Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! This book was the escape I needed during this cold month of January. The setting of this story was perfect! The colorful cottages in the Florida Keys while working on a film about the coast guard. Sign me up! The love story was so sweet and I loved watching Katie's growth as a character throughout.
The book was so much more than a romance novel, it explored themes of friendship, relationships between siblings, grief, and self love. This was my first Katherine Center book and I cannot wait to read more of her other novels.

Everything about The Love Haters was SO good. Some of the scenes between Hutch and Katie made me giddy with how cute they were, and Katie apologizing to herself gave me goosebumps. If she can be gentle on herself, maybe I can too.
This was my first book by Katherine Center, but it most definitely won't be my last!

This was my favorite Katherine Center book yet! I loved the story and the layers in character development. I also learned more about the coast guard which was an added bonus!

I’ve read several Katherine Center books, and they’re always a pretty good time. And while I did enjoy myself while reading The Love Haters, it’s not the sort of story you stay up late to finish or can’t get out of your head once it’s over. It’s a good time while you’re in it, but it’s easy enough to let go of at the end.

I will say, the plot kept me guessing the whole way through. I kept checking to see how far in I was, because it felt like there were so many times it was all wrapped up nice and tidy, but then something else would happen to keep the story going on longer. Which was nice, in a way, because I wasn’t quite ready to be done, I just couldn’t think of what the next twist might be. All in all, it was a fun read! The cover alone is too fun to pass up, and I’m going to keep looking forward to reading whatever Katherine Center puts out next.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book!

I really enjoyed the Bodyguard by Katherine Center, and was so excited that I got the ARC of the Love Haters!

Overall, I found the story a bit drawn out. I could not wait for chapter 25 to end. It was painfully slow. Perhaps it was supposed to be, I am sure the main character was feeling that way too!

I would have liked them to explore the deeper topics of body dysmorphia and disordered eating, I felt like the book was not realistic in their portrayal of these topics. If you want to write about heavy topics, you can’t skim the surface. I felt like speaking with your cousin about these heavy issues isn’t all that would be needed to overcome them.

I wanted more love. I wanted a little more of the story once the main characters were together. I wanted to love this book, and it fell short for me.

With that said, there were funny moments, there were inspiring moments. I will continue to read Katherine Center’s books as they come out.

You guys, I literally hugged my kindle to my chest when I finished this one. And then I hugged it again after I read the Author’s Note. This book is everything I needed.

In this novel we follow Katie who is a videographer specializing in documentaries. On the brink of losing her job she takes a position filming a promo for the Coast Guard in Key West. There she meets coast guard Hutch and it is love at first sight for her. As they film the promo and Hutch teaches her to swim, their connection grows. However, many obstacles come their way that are determined to keep them apart…including Mother Nature.

I loved loved LOVED this novel. It not only has the romance aspect, but there is the bond formed with family, friends, and oneself. Yes, Katie goes on a journey to learn to love herself and her body. I could relate to this, and I think the majority of the population can too. I think we all have certain features about ourselves we hate, and I loved seeing Katie go on journey to love every part of herself. I started tearing up when she documented each part of her body (thighs, calves, haunches, etc) and apologized for being mean and how they are a part of her and have gotten her this far in life. Thank you, Center, for including this. Chef’s kiss.

Hutch was an amazing male lead. Where can I find a Hutch? He is the complete package for a knight in shining armor. His best friend is his rescue dog (a Great Dane), he rescues people for a living, and he takes care of his family and Katie whenever he can. I loved seeing him interact with his Aunt Rue, The Gals, and George Bailey (his dog). I’m so happy he got his HEA.

I always say this whenever I read a book by Center, but this is her best book yet. I didn’t think anything could top The Rom-comers, but I was wrong. I will be rereading this one before the year is over.

I didn’t want this book to end. When we got to the Epilogue I said out loud, “Epilogue? Epilogue?!?! Nooooo.” I honestly wanted more but one thing I love about Center’s books is the update we get in the epilogues. She always breaks down what is happening with all the prime characters so you feel fulfilled. Why can’t more authors do this?

Side note: I wanted Katie to punch Cole in the face at least once for the crap he pulled. I’m voting him one of the worst male characters I’ve read in a while.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

If you're looking for a book that feels like a tropical cocktail—sweet, tangy, and with just enough punch to leave you smiling— this is the perfect pick!

Katie Vaughn is my new spirit animal. Who among us hasn’t exaggerated a skill or two on a resume? But Katie takes it to Olympic levels by pretending she can swim. (Spoiler: She cannot. Like, *at all.*) And where does she end up? Filming a profile on a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Enter Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson, who is not just ridiculously good looking but also ridiculously complicated, which makes him even more irresistible.

Throw in Katie’s charmingly awkward dynamic with Cole (Hutch’s brother and her coworker), a giant rescue dog that’s just as extra as the rest of the cast, and Aunt Rue—who might be the true MVP of this story—and you’ve got a recipe for hijinks that will have you laughing into your drink.

The setting of Key West shines as bright as the romance, with sunsets, conga lines, and hurricanes adding to the drama. Plus, there’s something hilariously relatable about Katie floundering through swim lessons and trying to keep her head (and lies) above water.

Yes, there’s tension, miscommunication, and enough sparks between Katie and Hutch to light up the Florida coastline, but what really makes this book shine is its heart. Katherine Center has a way of making you laugh and swoon while sneaking in a few life lessons about courage, truth, and learning to love—warts, fears, and all.

So, grab a beach chair, a fruity drink, and prepare for a joyride of stolen kisses, larger than life personalities, and a love story that’s perfectly imperfect. The Love Haters is a feel good rom com that will leave you hating how fast you read it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center, and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this book.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bro the way Katherine Center Can just pull me into one of her books needs to be researched. Because I was hooked from the first sentence. The first book I read from her was “Things You Save in a Fire” and I rated it five stars. And from there I've loved all her books. Her unique ability to write characters and have you relate and resonate with them from the beginning is such a thrill! Not only does this novel give us a phenomenal romance, but it also gives a beautiful lesson in body positivity/body image and the constant battle we can have to overcome it. The fact that she gives you a lesson or a common theme in each of her books is so pretty because it shows the reader, they are not the only ones wrestling issues by themselves I love how she as an author relates to her reader 💖
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Moving on to the moment you've been waiting for.... The Love Haters ohhh my gosh this book was such a fun time I ate it up. Let’s talk about it! Our Girl Kaite is about to get laid off from her job as well as almost all of the other workers (YIKES!) but here comes her co-worker Chase to the rescue having a proposition for her only thing is... she. Is. So. Not. Qualified, but desperate times call for desperate measures what’s the saying “Fake it till you make it?” That’s exactly what Miss Ma’am does; to save her job she must shoot a video promo for a US Coast Guard, ladies and gentlemen in comes the one and only Hutch Hutcheson. Epitome of a total good guy thinks of others, lover not a fighter (except he himself hates love). Oh, not to mention he’s Chase’s brother... The adventure that this book carries between characters is entertaining to say the least. The banter, the flirting and the plot twist was too good!
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Once again Katherine Center does it again and never ceases to amaze me, you want a quick fun rom com-read with a great lesson? Read this book!! I ain’t playing when I tell you she is going to have you do some self-reflection (the good kind) ALSO can we talk about the Authors note though it was beautiful had me in my feels forreal. THE HIBISCUS FLOWER OH MY GOSH STOP ITT
Thank you, Mrs. Katherine never stop writing!

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy! Stay Blessed everyone 😊🙏🌺

I absolutely LOVED this book. I fell in love with the characters and could have continued reading more and more about them. The story kept me on my toes and was fantastic for a feel good story!

Ok this was a whirlwind for me. I absolutely loved the concept of the story. I was on the edge of my seat for many chapters. However, I struggled with the continuity, number of traumatic layers, and, frankly, the lack of longing I felt between the main characters. I really enjoyed reading this, but I was left a bit disappointed with the love story aspect. I also felt like it was pretty self-deprecating in a bad way for Katie. Though she ends the story with a much more positive self image, I feel like a trigger warning should be issued for body image/dysmorphia issues as well as car accidents and substance abuse. Overall a solid 3.5 stars - thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Katherine Center for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!

Katherine Center once again crafts a nuanced story that extends beyond the romantic relationship at its core, exploring self-love, friendship, and the families we create or inherit. Her prose is both tender and insightful, offering a narrative that feels therapeutic. In her author’s note, she eloquently captures the intention of the book—one that not only comforts but also inspires personal growth in how we approach love and relationships in our own lives. This is a quick, cozy read that leaves the reader with a sense of warmth.

Hate to add any spoilers but I was really grateful for the fate of Lucky.

Thank you St. Martin Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

4.5 stars

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this upcoming release, so thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read it early.

I’ve yet to read a Katherine Center book I haven’t fully enjoyed, and The Love Haters was no exception. To save her job, filmmaker Katie is sent by her boss to Key West to film a hunky Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hutch, for a promo video. While it is pretty obvious they are going to develop feelings for each other, there are many other characters and parts of the story that make it feel full and rich and dramatic. I loved Rue’s character especially with her colorful look on life. Katherine Center is the queen of the heartwarming rom com book.

3.5 stars, rounded up ⭐️🫶🏻

The book was a rollercoaster from great to wtf to have you lost your mind to just okay.

I loved Hutch, grumpy sunshine is always a favorite of mine. I would pay money to read a novel about Rue and the Gals. I don’t think Katie was justified in her participation of the big lie and I actually think it’s an odd step away from her journey to self discovery. Cole did not deserve his own happy ever after.

All to say, if I’m being completely honest, not my favorite book by Center. In theory, I love the idea of an “enemies to lovers” romance in regard to a woman and her body but body dysmorphia doesn’t magically cure itself in 2 weeks time with only positive thinking. I hope the author’s note will be placed at the beginning of the novel at release so readers know this trigger warning specifically.

Regardless, also typical of Center’s novels, I read it in one sitting sooooo 😅 she will always be an auto-buy author for me but this won’t be the one I tell you to start with from her catalog.

“You’re like a human hot-fudge sundae.”

“You’re a TV jingle you never wanted to learn, but can’t erase. You’re a puzzle that can’t be solved—or a question that can’t be answered—or a dream you wake up from that feels like it really happened.”

Thanks NetGalley for the arc! 🫶🏻

4.25⭐️ I love the way Katherine Center writes! She gives her characters so much personality(even the dog)! The main character, Katie, is headed to Key West for work to film a promotional video for the Coast Guard. And then she meets Hutch😍 This book feels a little more removed from possible reality with everything that happens to and around Katie, but it is never boring! Very entertaining and provides some self reflecting and body positivity that we can all be reminded of. I will continue to read everything she writes!

Thank you so much for this advanced copy! Katherine center you are Magic! I felt like I knew Katie! She was me! I am her! I laughed and cried throughout the story! Hutch was just perfect! I felt the connection instantly! I have to say this made me want to drop all my stuff and visit Key West! I also plan on telling myself daily all the things I love about myself! Rue and the gals are should be goals for all women!

As a huge Katherine Center fan I was excited to receive this eARC to preview. The Love Haters features Katie who is sent to the Florida Keys by her supervisor, Cole, to film a promotional video for the coast guard featuring Cole's brother, Hutch. This book made me wish I could see the promo video and watch the "Day in the Life" videos that Katie creates.

Katie stays in a cottage owned by Rue, the "aunt" of Cole & Hutch. Another parallel storyline unfolds as Katie spends a few weeks in the Keys and is loved on by Rue. Hutch was immediately likable despite the warnings from Cole. This also plays out later in the book. This was an overall fun read, but does work through some deeper feelings related to the death of loved ones. Hutch is steady and strong and lives his life for those around him.

Katie was a bit quirky and had a tendency to be too harsh on herself. Her character development was steady and it made more sense as the story progressed and detailed her previous relationship with plain boyfriend turned cheating recording artist, Lucas. Katie is also blessed with a bestie, Beanie, who helps her see the best in herself. If you are someone who struggles with body image you may relate closely to Katie who has her own enemies to lovers adventure with herself. I appreciate that Katherine described the relationship with Katie and her body as a love story in and of itself by seeing the best in that person and enjoying the hell out of it.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲.

The Love Haters is a rom-com and also a story of self-love. It is funny yet also emotional.
The story follows Katie Vaughn, a video producer who struggles with body image and is on a journey of self-love.
She is assigned a new video project to create a Coast Guard promo featuring Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson.
She travels to Key West, where she and Hutch spend time together as she learns to swim and films the recruitment video.
The story has witty banter , beautiful moments, and personal growth.
The supporting characters are loveable, adding humor and wisdom.
Overall, this was a joy to read. The romance felt a little undeveloped in the beginning, but the characters have chemistry throughout the story.
Id recommend this to anyone who loves a cleam rom-com..

I’m utterly enchanted by this book—what a delightful and unexpected love story it tells. It’s not just about romance, but about finding a profound connection with oneself in the most surprising of places.

Katie's life gets an unanticipated jolt when her career takes a left turn, whisking her away from Texas and dropping her in the sun-soaked Florida Keys. What follows is a journey of self-love, acceptance, and—perhaps most unexpectedly—her evolving relationship with color, as she moves from a life dominated by chromophobia to proudly strutting beautiful beta fish-esque outfits. I was absolutely hooked.

But what really took me by surprise was the love story at the heart of this novel—the kind that hits you like a wave, full of yearning and intensity, from the very first page. It's not the typical boy-meets-girl plot; it's the love story between Katie and her own body and soul. As a woman navigating the complexities of today’s world, Katie’s character arc made me reflect on my own journey, and I found myself wanting to apologize to my body for all the years of criticism. This story was an invitation to be kinder, more compassionate, and more forgiving to myself.

This was my first Katherine Center novel, and I can already tell it won’t be my last. I’m diving straight into her other works (pun absolutely intended!).

I just finished The Love Haters by Katherine Center, and I cannot stop smiling! This book was such a chaotic ride in the best way possible. The author has this way of making you laugh, swoon, and maybe even tear up a little, all in the same chapter. The story follows Katie Vaughn, who’s been burned by love, and now she’s juggling a shaky career and a reckless decision to lie her way into a life changing assignment. If you’re into laugh out loud moments, a touch of drama, and a sweet mix of chaos and charm, this book is for you. It’s messy, adorable, and just plain fun!

Whenever there is a storm around you, grab a Katherine Center book. It’ll wrap its arms around you in a healing, hopeful hug until everything feels much more settled.

Her latest is about saving each other and ourselves. It made me laugh and tear up and swoon and gasp and by the end my heart was swollen — but in a good, doctor-approved way.

I loved following Katie around and learning about Hutch and seeing everyone just be themselves, bumping up against one another until everyone was better for it.

What a joy to experience, start to finish.

Read if you like:
- Contemporary romance
- Terribly handsome men in aviators
- BFF convos that make you LOL
- A bit of action (not that kind, you naughty minx!) with your swoony stories
- Old ladies living their best lives
- Shmoopy pups
- Love stories about all kinds of love