This book was a really enjoyable and easy read! Katie is sent to Key West to create a documentary on the coast guard. The story focuses around her but you discover a family's past trauma and healing through her eyes. I was not expecting the ending and was so scared for the dog!

Katherine Center has done it again! The Love Haters is more than just a swoon-worthy rom-com—it’s a heartfelt journey of self-acceptance, courage, and learning to love yourself first.

Katie Vaughn is the perfect mix of charming, flawed, and fiercely determined. She may be out of her depth (literally—she can’t swim!), but watching her navigate not just deep waters but also deep-seated insecurities is both inspiring and relatable. Her journey isn’t just about falling for the smoldering, emotionally guarded Hutch. It’s about learning to see her own worth, embrace her fears, and stand tall in who she is—flaws, strengths, and all.

This book celebrates body positivity and self-appreciation in the most natural, empowering way. Through Katie’s eyes, we see that beauty isn’t about perfection, confidence isn’t about appearances, and real love—whether romantic or self-love—comes from embracing your whole self. With hilarious moments, touching self-reflection, and a setting so vivid you’ll feel the ocean breeze, The Love Haters is a reminder that the healthiest, most fulfilling relationship starts with yourself.

An absolute joy from start to finish.

Thank you Katherine Center, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

The Love Haters had the potential to be an engaging romance, but unfortunately, it fell flat in several key areas. While the premise was interesting, I struggled to connect with the main character, largely due to the way her body image issues were handled. The theme itself could have been compelling, but it felt long and drawn out, making her character frustrating rather than sympathetic. Instead of rooting for her, I found myself losing patience, which made it difficult to fully invest in her journey.

Another major issue was the lack of chemistry between the two leads. I usually enjoy feeling the tension in a love story—the push and pull, the spark—but I just didn’t feel it here. Their interactions felt forced, and the romance never truly came to life. Given that I’ve read other books by this author and enjoyed them, this one was a disappointment in comparison.

Additionally, the narration left something to be desired. While the main voice was decent, the other character voices felt off, lacking the depth or personality needed to bring them to life. For some reason, the narrator’s tone didn’t match the character I had in my head, which made it even harder to stay engaged.

Overall, The Love Haters was just okay. It had moments of sweetness, but the pacing, lack of chemistry, and underwhelming narration made it one of the weaker books I’ve read from this author. I was hoping for more.

This is a perfect summer Rom-com filled with witty banter and conflict. I would've grabbed this by the cover alone, but I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to read and listen to this ARC. I will say the beginning started off a little slow but quickly moved into the storyline and I had a hard time putting this one down. I had the audiobook as well as the book so when I wasn't able to read I was listening to it. Narration was spot on and added to the humor in some of Katie's sensitive moments. Read this or listen to you, you won't regret it!

Katherine Center's books have never let me down. She knows how to write a page-turner that nonetheless leaves me feeling like I’ve really spent time with the characters, like I’ve come to know them. And I usually end up seeing myself or the world in a slightly different way.

The Love Haters was no exception. I listened to this book over the course of a day and a half and enjoyed every minute of it. Aunt Rue had me questioning my own spring wardrobe— is it too dull?— and George Bailey, the goofy great dane, brought laughter at just the right moments.
The narrator of this audio version brought just the right amount of energy and coziness to her performance.

Many, many thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the free audiobook for review. It’s a great book!

I love Katherine Center's romcoms, and this one is no exception! She makes really likable characters who I actually root for, and her third-act break-up scenes normally aren't quite as annoying as others. I have realized as I've read more of her books that while I like that the dialogue flows pretty well, she uses a lot of juvenile forms of speaking most of the time. Lots. Of. Pauses. And lots of weird comparisons/metaphors/similes/etc. And maybe it's not quite as noticeable in the written version, but hearing it read out over audio started to grate on my nerves a bit.

Overall, this was a very cute story. Hutch seems like a great male character, Katie was relatable (for the most part), and I loved Aunt Rue and hope to be her someday. One thing I didn't like quite as much was Cole. He is the worst character and made me almost knock my rating down to 3 stars just because of how annoying and awful he is. I wish he could be removed, because it would have made for a much better read in my opinion. It just felt like Katherine was looking for a way to cause miscommunication, but it didn't feel natural to the story.

Cute, but not her best work so far. It's a very easy read, and very enjoyable!

This audiobook was fantastic. My first choice genre is typically thriller so sometimes when I listen to a romance or rom/com I find them to be kind of boring. I really enjoyed the plot a lot. The insecurities were relatable and although sometimes I thought it seemed annoying how much the main character talked about her body issues; it was real and raw. There were times during the plot that I was laughing and there was even a point where I cried. I have never cried listening to a book, ever. Anything that makes you actually feel something is a win for me. 5 stars.

This was so so good! I sat down to listen to the audiobook while my daughter took a nap and next thing I know, she’s up watching Netflix and I’m finishing up this book IN ONE SITTING.

Katie is taking on a documentary assignment that she has no business accepting because it seems like the only way to save her job. Next thing she knows, she is in Key West at the cutest motel, being TAUGHT HOW TO SW BY THE OWNER’S ADOPTED SON WHO ALSO HAPPENS TO BE THE COAST GUARD RESCUE SWIMMING SHE IS SHADOWING ON THIS ASSIGNMENT.

The forced proximity and all around good-guy vibes from Hutch made me swoon and honestly this book only furthered the unhinged idea that I could totally fall for a military man. Also, then ending rescue with the dog and frog. I cannot. This book was TOO GOOD!

I also wildly appreciated the journey to self-love and acceptance that Katie had as a secondary (or more linear) storyline to the romance. Katherine Center has a beautiful authors note all about how radical self-love and acceptance can be and how romance is powerful and I couldn’t agree more.

Overall, I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to get my hands on the beautiful print edition!

Katherine Center never fails to entertain me. I loved her books. They hold a deep meaning, and this one was love for oneself.

Katie is a video producer who takes an assignment covering the Coast Guard rescue swimmers. She can't swim. She does not want to be in a swimsuit after years of body image issues brought on by her stepmom and dating a now famous musician in the past. The public was not nice to her.

In hopes of not being laid off, she finds herself traveling to Key West, wearing bright florals after years of wearing black, wearing a swimsuit, and being taught how to swim by the Love Hater himself, Hutch. Turns out that Hutch is a beautiful man who does not want to be filmed. He does not make it easy.

Laughter, swoony moments, tears- Katherine is great at making you think and focus on the important things.

Katherine Center is an instant read for me every time. While her books are always fun and the romances sweet and swoony, I love that she always writes about something more serious with depth. She’s an emotionally intelligent writer and her books are so much more than a light beach read. This book is no different and is one of my favorites of hers! I enjoyed Katie and Hutch (and Rue!) and they were so easy to root for!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance digital copy.

Love Haters

Katherine Center’s books are normally a solid four to five stars for me. The Love Haters was almost a DNF for me because of how it started, but I pushed through. I’ll give this one 2.5 stars.

Thanks to Net Galley and the author for an ARC of the audiobook.

I truly loved this so much. Patti Murin did an amazing job narrating.

I had fun listening to all the situations Katie got herself into trying to get the documentary filmed to avoid getting fired. I mean the woman can't swim and agrees to film a coast guard doc...

I thought the involvement of the old ladies at the pool was super cute and I really liked how kind Hutch is to everyone he interacts with. He is like a hard boiled egg. Once you crack open the shell, He's just a soft boy. He also has a great dane who is afraid of thunderstorms which I found incredibly endearing.

The writing itself was great as always. Center knows how to grab you and keep you wanting more. Her books are always a hit for me.

Overall, the romance, setting, and characters were fantastic including Cole who pissed me off many times (sometimes you need an annoying character to further your plot). I would definitely recommend this!

*4.5 stars*

It's been a while since I've read a Katherine Center book. I really love some of her older work like Happiness for Beginners and How to Walk Away and this one felt more like this! I just adored it!!!!!

I was instantly so smitten with the writing and characters. It was just so light hearted and fun while still having a great message behind it. I love how it has this underling message about living your body and cherishing what it does for you! It was such a good reminder. Plus the romance was SO CUTE! I mean as soon as Hutch was mentioned I was a GONER!! I pictured him like that guy who plays in the Reacher show. A big, manly, sexy rescue Coast Guard! I just loved their banter and the progression of their relationship.

The ending is a little over the top but honestly I was okay with it because it was fun! And it was just what I needed! I am just so excited about this one!!!! It's definitely worth checking out! Also, I love when there is a dog in a story and this doggie was precious! I would have gone back for it too!

I love all of Katherine Center's titles and this one, with it's body image issues, hit close to home. It was wonderful to see a character with an inner dialogue and how it impacts their lives. I am NOT a dog fan, but George Bailey is the best. It was a great story and I'd love to book a week at the cottages. I can't wait for the next Center title!

The audio narrator was great but I really disliked the story. The characters seemed extremely immature and I hate that the fmc seemed to lack self confidence. She seemed to thirst after Hutch which was annoying. I also disliked the drama surrounding the two brothers. I didn’t find it fun and found it to be quite messy.

I loved this book. Truly. It was such a fun, lighthearted read! I ended up taking this on vacation with me, and it is the PERFECT beach read for summer! The female main character is extremely likable and struggles with anxiety just as much as the rest of us. The male main character is dreamy, mysterious, humble, and kind...truly everything you could wish for in a love interest. Just...chef's kiss!

Initially, I DNF'd this book because of the FMC's body issues and how that hit home with me. However, when I got the audiobook, I picked it back up and really enjoyed the listen. This is not the standard rom com that we've all ready a bunch before, but its a story of a girl learning to love herself and conquer her fears, as well as finding home. Oh and love... I liked the adventurous aspects of the story and felt the love story ultimately came second to the story, to the benefit of the book as a whole.

**Review of *The Love Haters* by Katherine Center - 4⭐️**

*The Love Haters* is a heartwarming, easy read that blends romance with personal growth. Katie Vaughn, a videographer who's been burned by love and fears losing her job, is given a chance to profile a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. Tom "Hutch" Hutchison, a private man, has always declined such requests but reluctantly agrees to let Katie document his life.

The novel unfolds at a good pace, slowly revealing Hutch's past and the reasons behind his guarded nature. Katie finds friendship, self-acceptance, and love in Key West, leaving behind the toxicity of her previous life. Through her journey, she learns to embrace love, both in her work and personal life.

This sweet, easy romance set in a charming location leads to a fulfilling happy ending, making it a perfect read for fans of lighthearted, feel-good stories.

**Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

4.75 🌟
Spice: kissing

There Katherine Center goes, writing another one of my favorite books. I felt like Katie's thoughts about her weight/body were so relatable. I could resonate with her feelings and try to learn to love things about yourself. I adored Hutch and George Bailey. A single dog dad who's a Coast Guard rescue swimmer! What's not to love! Learning about how he, Cole, & Rue became a family was heartbreaking. They all lost so much but held onto each other. I was full-on crying at times.

The audio is fantastic as always. The whole story is so good, I can't wait to see what she writes next!

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an ARC/audiobook of this upcoming release from Katherine Center. I really enjoyed this book. The FMC deals with body image and many of us can relate. The underlying love story wasn't unique but the setting, the characters and the dog (OMG, the dog) made it all feel fresh and full of life. Overall a solid rom-com! Also, George Bailey might be my absolute favorite KC character.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan audio for the ARC!