3.5⭐️2🌶️

Contemporary Romance
Military Romcom (coast guard)
Key West
Self discovery
Work romance
Fame adjacent


Tw: eating disorder, body dysmorphia

I’ve really enjoyed Katherine Center’s previous books like The Rom-Commers and The Bodyguard, so I was excited to receive an ARC of this one through NetGalley.

One thing that really stood out was the amount of body dysmorphia and self-hate the FMC experiences regarding her appearance. It was staggering at times. That kind of internal struggle is something that usually takes therapy and time to begin to heal, not just a handsome man saying you’re beautiful. That said, some of those moments felt incredibly raw and relatable, which left me torn. I just wish the author’s note had been placed at the beginning. It added important context and was beautifully written.

I really enjoyed everything else about the story, right up until the structure of the ending, which didn’t quite land for me.

Still, there was a lot to love. The grandparent dynamic was heartwarming, the family drama kept me engaged, the aloof military man was compelling, and the small-town charm of Key West was lovely. The Coast Guard elements also felt grounded and authentic.

Thank you St Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

#hiveinfluencers

This book definitely had promise in the beginning, and I did enjoy that it turned some of the usual romance tropes on their head… Fake dating, enemies to lovers, etc. However, the unusual situation the female MC found herself in about 3/4 of the way through the book made me feel like the plot went completely off the rails. Extremely closed door/no spice level at all. There were a few notable relationships in the book, and to be honest, I was more invested in those than I was in the main romance.

I’m still unsure how I feel about this book. It was a cute premise, but idk. Some of the things I enjoyed were the self love journey and eating disorder recovery from the FMC. As well as the MMC and a couple side characters coping differently to parent/spouse loss. Honestly, the side characters are the ones that carried this entire story. They were all fantastic. Except for Cole. I can’t stand him.

There were also a few things I didn’t really like. I didn’t like how both MC’s are totally gorgeous, and yet neither of them consider themselves average. Their conclusion was really lackluster and confusing. They talk so much about how you can’t hear anything while the helicopter is going, yet they have their entire love confession while being rescued? I don’t buy it. And Cole’s character was seriously just very annoying (sorry I had to say it again for the people in the back). Also, this book has ZERO SPICE. It was a slow burn, with zero spice. It wasn’t even closed door bc there was literally zero romance written into it. The MC’s literally kissed twice… and yet they’re in love? I don’t buy it.

Love Haters was a really great book and I loved the body positivity messages scattered throughout. I really liked Hutch and Katie. Actually would have liked to dive a little deeper into Hutch and Rue’s relationship, and Hutch’s holdbacks on love. But overall a very good book.

*A sincere thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing the advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.*

3.5 stars! This was a cute short romance with many life lessons wrapped up into one. There is tragedy and hope and deceit. Definitely a fun little read to add to the TBR!

3.5 stars.

I’ve always thought of Katherine Center’s novels as light women’s fiction even though the bright illustrated covers convey a different genre. After reading The Love Haters, I finally reclassified her books in my mind as rom-coms, hoping I’ll enjoy them for what they are. Ms. Center believes fiercely in the importance of reading romance, and I don’t dispute this. I’m just always surprised at the heavy emphasis of physical comedy in her plots (but by now I really shouldn’t be).

The Love Haters is Katie and Hutch’s story. Fearing for her job, Katie accepts an assignment to film a profile about Hutch, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. She travels to Key West to capture him in his element, and her inability to swim, his avoidance of the spotlight, and his beloved dog cause all sorts of madcap situations.

Her romcoms include at least one “serious” subplot, and I could relate to Katie’s issues with her physical body. Hutch, of course, has some things to work through as well. Several points of the story were touching, but they were far overshadowed by Chevy Chase-level slapstick comedy which doesn’t always appeal to me.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the review copies of this novel. Summer definitely feels like the perfect season for reading Katherine Center’s rom-coms.

Katherine Center delivers another heartwarming, emotionally honest novel with The Love Haters. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Key West, this story follows Katie Vaughn, a videographer navigating heartbreak, body image struggles, and a fear of water—all while profiling a charming Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hutch Hutcheson.

The novel shines in its exploration of self-worth and vulnerability. Katie’s journey toward self-acceptance is moving and relatable, and the slow-burn romance feels authentic and well-earned. The tropical setting, quirky family dynamics, and lovable dog add warmth and charm.

Though some side characters could have been more fully developed and the pacing dips slightly in the middle, the emotional payoff is satisfying. Fans of women’s fiction and feel-good romance will find this an inspiring, uplifting read.

This had cute moments, but overall I felt a bit disappointed.

It spent too much time focusing on the FMC’s body. I understand that body image issues can be all consuming, but it’s a lot to read it constantly.

I also really hated where the story went about 2/3 through. It felt silly and unnecessary and I can’t for the life of me understand why the FMC went with it…

And everything happened too quickly. We needed more time with every story line to really flush everything out.

So while I love Katherine Center, this one fell flat.

I just loved everything about this.

Katherine Center has proven over and over to me that I just love her love stories, even if this one is about hating love. The story was so much fun and I really enjoyed how everything played out. The pacing was perfect for the length of the book. I also saw a lot of myself in Katie’s struggles, which I think made me like this even more. The coast guard parts were also super cool and I haven’t ever read a book where the MMC has this job. Also, I loved Rue and how she fit into the story. There were a lot of little details in this story that added up to making it as amazing as it was. I would HIGHLY recommend this for a summer read :)

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for this E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I actually really enjoyed this. I was nervous to start it due to the reviews I've been seeing, BUT I think people should still give it a chance.

I do think the book is less about the romance with Hutch and more about her coming to love her body and her life.

Do we wish that people can come to just realize they are beautiful in their own way on their own? Sure! but when you've been surrounded by people telling you to suck it in and the whole of internet telling you that you're unlovable and ugly....having someone (Beanie and Hutch) to remind you that you're pretty and that you should appreciate your body.

I think that Katie does her work though coming up with reasons for loving herself. She didn't just take the words of others. She found her HEA by changing her mindset and growing.
I found that beautiful.

This was cute! I loved the side characters of Rue and The Gals as well as lovable thunder scared George Bailey.
The book was a little heavy on body dysmorphia and the ending was a bit … far fetched for me. But I thought it was a cute and quick summer read.

The Love Haters was well written and an enjoyable read. I was invested in the characters and their back stories. It made me laugh out loud and get angry at times.

3.5 stars. I have read multiple Katherine Center books and this one was a very middle of the road reading experience. At first, both main characters are highly unlikeable, which made me not rooting for the romance. It felt like a grumpy/grumpy dynamic which isn’t what I was looking for in a fun romance read. Eventually we find out why they are acting the way they were and harsh personalities lighten up but I still wasn’t fully invested in this love story. Heavy TW for diet culture, body image struggles. It was a fine way to pass the time, but I won’t go out of my way to recommend this one to others. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions my own.

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this around 35% in. The focus on body dysmorphia and eating disorders was a bit too much for me and I think this novel was heavily mis-marketed. The most interesting character was the dog. There's a very long list of tropes in this book as well, if that is what you're into. Also, there was NO Key West in the book... lol. Tropes include touch her and die, fake dating, one bed, caretaking, forced proximity, workplace romance, and lovable side characters.

Sweet and heartwarming!

Katie Vaughn is facing an imminent lay off when a golden opportunity falls in her lap. She is asked to produce a documentary featuring Hutch, a coast guard rescue swimmer who just happened to save a very famous dog. Katie will travel to warm and colorful Key West to meet Hutch but Katie only likes to wear black, full coverage clothing and she is very self conscious about her body image. She also can’t swim, which may pose a problem since she will be spending a lot of time around the water. Hutch is tall, dark and handsome and is wildly popular for saving people and dogs. But he hasn’t dated in over a year. It’s rumored that Hutch is a ‘love hater’. Katie thinks she might be one too. With the help of the quirky residents of Key West these two love haters may learn to love again after all.

I really enjoyed this book, it was light hearted in spite of addressing the very real issues around female body image during a time of social media and AI influence.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Katherine Center has recently become one of my favorite authors and all of her books have been enthusiastic 5 stars up to this point.

First, I didn’t like the title. I did enjoy Hutch and Rue’s characters but Katie’s character went back and forth for me. The self deprecation was a bit too much after awhile. Although I cruised this book very quickly which says a lot for me. I found the swim lessons, helicopter rides, shenanigans with the Great Dane and Rue’s old lady village very delightful. Overall, it is an easy, entertaining read. Not her best work but I still enjoy Katherine Center’s writing in this one.

A big thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for allowing me an advanced digital copy of this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Charming, Uplifting, and Full of Heart

The Love Haters is exactly what I’ve come to expect from Katherine Center—heartfelt, witty, and full of characters you can’t help but root for. The story had a fun, feel-good energy with just the right mix of humor, romance, and emotional depth.

I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between the characters, and the way the story explored love, vulnerability, and second chances felt honest and refreshing. It was one of those reads that made me smile, even during the tougher moments.

I’m giving it four stars because while I really enjoyed it, a few parts were a little predictable or tied up too neatly. But honestly, that didn’t take away much from the overall experience. If you're looking for a heartwarming romance with a strong message and lovable characters, this one is definitely worth the read!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for a digital ARC of this book. Katherine Center has written another warm and romantic novel peopled with very likable and relatable characters. Video producer Katie Vaughn is facing a job loss unless she agrees to her coworker Cole’s request to do a feature on his brother Hutch. Hutch is a rescue swimmer with the Coast Guard in Key West. However, there are a few glitches involved with this plan, Katie cannot swim and Cole and Hutch do not get along. Nevertheless, Katie finds herself in Key West where her lies keep growing. This is well written, the story flows smoothly and the characters are well developed and evolve throughout the story. As in all Katherine Center’s novels, this novel does not shy away from real life issues. Highly recommend for Katherine Center fans as well as readers who enjoy books by Emily Henry, Christina Lauren and Abby Jimenez. A rom-com with substance and a great addition to Summer 2025 TBR lists!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My first Katherine Center and I am left severely disappointed. At the core, this is not a romance. This is more of a literary fiction where the main character must save her job and just so happens to find a romantic interest... There is a barely a whisper of romance in this book.

This book left a bad taste in my mouth. It wasn’t cute. It wasn’t empowering. It was messy and all over the place. We’re at work, we’re on a trip, we’re lying, we’re on a house boat during a hurricane with a dog…

Our main character, Katie, is full of self-loathing and has severe body dysmorphia and issues. Read at your own caution. The book is full of self-body shaming. Full. Of. It. Oh but when does she our main character come to terms with her beauty? When a man says it. I had expectation that the book would offer more self-acceptance instead leaned heavily on male validation. However, this is also very prominent in this story.

The men in this book were stereotypical, surface level, no depth, one-dimensional. I really don’t have much to say on the love interest, Hutch. His communication with his family was poor, and vice versa, leading to unnecessary drama that was silly and easily avoidable…and the drinking contest was disgusting.

I’m giving it 2.5 stars (rounded down) because I do feel this is incorrectly marketed, but this wasn’t necessarily a bad book. Not for me. If you want adventure & meddling messy family drama with no romance, this may be it for you!

A Coast Guard rescue swimmer, a videographer, a rescued Great Dane (afraid of thunderstorms) and an incoming hurricane. This is an absolute utter delight, and my favorite Katherine Center since The Bodyguard.