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Loathe Gray

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Officer Gray Hoffman lives by structure and routine: morning workouts, Friday night poker games, and his monthly true-crime book club. Utter perfection once he finds a wife to share his impeccable, though predictable, life with.

Sam Thornton - soon to be Sam Smith once her divorce goes through - moved out to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, to discover who she is on her own. Without a man. Not that she wouldn’t say no to a kiss or a one-night-stand, but that’s as far as she’ll let it go. Newly single, she’s devoting all her time to her new career at Bark Sniff Wag, growing her steamy romance review blog despite the judgment she gets from others (Officer Gray, to name one), and living her best life in general.

Except that every time she turns around in the tiny town there’s Gray being his usual uptight, no-fun-allowed self. Well, most times. Because lately she’s caught a glimpse of a different side of Gray. As their arguments begin to sound more like flirty banter, Sam starts to wonder if maybe she’d written off the so-hot-it-should-be-a-crime police officer a little too soon. But is happily ever after even a possibility? All Gray wants to do is settle down while Sam’s all but sworn off ever walking down the aisle again.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2022

32 people are currently reading
192 people want to read

About the author

Leigh Donnelly

7 books70 followers
Leigh's a 🔥 steamy 🔥 romance enthusiast: reading them, writing them, discussing them. She loves it all, especially spicy rom-coms. Leigh's stories include women who occasionally swear, are voracious readers, and like their men sweet on the street and down and dirty in the bedroom. Yes, holiday dinners are slightly uncomfortable with most relatives having read her sometimes explicit and graphic books (likely hearing Leigh's snarky voice in their head as they did) but it's a small price to pay for the low-level fame she's currently enjoying as an author.

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5 stars
30 (28%)
4 stars
37 (34%)
3 stars
24 (22%)
2 stars
9 (8%)
1 star
6 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Nas S.
84 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2022
I stumbled on this one by chance, Leigh sent me the first three chapters to read to see if I’d like it. Honestly, after chapter one I knew I was going to love it! I’ve read a handful of romcoms to date and this is by far my favorite.

I found the whole book really easy to read and at 200 odd pages devoured it in a day. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop.

The reason I loved this book so much you ask? Sam! Sam is the reason. The MFC reads smutty books are reviews them in her blog. Never have I read a more relatable character. She’s funny, sassy, and holds her own. I like the way she moves to a whole new place with no plans or prospects and manages to land on her feet. Working at a doggy day-care, moonlighting at the local book store, all while working on her blog.

Gray our MMC while being an alphahole also has a certain vulnerability. That’s what makes him so endearing. I mean, who doesn’t love a guy that likes dogs and reading?? Have I mentioned his chiselled good looks? No? I probably should have lead with that.

While this is overall a light easy read, with all the trapping of a romcom it does also cover a healthy dose of reality. Because life isn’t all sunshine and roses. There are themes of relationship breakup, marriage breakup and also loss of a loved one. The main takeaway for me was that no matter what you’ve been through you’ll find that special someone that completes you.

The only thing I’m upset about was that this book wasn’t long enough. I definitely could have gone with another 200 pages or so. Thank you Leigh for sending me this e-arc, I can’t wait to have a physical copy to read again and add to my collection.
Profile Image for Kait.
254 reviews
April 28, 2024
This was a fun read, but I feel as the book went further, I lost interest more and more
Profile Image for Rae, shutupandbookup.
380 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2022
ARC reviewer

Loved this book that takes place in a small town. The female lead is also a BIG time reader and reviewer. Having a blog dedicated to smutty books!

We join Sam in her car as she's flying down the road. Listening to a poorly written erotica on her phone. Having shoved her entire life into her car. She is driving across state to get away from her soon to be ex husband.

Heading to the small town of Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. A place she spent many weeks in and her parents' own a vacation house at. Deciding to move in with Lexi a pen pal turned dear friend.

Lexi's more than happy having Sam stay with her. Lexi's currently dealing with grief after losing her fiance too soon. An accident that left Lexi alone. So she is more than happy with company.

Though as Sam's rushing into town, having thought she knew the speed limits, she is pulled over. Que Officer Gray Hoffman, very handsome Officer Hoffman. Hoping to simply get a warning Sam is distraught and annoyed when he hands her a ticket. First one in her life!

Not off to a great start. But little does Gray know that Sam will single handily win the hearts of almost everyone in the small town. Aside from the clutch the holy book, neighborhood watch "Karen". Who is less than ecstatic when Sam becomes a book whisperer.

Recommending age appropriate smutty books to the adult women of the town? Ones who walk into Marcy's bookstore and request Sam's help? Blasphemy! Misty, the Karen of the town, is quick on the scene to save them all. . . Or so she thinks.

While Gray is simply caught up in the middle of everything. Right down to this pull toward Sam he hasn't felt in a while. Since his ex girlfriend broke his heart. But this fiery, independent, book worm is taking him by storm.

I mean she's checking all his boxes whether he likes it or not. Same goes for Sam and her perfect man list, or a list inspired by her books? Either way Sam's in trouble.

But she is still in the process of a divorce. And not ready to take that leap again and get hurt. Though Gray's an animal lover, has a tattoo, AND a book worm. What is one to do?

Books and audios can only go so far. Having a companion and someone just lounging in your bed reading books? That is something that can't be found between pages.

This is a comedy for the most part. There are some angsty moments because of characters' grief stricken pasts. Moments of frustration for the main characters trying to figure things out. All the while you're cheering and shaking your head. There's a happy ending for everyone in the book.

Loved the banter between the characters. Personally I also very much appreciated and loved that the main romance didn't end with children. Being a mutual agreement of not wanting children on both sides. I apologize if this is a spoiler.

Sam was incredible, even liked how Gray asked for recommendations from her. Even checked out her blog! Gray gets to enjoy a particular scene from a book play out. There's also a kinky church adventure in the book. Have fun.

Enjoy the read and give the author some stars!
Profile Image for Anna Shulzhenko.
131 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2022
I loved this book! Why?
All in all love stories are all the same. Girl meets boy and they fall in love. Eventually. But what makes a book memorable? Main characters, style of writing, worldbuilding, plot twists...
In Loathe Gray MFC is funny, mostly knows what she wants and gets it no matter what. She reviews dirty books and doesn't hide her interest in this genre. She manages to come to a new town and find her place in it. The character is very relatable.
The MMC is gorgeous, of course. He has his vulnerability, he loves animals, reading and even has his book club! I really liked to read about a meeting in this club.

But most of all I was impressed with the author's humor!
"Gray cleared her bed of the shirtless men..."
"She refused to allow her eyes to travel around his body like a lost tourist..."

I laughed so much when I read it! But there were moments when I wanted to cry, too.

A couple of words about hot scenes: they were hot and really good! And very well placed, I must add.

I would recommend this book as an easy read. But be ready to find things to laugh at, to be sad about and to think about.

This book was given me for free for an honest review.
Profile Image for AB Davis.
50 reviews
June 27, 2022
This was a really enjoyable romance read. I absolutely loved the beginning and the set up of the story. The representation of making friends you haven’t met in person based on common interests and developing into great friends was really amazing. Pen pals/internet friends are the best! The opening scene was one of my favorite of the whole story, it really hooked me in. I enjoyed all the characters and the development that some of them underwent in just 270 pages was really incredible. I felt like so much happened but almost none of it felt rushed or fake. The wrap up was a tad bit rushed but other than that I have absolutely no negative comments. I loved how so many characters had quirks or defining characteristics. Another thing I really enjoyed was seeing people with real life problems that were struggling in typical ways. So many novels I choose focus on escapism (which I absolutely love and adore) and it was SO nice to read something entirely realistic that focused on multiple issues that many people deal with on a daily basis. The read was light enough that it wasn’t upsetting but the issues touched upon and the reminders that even those we love and support may be struggling with issues we know nothing about really hit home for me. I loved the relationship development from both POV. A solid, entertaining read. There was a limited amount of heavy romance scenes but the ones included were amazingly well written. So glad to have had the opportunity to leave an ARC review for this novel! Would recommend!
4,186 reviews22 followers
September 9, 2022
I seem to be on a rom com reading frenzy of late - I just can't seem to get enough of them. Ms. Donnelly is a new-to-me author and when I came across this book, it definitely peaked my interest so I decided to give it a try. I was definitely not disappointed! Sam and Gray don't really start off on the best of terms. Sam moves out to Deep Creek Lake for a fresh start after her divorce. Gray is a police officer in the town and he is the first to greet her - by way of giving her a speeding ticket!
From that point on, I just couldn't stop reading. The interactions and witty banter between them kept me smiling and laughing all the way through. Although this is mostly a romantic comedy there are a few serious parts dealing with the characters' past, which gave the story more of a realistic quality. The characters were also relatable and flawed which made them likable and endearing.
The story was delightfully cute and enjoyable. These two opposites were completely drawn to each other and you could definitely feel the sizzling chemistry between them. If you're looking for a fun and light read, then you definitely will want to pick this one up.
I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
6,028 reviews45 followers
July 11, 2022
a different type of second act.

Sam has found herself with a smutty book blog beginning to take off after leaving behind her life as a veterinarian and as wife to Jeffrey behind.

more than a little embarrassing is her first encounter with Officer Hot Cop Gray, with an audiobook stuck on loud- a badly written graphic more than steamy book.

unless you have ever been victim to it, you might not know about some of the sound effects in some of those books - I was turned off audiobooks by gunfire followed by m/m romance-you never know how negatively folks might respond. Sam receiving a ticket reflected Gray giving and receiving a bad first impression.

Sam makes rapid strides in the small town where she once vacationed with her parents - until she is the focus of anger for some elses trauma. Did she really anger the Vietnam Veteran with post traumatic stress so badly to have so many flattened tires? or is something else in play?

working through rebuilding life and relationships can be rough on the ego - yet this makes an hilarious and insightful read.
Profile Image for Luvleepati .
613 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2022
ARC Review 5/5 stars

Great small town second chance at love. Great rom com.
Sam is a strong, sexy, and confident women whose life suddenly got turned upside down. Gray is a handsome cop that jumps to conclusions based on first impressions yet tends to give off a bad first impression himself. As they get to know each other they realize they have more in common than expected, their love of books, animals and helping others.

The authors way with words is great, she uses humor and seduction. this book has its sad moments in the characters back stories, but it makes the current story line that much better.
This book was about 270 pages so it’s a cute light read (depending on how fast you read). No violence (except the slashing of tires) and everyday problems. I defiantly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Tammy.
964 reviews9 followers
June 30, 2022
Took a few pages, but I did enjoy the book.

The book began with Gray funneling his anger, from a broken relationship, onto Sam, as she is driving into town. She, of course, is just coming to gripes with the beginning stages of a divorce. Gray is angry, and Sam is confused and feeling unworthy. They get off on the wrong foot, but come to see, with their apparent close circle of friends, they have to learn to tolerate each other.

Finally toward the end of this story, Gray and Sam speak their truths and welcome their relationship.

I would like to have had someone made to pay for the vandalism.... and perhaps an apology to Sam for all the crap she was put through (not by Gray); maybe in the next book.
Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 2 books82 followers
July 1, 2022
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my review.

This book started off with a bang. It begins with our main female character Sam getting pulled over while listening to a smut audiobook. I knew after reading that in the first chapter that the book would be good.

We watch as the cop (that we later learn his name as Gray) and Sam interact throughout the book as both in a negative and flirty manner. In the beginning, Sam loathes Gray for pulling her over and making her life miserable. But as she gets to know him and the two grow closer, their relationship does too.

I found this to be a very good book with some very good written spice in it.

This was my first book by this author and I'm sure it won't be my last.
Profile Image for Makayla.
23 reviews8 followers
June 23, 2022
LOVE LOVE LOVE!

I was graciously given an ARC copy, and I couldn’t put it down! I had to finish this in one day. You’ll be hooked from the first chapter, I promise you! What’s more awkward than being pulled over by a cop in the dead of winter wearing a tank top and shorts? How about being unable to stop an audio book from playing a dirty sexy scene 😂 This is the perfect rom-com with spice. And wow, the spice is gooood. This book will have you feeling all the feels, including anger, because JUST WAIT until you meet Mitsy..🙄😤

Do yourself a favor, and set a reminder for 7/1/22 to get your copy!

Gray + Sam 4eva ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
79 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2022
This is an enemies to lovers, slow burn, and some miscommunication thrown in there too. I really enjoyed this book. Sam is essentially starting her life over while in the midst of a divorce. Gray is a straight-laced cop whose first impression leaves a lot to be desired. What I think is this book's biggest strength is its supporting cast. You learn so much about both of their friends and you feel really connected to the group as a whole, it was so fun to go along for the ride.

The only thing I wanted more of was the ending. I wanted more because it took them so long together, but I don't think it deterred me from the book. Great slow burn, highly recommend.
Profile Image for Renee Hughes.
372 reviews12 followers
June 25, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. It’s romantic, steamy, and laugh out loud hilarious. Sam is wonderful. She is a fantastic walking mess. Her life is upside down, but she does her best to cope by using sarcasm and humor to try and hide her fears and emptiness. Gray is a handsome cop who storms into Sam’s life and creates all sorts of complications. The two main characters are simply delightful. Both are book nerds, animal lovers, and searching for purpose. The author does a brilliant job of storytelling. Good pacing, solid ancillary characters, and a beautiful ending. I highly recommend!
6 reviews
August 25, 2023
Another enjoyable tale from Leigh.

The second book from the Milton Women brings the usual flirting, temptation, and tension with a dose of wonderful disdain. Sam, our delightfully disastrous leading lady meets a perfect foil in the uptight cop. The story is a great example of how passionate feelings can walk a tight line between hate and lust.

I love the small town claustrophobia these books evoke. Someone is always watching, and all of the characters actions will quickly be spread and scrutinized.

Absolutely a fun sexy story where even the sweet spots have a fair bite of spice.
1,491 reviews19 followers
January 13, 2023
expectations
This book has all an entertaining read requires: wonderful characters, spice, friendship, finding the courage to give love a try again after a failed relationship. In the beginning I expected more headbutting due to the insta dislike vibes between the two protagonistst but after realizing there is more depht to this book than I expected I liked it even more.
I received this book as a review copy.
12 reviews4 followers
July 2, 2022
I received this as a ARC.

Small Town romance, and enemies to loves what's not to love?

I devoured this book in a day. The characters? Amazing and relatable.

Sam and grey I was routing for them from the beginning and had to find out how their story ended. I was NOT disappointed.

Super quick read and I loved every page.
1,617 reviews21 followers
July 10, 2022
Steamy

When Sam meets Gray she does not like him at all. He's an officer that gave her a speeding ticket on her first day in town. She is a book blogger that finds out he runs the local book club. They eventually get to know each other and find out they have more in common. Very good read!
Profile Image for RomanceLand65.
483 reviews
March 1, 2023
A wonderful feel good story of starting over. I very much enjoyed this read. Take a chance on an indie author. She did a marvelous job with her characters coming together and having a relationship after divorce.
11 reviews
March 21, 2023
4.25 stars.

This was a quick, fun breezy read. The first scene set up is absolutely fantastic and had me hooked. There were some very relatable people and situations and the characters behave in believable ways. You will want to be friends with Sam!
Profile Image for Samantha White.
26 reviews
January 7, 2025
This was a stuff your kindle book and was one of the better books I got from there! This book was a sweet quick read about love, loss, personal growth, and relationships. It was easy to read and overall enjoyable!🥰🚔📖
Profile Image for Brianna Vargo.
28 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2025
I got this book on one of the stuff your kindle days and I am so happy I sat down to read it finally! This book was so cute! Sam and Gray have a slow burn romance with great pacing and great book references! I can’t wait to read more from this author
Profile Image for Chandlee Harris.
1 review1 follower
July 4, 2022
I loved this book. Sam is absolutely a riot and Gray is so freaking sweet! This was great book and will definitely read this author again!
Profile Image for Denise.
146 reviews
January 22, 2025
Fantastic read, well written, funny, and both FMC and MMC are CF. The book I didn't know I needed to read, glad I picked it up.
Profile Image for angela.
120 reviews
January 26, 2025
in general i hate when books have too many pop culture references, but i also disliked how every single character we met had to have a huge backstory. it felt too over the top.
Profile Image for Christine.
11 reviews
February 24, 2025
Funny, smart, and easy to read. A great book - can't wait to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Jessica Sanders.
73 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2022
“That panty melting smile was just for you.”

A slow burn, enemies to lovers, Smutty Rom-Com? Yes please. Opening scene was beyond funny. Just imagine, newly divorced, on a hell bent mission to get away, start over listening to your latest review audiobook book of pure smut when a serious, stickler cop flashes his lights behind you, while the most unrealistic sex scene is blaring across your speakers 😂 😂 starting a whirlwind of events that land you in the same town, same friend circle, he even shows up at your new job. There’s no escaping, the handsome Officer Gray.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
330 reviews30 followers
September 12, 2022
The premise of this book started out fun - a soon-to-be divorced book reviewer and a local cop meet up and butt heads leading to a HEA.

That's about a good as it gets. It was a fun read. I loved the references to writing reviews and the hard work that goes into them, I loved that glimpse that sometimes readers want something a little smutty and the female mc was not afraid to share out love and recommendations.

My only issues with the book was that it left you wanting something a little more. So overall a fun little afternoon read, but not one that will stick with you in the long run.
Profile Image for Peaceful.
715 reviews14 followers
May 29, 2024
I am struggling with this review. This small town romance was lacking something for me.
Profile Image for Sayde.
242 reviews157 followers
July 26, 2025
Such a cute read! I seriously enjoyed this book so much
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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