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The Guy You Loved to Hate: Confessions from a Reality TV Villain
In this explosive, wildly entertaining memoir, Spencer Pratt charts his rise and fall as America’s most notorious reality TV villain on The Hills—and how, from the ashes of the Pacific Palisades fires, he’s finally ready for his redemption arc.
Spencer Pratt wasn’t born into Hollywood royalty—he charmed his way in, driven by an unshakeable need to become somebody. By twenty-one, he had created his own reality show, making him the youngest executive producer in network television history. When that venture imploded, he didn’t give up; instead, he infiltrated MTV’s The Hills, weaponizing Simon Cowell-style villainy to become Y2K’s most hated reality TV antagonist. From on-screen fights to off-camera manipulation, Spencer transformed toxicity into ratings gold—and, with future wife Heidi Montag, built “Speidi,” a two-headed tabloid machine worth $2 million a year.
But behind the scenes, Spencer was spiraling. He begged for a redemption arc, only to learn villains don’t get to yell “cut.” As his mental health unraveled, calculated chaos gave way to full-blown instability—hoarding weapons, blowing a fortune on crystals, and pushing everyone away. Broke, blacklisted, and exiled from Hollywood, he lost his grip on reality, trapped in the fake world he’d built until he had almost nothing left. All that remained was Heidi, the one person who never stopped believing in him.
Together, Heidi and Spencer embarked on an unlikely comeback: rebuilding their lives through hummingbird mysticism, family, and lovable eccentricity across social media platforms. When the 2025 Palisades wildfires destroyed their home and everything inside, something miraculous happened—the TikTok community rallied around them with breathtaking speed, transforming them from antiheroes into beloved survivors almost overnight. Spencer Pratt was reborn not as a manufactured persona, but as exactly who he was: unedited, unfiltered, and real.
Now, for the first time, Spencer reveals the untold truth behind the spectacle—a darkly comedic, unflinching, and often surreal confessional from a TV villain who’s finally broken character for good.
Spencer Pratt wasn’t born into Hollywood royalty—he charmed his way in, driven by an unshakeable need to become somebody. By twenty-one, he had created his own reality show, making him the youngest executive producer in network television history. When that venture imploded, he didn’t give up; instead, he infiltrated MTV’s The Hills, weaponizing Simon Cowell-style villainy to become Y2K’s most hated reality TV antagonist. From on-screen fights to off-camera manipulation, Spencer transformed toxicity into ratings gold—and, with future wife Heidi Montag, built “Speidi,” a two-headed tabloid machine worth $2 million a year.
But behind the scenes, Spencer was spiraling. He begged for a redemption arc, only to learn villains don’t get to yell “cut.” As his mental health unraveled, calculated chaos gave way to full-blown instability—hoarding weapons, blowing a fortune on crystals, and pushing everyone away. Broke, blacklisted, and exiled from Hollywood, he lost his grip on reality, trapped in the fake world he’d built until he had almost nothing left. All that remained was Heidi, the one person who never stopped believing in him.
Together, Heidi and Spencer embarked on an unlikely comeback: rebuilding their lives through hummingbird mysticism, family, and lovable eccentricity across social media platforms. When the 2025 Palisades wildfires destroyed their home and everything inside, something miraculous happened—the TikTok community rallied around them with breathtaking speed, transforming them from antiheroes into beloved survivors almost overnight. Spencer Pratt was reborn not as a manufactured persona, but as exactly who he was: unedited, unfiltered, and real.
Now, for the first time, Spencer reveals the untold truth behind the spectacle—a darkly comedic, unflinching, and often surreal confessional from a TV villain who’s finally broken character for good.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published January 27, 2026
306 people are currently reading
1072 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Pratt
2 books8 followersSpencer Pratt is reality TV’s original villain and an icon of millennial fame culture. Best known for The Hills, he continues to evolve as a media personality—appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, The Hills: New Beginnings, and going viral on TikTok for his crystal hauls, hummingbird obsession, absurd burrito stunts, and raw documentation of his family’s harrowing experience during the Pacific Palisades wildfire. Despite the chaos, he’s outlasted most of his reality TV peers—and somehow, he’s still not done. He lives in Southern California with Heidi and their two children with an unrelenting focus on rebuilding their lives in the Palisades.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 19, 2026
Rough and random thoughts review - need to polish it but it’s 3 am
#ad much love for my advance finished copy @gallerybooks #partner
The Guy You Loved to Hate
< @spencerpratt >
Releases: January 27, 2026
Memoir | reality tv
“This was my red pill moment. Two paths lay before me: Stay in the shadows, end up a suit yelling at assistants about kale salads, or ... step in front of the lens and become ‘Spencer Pratt.’ I chose wrong. Or maybe I chose destiny. Hard to say,” (p. 55).
“Meanwhile, Heidi was three vodka Red Bulls deep, that dangerous combination that made her either want to dance on tables or tell you exactly what she thought of you,” (p. 87).
^ totally relate
“They say everyone gets fifteen minutes of fame. Nobody tells you that you'll spend the rest of your life paying for it,” (p. 110).
“…because it's only a conspiracy theory until it becomes breaking news. Then, suddenly, everyone's acting like they saw it coming all along…,” (p. 181).
^ FACTS!
“The real sharks? They wear suits. They run networks. They promise you ‘protection’ while cashing checks off your pain. They don't show
up with mustaches or Darth Vader music. They don't hiss in corners. They shake your hand. They call themselves ‘friends,’ ‘leaders,’ ‘producers’,” (p. 281).
Utterly fascinating, I couldn’t put this book down. One of the best celebrity memoirs/biographies I’ve read in a while. Probably ever!
I got actual chills during several parts. I can’t praise this book more. It’s hard to write this review because there’s so much I have, want, to say; but I also don’t want to ruin it for anyone. You just have to read this book.
I think everyone will understand Pratt once they read this book. Was it what I was expecting? Not quite. He bears all with brutal honesty, pulls that curtain open and shows us what really went down. It’s a side of Pratt we rarely got to see (unless you’ve randomly caught bits of his TikTok/lives).
I’m impressed by this book and think you will be too. The writing is magical as it carries us through Spencer’s life. Theres humor, empathy, understanding, and so much more in his words.
Of course, haters gonna hate, but what can you do. I think this book will change some of your minds though.
And if you think reality TV is real - really real - and think Spencer is a major douche.. then you need to read this book. (But that pregnancy scene was so cringe - they should have fired that producer. It was so clearly fake.)
But outside of all the reality TV stuff we also get the spiritual side of Spencer. Which is just fascinating. Now standing up against corruption and fighting for truth and justice. He’s come full circle.
Memorable
LMAO at his first time blackmailing his father 😂😂😂 what a little shit - hilarious. David confirming he’s a little shit later on? - even better.
Raccoon on bath salts ☠️
Bonin’ with Brody
Mother’s intuition 🫶🏻
Henry the Alien
Always keep receipts
Seriously, this book was the most fun I had reading something in a while. If you grew up (early adulthood) watching reality TV then you need to read this book. After reading you’ll be running to watch reruns of The Hill, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, and Celebrity Big Brother UK.
And I am so sorry you had to experience all of that in the jungle. I’m glad you finally get to be heard and not through some planned producer’s lens.
Teasing us with a book by Heidi 👀 Yes please!
And fk you Al Roker wtf! WTF!? 🤬
The fires. Man all that history gone - saddening.
Reads like a thriller! Holy crappers! Buckle up!
Also just gonna say it: if Mike “The Situation” can change our minds about him being a douche, you surely can. They didn’t even have to edit him being one. 😬🫣😂 Never believed Heidi would stay with anyone treating her that way after S1 of The Hills.
#ad much love for my advance finished copy @gallerybooks #partner
The Guy You Loved to Hate
< @spencerpratt >
Releases: January 27, 2026
Memoir | reality tv
“This was my red pill moment. Two paths lay before me: Stay in the shadows, end up a suit yelling at assistants about kale salads, or ... step in front of the lens and become ‘Spencer Pratt.’ I chose wrong. Or maybe I chose destiny. Hard to say,” (p. 55).
“Meanwhile, Heidi was three vodka Red Bulls deep, that dangerous combination that made her either want to dance on tables or tell you exactly what she thought of you,” (p. 87).
^ totally relate
“They say everyone gets fifteen minutes of fame. Nobody tells you that you'll spend the rest of your life paying for it,” (p. 110).
“…because it's only a conspiracy theory until it becomes breaking news. Then, suddenly, everyone's acting like they saw it coming all along…,” (p. 181).
^ FACTS!
“The real sharks? They wear suits. They run networks. They promise you ‘protection’ while cashing checks off your pain. They don't show
up with mustaches or Darth Vader music. They don't hiss in corners. They shake your hand. They call themselves ‘friends,’ ‘leaders,’ ‘producers’,” (p. 281).
Utterly fascinating, I couldn’t put this book down. One of the best celebrity memoirs/biographies I’ve read in a while. Probably ever!
I got actual chills during several parts. I can’t praise this book more. It’s hard to write this review because there’s so much I have, want, to say; but I also don’t want to ruin it for anyone. You just have to read this book.
I think everyone will understand Pratt once they read this book. Was it what I was expecting? Not quite. He bears all with brutal honesty, pulls that curtain open and shows us what really went down. It’s a side of Pratt we rarely got to see (unless you’ve randomly caught bits of his TikTok/lives).
I’m impressed by this book and think you will be too. The writing is magical as it carries us through Spencer’s life. Theres humor, empathy, understanding, and so much more in his words.
Of course, haters gonna hate, but what can you do. I think this book will change some of your minds though.
And if you think reality TV is real - really real - and think Spencer is a major douche.. then you need to read this book. (But that pregnancy scene was so cringe - they should have fired that producer. It was so clearly fake.)
But outside of all the reality TV stuff we also get the spiritual side of Spencer. Which is just fascinating. Now standing up against corruption and fighting for truth and justice. He’s come full circle.
Memorable
LMAO at his first time blackmailing his father 😂😂😂 what a little shit - hilarious. David confirming he’s a little shit later on? - even better.
Raccoon on bath salts ☠️
Bonin’ with Brody
Mother’s intuition 🫶🏻
Henry the Alien
Always keep receipts
Seriously, this book was the most fun I had reading something in a while. If you grew up (early adulthood) watching reality TV then you need to read this book. After reading you’ll be running to watch reruns of The Hill, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, and Celebrity Big Brother UK.
And I am so sorry you had to experience all of that in the jungle. I’m glad you finally get to be heard and not through some planned producer’s lens.
Teasing us with a book by Heidi 👀 Yes please!
And fk you Al Roker wtf! WTF!? 🤬
The fires. Man all that history gone - saddening.
Reads like a thriller! Holy crappers! Buckle up!
Also just gonna say it: if Mike “The Situation” can change our minds about him being a douche, you surely can. They didn’t even have to edit him being one. 😬🫣😂 Never believed Heidi would stay with anyone treating her that way after S1 of The Hills.
January 29, 2026
I was obsessed with the hills growing up and idolized LC. I had the seasons on DVD and watched them over and over again….just like everyone else I didn’t love Spencer & Heidi. With that being said, this was a really good memoir. Spencer took accountability for his mistakes, was open, raw and honest! I really appreciated that and enjoyed hearing his side of things!
January 31, 2026
Shocking Read
I purchased The Man You Love to Hate fully convinced it would live on in my kind as a symbolic show of support. A purchase made from empathy, not expectation. Like a souvenir from a moment rather than a story I’d actually open. Spencer and his family had just been through a wildfire. Sadly, something I understand all too well.
Then I read the first chapter.
And that plan went up in smoke.
From page one, the book grabs you by the collar and says, “Stay.” It’s fast, candid, self-aware in a way I didn’t expect, and genuinely entertaining. Spencer leans all the way into who he is. No polishing. No PR filter. Just raw perspective, chaos, confidence, and commentary.
Is Spencer still full of BS?
Absolutely.
But it’s funny BS. Entertaining BS. The kind that knows it’s ridiculous and invites you to laugh along rather than roll your eyes and walk away. There’s humor, insight, and enough self-reflection to keep it grounded, even when it’s loud.
What surprised me most was how readable it is. This isn’t a slog or a vanity project. It’s a quick, engaging ride that moves with purpose and personality. I found myself wanting to keep going, which is not something I expected to say.
In the end, I didn’t just support a guy and his family. I got a genuinely fun read out of it.
Highly recommend. 📘🔥
I purchased The Man You Love to Hate fully convinced it would live on in my kind as a symbolic show of support. A purchase made from empathy, not expectation. Like a souvenir from a moment rather than a story I’d actually open. Spencer and his family had just been through a wildfire. Sadly, something I understand all too well.
Then I read the first chapter.
And that plan went up in smoke.
From page one, the book grabs you by the collar and says, “Stay.” It’s fast, candid, self-aware in a way I didn’t expect, and genuinely entertaining. Spencer leans all the way into who he is. No polishing. No PR filter. Just raw perspective, chaos, confidence, and commentary.
Is Spencer still full of BS?
Absolutely.
But it’s funny BS. Entertaining BS. The kind that knows it’s ridiculous and invites you to laugh along rather than roll your eyes and walk away. There’s humor, insight, and enough self-reflection to keep it grounded, even when it’s loud.
What surprised me most was how readable it is. This isn’t a slog or a vanity project. It’s a quick, engaging ride that moves with purpose and personality. I found myself wanting to keep going, which is not something I expected to say.
In the end, I didn’t just support a guy and his family. I got a genuinely fun read out of it.
Highly recommend. 📘🔥
January 31, 2026
This memoir was a total nostalgia hit for me.
I grew up watching Laguna Beach and The Hills.
Heidi was my favorite and like everyone else, I HATED Spencer for her, but still couldn’t stop watching everything they did.
Listening to this audiobook was wild hearing about scenes like Heidi working at Area unlocked memories I forgot I even had.
What surprised me most was the behind the scenes truth. How much was fake, how intentional the villain role was and how Spencer wasn’t actually the monster we all believed he was. Messy and calculated? Sure. But hearing his side—especially in his own voice—completely reframed the story. And the way he clearly adores Heidi (still wearing her face on his shirts) is oddly sweet.
The book dives into the rise of Speidi, the toll of playing the villain, mental health struggles, being blacklisted, and losing everything except the one person who never left, Heidi. Their eventual comeback through social media and the way the internet rallied around them after the Palisades wildfire was unexpectedly emotional.
Darkly funny, honest, and human, The Guy You Loved to Hate made me rethink reality TV and the people we loved to judge. Highly recommend the audiobook 🎧✨
I grew up watching Laguna Beach and The Hills.
Heidi was my favorite and like everyone else, I HATED Spencer for her, but still couldn’t stop watching everything they did.
Listening to this audiobook was wild hearing about scenes like Heidi working at Area unlocked memories I forgot I even had.
What surprised me most was the behind the scenes truth. How much was fake, how intentional the villain role was and how Spencer wasn’t actually the monster we all believed he was. Messy and calculated? Sure. But hearing his side—especially in his own voice—completely reframed the story. And the way he clearly adores Heidi (still wearing her face on his shirts) is oddly sweet.
The book dives into the rise of Speidi, the toll of playing the villain, mental health struggles, being blacklisted, and losing everything except the one person who never left, Heidi. Their eventual comeback through social media and the way the internet rallied around them after the Palisades wildfire was unexpectedly emotional.
Darkly funny, honest, and human, The Guy You Loved to Hate made me rethink reality TV and the people we loved to judge. Highly recommend the audiobook 🎧✨
February 1, 2026
Spencer Pratt said "Most of the things you think I did, I did them and my wife is innocent of all wrong doing and is the purest sweetest angel to ever walk this Earth."
I have never seen a single episode of television that Spencer Pratt has been in, but after he was in the headlines for the fires I was curious. I believed about 90% of this. He didn't exactly paint himself in the best light, but omg he was so so young. Seemed like he was younger than 24 for most of this wild ride.
I was surprised that he burned through more money in his young life than I am likely to make in this lifetime.
Hope he keeps advocating for people affected by the wild fires.
I have never seen a single episode of television that Spencer Pratt has been in, but after he was in the headlines for the fires I was curious. I believed about 90% of this. He didn't exactly paint himself in the best light, but omg he was so so young. Seemed like he was younger than 24 for most of this wild ride.
I was surprised that he burned through more money in his young life than I am likely to make in this lifetime.
Hope he keeps advocating for people affected by the wild fires.
February 2, 2026
If you need an infusion of early 2000s nostalgia, this book is for you. Spencer Pratt showed up on the reality TV scene fully understanding his assignment. His reflections of that time in his life are full of sincerity and maturity. A man that has learned from his mistakes and has embraced the fallout with humility.
A highly entertaining read, full of humor and heart.
A highly entertaining read, full of humor and heart.
January 31, 2026
I loved The Hills so I could not pass up listening to this book.
Spencer was exactly the same. Confident, chaotic, abrupt and entertaining. I appreciated his candour on how far he was willing to go for fame and success. He made a lot of choices that he may not make today, but I did feel like he was owning up to quite a bit of it.
He still comes off as a bit of a villain and I don’t think it would be possible for me to ever love crystals the way he does, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
It’s exactly what you expect to get from Spencer Pratt.
Spencer was exactly the same. Confident, chaotic, abrupt and entertaining. I appreciated his candour on how far he was willing to go for fame and success. He made a lot of choices that he may not make today, but I did feel like he was owning up to quite a bit of it.
He still comes off as a bit of a villain and I don’t think it would be possible for me to ever love crystals the way he does, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
It’s exactly what you expect to get from Spencer Pratt.
February 1, 2026
This is one of the better celebrity memoirs I have read. I appreciated that the book follows a clear chronological order and includes specific dates, which is something I really value in this type of book. There is a lot of behind the scenes insight into the filming of several shows Spencer Pratt was part of, and it adds real context to what was happening on screen. The memoir goes into the rise of Speidi, the toll that playing the villain took on him, and the mental health struggles that came with it. It also touches on his birth family and the many things he lost along the way. The book feels honest and self aware, and he does not shy away from showing the mistakes he made along the way. I kind of wish it had been longer and gone even more in depth.
January 28, 2026
Truly one of the better celeb memoirs or tell alls i have ever read.
I appreciate chronological order and provided dates when i read this type of book. Ive read some that skip all over or seem to think you know when X thing took place. This book was well organized and i greatly appreciated it.
Spencer has messed up a lot of times. In this memoir he owns each mistake and explains why he acted as he did. Accountability is very appreciated. We were all young once.
The tea was highly entertaining. Plenty of behind the scenes info in the filming of various shows they have been on. I loved the gossip.
This man loves his wife and has since day 1. His honest descriptions of his feelings for her made my heart melt and he described things in a way that wasn’t eye-roll corny and gag worthy, or over the top. These two are absolutely each others ride or die and i love it for them.
Well done Spencer! If i lived in California, you’d get my vote. 🇺🇸
I appreciate chronological order and provided dates when i read this type of book. Ive read some that skip all over or seem to think you know when X thing took place. This book was well organized and i greatly appreciated it.
Spencer has messed up a lot of times. In this memoir he owns each mistake and explains why he acted as he did. Accountability is very appreciated. We were all young once.
The tea was highly entertaining. Plenty of behind the scenes info in the filming of various shows they have been on. I loved the gossip.
This man loves his wife and has since day 1. His honest descriptions of his feelings for her made my heart melt and he described things in a way that wasn’t eye-roll corny and gag worthy, or over the top. These two are absolutely each others ride or die and i love it for them.
Well done Spencer! If i lived in California, you’d get my vote. 🇺🇸
January 31, 2026
This was one of the most entertaining memoirs I have ever read. I was laughing out loud within the first few chapters
It was gossipy, added some flesh to storylines I already knew, and opened the door on who Spencer really is. The Hills has been my comfort since 2006 and I'm slowly making my way through books by the cast...this has taken the top non fiction spot
I highly recommend the audiobook; I had a great time
It was gossipy, added some flesh to storylines I already knew, and opened the door on who Spencer really is. The Hills has been my comfort since 2006 and I'm slowly making my way through books by the cast...this has taken the top non fiction spot
I highly recommend the audiobook; I had a great time
February 4, 2026
Had you told me 20 years ago that I'd be reading Spencer Pratt's memoir and actually loving it and rooting for him, I wouldn't have believed you. I listened to his self narrated audio book and truly loved listening to Spencer's version of how things went down. This is a fun and entertaining read for anyone who loved the drama of The Hills and for anyone who likes a good redemption story!
January 31, 2026
Entertaining memoir! I started following Spencer after his house (and his parent's house where he grew up) burned in the Palisades fires. He's definitely a unique character and his life of manufactured reality is interesting, kind of what YouTubers or Tiktok stars do today but he was the OG. (Maybe 3.5) 🙂
February 3, 2026
Coming from someone who grew up in the Laguna Beach/The Hills era I was intrigued to find out some behind the scenes tea and Spencer did not disappoint. The stories that he tells in this book is INSANE. For anyone who grew up watching these shows I highly recommend.
February 4, 2026
Thank you so much @gallerybooks #partner for the free book!
I was very excited when I opened a package a few weeks ago to find a copy of Spencer Pratt’s memoir, The Guy You Loved to Hate: Confessions from a Reality TV Villain. As a fan of The Hills, this was a must-read for me.
That said, if you’re planning to read any memoir or biography this year, I would put this at the top of your list—even if you’re not a fan of reality TV. Spencer’s story is compelling, and he gets very real and honest about his life.
This memoir takes you through a full range of emotions, from laughing at stories like the first time he blackmailed his father to getting teary-eyed as he talks about the Palisades fires.
If you are an audiobook fan, Spencer narrates the book himself, which makes the story even better.
I was very excited when I opened a package a few weeks ago to find a copy of Spencer Pratt’s memoir, The Guy You Loved to Hate: Confessions from a Reality TV Villain. As a fan of The Hills, this was a must-read for me.
That said, if you’re planning to read any memoir or biography this year, I would put this at the top of your list—even if you’re not a fan of reality TV. Spencer’s story is compelling, and he gets very real and honest about his life.
This memoir takes you through a full range of emotions, from laughing at stories like the first time he blackmailed his father to getting teary-eyed as he talks about the Palisades fires.
If you are an audiobook fan, Spencer narrates the book himself, which makes the story even better.
February 1, 2026
Love some behind the scenes Speidi drama always
February 2, 2026
I honestly loved every moment of this book. I was a huge Hills fan, and loved some of the nostalgic stories. The book was really well written and loved the ending. GO Spencer for Mayor!
Read
February 2, 2026MTV did us all dirty, justice for Spencer and his crystal business.
February 4, 2026
This book was so entertaining and Spencer had me cracking up. It was so interesting to see his perspective of everything they went through. I couldn’t put this book down
January 29, 2026
5 stars
A very honest, emotional, real depiction of his life and career. I did not want to put it down. It was full of interesting behind the scenes details. Great job Spencer!
A very honest, emotional, real depiction of his life and career. I did not want to put it down. It was full of interesting behind the scenes details. Great job Spencer!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
📚 PRE-PUBLICATION MEMOIR REVIEW 📚
The Guy You Loved To Hate: Confessions from a Reality TV Villain
By Spencer Pratt
Publication Date: January 27, 2026
Publisher: Gallery Books
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much to Gallery Books for sending this early finished copy in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
Spencer Pratt's upcoming memoir, The Guy You Loved To Hate, was one of my most highly-anticipated memoirs of 2026. I am happy to say that not only was it everything I hoped it would be, it was even more. This book was authentic, it was honest, it was revealing, and it was REAL - something I now realize didn't exist on MTV's oh-so-popular 'reality tv' in the early 2000s.
I feel like I should title my review: Confessions from an MTV Reality Show Junkie.Yes friends, I was a MASSIVE fan of MTV's reality shows -- The Hills and Laguna Beach were my television addictions. I had a Team LC t-shirt (sorry, Spencer) I wore regularly, and my friends & I dissected each week's episodes over cocktails at happy hours and Friday nights out. We were even part of the cohort who religiously watched The Hills: New Beginning.
So when I saw this memoir was forthcoming, I requested a copy from Gallery Books, breathed a prayer to the reality TV gods, and crossed my fingers. And when I opened the UPS package that contained the book, my early aughts self gave a ridiculously loud cheer of delight -- and I couldn't wait to dive in.
Listen, I'm not immune to curiosity: I wanted all the salacious gossip and I expected Spencer would deliver. And Lord knows he did. What I didn't expect was that the salaciousness wouldn't be the best part of the story. Sure, Spencer pulled back the curtain to reveal jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes stories about life filming The Hills. And yes, he shared all the tea about the rich & famous with whom he's interacted over the years. If that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed.
For me though, what stood out most and surprised me about this book was just how real Spencer got. He also pulled back the curtain to reveal his humanity and his very real emotions behind the mask of the reality-TV villain. He gave the reader a deeper look into his years growing up, his family, his closest friendships, and his love for Heidi. He detailed the journey he's taken as he worked to overcome that villain persona and how he's channeled the lessons he learned then into the man he is now and the father he wants to be for his two sons. And I'll admit it -- I even got a little teary in the last few chapters as he talked about losing everything in the Palisades fire last year and shared his passion for exposing the failures that led to such horrific devastation for so many families in the California wildfires.
I genuinely found myself cheering for the successes of Spencer and Heidi (Speidi) and I was left with a much better understanding of the depth of their emotions and the bullshit they endured through the years. Spencer's resilience is pretty astounding and his ability to consistently rise from the ashes is quite remarkable. Whether you pick up this book because you love or hate him, just pick it up. Though be warned: after reading this book, you might find yourself reconsidering who the reality TV villains ACTUALLY were. Bravo, Spencer.
#TheGuyYouLovedToHate #ConfessionsFromARealityTVVillain #SpencerPratt #GalleryBooks #fivestarreads #memoirs #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #realitytvstars #Speidi
The Guy You Loved To Hate: Confessions from a Reality TV Villain
By Spencer Pratt
Publication Date: January 27, 2026
Publisher: Gallery Books
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much to Gallery Books for sending this early finished copy in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
Spencer Pratt's upcoming memoir, The Guy You Loved To Hate, was one of my most highly-anticipated memoirs of 2026. I am happy to say that not only was it everything I hoped it would be, it was even more. This book was authentic, it was honest, it was revealing, and it was REAL - something I now realize didn't exist on MTV's oh-so-popular 'reality tv' in the early 2000s.
I feel like I should title my review: Confessions from an MTV Reality Show Junkie.Yes friends, I was a MASSIVE fan of MTV's reality shows -- The Hills and Laguna Beach were my television addictions. I had a Team LC t-shirt (sorry, Spencer) I wore regularly, and my friends & I dissected each week's episodes over cocktails at happy hours and Friday nights out. We were even part of the cohort who religiously watched The Hills: New Beginning.
So when I saw this memoir was forthcoming, I requested a copy from Gallery Books, breathed a prayer to the reality TV gods, and crossed my fingers. And when I opened the UPS package that contained the book, my early aughts self gave a ridiculously loud cheer of delight -- and I couldn't wait to dive in.
Listen, I'm not immune to curiosity: I wanted all the salacious gossip and I expected Spencer would deliver. And Lord knows he did. What I didn't expect was that the salaciousness wouldn't be the best part of the story. Sure, Spencer pulled back the curtain to reveal jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes stories about life filming The Hills. And yes, he shared all the tea about the rich & famous with whom he's interacted over the years. If that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed.
For me though, what stood out most and surprised me about this book was just how real Spencer got. He also pulled back the curtain to reveal his humanity and his very real emotions behind the mask of the reality-TV villain. He gave the reader a deeper look into his years growing up, his family, his closest friendships, and his love for Heidi. He detailed the journey he's taken as he worked to overcome that villain persona and how he's channeled the lessons he learned then into the man he is now and the father he wants to be for his two sons. And I'll admit it -- I even got a little teary in the last few chapters as he talked about losing everything in the Palisades fire last year and shared his passion for exposing the failures that led to such horrific devastation for so many families in the California wildfires.
I genuinely found myself cheering for the successes of Spencer and Heidi (Speidi) and I was left with a much better understanding of the depth of their emotions and the bullshit they endured through the years. Spencer's resilience is pretty astounding and his ability to consistently rise from the ashes is quite remarkable. Whether you pick up this book because you love or hate him, just pick it up. Though be warned: after reading this book, you might find yourself reconsidering who the reality TV villains ACTUALLY were. Bravo, Spencer.
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February 4, 2026
4.75/5 stars
The Guy You Loved to Hate takes us deep into the life of Spencer Pratt, from his seemingly ordinary upbringing (except for being treated like the king of the house) to his infamous rise as the villain of The Hills. This memoir explores the creation of Spencer's villainous persona alongside Heidi, their meteoric rise to fame, and their eventual downfall, all while dealing with the mental health tolls of living in the public eye.
What truly captivated me was Spencer’s unexpected journey of redemption, powered by hummingbird mysticism, family, and quirky charm. After losing everything in the wildfires, Spencer and Speidi shifted from tabloid villains to media darlings.
Before diving into this, I knew very little about Spencer or Speidi, I’d only seen random clips from reality TV. Out of pure curiosity, I wanted to know if the Spencer we saw on TV was the same as the man behind the camera. The book is full of outrageous stories with a touch of egotism, and some anecdotes seemed too wild to be true, but somehow, I couldn’t put it down. By the end, I found myself seeing Spencer and Speidi in a whole new light, calmer, more grounded, and certainly more relatable.
A wild, binge-worthy read if you’re curious about the man behind the controversy!
The Guy You Loved to Hate takes us deep into the life of Spencer Pratt, from his seemingly ordinary upbringing (except for being treated like the king of the house) to his infamous rise as the villain of The Hills. This memoir explores the creation of Spencer's villainous persona alongside Heidi, their meteoric rise to fame, and their eventual downfall, all while dealing with the mental health tolls of living in the public eye.
What truly captivated me was Spencer’s unexpected journey of redemption, powered by hummingbird mysticism, family, and quirky charm. After losing everything in the wildfires, Spencer and Speidi shifted from tabloid villains to media darlings.
Before diving into this, I knew very little about Spencer or Speidi, I’d only seen random clips from reality TV. Out of pure curiosity, I wanted to know if the Spencer we saw on TV was the same as the man behind the camera. The book is full of outrageous stories with a touch of egotism, and some anecdotes seemed too wild to be true, but somehow, I couldn’t put it down. By the end, I found myself seeing Spencer and Speidi in a whole new light, calmer, more grounded, and certainly more relatable.
A wild, binge-worthy read if you’re curious about the man behind the controversy!
February 3, 2026
I don’t know what to rate this. In short: I didn’t like it. The world Spencer has lived in and continues to live in just seems so disconnected from actual reality (outside of LA/california) that it was hard for me to see a maturation of character here. I kept waiting for it, hoping maybe when the kids were born something may change, but I didn’t seem to ever see a change from the 20something we all saw on The Hills. (And hated, as the subtitle suggests.)
I get that he was essentially “cast” as the villain “character” on the show but seems like he was playing that role for so long that he sort of… became it? It got the best of him? I’m not sure. He seems to be a little off the rails even now and perhaps that’s what being catapulted into fame does?
I get that he was essentially “cast” as the villain “character” on the show but seems like he was playing that role for so long that he sort of… became it? It got the best of him? I’m not sure. He seems to be a little off the rails even now and perhaps that’s what being catapulted into fame does?
February 1, 2026
This was a fascinating read. Wow, Spencer Pratt, the true genius behind SO much! Who woulda thunk?!? This was a page turner,not to be put down, especially if you followed Laguna Beach, The Hills, KUWTK, the dawning of "reality" TV. I saw Spencer last year on "Got to Get Out", was expecting villain behavior, and was pleasantly surprised to find a really nice guy that adores his wife (wearing her merch daily)! And he really is 20 steps ahead of everybody else around. The book really proved that. Best of luck to your family in the future, and I really hope you become the Mayor of LA and break down the system. Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeves!
February 3, 2026
I would never have considered myself a Spencer Pratt fan, but I grew up in the era of Spencer Pratt constantly being in the headlines and followed him for a bit following his house fire. I found the book to be really interesting. If everything he says is true, it's a hell of a story.
Here's my gripe. This book was very obviously run through CHATGPT or a similar AI program. I'm not talking about em dashes because I bought the audible version and have no idea if those are in the book. I'm talking about the repetitive writing styles that are classic AI. I noticed early on in the book and it annoyed me the entire book. I still think it was a great book and worth the read.
Here's my gripe. This book was very obviously run through CHATGPT or a similar AI program. I'm not talking about em dashes because I bought the audible version and have no idea if those are in the book. I'm talking about the repetitive writing styles that are classic AI. I noticed early on in the book and it annoyed me the entire book. I still think it was a great book and worth the read.
February 5, 2026
This was honestly good. I was nervous honestly to check it out
I grew up watching The Hills and for the longest time I HATED Spencer. I was so over him.
Now fast forwarding to today, hearing his side on things change some of my perspective on him.
I felt like he tried to go for a redemption arc in some ways but also felt the need to create chaos regardless.
Hearing how The Hills was run behind the scenes shocked me a little (now I'm tempted to do a whole re-watch lol)
Personally, I can sympathize with Soencer in some aspects. Overall, good book! If you were a fan of The Hills please check it out!
I grew up watching The Hills and for the longest time I HATED Spencer. I was so over him.
Now fast forwarding to today, hearing his side on things change some of my perspective on him.
I felt like he tried to go for a redemption arc in some ways but also felt the need to create chaos regardless.
Hearing how The Hills was run behind the scenes shocked me a little (now I'm tempted to do a whole re-watch lol)
Personally, I can sympathize with Soencer in some aspects. Overall, good book! If you were a fan of The Hills please check it out!
February 3, 2026
Great read and especially enjoyed listening to Spencer read it on audiobook! It added his personality and felt like you were just sitting around chatting with an old friend about all the “tea” we’ve all been wondering about for years. A lot of questions answered about The Hills and insight into Spencer’s origin story into the reality tv / entertainment business. I’ve always rooted for Speidi and am happy they’re finally getting the positive redemption in the press they deserve after everything they were put through!
February 5, 2026
Conflicted because it was written pretty well and made me want to keep reading but his life during and after The Hills just got so chaotic!
Also I appreciate some retrospection and learning lessons but sometimes it felt like he was getting exactly what he was putting out there so I didn’t have a ton of sympathy.
However, I did feel really badly about his house burning down and liked him calling out the mismanagement of how the government handled it all. Definitely looking forward to whatever he does to make sure people are held responsible.
Also I appreciate some retrospection and learning lessons but sometimes it felt like he was getting exactly what he was putting out there so I didn’t have a ton of sympathy.
However, I did feel really badly about his house burning down and liked him calling out the mismanagement of how the government handled it all. Definitely looking forward to whatever he does to make sure people are held responsible.
January 31, 2026
What Spencer is doing to stand up to corrupt politicians who ruined the lives of so many families is admirable. My heart goes out to the residents of the Palisades who lost everything. While that is more of a subject towards the end of the book, I think it could be a book by itself, exposing the corruption of all where our money is going as tax payers, etc.
The book was entertaining and a great read.
The book was entertaining and a great read.
February 2, 2026
As a Laguna beach/the hills fan, I had to jump and read this. There was some interesting information he goes into on how/why he became the person he is but I think that goes for anyone who is a celebrity. There are things he talks about that can bring me right back to that episode or timeframe when things were crazy with Heidi’s surgeries and it will be interesting to hear her story (he hints a few times she might share).
February 3, 2026
Interesting book. If you can get through all of the gossipy-feminine-trauma-drama queen-complaining middle portion of the book. I persevered, and made it to the last few redeeming chapters. I sense that Spencer Pratt is now a changed man, and I actually ended up liking him. I certainly pray that he can help Los Angeles and The Palisades, and find all of the billions of dollars that Gaven Newsom pocketed that was meant for Fire Aid Victims. God Speed Spencer.
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