Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

The Love Haters by Katherine Center @katherinecenter @pattimurin @macmillan.audio @pattimurin.bsky.social @macmillanaudio.bsky.social #TheLoveHaters


the setup…
Katie Vaughn is a video producer in Dallas whose job is currently on the line as the owner is “downsizing.” Her colleague Cole Hutchinson selects her to take on a plum assignment in Key West that just might save her position. The catch? Creating a Coast Guard career promotion video, which will require her being in the water…Katie can’t swim but doesn’t fess up. She will also be profiling nationally known hero Tom (Hutch) Hutchinson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer who went viral online after a high profile save. He’s also Cole’s brother (they don’t get along) and this will be the only interview Hutch has conducted since that famous rescue.

the heart of the story…
Katie also has some serious body image issues I’d say were crippling. She’s never owned a swimsuit and only wears monochromatic colors…in Key West??? And, Hutch is expecting his brother to do the assignment so she’s showing up with lots of hidden agendas. Speaking of Hutch, he’s a male specimen that seems to be completely unaware of his “gifts” and hasn’t been in a relationship in a long time. As Katie was dumped by her fiancé a year ago, both get labeled as “love haters” by the lying Cole.

the narration…
Patti Murin nails Katie and does a fabulous job with a host of other characters. She gave a wonderful performance, managing the highs and lows with ease.

the bottom line…
While there’s loads of fun here including Hutch’s colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane named George Bailey, the story does shift to address some very serious issues. There are tragic circumstances that caused the rift between Hutch and Cole who annoyingly plays fast and loose with the truth. But Katie’s body image issues are center stage, highly relevant these days. Forced to face them because of the assignment gave rise to some awful truths. I enjoyed her relationship with Hutch, despite the irritating communication wedge moments, as they were a natural fit. It’s another lovely story with depth that had me mesmerized.

Book Info

  • Release Date: May 20, 2025
  • Narrator: Patti Murin
  • Audio Length: 10 hours, 33 minutes
  • Publisher: Macmillan Audio

 

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(Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

19 thoughts on “The Love Haters by Katherine Center @katherinecenter @pattimurin @macmillan.audio @pattimurin.bsky.social @macmillanaudio.bsky.social #TheLoveHaters”

  1. Excellent review, Jo. Having body issues myself and working hard to overcome them (I used to only wear navy and black for years), I am looking forward to this one. It will be my first book for 20 books of Summer, if I can wait that long.

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