While I think a lot of people will love this, it wasn’t for me. I didn’t love the body shaming obsession and the jokes were silly. Still cute and light, but not my favorite!

Wow. I am finding it hard to put into words how much I enjoyed this book. I felt every emotion. I laughed, got angry, and cried on multiple occasions. The Love Haters was about romance, but even more so it was about true friendship and learning to love yourself. I was truly moved with Katie’s personal growth and acceptance of herself. This work has realistic, loveable characters who all grow and change throughout, a beautiful setting, and wonderful prose that will truly stick with me. Thank you Katherine Center for writing what I needed to hear most.

Katherine Center’s The Love Haters is a delightful and emotionally layered story that explores love, vulnerability, and personal growth in unexpected ways. This witty yet tender novel examines the messiness of human connections through self-acceptance and the ability to be yourself.

The story follows Katie, an independent woman who was jilted and therefore jaded by love, and Hutch, a dedicated, hard-working man that may seem rough around the edges based on what Katie has been told about him. When the two are thrown together, their dynamic is anything but smooth, and yet, their journey towards understanding and caring for one another becomes the heart of the story.

What stands out most in The Love-Haters is Center’s ability to blend humor with poignant emotional moments. The witty dialogue between the characters keeps the pace light, even while the novel explores deeper themes like fear, emotional baggage, and the courage it takes to truly connect with another person. The characters are both relatable and endearing, with their imperfections making them all the more real and their evolution throughout the novel rewarding.

Center’s writing is both sharp and empathetic, offering readers a realistic portrayal of how relationships—whether romantic, familial, or friendships—often require vulnerability and effort. The story doesn’t just focus on love in a traditional sense, but on the many ways people can learn to trust and support one another, even when their pasts threaten to hold them back.

While the book’s pacing is steady, allowing for moments of reflection and growth, it is the depth of the emotional development that makes the story shine. The settings—both the physical and emotional ones—mirror the characters’ growth and offer the perfect backdrop for their evolving relationship.

In conclusion, The Love Haters is a heartwarming, funny, and emotionally rich novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven stories about personal transformation and the complexities of love. Katherine Center once again proves her ability to craft a narrative that is both engaging and meaningful, leaving readers with a sense of hope and a renewed belief in the power of human connection.

This is my second Katherine Center book, with Happiness for Beginners being my first—and I have to say, I’m officially a fan! Katherine Center has this incredible way of weaving together stories that feel sweet, wholesome, and delightfully funny, while also tugging on your heartstrings. Her books always leave me grinning like a fool one moment and wiping away a stray tear the next.

In The Love Haters, she’s done it again with another lovable, relatable main character you can’t help but root for. The journey was so engaging that I devoured the entire book in a single day! The story had just the right mix of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments to keep me completely hooked.

If you love a charming "nice guy" romance with zero spice but all the feels, this book is a must-read. It’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. Katherine Center is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors for feel-good, romantic reads, and I can’t wait to dive into more of her work! Highly recommend!

The Love Haters is pure joy from Katherine Center as expected! This would be a fun beach or pool read as it is quick and easy to read. That being said, in true Katherine Center fashion, the book is so much more than a summery rom-com! This is an exploration into self-love and healing through the FMC and even through some of the other characters. KC has no issues writing characters who develop beautifully. Also, we allll will want a Hutch after reading this. 😍

This would have been a 5-star read if not for two small things I just couldn’t get past. 1. The characters don’t really hate love, and I thought there would be more emphasis and grumpy banter based on that but there really wasn’t so don’t expect a grumpy x grumpy trope! 2. There needs to be a TW for eating disorder. The main character struggles with this but it is never explicitly named as an ED or anorexia and her recovery story felt too “easy” which I feel like could be very misleading and/or triggering for some. I felt that should have been handled with more care.

I think this will be among my top five Katherine Center books and I will definitely be recommending it for an eternity.

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and author for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I’d like to thank Katherine Center, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader copy (ARC) of The Love Haters.

The Love Haters begins with the female lead, Katie coming to terms with knowing that most of her colleagues at their video production company are being laid off, including her. Her supervisor approaches her with a project that could save her career, and Katie is quick to jump headfirst into the project, even if she’s not completely qualified for it. The assignment: She’s to fly off to Key West to profile a notoriously private USCG Rescue Swimmer “Hutch” who went viral online after saving a celebrity’s dog. We follow Katie and Hutch as they navigate a professional relationship while crushing on each other, and their relationship with their family, friends, colleagues, and maybe most importantly, themselves.

Overall, I would give this story a 3.5-star review. It’s a solid romance novel and doesn’t lack entertainment. It's a little bit lighter on the romance than I like (which I understand might be coloring my opinion), but it's heavier on the self-discovery/love, drama, and a few instances of questionable decision-making that would make you audibly groan. I feel like the character development of the two main characters could have been a little bit richer and that we as readers got a better sense that these characters were love haters who fell in love. It's more of a slow-burn romance; I wish we had more tension and comical mishaps than this offered. If you are in the market for a lighter romance with conga lines and bright tropical print vibes, this book would be an excellent choice.

Katie is a video producer and the company she works for is starting to make cuts. So when she's presented with an opportunity to produce a promotional video about the coast guard she jumps on it. Even though she cannot swim!

She is tasked with following Hutch around. (Brother to her co worker and supervisor). Katie is told he doesn't talk much and is mean. But the Hutch she meets is completely different. He's kind, caring and absolutely gorgeous.

This book has some really funny banter between the characters. Katie and her relationship with her cousin Beanie is beautiful. Not to mention Aunt Rue and the GALS makes me want to grab all my girlfriends and move to Key West when we all retire.

Thank you Netgalley and Katherine Center for this ARC!

As usual, Katherine Center has created an incredibly funny and sweet romance that balances humor with heavier emotional topics. Hutch and Katie are a couple you'll be rooting for from right from the start and all the supporting characters from the Gals to George Bailey (a rescued Great Dane with a large personality) are equally engaging. A must read rom-com!

I read this in one sitting. I could not put it down and did not want to stop reading until I finished it. It has been a minute since I was able to relate to such a strong FMC. Katie was likable, down to earth, and funny. The slow burn was worth the wait and I loved the two love interest. Hutch is swoon worthy and bookish boyfriend material. This was a heart-warming, fast paced read. I will recommend to friends to read. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the arc!

A really funny book! I had a great time and would definitely recommend it! My detailed goodreads review is already up and I'll be posting one on my bookstagram account soon too!

The beginning grabbed my attention and I was excited to get into the story.

Like most of the Kathrine Center books that I've read, it's way more than a love story. This in particular dealt with a lot of self love and personal growth. The over the top silly situations sort of bugged me a little bit. I'm aware that this is something that KC does, I'm just not a huge fan of them unfortunately. However, I was still very much enjoying everything until the 66% mark.

The whole Cole situation was annoying. Katie is supposed to be growing, loving herself, and doing things for herself and yet she gives into Cole!

The ending did make up for it though. I like how we got to see how everyone ended up but I wished there was more with Hutch.
Overall a well written story with silly moments, heartfelt moments and a little of everything in between.

Katherine Center has knack for writing romance novels, but this one takes you through all the feels. It is laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, and uplifting with moments of grief, uncertainty and worry. If you are looking for a thought provoking summer romance, this captures it all! If you want a cute, easy/light beach read then this isn’t it, as the themes are heavier than expected.

While repetitive at times, her writing touches upon relatable issues pertaining to body image, self-esteem, and the power of words from others on female appearances. With that being said, it is important to note a significant trigger warning regarding body image dysmorphia and eating disorders throughout the whole story. For final print, I would hope a warning will be included in front to give readers notice as the dialogue from the main character, Katie, may be very triggering. On the other end, I encourage all readers to read the Author’s note, even if you usually skip over them, as her words are truly captivating.

Triggers aside, I liked how this story balanced the heavy themes with light romance. While I would have loved to dive deeper in the relationship aspects of Katie and Hutch, I was impressed that the importance of family/friendship surrounding the heavier themes was included. Also, most characters were likable (with the exception of Cole at the later half of the book). But, this was overlooked with the lovable rescue dog (George Bailey) and his personality alone!

Overall, I would rate this 4.5 stars. I can see this either being loved or being hated depending on your expectations. Also, I know you aren’t supposed to judge a book by it’s cover, but I feel they missed the mark on this one! It does not capture the true essence of the book. Would have loved to see support for the Coast Guard as this book is not a poolside float, laidback romance as depicted on the front.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!
*Book publication date: May 20, 2025*
*Reviewed: January 13, 2025*

i’m a katherine center STAN. i’ve loved everything i’ve read by her. this one was a disappointment:( and i have to even say that because she’s my GIRL!! but i’ll keep this fairly short..
i just don’t think this book was for me. but here’s a couple things i did like:
-george bailey, the dog, is so precious and him and the toad lucky are the best hehe
-the swimsuit malfunction in the water was funny
-i like the setting, although i wish it would’ve went into more detail so it felt more tropical.
-hutch it hot. i just dont really like his personality :/
okay and the things i didn’t love.. i didn’t relate to the characters or the story AT ALL. the main character hates swimming and color?? hello!! i’m an art teacher that lived in hawaii??! the love was not believable to me at all :/ i didn’t really care for the coast guard aspect either, but that’s just because i know nothing about it and don’t relate to that part of the plot.
anyways, i could keep going but i’ll leave it at that. if you’ve read this book, i would love to know your thoughts. i think people will still like it/love it, i just don’t think it was my thing ッ

4.5⭐️ Katherine Center does it again! I always know I am going to get a beautiful love story and also a profound view on something personal and relatable. Katie was almost hard to read about because her inner thoughts were so to the bone and true it felt like she was reading my mind at times. Hutch was the perfect counterpoint to Katie and although there were some twists I loved watching their story unfold.

“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. We’re here to rescue ourselves—and everybody else—in every way that we can. What was it Rue said about courage? That no one’s born fearless? It’s true.”

Katherine Center has such a way with creating such, lovable characters. I see a lot of myself in Katie and her body issues. This book came at such a great time, as I too, am struggling with how I view myself and how the world views me. Beanie’s beautiful list made me cry. I loved what Katherine Center says in the author’s note about this story also being an “enemies-to-lovers” between Katie and herself. Katie relationship with Hutch was just a cherry on top of a wonderful story. Will definitely recommend.

I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down! It was a great beach read with an important message about accepting yourself.

Oh my goodness, I loveeeed this book. The writing was captivating as always, while showcasing a new aspect that I haven't ever seen in Katherine Center's books before: one of self love. I didn't at all expect this book to be as deep as it was, but it was a wonderful surprise. I have always and will always love Katherine Center’s writing, and this was no exception!!

This, my friends, is a beautiful love story. But, it is so much more than a love story between Hutch and Katie. Come on you knew they would fall in love – it’s Katherine Center!

First and foremost, this is a love story between Katie and HERSELF. Katie has a past she was afraid to deal with even admit to. It was crippling her from moving forward. This story shows how Katie, with the help of others, learns to love herself. She shows us how it is a process and you can take steps forward and backward along the way. She also realizes she needs to be kind to herself and to see herself for who she is and love every little part of herself. Katie reminds us that we can’t control how others see us or how they treat us, but we can control how we see ourselves and how we treat ourself!

Because there are many that help Katie learn throughout the book, there is a fabulous cast of characters. I loved them all – well most of them! Therefore, it also is a love story between family, friends, and friends that become family. These family and friends help Katie and each other be brave. They encourage Katie to try new things and put herself out there. We can all benefit from these types of friends in life.

As she says in her author notes, “it’s healing to read stories about healing.” I am still healing from several things in my past, and reading stories about healing, moving forward after loss, and loving yourself really does help. So, thank you, Katherine, for recognizing this and helping to heal your readers along the way.

Friendship is really the theme of this book!

Katie starts of book with a lot of anxiety and a case of seriously over thinking. Hutch is one of the sweetest characters and appears to be extremely laid back. However I love how their personality comes out through the book and how they first develop a friendship before building more.

The friendships Katie has and develops with other characters are also amazing. Her friendship with her cousin Beanie that is obviously deeply caring and I love the way that they can be there even when they don’t live close to each other.

Katie also is developing a relationship with herself since she’s lost touch a bit with herself. I love how Beanie helps her with that. Hutch’s Aunt Rue is a delight to read about. I love how she immediately accepts Katie and helps her adjust to Key West.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

“So you really do hate love," I said, smiling bigger.
Hutch nodded. "A lot. So much."
I looked into his dark eyes. "I hate it, too."
"Good choice," Hutch said. "Let's hate it together."

First things first, the dialogue in this was *chef’s kiss*.

Katherine Center has a way of writing swoon-worthy romance with an engaging and fascinating plot. The Love Haters might be my favorite from Center yet!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!