The Lover Haters were absolutely amazing. I read it in one sitting on my vacation ! I fell inlove with Center's characters in this one and was just absolutely rooting for them. It was a journey of complex relationships and pasts.

I will post about it on my instagram closer to the release date.

Katherine Center does it again! She has masterfully crafted a story that both entertains and pulls at your heart strings. Walking Katie's point of view throughout this story was truly heartwarming. Learning Cole and Hutch's stories was a rollercoaster of emotion as Center revealed each aspect of their story at the perfect moment to have the greatest effect! I look forward to purchasing this book when it releases in May! Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the Digital Advance Review Copy.

3.5! I love Katherine Center - in all of the books I’ve read by her by the end of it you learn a little more about yourself or you gain a new perspective of the people around you. Her characters are raw, imperfect, and incredibly lovable. This book is no exception. Seeing Katie’s understanding and perception of herself change throughout the book is really impactful. The dynamic of Cole and Hutch, while heartwarming at the end, didn’t feel as impactful. Now Rue and Hutch, and Rue and Katie’s relationships were the star of the show (or maybe it’s George Bailey truly). It’s book you can’t help but relate to, connect to, and learn from.

However… the romance fell flat for me in this one. I think the pacing/overall plot just felt a bit disjointed. The first 40+% is primarily just Katie and Hutch but also feels like we don’t really see a lot of Katie and Hutch? We’re told they’ve spent X amount of time together and have had X amount of conversations about themselves and these big impactful parts of their lives - but we don’t get to actually be a part of these conversations which really did a disservice to their relationship. The tension, chemistry, and just overall sense that these two people really knew each other was questionable. We never really see Katie being vulnerable with Hutch except for one scene that happens rather early on and then, again, are simply told other vulnerable conversations have happened. The fake dating fiasco at 60% into the book felt really out of place - it felt wrong and just didn’t feel right with the characters. I just wanted more - I think if we had started out with the fake dating with Cole and then gone from there it would have been different.

Thank you NetGalley and SMP for the arc in exchange for a honest review!

**Review of *The Love Hater* by Katherine Center (4 Stars)**

Katherine Center’s *The Love Hater* is a heartfelt and delightful exploration of love, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing imperfection. While it tells the story of recovering from heartbreak, its true power lies in how it portrays the journey to loving oneself and reconnecting with life’s possibilities—especially through unique relationships and an unexpected romance.

Katie’s quirky and lovable cousin Beanie is another highlight of the story. Beanie’s whimsical nature and unflinching honesty bring both levity and insight to Katie’s journey. She offers a refreshing perspective on embracing flaws and finding joy in the messiness of life, making her an unforgettable character.

Then there’s Hutch, the surprise element in Katie’s life. What starts as a slow burn—a connection marked by witty banter and an undeniable spark—gradually deepens into something meaningful. Hutch isn’t just a charming love interest; he’s a mirror to Katie’s growth, someone who sees her for who she is, even when she struggles to see it herself. Their relationship evolves naturally, full of humor, vulnerability, and an authentic give-and-take that makes it one of the novel’s most compelling elements.

What makes *The Love Hater* stand out is how it intertwines these relationships with Katie’s inner journey. Yes, it’s about finding love again, but it’s also about finding the courage to love yourself. Katie’s story is a reminder that healing and happiness don’t come from fitting into someone else’s mold—they come from embracing your own uniqueness.

Though some plot points are a bit predictable, the depth of the characters and Katherine Center’s signature blend of warmth and wit make this book shine. *The Love Hater* is a touching, funny, and inspiring read for anyone who’s ever had to rebuild their heart—and their sense of self. Highly recommended for fans of romance with substance and characters you’ll wish were your own friends.

I am not sure if I've outgrown Katherine Center or if her books haven't been as good lately. I found this story very inane, and the miscommunication KILLED ME. These are ADULTS who need to speak to eachother.

Some good stuff about body image and self-love, but got lost in a frustrating plot.

Katie and Hut ch’s story was a fun ride! Katie goes to key west for a work assignment, while lay offs are happening. She has to do many things she doesn’t want to, including take swimming lessons and be in a swim suit. But all of this happens with a handsome coast guard swimmer and rescuer, who is her co-workers brother.

It’s sounds kind of convoluted and wild, because at times it was, but a fun read.

I was so excited to recieve this digital ARC of Katherine Center's latest novel! I'm a huge fan and have read everything she's ever written. I read somewhere that she writes "deep rom-coms" which is a perfect description of her books. In this one, Katie is a documentary filmmaker making a promo about a rescue swimmer in the US Coast Guard. In order to follow him into the rescue helicopter, she needs to pass a safety swim test. Two problems: she can't swim and she hates wearing bathing suits. Througout the book, Katie learns to first accept, then appreciate her body, flaws and all. So while there is a romantic storyline between Katie and Hutch, the hot Coast Guard rescue swimmer, there's a more poignant love story between Katie and her own body.

This was everything I've come to expect from a Katherine Center book and left me happy and satisfied.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

There is so much to love about this new Katherine Center book. It pulled me in right from the start. The main character, Katie, is relatable, funny, and resilient. You’ll route for her as she embarks on a career-saving promotional video project in the Florida keys. Her assignment, to profile Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson, an intriguing Coast Guard rescue swimmer, who, according to his brother, “hates love.”

Throughout her time in Key West, Katie takes on her fears and wins over Hutch, his Aunt Rue, and the Gals at the Starlite Cottages. Her time in Key West is not without its share of hilarious missteps, unexpected challenges, and heartwarming experiences, and I loved every minute of it.

Center brings Key West to life beautifully through her words, transporting the reader to the vibrant beach town. I could almost smell the salt air and hear the music floating along the breeze. I wish I could visit Rue’s colorful Starlite Cottages, meet the Gals, and go for a morning swim in the pool.

I highly recommend The Love Haters. It’s available May 20, 2025 and should definitely be on your summer reading list. Special thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC from my favorite author in exchange for my honest review.

Due to various personal reasons I’ve been unable to concentrate enough to read a book since the end of October. Katherine Center’s upcoming novel “The Love Haters” was exactly what I needed to break me out of my reading rut. I’m a huge fan of her delightful rom-coms. You can always count on intelligent women great banter, and a hot guy. There’s always a serious theme that every woman can relate to. In this case, it’s body image, self confidence and fear. Katie’s journey to love herself was so compelling to me, I felt it in my soul. There were a couple of over-the-top moments but overall, I loved (and needed) this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy.

Katie’s job is on the line so when her boss comes to her with an opportunity to prove her worth to the company, she doesn’t hesitate to head to the Florida Keys to create a recruitment video for the US Coast Guard despite the fact she can’t swim. Her main subject, Hutch, is by all accounts the most scientifically attractive man she’s seen. While spending almost all day together making videos, Katie and Hutch’s relationship grows. That is, until Hutch suddenly goes cold with no explanation.

I am a huge fan of Katherine Center. She’s almost always my answer when asked my favorite current author. However, this book fell apart for me near the ending when some of the events were a step too far for me. Still, the banter was on point. The side characters and small side plots were great so it still is a 4-star read for me.

Are you kidding me??! This book was everythingggg! Hutch and Katie!! Wow! 5 stars! Such a fast paced read.

Katherine Center does it again. Another five star read. Let me just say, I could read about men in the coast guard all day long. This book was so good! I loved the characters and the relationship building. I’d put this book right behind the Rom-Commers (which I loved) and right in front of Hello Stranger and the Bodyguard. Highly recommend!

The level of excitement I had when I opened my email and saw the published offering for me to read this one, is like a kid on Christmas. And it did not disappoint. I'm talking, stay-up-too-late-to-read-more-even-though-you-have-the-stomach-flu kind of did not disappoint.

I loved the self-love in terms of body image plot, backstory, and characterization. Gosh, what woman isn't going to find herself in Katie's journey with that? It had a wonderful message without being preachy about it. Body image issues can be so easy to laugh at, roll eyes at, or just dismiss even though we've all gone through it. I loved that the MMC wasn't the one to "save" Katie from it. She had her own journey and her own conclusion and fight, and that was so wonderful to see.

Katherine Center has such a way with deep, developed characters who are just so real. She has such a way with leading men too, oh my gosh. Hutch is up there with Top MMCs, for sure. The subtleties, the sensitivity and care, the dedication. And that was just the meet cute!

The thing I utterly adore about Katherine Center's writing is the depth she gets to while also keeping the writing short and snappy. I love that she's so dialogue heavy, but I love that she's so dialogue heavy and it never suffers the plot. She does so much with so little and crafts the perfect Romances With Depth and Feeling. Her stories are inspiring and feel like a warm, tight hug after a long, hard day. Just something you can absolutely sink into and get lost in.

The Third Act Conflict was unexpected, hilarious, sad, scary, funny, heartwrenching, and all in the best ways. It wasn't a standard Romance book break up, but was a culmination of everything going in the book before and done perfectly. It was exciting and riveting and you just HAD to know what happened next!

My only complaint would be that it ended too soon!!! The epilogue was nice, but it was lacking in satisfaction because I just wanted to see them together! The epilogue was a standard Katherine Center epilogue in which you kind of get a quick rundown of everyone/everything and they're all always wrapped up nicely. And I don't dislike those epilogues, and in fact, I've liked them in other Katherine Center books. I just wanted mooooore this time.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC, but mostly Katherine Center for writing such a great book that gave me the warm and fuzzies, made me HAVE to keep turning the pages (the stomach flu line wasn't a joke), and made me fall in love.

I adored this book! Such a heartwarming and wholesome story with engaging characters. I laughed out loud, cried, and cheered reading this book. Absolutely a 5 star read! I'll be recommending this to all my friends!

Reviewed for NetGalley:

Katherine Center....I would read her nightly musings, I would read her grocery list, I would read her texts. There is nothing I would not read and ultimately love.

As is the case, AGAIN, with the Love Haters.

Katie Vaughn, after finally piecing her self together a bit after a devastating and very public breakup, heads to the Keys to take a stab at saving her job as a videographer. One little hiccup: the subject of her next video, Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson, a member of the Coast Guard is a rescue swimmer where Katie doesn't know how to swim.

Katie is thrown into a world of color along with a beautiful cast of characters that make her previous, drab life swing into full bloom.

So many layers, bittersweet, funny, and heartbreaking. Made for another wonderful read by one of my favorite authors.

This book was not for me BUT I think it’s because I’m just burnt out on contemporary romances. They’re all starting to feel the same to me. I will say, as a fan of this author, it’s got her signature humor and charm and the storyline is a unique one. Even though it wasn’t for me, I think it would be for anyone who enjoys the contemporary romance genre.

“You couldn’t hate love, could you? Was that even allowed?”

Katherine Center really crushes it with this upcoming novel!

It’s my favourite of hers to date. I truly appreciated the opportunity to ‘let myself go’ and ‘see myself differently’ and because of this, ‘The Love Haters’ became such a nourishing read for me. What a great story to end the year. Not only do I have a vision for my 2025 journey, but will step into the new year with a positive attitude.

I had a permanent smile while reading this one. Center’s sense of humour was just the best kind of therapy. She encouraged me to love myself, see new ways of understanding things and drew my attention to things I needed to learn.

Confession: I’m a chromophobe.

My closet is half navy, half black. That’s got to change.

I loved the focus on vulnerability and the slow-burn attraction between Aviation Survival Technician First Class Tom Hutcheson and documentary filmmaker, Katie Vaughn. Center invited me into her story, activated my mirror neurons and stimulated personal growth.

I reached for Google to learn about Burma-Shave and brontophobia and decided that 2025 will be about the culture of appreciation and allowing sea breezes to flow through my cracks!

“No one’s born fearless. You have to earn it.”
“Release my thighs out into the wild.”

You MUST read this one. It’s prescriptive reading.

I was gifted this copy by St. Martin's Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I am in my happy place having finished Katherine Center's newest book The Love Haters. Thank you to Katherine Center, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this ebook.

As always a solid 5 stars for me! Again Mrs Center develops a great story about finding oneself and their place in the world. Our MC is lovable and a bit lost in her life's role. Katie is a video producer whose job is on the line. As a last resort she agrees to a job which challenges her biggest fears. Along the way she meets Hutch who is as puzzling as any man can be, but this one is a hero!
I cannot tell you more other than READ this book! Too disclose more of the storyline would just ruin it for the reader. Follow Katie along on her new assignment in the Florida Keys as she meets new friends and loves, not to mention a very lovable Great Dane!

Cannot wait for her next book, until then I'll just have to re-read all of the others :D

3.75 ⭐️! Thank you NetGallery and Katherine Center’s team for the ARC! This book was really good, I loved the storyline and the characters development. There were parts that seemed like filler content but overall, we stan Hutch and George Bailey!

FIVE HUGE STARS!!

So, I discovered Katherine Center when The Bodyguard came out and it became one of my annual re-reads. I love that book so immensely. It is fun and serious and action-packed and full of well-rounded and slightly flawed characters. Chef's kiss!

Center's subsequent books have been really good and I have enjoyed them all, but perhaps not at the same level as my love of The Bodyguard.

Well, that is about to change because The Love Haters is here and it is right up there with The Bodyguard for me.

Why, you might ask?

Well, The Love Haters has Katie and Hutch and Cole and Rue and The Gals and Sullivan and of course George Bailey. They are flawed and humorous, have pasts that they are dealing with and at the same time are doing what we are all trying to do.... the best they can with what they have at the moment.

The story was great. The setting perfect (I would know I eloped in Key West). And it basically had all of the hallmarks of a perfect rom-com + family drama kind of book. And the body positive aspect -- so perfectly done. It wasn't cheesy, over the top, unbelievable... it was just perfectly done and so realistic.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book!

PS The author's note at the end -- chef's kiss x two. Katherine Center makes the case for why stories and storytelling are so important and why rom-com books are just so much more than "rom-com"... they can save the world.