Review: To Have and to Hate

To Have and to Hate by R.S. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved R S Grey's early books then I had a spate of DNFing them. When I read a positive review from someone with similar issues (here) I decided to buy this book.

Elizabeth Brighton is from a wealthy family but she is determined to make her own way, not least because her mother threatens to cut her off without a penny every time Elizabeth steps out of line. A recent graduation from Rhode Island School of Art she is in New York determined to become a successful artist. Then a frantic call from her mother uncovers the truth, the family is destitute and about to lose everything unless Elizabeth marries Walter Jennings II immediately. Walter and Elizabeth's grandfather founded the world's most successful medical device company, but to avoid the cliché of making and losing billions within two generations they tied the shares up in a trust which can only be broken by two grandchildren marrying (or maybe great-grandchildren). Anyway, Elizabeth's sister was engaged to Walt but she's run off with her chauffeur so Elizabeth is the only person standing between her family and financial disaster.

Their wedding is a hurried affair at City Hall, no rings, no guests and no flowers, Walt is monosyllabic and grumpy. Walt and Elizabeth part ways, never expecting to meet again, until she finds out that she can't rent an apartment without someone solvent co-signing her lease. Of course this is a rom-com with a billionaire so the apartments Elizabeth views are all gross and Walt insists she lives in his palatial four bedroom penthouse apartment instead. Walt might still be grumpy but he is also thoughtful, and an avid art collector.

This was pleasant enough, peppered with lots of rom-com clichés but an easy read. I concur with Corina that it would have been better to have seen Walt's POV, was he socially awkward? Is that why he was rude but also so thoughtful? Who knows.

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