In her debut contemporary romance novel, Lauren Connolly delivers a poignant exploration of grief, family bonds, and the courage to love again. PS: I Hate You masterfully weaves together themes of loss, trust, and personal growth through a cross-country journey that will leave readers both heartbroken and hopeful.
Plot & Premise
The story follows Maddie Sanderson, a woman struggling with the loss of her beloved brother Josh to cancer at age 29. His final request? That his ashes be scattered across eight destinations he never got to visit. The catch? She must complete this task with Dominic Perry, Josh’s best friend and the man who broke her heart years ago. What unfolds is far more than a simple road trip—it’s a beautifully crafted journey of healing, forgiveness, and rediscovering love.
Character Development
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its complex, flawed characters:
Maddie Sanderson emerges as a richly developed protagonist whose struggles with trust and abandonment feel authentic and earned. Her inability to cry throughout most of the book serves as a powerful metaphor for emotional walls built from childhood trauma. Connolly expertly portrays Maddie’s growth from someone who uses work as a shield to a woman brave enough to risk her heart again.
Dominic Perry transcends the typical “perfect guy” romance hero trope. His steadfast nature and need for control stem from a lifetime of responsibility, making his character arc—learning to let go and trust in love—particularly satisfying. The revelation about his past with Rosaline adds welcomed complexity to his character.
Josh Sanderson, though physically absent, becomes a vivid presence through his letters and the memories shared by other characters. His posthumous matchmaking scheme demonstrates both his understanding of his sister and best friend, and his desire to see them happy even after he’s gone.
Writing Style & Structure
Connolly employs a fresh, contemporary voice that balances humor with emotional depth. Her use of location-specific letters as plot devices cleverly drives both the external journey and internal character development. The author excels at writing dialogue that feels natural and revealing, particularly in moments of confrontation or vulnerability.
Strengths
- Strong emotional resonance throughout the narrative
- Well-paced revelation of backstory
- Authentic portrayal of grief and healing
- Complex family dynamics
- Meaningful integration of secondary characters
- Beautiful use of settings across America
Areas for Improvement
- Some readers might find the initial premise contrived
- A few side plots could have been more fully developed
- The resolution of Maddie’s work situation feels slightly rushed
- Earlier chapters could benefit from tighter pacing
Themes & Impact
PS: I Hate You thoughtfully explores several profound themes:
- Grief and Memory: The innovative way Josh’s ashes are scattered reflects different aspects of processing loss
- Trust and Vulnerability: Maddie’s journey to overcome past trauma feels authentic and earned
- Family: The contrast between blood relatives and chosen family adds depth to the narrative
- Second Chances: The story demonstrates that timing matters in relationships
- Personal Growth: Both protagonists must evolve to deserve their happy ending
Notable Moments
The novel shines brightest in its intimate moments: Maddie and Dom’s snowbound night in Delaware, their challenging hike in Idaho, and particularly the revelation about Josh and Rosaline’s relationship. These scenes demonstrate Connolly’s skill at combining emotional intensity with character development.
Romance Development
The romance between Maddie and Dom evolves naturally through their shared experiences. Their history adds complexity to their current interactions, while their mutual love for Josh provides common ground for healing. The physical chemistry between them is well-written and meaningful to the plot rather than gratuitous.
Supporting Cast
The secondary characters enrich the narrative considerably:
- Rosaline: Her storyline adds unexpected depth to the overall plot
- The Perry Twins: Provide welcome comic relief while remaining three-dimensional characters
- Jeremy and Tula: Offer crucial support and perspective to Maddie’s journey
- Cecilia: Serves as an effective antagonist while highlighting important themes about family
Critical Analysis
While some romance novels rush toward the happily-ever-after, PS: I Hate You takes its time building a foundation of trust and understanding between its leads. The parallel between Maddie’s inability to cry and her reluctance to trust serves as an effective metaphor throughout the story.
Comparisons & Context
For readers who enjoy emotional contemporary romance with strong family themes, this book sits comfortably alongside works by Emily Henry and Katherine Center. The road trip elements and letters from beyond the grave might remind readers of Morgan Matson’s Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, though with a more mature perspective.
Final Verdict
While not perfect, PS: I Hate You succeeds admirably in its ambitious goal of telling a love story that’s as much about healing from the past as it is about building a future. The novel will particularly appeal to readers who appreciate:
- Complex family dynamics
- Slow-burn second chance romance
- Emotional depth in their contemporary fiction
- Travel elements in storytelling
- Well-developed character arcs
Recommendation
This book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with substantial emotional weight. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate stories about healing, growth, and the courage to love again after loss. While some might find the premise initially far-fetched, the authentic character development and emotional resonance make it a worthwhile read.
Reading Experience
Best enjoyed with:
- A cozy blanket
- Your favorite comfort beverage
- A box of tissues nearby
- A puzzle to work on between chapters
- An appreciation for both laughter and tears
Conclusion
Lauren Connolly’s debut novel marks her as an author to watch in the contemporary romance genre. PS: I Hate You demonstrates her ability to craft complex characters, meaningful relationships, and emotional depth while maintaining the hopeful essence of romance. Despite some minor flaws, the novel succeeds in delivering a moving story about the courage it takes to trust in love again after loss.
