I LOVED reading The Love Haters, Katherine Center's 2025 release. Katie is set on filming Coast Guard hero HUTCH for her YouTube series and she fell in love with the brooding gentleman along the way.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press & Netgalley for the e-Arc.

I'm really sad that this book was a complete miss for me on so many levels. I've really loved a lot of Katherine Center's women's fictions books, have even given some of them five stars. Her newer rom coms have been a miss for me, but this one the worst of all.

Katie was so incredibly naive and oblivious; it was actually painful to read. Her internal monologue was a bunch of rambling thoughts that added nothing to the story. The rambling continued into the dialogue between characters - there was one part where she was literally talking about her ankles for several pages. Another time where she was talking about her thumb... for pages at a time! I understand that she was trying to love her body, but rambling on about body parts several different times in a short 320-page book just screamed to me that the book was not edited well at all and the character was poorly developed.

Speaking about the body issues the main character experienced in the book - I just thought it was done so poorly. I can see how Katie developed body dysmorphia and an eating disorder based on what she experienced - it would have been damaging for many people. But what should have been an uplifting growth throughout the novel was basically resolved by the mmc telling her she was gorgeous. Bam! Body dysmorphia cured. It was honestly so disappointing that it relied on a man to 'fix' her. These are also very real issues that people don't just get over within the course of three weeks - this is something where recovery can take years and years. I really don't see it being believable that someone who was horrified about wearing swimsuits for over a decade would be able to get over it within a week after being forced into them by the quirky aunt in the story. The first half of the story focused on this so much but hardly brought up at all in the second half.

The supporting characters had no dimension. We were told that Beanie was Katie's best friend, but aside from some phone calls, Beanie was entirely pointless to the story. Cole was one of the worst supporting characters I have ever read about - his entire personality was gimmicky. Only created because the author was being lazy in her story telling. The relationship between Hutch and Katie was told, not shown. Therefore, not believable. We are given three instances within a week that they meet and interact, then the story basically flashes forward with a montage a few weeks later and they are suddenly falling for each other - when we barely even saw them become more than just friendly with each other. Zero chemistry and embarrassing banter.

The conflict was so out of left field and outrageous. I wish I had DNF'd it at that point because it just kept getting worse and worse.

This book missed every single mark for me in the worst possible ways. I wanted to give it one star (and I've usually a very generous rater), but the dog and the toad upped it to two stars for me. The only positive thing in the entire book. It will be really hard for me to ever want to pick up another Katherine Center book again, unfortunately. Such a disappointment as I've loved so many of her earlier novels.

DNF. Men don’t cure body dysmorphia and it sure doesn’t happen quickly. More like years of therapy. I was so excited for this book but I didn’t like the way this subject was portrayed in the book.

So this is a separate issue that needs saying which will not likely be in my public reviews bc I'm hoping it's caught and fixed before the edited copy hits the shelves: a hurricane would never be expected to "hit Orlando". Orlando is in the middle of the state. If the hurricane shifted from somewhere else to then hit Miami, you can say Jacksonville, or Melbourne, or even "the Kennedy Space Center" instead of Titusville bc a random person from Texas wouldn't know all the towns on the coast. Use Palm Beach - these days everyone knows approximately where that is. But twice in two pages it's noted that the hurricane was supposed to hit Orlando and then shifted to Miami. Right after that, it's shifted again to hit Key Largo and there's a passage "if you don't know geography" when commenting about where Key Largo is. This even highlights the lack of Florida knowledge ... this took me out of the book even at 3am reading.

So. I don't begrudge a lot of the FMC's body issues bc I think all of us in that age group grew up with many of the same issues that we are still either hiding from or parsing for ourselves. And a public breakup with a famous singer would compound this. It goes a bit too far, and Cole is wholly unlikeable and it's unclear why he wanted to save her job anyhow. I like Hutch and Katie together and Rue is delightful - obviously The Gals and Rue are a nod to the Golden Girls but the rest of the story isn't nearly as fleshed out as I have come to expect from Katherine Center books.

KC's worst book is still heads above some author's best, so I still say 3 stars. I might waffle higher or lower depending on my mood.

I adored this book! Every time I pick up a book by Katherine Center I know that I am in for a warm, well-written read and this book delivered. I was very invested in the relationship that developed between Hutch and Katie and loved the supporting characters of this story, especially George Bailey the Great Dane. This book was laugh out loud funny and I can’t wait for Katherine’s next book already!

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to grab the unedited copy of Katherine Center’s newest book, The Love Haters, and it was another great one. I would read a shopping list if Katherine Center wrote it because I love her writing style and the way she draws you into the character and story. This book is no exception. It is a lighter read than many of her other novels, which was perfect for me as I didn’t want to delve into an emotional rollercoaster at this time. The Love Haters is a cute and quirky story about loving yourself, choosing happiness, not caring what others think, and finding the good despite the bad. I found Katie, the main character, relatable and funny and fell in love with Hutch and Rue, who prove that no matter what happens to you in life, you can create good from everything.

This is a perfect quick, uplifting read if you’re looking for some positivity, humor, and enjoyment. 5 stars!

I love the quirky characters in this author’s books and the ways in which she weaves everything together. I’ll definitely be passing this recommendation along because I loved the romance between the two main characters.

I really enjoyed the story of Hutch and Katie, but I loved the story of Katie and herself.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

Katherine Center can do no wrong in my opinion!

I loved the creativity of this book, with the growth in self love, along with overcoming your fears.
It was definitely cheesy in some parts, but embracing the cheese is part of the magic!

I loved the banter between the two main characters, especially with knowing off the bat that Hutch "doesn't believe in love" so like grumpy right off the bat. You obviously know something HAS to change/go down, so it was great.

I couldn't stand Cole. He was so obnoxious and a lying liar who lies, which pmo, but that was all part of it too.

It's a perfect easy summer read, so I can't wait for this one to come out in May!!! I'll be telling everyone about it.

This was exactly what I hope for when picking up a Katherine Center book! Warm and hopeful!

Katie, a video producer, is sent to Key West to film a promo video for the coast guard. It turns out colorful and sunny Key West is exactly what our chromophobe protagonist needed. I loved the found family she had in Key West, and how they literally and figuratively brightened up her world. The male main character was also perfect - zero notes! I also really related to Katie's fear of the scale and her relationship with her body. This book was an excellent reminder to me to be kinder to myself. I needed an escape from the world when I picked this up, and it gave me one in the best way!

Also loved the author's note at the end (as I loved the one at the end of Hello Stranger!)

I absolutely loved this book. Adventure, Coast Guard rescue swimmers, big goofy rescue dogs, laugh-out-loud romance, hurricanes, internet scandals, found family, and best of all, an enemies to lovers story like you've never read before: when the thing you hate is your own body. Plus a hero whose only flaw is that he is too perfect, but hey, it's a romantic comedy, the world is on fire, I'll take a Coast Guard rescue swimmer hero who saves dogs and drowning victims, any day of the week

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy. I've loved Katherine Center's work before, and this one is my new favorite of hers.

Let me start by saying I have never had a book make me actually chuckle out loud, until this one. It included phrases like “devoid of gentlemen callers”. Enough said. The witty narration with herself was so top notch I was responding to it in my head with exactly what was written next. So funny! And also it was very deep. As someone who has struggled with body dysmorphia quite literally my whole life, the healing storyline on her body image issues and her journey of learning to love her body was really inspiring. It made me want to do it too. On top of all that, just the sweetest rom com love story that had you rooting for them with everything in you. And finally, the author note sealed the deal for me. I sent it to my friends it was that good. So profound and so beautiful. I absolutely loved this book!

A huge thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the privilege of reading the ARC of The Love Haters! And to Katherine Center for writing it.

“That longing to be lovable… that’s really also so much about wanting to be connected, and safe, and just deeply, fundamentally okay? Maybe we don’t have to outsource that. Maybe we could fill that longing for ourselves.”

“We’re here to be alive. To feel the sun on our skin. To breathe deep in the wind. We’re here to feel it all. To love and cry and love some more.”

“Love stories make us better at love. In all directions. And getting better at love, of course, means getting better at life.”

I love Katherine center books and this was no exception. The banter between characters was so good. I had laugh out kid moments and moments that tested me up. The storyline was unique and the women empowerment was just what I needed. Katherine has a way to draw you into a story. Katherine can do no wrong in my eyes. Loved it

This book was not at all what I was expecting- in the least. But I'm not upset about it. The Love Haters was shockingly tender and profound. I can honestly say reading this book, I wasn't reading about Katie, I was her.
The Love Haters follows Katie as she is sent to Florida to film a recruiting video for the coast guard in hopes of saving her job. She ends up working closely with her colleagues brother Hutch and through everything they grow close. But honestly this book felt more like an ode to self love than anything else. I feel like Hutch & Katie's romance was second to Katie's self love journey and I wouldn't change it.
I will admit, I found myself crying multiple times throughout the story- I mean, how could I not:
"Huh," I said. "I thought you just really loved pennies."
"Nah," Hutch said. "I just really loved my mom." Brb crying in the club.
If you want a book that will make you feel something- 10/10 would recommend.

Hutch Hutcheson is a Rom Com hero worth almost drowning for!!

Ask Katie Vaughan - who has been tasked with creating a promotional video of the U.S. Coast Guard, featuring the already legendary Hutch Hutcheson.

Hutch is already renowned on the worldwide web for having rescued Jennifer Anniston's dog from certain death. Now Katie needs to capitalize on his fame by getting him to agree to participate in one of her "Day in the Life" videos (where she interviews and captures the everyday routine of real life heroes.) His story would be the big break that could simultaneously save her job and launch her career as a documentary videographer. What could possibly go wrong - other than the fact that she can't swim?!?!

Katie has had a lifelong love/hate relationship with her body image. Circumstances (no spoilers here!) conspired to make Katie feel so badly about her weight and her fashion choices that she went on a starvation diet and tossed her entire colourful wardrobe into the trash. Black on Black became her go-to shade on the colour wheel.

When Katie's luggage goes missing on her flight to Key West, Florida, Hutch's Aunt Rue takes it upon herself to ensure that Katie is only given access to the most gloriously vibrant and flowery hues that her clothing store has to offer.

Aunt Rue is a loving force to be reckoned with! Before Katie knows it, she is embraced and taken over by The Gals (Rue's friends and fellow occupants of Rue's retirement villa.) Katie's wardrobe gets hijacked and made over, as does, eventually, her self image.

Katherine Center has written a hilariously eye-opening story dealing with body image issues. Katie may have given up on her crash diet and her cheating boyfriend, but a lifetime of body shaming from the media and her step-mother have left her believing that she was unworthy of love - even from herself.

Katie's gradual transformation will have you cheering for her - even while she is battling seasickness on a houseboat during a hurricane! It's all a learning curve for sweet Katie - but no more spoilers! That spectacular ending will have you on the edge of your seat - I certainly fell off of mine at one point, I was that frantic!

As I turned the last page, I had to wonder at the choice of the heroine's name: Katie (...Katherine.) Hmmmm! Authors often write from personal experience. We can only guess at how much of Katie's journey to self-acceptance was one that Katherine Center had undergone herself? If so, Center's bravery in writing about her own body image issues has resulted in one of the funniest, most compelling novels she has ever written. I loved Happiness For Beginners: I didn't think Center could surpass that masterpiece. Well, I think she may have come close to it this time.

All the stars and then some for this hilarious, heartfelt story about self-acceptance and love! My thanks to one of my top ten most favourite authors, Katherine Center, her publisher, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved every minute of it!
(Expected Publication Date: May 20, 2025.)

I just finished this novel and was completely swept away! The characters were wonderfully developed, and while there were some admittedly silly moments of misunderstanding between them, these didn't diminish my overall enjoyment. The story took me through a full range of emotions - from laughing out loud to gasping in surprise and even shedding tears.

The book tackles meaningful themes, particularly through Janie's journey of self-discovery and learning to love herself - something I believe will resonate deeply with many women readers. I was especially relieved by the heartwarming scene where George Bailey, the dog, is rescued at the end.

Katherine's note in the afterword perfectly captures the essence of this story: "Love stories make us better at love." I couldn't agree more, and I'm eager to recommend this book to all my fellow readers.

It was funny at times, cute at times, and I’d say maybe just a comfort read. I’d have like a little more development/insight on the side of Hutch. I felt like his role was a bit lacking, but it was cute and fun. I love the author’s ability to state explicitly things, abnormal/vulnerable/normal person things, that most people wouldn’t say or write like (and I’m paraphrasing), “Could I have done that myself? Yes. But it felt nice to be taken care of, so I let him.” Very simple truths that I feel like most authors don’t bother to mention. I love things like that.

Katherine Center is an auto-buy author for me, so I was ecstatic when I saw a new book!

This is a love story, but it’s primarily a love story between a woman and her body. It may be triggering for some. But overall I loved the message, and the author’s note at the end was phenomenal.

That being said, I almost dnf’d. The first half of the novel was sloooowww for me. And there were some plot points that were somewhat unbelievable… and maybe distracted from the actual story. I actually checked and it was around the 50% (maybe just over) mark when I realized I was invested in the story. And then I was hooked until the end!

There is great dialogue and some hilarious interactions. And there are so many types of love portrayed- family, friend, romantic, self- it is a fantastic love story. The characters feel like friends- I need a Rue in my life! And the MC and her best friend are friendship goals.

If you typically enjoy Katherine Center's books, you will likely enjoy this one, as well. With its Key West setting, it will be a wonderful summer read! 3.5 ⭐️s rounded to 4 for this review.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you want to laugh yourself to death, this is it.

Katherine Center creates the most lovable broken characters. This book is jam packed with humor and had me laughing my butt off. The entire haunches scene was the best laugh I've ever had. I died. Second hand embarrassment? Maybe. The writing not only made me laugh but put me smack dab into the story. I loved all of it. Katherine did an amazing job conveying the MC emotionally as well. I felt connected to Katie as much as I did to the story. It's a quick read but packs a lot of feels and chemistry between the two main characters. And the best part, the serious part of the story is so emotional and raw while being heartwarming and good. Fixing those broken pieces of the characters in the story.

This is one of the greatest romantic comedies. I'm obsessed. The balance of hilarious moments and serious so well done and beautiful.

Thank you to netgalley and st.matins press for this book.

I love Katherine Center, but this book was not my favorite. I did read the whole book in one night, but there was something I didn't like in this book. I think i had a hard time with the issues the main female character had. I did enjoy this boo and will always read Katherine Cente. This was just not my favorite book by her.