In The Love Haters, video producer Katie makes a desperate effort to save her job by letting her coworker, Cole, talk her into going to Key West, Florida to make a promotional video for the United States Coast Guard. The USCG rescue swimmer featured in the video just happens to be Cole's older brother, Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson. Unfortunately, when Katie reluctantly agreed, she left out the fact that she can’t swim (a requirement for the job).

Katherine Center writes lifelike characters that feel like they could step off the page, including Katie, who struggles with body image, Hutch, who is gorgeously grumpy and hard-to-read, Rue, Cole and Hutch’s kind aunt who owns a colorful motel, and George Bailey, Hutch’s loveable, rescued Great Dane. Their backstories are rich and detailed, and make you feel like you know how these characters would react before you read it. The love story was one of insta-love, but somehow it worked, and the ending was exciting enough that I couldn't put it down.

That said, I admit that I thought the book had a slow start – I wasn’t that invested to begin with, and I put it down multiple times before powering through, which usually isn’t the case with Center’s books. There was also a lot of talk about body image, and while I see why it was included for character development, it was not the most fun thing to read about. I was also very frustrated by one of the “twists” toward the middle, but I also feel like I should have seen it coming. Overall, though this was not my favorite of Center’s books, it is still one to put on your “to read” list and a fun, albeit emotional, read.

4.5 Stars ⭐ Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read and review this eARC of The Love Haters. I have loved so many of Katherine Center's books and thoroughly enjoyed this one, too!

At the beginning of this story, our narrator Katie, is entrenched in fear: fear of losing her videography job, fear of taking up space, and fear of rejection. When she leaves her home in Dallas to work on a project in the Florida Keys, she intends to use the opportunity to prove herself and her worth to her boss.

Little does she realize that it will also become a transformative chance to prove her worth to herself.

I loved and related to so many aspects of Katie's character arc. I also enjoyed seeing Katie gain confidence through her sincere friendship with her cousin Beanie, her new-found friend and mentor Rue, and most of all, her documentary-interest-turned-love-interest, Hutch.

Tropes for this story included:
- Non-traditional enemies to lovers
- Mistaken identity
- Miscommunication/fake relationship (I admittedly didn't love this one, but that could be due to personal preference!)
- Forced proximity
- Fish out of water
- Slow burn
- Damsel in distress

Thanks again, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. Excited to revisit this one when it is published this May!

Funny, charming, a little ridiculous, completely imaginable as a movie!
I enjoyed the main character and really appreciated her personal growth in learning to love her body. Her struggles with body dysmorphia and eating disorders were relatable and real.
The romance was cute but I was expecting more. It felt like I didn’t fully understand how and why they fell in love with each other. Like the process of them getting to know each other was a little glossed over.
Also the third act “reason to keep them apart” twist with Cole showing up with the boss felt unnecessary and convoluted. The boss’s character felt flat and stereotypical.
Overall, an enjoyable read but not outstanding. I loved the Bodyguard and Hello Stranger but this one was just not on that level.

I just finished reading a pre-published edition of Katherine Center’s newest book, The Love Haters, and I absolutely loved it! As a fan of her previous books, I jumped at the chance to read this one, and thanks to NetGalley, I was able to dive in early.

The story follows Katie, a video journalist, and Hutch, a Coast Guard rescue diver. From their first meeting, it was love at first sight—for them and for me. I fell head over heels for their love story, and I simply couldn’t put this book down.

Katherine Center once again delivers a heartfelt, beautifully written romance that will make you laugh, swoon, and believe in the magic of love. If you’re a fan of her work or just looking for your next unputdownable read, The Love Haters is a must!

This is a classic Katherine Center rom-com, with lovable, quirky characters, some over the top plot points and a tad bit of insta-love, but I ate it up.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me a chance to read this book

Spice-0

This book was absolutely amazing and I had so much fun reading it. There are some laugh out loud embarrassing moments and of course a lot of drama. The drama was very fun and created just a little bit of tension but not too much to cause any angst. More just frustration.

It is a really quick read.

But grab your flippers...sorry fins. Head to Key West and enjoy the ride

Katherine Center does it again! She somehow finds ways to not only write the most perfect and predictable rom-coms, but she always adds in new elements that are simply so exquisite. This book was funny, emotional, and heartwarming. I laughed, I cried, and I learned how important it is to love and appreciate yourself.

3.75 Stars!

I am a huge Katherine Center fan but for some reason, I had a little bit of a harder time getting into this one.

I am a character girlie, I've said it time and time again and there is no way around it. I had so much love for some of the characters - Katie is a great FMC although a little underdeveloped, Hutch is everything you want in a MMC but felt incomplete, and Rue + the Gals are totally vibrant and quirky (a much needed addition). But I really didn't like Cole or Sullivan. Cole is set up to be the "bad guy" but I didn't even like him as the bad guy. And Beanie felt detached?

Overall, it's a cute, over the top, slightly unrealistic but completely adorable romcom that is worth the read. But is it on the same level as other Katherine Center books? Unfortunately for me it's not.

The Love Haters follows main character Katie to Key West in what turns into a journey to discover both self and romantic love. I enjoyed the band of characters and the sweet camaraderie they shared.

(ARC via NetGalley)

Goodreads review

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Workplace Romance
Spice Level: 🫑

Synopsis: Katie Vaughn, a video producer facing potential layoffs, seizes a career-saving opportunity to profile Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. Despite her inability to swim—a fact she conceals—Katie embarks on the assignment, only to discover that Hutch is her coworker Cole’s estranged brother. As Katie navigates her growing attraction to Hutch, she becomes entangled in a web of lies and personal challenges, leading to a journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance.

Thoughts: The first part of the book spent a lot of time with Katie talking about her body image. She talks bad about herself in an almost comical way and it didn’t sit right with me. I did enjoy the second half of the book and the underlying love story as well as each of the character’s personal journey and healing. The supporting characters were there, but weren’t well developed. This book missed the mark for me.

Trigger Warnings: Discussions of past image struggles and unhealthy eating habits

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and net Kelly for providing me a digital copy and exchange for my honest review.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Love Haters by Katherine Center

Katherine Center has a way of writing stories that feel like a warm hug—filled with humor, depth, and characters so real they practically step off the page. The Love Haters is no exception. This book isn’t just about romance; it’s about all kinds of love—the kind between family, best friends, and perhaps the hardest love of all, the one we give ourselves.

At the heart of the story is Katie, a talented but somewhat reluctant videographer who unexpectedly finds herself in the Florida Keys filming a semi-famous rescue swimmer named Hutch. What starts as a work assignment quickly turns into something much more as Katie and Hutch navigate their undeniable chemistry, personal struggles, and the kinds of emotional walls that take more than a little courage to break down.

Like all of Center’s novels, The Love Haters isn’t just about the two main characters falling in love—though their romance is swoon-worthy. It’s about healing, self-acceptance, and the deep, complicated ties that connect us to the people in our lives. The book beautifully explores familial love, the strength of true friendship, and the way we often stand in our own way when it comes to happiness.

One of the things that makes this book so special is its cast of lovable characters, and none more so than Rue. Everyone needs a Rue in their lives—the kind of friend who sees you, believes in you, and isn’t afraid to call you out when you need it. Rue’s presence in the story adds so much heart (and plenty of humor), making it impossible not to fall in love with this book even more.

Some parts of this book had me laughing out loud, others were so heartwarming I couldn’t stop smiling, and more than once, I found myself wiping away tears. Katherine Center has a gift for writing stories that feel like real life—messy, beautiful, and full of unexpected joy.

This was an easy 5-star read for me, the kind of book I know I’ll want on my shelves so I can revisit it again and again. If you love stories that make you laugh, cry, and believe in love (of all kinds), The Love Haters is one you won’t want to miss.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center is an engrossing, fun read that I flew through! I loved both Hutch and Katie's characters. Although Hutch seemed too perfect at times and Katie too full of self doubt, they were realistic, even though they were far fetched. My biggest complaint about the book was Cole's character and the cringe worthy way he got himself into and out of situations. I also would have loved if his story line hadn't been so neatly wrapped up--I would love for that to have been further delved into in future books. The only other thing I had a bit of an issue with was that the description of Katie's predicament at the end was both completely unrealistic and drastically too long. That being said, I really liked this book--it did a great job of making you feel like you were in Key West, about to pull on a swimsuit and lounge by the pool--which would also be the perfect place to read this! Rue's character was by far my favorite--she was colorful in every way, jumping off the page.

Thank you to Netgalley for the copy of The Love Haters in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book just wasn't for me. I think that the marketing for the book makes it seem different than it actually is. The book should have trigger warnings for body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and parental abuse. I was expected a light hearted story about being in paradise, but I had to DNF. I typically will keep going, and I might return to the book, but for my own well-being and mental health, I had to put this one down.

Katherine Center's "The Love Haters" presents an ambitious attempt at exploring self-love through the lens of romance, but ultimately falls short of delivering a convincing narrative. While the premise is promising – following a protagonist on her journey toward self-acceptance – the execution leaves much to be desired.

The central character's struggle with insecurity, while meant to be relatable, becomes overwhelming to the point of straining credibility. The depth of her self-doubt goes beyond sympathetic and ventures into territory that makes it difficult to envision any meaningful romantic connection developing naturally.

The romance itself suffers from pacing issues, making its first appearance nearly halfway through the book (around the 45% mark). When it does emerge, the relationship feels rushed and underdeveloped, lacking the necessary foundation of meaningful interactions to support its progression. The male lead, while presumably intended to be appealing, comes across as unrealistically perfect, reading more like a wish-fulfillment construct than a fully realized character.

Perhaps the most jarring element is the supporting character of Cole, the co-worker, whose unprofessional behavior stretches the bounds of believability. This characterization feels more like a plot device than an organic part of the story's world.

Center's writing remains accessible, and long-time fans of her work might find enough familiar elements to justify the read. However, this book is best suited for readers seeking extremely light entertainment with minimal expectations for depth or realism. While it's not Center's strongest work, it maintains just enough of her signature style to warrant three stars, though this rating admittedly benefits from goodwill earned through her previous works.

**Recommendation:** Only recommended for die-hard fans of the genre seeking the lightest possible romantic fare. While Center remains an author worth following, "The Love Haters" suggests she may no longer merit automatic must-buy status. 3 out of 5 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sharing a digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

*ARC Review*
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this advanced reader copy in exchange for a free and fair review of this book. Be sure to pick this book up on its May 20th, 2025 release day!

Katherine Center has quickly become a must buy author for me. From her quirky characters to the fun plots, the ability to write some of the most gut-wrenching scenarios, address real life issues, and still create some beautiful love stories.

The Love Haters follows Katie and Hutch. Katie is sent out to the Florida Keys on a documentary job, one which had the ability to save her job from being cut. The only stipulations being that she had to swim (news flash, she doesn't know how) and she has to make Hutch the center of her film (news flash, he hates being in front of the camera). Meanwhile, Hutch is making all of these exceptions for this documentary under the belief that his brother, who Hutch has a strained relationship with, will be the one doing the work. Imagine his surprise when Katie shows up in his stead and tempts Hutch in ways he didn't see coming.

Throw in a group of wild elderly ladies who coined their group "The Gals", a dog the size of a small horse who hates thunder and doesn't know personal boundaries and has an affinity for knocking Katie around, some serious body image issues from Katie, and some serious brotherly hostility from Hutch and Cole, and you've got a recipe for disaster (and an emotional book that will make you feel ALL the feelings!)

This book was such an enjoyable read and I think Hutch moved his way up to the top of my Katherine Center book boyfriend ranking list. Leave it to Center to weave an incredible love story that makes you fall a little bit in love with not only the story and the characters, but also with yourself.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I'm always excited for a new Katherine Center novel, so I dove right in (pun intended). Hutch might be the most lovable character of all time, and I loved learning more about USCG and their rescue divers. I also loved the story of Rue and the boys. The book was on the cheesier side of Center's books, but it was a fun escape and heartwarming read. If you're a Katherine Center fan, I'd add this one to your list for sure.

This was just okay for me. It’s confusing in the beginning. I did t know if main character was a man or woman til a couple chapters in. Then it got good in the middle and the end just fell off. I really liked Katie’s character and thought the relationship with Hutch was great. But it got kind of boring at a lot of places and I found myself skimming.

This was the first of Katherine Center’s books that I’ve read and I am hooked! I can not wait to read other books by Center. This was such a good read. I really enjoyed all the topics covered in this book. I also loved Hutch and Katie. I will say I don’t think I got that they ‘hated’ each other like the summary said.

This book was a fun and easy read! A perfect book to throw in your beach or pool bag this summer. Katherine Center does a great job writing characters that feel real - the only exception being Hutch who lacked any flaws or true personality other than his hero complex. I enjoyed meeting the side characters, especially Cole and Rue. I wish we got more time out and about in Key West and a greater exploration of the culture of the Keys. While this isn't my favorite of hers it definitely clears the bar as a romantic and entertaining beach book.

Darn it, Katherine Center! Just when I thought that you had written my fave book of yours ("The Bodyguard" FYI), you come up with "The Love Haters".

Picture this- me, in a deck chair poolside on my recent all-inclusive vacation (a year and a half in the planning), enjoying a drink. The only thing that could make this better? An ARC of Katherine Center's "The Love Haters" on my Kindle. I read this book in a day and loved every minute of it!

Katherine Center has long been a favourite author of mine. Some books I have loved more than others, often for no particular reason, but "The Love Haters" tops the chart as one of the best books that she's ever written. The chemistry between Katie Vaughn (video producer trying to save her job) and Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson (reluctant hero, Coast Guard hottie) is off the charts. The story is engaging and the background characters far from in the background. By the end of the book I wanted nothing more to live in their little piece of Key West.

Altogether an excellent read, and the first read of 2025 to get a coveted 5-star rating from me. I will definitely be recommending this to everyone in my reading circle who will listen to me.