"Hating Sam Slater" is the third book in the Five2Go boyband series but this was my first and after reading this book, I need to go back and read the first two.

I loved Kayla from the beginning, sure she had an attitude but she was also witty and hilarious. I could tell from the beginning, that she had been through a lot in the industry and needed an armour around her. I love how the author slowly peeled back the layers to see who Kayla was without her armour and getting a better idea into her past to understand who she is. I loved Kayla so much!

Sam was quite sweet and I love the mystery behind him getting the role in the movie with Kayla. Their banter and chemistry was off the charts from the start and I loved reading their story unfold. I also love seeing the making of a movie, while I have read books with movie sets before, I think this is the first time being brought into the scene with the characters and I loved feeling immersed in the process.

There are many important issues dealt with and with grace. I loved the supporting characters as well, especially Dean!

This was such a fun and beautiful book and I am excited to go back to read the first two!

*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

I DON'T HATE SAM SLATER, in fact I LOVE him and Kayla Prescott!

This is the 3rd book in the Five2Go Boyband Series.

Sam is 3rd member/hearth-rob in the once popular British Boy-band, Five2Go.
I enjoyed both stories (Saving Ian Pope) & (Sweet on Charlie Beck) as well.

Kayla was a beloved child TV star who transitioned into young adult movies and then into popular rom-coms. Then, she was labeled as a difficult-to-work-with-Diva.

Sam and Kayla are going to work together in a new romcom.

From the first scene at The Ivy, I could feel the cold and distant attitude between Sam and Kayla as well as their warm attraction to each other.
The arguing begins immediately: Sam offends Kayla by saying she is older than her stated age and she plunges in saying that he was never her favorite band mate.

The laughs continue when Sam and Kayla are having lunch at Kayla's house and her mother walks in telling Sam that he was Kayla's favorite: she had posters and even a pillow of Sam's face on it. LOL

Supporting characters Dean and Cammie Rae build the story and adds to the depths of Sam's and Kayla's characters, which raised this book to a higher level than I expected.

The flashbacks to a younger Kayla and Sam melted my heart <3

This story is beautifully written, the characters are well developed, and the world building is incredible, I felt I was on the movie set and behind the scenes with them as well.

*Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

I devoured Hating Sam Slater in one sitting (seriously, I was up until 5 am) and immediately wanted to re-read it just to live in the banter and pure sweetness a little longer.

Kayla Prescott is a super sassy child star turned romcom darling who’s DONE playing nice? She’s sharp, strong, ambitious, a little chaotic — and completely relatable. Watching her navigate Hollywood’s fake smiles and PR circus felt so real. Her voice is biting and hilarious, but underneath all that armor is someone who’s been a survivor. I loved her for it.

Sam Slater is a British boybander trying to be taken seriously as an actor. I couldn’t help but see Harry Styles in him. On the surface Sam’s all charm, abs, and good manners. But underneath? Insecure, thoughtful, and quietly determined to prove he’s more than a manufactured heartthrob. The way he handles Kayla’s walls without bulldozing them is the stuff book boyfriends are made of.

The enemies-to-lovers tension is so good throughout the whole book!
The “is this real or is this PR?” angst is very real and you feel for both Sam and Kayla.

What really got me was how self-aware the book is discussing fame, image, and the exhausting performance of being “likable.” It’s funny, but it’s also sharp about double standards in Hollywood — especially for women who stop being agreeable.

Their chemistry builds so naturally that when it finally tips over into something undeniable and steamy, I was fully swept along with them.

This isn’t just a fluffy romcom — it’s about reclaiming your narrative, risking vulnerability, and choosing mess over perfection. I can’t wait to go back and start this series from the beginning!

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