“So welcome to another installment in my infinite series on why love stories can save the world.” - author’s note

I will continue to be a big fan of Katherine Center’s happy, feel-good, love story novels, with gorgeous covers, but unfortunately The Love Haters did not work for me.

There was sooo much focus Katie’s appearance, the way she dressed, and her weight. I appreciated the author’s note on this, and I understand what she was trying to do, but unfortunately it was mentioned way too often and it took me out of the story. The fake dating also felt completely unnecessary.

Again, I will read what Katherine Center writes in the future, this one just needed a bit more polishing.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the eARC!

I wanted to love this one a lot more than I had! It definitely felt different from our usual Katherine Center feel, there is a heavy emphasis on eating disorders right from the beginning and it was hard to navigate that from the funny moments too.

I absolutely adored this book! The characters, both human and animal, are genuine and delightful (well, except for one, but I’ll keep that a secret!).

This story masterfully weaves together humor and heartfelt moments. I found myself completely immersed, wishing it would never end. I would love to be neighbors of Katie, Hutch, George Bailey, Rue, and the Gals.

Pick up The Love Haters for a wonderful exploration of love in all its forms and a reminder that being vulnerable and taking risks can lead to unexpected rewards.

Katherine Center books are usually a hit or miss for me. However I am pleasantly surprised by Love Haters! I enjoyed reading this novel and would recommend it.

I am grateful to NetGalley, the Author, and the Publisher for the ARC. Thank you!

I loved this book! Katherine Center is an auto buy for me and this book did not disappoint! Katherine Center knows how to grip you from the very first page.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center. Pub Date: May 20, 2025. Rating: 4 stars. First off, I absolutely adore Katherine Center's novels and this one was no exception. Set in Key West, the reader is taken on a journey with a young female who gets sent there to profile a Coast Guard swimmer who happens to be her co-worker's brother. She ultimately ends of lying about not being able to swim to be able to get the scoop on this handsome man. What unravels is a tale not only of fun, but also tough themes of body image. Katherine's novels are usually lighthearted and fun and great fast reads. I enjoyed this novel. Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

@katherinecenter has done it again!

Thank you @stmartinspress for my #gifted copy!

Over the past few years, I’ve become a big fan of Katherine’s books, and I was so excited to see her newest one took place in the Keys.

Katie’s career is on the line. So, when she gets the chance to head to Florida to interview Hutch, a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, for work, she jumps at the opportunity. However, Katie can’t swim and soon finds herself sucked into Hutch’s world.

I loved the shenanigans Katie got herself into. All the characters were wonderful, and I really loved the dynamic between our two love interests.

This is a fast-paced romance that would be great to binge on the beach!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#litbylillireviews

4.5 Rounded Up

I LOVE Katherine Center's books! The rapport and chemistry in her books is amazing. I love the banter - it's so entertaining. This was another hit for me. It had a lot of funny moments and some touching ones as well.

Katie is tasked by her boss to go do a feature on a Coast Guard rescue swimmer but he is not happy to see her. Things get messy and there are lots of fun side characters and crazy antics. I could see this being made into a movie - it was so fun. I read it in about 24 hours - it was so entertaining.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.

Katherine Center is a one click author for me. I love the writing style and how quickly I get sucked into the story lines. This book did just that. I could not put this book down. This was a fun read.

This book had such a unique male main character! I also liked that the unlikable characters redeemed themselves in the end - that doesn't usually happen. Then the dramatic thing happening later in the book.. it was perfection. I loved it.

Delayed ARC review!

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I liked the vibes and it felt like a good, cozy summer read. There was a lot of body image things the main character, Katie, dealt with which was a lot at times and could be triggering for some readers. If you're a Katherien Center fan you will probably enjoy this!

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC of "The Love Haters" by Katherine Center, Out Now!

Thank you to Katherine Center, Netgalley, & st Martin's publishing for this fantastic read! Every book by this author that I have read,I have enjoyed so far.

Katie wants to save her job so she agrees to go to the Florida Keys to film a story about Hutch. Little does she know that she is walking into a life changing experience! Hutch is a Coast Guard search and rescue diver stationed in the Florida Keys. He doesn’t want to be part of the film but reluctantly agrees to do it. He and Katie get to know each other and realize that they might be a good match. But can a relationship started on a lie survive?

Katie hasn’t had great luck in the love department. I like that the author included information about Katie’s former boyfriend to show how her past relationships keep messing with her. She has dreams that don’t necessarily include her current job. I like that once she takes on the assignment of interviewing Hutch, she throws herself into fully (except for keeping secrets). There is a part of the story that stuck out to me because it’s so true. The internet is mean to Katie and it affects her confidence. In the end, she has to learn about loving herself and following her dreams.

Hutch has no desire to be famous (again) but he agrees to do the interview because he was made certain promises. I like that Hutch’s prior brush with fame left him with the moniker “pup daddy”. Hutch has to navigate some complex family issues during the story. I like how he has his family he was born with and the family he has made on the islands. He’s a really good dude.

Katie and Hutch have to work through a lot to end up together. I thought the journey was fun and believable. They make a good couple with solid communication in the end.

This story takes place in the Florida Keys. Both characters are adults with careers. There is family drama and fun older ladies. This is a sweet and slightly silly love story between two people who have learned to hate love. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for an advance copy. Katherine Center is a great author to pick up if you want a lighthearted story that will leave you feeling happy. The main character, Katie, a video producer, agrees to a job filming a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, in an effort to keep her job, even though she doesn’t know how to swim and has several insecurities and fears around water. Once in the Florida Keys, we meet the most likable and friendly characters, including rescue swimmer Hutch’s Great Dane George Bailey, and his aunt Rue and her friends, a group of “Golden Girls” friends living their best lives. All the characters felt like someone you would want to hang out with, and the romance and humor and storyline were all charming and satisfying.

This was a really sweet love story with a lot of heart and humor. I loved the Great Dane! Its downfall was basing the plot on a lie, which often ruins books for me as I hate lying as a plot device. There was also too much fixation on body image. Still, it was a sweet love story without being graphic.

Love this latest from Katherine Center. Once again she weaves a fun, heartfelt closed door romance to satisfy every reader.

Lighthearted, snappy, and full of charm. Center’s trademark optimism shines, though this felt a bit breezier than her usual emotional weight. Still, the banter and romantic tension were a delight. A fun read for fans of enemies-to-lovers with heart.

I have yet to find a Katherine Center book I don't love. She did it again this time that is for sure. The story was endearing, funny, and even sad at times. Aunt Rue and her friends at the Inn were a true delight as they cheered Katie on and took her in as one of their own. The only thing I didn't like about it was that it had to end. I was left wanting a sequel of Katie and Hutch's entire future!

Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to their new releases every year. When I read the synopsis of this book, I just knew it was going to be another home run read, but unfortunately it was not that for me. The Love Haters is a good summer read and definitely has a good storyline, but I was disturbed by what I felt was an hyper focus on the FMC’s body dysmorphia in this story. It felt a little forced and awkward. I believe it had a place in the story and I believe wholeheartedly it should have been included, because it was an imperative part of the story, but it was overdone and almost uncomfortable and effected the overall book. I absolutely adored the MMC and would have loved more from him. Katherine Center will remain an automatic read for me and I still cannot wait for their next book!

What a cutie closed door romance! Katie comes to the Keys to film an advertisement video for the Coast guard and gets matched up with hunky Hutch. A carousel of colorful characters round out this story. As always, I learned something new about how the Coast Guard works.