3.75ish lol Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. I LOVE Katherine Center. I wanted to love this so much more. There were moments for sure but there were certain plot lines that left me feeling kinda ick especially later in the book. That being said, it has some really great stuff too! Love the setting and most of the supporting cast(wish we were shown a bit more than told)...same for a lot of the relationship building. Loved George Bailey so very much! Was this my fav no but I will never stop reading this author ever!!!!

I love s good enemies to lovers tale and this fits the bill. Using the pairing of a Coast Guard rescuer and a corporate filmmaker who can’t swim. It was interesting and informative and the side characters like Rue and the Gals were a lot of fun.

There is however a character who about a two thirds of the way in causing some havoc with some silly plot contrivances that did not work for me compared to the rest of the story. Other than that, it was very good.

I went back and forth about how I would rate this as I read it. Because there were things that irked me a lot but also somehow I loved it??? So four stars it is.

I was not a fan of the body image plotline, if only because I felt like it I was beaten over the head with it. But it wasn’t too heavy the entire time, so it didn’t drag my eating down too much.

Also the plot just got insane in the last half. As I was reading it, it just felt so ridiculous. My reader brain could push it aside and enjoy it, though, which isn’t the case with all books. 😂 I like how the fake dating trope kind of got flipped on its head here.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley for the ARC!

3.5 stars. There are a few authors that can deliver the witty banter that makes rom coms sing. This was severely lacking in that dept and just didn’t love how insecure our female lead was. We all have body image issues and I think important to shed light on that, but it plagued Katie throughout and was honestly a bit too much and distracting. The story ran a little long and wish she could’ve realized her own worth without the scene with Hutch midway through. Overall, good writing and held my attention just hoped for more!

This is my first book by Katherine Center and I really enjoyed this book. It was a great summer read with good humor and relatable topics. It had some small issues but overall I think the book was really enjoyable and entertaining.

Ahh Katherine Center… she seriously can do no wrong when it comes to a book. One of my favorite things about her stories is that you know there’s going to be a happy ending—even with a title like Love Haters.

Something I always love about her books is the characters. Every single one is so well-written. She has a way of making them feel real, relatable, and like people you’d actually want to know.

I also love when she gives the main guy a super intense job—she did the same thing in Things You Save in a Fire (my forever favorite!), and I think it adds such a fun, unique dynamic to the story.

Katie, the main character, was so much fun. I loved her journey—especially how she came to love and appreciate her body more throughout the book. And Rue… I think she might’ve been my favorite. She reminded Katie of who she used to be and brought so much life back into her world. Katherine wrote that relationship so well.

And Hutch—ugh, loved him. He had such a kind, steady heart, and the connection between him and Katie was just the sweetest.

Sure, there were a few parts that felt a little unrealistic… but honestly, I didn’t mind. It made the story more fun. And I mean, of course Hutch had to come to the rescue at some point, right?!

It’s a closed-door romance (love that), and while there are a few curse words, it’s not as many as her last couple books.

Such a fun read. I really loved this one. Thank you NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review!

I think I've read all of the books that Katherine Center has written. I cannot lie and say that this was my favorite, but The Love Haters was a very readable romantic comedy. There were some areas where readers needed to suspend disbelief, but following the love story between Katie and Hutch was a sweet story.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

rating: ★★★.75
"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯, 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵. 𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯, 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴... 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵"

my favourite thing about KC is that she reminds us through all her works that romance and love happen around life - that in finding yourself you open a whole new world and this book was nothing short of that.

As always, I giggled my way through it and wanted to hold the main character in the warmest and tightest hug for as long as the pages would let me, but we are no strangers to the notion that all great things must come to an end. We traverse with Katie as she finds her way within her self, whilst also being sent on a really fun (but also abnormal) journalism job in attempts to save her job - sounds easy enough... until it isn't.

This genuinely felt like summer and would make for a perfect on the go, vacation read due to themes, time period and of course the location!

I think this is such a love story to the girls who lose sight of themselves in this extremely constricting time that we are in - the social media era. where day in and day out we are continually reminded of everything that we are not causing some to forget everything that they are. Katie is flawed, but no in the ways that make her a bad person, just flawed according to not fitting into a certain box so I loved seeing the conversations that we held around such a sensitive, and timely topic.

the rating wavered for me slightly only due to a trope that I usually disconnect from that didn't add anything to the reading experience, but other than that, extremely fun and will be thinking about all the beautiful quotes we were gifted with.

many thanks to NetGalley for this ARC ♥︎

I love Katherine Center’s storytelling and writing but this was a miss for me. I couldn’t get behind the main character, the storyline didn’t feel cohesive, it lacked normal KC charm, and there was unnecessary friction that took away from the story itself. The deeper themes were so heavy handed they just didn’t land for me and side characters were a miss as well.

But, I can see how others would enjoy this if you are looking for a summer time contemporary romance with themes of adventure, a fun sidekick pup, and swimming and Coast Guard training. It just wasn't for me 🙃.

Thank you so much for Katherine Center’s newest novel!
This is my fifth read from Center and her writing style is like a warm hug, jumping back into her love stories.
I did not see a trigger warning at the beginning but I do think it’s important to note there are themes of eating disorders and body dysmorphia.
While not my favorite novel from Center, I can see how her themes are growing. The amount of knowledge she has in writing her books to make things believable (granted I have no knowledge of filmmakers and Coast Guard divers) but I believed it 100%.
There were some parts where I was confused at the pacing, but the ending made up for it. And the dog- we always save the dog!! There were still a few typos in the proof I saw, but I’m sure they’ll be taken care of!
Overall, this one is a 3.5 for me. I rounded up to a 4 ⭐️

Katherine Center is my favorite author, and this book just added to why I love her! The Love Haters is a delightful rom-com filled with laughs, heart, and a bit of chaos. Katie, a video producer burned by love, heads to Key West to profile Hutch, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. The catch? Katie can’t swim, but she pretends she can, leading to some hilarious moments. With a complicated love triangle, a tough aunt Rue, and a quirky Great Dane, it’s a fun mix of romance, humor, and personal growth. I’m trying so hard to find a way to get to her book tour!

Review: The Love Haters by Katherine Center

I laughed, I cried. Katherine Center does not disappoint!

Last year I read my first book by Center, The Rom-Commers. It was witty, laugh-out-loud funny, and heartwarming. The Love Haters follows with the same delightful romance qualities and the deep emotional character arcs. I had a hard time putting this book down, and I was definitely surprised by some of the turns the characters took.

If you love found family, closed door romance, and cinnamon roll love interests, check out The Love Haters. It’s a perfect weekend/summer read.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

There’s some people that hate love-love for another person, or love for themself. This book addressed both and added in some humor for balance. I went into this book blind-having not read the premise, blurb or other reviews-and was pleasantly surprised to find a subplot I’ve never read about before (Coast Guard Rescue), a Great Dane named George Bailey that honestly stole the show, a beautiful setting of the Florida Keys, and a romance between both characters that had relatable flaws and reservations. Katie, a videographer with body issues from her past that seep into her present, travels to Florida to follow her boss’ brother, Coast Guard and hero, Hutch, a man who thinks he hates love. Their banter was so fun, and their reluctance to voice their mutual attraction to each other provided some pretty great moments. Don’t skip the author’s note on this-it really brought the plot and character arcs full circle.

I'm no longer a Katherine center reader. I'm not sure what happened after the bodyguard but it's almost as if she got a ghost writer for her last few romances. They are almost unreadable which is awful because I've loved her books in the past.

I love Katherine Center. I did not love this book.

Katie heads to The Florida Keys to film Hutch, a heroic Coast Guard for their recruitment video. When she arrives Hutch is not thrilled to have her as he was expecting his brother Cole (Katie's Coworker) to be the one with the camera in hand. What comes next is an uncomfortable amount of lying and an unconvincing love story.

There are two things that worked for me in this book.
1. George Bailey. The best dog character there ever was.
2. Rue. The eccentric, kind hearted, live your life in color Aunt of Hutch & Cole.

I didn't like Katie's constant negative self talk or the whole lost at sea ending that was absolutely implausible. I didn't quite buy the love between Katie and Hutch either. She filmed him for a week and over the course of a couple of paragraphs she lists off what shes filmed with him and then BOOM.. love. HUH?!

However, I could have looked past those things IF Cole wasn't a disgrace to the whole human population. He was degrading and condescending. The degree to which he lied as a grown adult was a bit terrifying. How dare he treat Katie that way. The whole drinking contest/bar scene made my skin crawl. The worst part... she accepted it. WHAT THE HELL KATIE. Stand up for yourself!

I miss Katherine's older books where the women were fierce bad ass characters stepping out of societal norms to be whoever they want to be. I wish her books would pivot back in the direction of strong independent women holding their own. I'm disappointed with The Love Haters, maybe her next will be better.

5 💫

Thank you to netgalley & the publisher for giving me the privilege to read “The Love Haters” in exchange for an honest review.

What an absolute joyous ride of a book! I was captured by Katie from the very start. You are immeshed with her life as a pretty average woman except for the fact she dated a celebrity who cheated on her. From every regard, I think most women will see themselves in Katie from listening to the public opinions of herself, torturing herself to feel some sense of control & working diligently to get herself back on track.

Katie finds out her media company will be cutting back their staff and her coworker, Cole, puts in for her to work a job in the keys which could save her job if she can just show her boss how irreplaceable she is.

Only downfall, this job is with the coast guard.. filming promos to entice recruitment. One problem, Katie can’t swim and she has a slight bikini phobia. She’ll figure it out later, her job is on the line.

Meet Hutch, Jennifer Anniston's paw daddy, by paw daddy I mean rescuer of her dog. Hutch is also Cole’s brother. Hutch also happens to be the coast guards rescue swimmer. He’s also handsome and possibly a love hater.

I won’t give the story away, but this book takes you on a hilarious, heart warming rollercoaster. This love story is so much deeper than the surface. It’s also a love story of best friends, chosen family, yourself and finding possibly the love of your life! It’s a love story about making the most of each moment and making your life the love story you want to see!

Recommend x 100

Thank you St Martins Press for the advance copy.

Katherine Center is an absolute queen. There is not a single thing I didn’t love about The Love Haters. It’s a slow burn romance with such clever and hilarious scenes. I absolutely adore Katie and Hutch.

Read if you love:
• an awesome BFF dynamic
• body positivity
• pup daddies
• meddling older women
• low steam
• Key West

The Love Haters by Katherine Center is an absolute rom-com delight —sweet, sun-kissed, and just the right amount of drama!

Meet Katie Vaughn, a savvy video producer who definitely can’t swim but somehow ends up on assignment in Key West to film a heroic (and very dreamy) Coast Guard rescue swimmer. His name? Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson—cue the slow-motion, shirtless beach entrance. 🤤 He's charming but guarded, and totally off-limits. He’s her subject, after all, not to mention her boss’s brother.

Armed with a fake swimming résumé, a camera, and a heart full of uncertainty, Katie dives (well, not literally) into the colorful world of the Florida Keys, conga lines and hurricane warnings, not to mention some serious chemistry. Oh, and did I forget to mention Hutch’s giant, goofy Great Dane, George Bailey, and his love of toads? 🐸

The Love Haters is a feel-good story about courage, second chances and forgiveness. If you love sunshine, slow-burn romance, banter, and happily-ever-afters with heart, this one’s a total keeper! 💕

Like all things Katherine Center, The Love Haters is just so totally her, full of color and love! The characters are meaty and gooey, and in Hutch’s own words, like a hot fudge sundae. I feel hard for both Katie and Hutch, and completely envious to not have a rescue swimmer of my own, to watch him do 200 pushups every morning and jump rope in nothing but his boxer briefs - wow! 😍 And I love that Katie slowly woke up to the realization that she really loved herself, her body and truly embraced and appreciated the beauty that she was.

Thank you Katherine, for another great novel and for always championing love! And thank you Net Galley and St. Martin’s press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this lovely story!

The Love Haters
By: Katherine Center

The vibes:
- videographer + Coast Guard rescue diver / hero celebrity
- cinnamon roll MMC
- a clingy Great Dane named George Bailey
- body image & self love rep

Katherine Center does it again!! I will never stop loving her wonderful ability to capture real life struggle, humor, and love all in one amazing story! Hutch is a new favorite—so pure—and Katie was spunky and impossible not to root for! The self love and healing body image rep was so good & needed! I plan to reread this in the future which is the highest recommendation and praise I can give!

Trigger warnings: body image struggles, body shaming, loss of parents, loss of partner, grief, car accident

Huge thank you to Katherine Center, her team, & NetGalley for access to this ARC in return for my honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the arc of The Love Haters by Katherine Center.

Center has done it again! Another rom com with a twist. Katie is over love and over working hard for little reward. Her relationship with her now uber popular ex is over. Katie is also at risk of losing the job she loves until her coworker Cole swoops in to save the day. Cole’s elusive twin Hutch is a rescue swimmer with the Coast Guard who’s avoided all fame with the small exception of saving Jennifer Aniston’s dog.

Cole gets Katie a shot at filing Hutch in Key West as part of a promo video and staying with his quirky aunt Rue. There’s only one small hitch…Katie can’t swim. Who needs to swim to film a rescue diver, seems like a minor hiccup.

Between Katie’s secret, Hutch never agreeing to the video, and a giant Great Dane let chaos ensue.

This is a great summer read for Center fans!

Pub Date: May 20, 2025
🌟🌟🌟.5