4.5 ⭐️

First, thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for this advanced copy.

Somehow, Katherine Center has managed to turn a novel into a diary; expelling the FMC's deepest fears and insecurities. This felt like talking to a friend in the best way possible. It was a little rambling and disjointed, but the best parts of life are. The vibe is everything you love in a good rom-com and so much more.

Our FMC, Katie, is dealing with some deep-seated body image issues and eating disorderment that feels profoundly real. Our MMC, Hutch, is dealing with grief and regret that makes him shut down. Somehow, you're rooting for these characters while also yelling at them to get out of their own way. This author has a way of making you laugh, cry, and rage all at once, and this was an unforgettable read.

Katherine Center can do no wrong! I adored this one. The story of learning to love yourself… omg I want to have a closet full of tropical bathing suits. The side characters were great. The Gals! I want to be their friends. and Hutch… we don’t deserve you! George Bailey! Read it!

I love Katherine Center and was so grateful to receive this ARC. And she does it again with The Love Haters.
This book feels like a warm hug, the kind you would probably give to yourself. Yes, this is a romance book, but it's first and foremost about Katie's in-depth journey to loving herself and body positivity. Katie's past relationship led her to develop an eating disorder, but throughout the book, she works to change how she views herself. I absolutely love Katie and after all she's been through, I just wanted the best for her. She has the most humorous inner monologues that made me laugh out loud with some self-deprecating humor that was really relatable. By the end, I was really proud of her progress and how she evolved throughout the book.

Hutch is the absolute best book boyfriend and is perfect for Katie. Yes, she spends a lot of time ogling him and his "perfect" features, but I felt like it was a reflection of herself and her body image issues and what she went through with people judging her by her looks.

Shoutout to the side characters, namely George Bailey (the MVP in Hutch and Katie's relationship), the Gals, and especially Beanie (!!!). They all were so unique and fun characters to read about. But honestly, I took off a star for Cole's character, who was honestly kind of annoying and a jerk. I didn't really felt like he added MUCH to the plot (felt like the book would have been just fine without him creating conflicts), and even though I did come to feel bad for him (Chapter 22), I felt that all his dramatics/lies were totally unnecessary.

Overall, I felt like this was another great book by Katherine Center, who's quickly becoming one of my automatic-read authors. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

Katherine Center writes these books that I can envision perfectly. Her details conjure up such clear pictures of the characters and the events of their stories. THE LOVE HATERS is no exception. This is as much a story of self-growth as it is a romance. I really loved the first person narration, finding it a welcome reprieve from the many romances that are dual POV right now. There’s something about only knowing what one person sees that makes the story feel much more relatable!

Spoilers ahead!

Katie and Hutch are vibrant (but not always colorful!), and their feelings grow organically for each other. I will note that Cole is a truly unlikable character, even if his presence does serve an important point in the plot. Katie’s personal struggles with body image are difficult to read, so if you are someone for whom that would hit too close to home, please read with care.

I will read anything Katherine Center writes, even though they’re not always for me. I didn’t anticipate enjoying this one as the description didn’t seem like something I would be into - but was excited to read regardless!

I am so excited to be proven wrong! I loved this.

I loved the romance (I always do) but was so invested in Katie’s journey of self love that’s happening parallel to it. I love that that journey is not rooted in her finding love but an added bonus.

This felt like a return to Happiness for Beginners in terms of tone but with the com of romcom turned up a notch.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the eARC!

3.5/4 stars. As a lover of Katherine Center, I found myself riding a reader's rollercoaster while consuming The Love Haters. To begin, The Love Haters is about a female filmmaker - recovering from an eating disorder and a broken relationship - who's sent on assignment to make a promo video for the Coast Guard. On the job, she meets the star of the promo video, who is - to nobody's surprise - the love interest. Throughout their time together, both characters grow increasingly fond of each other only for - again, to nobody's surprise - something to go wrong... only for them to get together in the end. Conventional rom-com, but let's not fix what isn't broken.

Overall, this is a very cute story with funny dialogue, great tidbits, and an enjoyable ending (especially the epilogue!) I absolutely loved several aspects of this book and continue to be a fan of Katherine Center for a great feel-good beach read.

However, I do feel like the "frumpy girl meets hot-hero-man" trope is both overdone and does a disservice to women. This critique is compounded by the way Katie's non-specified eating disorder is described throughout the story. During the current-day plotline, Katie is in recovery from the disordered eating, but remains plagued by her body image issues. Most notably, I took issues with the one scene where, when Katie is telling Hutch (hot-hero-man) about her eating disorder, she manages to explain that her cousin burned the bathroom scale one day and this magically healed her. Perhaps I'm grasping at straws here, but I felt that the way this particular story equated Katie's unattractiveness to her alleged weight was... frustrating. Further, the ENTIRE plot line with Katie's boss, Cole, lying (which is, in essence, the problem section of the book) was CRAZY. This is not to say it wasn't creative or well-written but I did NOT see that one coming.

To end this review on a good note, because I did enjoy most of this book, the final section of the book during which Katie drives INTO a hurricane to save Hutch's dog was my FAVORITE part of this book. This was crazy, hilarious, and 100% relatable as it's absolutely something I would do too (hot-hero-man or not). All this to say... yes, I would recommend this book to someone else - especially for a lover of rom-coms.

I'm more specifically giving this book a 3.5 because I didn't really enjoy the whole "lying" scheme cooked up by Cole. It felt rushed, harried, and incredibly clunky in the story itself. But this story did speak to me in a lot of ways when it comes to thinking about one's own body, and the kindness we need to give ourselves every step of the way. Not Katherine Center's best, but I do think this is a story worth reading if only to understand that body neutrality is probably the biggest gift we can give ourselves, far beyond love.

This book is exactly what I would expect from Katherine Center. If you also enjoyed The Rom-Commers and The Bodyguard, this will definitely be the book. We have a slightly quirky FMC, a seriously hunky MMC, and a full cast of lively side characters. There is no spice, but a whole lot of tension.

Katie was sent to Key West believing her subject would be a silent, grumpy guy with a hero complex. Hutch's rescue dog, George Bailey, unexpectedly breaks the ice and instead they have almost instant chemistry. Katie goes through a lot of personal growth and healing throughout the course of their acquaintanceship. Cole, Hutch's brother and Katie's colleague, shows up and causes quite a bit of chaos. Rue, Hutch and Cole's "aunt" is a delight. There are some heavier topics discussed, but Center's writing keeps things light without being flippant.

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you to SMP for the ARC. I had literally just preordered this book ☺️

TW: body dysmorphia, past struggles with ED, digital self-harm, parental death (past)

Miss Katherine. This book completely altered my brain chemistry. It was funny, and sweet, and just everything I needed in life. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I will automatically buy anything you write.

Massive thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Katherine Center has done it again! This book is a masterpiece and I will accept not criticism of it.

I got everything out of a Katherine Center book that I want, a sweet story, witty banter, and self-reflection. I couldn’t wait for this one, my husband is a USCG veteran so I got to cast him as Hutch. This book made me laugh out loud, tear up, and yell “wait, what?!” There were also a couple “awwwws”.

I was able to relate with even more of the story than I anticipated. As someone who has struggled their entire life with their body image, Katie’s story really hit home. Her inner monologue could have been my own. Katie’s growth in this book was inspiring.

And George Bailey, what a perfect name for Hutch’s dog. It’s a Wonderful Life is my favorite Christmas movie of all time and having that subtle reminder throughout the story was heartwarming.

Katherine Center - your book is like a literary hot fudge sundae or something.

Thank you Katherine Center, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for this ARC. This reflection is my own and I’m more than happy to share it!

Katherine Center is the romance QUEEN! I love all of her books! She writes the best romance novels. They are always so fun to read. I really enjoyed this one!! Can’t wait for the next book!

When I get invited to read an early copy from my absolute favorite author, it's inevitable that I will cancel plans the rest of the day and read it in one sitting!

This book had me laughing, crying, on-edge with tension, and contemplating. Katherine Center has really mastered storytelling in the sense of delivering an entertaining plot which is as much thought-provoking as it is uplifting. The Love Haters may be her best work yet, although that is a tough statement to make because I love them all! I devoured the romance between Katie and Hutch-and between Katie and herself. I enjoyed the Coast Guard details and the thrill and adventure of Katie being stuck out in the storm. The amount of growth and self-love that Katie develops is heartwarming.

I enjoyed my afternoon/evening of being lost in this story, which was so easy for me to do. Releases May 2025 and this is not one to miss!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much to the publishers for sending me a copy of this ARC! I read this book while sick at home recovering from Thanksgiving break (really hoping it’s not Covid!). I really enjoy Katherine center’s books and this one was no different. However, the first thing that I wanna be clear is that this book is definitely more of a women’s fiction novel and less of a romance. That’s basically my only criticism because the title and the cover are really misleading because you go and expecting a little bit more romance than you leave with.

The story follows our main character, Katie, who I’m just now realizing has basically the same name as the author, who is a filmmaker and gets sent down to the Florida Keys on assignment.

I really enjoyed the unique premise of the book and was surprised by the heightened emotions I felt during the climax at the end. I recommend this book to any readers who’ve enjoyed this author’s previous works. It’s an overall light read that is enjoyable and should be a huge hit in the warmer months!

3.5 rounded up. I was a little concerned at first about the main character’s body image issues - I feel like books often magically cure these or brush them under the rug but Katherine Center handled it well. The major conflict between the FMC and MMC wasn’t my favorite, hence why this isn’t a solid 4 star for me. Some of the FMC choices seemed ridiculous, which she immediately acknowledges but sticks with. Otherwise, Center’s writing flows so well and is hard to put down.

Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors, so I was excited to receive the arc for The Love Haters. For the most part, I enjoyed the story and characters. The female lead character, Katie, was well developed throughout the story. I enjoyed her storyline and liked how the author stressed the importance of self-love. Katie’s inner-dialogue gave great insight to her struggles with an eating disorder and body dysmorphia. The story seemed to have a lot of telling about how Katie and her love interest, Hutch, got to know one another. There wasn’t a lot of showing them getting to know each other, just a few key scenes. I felt like I got to know Katie’s best friend and cousin, Beanie, better than I got to know Hutch. While I found the love story between Katie and Hutch lacking, I would recommend this book because I enjoyed Katie’s important journey to self-love to be so inspiring and the real love story of The Love Haters.
Other bright lights in The Love Haters -Rue, the fun-loving stand-in guardian of Hutch. She was a bright light in a sometimes heavy story. The location of The Love Haters was also a hit. Key West is an absolutely beautiful and fun place to set a book. With a setting like Key West, Jimmy Buffet should definitely be playing in a tropical clothing store (not Bob Marley!).

Katherine Center always delivers an amazing rom com. I absolutely loved her past books like The Romcomers and The Love Haters had me laughing soooo hard! I constantly was laughing at the dialogue and quick witted responses especially by Katie our FMC. The absolute drive and unhingeness she provides in order to save her job is comical yet so relatable. The book also touches on elements and themes of self love, body image, and fears/anxieties about appearances that women are subjected to in society. The romance was also top notch. The relationship building is organic and fleshed out. There is initial attraction from both sides, but nothing extremely insta love. Overall I loved reading this and I breezed through it so fast because it was that captivating that I wanted to keep going. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me with an early copy for my honest opinion and review.

To no one’s surprise I continue to adore Katherine Center’s writing! I was entranced from the beginning and the book never let go. I adored Katie’s journey of learning to love her body. It was extremely relatable and very touching. I loved Beanie’s continued encouragement.

I did have a moment where I wanted to throw my kindle at the wall, which is when Katie agreed to temporarily go along with Cole’s scheme. I wanted her to call him out, which she does eventually. But the end brought me back to loving the book. 5⭐️!

WHAT IS THIS IN MY EMAIL? An invitation to read an advanced copy of Katherine Center’s new book? BRB, I have some reading to do!!

Thank you SO MUCH to St. Martin’s Press (via NetGalley) for not making me wait until May to read this!

There is something about opening a Katherine Center book that just brings a smile to my face. I know that I can look forward to a strong, relatable FMC, a swoon-worthy MMC, and a story that has some meat to it. I have been divorced for over a decade now and have no desire even to dip my toe into the dating scene, but I devour romantic comedies like this one, and once again, this author has delivered.
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Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past―now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West.

The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim―but fakes it that she can.

Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. And they don’t get along. Next stop paradise!

But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good looking man she has ever seen . . . but also a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.

Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue―along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.
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Less than seven hours have passed since I got the email offering me the opportunity to read The Love Haters, and I just finished it. To say that I accomplished nothing else today is an understatement. I carried my Kindle around the house with me as I did what little I did get done so that I could just keep reading. I loved Katie and found her so relatable, as she struggled with some of the very same things that I have in my past, and I enjoyed so much the dance that she and Hutch did around each other. The supporting cast of characters lent so much to the story, and as always, the research into the details was impeccable...I even learned a little something! All in all, this was an amazing way to spend my afternoon, and the only downside is that I now will have to wait over a year to have another new Katherine Center book to enjoy!

like all previous katherine center books before this, i sincerely loved this book. it gave me such a gooey, warm, yummy feeling inside and i just enjoyed it so thoroughly! the writing, as always, was so good and had so many beautiful quotes.

my only bone to pick would be the ending - the plot with cole felt a little random and i wish we got a little more of a HEA and less of a HFN! i also wish their reunion when he saved her from the boat was a little more heartfelt. maybe it would have helped if we got to see his POV in this moment. I know hes a professional so canonically it doesn't make sense for him to be freaking out over her safety, but maybe an internal monologue of panic would have been nice lol. i also would have appreciated some kind of long term commitment i.e. them living together or being engaged, but it didn't take away from the story as a whole! i still loved both characters so deeply and rue was such an amazing side character.

as a side note, the authors note at the end of this book is truly wonderful. katherine center really puts something so profound into words, the beauty of reading love stories and what they can do for us. i never skip an acknowledgements page or an authors note because i truly believe after spending so much time inside their mind, it's a nice thing as a reader to hear what an author has to say about the story, or who was involved in making it come together. this authors note is my favorite i've ever read ever, in my hundreds of books read. love stories really are special <3

This was my favorite Katherine Center book yet and I have loved them all! I couldn’t put the book down and fell in love with the characters. It was the perfect mix of funny, relatable and romantic! Will be highly recommending it.