No Ordinary Hate

A Gamble on Love Mom-Com #1

by Whitney Dineen

Life in Hollywood is easy to hate...

According to Hollywood insiders, Harper and Brett Kennedy have the perfect family life—an image that has been carefully cultivated by an army of PR experts at Galaxy Studios. The truth is, their relationship has been on the rocks since Brett cheated when Harper was pregnant with their youngest child. Four years later, he’s still cheating, but this time with the nanny.

When the tabloids find out, a media frenzy ensues, all but making Harper and her kids prisoners in their Pacific Palisades mansion. Needing time out of the spotlight to regroup, Harper rents a cabin in the last place the press or anyone else would ever think to look for her—Gamble, Alaska.

There, she finds peace, solitude, and Digger McKenzie. Will the gruff lodge owner, who goes out of his way to make Harper feel like she doesn’t belong, realize he’s about to miss out on his one chance at happiness? Will Harper’s kids adjust to small-town life and heal from the chaos of their parents’ separation? Will Harper learn how to shoot a bear?

Find out in the deliciously funny and dishy first installment of the Love is a Gamble Mom-Com series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Fiction, Rom Com, Christmas, Contemporary Romance

297 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2022

About the author

Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.

She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.

She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.

Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.


Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.

Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019

Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fairytale by the author, but with some substance to it as well.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was just so very much fun. It’s a little bit enemies-to-lovers and a little bit Hollywood Insider. It gave me a story that I absolutely couldn't put down. I was quickly caught up in the drama of Harper’s life and I needed to know what it would take to get her a true Happy Ever After. Digger was gruff and sweet, and he made me want to hug him about as much as he made me want to smack him. There’s also such a fabulous supporting cast backing them up. I’ve only just finished reading this book but already I can’t wait to find out who and what the next story will be.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great writing, but the story felt a bit too flat for me.
The romance part is way too forced and too messy as she’s still married and in the middle of a divorce and all that. It feels like she just falls in love or there’s attraction just because he’s the first man to give her more attention after her husband while she’s dealing with raising her small kids.

KU read

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute romance featuring a Hollywood actress escaping to Gamble, Alaska after discovering her husband cheating ... again. Attempting to salvage her marriage for far too long, I loved seeing Harper finally find true happiness while also balancing the woes of co-parenting with her awful ex. She was a great mom!

Digger McKenzie, pilot and owner of Whistler Lake Lodge, is the main reason for that happiness! He was such an honourable, kind man. Already reluctant to relationships, Harper is the last person he imagined himself with. As he helps Harper hide from reporters, I really enjoyed the humour and wilderness adventures!

Based on their opposite lifestyles, I was expecting an enemies-to-lovers situation, but Digger was quite accommodating from the start. It was nice to have a more easygoing romance, but at times I craved more banter and tension between them. Overall a charming, fun story!

Thank you Melanie Summers & Whitney Dineen for the gifted copy

[Rebecca]

Free on Kindle

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper's husband keeps cheating on her and Hollywood being Hollywood, it hits the tabloids keeping her hostage in her own house. Needing an escape she heads to Gamble Alaska and meets grumpy lodge owner Digger.
This is a funny, intense dramatic story about two people who are doing it tough and fight their attraction.
I loved Digger. Mr Grumpy certainly had a way about him. I fell for him he had his issues but he was such a sweetheart.
Well written, I love Whitney Dineen's writing. Quirky characters, funny situations, just an all round wonderful romp of a story. Can't wait for more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest. I don’t get the title BUT…I really loved this book! It’s official, I love stories set in Alaska. Or maybe it’s the Alaskan heroes… The “intros” by “Ferris Biltmore” are hilarious. They started each chapter with a snarky laugh, for me. Harper and Digger are great characters. They play off of each other well. Their relationship read true to me and my heart broke for every struggle that they had – individually, in their pasts, and together. Their story never seemed forced. Harper’s kids are adorable, especially Liam. I think he really was a little old man in kid’s clothing! And Grandpa Jack… When his character pops up in scenes, he runs away with them. I really liked this story. Characters to love, characters to make me laugh, and characters to make me wanna slap ‘em; all in one great story. Looking forward to what comes next.

[Angela Y (yangelareads) ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by Xpresso Book Tours.

According to Hollywood insiders, Harper and Brett Kennedy have the perfect family life. The truth is, their relationship has been on the rocks since Brett cheated when Harper was pregnant with their youngest child. Four years later, he’s still cheating, but this time with the nanny. When the tabloids find out all but making Harper and her kids prisoners in their Pacific Palisades mansion. Needing time out of the spotlight to regroup, Harper rents a cabin in the last place the press or anyone else would ever think to look for her—Gamble, Alaska. There, she finds peace, solitude, and Digger McKenzie. Will the gruff lodge owner, who goes out of his way to make Harper feel like she doesn’t belong, realize he’s about to miss out on his one chance at happiness? Will Harper’s kids adjust to small-town life and heal from the chaos of their parents’ separation?

This was a quick, fun read. The characters were well-written, and you couldn't help but like them. I also felt that Harper and Digger didn't have much chemistry and I did lose interest a few times. It was a pretty fun quick read overall. I cannot wait to read the second book in the series.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, fun, quick read about a mom trying to do the very best for her kiddos. The characters were really likable (except the one that wasn’t likable at all) and the story was engaging. Personally, I’m a sucker for Alaska and and unlikely love story so this really hit the spot. The Hollywood Insider blog posts were a creative addition and I loved them.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Mom romantic comedy.

I love the books by these two authors. They are funny and full of heart. Make sure to get the bonus chapters to get the latest on Harper and Digger. Highly recommend!

Harper Kennedy is a tv actress married to Brett Kennedy who is a movie star and they have 2 children Liam (an old soul in a young body) and Lily (a little ray of sunshine). She catches Brett boning the nanny while the children are playing outside so she fires the nanny and kicks him out. He has been a habitual lothario during their marriage but she always took him back for the children's sake.

Digger McKenzie and his family own the Whistle Lake Lodge in Gamble, Alaska. He is the pilot, chef, handyman and accountant for the lodge. He is strongly anti commitment after his mother left he and his sister to pursue her dreams of acting when he was a child.

After the paparazzi harass Harper and her kids, she decides to get them out of LA and heads to the Lodge in Alaska. Initially Digger has a poor impression of Harper but he quickly comes around to supporting her and the kids. They get recognized and go to a remote fishing cabin with Diggers three nephews. Upon their return they find Brett there saying he wants to reconcile. Harper finds out the real reason he is there and finally files for divorce. She and the kids go back to LA to deal with that situation leaving Digger miserable back in Alaska. She and Digger eventually get together and have their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ali's In Literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hollywood royalty Harper Kennedy walks in on her husband and the nanny getting intimate, it's the final straw for her marriage. Sick of his philandering, she escapes to Gamble, Alaska with her young children. The last thing she expects is to meet Digger McKenzie. Ruggedly handsome with a heart of gold, at first both deny their attraction and can't see any way forward with such diametrically opposite lifestyles. But love doesn't care about such inconsequential things as that.

I really loved this book. Right from the start, I fell in love with Harper's children, particularly Liam who has THE best one liners! I also loved the slow burn romance, with the building tension that resulted. I also appreciated the amount of vulnerability both main character's demonstrated throughout the story. There's also a brilliant cast of supporting characters, not least Grandpa Jack and Moira. I'm very excited to read the next story as I called that storyline early on.

This is everything I want in romance. Great humour (there are tons of laugh-out-loud moments), emotional depth, a badass female lead, and a swoon-worthy male lead. 

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating: 🔥
Emotional Rating: 💓😂😂💔🥰😢🥰😍

*Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review*

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollywood actress Harper decides her marriage is over when she finds her superstar husband in a compromising position with the nanny while the kids are playing outside. What's the point in staying together for the sake of the kids when he's that negligent? To escape the firestorm of gossip and paparazzi, she takes the kids to a tiny town in Alaska. There, she meets pilot Digger, who thinks she's a spoiled princess. But the more they get to know each other, the more they fall for each other. A meaningful relationship is impossible—she's in the middle of a public divorce, and thousands of miles from LA. So why does he make her feel like she's finally found home?

This story is sweet and adorable and so much fun. The kids are cute, and Digger is great with them. Harper is smart and just trying to be the best mom she can. She and Digger have great chemistry but always put the kids first. It's lovely to see Harper and Digger rewarded for making responsible choices.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actress Harper Kennedy is in the middle of a messy separation from her cheating husband, fellow actor Brett. When press attention in the wake of the scandal becomes overwhelming, she decides to take her kids, 8-year-old Liam and 4-year-old Lily, off the grid for a vacation in Alaska. A detour to a popular tourist attraction results in them being late to their meeting with Digger McKenzie, owner of the Whistler Lake Lodge and their pilot for the last leg of the journey. Digger isn't happy with the delay so he and Harper don't get off to the best start, but he soon realizes that she isn't the spoiled, entitled princess he thought she'd be. Digger always thought he'd be a bachelor forever, but as he and Harper grow closer, he begins to envision a different future with Harper and her kids playing an integral role. When the press learns where Harper has been hiding and Brett shows up to try and reclaim his family, can Digger and Harper's fledgling relationship withstand the pressure?

This story was a lot of fun, but also surprisingly emotional at times. Harper was in a really tough situation as she worked through the logistics of her impending divorce, and every time she broke down over the idea of missing out on time with her kids, I hurt for her. That said, she was so much stronger and more resilient than she realized, and I admired her ability to consistently put Liam and Lily first.

Overall, I loved this super cute, funny, and sweet story and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to the next book in the series.

*Review copy provided by the authors via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Ordinary Hate by Whitney Dineen and Melanie Summers is about a Hollywood couple named Harper and Brett Kennedy. Together the Kennedys' have two children, Liam and Lily, along with a nanny, Justine. When Harper comes home to find Brett shtupping Justine on the sofa while her children are playing outside, it's the last straw for Harper's pretending her marriage was perfect. Harper knew about his infidelity since she was pregnant with their daughter Lily, but she thought Brett would have some regard for his family and be discreet. As you can imagine, gossip rags and the paparazzi caught wind and are now circling their prey. Ferris Biltmore does a fabulous job dishing all the dirt up to the minute, including Harper's escape to Gamble, Alaska, where she meets Digger McKenzie, Grandpa Joe, Moria, Wyatt, Ash, Colton, and Bear.

Can a Hollywood sweetheart survive in the wilderness with her two children? Will she learn how to pan gold? Learn how to fish for her dinner or how to shoot a bear? Will she know how to rough it in the wilderness, not glamping? But most of all, will her children be happy?

Reading this fictional story reminded me of Ben Affleck, Jude Law, and Hugh Grant's tragic stories that made headline news. We tend to forget that Hollywood's A-listers are people who have lives of privilege. Still, their infidelities and bad behavior make front-page news along with their innocent children and extended family.

[Kate Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book y’all!! No Ordinary Hate (A Gamble on Love Mom Com Series Book 1) out on May 5th by Whitney Dineen and Melanie Summers.
If Rom Com was in the dictionary this book would be in the description. I was totally hooked from page 1 and adored the characters and settings from Hollywood to Alaska. It has everything I love in a Romance:
🥾small town guy, rugged, he’s an awesome Uncle
🦄 A strong female character, mom who surprises everyone
👩‍👧‍👦Lots of family love and DRAMA
🐻bears!
😂🤣 LOL funny. I highlighted so many hilarious sections.

I loved this book and I adore these authors, especially when they write together. It’s double the fun.

If you love Rom Com’s I highly recommend

No Ordinary Hate (A Gamble on Love Mom Com Series Book 1) I already preordered Book 2 coming September 8th, 2022.

#NoOrdinaryHate #Romcom #romanticcomedy #romancebooks #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #mjsummers #whitneydineen #candidbabesbookclub

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure about reading a “divorce” romance, but boss’s sister-in-law’s hairdresser said NO ORDINARY HATE is clever, romantic and funny. I sometimes smirk, or smile if a book is funny, but there were parts of this (like one gossip columnist named Ferris) that made we laugh out loud.

I loved the whole story. The selfish, cheating husband just kept making himself more despised. The mountain man, pilot, guide, chef and irresistible uncle, Digger, was everything Brett wasn’t and Harper and her kids needed.

But Digger had his commitment issues, Harper wasn’t divorced yet and they both put her children first when it came to making their decisions.

There are some excellent secondary characters. Try to guess how many of them have to slap Digger upside the head (metaphorically) to get this story to an ending that is satisfying to all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow did this story draw me in immediately!!! I went into it kinda dreading it because scandalous marriages and messy break ups are not something I'd like to read about while my husband is deployed but I am so glad it dove in.

Immediately I am enthralled with Harper. The truthful thoughts. The class. The maturity. I wanna be Harper when I grow up lol. I've been through some messy break ups but not once have I been as classy as she was.

The getaway for her and the kids though- that sounds heavenly to me! It might be time to start planning my family's next vacation!

Drama. Laughs. A glimpse into Hollywood type drama from the otherside. Second chances. And prolonging childhood. This book offers so much.

Definitely a must read

[Sally Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Dineen and Ms Summers have teamed up for another hit - No Ordinary Hate, the first book in a new series (A Gamble on Love Mom-Com).

Don't we all love a story where the betrayed leading lady finds a fresh start in Alaska? You won't be disappointed with Harper's story.

This book is easy to read, down to earth and full of interesting vocabulary. I had to look up a few words/phrases. I like when authors throw in interesting word choice. It helps me develop as a more literate person.

Another aspect of the story that I like is that we get to hear the story from both Harper's and Digger's perspectives. And let's not forget the little tidbits from Ferris Biltmore - loved those!

If you're looking for a light read with affable characters and a happy ending, give this book a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divorce, Hollywood style as well as living a fishbowl life is theme of Melanie Summers and Whitney Dineen's latest romance. The land of ridiculously big egos, even bigger back accounts, paparazzi hanging from trees trying to get the perfect shot and scandals of every kind is a fitting backdrop for part No Ordinary Hate. The wilds and majesty of Alaska, the chance to disengage from the rat race and regroup along with a stellar cast of quirky characters add some great comedic moments round out an outstanding storyline. Postings from a gossip blog sprinkled throughout add a humorous yet insightful element. Digger McKenzie and Harper Kennedy are an unlikely duo but he makes her feel safe, protected, respected and gives her and her children reasons to smile as their lives are turned inside out and upside down. Those things were severely lacking in her marriage for a long while. There's an HEA in their future but not before they run into major snafus before getting there.

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and fun:
What a fabulous start to what looks to be another awesome series. I liked that it took a number of genres and gave them a fresh spin. I enjoyed the light humour and appreciated that it wasn't over the top but rather felt natural and right. I particularly loved the Hollywood gossip column that was included at the beginning of most chapters.
I loved Harper and Digger and thought they were both so deserving of a HEA together. The children were adorable too and added sincerity and depth to the story. All in all a great book and I can't wait to see what comes next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheri P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dineen and Summers have done it again! A thoroughly charming romantic comedy with endearing characters. Harper is my favorite kind of heroine, fierce and take charge yet still vulnerable. When she takes her children to Alaska to avoid the press she meets Digger and the chemistry flares between these two. Digger is the best kind of book boyfriend, he takes action and also looks out for his family. This story had just the right balance of humor and drama and Ali loved the unplugged Alaskan setting. I was sad to see this one end!

[Romcom Queenie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is no ordinary rom-com. It was refreshing and magnificent. A well written and perfect escape from the ordinary that is sure to put a smile on your face.
Love the interaction with the kids and adults, love the Alaska adventure, love the supporting characters, love the comedy, love the romance, love the dish, love it all. I cannot stop reading this book.
So glad this dynamic duo didn’t stop after their accidentally in love series. This was a perfect beginning to their next series. Can’t wait for more. I received this book for my honest opinion.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. A light rom-com with serious subjects. Divorce, infidelity, how children are affected, along with bears, an outhouse and interesting characters. I am eager to read more in this new series as well as her previous books. Happy to have discovered her writing. Thanks for providing a copy via NetGalley.

[LNC1012 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheating husband, alaska and a new life

Really related to the mother putting her children first and all the worry and love that comes with being a mom. Harper, taking the leap to make a better life for her kids and wanting to give them the best childhood possible. The rugged Alaskan man she meets is just icing on the cake.

[Vonn Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was a cute insta attraction and then love without the seggs.

Harper finds her husband and actor Brett cheating on her with the Nanny, while the kids Liam and Lily are in the backyard.

To escape the media frenzy that ensues she picks a place in Alaska to take her kids to.

Digger owns and runs a little lodge/hotel in Gamble, Alaska. He’s not into Hollywood, but does know about Harper Kennedy and her being Americas Sweetheart.

When she and her kids show up at his little water plane, he’s grumpy and doesn’t ant to deal with a Hollywood princess.

Little by little she worms her way into his heart. And so do Liam and Lily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hilary Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Whitney Dineen & Melanie Summers, and after reading an excerpt, I couldn't wait to read this novel. WOW - this book exceeded my expectations. No Ordinary Hate was impossible to put down! This fantastic mom-com will give you all the feels. I loved all the characters - especially the kids. This was the perfect tale to lose yourself in... I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Dorcia Beland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed out loud at Lily's "Il-Annoyed"--four-year-olds are so much fun. Whitney and Melanie are one of the funniest, fun writing duos. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Jezabel Nightingale · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 sweet, sweet stars. Pretty clean romance that could have been a Hallmark movie :)

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice story

[Kristi Pharaon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t understand the title, but the book was easy and perfect for my purposes. I’ll read the sequel next!