You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This had so much potential but fell flat. The best part of the story was her relationship with his dog. I was not invested in the humans much at all. In particular, Cole had zero character development so I really did not care about him at all, and his twist mid book was just confusing and non-sensical. It felt very forced and like unnecessary conflict.
I did like the ending though.
I did like the ending though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Death of parent
Moderate: Grief
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was adorable and fluffy and sweet. I loved all the characters, I loved the premise, and I loved the character development. An easy, light read that doesn't take too long.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Eating disorder, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Terminal illness, Violence
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press to the ARC of this book and the opportunity to review it. That being said, all thought and opinions are my own!
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Adventure Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Wow. Wow wow wow wow wow. I do not even know where to begin with this book because I absolutely loved it. I went into this book pretty much blind and truly had the time of my life. The Love Haters is full of tension, longing, and genuinely authentic and vulnerable characters that I was rooting for from the second I started reading. Jumping right into Katie's inner dialogue and struggles with her body image was a bit of a shock and a lot heavier than I was expecting, especially since it was a very detailed section of the book, but at the same time, it really felt authentic and like something I (and I am sure many other readers) could identify with.
Every step of the way I was surprised by this book, whether that be Cole showing up half way through the book, Katie's ex's song about her, or the final 10% of the book and all of these twists kept me hooked from the first to the last page. If there was any spice, I honestly don't remember it because I was so focused on how Hutch and Katie's relationship, how Katie's relationship with herself, and how Hutch and Cole's relationship were all developing and changing at the same time.
My only gripe with this book is that there was even the smallest indication of how central the challenges of body image and overcoming an eating disorder would be to this book. While I personally have no issues with these topics, it is something that I know can be incredibly jarring and triggering for others.
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Adventure Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Wow. Wow wow wow wow wow. I do not even know where to begin with this book because I absolutely loved it. I went into this book pretty much blind and truly had the time of my life. The Love Haters is full of tension, longing, and genuinely authentic and vulnerable characters that I was rooting for from the second I started reading. Jumping right into Katie's inner dialogue and struggles with her body image was a bit of a shock and a lot heavier than I was expecting, especially since it was a very detailed section of the book, but at the same time, it really felt authentic and like something I (and I am sure many other readers) could identify with.
Every step of the way I was surprised by this book, whether that be Cole showing up half way through the book, Katie's ex's song about her, or the final 10% of the book and all of these twists kept me hooked from the first to the last page. If there was any spice, I honestly don't remember it because I was so focused on how Hutch and Katie's relationship, how Katie's relationship with herself, and how Hutch and Cole's relationship were all developing and changing at the same time.
My only gripe with this book is that there was even the smallest indication of how central the challenges of body image and overcoming an eating disorder would be to this book. While I personally have no issues with these topics, it is something that I know can be incredibly jarring and triggering for others.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Grief, Death of parent
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Ok...few things to discuss.
I completely understand the effort that was put into behind some of the topics and issues in the book. Internet bullies, body shaming, self-love, grief, loss and loyalty, how social media can warp and bend reality for some people, all these topics were beautifully described. I also respect the hell out of the author for making the book about rescue swimmers, about heroes in real life, the ones who don't wear an actual cape but have something infinitely better, integrity and empathy and resilience. I mean that's not something we see in every book.
My problem however, is with the romance plot and regarding everything around it
First of all,
1. Cole was a piece of shit. And I mean not the kind of shit you come to understand later why he was the way he was. He wasn't a flawed, misunderstood character, he was so fucking annoying that at some point, he didn't even feel like a character. It felt like the author was writing it like this just for the sake of the plot and Cole was the scapegoat. Like,how he could have just told Katie beforehand about the lie he told Hutch, about the fake relationship without showing up out of nowhere and giving her whiplashes afterwards? Even if I do agree that Cole had to lie, he just didn't have to keep Katie in the dark until the last moment and save us all the drama. It felt like Cole had little to no respect regarding Katie's decision or opinions which felt really odd. Also, not telling the truth to Hutch about the fake dating because Cole wanted to protect Rue from everything and then doing the exact opposite by showing us readers that yeah, Rue can definitely handle it felt such a waste of time. I mean I get it, it's just a book but hot damn, did some of the parts felt useless. It just felt <i>unnecessary</i>.</p>
2. I didn't feel the chemistry between Hutch and Katie that well. Is that weird? I loved Hutch and I loved Katie. But the angst didn't really work out for me. The book tried really hard to make me feel all the tension and stuff. But the way the plot was written, felt so unnecessary that all the tension between the two characters seemed hilarious and silly.
3.Objectifying Hutch because Katie wanted to secure her job felt...weird? I mean if the roles were reversed and if a guy had to film a woman slightly objectifying her on the camera so that he can impress his so-called, put-together, fit, handsome, divorced, hot and 10-years-older-than-both-them male boss, it wouldn't feel so hilarious, would it? It would feel downright creepy. Also, what is up with Cole and letting some random drunk horny dudes kiss Katie in a freaking drinking contest? I mean, okay, Cole might have done it because he knew Hutch would step up. But shouldn't Hutch have knocked some sense into his pathetic excuse of a brother for playing tricks like this and dismissing Katie's privacy and respect like that instead of putting up with his shenanigans? Like what the fuck was that scene?
Overall, 3 stars.
I completely understand the effort that was put into behind some of the topics and issues in the book. Internet bullies, body shaming, self-love, grief, loss and loyalty, how social media can warp and bend reality for some people, all these topics were beautifully described. I also respect the hell out of the author for making the book about rescue swimmers, about heroes in real life, the ones who don't wear an actual cape but have something infinitely better, integrity and empathy and resilience. I mean that's not something we see in every book.
My problem however, is with the romance plot and regarding everything around it
First of all,
1. Cole was a piece of shit. And I mean not the kind of shit you come to understand later why he was the way he was. He wasn't a flawed, misunderstood character, he was so fucking annoying that at some point, he didn't even feel like a character. It felt like the author was writing it like this just for the sake of the plot and Cole was the scapegoat. Like,
2. I didn't feel the chemistry between Hutch and Katie that well. Is that weird? I loved Hutch and I loved Katie. But the angst didn't really work out for me. The book tried really hard to make me feel all the tension and stuff. But the way the plot was written, felt so unnecessary that all the tension between the two characters seemed hilarious and silly.
3.
Overall, 3 stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Abandonment
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Grief, Car accident, Alcohol
Minor: Infidelity, Blood, Vomit
(3.5 stars) Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the ALC! #MacAudio2025 Thanks, St. Martin’s Press, for the arc!
I’m a Katherine Center super fan! While THE LOVE HATERS didn’t jump to my new number one favorite by her, as her new releases usually do—I’m not sure anything will ever beat THE ROM-COMMERS for me. I had fun experiencing the story.
My full review is on Goodreads and StoryGraph. If you want to know why this book didn’t become my new favorite, it's hidden under spoilers in the posted review.
I like Center’s books because she always has outlandish plots that *could* happen, lol, but they feature characters who deal with real struggles and issues that you can connect with. Katie, a fantastic name and the FMC, struggles with body dysmorphia and image issues. Many of her thoughts were relatable, as someone who has also struggled with this for her entire life. If only I could find a helicopter rescue swimmer to help boost my self-esteem…
The one aspect that I didn’t care for was that we found out Katie’s ex had cheated on her, which is why the relationship ended. I don’t like infidelity in books, but when it’s a previous relationship, I’m fine with it. Hutch, the MMC, and she discuss honesty and trust in relationships. Then she pulls a stunt with his brother and a fake relationship and lies to everyone, including Hutch, about her feelings for him. Fake relationships are one of my favorite tropes, but not if they’re hurting people or implying cheating, which this one did both. After enjoying the book, it was a real bummer for this to happen in the last 25%.
I did read a little of the arc, but as soon as I received the ALC, all I did was listen to the fantastic narration by Patti Murin. She is one of my auto-listen narrators—I don’t have to know anything about the book; I just need to know that if she is narrating, I’m listening. Murin was an excellent choice for Katie’s voice and inner monologue. The emotions and insecurities came across wonderfully, and you can hear Katie’s growth throughout the book as she gains confidence.
The book's star is George Bailey, the Great Dane, lovable pet of Hutch, the MMC. I would love more books about him, his life, and his toads.
Even though this wasn’t my new favorite by Katherine Center, I’ll still be first in line for the next one! Her books make me happy, especially when read by Patti Murin on audiobook!
I’m a Katherine Center super fan! While THE LOVE HATERS didn’t jump to my new number one favorite by her, as her new releases usually do—I’m not sure anything will ever beat THE ROM-COMMERS for me. I had fun experiencing the story.
My full review is on Goodreads and StoryGraph. If you want to know why this book didn’t become my new favorite, it's hidden under spoilers in the posted review.
I like Center’s books because she always has outlandish plots that *could* happen, lol, but they feature characters who deal with real struggles and issues that you can connect with. Katie, a fantastic name and the FMC, struggles with body dysmorphia and image issues. Many of her thoughts were relatable, as someone who has also struggled with this for her entire life. If only I could find a helicopter rescue swimmer to help boost my self-esteem…
I did read a little of the arc, but as soon as I received the ALC, all I did was listen to the fantastic narration by Patti Murin. She is one of my auto-listen narrators—I don’t have to know anything about the book; I just need to know that if she is narrating, I’m listening. Murin was an excellent choice for Katie’s voice and inner monologue. The emotions and insecurities came across wonderfully, and you can hear Katie’s growth throughout the book as she gains confidence.
The book's star is George Bailey, the Great Dane, lovable pet of Hutch, the MMC. I would love more books about him, his life, and his toads.
Even though this wasn’t my new favorite by Katherine Center, I’ll still be first in line for the next one! Her books make me happy, especially when read by Patti Murin on audiobook!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Katherine Center's books seem to always have objectively ridiculous premises (she and Beth O'Leary are queens of this), and this is probably my favorite iteration yet. This book got me through an absolutely horrendous commute, which is really saying something.
Katie is a mid-level video producer with borderline crippling body insecurity after a horrible breakup. Her company just got a new CEO and her job is on the chopping block. Thankfully, her boss offers her an opportunity to keep her job: go to Key West and make a recruitment video for the Coast Guard. The catch? Katie can't swim, but she's supposed to profile Hutch, a rescue swimmer who is, of course, her boss's estranged brother. So Katie accidentally gets in the middle of some family drama, and naturally, sparks fly between her and Hutch.
This book is fast-paced and just so much fun. The writing pulled me in from the beginning, and I adored the colorful - emphasis on colorful (in a good way) - cast of characters. Katie's quest to be okay with her body really resonated, and I appreciated how she tried to focus on what her body did for her and how she felt. I loved her friendships with her cousin and Hutch's aunt, and the chemistry and ease between her and Hutch felt easy and natural. There were definitely times the family drama felt a bit exaggerated, but Center anchored the more heightened moments with deep emotion and pathos between the brothers, which helped. The plot goes a bit off the rails towards the bed, but it's not completely unrealistic and it works. This was just a really fun summer read!
I will say this book contains a lot of talk about body image and disordering eating, so just be aware of that.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
Katie is a mid-level video producer with borderline crippling body insecurity after a horrible breakup. Her company just got a new CEO and her job is on the chopping block. Thankfully, her boss offers her an opportunity to keep her job: go to Key West and make a recruitment video for the Coast Guard. The catch? Katie can't swim, but she's supposed to profile Hutch, a rescue swimmer who is, of course, her boss's estranged brother. So Katie accidentally gets in the middle of some family drama, and naturally, sparks fly between her and Hutch.
This book is fast-paced and just so much fun. The writing pulled me in from the beginning, and I adored the colorful - emphasis on colorful (in a good way) - cast of characters. Katie's quest to be okay with her body really resonated, and I appreciated how she tried to focus on what her body did for her and how she felt. I loved her friendships with her cousin and Hutch's aunt, and the chemistry and ease between her and Hutch felt easy and natural. There were definitely times the family drama felt a bit exaggerated, but Center anchored the more heightened moments with deep emotion and pathos between the brothers, which helped. The plot goes a bit off the rails towards the bed, but it's not completely unrealistic and it works. This was just a really fun summer read!
I will say this book contains a lot of talk about body image and disordering eating, so just be aware of that.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
Moderate: Grief, Car accident, Death of parent
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
2.75/5 stars, rounded up to 3 on Goodreads. Characters lacked depth. Nice premise, pretty poor execution. Patti Murin did a wonderful job narrating as usual though. There is a miscommunication trope which I absolutely *HATE* in books with adult characters. Found myself speeding up the narration to finish this and get it to the next person in line at the library.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Grief, Car accident
Minor: Infidelity, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, Eating disorder, Car accident, Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Fatphobia, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Terminal illness, Violence, Vomit, Alcohol