Oh my gosh was this book adorable. What a great book about today’s beauty standards, and how they affect us, how they change the way we see our own body’s. It has a wonderful love story, but more importantly what an eye opener on self love.

The absolute cutest. I loved this one! Katherine Center is 100% a must read for me, so I was thrilled to receive this one a few months early. Katie is still recovering from a recent very public breakup when she finds out that her job is in jeopardy. Her coworker gives her the opportunity to fly down to Key West and complete a project that is bound to make their boss realize how important she is. While there, she meets the most adorable man along with a wonder group of girls referred to as "the gals". My absolute FAVORITE character is the Great Dane, the sweet and gentle giant of a dog who steals the show!

Overall, such a cute and heartwarming book. Easy to read, easy to follow and left me wanting more of these lovely people!

thank you Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are my own

*posted on goodreads

3.5 ⭐️

I didn't love this one as much as Katherine Center's other books (specifically The Bodyguard and The Rom-Commers), but it was still a very enjoyable read and so much fun! I really enjoyed the mix of humor and high stakes in a tropical setting. I also really enjoyed seeing Katie's personal growth and development throughout the story, Overall, this was a quick and easy read that kept me entertained, but didn't blow me away.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an arc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Katherine Center has been an auto-buy author for me since I first read The Bodyguard, and I was really excited for her newest book, The Love Haters. Unfortunately, it missed the mark for me in almost every way and I ended up pretty disappointed by this one in the end.
At first, we have Katie, coerced into going to Florida to film a recruitment video for the coast guard starring Hutch, hero and altogether Hottie McHotterson to all who lay eyes on him. Apparently, he hates love, although this is never actually discussed or told to us at any point. But, the title says it, so we should believe it I guess.
Katie is theoretically another love hater, but mostly what she hates is her own body, as we are told many, many times in her internal dialogue and battles with herself to try and “get over it” and be comfortable in her body- especially as her activities currently require a lot of bathing suits.
Internal monologues seem to be the preferred method of storytelling here, and that to me is the biggest miss in a book. Showing, not telling, is so key and so basic, and something Center has never struggled with- until now. We hear about these great conversations she and Hutch are having, they are spending every day together for WEEKS, and yet we are only actually present for less than a handful of their conversations- and mostly surface-level ones, at that. So when it came time for them to actually be falling for each other, I didn’t really buy it, nor did I have reason to be invested in their relationship either.

The ridiculous lies and drama caused by Cole were sooooo frustrating, and really, truly was not necessary. This could have been an amazing story without the extra drama forcing us to be pulled away from Katie and Hutch’s connection and into weird webs of lies that still don’t really make sense to me.

All in all, I thought this was a great premise that just really, really missed the mark. It was almost like Center just didn’t really know her characters enough, aside from Katie, so we never really got to know them enough to love them. I really didn’t get a read on Hutch at all until way too late in the game, and this disconnect really affected my enjoyment of this one. If this had been a new to me author, I’m afraid I probably would have DNFed around chapter 10. I stuck it out because I trust Katherine Center, but she never really brought it back enough for me to be able to recommend.

Spoilers abound!

Katherine Center always knows how to deliver a cute romance with a ton of extra heart! This one was fun, but I can't say it captured me the same way her last release, The Romcommers, did. The chemistry between the two main characters felt rushed - Hutch's sudden declaration of feelings and a kiss almost felt out of nowhere! The book skipped through all their bonding with casual ease - car rides and weeks working together just went by in a blink and we didn't really get to see their bond form.

This one probably would've been bumped up a star if not for the Cole fake-dating-lie nonsense. The miscommunication here was annoying and took me right out of the story. At that point in the story things started to feel unrealistic.

Shockingly, the thing that brought me back into the story, was the hurricane disaster and Katie almost drowning on a floating houseboat. A bit of a shock ending but I really liked where everything went!

Slow burn, much slower to get to the plot than other Katherine Center books but once it hit - it hit! Great ending! #thelovehaters #netgalley

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Katherine Center always delivers, and The Love Haters was no exception. I really enjoyed this fun, lighthearted story set against the gorgeous backdrop of Key West. Katie’s journey from a stuck video producer to someone who’s brave enough to dive (literally) into new challenges was relatable and satisfying.

Hutch was such a great character—rugged, charming, and complicated in all the best ways. Their banter was sharp, and the chemistry between them made the story fly by. I also loved Aunt Rue and her Great Dane, who added so much charm to the book. The mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of family drama kept me engaged throughout.

The ending wrapped everything up in such a satisfying way, which is something I always appreciate about Katherine Center’s books. This was the perfect beach read (or escape-from-the-cold read) with just the right blend of romance and heart. Can't wait for her next one!

I feel so lucky to have gotten to read an ARC of this book! Thank you, Netgalley!!

Super cute, very funny, clean (without being all Puritan about it) rom-com. Banter is amazeballs, and it had me laughing out loud at points. Secondary characters were fun, story had great underlying heart, adventure, climatic ending, loveable dog - little bit of all the best things in a rom-com. If I was going to be critical, it missed a conversation from the love interest at the end, his point of view of the ending, but it's a pretty minor complaint.

(also posted to the 52 Book Club FB group with almost 60K members. It fits a bunch of 2025 prompts!)

This book gave me whiplash. That’s the first thing that comes to mind as I begin this review.

Let’s start with the pros. I think the only characters I really liked were Rue and Beanie, although I wished their characters were fleshed out more. We get a glimpse of Rue’s in-depth character in the beginning, when she meets Katie, and towards the end, when she leads Katie and her adopted sons (Hutch, the male protagonist, and Cole) on a walk handing out flowers to passerby (it’s their tradition to honor the lives of Hutch and Cole’s deceased parents). Beanie is a generally supportive character and kind of reminds me of my best friend. She’s there for Katie and tries to get her to list personal positive attributes of herself (since Katie suffers from low self esteem and genuinely hates her own body).

I also really like Hutch’s dog, although it wasn’t fully explained why he took an immediate liking/borderline obsession with Katie and bowled her over each time she was around.

Now, let’s move on to the cons.

The plot line of the story seemed kind of… disjointed. There wasn’t a smooth flow from start to finish. Just when I thought that the plot was going to lead a certain path, suddenly something else disrupted it and forced it to take a sharp turn somewhere else, followed by another sharp turn.

Let me explain (spoiler alert): first, we get a long-winded explanation from Katie about the start of her low self-esteem issues. She explains she was in a long-term relationship with a man, Lucas, before he became famous. Lucas then destroys their relationship by going on tour and subsequently cheating on Katie with another pop star. All the meanwhile, Katie was attacked by the internet for her looks. She gives a (very detailed) description of her eating disorder and her low self esteem with her body. There’s a point in the book where she stumbles across an article posted on a gossip site body-shaming her, and it (rightfully) upsets her. Hutch is there for her to reassure her. In the meanwhile, Lucas apparently has broken up with the side-piece he cheated on her with and conducts interviews where he says he regrets breaking up with Katie and even writes a song about her.

And then after this, for the rest of the book, there’s… barely any mention of Lucas. She listens to the song, she reads that article, and then… nothing comes of it. It’s like the author forgot about the first half of the book where Lucas, Katie’s fame on the internet, and the “woe-is-me-I-regret-cheating-on-her” attitude from Lucas is prominent. I honestly expected Lucas to show up in Key West or something, but nope. He’s just completely forgotten, which makes me wonder what the whole point was for him to be part of the storyline in the first place. Also I imagine that if she was engaged to a very famous singer (and written about in gossip sites), she’d be recognized everywhere she goes, but there’s no mention of that either.

Just when I think the plot line is leading somewhere Lucas-related, the plot takes that sharp turn I mentioned earlier: Cole comes in. This guy was completely different from the Cole we’re introduced to in the first couple chapters. The earlier version of Cole seemed professional, albeit kind of a dick, and acted like how you would expect a superior to act. The later version of Cole that randomly drops in at the 60% mark is an immature, misogynistic character who basically sexually harasses Katie for his own selfish reasons and crosses her personal boundaries many times (this was very glossed over, which bothered me). He forces a fake relationship with Katie to lie to his brother, Hutch, and their boss, Sullivan, who tags along with him on their trip, and touches Katie all the time — ignoring her requests to not touch her. This sexual harassment, like I said, is glossed over. I don’t care if this was supposed to be part of a fake relationship; the guy is literally sexually harassing Katie on her work trip and it crosses none of the characters’ minds that he should be reported to HR. And then his childish tantrums with Hutch — I was taken aback by how immature and competitive he is. He whines like a child about how his brother is such a perfect man, how life is so unfair to him, etc. He taunts Hutch for “stealing” his ex-wife from him (that wasn’t the case at all, since it was Cole’s fiancée at the time who hit on Hutch and went ahead and married Cole for crying out loud). He pokes fun at Hutch for choosing not to drink and forces him into a drinking contest (as a non-drinker myself, the way that this was handled in the book made me uncomfortable). He offers Katie up to a bunch of drunk men at a bar (again, why haven’t they mentioned reporting this guy to HR at this point?!). The later version of Cole we meet in the book is horrifying. Later, he sleeps with Sullivan and the next day they’re inexplicably in love? It makes no sense.

So that happens, and then just when I think the storyline still has some potential of getting resolved and touching on the first half of the book, it takes yet another sharp turn — this time, to an approaching hurricane. Suddenly, the story goes from light and fluffy (albeit a touch bizarre) to dark, fast. Katie ends up stranded in Hutch’s houseboat with his dog. The houseboat goes adrift in the sea during the hurricane and then, after the hurricane is over, the boat begins to sink. She and the dog are then rescued by Hutch (though, why would the Coast Guard rescue the dog first over the human? I know that’s his dog but I was always under the assumption that humans were rescued first?). Katie resolves her body image issues when she thinks she is drowning because then she realizes that she’s been taking her body for granted. And then happily ever after comes, she and Hutch kiss, etc.

Let me just say — this is not how I expected this story to end, at all. With all that talk about Lucas in the beginning and middle part of the story, you’d think he would have a substantial impact on the rest of the story, but instead, the author decided it was best to write in a disjointed plot about a massive hurricane. Katie claims she didn’t realize there was a hurricane coming, but I just didn’t buy it. Don’t they have TVs? Aren’t there weather changes that occur right before a hurricane approaches? How come none of the other characters mention an approaching hurricane — with one being a category four? A category four storm would be all anyone else can talk about. You don’t need a break from social media as an excuse to not know that there’s a big storm coming. The only explanation we get is Hutch suddenly going MIA on Katie because he needs to help the Coast Guard prepare for the incoming storm. Nothing about the hurricane is mentioned in the chapters before this.

I didn’t feel the romantic tension between Hutch and Katie. Their meet-cute isn’t very romantic, and as they get to know each other, we’re basically told, “We talked about our interests during car rides.” He doesn’t communicate well with her and shuts down around her. She later realizes she’s in love with him, but I’m just wondering at what point did they fall in love? Because I personally didn’t see a natural progression in their relationship. Granted, it was definitely soured by the arrival of Cole later in the book, but besides the kiss scene in the middle of the story, I don’t know where and how those two fell in love.

I don’t get what the point of having Sullivan (Katie and Cole’s boss) join the trip was. She inexplicably invites herself along to the trip, tries flirting with Hutch for one chapter (I figured she’d cause a rift in their relationship but nope), and then she ends up drunk and sleeps with Cole the next day, which Cole says they “instantly fell in love.” I don’t understand how they fell in love nor understand why, again, workplace ethics weren’t brought into question (boss + employee relationship shoehorned in) nor what the point of her character was.

Another reviewer brought up a good point: Katie promised Hutch she’d help him get closer to his brother, but that never happens at all.

Also this is just a minor annoyance of mine but sometimes the dialogue left a lot to be desired. One major thing I noticed is that the characters parroted each other a lot. When one character mentioned doing something, the other character would respond by repeating it back to them as a question. It happens a lot in the book and there’s too many examples to name, but here’s a general example: Character 1 says, “I didn’t do ABC” and Character 2 responds, “You didn’t do ABC?” If you read the book, you might know what I’m talking about.

Additionally, there seems to be a lot of mentions of phobias in this book — at least two or three characters each “diagnose” Katie with a different phobia. This bothered me so much; phobias are real, and very serious, and they shouldn’t be used to describe someone’s general negative feelings about something. Katie’s dislike of wearing bathing suits in front of people is not a phobia. Her dislike of wearing colorful clothing as a result of her bad past with her ex-fiancé is not a phobia. Those are things related to her low self esteem, not a debilitating fear of them.

All in all, I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I feel like the main problem with the book was that the author was trying to do too much in one story. I honestly think that each of these major plot points (Katie’s dealing with her famous ex as well as her own notorious fame; a fake relationship; and a hurricane) could have each been fleshed out in their own books, not shoehorned into one. To me, it would’ve worked better that way, because at least then things would have been more fleshed out. Trying to put three major story lines into one story doesn’t achieve the mark as it should.

The Love Haters, by Katherine Center, is such a fun romance. Bit in typical Center style, the hilarity is intertwined with heavier themes- in this case grief and body image. I absolutely Leo Hutch and Katie and was definitely rooting for them from the very first page. And I adored Hutch's rescue Great Dane, George Bailey, and his snarky aunt, Rue. Although I read this book in the middle of a Connecticut winter, it would be even better had I read it poolside, on a tropical island, with a Mai Tai close at hand. Highly recommend!

SO CUTE!!! One thing that I like about Katherine Center books is it’s never a cringy romance, it’s emotional and I’m always a rooting for the characters. It was nice to see a normal girl that has some sort of body dysmorphia got an amazing guy. I just know they will stay together forever whatever they go through. They seem meant for each other and she fit so perfectly into his life.

Now there are small details that I wish could be updated. The first chapter felt long. I know it wasn’t a super long chapter but as a reader it’s like a reward when the start of a book has a short chapter. It makes it easier for me to get into a book. Also her on the boat in the storm sinking was such a nail bitter. I was so anxious reading that. I don’t know if it was just me because I was anxious reading that but it felt very long. Thirdly, I was hoping for more at the end after he saved her. I wish we got one more kiss after getting to shore and feeling hopeful that they will see each other again and use Rue as their way back within the next few days. Lastly, I felt like it was hard for me to see Hutch’s face expressions some of the times. I wish there were a few more points where she noticed his smile especially in the end.

I really enjoyed this book, I was up at midnight finishing this book knowing I had to get up early. The tension between the characters was perfect and Katie’s inner monologue was so funny. Thank you for sharing the book with me, I can’t wait to post on my social media how amazing this book is!!!!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFfsSqtpVyD/?igsh=ZHhrczZkdzVqNGtp

thank you netgalley for the ARC. katherine center the author that you are this made me feel pain all over but so much goodness and love and learning to love yourself (from all the characters) and risking it all for love

I love Katherine Center. And I was thrilled to read this book. And it had all that I love in Center book - lovable secondary characters, a handsome, wonderful man, a girl plagued by something that she is able to overcome. In this case, Katie is sent on a madcap adventure to make a promo video of Hutch, Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Insanity ensues. And more insanity. And then even more. Which is why this book gets 4 stars instead of my usual 5 for a Katherine Center book. It’s just a little too off the wall in its circumstances for my taste. Did that mean I didn’t love it? Nope, I did. But I could have used a little more centering. (See what I did there?) Regardless, I hope you read it because it will leave you feeling as happy and warm as a Katherine Center book does.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Ugh wow. Just WOW. Katherine Center has done it once again!

The Bodyguard and Hello Stranger were a couple of my favorite books in 2024 and I am so excited that The Love Haters is right up there with them and will be one of my favorite books of 2025!

There were so many things to love about this book! Katie’s complicated relationship with herself was something that hit a little too close to home with me but the development of it throughout the book touched my heart. And speaking of something touching my heart…Hutch?!! *cue me giggling and kicking my feet* Sparks were FLYING from the minute we met him! The chemistry between the two main characters was impeccable and I didn’t want this book to end!! This was the easiest 5 star read for me and arguably my new favorite Katherine Center book!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Katherine Center for letting me read and review this ARC. All of the statements above are my true opinions after reading the book❤️

Hutch and George Bailey ❤️ this book started off a little slow but I read the last 60% of it in one sitting! I love a good slow burn love hater 😏

Katherine Center is a wonderful author, known for her interesting and The Love Haters offers a heartfelt and humorous journey of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. The story follows Katie Vaughn, a video producer facing potential job loss, who seizes an 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 this assignment, leading to a series of transformative experiences. 

The novel balances lighthearted moments with emotional depth, including both laughter and introspection.

Although the story was a wee bit over the top for me, I truly enjoyed the humor that this book brought! I did appreciate reading about Katie’s personal journey and her ability to take risks outside her comfort zone. This is a very character driven book. In addition to the major players, the secondary characters were all great, and added depth and likeability to the story. This is a fun romance, with some heavier topics included.

Thank you to #netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this work!

Katherine Center does it again. The Love Haters is funny, romantic, and an all around good time. Katie, the main character, was flawed but I found myself routing for her the whole book. Katie lost her way and her confidence at the beginning of this story, but really worked on herself and came out the other side better for it. Hutch was as dreamy as you would a rescue character to be. Their love story just made sense. Throw in some funny side characters like Rue and the gals, and a overzealous dog, and you have a great rom com on your hands.

Another book by Katherine Center that I just couldn't put down. In the end, it wasn't just your standard romance between two people, but was also the story of how a woman came to love herself. While not my favorite work of the author, it still took me for a ride (on the water).

Katherine Center is an auto-buy author for me, so I was excited to get an e-galley for her newest release. While it’s cute, and definitely has the Katherine Center quirk and charm, this book wasn’t a favorite of hers.

I didn’t check to see if this book had TWs, as I usually don’t really care about them. But I would be interested to see if this one carries any for disordered eating or body dysmorphia, as those two things were a subplot that ran a long way into the book. I did enjoy reading the acknowledgements at the end, to get a sense of where Center was coming from and what she was going for. It did flesh out everything more to me.

The main characters were cute, and I loved the family (found or by blood.) I do wish we had gotten a bit more info/character for the ex-bf, as he felt very one dimensional.

I did find everything about the Coast Guard and search and rescue fascinating. It’s a little-seen part of the military, and I was glad she spotlighted it.

All in all, enjoyed, was cute, just not an all-time favorite of hers.

I received an e-galley on NetGalley. This in no way impacted my review.

Found on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7256183998

Katie goes to the Keys to film a Coast Guard promo video and ends up falling in love with herself and with a rescue swimmer. ARC.