My heart beats just a little bit faster every time I open up a new Katherine Center novel. She never disappoints. The Love Haters features Katie, a video producer who's job is in jeopardy. In order to save it, she opts to head to Key West to film a feature on Coast Guard rescuer, Hutch. Hutch hates any attention and never does interviews; however, Katie works with his brother and Hutch would do anything for Cole after a falling out years ago.

I think what I loved most about this book is that there are a ton of laughs interspersed with real, vulnerable moments. Hutch has really been through it. He may be cool as a cucumber on the surface but that is only to mask a ton of emotion and hurt inside. Katie is simply desperate to save her career - so much so she opts to do a feature that requires her to be on and in the water despite her inability to swim. I loved the natural way these two fell together. It never felt forced or contrived. There are some things at the beginning that I didn't love around body issues; however, the overall message that Center pulls off in the end made me glad I stuck with this story.

Patti Murin is back for the audiobook version, which surely is a no-brainer. Her narration is flawless.
She always handles the characters she features with both wit and care. They simply come alive. I enjoyed the side characters, I felt the chemistry between Katie and Hutch, and I found myself smiling as I inhaled this delightful book. I am only sad that it's over and I now need to wait for the next release from this wonderful author.

Katherine Center does it again!! I could not out this down!! I loved the banter, the setting, and all of the characters!!! I will read anything by her!

Katie Vaughn’s job may be on the line. Her boss wants to help prove to his boss that she’s worth keeping so he decides to send her on a special assignment interviewing a “love hating” rescuer in the Coast Guard down in the Florida Keys. Lies are told, “The Gals, a group of retirees, swoop in to encourage romantic mischief, and a tropical storm may be looming in the distance.

I love Katherine’s writing style! The story was fun to follow and I felt the pacing was good! The pacing of the “event” toward the end felt…odd…but it didn’t pull me out of the story.

Overall I enjoyed it and it’s definitely stand out story that won’t easily blur into the numerous romances I have and will read this year.

The star of the show is the Great Dane that’s terrified of thunder and has a soft spot for toads 💙

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press & Macmillan Audio for an arc in exchange for my honest review!

Katherine Center has done it again! I cannot get enough of her sweet writing style and her precious love stories she creates. I loved the narrator and I love the bright and fun colored cover (which I didn't get to appreciate as much due to the fact that I listened to the audiobook). This, and all of Katherine's other books are easy to read, addictive, and heart-warming. Get yourself a copy today! Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy of this book for an honest review.

3.5 🌟 rounded up. The Love Haters started off slow for me but picked up around 18%. From that point on, I was hooked! I looked forward to picking it up, if only to swoon over Hutch, and it really had my heart pounding towards the end. I laughed out loud and thought that certain scenes were just so funny and adorable. I cringed at some very cheesy lines but forgave them because the context surrounding the cheesiness was too good not to enjoy. But then the main conflict of the story really had me shaking my head. Overall, I very much had a love-hate relationship with the story but thought it was cute and had nice messages. I’d definitely recommend it to certain friends and plan on rereading it by listening to the audiobook when it releases in May.

I found Katie and the major issues she had surrounding her body image to be an overbearing start to the book. I completely understand her negative self-talk and the struggles she has had with the number on the scale, but it felt like it dragged on and on and was too focused on this in the beginning. By the end of the book though, I was sold on the message that Katherine was delivering. We only have one body in our lifetimes and one chance to love and appreciate all that it does for us! It is so important that we learn to be kind and forgiving to ourselves.

As soon as Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a rescue diver for the US Coast Guard, entered the scene, I could not put this book down. He is an extremely lovable and swoon worthy MMC and I ate up every single scene with this guy. I loved his humongous Great Dane sidekick, George Bailey, and the ridiculous yet hilarious situations he caused, his Aunt Rue, her colorful, flowery caftans, dinners by the pool every night with the gals, and her need to constantly gift Katie with bold bathing suits gently coaxing her to be brave, and his profession sold itself- the helicopters, the aviators, the necessity of being fit to rescue people in the ocean on the worst day of their life. He’s kind, patient, and always willing to lend a helping hand. The tension between him and Katie was so good and the inspirational, uplifting messages peppered throughout the book made me love the story despite the many issues I had with it. And Katherine Center is the queen of writing a meaningful and impactful Author’s Note so be sure to read it!

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The Love Haters centers around Katie Vaughn, a video producer sent by her work colleague, Cole, to film a promotional video for the Coast Guard in Key West. The only problem is that she cannot swim... but her job is on the line so she lies and hopes to fake it until she makes it. The star of her video is Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson, a handsome supposed "love hater" and the brother of Cole. Sparks fly with Katie and Hutch but there is some family drama and lies that might get in the way of their happily ever after.
I love Katherine Center romances, so I jumped on the chance to get to an early copy of this story. This book was enjoyable but for me, the romance element was lacking. A lot of the time spent between Hutch and Katie was just told to the reader by the narrator instead of shown so the connection didn't feel very strong to me. I also didn't think the body image issues were handed with the most care- those themes seemed very surface level. I did love Rue and her friends as side character and I learned a lot about the Coast Guard.
Thank you NetGalley and MacmillanAudio for the advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this book. From the very first page, The Love Haters had me hooked with its clever banter, lovable characters, and all the emotional depth I didn’t even know I needed.

Kathrine Center just gets it. She writes people who feel real—messy, funny, scared, strong—and watching the main characters slowly drop their walls and fall for each other was so satisfying. The chemistry was undeniable, the humor was perfectly timed, and the emotional moments hit me right in the heart.

This wasn’t just a cute rom-com (though it was definitely that too!)—it also explored family, ambition, and what it means to really let someone see you. I laughed, I teared up, and I didn’t want it to end.

If you love romance with substance, unforgettable characters, and a story that leaves you full of hope, this one’s for you. A total 5-star read!

LOVE HATERS!!! Thank you NetGalley & Pub for this PLEASANT ARC! Hutch & Katie’s romance was so sweet,
though a bit of a slow burn.. and a little back and forth. This was my first Katherine Center book and I just loved her writing! The story was easy to follow, (most) characters were likable, and it was a completely good time! My favorite character was honestly George Bailey, Hutch’s dog! I loved how he wasn’t just a pet, but a part of the story!!

Romance is not usually my preferred genre but I love Katherine Center. She knows how to pull you in, develop lovable characters and relationships without getting overly spicy. I absolutely loved this one!

KatherineCenter writes the cutest warmest fuzziest romcom books ever. She is an autobuy for me, so when I saw an opportunity for an advance read, I jumped at the chance and had my fingers, toes and eyes crossed!

Katie is a video producer, and her company is downsizing – her job is in jeopardy. Her co-worker and mentor, Cole, sets Katie up to work on a promotional video of a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Katie takes the assignment although she lied and said she could swim.

When Katie gets to the Florida Keys to work with the rescue swimmer “Hutch”, aka Cole’s brother, her lie comes back to haunt her. Cute, cute, cute. The flirting, the banter, and most especially George Bailey (Hutch’s rescue Great Dane).

A light, fun, easy read on a Sunday afternoon. Finished in one sitting!

RECOMMEND. You can pre-order it now 😉

Thank you #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for the advance copy of #TheLoveHaters in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute, somewhat predictable rom com. BUT- the best part of this book, in my opinion, was how the main character learned to love ALL parts of herself. Lots of messages that I took to heart and will try to remember the next time I’m being hard on myself. Excellent narration of the audiobook!

This was a cute, light story with some deep under-meaning, however it seemed a little long winded with inner dialogue - but that is just for me, for others it might need to be what you need to hear. But overall it was a cute predictable story and everything tied together in the end. Made me smile and laugh in certain parts. Plus, a good happy ending is always the best way to end a story!

This contains an audiobook review as well.

The Love Haters is a standalone kisses only romcom with some swearing. It is told in 1st person point of view from the main female character.

I went in to listening to this book without knowing anything other than the title but was hooked before the narrator read 5 minutes worth of the book. I found it to it to be very funny and yet there was a deeper message that really struck me regarding body positivity. The way that was addressed was so moving for me. Can you name 10 specific things you like about your body? I couldn't and probably still can't but I'm definitely going to try working on that! I also found the information regarding Hutch's occupation very informative, and especially appreciated the origin of "helicopter".

Hutch was so appealing as a character. Katie was very relatable. I just thoroughly enjoyed this book. A large part of that goes to the narrator of the audiobook! I would never have been able to read this with as much emotion and enthusiasm and spot on inflection as she did. Top notch job there!

I am also very happy to note that the author's notes and acknowledgements are included in the audiobook. ThatA is always a big plus to me as a reader/listener. A plus for this book is that those are both read by the author Katherine Center.

I was given the opportunity to listen to a copy of this book before release by Macmillian Audio and Netgalley. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This was a wonderful story! Katherine Center has done it again! Katie, the main character has such good chemistry across the board with all of the other characters. I was so sad that Katie has such negative body image about herself, and it appeared to really affect her emotional state. I listened to this in audio form, and the narrator was engaging and did a great job. If you are someone who has enjoyed Katherine Center's books in the past, you will enjoy this. If this is your first Katherine Center book, then you won't be disappointed! Thank you to net galley for this ARC for free in trade for my honest review.

★★★☆ 3.5/5 stars

Read if you like :
- Ashton Kutcher in The Guardian
- Closed door romance
- Rescue dogs
- Early 2000s rom coms
- Key West & beachy vibes
- Jennifer Aniston
- Witty banter

My thoughts :
Coast Guard rescue swimmer with a giant rescue Great Dane meets an anxious documentary film maker. Full of laugh out loud funny moments, quirky supporting characters, set in a charming seaside atmosphere with all the makings of your favorite 2000s rom com movie.

Was this a deep, emotional work of literature? No.
There were definitely some things about this one that felt a little too far fetched & silly, but it was very entertaining! I listened to this one start to finish in one day.

You have to suspend belief a bit & accept it for what it is : a super lighthearted, sometimes cheesy, summery rom com that would make for a perfect poolside read!

Thank you @macmillan.audio &@netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this arc!

OK, how is this my first Katherine Center? Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC in return for my honest review.

Add this to your summer TBR!! I couldn’t stop listening to this. I love when romance can take real-life situations and weave them in effortlessly into the story. Katie’s struggles with eating disorders and body dysphoria were clearly done with a lot of research and sensitivity. Though I did not love this for Katie, I understood why the author kept Katie’s body-consciousness at the surface of this story. I felt like it honestly reflects the idea that when there is something you are struggling with, it’s never far from your mind.

I enjoyed a lot about this novel. The setting was filled with fun and adventure with laugh-out-loud humor. Key West became its own character, and I love when the setting is intricate to the storytelling. The chemistry between Katie and Hutch was palpable and so much fun to read. Where it missed was, we didn’t get enough of Hutch and Katie together; their reconciliation felt rushed, and I also feel like the ex-boyfriend was a huge loose thread.

I’ve always loved Katherine Center’s books and how she addresses important themes and issues in her stories. Plus some swoony moments. Love Haters definitely has all those. Katie (FMC) has some intense struggles with body image and self confidence, and the story also explores grief, loss, and overcoming negative self talk.

Things I loved:
-Rue & the gals
-The dog
-The first swim lesson (IYKYK 🤭)
-The swoony moments

Things I didn’t love:
-The body image stuff was relatable but also felt..maybe too extreme? And then it didn’t make sense to me to have a sculpted, perfect, statue of a man as the MMC.
-Speaking of the MMC. This is really just a personal gripe with many romance books in general, nothing against KC. But the perfect body, being overly described and ogled, and the man without any flaws, is not doing it for me.
-A lil bit of miscommunication that felt out of character.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Thanks, Macmillan Audio & Netgalley, for the audio ARC! Patti Murin does a fantastic job as always, and I love the little notes from Katherine as well.

Katherine’s books read like a love letter to life, to love, and to the romance genre. They leave me feeling hopeful and happy, and what more could you want from a book?

Patti did such an excellent job with the narration. She brought out the emotions in KC's writing and kept me engaged in the story from beginning to end. I just love her expressive voice, and it's so soothing to listen to.

I really enjoyed the development of Hutch and Katie. From the swimming lessons to the scenes with George Bailey, they were just so fun on page together. And, as always, KC had the best side characters. I loved The Gals and wanted to pull up a beach chair right beside them!

While the romance was excellent, Katie’s personal growth was the best part of this book for me. I was rooting for her to see her worth and love herself and her body. This book was such a good blend of humor and heartfelt, emotional moments!

Grab a bright, floral dress and some sunnies and let’s head to the beach!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC! All thoughts are my own.

This was a quick, fun romance read that had me smiling from start to finish. The pacing was spot-on, the writing style flowed effortlessly, and the characters—especially Katie and Hutch—were both charming and easy to root for. The Key West setting, mixed with adventure, humor, and a Great Dane, made this feel like a sunshine-filled rom-com in book form.

Where the story missed for me was the constant body-consciousness from Katie. It felt repetitive and unnecessary, especially in a romance that otherwise radiated confidence and growth. Remove that aspect, and this would’ve been an easy 5-star read!

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I was between a 3.75 and 4 star rating for this book, I decided a 4 is the rating for now.

I enjoyed the story but there were some elements that needed a touch more of sensitivity, in my opinion. I have been a fan of Katherine Center’s books for a few years now and have enjoyed most of her works, so I want to give this one the benefit of the doubt.

I liked the characters, the plot, and the romance of this book. I always appreciate a found family book, especially one like this.


***Semi-Spoiler/Trigger Warning***

The main character has an eating disorder and a complicated relationship with her body and how she looks.

I have complicated feelings about the way this was handled and I believe that it could be damaging to someone who is actively working through an eating disorder of their own.