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thebabblingbookworm 's review for:
The Love Haters
by Katherine Center
A romantic read with heart and healing at its core
*Spoiler alert for the ending.
The Love Haters was such a beautiful, romantic story—full of charm, heart, and unexpected depth. I absolutely loved Hutch. He was one of those rare, honest good guys, and you could feel his warmth and integrity on every page. The way he cared, listened, and showed up was just… swoon-worthy. Katherine Center wrote him in a way that made you believe in the quiet strength of kind-hearted people.
Cole, on the other hand, was a wild one—but even he got his happy ending with a surprising (and satisfying!) little twist. And I loved Hutch’s aunt and her group of friends. They brought so much joy and life to the story. Their friendship, wisdom, and humor gave the book a richer texture—they really helped it shine.
Adding the storm element near the end was such a smart way to show Katie’s growth. And that final moment—when the houseboat sinks and she starts naming all the things she loves about herself and her body—absolutely floored me. It was tender, empowering, and deeply personal. There’s so much pressure in the world to look a certain way, to shrink ourselves, to be “perfect.” Before I became chronically ill, I used to obsess over numbers on the scale, how I looked, and what others thought of me. But now, all I wish for is health. That scene felt like such a mirror to my own journey—reminding me that in life’s most critical moments, none of that superficial stuff matters. We are already enough. Our bodies carry us through so much, and they deserve love and kindness—not shame.
Even now, while being sick, I’m still unlearning those old beliefs and trying to reprogram my brain to love my body as it is now. Katie’s moment of self-love didn’t feel forced or cheesy—it felt earned, and it left a lasting impact.
The only part that confused me a little was the rescue scene. For a second, it felt like they were leaving Katie behind, and then all of a sudden she was with them. I would’ve loved just a bit more clarity there to make that moment feel as grounded as the rest of the story.
Overall though, this was an absolute gem of a read. It made me laugh, swoon, and reflect—and it reminded me of the quiet power of loving ourselves exactly as we are.
*Spoiler alert for the ending.
The Love Haters was such a beautiful, romantic story—full of charm, heart, and unexpected depth. I absolutely loved Hutch. He was one of those rare, honest good guys, and you could feel his warmth and integrity on every page. The way he cared, listened, and showed up was just… swoon-worthy. Katherine Center wrote him in a way that made you believe in the quiet strength of kind-hearted people.
Cole, on the other hand, was a wild one—but even he got his happy ending with a surprising (and satisfying!) little twist. And I loved Hutch’s aunt and her group of friends. They brought so much joy and life to the story. Their friendship, wisdom, and humor gave the book a richer texture—they really helped it shine.
Adding the storm element near the end was such a smart way to show Katie’s growth. And that final moment—when the houseboat sinks and she starts naming all the things she loves about herself and her body—absolutely floored me. It was tender, empowering, and deeply personal. There’s so much pressure in the world to look a certain way, to shrink ourselves, to be “perfect.” Before I became chronically ill, I used to obsess over numbers on the scale, how I looked, and what others thought of me. But now, all I wish for is health. That scene felt like such a mirror to my own journey—reminding me that in life’s most critical moments, none of that superficial stuff matters. We are already enough. Our bodies carry us through so much, and they deserve love and kindness—not shame.
Even now, while being sick, I’m still unlearning those old beliefs and trying to reprogram my brain to love my body as it is now. Katie’s moment of self-love didn’t feel forced or cheesy—it felt earned, and it left a lasting impact.
The only part that confused me a little was the rescue scene. For a second, it felt like they were leaving Katie behind, and then all of a sudden she was with them. I would’ve loved just a bit more clarity there to make that moment feel as grounded as the rest of the story.
Overall though, this was an absolute gem of a read. It made me laugh, swoon, and reflect—and it reminded me of the quiet power of loving ourselves exactly as we are.