Book: The Love Haters

Author: Katherine Center

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for an advanced audio copy.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review. 

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Kristen’s Review:

This is a well-written book about body positivity, wrapped up in a romance.

Katie was on the verge of being fired from her job as a cinematographer when her coworker, Cole, came to her with a job opportunity that would help save her position. She jumped on it immediately, even after hearing that she must know how to swim, and she doesn’t.

The job was to film a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. She finds out that the swimmer, Hutch, is Cole’s brother.

She ends up getting caught up in lies that Cole has created while falling hard for Hutch. I loved their chemistry.

This story has some great side characters. Aunt Rue and the Gals were some of my favorites. Their found family dynamic was so perfect.
Beanie, her best friend, is someone who everyone needs in their lives. Beanie will always be there for you, no matter what, and always wants you to love yourself. I loved their FaceTime chats where Katie had to pick a body part she loved about herself and why.

Katie went through significant character growth throughout this story, which was great to see!

Another winner in my book for Katherine Center.

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Brian’s Review:

Katherine Center is an author I automatically buy. I have now gone through her entire catalogue, and even my least favorite book by her is still a fantastic read. The home runs continue with The Love Haters. 

To start this off, I know there have been some complaints about this book. Trigger warnings are for self-image and different body image disorders. I get the criticism, but I think it was handled well here, and the main characters’ self-issues helped the supporting characters shine. 

The story follows Katie and Hutch. Katie has been burned by love and had a very public breakup when her now-famous boyfriend cheated on her. The tabloids and gossip magazines slammed Katie, and it was what started her body image issues.

Katie is sent to Florida to profile a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hutch. Hutch also comes with a very lovable Great Dane! There were so many motives by so many characters as to why Katie was sent to profile Hutch and what happens once she is down there. There are a lot of reveals that make you feel for both characters, as you just want them together. 

Katherine Center has a knack for creating supporting characters that enhance the story. The main supporting character we will all love is Hutch’s aunt Rue. She is the mom/aunt/friend we all want in our lives. 

Katherine Center delivered another book that I couldn’t put down. I look forward to every one of her releases, and this one was no different. 

Final score: 5/5