The Love Haters
Katherine Center always brings the most joy-filled, zippy rom-coms that make me grin and swoon a little. This was no exception. Katie is asked to film a promo video for the US Coast Guard with her work superior's brother, rescue swimmer "Hutch" Hutcheson. When she arrives in Key West, she's expecting the grumpiness and love-hating character her co-worker warned her of. Instead, she quickly realizes that Cole's perception of his older brother is all wrong. Sparks fly, as they do in romances and Katie and Hutch get their HEA, of course.
Katherine Center isn't for everyone. There's a significant amount of shenanigans, suspending disbelief, and eye-rolling (this time our FMC rolls hers along with us). I say this all with love because for me, her books are the exact type that can pull me out of a slump and give me that giddy feeling I desperately need sometimes.
Here's what I loved about this one (the first is also a warning for some audiences):
Katie has body dysmorphia and has struggled with disordered eating; Hutch/the right romantic partner isn't the one to save the day, in my opinion. Katie's best friend Beanie is the one who pushes her to accept herself.
A dog named George Bailey. Come on. Who doesn't love It's A Wonderful Life?
Difficult backstories and heartwarming moments of sharing and wrestling through the past
A robust and fun cast of side-characters with intergenerational friendship
Overall, just a good romp. And I've learned never to skip this author's "author's note" at the end. Katherine Center is a champion of the genre and why it matters because love and joy matter.
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This book contains kissing only.
This book is available through Book of the Month Club. Join with my referral link, and get your first monthly selection for $5. Then add this one to your box for $11.99.
