This was a cute listen and I always enjoy Katherine Center’s writing. I liked the story between Kate, Hutch and Cole and was intrigued until the end.

Well if a book can make me cry , I’m giving it all the stars. If she writes it, I am reading it. Katherine center did it again. One month, one month, 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I LOVE THIS BOOK

Here is my emoji review

😂😂🔥💕🥹🫣😑😏😏🤣🤣🥹🥹🥺🥺🤣😏😏😳😳🥹🥹🫣🫣❤️🤣🤣🤣🥹🥹🥹

I repeat don’t drink water why listening or reading this book,

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advance recorded copy of this title.

Katherine Center is becoming one of my favorite authors. The title of this book is about how the main characters feel about love. The female protagonist was involved with a singer who hit it big, literally the night he proposed do her, and dumped her not long after. The man she is supposed to interview and make a short film of is described by his brother as a "love hater", though the brother does seem to have his own axe to grind. Katie is convinced to take the job, making a movie of Hutch, despite the fact that he is a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer--and she can't swim.

So off Katie goes to Key West, to stay in a cottage owned by the brothers' aunt, Rue. One of my very favorite parts of this book is the female friendships that it highlights--several of Rue's other cottages are inhabited year round by her friends, who have created a sort of septuagenarian sorority, swimming together regularly, sangria and dinner every night, etc. They welcome Katie with open arms.

Hutch is apparently an exceedingly good looking man who isn't aware of his own looks. And he has a Great Dane who is not aware of his own size. Thus, their first meeting is not exactly a meet-cute...

This book was timely for me, as I've just started dating again after a marriage ended badly 15 years ago. It had a lot--female friendship, self-esteem issues, sibling rivalry, trauma history, even a storm. On--and since this is an audiobook review, it also had a great narrator!

Highly recommend!

I'm a huge KC fan, but this book was a bit of a miss for me. I found it just OKAY. very forgettable, and the characters are a little too soft for me.

She does it again! Katherine Center is an immediate must read for me and this book did not disappoint. Her characters, Katie Vaughn and Tom “Hutch” Hutchinson, are real people, going through real life situations that force you to empathize and relate to the journeys without even trying.

I loved the dynamic of the relationships throughout the book and Katherine’s Author’s Note at the end is EVERYTHING! She explains every part of why this book is so important and heartwarming.

Patti Murin does a beautiful job narrating the story with dynamic voices for the character and passionate storytelling through Katie’s point of view.

This is a must read/listen for any Rom Com lover!

The Love Haters
by Katherine Center
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to Macmillian Audio and NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

When Katie is asked to produce a film for a Coast Guard project, she jumps in with both feet. Forget the fact that she can't swim. She'll figure that part out later. Along the way, Katie learns what it means to be brave.

I am pretty sure that each of Katherine Centers books gets better than the last. This book had all the elements- sad parts that truly had me chocking back a sob; happy parts that made me laugh; times I wanted to throw the book (well.... my phone since I listened to the audio) across the room from frustration... you get the point. Oh, and there is a dog!

"Every time you have to be brave, you get to be a little braver next time." Isn't this the truth? There are so many ways this quote applies to the story. I loved the characters and their development. Katie has the fears that haunt a lot of women in today's society and has to endure the pressures of social media.

"Sometimes words aren't quite enough."

I would highly recommend this book to fans of Katherine Center and fans of rom-coms. It is set to be published on May 20, 2025. Put it on your library hold list now because I suspect there will be a long wait for this one! The audio book narrator was great, but I would bet this would be fantastic in any format.

It's impressive how human beings can sometimes forget compliments received from people, but the negative ones can stay forever, affecting self-esteem.

In this rom-com novel, Katie struggles to accept her physical appearances and embrace the way she really is because of negative remarks she has received about her body and her likes throughout her life.

Katie's job as a video producer is in the line when she is asked by her coworker to profile a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, who happens to be his good-looking brother.
Katie has no choice but to take this job and travel to the Key West even if she doesn't know how to swim, and she doesn't even like to wear a swimsuit. So, with all her fears, she will travel to the Archipelago and find adventure, love, friendship, and herself.

I love that there is romance, but this is more about self-love, healing, and reconciliation with oneself.
The romantic part is full of trope and is spicy-free, so if you are looking for a spicy read, this won't be the book.
Instead, if you would like to read something funny, lively, with parts that you know it only happens in stories but as well with things relatable to real life, this is the book.
Also, there are other themes present in the novel, such as grief, second chances, and courage.

I like how Katherine Center's novels are clean, for some readers like me who don't care about explicit descriptions and character growth have more weight.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Patti Murin, and it was quite amusing. She has the art to transmit so many feelings with her voice.
In the end, the author's notes and acknowledgments are read by the author, and it was very pleasant to hear about her writing motifs and motivations.
If all mentioned above sounds good to you, I will recommend this book in any format.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for the advanced audiobook via Netgalley.
Publication Date: May 20th, 2025

First, thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my copy. I enjoy Katherine Center books. They are sweet and feel like a hug in book form. However, this was probably my least favorite book of hers I have read thus far. For me, the body image issues suffered by our FMC were a bit off-putting and the timing of the relationship between Katie and Hutch, plus the third act conflict just felt like a lot. That said, I am sure there are others who will enjoy this story. It just wasn't quite for me. I also found the narrator's read quite a bit immature and detracted from the book experience.

Sullivan is firing a third of the… no, half the staff in the midst of her divorce. Cole gives Kate an opportunity to work on a project that, if successful, could secure her position through this downsizing.
Her assignment? Fly to the Florida Keys and spend a month crafting video showing the heroism and excitement of the Coast Guard for recruitment. She’s going to capture clips of rescuers jumping from helicopters and bringing people home.
First problem? Kate can’t swim.
Second problem, her subject doesn’t do interviews. She’s got to convince him to do a day in the life interview to keep her job. But is that really what’s most important?

Katherine Center creates lovable and relatable characters. I was tempted to look up Jennifer Annistons dog being saved by a very handsome coast guard. I wanted to give the Great Dane all the puppy dog snuggles. I laughed as the older women meddled with Kate and Hutch.

Katie does experience a lot of issues with her body. I grew up in the 90s and can relate to the way she feels throughout the book as she learns to love herself.

I don’t normally read a book more than once. But this one, I went back in and listened again as soon and I finished. These were friends I wanted to revisit.

I 100% agree with Katherine Center and her belief in the importance of romance novels and reading in general. Even if it’s fiction, if it’s written well, you join the story characters. You learn along with them. You feel empathy for these characters. In a time where we so desperately need to remember that we are all just humans, empathy is imperative.

As far as the narrator goes, Patti kept my attention. Cole was my least favorite character just on his voice alone. But it suited him. I often need to increase the speed on a book to keep my focus, but I was able to listen at the default pace.

Thank you to Katherine Center, MacMillan Audio, Patti Murin and NetGalley for the opportunity to go on this journey with Katie and listen to the ARC.

This was SO GOOD. I’m not gonna lie, when I started this, I wasn’t loving it. But the more I got into it, the more I loved it. I laughed, I cried, I related, and I didn’t. I experienced frustration and empathy and entertainment. The mix of the romance, women’s fiction, personal growth, and even the pup made this book come together. I think if you read this, stick with it. You may learn something new about yourself and may even laugh, cry, and experience to the fullest along the way. Katherine Center, cheers to you for this one. It was amazing. And thank you for the research you put into this book. Great job. Can’t wait for what you bring to us next.

Is it possible that the audio book could be better than the actual book?? The narrators were great and really enhanced the story.
There were so many laugh out moments in this book, and they were even better on the audio book. Thank you to NetGalley for
allowing me to listen to this book and relive again. All of the characters were very well developed and adorable. George Bailey
may have been one of my favorite character.

I really enjoy Katherine Centers writing. This is only the second of her novels I've read and I am actually so excited to read more.
This was a fun, cute, low stakes, closed door romance, with loveable characters (especially Rue) and an adorably oversized scaredy cat of a rescue dog. I liked the chemistry between the love interests, and dont feel like it gave off instalovey vibes. I also really enjoyed her BFF and the fact that she lived in another city yet was still so present with their video chats was super cute.
One thing I didnt love was that some of the situations were just so unbelievable. I do think, for me at least, the characters and the writing made up for this, but if this is something that would ruin the story this book might not be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Audio note: The audio is good! I’m familiar with Patti Murin from listening to some of Center’s other books, so I knew the audio was going to be a good experience. We only get Katie’s perspective, so Patti is the sole narrator, but her voice works well for the vibe. Very easy to listen to. The runtime (10 hours) was perfect for a full-day binge, and the storyline is so fast-paced that I did just that. The heat level is very low, so not a bad choice for a workday listen, and the vibe was ideal for that. It’s emotional but not super heavy, with a little bit of humor mixed in. The audio definitely enhanced my reading experience.

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Admittedly, it’s probably my love of The Rom-Commers that bumps this rating up to 4 stars, but I also flew right through it. There are definitely some bumpier moments, but the bulk of it is solid. In many ways, it’s the heroine’s journey, following her on an assignment that slowly makes her feel stronger and healthier after years of being uncomfortable in her body. I wish there had been a content note about the heroine’s past with body dysmorphia and disordered eating, as it was a major element. I probably would’ve DNFed quickly had I not read and loved The Rom-Commers, but this smooths out once the romance is introduced. The story leans more towards women’s fiction than romance, but the little breadcrumbs we got kept me going. Eventually, I was immersed in the story, and I loved that it played out in such an unpredictable way.

The story follows Katie, a woman who has been tasked with creating a video that highlights the heroism of a notoriously camera shy rescue swimmer. While Hutch became famous for his heroics, he has avoided the spotlight until now. It’s Katie’s job to make him shine, and that means facing some fears of her own – including the fact that she can’t swim. As the two work on the assignment together and push through Katie’s fears, she discovers a side of herself that has been buried for a long time. They may not know each other well, but soon Katie and Hutch are drawn together in a way they didn’t anticipate.

I should mention that the cover (and title) does not fit with the vibe of the story AT ALL. Sure, it takes place in Florida, but the tone is much heavier and more emotional than the vibrant colors would indicate. There is the occasional humorous moment, and I would’ve loved more lighthearted scenes with Katie and Hutch. I really enjoyed them together, and I think their relationship had a lot of potential. I still want to know a lot more about Hutch, but I loved the parts we got to know. It’s very much Katie’s story overall, and her journey was interesting. Center is so talented at writing stories that straddle the line between women’s fiction and romance, so there were some great moments mixed in. I binged this in a single day and stayed engaged throughout, so I have to call it a win overall.

Unfortunately I didn't adore Katherine Center's The Love Haters. I've really connected with this author's stories in the past, so I was sorry these characters didn't resonate with me. Granted, I'm not in a position to relate to either of them, but that shouldn't really matter.

I did enjoy the pictures Center paints of all the adventures Katie and Hutch endure, she writes good comedy.

The audio version of The Love Haters is performed by Patti Murin.

Katherine knows how to hit you in the feel goods.
The dialogue between all characters in this book, not just the banter between the romantic couple, is backbone to such enjoyable and relatable stories. The beachy summer setting is the perfect Vibe for coming out of the winter, and the character development and reflection on self-love and worth was impactful without being over the top or uncomfortable. I've already recommended this book to several other people, and the afterward by the author moved me to tears. Romance books are about connection and they are important and they are needed and they are awesome!

3.5 stars
This was a good read, I really enjoyed the coast guard aspect. I adored George Bailey 🐶, and Hutch's aunt Rue. But didn't feel connected to any of the other characters. There was a lot of chaos going on in this and it just didn't pull me in like most of Center's other reads.

"You're like a human hot fudge sundae" was the strangest compliment ever but I also loved it because I love ice cream 🍦

Thanks to NetGalley & MacMillan Audio for an advance copy!

Katie has been burned by love in the past making her a love hater. And just when she thought it couldn’t get worse, she finds out she has one last chance to save her job by going to Key West to film her estranged coworker’s brother, Tom “Hutch” Hutcherson. Hutch is a fellow love-hating coast guard with a Great Dane just doing his job in the Keys. As Katie and Hutch’s lives become intertwined, they slowly learn a thing or two along the way and both must learn to be brave in their own ways.

I absolutely LOVED this audiobook. The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing that story to life and getting me invested in the characters. I absolutely adored Katie and Hutch (and George Bailey!) and watching their lives unfold. Katherine Center has a way with words and captivating readers and listeners. I am definitely a fan for life!

Unfortunately The Love Haters did not live up to The Rom-Commers to me (the only other Katherine Center book I've read and can base on). I really wanted to like this one but I really found myself not caring about really any of the characters except maybe Rue. I didn't really feel any chemistry between Katie and Hutch. I did like the overall story and did have some moments I enjoyed. But I wish it had just a little more.

One thing I have discovered in reading Katherine Center books is that she always has characters that have certain issues that the reader can connect to. These issues are not always what you normally would think of, but Katherine is able to weave the characters stories and insecurities into the story. The Love Haters focuses on the themes of body image, low self esteem, grief, abandonment, self forgiveness and sibling rivalry.
Katie Vaughn is a video producer/reporter who has self esteem images that comes from her negative body image. Katie's boss Cole Hutchinson asks her to interview his older brother Tom "Hutch" Hutchinson, an elite Coast Guard rescue swimmer for their agency. In order for Katie to keep her job amongst the mass firings that the new boss is doing Katie says she will do the interview. The only thing is Katie doesn't tell Cole she cannot swim.
Katie arrives in the Florida Keys, and stays at Aunt Rue's resort, and must figure out a way to learn how to swim before she meets Hutch. I enjoyed Aunt Rue and her friends who give a lot of humor to this story. I also loved the cute Great Dane too!
I enjoyed seeing Katie's personal growth in this story and how Rue, Beanie and Hutch help her on this journey of self love.
The Love Haters is a lighthearted story that will make you smile, and how each of the characters help each other in opening up their hearts to forgiveness and love.
Highly recommend for fans of Katherine Center and lighthearted romance.
Thank you Net galley, Macmillan audio and St. Martin's press for the opportunity to review this book.

The Love Haters starts with a fun setup—fake swim lessons, family drama, and a swoony Key West setting—but it didn’t fully live up to its promise for me. Katie is a relatable, spirited lead, but her romance with Hutch felt more told than shown, lacking the spark I was hoping for. Some side characters, like Rue, added charm, while others felt underdeveloped or frustrating.

The book touches on meaningful themes like grief and body image, but they often got lost in the mix of humor and over-the-top moments. Still, I enjoyed the tropical setting, adventurous touches, and Katie’s journey toward self-worth.

I'm excited to read more from Katherine Center!

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the early listen opportunity!