3 stars

After reading a lot of Center's books, I have a pretty solid set of incoming expectations when it comes to her leads and the relationships they'll get into over the course of the novel. This is not a bad read, but it's not on the level with some of Center's previous romances.

In an effort to save her job, Katie takes a wild opportunity that lands her in the presence of a potentially dreamy dude. The strange thing is that while these two say - and others notice this - that they're into each other, that felt less obvious to me based on, well, limited character and relationship development. While I could have forgiven that and gone along with a fluffier exploration, it drove me bonkers that Katie was so focused on trying to breakup with herself. This character has some real challenges with her perception of her own body, and while that is likely relatable for many, it's also pretty tough to read (and I say that as a person who doesn't really have that lived experience). The relationship I know most about upon concluding the book is the one between Katie and her body. It's also more interesting than whatever is going on with Hutch. That's not really why I came here, though.

Fans of romance - particularly those who are more tolerant of a less developed relationship may enjoy this one. I am looking forward to Center's next effort.

Perfect read for the beach! It was my favorite of Katherine Center’s, but I loved it nonetheless! As a woman who has constantly cautious of her body image, I related to the main character so much.

3.5, I feel this book could’ve benefited from a dual POV. I was left wanting when it came to the romance aspect, and perhaps some insight into Hutch’s mind would’ve fixed that.

I loved Rue and the gals, the Key West setting (which is a fave vacation spot of mine), and the insight into rescue swimmers. I did not love our random phone calls with Beanie and also the fact that we never actually met her. Her entire character was basically a sounding board for the MC, Katie. Katie could’ve been just talking to herself and it would’ve provided as much as their phone calls.

Overall, I would not by any means discourage the read. It’s a good book. But I do feel it wasn’t quite the romcom I was hoping for when I opened the first page.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC

Cute story overall. I loved the banter and grumpy male main character. The female main character was less like-able.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader’s copy!

I’ve long been a fan of Katherine Center’s ability to blend heartfelt emotion with light, romantic escapism, and The Love Haters has plenty of her signature charm. The romance between Katie and Hutch was definitely the highlight for me—their chemistry felt genuine and fun, and I enjoyed watching their dynamic unfold.

That said, the storyline involving Katie’s brother really didn’t land for me. It felt like it threw off the tone of the book and put a bit of a damper on the overall experience. I found myself wanting to rush through those parts to get back to the romance.

Still, the book was an entertaining read overall—light, easy, and with plenty of witty dialogue. While it’s not my favorite of hers, fans of Center will likely still enjoy the ride, especially for the central love story.

5 BIG FAT STARS!!
WHAT A GREAT BOOK!
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this wonderful book with me!
Lots of laughs and very happy tears at the end.
I'm heading to my Facebook page right now to recommend to all!

Lovers of other Katherine Center novels will finish this book feeling fully satisfied. Her distinctive voice shines through, tackling all of her favorite themes. Men in uniform? Check. Someone grumpy who turns out to be an over-toasted marshmallow with gooey insides? Check. Adorable animal sidekick? You betcha. On the other hand, it also features another of her hallmarks, a bit of overworked third act dramatics that weren’t required to make this a really entertaining novel. Overall, though, this is a novel that both my mother and I can enjoy, and that’s a rare thing indeed

I requested this because I have really enjoyed Katherine Center's books in the past. It hurts to rate this so low, but I did not enjoy this. There were so many big pieces I borderline hated. Listed below:
.
LIKES:
Learning about the coast guard and rescue swimmers.
.
DISLIKES:
Cole's lies and games… I HATED this whole thread. Lies upon lies. Hurt and drama. Ick.
The way an eating disorder/body image issues were handled. I was really excited for this rep, but the author made it sound like the character could heal herself if she just worked hard and loved herself more… These are deep issues that most people cannot just overcome alone or by trying harder. Therapy and some professional help really should have been a piece of the journey.
She went back for the dog? In a hurricane? When evacuation was advised? We could have done without this silly decision that lead to a very terrifying storm and life or death scenario

I love how in Katherine Centers books you learn a lot about the every day lives of hero’s. Very cute love story about people who seem to hate love, but also more of a self journey as the main character learns to love herself.

Rom-com meets self help.
I loved the whole premise of this book. I loved that Katie grew as a person. I wish the relationship between Hitch and Katie had been explored further. Overall, a great book! Thank you Katherine Center for another beautiful story.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center was a quick, fun, and enjoyable read that I would recommend to everyone.

What I love about Katherine Center's books is her ability to bring forward important topics and have the main characters work through them in a believable way.

The only reason I did not give this 5⭐️ is I wish there was a little more dialogue between the main characters at the end (IYKYK).

The Love Haters is a heartfelt, fast-paced romance that takes readers on a healing journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the importance of loving yourself, flaws and all.

It is about finding joy and color in life despite the challenges that come with personal insecurities and past trauma. It seems a little like fate when the love haters meet or maybe it was just a dog named George Bailey who brought them together.

The story revolves around Katie who is a video producer whose job it is to make a promo for the Coast Guard. She also might have lied that she could swim. She struggles with body image issues and deep-seated insecurities. Her journey to self-acceptance throughout the novel is inspiring, and much of that transformation is thanks to Hutch and Rue.

Hutch is the epitome of a selfless hero. A literal hero who is a rescue swimmer with the Coast Guard. He not only helps Katie tackle her fears, teaches her how to swim, but also builds her up with unwavering confidence, allowing her to slowly shed the intrusive, negative thoughts she holds about herself. Their evolving relationship is a beautiful reminder of how love and support can help us conquer our most daunting fears.

4.25 Stars!
[Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Katherine Center for providing an electronic ARC in exchange for honest review]

First thing's first - check trigger warnings. This book deals fairly heavily into ED, recovery, and body image, so please take care and don't trigger yourself!

As someone that had a small (large) phase where she obsessively watched The Guardian (I see you, Katherine Center, slyly referencing this movie) with Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner, I was all in from the beginning. I went in expecting a lighthearted rom com with some Coast Guard references, and yes I got that, but I also got much more heart and healing than I thought. I related to a lot of Katie's internal monologue when feeling down about herself, and I loved her and Beanie's talks about finding something to love about yourself. The positivity in the second half (ish) on changing mindset was quite inspiring and touching to me. Hutch........ I almost wish Hutch had a single flaw. He's TOO perfect - but I enjoyed his character immensely anyways. And let's not forget George Bailey, Rue, and other side characters you also fall in love with. Not you, Cole.

The romance was sweet and slow burn, and the end got quite fast paced and exciting - I stayed up later than anticipated to finish it and I was satisfied. I usually enjoy Katherine Center's work immensely, and this is no exception. This might be my favourite of the last 3 (The Bodyguard, The Rom-Commers, and The Love Haters)!

I’m a sucker for Katherine Center books and her latest one doesn’t fail. This is the kind of rom com I like. One that isn’t super rushed, makes you laugh and cry. Hutch and Katie are wonderful characters and I’m sad it’s over.

So I have mixed feelings on this book. The beginning was a bit slow for me and I don’t think I loved the main character a whole ton. However, the last 30% or so was a fun time with lots of drama and resolution that I throughly enjoyed. This book may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it will still be a fun summer read for many! Huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this one!

Katherine Center has done it again! As I started the book, I immediately recognized her formula: self-deprecating female protagonist who is loveable, but has bad luck with men; a grumpy man who has sworn off love. Surely, I know how this ends. But guess what? I was shocked and surprised and elated at the way the story unfolded. There is so much more to this story than romance. Center digs right into our hearts and deftly plays the strings. Rue and George Bailey are such amazing characters, I will never forget them. This story is a wonderful journey into self-acceptance and living your best life in addition to falling in love. Another home run for Katherine Center: bravo! Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Katherine Center has done it again! The Love Haters was fantastic and I loved it so much! It was laugh out loud funny, but also sweet and swoon worthy. It had a beautiful underlying message about learning to love yourself.

I even loved the author’s note, especially this -
“Reading love stories isn’t frivolous - it’s profound…. Love stories are the best kind of therapy - they aren’t shallow they’re deep.”

I would say more like 3.5-3.75 ish

Never met a Katherine Center book I didn’t like and this follows suit. I read about 60% on kindle and finished the last 40% on audio. She always delivers on charm & wit! I had a hard time picking this up but once I started reading I would get fully immersed. I enjoyed Katie’s character and felt she was relatable. Loved George Bailey and of course Hutch and sweet Rue. Would like to strangle Cole!

Wins the award for the most words in italics 😂

This is why Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors….every book she writes is different and unique and she makes you laugh with her witty and hilarious prose. Katie Vaughn is funny, thoughtful, flawed, and you will want to be her best friend. Big bonus, you will learn so much about the work of the Coast Guard and their heroic rescue swimmers.
I enjoyed every minute of this book. I’m always a little disappointed when KC’s books are over…and I highly anticipate the next.

I love Katherine Center’s books. She has a unique way of making you feel connected to her characters and her setting. I loved our main characters, Katie and Hutch. Their connection was everything. I loved how Rue helped Katie get out of her shell and her head, and the other ladies that were rooting for Katie and Hutch to get together the whole time.

This book took a turn for me when Cole showed up and dragged Katie into his lies. I was surprised that Katie went along with Cole’s lies, knowing they would hurt Hutch, even though at that point she was so much closer to Hutch than Cole. It seemed out of character for Katie and I was upset for Hutch.

I hoped for more resolution between Katie and Hutch. I was a little disappointed when both the end of the book and the epilogue came along, and we still didn’t fully get an explanation of how things were with Katie and Hutch.

Thank you so much to Katherine Center, Saint Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the eARC. The Love Haters comes out May 20th, 2025.