“She really has let herself go. And as Rue would say: How glorious.”

I’m a fan of Katherine Center and was excited to receive this ARC, but this one sort of missed the mark for me. All the elements were there to make a great romcom, but that’s what the book felt like, elements of a great romcom without enough connection to really sell the story. This was a great love story with a fantastic beginning, middle, and end, but I just didn’t feel it and felt like the attraction and love were more told than shown. I also felt like there was way too much time spent on her eating disorder with nothing new really added to the conversation.

It’s disappointing because of the potential: his rescue dog with an unexplained affinity for her of all people, the meddling grandma with her group of meddling friends, taking on a role that you are in no way qualified for to save your job and trying to fake it until you make it in front of someone that definitely knows you are faking it. There were so many extremely funny lines too that if I had felt more connected to the story would have absolutely killed.

I’ll definitely still pick up her next book because I am a fan, but this one let me down a bit.

Okay, I ate this book up. I was hooked from the beginning wondering how Katie was going to trick Hutch into thinking she knew what she was doing when it came down to swimming lol but the romance in the story is what kept me going. Katherine Center near disappoints me when it comes to romance. I always feel like her books are adventure guide to love and I love that!! The only thing I didn’t like about this one was the lie Katie had to tell Hutch when Cole came into town. Other than that, I can’t wait to read more from her in the future!!!

DNF - I think the topic of body image and negative self talk was too much for me. I personally struggle with those issues and I don’t want to read about those same inner thoughts I have. I want to escape them. I think the authors note about this topic should have been at the beginning of the book and be listed as a trigger warning.

"Nothing around me was the same, and so I didn’t have to be the same, either."

Recap: To save her job, videographer Katie is shipped off to Key West, tasked with filming an ad for a Coast Guard swimmer Hutch, the notorious Love Hater. The only issue? (1) she cannot swim (2) she lied about it to get the job. Oh, and (3) she is terrified of swimsuits. Katie quickly learns Hutch may not be as much of a Love Hater as she first thought. He actually really might not hate love at all. But as lies start piling up, and storms start churning, their relationship is quickly strained.

pros
❤︎ loveable side characters (Rue!! George Bailey!!)
❤︎ dynamic characters
❤︎ quick read

cons
❤︎ heavy focus on body image
❤︎ unrealistic ending (but it is a cute romance!!)

Thoughts:
Such a fun, new take on a romance book! This is my very first Katherine Center, and I had very high hopes to be honest. The book started off kind of slow. We were getting introduced to the characters and the gorgeous atmosphere of Key West. I truly felt transported to Rue's cottages.

As the characters continued to be developed, the plot faded into the background and all I cared about was Katie and Hutch. It is okay for the main plot of a book to be the romance!! It is a romance after all! So be warned this is a character-based book, not a plot- or spice-based book.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for this arc.

Katie and Hutch have a bumpy start only because he was expecting Cole and is every disappointed Katie showed instead. Honestly, Cole is basically an ass but he’s not all terrible. Just… mostly, for most of the book. Ultimately, we find out that there are reasons for Cole’s bad behaviours. Not excuses, but explanations and there is hope for him by the end. Probably.

As Katie gets to know Hutch and Hutch’s enormous dog and as she spends time with Hutch at work filming the video and outside of work, learning to swim and socialising with Rue and the Starlite gals, they become very close and my eyes were starry on their behalf. While the story is told only from Katie’s POV, it’s clear that Hutch is deeply smitten. There is plenty of dialogue and banter that lets us know how he’s feeling. It’s also clear that Hutch thinks Katie is sexy and gorgeous and magnetic. Katie would say that Hutch is objectively extremely handsome and, while she feels better about her body than she used to, she doesn’t see herself the way Hutch does.

I also loved the secondary love story about Katie coming to love her own body and appreciating it for it’s beauty and function. Beanie challenges Katie to list things about her body she loves and to defend why she does. It’s something Katie struggles with at first but she gets better at it. By the end of the book, she loves her body because it’s hers.

I enjoyed the stuff about the Coast Guard and rescue swimmers and about documentary making, all of which were clearly well-researched and felt grounded in reality. (May I just say, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer is a very uncontroversially heroic kind of job and that’s becoming increasingly rare. It was so nice to have no conflicted feelings about Hutch’s job.)

Cole and Hutch eventually work out what’s at the heart of their issues and begin to resolve it and that was poignant and meaningful and gave Cole unexpected nuance. (Which he really needed because he was so often an ass.)

I loved the ladies of the Starlight Cottages, especially Rue, adored Katie and Hutch and melted over George Bailey and his “thunderphobia”. Right up to about the 75% mark, I was just so delighted by the book. It has the humour and personality I’ve come to expect from Center and the romance was building to something very swoony.

Then the thing happens which forms the basis of the conflict and is what keeps them apart romantically until the denouement. And I didn’t really like it. I can see why it was there. I can see the work it did in the story. But I didn’t like it. Without giving away too much, Cole tells a story that is not true and, for reasons, Katie goes along with it. Katie goes along with some things which felt to me like they were there only for plot purposes. The drinking contest infuriated me. I actually yelled out loud at one point during the listen.

I did enjoy the last section which was mostly just Katie and George Bailey until Hutch comes along and does what he does best. That part was very exciting and tense and high stakes in a way that made sense in the story and, it fortunately didn’t have anything to do with Cole.

Of course, things do get sorted out and Hutch learns the truth, as well as the reasons for the lies and we do get our HEA.

Probably 85% or more of The Love Haters was excellent. 10-12% was very good and the rest had me disappointed or gritting my teeth in annoyance. It makes the book a little hard to grade but I’ve landed on a B+, as opposed to a straight up A (which is where the book was heading until the thing). I’d still recommend it because what was great was really great but the core of the conflict didn’t work that well for me. It’s possible the reason for that is all me though so YMMV readers.

That first 75% and that last 10%? SO. GOOD. Worth it.

The Love Haters
By Katherine Center
Release Date: 5.20.25

Katie is a video producer that is faced with the decision of waiting to be laid off or jumping in with both feet (literally) and learning something she knows nothing about. Her coworker, Cole, is encouraging her to take the latter and interview his Coast Guard hero brother, but why does he want to help her succeed?

When I describe Katherine Center's books to friends that haven't yet read anything by her, I say that she writes about strong women that tend to be in male dominated fields and that they should absolutely pick one up. This book was not that at all. This story was about a FMC named Katie that did whatever others told her to do and believed what they said (both positive and negative). She struggles with body dysmorphia and goes along with lies and deceit. I think I've read a total of 7 Katherine Center books and don't recall ever giving them lower than 4 stars. This was a huge miss for me 😩

I'm still scratching my head about so many scattered parts of the book. Without spoiling any specifics, some were implausible and others simply make you cringe.

What I loved about this book was George Bailey ❤️ and learning a bit more about the Coast Guard.

A laugh and cry contemporary romance about a body-conscious videographer who gets assigned to make a U.S. Coast Guard recruiting video featuring a heroic rescue swimmer, "The Love Haters" delves into deeper waters as it takes its readers on a more introspective journey of multilayered love stories: romantic, familial, friendship, forgiveness, and most especially: self love.

After getting blackmailed into taking a job making the Coast Guard recruiting video, Katie Vaughn and her non-swimsuit-wearing, lots-of-black-loving self gets introduced to a more colorful way to view life as she works on her video project and spends her days with rescue swimmer hero Hutch and his vibrant and loveable aunt Rue.

This novel would be my fifth Katherine Center book, and it takes a more serious tone. Written in her characteristic semi-second person style, it addresses issues such as self-loathing, distorted body image, and an eating disorder incited by a critical step-parent and perpetuated by societal criticism from being fame-adjacent. That's hard stuff. It was triggering for me, (and possibly for at least 50% of the population) both as a woman who grew up in the midst of toxic body messaging, and as a mom who sees the messages that society, peers and others project onto my daughters and seeing them sometimes internalize those messages, despite me actively trying hard to teach them to love themselves and their bodies. However: I think it was a good conflict to evaluate and look at with this story, and I'm glad that Center didn't shy away from it. Acknowledging it and looking at it straight-on are important, even through the lens of fiction. I appreciated the journey that Katie goes on and the growth she experiences as she learns to love herself and be comfortable and happy in her own skin. She's a relatable character.

Katie's progressing relationship with Hutch was fantastic. He's caring and kind, grumpy and serious (except when he isn't, and that's always around her), thoughtful and best of all - smitten. I liked that we got the divulging of Katie and Hutch's backstories to each other up front instead of getting used as a miscommunication/misunderstanding trope. The characters - primary and secondary - have quirks and are well developed. I felt like the "villanous" characters played their roles well. I especially loved Katie's best friend and her constant and unfailing efforts to help Katie see the good parts of herself.

One thing I love about Katherine Center novels is that they feel REAL, and that's for a variety of reasons. Center's writing is always stellar, her banter excellent, her characters relatable, and her use of second person and breaking the fourth wall unique. I didn't notice this until a friend pointed it out because it bothered her, but now that I have: I really enjoy the way Center uses second person to add perspective to her storytelling. It feels conversational, almost like it was a friend who was telling you what happened to them after the fact and they're a really good storyteller. Almost everything I underlined in my ARC was from sections where she broke the fourth wall. The comedic scenes are hilarious, the romance enjoyable, and the the body image components give the story depth and meaning. If you have liked any of her other books, you will like this one too.

Spice: little to no spice (although the characters certainly wished otherwise)

-Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

I was so excited to get this arc. I have read and loved many of Katherine Center’s books, my favorite being The Bodyguard. I did not enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would. It had a lot of unbearable millennial humor, often in the form of fourth wall breaks- I started highlighting every time I cringed, and I quickly had to stop because I was highlighting so much. Reminded me of Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter in terms of millennial humor.

Katie’s body image issues were so unbearable, and this is coming from someone with body image issues. I do appreciate that she had body image issues, because it’s a real thing that a lot of people deal with. But, making it such a large part of the plot made me want to dnf the book. She seriously needs therapy (not in a mean way, but she definitely needs professional help).

Speaking of therapy, Katie should not be taking advice like that from Beanie. She thought just because she reads self help books she can act like a therapist… she even diagnosed Katie and discussed exposure therapy- which is a real thing, but again, she is not a therapist and there’s no reason she should be discussing treatment as if she is.

Hutch as a character was pretty good. I enjoyed his story and his personality. My favorite part of the romance between Katie and Hutch was when they were becoming friends.

Rue was fine- but the addition of the *lack of communication* / secret trope was one of my least favorite parts of the book.

I do appreciate the opportunity to read this book as an arc and Katherine Center will still be a must read author for me- this book just fell flat for me personally. I do see how others could and will enjoy this book.

Katherine Center does it again. I love the realness of her writing and storytelling. She draws you in right off the bat and makes it hard to put her books down for anything. Katie is endearing as she slowly develops self-love, self-appreciation and self-worth. Her journey in the realization of her capabilities is a joy to be on. Hutch is easy to fall in love with with his calming demeanor and his ability to fill up whatever space he may be in. Rue and her crew are just the best sidekicks to the story.

Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced reader copy.

Great title and appealing cover. Loved the story! The enemies to lovers relationship between the main character and her body was insightful and impactful. Really enjoyed this one.

ARC review for the love haters by Catherine center. I loved this book from start to finish. The FMC Katie was relatable to me as someone who grew up w and still struggles w body image. Her inner dialogue was endearing and I loved hearing her process over overcoming the negative self talk. The MMC Hutch was patient and strong and totally swoony. I loved the side characters also. They were funny and likable and added to the story. I stayed up until 2am *on a Monday morning* to finish this book as i could not put it down! Thank you for the advanced copy of this wonderful story!

Loved, loved, LOVED this book! I loved Rue and The Gals, loved Katie and Hutch, loved the banter/humor between Katie and Beanie, loved all the talk about increasing your self-love, and loved George Bailey! I truly can't say enough good things about this book. 5 stars! Thank you for the chance to read this one early! <3

While The Love Haters wasn’t my absolute favorite Katherine Center novel (The Rom-Commers and The Bodyguard are still top faves), I still absolutely LOVED it. True to form, Center delivers a story that had me laughing out loud, sighing, sitting on the edge of my seat, and yes—getting seriously frustrated with a few side characters (in the best, most emotionally-invested way).

What stood out most to me was the raw and relatable representation of negative body image. It was honest, thoughtful, and something I think most—if not all—women will recognize in themselves. And the enemies-to-lovers trope? This time, it was with herself—and that twist on a classic romance device was so well done.

Katie, our quirky main character, was a joy to follow. Her inner monologue and banter were perfect—sharp, funny, and full of heart, exactly what I’ve come to expect (and adore) in a Katherine Center book.

This one hit a lot of emotional notes and left me smiling, even if I wanted to shake a few people along the way. This was a funny, heartfelt, and empowering read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

This may be my favorite book ... ever? It's that feeling in a book where you want to savor every page, appreciate the beautiful writing, and swoon at the perfect love story. I think Katherine Center is right -- love stories have the power to change the world. (Side note: Center's author's notes are an absolute must read. They are so life affirming and perfect. Chefs kiss!) The other great part? Witnessing our main character Katie fall in love with herself.

Audiobook review: Patti. Murin. Holy cow. She knocked it out of the park. The internal monologues from Katie, the banter between Katie and Hutch. Everything was absolutely perfect.

Five big ones. THANK YOU to NetGalley and the publisher for the pleasure of reading this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

4.25 stars

I read this book in less than 12 hours ☺️

This was a really quick and enjoyable read. It tackles poor self image and dealing with that incrementally. Katie was really funny and quirky, and I always think that blends well with an MMC who is a little more serious. And Hutch was great. The poor man had a little bit of whiplash in this story, but loooved him.

I just wish this was a little longer and we had more time for the developing relationship to marinade more. The two main characters did spend a lot of time together, but a lot of that time was glossed over, so I think we missed some good relationship building scenes.

Would recommend for romance readers 💚

Rating: 5 stars!

Honored to have received another Katherine Center ARC! The story starts off with our sweet Katie and the threat that she might lose her job if she isn't able to pull off the ultimate interview with hunky coast guard Hutch. The unfolding potential love story if obvious from the start. The way the relationships unfold throughout the story, a flair of an old lady social circle, and a stubborn great dane are the perfect ingredients for this summer read.

A lot of reviews have called out their disinterested in Katie's comments about her own self-worth and her physical appearance. I have a genuine question for those people: Did you read the entire book? Typically, this would be a big turn off for me also.. BUT if you read the entire book, the emphasis placed on all of those things comes full circle. I also had a deeper appreciation for the character's flaws after reading the author's note. Round of applause for another Center book!!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5

Every time I finish one of the authors books I have a smile on my face and I feel utterly charmed and this was no exception. Katie was such a warm and relatable main character, I adored her from the start and Hutch was a swoon worthy leading man. I love how the author writes, she really knows how to tell a story and she always makes me feel like I’m right there alongside the characters and I truly had that experience here. The secondary characters were also fantastic, Rue was the best and George Bailey the dog stole the show. Some of the plot points were a little silly but overall this was super fun and fans of the author will be delighted.

DNF @22%

Yay, another romance book where the main female character has body image issues, that the love interest will probably fix for her.

This was such a fast-paced bingeable read! The writing was so fast pace and humorous and was peak escapism. Was the plot realistic... No! and that's why I had a fun time! Katie essentially takes a trip to Floria to record a video on a coast guard rescuer for her job and ends up in a bunch of absurd scenarios. The only thing is I wish we got more of Hutch and Katie's relationship, I feel like we were so focused on the constant actions of the plot that their romance fell on the back burner. Overall, a fun quick read! Thank you St. Martin's Press for providing this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
The Love Haters is a heartwarming romantic comedy that delivers both love and laughter. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and body positivity. The chemistry between Katie and Hutch is palpable!❤️ The inclusion of quirky characters like Rue and The Gals add charm to this enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Katherine Center for providing me with an advanced reader copy.