When Hatred Turns to Heat: Reviewing Hate to Love You

Hate to Love You by Shannon O’Connor is a delightful addition to the Lighthouse Lovers series, offering a heartfelt small-town sapphic romance that embraces the timeless hate-to-lovers trope.

Synopsis: Hate to Love You

Hate to Love You by Shannon O’Connor

Two roommates, sizzling summer nights, and a forbidden sapphic romance combine to create a story where animosity slowly gives way to unexpected passion.

Ryleigh never imagined that moving into the second house on Lovers Estate would force her to share her space with someone she couldn’t stand—Alana’s little sister.

Wrenn. Despite their clashing personalities, circumstances compel them to coexist. Ryleigh’s initial disdain is palpable, fuelled by every moment spent under the same roof.

Wrenn, on the other hand, had hoped that a brief fling with Ryleigh might spark the beginning of something more. Instead, after an impulsive night together, she wakes up to find Ryleigh distant and uncommunicative. While Ryleigh is ready to bury any hint of a romantic connection, Wrenn is left longing for the intimacy they once shared.

As the heat of summer intensifies, so do the emotions neither of them can ignore. Despite their best efforts to maintain the status quo of mutual hatred, each sultry night draws them closer, blurring the lines between enmity and desire. Can their fierce attraction overcome the barriers they’ve built, or will their pride keep them forever apart?

Hate to Love You is a captivating tale of reluctant roommates finding love in the most unexpected circumstances—a sizzling, emotional journey where hate slowly transforms into a love neither of them saw coming.

Review: Hate to Love You

Hate to Love You by Shannon O’Connor is a charming entry in the Lighthouse Lovers series, delivering a small-town sapphic romance that leans into the classic enemies-to-lovers trope — and does so with both heat and heart.

The Setup

The premise centers around Ryleigh, a bridesmaid in town for her friend Alana’s wedding, who ends up staying with Wrenn — Alana’s sister — who, for reasons unknown at first, despises Ryleigh. From the start, the tension crackles. While Ryleigh has been away traveling, Wrenn has stayed put, and whatever history they share bubbles beneath the surface, waiting to be unpacked.

The alternating POV chapters between Wrenn and Ryleigh work really well, slowly revealing their motivations, personalities, and — most intriguingly — the reason behind the animosity. Shannon O’Connor paces these reveals nicely, letting readers savor the emotional journey rather than rushing to the “why” of their mutual disdain.

Trope Execution

The hate-to-love trope, especially in queer romance, can often feel overdone or too reliant on petty misunderstandings. Thankfully, Hate to Love You avoids that trap. The transition from “hate-flirting” to deeper emotional intimacy feels organic. Wrenn’s prickly demeanor and Ryleigh’s breezier attitude make for excellent contrast, and their chemistry feels earned rather than forced.

By the halfway point, the book shifts gears — from antagonistic tension to full-on steamy connection. The “door is open” in more ways than one, with O’Connor confidently delivering romance scenes that match the emotional arc of the characters.

Style and Readability

Though the book sits at a modest 216 pages, O’Connor’s writing makes it feel even shorter — in the best way. It’s incredibly bingeable, and many readers could knock it out in a single sitting. The tone is light but emotionally resonant, with just enough character depth to anchor the romance without dragging the pace.

Final Thoughts

While Hate to Love You stays firmly within the lane of trope-driven romance, it brings enough personality, charm, and steam to stand out — even for readers who aren’t die-hard fans of the hate-to-lovers setup. It’s a quick, satisfying read perfect for a cozy evening in, especially for fans of small-town sapphic love stories with a bit of bite before the sweetness sets in.

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