Review by hanlov - The Love Haters

hanlov 's review for:

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

2.0

funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.🚁

⭐️⭐️

This is my second book by Katherine Center, and unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me after enjoying The Bodyguard. The Love Haters is a book that was marketed as a rom-com between a rescue swimmer and a video producer set in Key West with some general hijinks as she tries to save her job. I found parts of it fun: the dog, Aunt Rue, the Gals, the setting, as many other reviewers did. However, I thought the romance was dry and forced and very insta-lovey, the plot line with Cole was ridiculous in a bad way, and the beginning where the book beat me over the head with Katie’s body dysmorphia was really hard for me to read, as it was relatable to the worst parts of myself, and rather painful to read. I appreciate wanting to cover difficult topics, but the content was soooo at odds with the goofy tone and plot of this book that it came off disrespectful and too unserious. The way Katie solves her negative self-talk after a man calls her beautiful?? Not a fan, personally. The miscommunication between them was excessive and annoying. Also a writing comment: the switching between first- and second- person perspectives was weird and made no sense. Best part about this book is the gorgeous cover and the dog; unfortunately I had higher hopes and this could have been executed better.

Content Warnings