LOVED this one! the ups and downs, the lying, deception, obsessed. I was stressed for George Bailey the whole time but ugh i loved it. I wish there was more time where Hutch and Katie were together longer, like I wish I could've seen more of their romance play out.

This is such a cute book. This is a love story between two people but also a love story between Katie and her own body.

I loved this part.

"..I bullied you. I picked on you like the meanest mean girl in the world. I made you hate yourself. I sucked the joy out of everything-walking down the street, or eating a BLT, or just sitting in the sun. I should have taken you swimming and let you float in the water. I should have let you relax. I should have stood up for you. I should have admired you, and enjoyed you, and kept you company, and celebrated you."

Everyone needs to say this to themselves. We are too hard on our own bodies. Be nice to yourself and your body!

Such a sweet book.

Listen. I’ll read anything Katherine Center writes. I love her!! This just missed the mark for me. Everything I read by her is 5 stars, but I just couldn’t connect to these characters? That’s no fault of the writing necessarily. Though I do feel like the character development was a little less than previous books? I found myself struggling to be drawn into the story which never happens with Katherine’s stories. Anyways. Think water fearing, can’t swim FMC decides to take on an opportunity to profile a US Coast Guard rescue diver. I love Hucth! I’m so happy for their ending, I just don’t love it as much as I usually do. This story definitely has many high points including learning to love yourself the way you are, overcoming fears, and understanding the power of the truth.

Emojis this book made me think of: 🌺 🐶🥧👁️🐸👙

I am somewhat ambivalent about the latest rom-com by Katherine Center, The Love Haters. With her recent success with such hits as The Rom-commers and The Bodyguard, there’s no denying her status as a fun and engaging writer of fiction. Unfortunately, though, this latest starts out slowly, eventually building ground but still ends somewhat predictably. Fans of Ms. Center will, nevertheless, enjoy her writing style and her very likable characters, but this novel falls a bit short compared to her other smash hits.

Katherine Center never disappoints! Gosh, I loved this fun story- kept me interested the entire way through. I finished it so fast and was so sad when it was over!

I thought this was a fun, enjoyable, and easygoing romance about two people who have been hurt in the past and now supposedly “hate” love. I didn’t think that this title really was a great fit, but it didn’t bother me. I liked both main characters and the chemistry that was described and shown, but I felt like I wanted more. No, I’m not talking about needing saucy bedroom scenes (this was spice-free), but I would have liked to see more of their banter and love develop. So much of it felt like it happened off the page.

I’ve read a few of Katherine Center’s books now. I never really have a ton in common with the female main character’s inner main struggle, but I like to see the thought process behind it and how the character strives to overcome. I think this book was effective in building my capacity for empathy with someone with a body positivity challenge, but I felt like it was suddenly resolved too tidily and perhaps unrealistically. In the ways her main characters relate to the side characters, Katherine tends to have them extend a lot of grace instead of leaning heavily on overblown drama, big blowups, and cold turkey relationship endings. I think this is sensible and find it comforting that Center, like her characters, acknowledges that humans are flawed and faceted. It’s refreshing to see characters that can find ways to work through the ways they wound each other.

Other things I liked:
- Cute dog
- Military (Coast Guard!) story
- A colorful aunt
- Easy chemistry
- Key West retirement community living (can I move there please??)
- A memorable kiss
- Underrated amphibians

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy- my opinions are my own.

Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martins Press for the eARC of “The Love Haters” by Katherine Center. I haven’t read a Katherine Center book I didn’t love and this one didn’t disappoint. A fun Rom Com centered around two people that have struggled in relationships in their pasts, thus the title origin of love haters. They become acquainted through a professional contact that blossoms after a time into friendship. Their community of friends and family added to the storyline so much and to their relationship as well. If you want a feel good, quick read by an amazing Rom Com author, I would highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital ARC of The Love Haters.

This one is tough. I loved the Rom-Commers so much and was really looking forward to this new release, but something missed the mark, and I'm not sure what. I wished the tense was present instead of past. Because of that, it took me a bit to get into. I liked the MCs but I didn't see enough chemistry. It wasn't a terrible book by any means and I know many people will enjoy it, I was just hoping for more

Katherine Center is my go to author when I want a light, feel good rom-com to brighten my day, and the Love Haters is a new favorite.

Katie is a corporate video producer that must prove herself with her next assignment to keep her job. The next assignment? Embedding with the Coast Guard's viral hero Hutch to film a Coast Guard recruitment video. Hutch just happens to be her boss's estranged brother. To make things even more complicated, Katie can't swim, an important skill when embedding with the Coast Guard. What ensues is an adventure that brings color back into Katie's life after years of trying to fade into the background.

Once again, Katherine Center has written a rom-com with depth. This a story that reminds readers that falling back in love with ourselves can be just as wonderful as falling in love with someone else. The author's note is the cherry on top, reminding us that reading is the best escape.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an eARC of "The Love Haters" by Katherine Center. This book was perfect for what I needed and for what it was- an adorable (spice free) romance between two people who have been hurt in the past and are now "haters" of love. Katie, who has also not treated herself as loveable in the past, learns to not only tolerate the things she dislikes about her own body but how to love and appreciate herself in a whole new light. This was a very fun and quick read which also included "George Bailey" a perfectly lovable pooch as well for any dog lovers out there.

In this story, a video producer travels to Key West to document the heroism of a rescue swimmer. Another delightfully sweet book by Katherine Center! Every year I think “oh THIS is my favorite book by her.” So here I am again saying this is my favorite Katherine Center book. I found myself laughing out loud several times, and though the plot is sometimes predictable and I usually oppose miscommunication tropes, I still found great joy reading this. I enjoyed being immersed in the lives of the characters - and that lovable dog! Best dog name ever. I love why Katherine Center writes books, and recommend this to those looking for a heartwarming read.

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

This was a miss for me. And I loved Rom-comers.

The plot was too unbelievable, even for a romance book. I found myself rolling my eyes at the next plot reveal. And I wasn't invested in the main character at all.

Katherin Center does it again. I usually devour her books through audio, but I jumped at the chance to read this early release. It was laugh-out-loud funny. I loved reading about the life of a rescue diver. This is now one of my favorites by her.

Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the Advanced Reader's Copy.

Katherine Center’s The Love Haters tries to juggle five or six different plotlines, but instead of creating a rich, layered story, it ends up feeling disjointed and scattered. For such a short book, there’s simply too much going on, and not a single one of the subplots is compelling enough to carry the narrative. The romance—arguably the heart of the novel—takes a backseat to everything else, making it feel like an afterthought rather than the driving force of the story. While Center’s signature charm and warmth are still present, and there are moments of humor that make it enjoyable, the lack of focus keeps The Love Haters from being truly compelling.

Katherine Center delivers another captivating read with *The Love Haters,* blending humor, adventure, and swoon-worthy romance in the sun-soaked setting of Key West. Katie Vaughn is a charmingly flawed and relatable heroine, and her journey—from faking her way into a dream opportunity to discovering real courage—is both entertaining and inspiring. The dynamic between the brooding yet irresistible Hutch and his estranged brother adds tension and depth, while the quirky supporting cast (including an unforgettable Great Dane) keeps things lively. With witty banter, emotional heart, and just the right amount of slow-burn chemistry, *The Love Haters* is a feel-good escape you won’t want to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy in return for an honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This wasn’t my favorite Katherine Center book but it was still very solid! The characters were a mixed bag, I loved some and hated others. I loved the backdrop for the book though and loved that she stayed in the Keys.

the love haters | katherine center

3.5⭐️

“I suddenly understood in a whole new, sun-breaking-through-the-clouds way that even if we do eternally need and long and want to be seen… maybe the most important eyes doing the looking are our own.”

_____

I have such conflicting feelings about this one! I found certain parts of the storyline to be completely ridiculous (in an eye rolling way, not a fun way). But when I wasn’t rolling my eyes, I was a non-stop giant giggle. It was hilarious! Like, out loud cackling at my kitchen counter.

If you’re looking for Katherine’s signature charm and humor, you’ll find it. Our main gal’s subconscious was a rolling commentary of silly, which I always love in her books. It was fast and easy to read, and I loved the chemistry in our main characters!

The supporting characters were okay- they had a voice and were likable but didn’t have me super invested…. with TWO exceptions!
1. George Bailey - a rescue Great Dane with more personality that the humans in this book, I love him forever
2. Cole - the most ridiculous grown man to ever live, I dislike him fervently

Unfortunately there were things about this book that really got my goat.
- Grown men acting like children. A brotherly disagreement is one thing, but these two were 14 year olds in adult bodies. I couldn’t.
- Lack of development in the heavier themes. As with most of Katherine’s books, this had an underlying theme of a deeper topic - self love and body positivity. Unfortunately, this one didn’t feel organic to me. There was a LOT of talk about insecurity, and the “ah-ha” moment seemed to come out of no where. Bam - issues overcome.
- The chemistry between the MC’s was GOOD….. but sadly, we missed a bunch of it. They spend a lot of time getting to know each other off page. I would’ve loved to have more of their day to day conversation and less of the inner turmoil running circles in their minds.


THINGS TO LOVE:
+ working together
+ videographer + a rescue swimmer
+ easy chemistry
+ forced proximity
+ key west
+ an aggressively loving fur baby
+ hurt/comfort
+ self love
+ a quirky aunt
+ body positivity

_____

{a gigantic thank you to Katherine, St Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the advanced copy!! Out 5/20/25}

I love reading Katherine Center books and this was no exception! Loved seeing the relationship between the main characters develop and really loved the setting. I will say that the ending felt a little farfetched but it didn't detract from my overall opinion of the book.

Wow this slow burn was everything I needed! The character development with the FMC was incredible. I will say I wish there was a little more in the epilogue about their love story but other than that this book was a solid 4 stars ⭐️

Every year I look forward to reading the newest book by Katherine Center, it’s one of my favorite times of the year. She never fails to deliver a story that touches my heart, makes me laugh, and makes me fall in love.

Katie has experienced her share of heartbreak. She has also had to face her issues with herself and her body (I hear you, Katie). Now, she is facing the potential of being laid off from her job as a video producer. When a coworker suggests that she does a promotional video on Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a rescue swimmer in the Coast Guard, this is the way that she could prove her worth and keep her job. It also puts Katie in a bit of a predicament, though, because one of the prerequisites of this gig is that she knows how to swim, and she does not. So, what’s a girl to do? She lies.

Hutch is not keen on doing a video. He loves his job. He thrives at it, actually. Saving people is what Hutch does best, but even though his job is heroic, Hutch does not want publicity or fame, he just wants to do his job to the best of his ability. Yeah, Hutch was a pretty great character. Sigh. But following Hutch around, filming him at his job, and spending so much time with him could make someone catch feelings.

Katie’s arrival in Key West was not all smooth sailing. Sure, she was staying at a colorful cottage community, her landlady and her group of friends were kind and welcoming, and her introduction to the subject of her video was not exactly what I would call a meet-cute, but I would certainly call it funny and memorable. What ensued was a great deal of witty banter, hijinks, chemistry, and emotions galore.

I adored the characters in The Love Haters. From the lead characters to the supporting characters, once again, Katherine Center has created characters that I would like to have as friends. I mean, who wouldn’t want to hang out with the Gals! Oh, and it was absolutely impossible not to fall head over heels with the big guy, George Bailey.

The Love Haters was a well-rounded romance that gave me just what I was looking for and expecting from Katherine Center. With a good message of body positivity, a wonderful love story, and plenty of witty banter, this novel just added some much-needed sunshine in my life.

*5 Stars