you for creating Xander and Georgie!