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Hats off to Love
From bestselling author, Kathryn Andrews, comes an all new full length standalone, enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy, that will leave readers who love fake dating your best friend's brother, witty banter, and spicy scenes craving for more...
If you ask anyone to describe the great state of Kentucky, odds are they’ll most likely answer you with “Bourbon and horses,” but if you ask Rosie May, the only thing she’ll ever respond with is “Derby hats.”
Big hats. Small hats. Elaborate hats. Simple hats. You name it, she loves them all. Every. Single. One. Because of this, she’s always known she would one day own a Derby hat store. At twenty-five, she’s back in her hometown of Louisville, and her dream has finally come true. With the season officially underway, her brand-new shop is gorgeous, the inventory is stocked, and she’s ready to go. Her only problem is William Stokes Whitlock III.
Stokes is tall, insanely handsome, heir to one of the largest thoroughbred farms, and her best friend’s brother. He’s also annoying, incredibly boring, arrogant, and for over half of her life, her sworn enemy. Only now, it seems he needs a favor. As for why, he won’t say.
For two months, she’ll be his girlfriend, and in return he’ll use his society status to help promote her new shop. Seems simple enough, right? Wrong. She thinks his timing couldn’t be worse, but the way he sees it, it’s the best. The best for who—that’s to be determined.
How do they pretend to be in love when all they’ve ever felt is hate? Can she do this? Can they? Especially knowing it’s fake . . . or is it?
Can Rosie set aside what she thinks she knows of the boy from her past to see the man standing in her present? With her heart at stake, she has to decide if she’s willing to go against the odds to place the biggest bet of them all . . . on love.
If you ask anyone to describe the great state of Kentucky, odds are they’ll most likely answer you with “Bourbon and horses,” but if you ask Rosie May, the only thing she’ll ever respond with is “Derby hats.”
Big hats. Small hats. Elaborate hats. Simple hats. You name it, she loves them all. Every. Single. One. Because of this, she’s always known she would one day own a Derby hat store. At twenty-five, she’s back in her hometown of Louisville, and her dream has finally come true. With the season officially underway, her brand-new shop is gorgeous, the inventory is stocked, and she’s ready to go. Her only problem is William Stokes Whitlock III.
Stokes is tall, insanely handsome, heir to one of the largest thoroughbred farms, and her best friend’s brother. He’s also annoying, incredibly boring, arrogant, and for over half of her life, her sworn enemy. Only now, it seems he needs a favor. As for why, he won’t say.
For two months, she’ll be his girlfriend, and in return he’ll use his society status to help promote her new shop. Seems simple enough, right? Wrong. She thinks his timing couldn’t be worse, but the way he sees it, it’s the best. The best for who—that’s to be determined.
How do they pretend to be in love when all they’ve ever felt is hate? Can she do this? Can they? Especially knowing it’s fake . . . or is it?
Can Rosie set aside what she thinks she knows of the boy from her past to see the man standing in her present? With her heart at stake, she has to decide if she’s willing to go against the odds to place the biggest bet of them all . . . on love.
328 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2023
About the author
Kathryn Andrews
19 books593 followersKathryn Andrews is a #1 Inspirational Romance Bestselling Author who loves stories that end with a happily ever after. She started writing at age seven and never stopped. Kathryn is known for Chasing Clouds, the Starving for Southern series, and her much loved Hale Brothers series. Her stories are sweet, southern, and fall into the genres of chi-lit, contemporary romance, sports romance, and southern fiction.
Kathryn graduated from the University of South Florida with degrees in Biology and Chemistry, and currently lives in Tampa, Florida. She spends her days as a sales director for a medical device company and her nights lost in her love of fictional characters.
When Kathryn is not crafting beautiful worlds that incorporate some of her most favorite real life places, she can be found hanging out with her husband and two young sons, while drinking iced coffee and enjoying the sun.
A note from the author...
Over ten years ago my husband and I were driving from Chicago to Tampa and somewhere in Kentucky I remember seeing a billboard that was all black with five white words, “I do, therefore I am!” I’m certain that it was a Nike ad, but for me I found this to be completely profound.
Take running for example. Most will say that a runner is someone who runs five days a week and runs under a ten minute mile pace. Well, I can tell you that I never run five days a week and on my best days my pace is an eleven minute mile. I have run quite a few half marathons and one full marathon. No matter what anyone says, I am a runner. I do, therefore I am.
I’ve taken this same thought and applied it to so many areas of my life: cooking, gardening, quilting, and yes…writing.
I may not be culinary trained, but I love to cook and my family and friends loves to eat my food. I cook, therefore I am a chef!
My thumb is not black. I love to grow herbs, tomatoes, roses, and lavender. I garden, therefore I am a gardener!
I love beautiful fabrics and I can follow a pattern. My triangles may not line up perfectly…but who cares, my quilts are still beautiful when they are finished. I quilt, therefore I am a quilter.
I have been writing my entire life. It is my husband who finally said, “Who cares if people like your books or not? If you enjoy writing them and you love your stories…then write them.” He has always been my biggest fan and he was right. Being a writer has always been my dream and what I said I wanted to be when I grew up.
So, I’ve told you who I am and what I love to do…now I’m going to tell you the why.
I have two boys that are three years a part. My husband and I want to instill in them adventure, courage, and passion. We don’t expect them to be perfect at things, we just want them to try and do. It’s not about winning the race, it’s about showing up in the first place. We don’t want them to be discouraged by society stereotypes, we want them to embrace who they are and what they love. After all, we only get one life.
In the end, they won’t care how many books I actually sell…all that matters to them is that I said I was going to do it, I did it, and I have loved every minute of it.
Find something that you love and tell yourself, “I do, therefore I am.”
Kathryn graduated from the University of South Florida with degrees in Biology and Chemistry, and currently lives in Tampa, Florida. She spends her days as a sales director for a medical device company and her nights lost in her love of fictional characters.
When Kathryn is not crafting beautiful worlds that incorporate some of her most favorite real life places, she can be found hanging out with her husband and two young sons, while drinking iced coffee and enjoying the sun.
A note from the author...
Over ten years ago my husband and I were driving from Chicago to Tampa and somewhere in Kentucky I remember seeing a billboard that was all black with five white words, “I do, therefore I am!” I’m certain that it was a Nike ad, but for me I found this to be completely profound.
Take running for example. Most will say that a runner is someone who runs five days a week and runs under a ten minute mile pace. Well, I can tell you that I never run five days a week and on my best days my pace is an eleven minute mile. I have run quite a few half marathons and one full marathon. No matter what anyone says, I am a runner. I do, therefore I am.
I’ve taken this same thought and applied it to so many areas of my life: cooking, gardening, quilting, and yes…writing.
I may not be culinary trained, but I love to cook and my family and friends loves to eat my food. I cook, therefore I am a chef!
My thumb is not black. I love to grow herbs, tomatoes, roses, and lavender. I garden, therefore I am a gardener!
I love beautiful fabrics and I can follow a pattern. My triangles may not line up perfectly…but who cares, my quilts are still beautiful when they are finished. I quilt, therefore I am a quilter.
I have been writing my entire life. It is my husband who finally said, “Who cares if people like your books or not? If you enjoy writing them and you love your stories…then write them.” He has always been my biggest fan and he was right. Being a writer has always been my dream and what I said I wanted to be when I grew up.
So, I’ve told you who I am and what I love to do…now I’m going to tell you the why.
I have two boys that are three years a part. My husband and I want to instill in them adventure, courage, and passion. We don’t expect them to be perfect at things, we just want them to try and do. It’s not about winning the race, it’s about showing up in the first place. We don’t want them to be discouraged by society stereotypes, we want them to embrace who they are and what they love. After all, we only get one life.
In the end, they won’t care how many books I actually sell…all that matters to them is that I said I was going to do it, I did it, and I have loved every minute of it.
Find something that you love and tell yourself, “I do, therefore I am.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 3, 2023
I thought this was a really cute romance and honestly what I needed. I’m still in a slump but reading this made my heartstrings tug and I loved it a lot. It was short and sweet and we love a good misunderstanding childhood enemies to lovers. So cute ❤️
October 1, 2023
I loved writing this story. Stokes is grumpy and Rosie is full of banter. Together they made the perfect pair and I can't wait for y'all to read them. Thanks for adding to your shelves, thank you for reading, and thank you for reviewing... Enjoy! xoxo
January 15, 2023
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Kathryn Andrews and her books. There is just something about the way that she creates her characters and stories that gives me everything. The vibrancy and personalities of her characters, the way her words bring it all to life, the way she captures the feels and the swoon and the pure connection of her characters…it’s just the best.
And let me tell y’all, Hats Off to Love is Kathryn Andrews at her best.
It is exceptionally written and crafted, and every word and page just pulls you in more. It is fun, effervescent, and just full of life and color and more personality than you can shake a stick at! It’s charming and swoony and so dang sweet. It’s a story that has so much heart, such true connection, and a lot of heart that will pull you in fiercely to these characters. This book truly has it all, and I can’t stop smiling when I think about all that I got with these characters along the way.
Simply put, this book was absolutely fantastic from start to finish and it is a book that you need in your life this very second.
Hats Off to Love has it all.
Fake dating. Check.
Frenemies to Lovers….check check.
Best friend’s brother….check check check.
Southern charm and so much swoon….all the checks.
This book was utterly amazing. From the very first page I was consumed, I wanted and needed more, and I had to get it all with Rosie and Stokes. Those two definitely kept me on my toes, and boy was I there for every second of it. They definitely knew how to push each other to the edge, and I was there for every bit of them dancing around the world of feeling and connection they had for one another. Those two will give you it all, and I promise you that they will both make it well worth the journey they go on together.
Hats Off to Love brings you into the heart of the Kentucky Derby season and into the world of southern high society, where the gossip is strong and the hats are even bigger.
This book follows Rosie and Stokes, two people who love to hate each other and push every button possible. They’ve known each other since childhood, and have been bothering each other ever since. So when Stokes comes to Rosie with an offer for them to pretend to be together, Rosie doesn’t know what to do with him or the offer. She’s an up and coming boss babe who is ready to take on Derby season, and he’s a local well known wealthy bachelor who always says the one thing ready to annoy her. He’s her best friend’s brother, and despite him annoying the hell out of her at times, she can’t help but feel a certain pull to him. She decides to take him up on his offer of fake dating because she can’t resist the opportunity to get help with her business and despite their well known animosity, she trusts Stokes.
What ensues between them in this book is fake dating, frenemies to lovers, goodness. This book is chalk full of moments that make these two question what is really happening between them and where it’s going. What started off as something fake, something to mutually benefit them both, soon becomes way more than either of them bargained for. Which leads both Stokes and Rosie to decide what’s real, what’s fake, and what could be.
Kathryn Andrews does the most phenomenal job of bringing this book and story to life in the most vibrant and enjoyable way. From page one I was invested in this story and rooting for these characters, and the more I got with them, the more I NEEDED them to give their hearts to one another. I loved how she created such life and vibrancy with Rosie and Stokes that they felt so real to me. These characters became a part of me as I read their story. I got to know them in every way, I fell in love with them hard and fiercely, and I just became so invested in what could be for them.
The way that Kathryn Andrews pours it all into Rosie and Stokes makes this book the absolute best to read and experience. I think I smiled through every page, had my heart melt and swoon the more the story continued, and just loved these characters through it all. That is all a testament to what this author creates in this book, and it really speaks to how Kathryn Andrews creates her books and stories and characters that I felt all that I did while reading it.
This book just felt so good to read and experience. It made my heart happy, it gave me all the feels, and it gave me a love story that I will never forget. It was equal parts fun, feisty, and fantastic from beginning to end. And it also just shows you that even your wildest dreams are possible if you take a chance, if you believe in yourself and those around you, and if you just go for it heart first.
Simply put, I loved everything about Hats Off to Love by Kathryn Andrews.
This book immersed me in a heart touching romance that made me blush, made me swoon, and that made me feel it all, all while giving me one hell of a love story. This book gave me a romance of two people with a searing connection that will pull them both into something more real than they could ever imagine. This story swept me up into its magical grasp, into a world of southern charm, derby hats and fast races, business dealings, and more vibrancy than I could have ever imagined. This book delivered an exceptional story of how something fake, soon became something so very real and something that was so much more than these characters could have ever bargained for…and that more, well it was everything.
Rosie and Stokes will give you it all in this book. Trust me. They will make you work for it at times, but you will love it and you will love them. You will love how they take this lively and connection filled journey together as they embark on a fake relationship that soon becomes something very real. You will love how deep things become between them and how that makes them both question everything they’ve ever felt and known about one another. You will love the banter and the spirit filled moments that are the heart of this book. You will love how honest and real things become between them and how that leads them to something truly unexpected, yet something so utterly beautiful.
You will just love them. You will love every single moment and morsel you get with them along the way, and more than that, you will just love you get to feel and live it all as they see what could be. And I promise you, they won’t disappoint you. Not one little bit.
Kathryn Andrews has done it again in Hats Off to Love. She brings it all to this story and makes it the most enjoyable read from beginning to end. This is a love story that I know I will not soon forget. It was everything I needed and more, and it has firmly cemented itself as one of my top reads of the year, and a sure favorite from this author. This book had it all, the love, the swoon and spice, the connection and pull, some serious charm, and lots and lots of fabulous hats.
What more could you want? Absolutely nothing. Trust me.
And let me tell y’all, Hats Off to Love is Kathryn Andrews at her best.
It is exceptionally written and crafted, and every word and page just pulls you in more. It is fun, effervescent, and just full of life and color and more personality than you can shake a stick at! It’s charming and swoony and so dang sweet. It’s a story that has so much heart, such true connection, and a lot of heart that will pull you in fiercely to these characters. This book truly has it all, and I can’t stop smiling when I think about all that I got with these characters along the way.
Simply put, this book was absolutely fantastic from start to finish and it is a book that you need in your life this very second.
Hats Off to Love has it all.
Fake dating. Check.
Frenemies to Lovers….check check.
Best friend’s brother….check check check.
Southern charm and so much swoon….all the checks.
This book was utterly amazing. From the very first page I was consumed, I wanted and needed more, and I had to get it all with Rosie and Stokes. Those two definitely kept me on my toes, and boy was I there for every second of it. They definitely knew how to push each other to the edge, and I was there for every bit of them dancing around the world of feeling and connection they had for one another. Those two will give you it all, and I promise you that they will both make it well worth the journey they go on together.
Hats Off to Love brings you into the heart of the Kentucky Derby season and into the world of southern high society, where the gossip is strong and the hats are even bigger.
This book follows Rosie and Stokes, two people who love to hate each other and push every button possible. They’ve known each other since childhood, and have been bothering each other ever since. So when Stokes comes to Rosie with an offer for them to pretend to be together, Rosie doesn’t know what to do with him or the offer. She’s an up and coming boss babe who is ready to take on Derby season, and he’s a local well known wealthy bachelor who always says the one thing ready to annoy her. He’s her best friend’s brother, and despite him annoying the hell out of her at times, she can’t help but feel a certain pull to him. She decides to take him up on his offer of fake dating because she can’t resist the opportunity to get help with her business and despite their well known animosity, she trusts Stokes.
What ensues between them in this book is fake dating, frenemies to lovers, goodness. This book is chalk full of moments that make these two question what is really happening between them and where it’s going. What started off as something fake, something to mutually benefit them both, soon becomes way more than either of them bargained for. Which leads both Stokes and Rosie to decide what’s real, what’s fake, and what could be.
Kathryn Andrews does the most phenomenal job of bringing this book and story to life in the most vibrant and enjoyable way. From page one I was invested in this story and rooting for these characters, and the more I got with them, the more I NEEDED them to give their hearts to one another. I loved how she created such life and vibrancy with Rosie and Stokes that they felt so real to me. These characters became a part of me as I read their story. I got to know them in every way, I fell in love with them hard and fiercely, and I just became so invested in what could be for them.
The way that Kathryn Andrews pours it all into Rosie and Stokes makes this book the absolute best to read and experience. I think I smiled through every page, had my heart melt and swoon the more the story continued, and just loved these characters through it all. That is all a testament to what this author creates in this book, and it really speaks to how Kathryn Andrews creates her books and stories and characters that I felt all that I did while reading it.
This book just felt so good to read and experience. It made my heart happy, it gave me all the feels, and it gave me a love story that I will never forget. It was equal parts fun, feisty, and fantastic from beginning to end. And it also just shows you that even your wildest dreams are possible if you take a chance, if you believe in yourself and those around you, and if you just go for it heart first.
Simply put, I loved everything about Hats Off to Love by Kathryn Andrews.
This book immersed me in a heart touching romance that made me blush, made me swoon, and that made me feel it all, all while giving me one hell of a love story. This book gave me a romance of two people with a searing connection that will pull them both into something more real than they could ever imagine. This story swept me up into its magical grasp, into a world of southern charm, derby hats and fast races, business dealings, and more vibrancy than I could have ever imagined. This book delivered an exceptional story of how something fake, soon became something so very real and something that was so much more than these characters could have ever bargained for…and that more, well it was everything.
Rosie and Stokes will give you it all in this book. Trust me. They will make you work for it at times, but you will love it and you will love them. You will love how they take this lively and connection filled journey together as they embark on a fake relationship that soon becomes something very real. You will love how deep things become between them and how that makes them both question everything they’ve ever felt and known about one another. You will love the banter and the spirit filled moments that are the heart of this book. You will love how honest and real things become between them and how that leads them to something truly unexpected, yet something so utterly beautiful.
You will just love them. You will love every single moment and morsel you get with them along the way, and more than that, you will just love you get to feel and live it all as they see what could be. And I promise you, they won’t disappoint you. Not one little bit.
Kathryn Andrews has done it again in Hats Off to Love. She brings it all to this story and makes it the most enjoyable read from beginning to end. This is a love story that I know I will not soon forget. It was everything I needed and more, and it has firmly cemented itself as one of my top reads of the year, and a sure favorite from this author. This book had it all, the love, the swoon and spice, the connection and pull, some serious charm, and lots and lots of fabulous hats.
What more could you want? Absolutely nothing. Trust me.
January 15, 2023
A huge thank you to Kathryn Andrews for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was such a fun story, full of so much heart. I have never read a book focused around the Kentucky Derby. I couldn’t get enough of this Louisville-based story. There was so much to love.
Rosie May and her boutique hat shop were so sweet! Who wouldn’t love to browse a store full of fun and unique hats and fascinators! And the private events, what a fun idea! If you can’t tell, I found myself wanting to step into the pages of this book often!
The Luvu Tea gossip column was a fun addition. It was hard not to read it with the gossip girl voice. If you know, you know!
The romance in this story was so good. I really loved Stokes and Rosie so much! They have known each other for so long, but were enemies until…they weren’t. This is one you’ll want to add to your TBR!
This was such a fun story, full of so much heart. I have never read a book focused around the Kentucky Derby. I couldn’t get enough of this Louisville-based story. There was so much to love.
Rosie May and her boutique hat shop were so sweet! Who wouldn’t love to browse a store full of fun and unique hats and fascinators! And the private events, what a fun idea! If you can’t tell, I found myself wanting to step into the pages of this book often!
The Luvu Tea gossip column was a fun addition. It was hard not to read it with the gossip girl voice. If you know, you know!
The romance in this story was so good. I really loved Stokes and Rosie so much! They have known each other for so long, but were enemies until…they weren’t. This is one you’ll want to add to your TBR!
April 7, 2023
I really loved the first half of this story. I thought Rosie and Stokes were a great enemy duo. You could tell that Stokes definitely fell first. The story is only told from Rosie's POV. This story made me want to dig deep into my southern roots and relish in all its glory. Sweet tea, big hats and gossip...yes please!
The story started to lose me around 60-70%. But it wasn't bad, just a bit bored I guess. But it did end so sweet.
Overall, a sweet and fun story with mild spice.
The story started to lose me around 60-70%. But it wasn't bad, just a bit bored I guess. But it did end so sweet.
Overall, a sweet and fun story with mild spice.
January 21, 2023
Title: Hats Off to Love
Author: Kathryn Andrews
Hero/Heroine: Stokes & Rosie
Tropes: Best Friends Brother, Enemies to Lovers, Fake Dating, Childhood Crush,
TW/CW: Death of a loved one (off page but described in some detail),
THE GOOD 😀
How have I never read this author before? Have I been living under a rock? Seriously, I was so enamoured with Kathryn Andrews storytelling, I was willing to forego sleep (which I did one night, didn’t switch my kindle off until after midnight, getting up for work the next day was fun).
Stokes and Rosie have been enemies since they were teenagers, when Rosie and her mother moved to Stokes family farm after the death of her father. Never understanding why Stokes feels so much contempt toward her, Rosie sets out to match him insult for insult, never letting him get the better of her. Until Stokes suggests the last thing Rosie was expecting.
There wasn’t anything I disliked about this book and its characters. I was completely smitten with Stokes and Rosie, their relationship was so contentious, however as soon as they let their guard down, it was pure magic. They had chemistry by the boat load (or barn load in this instance) and I was hoping they’d get their happy ending. One thing I adored was how shy Stokes was; in some enemies to lovers, the hero can be cocky and over confident, however Stokes was the complete opposite. Unaware of the effect he had on people, he avoided situations where he’d be the centre of attention and kept himself to himself. This made me swoon. Hard.
And Rosie. Designer. Hat shop owner. All round queen. She was immediately likeable and I loved how she was more than a match for Stokes, never allowing him to get the last word. Which in itself made for some next level chemistry between them.
Hats Off to Love was an absolute joy from start to finish, and it’s safe to say this has made it onto my favourites of 2023 already. Bravo, and Andrews, bravo.
THE BAD ☹️
Have a word.
Thank you to the author and @wildfiremarketingsolutions for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A wonderful fake dating romance that had me all up in my feels
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Kathryn Andrews
Hero/Heroine: Stokes & Rosie
Tropes: Best Friends Brother, Enemies to Lovers, Fake Dating, Childhood Crush,
TW/CW: Death of a loved one (off page but described in some detail),
THE GOOD 😀
How have I never read this author before? Have I been living under a rock? Seriously, I was so enamoured with Kathryn Andrews storytelling, I was willing to forego sleep (which I did one night, didn’t switch my kindle off until after midnight, getting up for work the next day was fun).
Stokes and Rosie have been enemies since they were teenagers, when Rosie and her mother moved to Stokes family farm after the death of her father. Never understanding why Stokes feels so much contempt toward her, Rosie sets out to match him insult for insult, never letting him get the better of her. Until Stokes suggests the last thing Rosie was expecting.
There wasn’t anything I disliked about this book and its characters. I was completely smitten with Stokes and Rosie, their relationship was so contentious, however as soon as they let their guard down, it was pure magic. They had chemistry by the boat load (or barn load in this instance) and I was hoping they’d get their happy ending. One thing I adored was how shy Stokes was; in some enemies to lovers, the hero can be cocky and over confident, however Stokes was the complete opposite. Unaware of the effect he had on people, he avoided situations where he’d be the centre of attention and kept himself to himself. This made me swoon. Hard.
And Rosie. Designer. Hat shop owner. All round queen. She was immediately likeable and I loved how she was more than a match for Stokes, never allowing him to get the last word. Which in itself made for some next level chemistry between them.
Hats Off to Love was an absolute joy from start to finish, and it’s safe to say this has made it onto my favourites of 2023 already. Bravo, and Andrews, bravo.
THE BAD ☹️
Have a word.
Thank you to the author and @wildfiremarketingsolutions for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A wonderful fake dating romance that had me all up in my feels
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 19, 2023
“How did we get here? How did we go from hating each other with a passion to literally being in the throes of passion?”
Oh my did this book have me smiling! Set in the heart of Kentucky, among beautiful Thoroughbred race horse farms and more money than I could dream of, this enemies to lovers, fake dating romance was just so much fun! Right from the start you could feel the disdain between Stokes and Rosie but there was also that undercurrent of attraction from Stokes which made me want to peel back his layers and discover all the ways he loved Rosie. This type of hero is truly one of my favorites, where he is grumpy on the outside but it turns out he’s just really shy and awkward and trying his hardest to win the heroine over. Melt my heart with the groveling and sweet gestures!
“I don’t know what it is, but I just can’t get enough of you. I think of you. I dream of you. When we’re together, I’m having separate conversations with you in my mind. It’s never enough.”
This was such a fun storyline with Rosie opening her own Derby Hat Store, the rumors she overheard about the potential horse racing drama and the gossip column speculations about the towns most eligible bachelor, none other than her sworn enemy Stokes. So of course Stokes needed a fake girlfriend to fend off all the money hungry, status chasing ladies and Rosie was just the woman for the job! I truly loved how their banter and jabs turned into stolen kisses, subtle touches and eventually a passionate love affair. If you’re a fan of small town romance with that southern charm, definitely check this one out!
“It was never fake for me, not one second of it. To me, it was like finally having a dream come true.”
Oh my did this book have me smiling! Set in the heart of Kentucky, among beautiful Thoroughbred race horse farms and more money than I could dream of, this enemies to lovers, fake dating romance was just so much fun! Right from the start you could feel the disdain between Stokes and Rosie but there was also that undercurrent of attraction from Stokes which made me want to peel back his layers and discover all the ways he loved Rosie. This type of hero is truly one of my favorites, where he is grumpy on the outside but it turns out he’s just really shy and awkward and trying his hardest to win the heroine over. Melt my heart with the groveling and sweet gestures!
“I don’t know what it is, but I just can’t get enough of you. I think of you. I dream of you. When we’re together, I’m having separate conversations with you in my mind. It’s never enough.”
This was such a fun storyline with Rosie opening her own Derby Hat Store, the rumors she overheard about the potential horse racing drama and the gossip column speculations about the towns most eligible bachelor, none other than her sworn enemy Stokes. So of course Stokes needed a fake girlfriend to fend off all the money hungry, status chasing ladies and Rosie was just the woman for the job! I truly loved how their banter and jabs turned into stolen kisses, subtle touches and eventually a passionate love affair. If you’re a fan of small town romance with that southern charm, definitely check this one out!
“It was never fake for me, not one second of it. To me, it was like finally having a dream come true.”
January 20, 2023
4.25 Stars! 💗
Having read Ms.Andrews's work many times before I always look so forward to picking up more of her books! As soon as I stumbled across this book on social media i knew this was the one that I had to pick it up next. I really enjoyed this story!
Rosie and Stokes's journey pulled me in right from the get go! Rosie and Stokes have been in each other's lives ever since they were kids since Rosie is best friends with Molly, Stokes's sister. The thing is though, they can't stand each other and are enemies. When Stokes comes to Rosie with a shocking question, will these two be able to fake it? and can the real lead to everything for them?
I loved how Rosie and Stokes had me glued to my kindle so quickly! I really liked the way these two had been in each other's lives for so long and how they were brought closer together. Their interactions and banter were oh so entertaining!
I didn't quite know how Rosie and Stokes would handle the fake, the real, and everything in their hearts which got me even more into their story. I adored and admired Rosie and her Derby hat shop! Stokes had me falling for him! The chemistry between these two was undeniable. I loved how Rosie and Stokes had me feeling so much with them all throughout!
I so enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story! I could picture everything in my mind so clearly and that had me adoring this story even more!
With Hats off to Love, Ms.Andrews has created such a great and refreshing read filled with feels that you won't want to turn away from! I can't wait to read what she comes up with next! 💗
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
Having read Ms.Andrews's work many times before I always look so forward to picking up more of her books! As soon as I stumbled across this book on social media i knew this was the one that I had to pick it up next. I really enjoyed this story!
Rosie and Stokes's journey pulled me in right from the get go! Rosie and Stokes have been in each other's lives ever since they were kids since Rosie is best friends with Molly, Stokes's sister. The thing is though, they can't stand each other and are enemies. When Stokes comes to Rosie with a shocking question, will these two be able to fake it? and can the real lead to everything for them?
I loved how Rosie and Stokes had me glued to my kindle so quickly! I really liked the way these two had been in each other's lives for so long and how they were brought closer together. Their interactions and banter were oh so entertaining!
I didn't quite know how Rosie and Stokes would handle the fake, the real, and everything in their hearts which got me even more into their story. I adored and admired Rosie and her Derby hat shop! Stokes had me falling for him! The chemistry between these two was undeniable. I loved how Rosie and Stokes had me feeling so much with them all throughout!
I so enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story! I could picture everything in my mind so clearly and that had me adoring this story even more!
With Hats off to Love, Ms.Andrews has created such a great and refreshing read filled with feels that you won't want to turn away from! I can't wait to read what she comes up with next! 💗
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
January 17, 2023
Firstly, I’d like to thank the author Kathryn Andrews for sending across an ARC. Secondly, this book is SO CUTE! I loved everything about it. It gave me Gossip Girl x Bridgeton vibes, which was lovely. The story majorly revolves around the Kentuck Derby which was a first for me and the way Kathryn has written about the whole Derby experience is wonderful! Rosie and Stokes’ banter was so much fun! And ofcourse, the enemies to lovers and bestfriend’s brother tropes are always exciting and fun to read. Overall it’s a sweet, swoony and happy read and I’d definitely recommend it to everyone. Can’t wait to see what’s next in store from Kathryn 💕
January 12, 2023
NO SPOILERS!
Hats off to Love was amazing, and I absolutely loved Stokes and Rosie’s best friend’s brother, enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship story! It was unique, sexy, swoony, and entertaining, and I couldn’t have loved it more. The conclusion was perfect and made me so happy. Definitely one of my favorite endings to date. I can’t wait to see what Kathryn Andrews has in store next!
Proofread for author.
For more reviews and other book news, please visit: https://theromancebibliophile.com
Hats off to Love was amazing, and I absolutely loved Stokes and Rosie’s best friend’s brother, enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship story! It was unique, sexy, swoony, and entertaining, and I couldn’t have loved it more. The conclusion was perfect and made me so happy. Definitely one of my favorite endings to date. I can’t wait to see what Kathryn Andrews has in store next!
Proofread for author.
For more reviews and other book news, please visit: https://theromancebibliophile.com
January 25, 2023
I ended up really enjoying this story. It’s a testament to the fact about how incredibly things can blow out of proportion…thus making it an “enemies to lovers” trope instead of best friend’s brother, friends to lovers, or even second chance. Add in fake dating and I’m sold!
I haven’t ever read anything set in this world- Derby hats, thoroughbred races, and the LuVu area. I loved Rosie May’s tenacity and her dedication to making her dreams come true…but I didn’t love her character when she interacted with Stokes for the beginning chunk of the book. I was so glad when the tides had turned and she began seeing Stokes for who he truly was.
The level of sappiness was endearing and fed into my need for a full blown HEA. It was fun to dive back into Kathryn Andrews’ writing…even if it was about horses (they terrify me!). I focused on the journey, the evolution, and the prize Rosie & Stokes “won” in the end.
I haven’t ever read anything set in this world- Derby hats, thoroughbred races, and the LuVu area. I loved Rosie May’s tenacity and her dedication to making her dreams come true…but I didn’t love her character when she interacted with Stokes for the beginning chunk of the book. I was so glad when the tides had turned and she began seeing Stokes for who he truly was.
The level of sappiness was endearing and fed into my need for a full blown HEA. It was fun to dive back into Kathryn Andrews’ writing…even if it was about horses (they terrify me!). I focused on the journey, the evolution, and the prize Rosie & Stokes “won” in the end.
January 27, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by Kathryn. The descriptions in this book were amazing and made me floss when we lived in KY. This book had everything, I was turning the pages so fast. I loved Rosie, she was so determined and knew exactly what she wanted and went after it. Stokes, oh boy, talk about swoon worthy! He was everything and treated Rosie just perfect even when she thought he was completely different from how she knew him growing up. The banter in this book was amazing and had me laughing so much. Full of chemistry, angst, tension, love, banter, emotions, mystery, southern charm and so much more in this fake dating, best friends brother, enemies to lovers book. I can’t wait to read more from Kathryn.
February 1, 2023
Yet another Kathryn Andrew’s book that I picked up and didn’t put down until I was finished. Her ability to create characters and scenes that you not only immediately identify with, but that you are pulled into make her stories irresistible to me. I always appreciate a good enemies to lovers story and I feel like this one took a bit of a different route than most. You’ll enjoy reading about the Kentucky Derby and all the hats!
January 17, 2023
4 Stars
Tropes:
Fake Dating
Best Friends Brother
This was such a cute book. Rosie has just opened her dream hat shop. She has been best friends with Molly since forever. Stokes is Molly's brother and Rosie does not like him. But when Stokes asks Rosie to be his fake girlfriend until the Kentuck Derby is over, will Rosie see the real Stokes?
"You said someone and just suggested your brother, who is not a someone. He is the spawn of the devil who's been sent to earth to ruin me."
The banter in this book is amazing! I loved how we got flashbacks to when they were all little. This is definitely one I will recommend.
Thank you to Kathryn and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Tropes:
Fake Dating
Best Friends Brother
This was such a cute book. Rosie has just opened her dream hat shop. She has been best friends with Molly since forever. Stokes is Molly's brother and Rosie does not like him. But when Stokes asks Rosie to be his fake girlfriend until the Kentuck Derby is over, will Rosie see the real Stokes?
"You said someone and just suggested your brother, who is not a someone. He is the spawn of the devil who's been sent to earth to ruin me."
The banter in this book is amazing! I loved how we got flashbacks to when they were all little. This is definitely one I will recommend.
Thank you to Kathryn and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 19, 2023
I am a huge Kathryn Andrews fan and having been anxiously waiting for this book. " Hats Off To Love" was wonderful! I really enjoyed the setting of the horse farms, the Kentucky Derby and the hats and fashions that are a part of it. Ms. Andrews really makes you feel the "sparks" and love between her characters. I loved "Hats Off To Love" and will now be looking forward to her next book.
January 25, 2023
So entertaining!
The banter between these two is so great! This book is so entertaining, I didn’t want to put it down. Highly recommend d!
The banter between these two is so great! This book is so entertaining, I didn’t want to put it down. Highly recommend d!
February 3, 2023
Captain Whitlock reporting for duty🫡
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
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(Ragain) There are so many words to describe this book but the only one that keeps coming up is Beautiful✨ All around such a beautiful story from the setting tones to the spring vibes, the banter back and forth and *gasp* the spice was swoon worthy and body meltingly hot.🔥 This is gonna be my number one read to start off the Spring/Summer season🌸 Kathryn you are my go to author forever and always babes.💋
(Renee) Holy Hell! I just found my new comfort book! 😍 Hats off to Love is such a phenomenal book I had the hardest time putting it down ! Kathryn babe you out did yourself! Brava! Not only is it spicy but the comedy is just *chefs kiss* I found myself laughing almost every turn of the page! This is a definite must read Stokes and Rosie are OTP! The chemistry between both is just gahh 🤤 swoon worthy! Kathryn Hats of to you 👒
Favorite Scene: Chapter.19: The Barn🐎
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
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(Ragain) There are so many words to describe this book but the only one that keeps coming up is Beautiful✨ All around such a beautiful story from the setting tones to the spring vibes, the banter back and forth and *gasp* the spice was swoon worthy and body meltingly hot.🔥 This is gonna be my number one read to start off the Spring/Summer season🌸 Kathryn you are my go to author forever and always babes.💋
(Renee) Holy Hell! I just found my new comfort book! 😍 Hats off to Love is such a phenomenal book I had the hardest time putting it down ! Kathryn babe you out did yourself! Brava! Not only is it spicy but the comedy is just *chefs kiss* I found myself laughing almost every turn of the page! This is a definite must read Stokes and Rosie are OTP! The chemistry between both is just gahh 🤤 swoon worthy! Kathryn Hats of to you 👒
Favorite Scene: Chapter.19: The Barn🐎
July 22, 2023
Kathryn has done it again!! She wrote a book that made so many demands.
It demanded to be read.
It demanded I not put it down.
It demanded me to fall for Stokes.
I caught myself smiling so often while reading. The butterflies in my stomach joined Rosie's each and every time. I loved each minute of reading Rosie's story and wish I could visit her store in real life!
It demanded to be read.
It demanded I not put it down.
It demanded me to fall for Stokes.
I caught myself smiling so often while reading. The butterflies in my stomach joined Rosie's each and every time. I loved each minute of reading Rosie's story and wish I could visit her store in real life!
January 3, 2025
This was such a cute book! I loved that we had flashbacks of them growing up and both of them seeing those memories through each others eyes. And that moment when she realized he had been showing her is true feelings all along- it was perfect!
April 7, 2026
love a enemies to lovers trope
I really enjoyed this story.. Kathryn has a way of telling a love story with other things going on in the background.. keeps you interested..
I really enjoyed this story.. Kathryn has a way of telling a love story with other things going on in the background.. keeps you interested..
February 19, 2023
I picked up this book because of the millner aspect. I've always wanted to wear those beautiful Derby hats one sees at the races, but I doubt I could pull it off. Not the case with Rosie May. That woman has style and grace and has a thriving hat business which is her life. She's worked hard to be where she is today and Mr. William Stokes Whitlock III is not going to interfere with that. In fact, his deal to be his fake date at a party was the last thing she wanted to do, but maybe dating the enemy will get her and her business noticed. What she didn't expect was how attentive her enemy would be to her.
The book follows Rosie May and William "Stokes" Whitlock III. The commoner and the heir to Whitlock Farms. The kind, happy young entrepreneur and the serious, boring, wealthy lawyer. Oil and water. Stokes is her best friend Molly's brother and he's up to something. Why does he want to date the one person he bullied and humiliated growing up? There is no love loss between them and her first instinct about his offer is to say no, but she's always been drawn to him. The more time they spend together, the more they discover they aren't that different after all.
This book is a true love story filled with misunderstandings, yearning, and burning passion. The more I learned about the stoic and mysterious Stokes, the more I fell for him. The story is told from Rosie's POV so his tell-tell signs of vulnerability and determination to show Rosie his true self, is slowly revealed. I loved the fact that every day after a bad day at work, the man who was so controlled and decisive would hold her in his arms and you could see the weight of his day go away. She calmed him and brought out his gentle and peaceful side. Rosie is so sweet and she loves the Whitlock family. The farm is her home because the Whitlocks treated her like one of them, except for Stokes. She is perplexed why he despises her for so many years and then does a 180 and can't keep his hands and lips off of her. The loving gestures and growing feelings just made me smile. Wait until the grand gesture. It's a heart melter. Rosie and Stokes are just meant for each other. Hands down.
Hats off to Ms. Andrews. She has a wonderful way of making one feel the emotions of the characters and experiencing Rosie's delightful shop and the beautiful Kentucky countryside. Pick up this book. It won't disappoint. I'm adding this author to my favorites list.
The book follows Rosie May and William "Stokes" Whitlock III. The commoner and the heir to Whitlock Farms. The kind, happy young entrepreneur and the serious, boring, wealthy lawyer. Oil and water. Stokes is her best friend Molly's brother and he's up to something. Why does he want to date the one person he bullied and humiliated growing up? There is no love loss between them and her first instinct about his offer is to say no, but she's always been drawn to him. The more time they spend together, the more they discover they aren't that different after all.
This book is a true love story filled with misunderstandings, yearning, and burning passion. The more I learned about the stoic and mysterious Stokes, the more I fell for him. The story is told from Rosie's POV so his tell-tell signs of vulnerability and determination to show Rosie his true self, is slowly revealed. I loved the fact that every day after a bad day at work, the man who was so controlled and decisive would hold her in his arms and you could see the weight of his day go away. She calmed him and brought out his gentle and peaceful side. Rosie is so sweet and she loves the Whitlock family. The farm is her home because the Whitlocks treated her like one of them, except for Stokes. She is perplexed why he despises her for so many years and then does a 180 and can't keep his hands and lips off of her. The loving gestures and growing feelings just made me smile. Wait until the grand gesture. It's a heart melter. Rosie and Stokes are just meant for each other. Hands down.
Hats off to Ms. Andrews. She has a wonderful way of making one feel the emotions of the characters and experiencing Rosie's delightful shop and the beautiful Kentucky countryside. Pick up this book. It won't disappoint. I'm adding this author to my favorites list.
January 18, 2023
Thank you so much to the author, Kathryn Andrews, for providing the ARC! These thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rosie and Stokes have know each other since they were kids and basically grew up together. However, several miscommunications between the two prevented them from getting close. Despite secretly pining for each other, they were rather snarky when they were younger. Which led them to believe that they hated each other. This continues until adulthood when the "Louisville Lady Whistledown" aptly named the "LuLu Tea" announces that Stokes is the most eligible bachelor for the Kentucky Derby season. Stokes being a tall, handsome, and rich broody lawyer has ladies coming out of the woodworks trying to get his attention. He's also being pursued by his bosses daughter. Stokes proposes a deal with Rosie to act as his girlfriend until the season is over. This way he gets the girls off him and she gets notoriety for her new hat shop.
This story is in Rosie's POV. She has just opened her Kentucky derby hat shop and is also a very accomplished dress maker. Her successes during the story had me cheering. She's such an endearing character. Watching her navigate her thoughts about Stokes was so entertaining. It was very difficult for her to trust him, but he made it easier through the book. Seeing her feelings change was was one of my favorite aspects of the story.
This book was like a breath of fresh air. It was full of delightful banter and it had a bunch of my favorite tropes:
-enemies- to friends- to lovers
-best friend's brother
-grumpy/sunshine
-fake dating
The story was also moderately spicy. And the things that Stokes said to Rosie were just chef's kiss! This dude had it bad the whole time.
I also really enjoyed the subplot of the nefarious things going on at all the horse farms. It added the element of a mystery story in with all the romance.
Overall this was a super entertaining read with likable characters. The only thing that would have made it better would be a Stokes POV, as the entire story is in Rosie's POV. I would love to see the author write a few chapters from his perspective just for funsies as an epilogue or something. **wink wink to the author**
Rosie and Stokes have know each other since they were kids and basically grew up together. However, several miscommunications between the two prevented them from getting close. Despite secretly pining for each other, they were rather snarky when they were younger. Which led them to believe that they hated each other. This continues until adulthood when the "Louisville Lady Whistledown" aptly named the "LuLu Tea" announces that Stokes is the most eligible bachelor for the Kentucky Derby season. Stokes being a tall, handsome, and rich broody lawyer has ladies coming out of the woodworks trying to get his attention. He's also being pursued by his bosses daughter. Stokes proposes a deal with Rosie to act as his girlfriend until the season is over. This way he gets the girls off him and she gets notoriety for her new hat shop.
This story is in Rosie's POV. She has just opened her Kentucky derby hat shop and is also a very accomplished dress maker. Her successes during the story had me cheering. She's such an endearing character. Watching her navigate her thoughts about Stokes was so entertaining. It was very difficult for her to trust him, but he made it easier through the book. Seeing her feelings change was was one of my favorite aspects of the story.
This book was like a breath of fresh air. It was full of delightful banter and it had a bunch of my favorite tropes:
-enemies- to friends- to lovers
-best friend's brother
-grumpy/sunshine
-fake dating
The story was also moderately spicy. And the things that Stokes said to Rosie were just chef's kiss! This dude had it bad the whole time.
I also really enjoyed the subplot of the nefarious things going on at all the horse farms. It added the element of a mystery story in with all the romance.
Overall this was a super entertaining read with likable characters. The only thing that would have made it better would be a Stokes POV, as the entire story is in Rosie's POV. I would love to see the author write a few chapters from his perspective just for funsies as an epilogue or something. **wink wink to the author**
January 17, 2023
👒Rate-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
👒Spice-🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
👒Quote-“I want to devour every inch of you. I don’t know what it is, but I just can’t get enough of you. I think of you. I dream of you. When we’re together, I’m having separate conversations with you in my mind. It’s never enough.”
✨“I can think is that this fake relationship is feeling less and less fake by the day.”
👒Review- THIS WAS SUCH AN ADORABLE & AMAZING MASTERPIECE...
- I loved each and every fucking second of it. I was so engrossed in it that I read it in one sitting✨
- Amazing writing style. I honestly admire the author for not only thinking out of the box for its theme and plot but also gracefully pulling it off. All the LuVu Tea Articles were a great touch. Kathryn Andrews is officially added to my comfort authors list. 💝
- Rosie is such a cutie and grounded with her roots. For her, hats are not just an accessory but a extension of herself. She loves her work & enjoys it which I found admirable in her personality.
- While Storkes, OMG! Don't get me started on him *dreamy sight*😍 He is a absolute sweetheart with hot, broody, caring and respectful personality. He notices & knows everything about Rosie. I also love the way Rosie realizes that he is not trying to come of as rude/self-absorbed because of his status, but rather is just shy and uncomfortable around everyone but her. He totally understands her & can read her like a book. I so want to have that same kind of understanding and bond with my future partner💞
- There Chemistry together is so damn sizzling hot. 🥵 There is no other women/any family disapproval drama at all which just made things so so much better. I am so buying this book in paperback ASAP! Loved its Smut filled with dirty talk & absolute passionate love making😏❤🔥I loved the ending along with all it's swoon worthy and funny moments😂
-Favorite scenes - There Fist Kiss, The Kiss in Ace's Stable and the Proposal. 😘
For all those who love a good mix of all the troops listed below ;)
👒Type ;
-Kentucky Derby Hats
-#slowburn
-#royalfamily
-#fakedating
-grumpyxsunshine
-#enemiestolovers
-#bestfriendsbrother
-His Nickname for her ‘Thorney’
👒Spice-🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
👒Quote-“I want to devour every inch of you. I don’t know what it is, but I just can’t get enough of you. I think of you. I dream of you. When we’re together, I’m having separate conversations with you in my mind. It’s never enough.”
✨“I can think is that this fake relationship is feeling less and less fake by the day.”
👒Review- THIS WAS SUCH AN ADORABLE & AMAZING MASTERPIECE...
- I loved each and every fucking second of it. I was so engrossed in it that I read it in one sitting✨
- Amazing writing style. I honestly admire the author for not only thinking out of the box for its theme and plot but also gracefully pulling it off. All the LuVu Tea Articles were a great touch. Kathryn Andrews is officially added to my comfort authors list. 💝
- Rosie is such a cutie and grounded with her roots. For her, hats are not just an accessory but a extension of herself. She loves her work & enjoys it which I found admirable in her personality.
- While Storkes, OMG! Don't get me started on him *dreamy sight*😍 He is a absolute sweetheart with hot, broody, caring and respectful personality. He notices & knows everything about Rosie. I also love the way Rosie realizes that he is not trying to come of as rude/self-absorbed because of his status, but rather is just shy and uncomfortable around everyone but her. He totally understands her & can read her like a book. I so want to have that same kind of understanding and bond with my future partner💞
- There Chemistry together is so damn sizzling hot. 🥵 There is no other women/any family disapproval drama at all which just made things so so much better. I am so buying this book in paperback ASAP! Loved its Smut filled with dirty talk & absolute passionate love making😏❤🔥I loved the ending along with all it's swoon worthy and funny moments😂
-Favorite scenes - There Fist Kiss, The Kiss in Ace's Stable and the Proposal. 😘
For all those who love a good mix of all the troops listed below ;)
👒Type ;
-Kentucky Derby Hats
-#slowburn
-#royalfamily
-#fakedating
-grumpyxsunshine
-#enemiestolovers
-#bestfriendsbrother
-His Nickname for her ‘Thorney’
January 17, 2023
Thank you to Kathryn Andrews for the Advanced eBook of Hats off to Love in exchange for my honest review.
4.25⭐️
Hats off to Love was a few firsts for me. My first Kathryn Andrews book. My first book centered around the Kentucky Derby! My first ARC of 2023. 😍
Hats off to Love follows Rosie May, a 25-year-old Louisvillian who has always loved Derby Hats. Big hats. Small hats. Elaborate hats. Simple hats. You name it; she loves them all. We find her in the opening season of her new shop. It's perfect until Stokes walks in. Williams Stokes Whitlock III, aka her sworn enemy, AKA her best friend's older brother. 👀 When Stokes finds himself in the LuVu limelight, can they pretend to fake date for two months to get through the derby season? Read it and find out.
This read was honestly incredible. Once I settled into the read, I couldn't put it down. Andrews's descriptions of butterflies (iykyk) were some of the cutest imagery I've read in a long time. It was a pretty standard contemporary romance feel, but this seemed to set the writing apart from others for me. I'm also a HUGE sucker for banter, and Rosie is the queen of it, but Stokes was more than able to keep up with her... But boy, was she sassy.
Like most good contemporary romances, I felt all the feels. I was mad, sad, flustered, happy, crying, and swooning through this entire book. Again, I'm so thankful to Kathryn Andrews for the advanced copy. I can't recommend this enough to anyone looking for a sassy, fake dating, passive-aggressive best friend's brother story that has just enough horses to scratch an itch you didn't know you had - without being horse girl vibes. 🤣🖤
4.25⭐️
Hats off to Love was a few firsts for me. My first Kathryn Andrews book. My first book centered around the Kentucky Derby! My first ARC of 2023. 😍
Hats off to Love follows Rosie May, a 25-year-old Louisvillian who has always loved Derby Hats. Big hats. Small hats. Elaborate hats. Simple hats. You name it; she loves them all. We find her in the opening season of her new shop. It's perfect until Stokes walks in. Williams Stokes Whitlock III, aka her sworn enemy, AKA her best friend's older brother. 👀 When Stokes finds himself in the LuVu limelight, can they pretend to fake date for two months to get through the derby season? Read it and find out.
This read was honestly incredible. Once I settled into the read, I couldn't put it down. Andrews's descriptions of butterflies (iykyk) were some of the cutest imagery I've read in a long time. It was a pretty standard contemporary romance feel, but this seemed to set the writing apart from others for me. I'm also a HUGE sucker for banter, and Rosie is the queen of it, but Stokes was more than able to keep up with her... But boy, was she sassy.
Like most good contemporary romances, I felt all the feels. I was mad, sad, flustered, happy, crying, and swooning through this entire book. Again, I'm so thankful to Kathryn Andrews for the advanced copy. I can't recommend this enough to anyone looking for a sassy, fake dating, passive-aggressive best friend's brother story that has just enough horses to scratch an itch you didn't know you had - without being horse girl vibes. 🤣🖤
July 4, 2023
Can I have a TOTALLY separate section of books this year dedicated just to Audibles?? If so, Kathryn Andrews Hats Off To Love just slid neatly into my top 5 for 2023!!
With Narrator Hannah Chiclana's gorgeous Southern accent amplified in the "Lou Vou T" radio broadcast (maybe internet, but I don't know because I haven't read the book, and that part wasn't clear), Stokes sexy as FIRE deep and gravelly accent, and Rosie's melodious sweet, Southern tones, I was drawn in immediately!!
Stokes and Rosie have been locked in this really big hate to love battle for a long, dang time to the point where neither of them really knows why anymore - or they're just not telling each other (as per usual in most Southern Love Tales.) But now Stokes needs Rosie's help, and Rosie doesn't trust him one bit!!
Stokes promises Rosie if she pretends to be his girlfriend it will give her publicity for her hat shop, and he won't ask for anything extra, but sure enough Rosie starts noticing all these things going on with Stokes. Is he in trouble? Where are all these rumors about the Derby contenders suddenly coming from? Should she tell him, or is he just going to think shes crazy??
If you enjoy fashion, gossip, tales about the Kentucky Derby and its gorgeous horses, plus a fab romance between two people who thought they'd never get it right, Hats Off To Love is for you!! Stokes and Rosie had me SWOONING!!
With Narrator Hannah Chiclana's gorgeous Southern accent amplified in the "Lou Vou T" radio broadcast (maybe internet, but I don't know because I haven't read the book, and that part wasn't clear), Stokes sexy as FIRE deep and gravelly accent, and Rosie's melodious sweet, Southern tones, I was drawn in immediately!!
Stokes and Rosie have been locked in this really big hate to love battle for a long, dang time to the point where neither of them really knows why anymore - or they're just not telling each other (as per usual in most Southern Love Tales.) But now Stokes needs Rosie's help, and Rosie doesn't trust him one bit!!
Stokes promises Rosie if she pretends to be his girlfriend it will give her publicity for her hat shop, and he won't ask for anything extra, but sure enough Rosie starts noticing all these things going on with Stokes. Is he in trouble? Where are all these rumors about the Derby contenders suddenly coming from? Should she tell him, or is he just going to think shes crazy??
If you enjoy fashion, gossip, tales about the Kentucky Derby and its gorgeous horses, plus a fab romance between two people who thought they'd never get it right, Hats Off To Love is for you!! Stokes and Rosie had me SWOONING!!
January 18, 2023
POV: Single
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
The gorgeous cover, the horses, the delicious slow burn, and being completely transported to the fast paced and glamorous Kentucky derby world are only some of the reasons I loved this book! The author is a new to me one and I’m not sure how I went this long without reading her work!
At first, I was frustrated with how Rosie hated Stokes and took offense to everything he did. As their story went on I understood more of where they were coming from, and I found them both to be very lovable characters. I loved Stokes from the beginning and although it’s never mentioned, he gave me total Darcy vibes with his grumpy awkwardness and how he was really just misunderstood. Honestly the love between these two is just swoon worthy, and while there is open door love scenes, they are mostly sweet and not as descriptive as some.
Is it possible to fall in love with a fictional place you’ve only read about? That is how I feel about Rosie’s hat store as the author did so much a great job of describing it. This book is mostly light, with a little suspense, and although I definitely would’ve loved to have Stoke’s POV, it did well with just Rosie’s. I didn’t want this one to end!
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
The gorgeous cover, the horses, the delicious slow burn, and being completely transported to the fast paced and glamorous Kentucky derby world are only some of the reasons I loved this book! The author is a new to me one and I’m not sure how I went this long without reading her work!
At first, I was frustrated with how Rosie hated Stokes and took offense to everything he did. As their story went on I understood more of where they were coming from, and I found them both to be very lovable characters. I loved Stokes from the beginning and although it’s never mentioned, he gave me total Darcy vibes with his grumpy awkwardness and how he was really just misunderstood. Honestly the love between these two is just swoon worthy, and while there is open door love scenes, they are mostly sweet and not as descriptive as some.
Is it possible to fall in love with a fictional place you’ve only read about? That is how I feel about Rosie’s hat store as the author did so much a great job of describing it. This book is mostly light, with a little suspense, and although I definitely would’ve loved to have Stoke’s POV, it did well with just Rosie’s. I didn’t want this one to end!
July 15, 2024
Wonderful
This was my first Kathryn Andrews book but it most definitely won’t be my last. I was captivated from the first to last page. Why? I was rooting for her characters from the get-go. So it was completely understandable that my heart was captivated. Invested.
Excellent banter and amusing internal thought also tantalized my experience. She’s a wordsmith with interesting descriptions, believable wounds, deep friendships, and complex feelings.
At times, it was a little repetitive, but that’s more a line editing gaff, something easy to overlook when the fabulous storytelling kept me riveted.
The book was wonderful and so strongly edited. It was a joy to read. And I’m going back to Amazon to find more of this author’s work.
This was my first Kathryn Andrews book but it most definitely won’t be my last. I was captivated from the first to last page. Why? I was rooting for her characters from the get-go. So it was completely understandable that my heart was captivated. Invested.
Excellent banter and amusing internal thought also tantalized my experience. She’s a wordsmith with interesting descriptions, believable wounds, deep friendships, and complex feelings.
At times, it was a little repetitive, but that’s more a line editing gaff, something easy to overlook when the fabulous storytelling kept me riveted.
The book was wonderful and so strongly edited. It was a joy to read. And I’m going back to Amazon to find more of this author’s work.
March 15, 2023
Rosie May is finally living her dream of owning a Derby hat shop. Stokes is her best friend's brother and her nemesys, who now wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend until the end of the season.
Stokes was a bit uptight but I liked him. He's a hidden gem and we finally see him settibg free of his fears.
Rosie May is too obsesed with Stokes at the beginning that of course she's telling us she likes him although she says the opposite.
I liked them together, they were too afraid to do any mistep with each other, so they were slowly building a relationship.
There's some mistery that spices up the book.
Stokes was a bit uptight but I liked him. He's a hidden gem and we finally see him settibg free of his fears.
Rosie May is too obsesed with Stokes at the beginning that of course she's telling us she likes him although she says the opposite.
I liked them together, they were too afraid to do any mistep with each other, so they were slowly building a relationship.
There's some mistery that spices up the book.
November 9, 2023
Sweet. Fun to read about the hats and dresses and the derby. There were two requisite “Big misunderstandings”. The first was understandable. The second was a bit trite and predictable and stupid, but didn’t last too long.
One big editing boo-boo: the MMC is allergic to citrus. At one point the FMC makes sure not to get a strawberry drink because of his allergies …???? That was jarring and knocked me out of the book because it made no sense. (Especially because he loves strawberries.). It felt
Like cared less editing - maybe an orange or lemon drink was changed by someone without considering the banter and allergy.
One big editing boo-boo: the MMC is allergic to citrus. At one point the FMC makes sure not to get a strawberry drink because of his allergies …???? That was jarring and knocked me out of the book because it made no sense. (Especially because he loves strawberries.). It felt
Like cared less editing - maybe an orange or lemon drink was changed by someone without considering the banter and allergy.
January 23, 2023
3.5 stars ⭐️ Such a cute, quick romance set around the Kentucky Derby!
What I loved:
•Adorable boutique hat store setting
•Lots of Louisville love and southern charm
•Gossip column gave the story Bridgerton vibes
•Sweet and cheesy slow burn with lots of pining
•Charming FMC
What I didn’t:
•Miscommunication trope 🙅🏼♀️
•MMC felt a little two-dimensional to me, a little Too Perfect of a love interest without any notable flaws
•Certain moments and dialogue felt a little Too Polished rather than real
What I loved:
•Adorable boutique hat store setting
•Lots of Louisville love and southern charm
•Gossip column gave the story Bridgerton vibes
•Sweet and cheesy slow burn with lots of pining
•Charming FMC
What I didn’t:
•Miscommunication trope 🙅🏼♀️
•MMC felt a little two-dimensional to me, a little Too Perfect of a love interest without any notable flaws
•Certain moments and dialogue felt a little Too Polished rather than real
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