As someone who devours every Katherine Center book the moment it hits shelves, I went into The Love Haters with high expectations—especially given her knack for weaving heartfelt stories with heroines who are as messy and endearing as they are resilient. And while this book mostly delivers that signature blend of humor, romance, and introspection, it also felt like Center took a few detours from her usual path.

The premise had huge potential, with enemies-to-lovers vibes and an exploration of what happens when you challenge your own beliefs about love. But compared to How to Walk Away or Things You Save in a Fire, this narrative felt a bit less layered. There’s still inspiration, still hope—but it didn’t hit me as hard emotionally.

Don’t get me wrong—The Love Haters is still worth the read. It has flashes of classic Katherine Center magic and her always-uplifting worldview.

I've read The Bodyguard by Katherine Center and I really enjoyed it. So I was really excited when I was able to get this one to review. Unfortunately something about it fell flat for me with the plot/story. There was something lacking that I can't quite put my finger on. I felt like it was sort of repetitive and a couple of the characters annoyed me. Unfortunately I won't be posting a review for this on my bookstagram, amazon or Goodreads as I don't want to effect the rating of the book in those locations.

I truly enjoyed the story, the romance was cutie, and was wonderfully entertained by these characters. .

I couldn't even finish this one. I read all of the trigger warnings before starting it, but I didn't think the eating talk would be so excessive. Continuing to read this book wouldn't be good for my mental health, honesty.

I loved parts of this book. But it lost me in a few places:
- Really Not Fun fake-dating with someone who isn't the love interest (really, who thought this was a good idea?)
- Cheap miscommunication
- Decisions that only a dog person would make (I'm a cat person)

It's the typical Katherine Center fare: serious fiction with a side of romance and a hint of cheesy jokes being mis-marketed as a romcom with the brightest cover you've ever seen.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I usually really love everything Katherine Center writes, but this one has sadly been my least favorite so far. I had a lot of concerns about how body image was approached in this book. It felt like a little cliche, and like she met a guy and suddenly her issues were solved/better? I really wanted to see more internal development on this where she didn't depend on others for validation.

I DO think the Coast Guard rescue swimmer trope was so cute. This was a unique setting and fun to read about! The ending felt a little rushed and I really could have used several more chapters to wrap up everything.

I'll still be a Katherine Center fan and will continue to read her books, but this one was not my favorite of hers!

I really like Katherine Center! She writes cute, witty stories that are easy & quick reads. This newest book of hers was not my favorite, but it was a really cute story. This book was definitely a slow burn. The first half took me a little bit to get through, but then the second half I read in less than 24 hours. I wish there would have been a little more romance, but the romance we did get was cute & sweet. I really enjoyed the personal growth that we saw in the FMC.

I love Katherine Center but I just wasn’t feeling this book. I had a hard time getting into the story. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I’m sad cause I really enjoy Katherine centers books but this just wasn’t it for me

Thank you NetGalley and st Martin press for the opportunity to read this.

Definitely a slow burn book. It talked a lot about body image. I usually like books that have more romance if it is being advertised as a rom com

3.5⭐️ Katherine Center is one of my autobuy authors so this book was on my TBR list as soon as it was announced! It was a fun read but not my fav KC book!

I feel like this book had so much potential but when it came to the romance aspect it fell a little flat. I didn’t feel the connection or butterflies that I wanted! But overall it was a fun read with lots of fun side characters!

This was an advanced read copy I received through Netgalley so it’s not going to be officially published until May 20, 2025! But this is my honest review!

Add this book to your to read list, I promise you won’t regret it! & then let me know what you thought! & of course a big thank you to @netgalley & @stmartinpress for the ARC!

#books #bookstagram #booktok #bookrating #library #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookrecs#bookcommunity #booklovers #booksofinstagram #bookish #fivestarbooks #romancebook #kindlebooks
#kindleunlimited

⭐️: 4
🌶️: 0

🎬 grumpy x sunshine
🌊 cinnamon roll MMC
🎬 documentarian
🌊 coast guard rescue diver
🎬 forced proximity

The Love Haters is a perfect, fast-paced Summer Romance. Set in tropical Key West, we follow Katie on a journey to loving herself again, and Hutch, well Hutch is just an irresistible cinnamon roll of a man who happens to be a literal hero for a living (a coast guard rescue swimmer). This book had a delicious slow burn, a meddling cast of elderly characters, laughable predicaments, and a bit of drama.

Clean, zero spice romance

♥︎ Thank you NetGalley, St Martins Press and Katherine Center for the ARC of The Love Haters!

another amazing read by katherine center💕 at first i wished there was a little bit more cutesy romance moments between katie and hutch but the journey of her learning to love herself and her body was so lovely to watch and very relatable for any girl who has struggled with this so it wasn’t even needed i loved katie’s self discover but LET ME TELL YOU cole was the most annoying character i have ever fucking met i wanted him out of the book asap

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book.... unfortunately i found it slow so it took me a long time to read it .... i had high hope for this book but it end up not being my cup of tea..... i still found it a cute story and the cover if pretty

I adored this book! I found the focus on body image and growth throughout the story incredible, as someone who has personally struggled with those same concerns for the majority of her adult life. The love blossomed at a beautiful pace. I loved the drama and unexpected twists. My only wish? I need to know what happens with the love story after the book ends!

The Love Haters is Katherine Center’s latest romcom about Katie, a videographer assigned to film Hutch, a rescue swimmer in the Florida Keys. I enjoyed the dreamy setting and learning about Coast Guard rescue swimmers. This book contained several of the rom-com tropes you know and love, like found family, only 1 bed that a giant Great Dane forces them into, and fake dating (but not in a way you’d expect!). I would say there’s a trigger warning for body image/eating disorders.

I enjoyed this book via both print and audio. The audio narrator was great and upbeat. As always, Katherine Center did not disappoint! Thank you for the publisher for the electronic arc of this book. This review is entirely my own thoughts.

Love love love Katherine Center and all her books! I was super excited about this book and the opportunity to read it early and it did not disappoint. All throughout the book I felt a sense of cozy and wanted to keep on reading. I found myself giggling at some parts and even tearing up at other.

Katherine Center is known for writing warm, heartfelt romances with relatable female leads, and The Love Haters follows suit. Katie is a video editor whose career is on the line when she’s sent to Key West to produce a profile on a decorated Coast Guard member. That hero turns out to be a handsome, kind bachelor who, of course, turns her world upside down.

There are undeniably sweet moments, and Center clearly spent time researching Coast Guard culture—something I appreciated, having had my own experiences around Coasties. The supporting characters added a nice touch of charm, and the romance had a familiar rhythm that readers of the genre may enjoy.

However, for me, the story felt a bit too formulaic. It was light and pleasant but ultimately lacked the emotional depth or spark to make it stand out. And as someone who gravitates toward books with a strong sense of place, I was disappointed that Key West barely played a role. I nearly forgot the book was set there.

Book: The Love Haters
Author: Katherine Center
Genre: Romance
Places Featured: Key West, Florida
Review Score: ★★★½ (rounded up)

4.5 stars.

The Love Haters is yet another win from one of my favorite authors. She never misses! This story had heart, humor, and just the right amount of emotional depth. Like all her books, it left me smiling and feeling all the feels. Every release from her is an instant favorite—she’s truly the queen of feel-good fiction with meaning.

I loved this book! I'm tempted to buy a copy for my therapist's office to loan out. This book deals with relationships and fears, in a romcom. It's everything you want in a fun romantic story (except for spice). I loved the characters and the book is well researched.

OUR GIRL KATHERINE CENTER DOES IT AGAIN!! Honestly one of the only authors that does closed door romances well.