Katherine Center still ranks high on one of my favorite authors list! Once again she has delivered a very entertaining book, about misunderstandings and some times down right lies.
Set in Key West, a documentary producer is sent to make a film to encourage joining the Coast Guard. While there she will have to go through simulations of their training. Why let the fact that she can’t swim get in the way? I can’t her very attractive main subject Hutch Hutchinson teach her?
A very entertaining and sometimes heartwarming warming family dynamic story.

This was the most fun I’ve had reading in a long time! Katherine Center knows how to write a romcom! Her characters are so identifiable, it’s like reading about a best friend. Their insecurities are FUNNY.
I loved everything about this. The plot twists, side characters, location in KEY WEST—all fun and fantastic.

Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center, and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute and quick read—perfect for summer! What really stood out to me was the focus on self-love. I especially appreciated that Katherine Center actually used research-based strategies to explore it. I absolutely adored Hutch and George Bailey—because let’s be real, adding a dog is always a win in my book! Now, on the flip side... I wasn’t a fan of Cole. At all. He came off as manipulative and toxic, constantly dragging Katie into bad situations and blaming everyone, ESPECIALLY Hutch, for his problems. I kept wondering why Katie let him push her around so much—it didn’t quite sit right with me, and honestly, I think that whole storyline could’ve been left out without hurting the book. One character I wish we got more of was Sullivan. I think there was a real opportunity for a deeper friendship between her and Katie, especially after that best friend comment. A little more bonding there would’ve been nice, and I think could really played a meaningful part since she was the reason Katie was worried about her job. Definitely a great book to read poolside or at the beach this summer!

Between The Rom-Commers, and now The Love Haters, I’ve really come to love Katherine Center’s writing.
This was such a fun and charming story about learning to love yourself and give grace as you give others, friendship, and loss.
Katie’s predicament was not enviable at the beginning of the book, but as we went on I couldn’t imagine wanting to be anywhere besides where she was. Obviously, with Hutch, but also George Bailey, and Rue and The Gals. The life she grew into in The Keys felt so authentic and special and I loved all of it.
I think everyone can relate at least a little bit to the troublesome relationship Katie had with her body and self image, and how insanely easy it is for external factors to manifest those kinds of ideas, especially into girls of a young age, as her step mom did, and then the entirety of the internet further compounded in her relation to Lucas. Her journey to loving herself exactly how she is was with help from Beanie, Rue, and Hutch was so heartwarming.
As a milspouse I loved the military romance aspect and learned a lot about the Coast Guard. Hutch was a such a fantastic MMC and so easy to fall for. His, Cole, and Rue’s story was heartbreaking but I loved the way they all stuck together. The mess George Bailey gets Katie into towards the end was scary and exciting and funny all wrapped up in one
I really loved this book, every second was a feel good read and I had so many moments of laughter. Katherine Center has become an auto-buy author for me and I really look forward to her releases.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the digital review copy via NetGalley.
Publication date 5/20/25

Love Haters was not the title would be my choice for a title because it was nothing but love liking! Love Haters was a delightful rom com and I enjoyed the audiobook. It would be nice to have a male and female reader as is the trend now.

I really enjoy Katherine Center's books when they feature various "heroes". The Love Haters features a coastguard rescuer and his family. Might I say that I never liked his brother, and still don't! This book features romance and adventure--full steam ahead! It even features a cuddly (albeit) large rescue dog. What more is there to like? Thank you to Netgalley for this free e-book in exchange for an honest review! Don't wait.......go read Katherine Center's newest release!

I’ll get straight to the point—this book was just okay, and I can't say I genuinely enjoyed it much.

The premise initially sounded right up my alley, but the execution left me disappointed. The storyline leaned heavily on clichés and shallow emotional beats without the payoff you'd expect from a slow-burn or even a fun, fast-paced rom-com.

On the bright side, I did enjoy the found family aspect—Rue and the Gals were delightful, and their bond felt authentic and heartwarming. The epilogue was sweet, even if it felt like too little, too late. The relationship with her cousin Beanie, however, bordered on overbearing; the constant contact didn’t feel natural or realistic, and Katie’s decisions during moments of conflict (like calling Beanie while stranded in the middle of the ocean and not saying anything about it) seemed irrational.

One of my biggest issues was how the book handled the main character’s body dysmorphia and eating disorder. These are serious topics, and here they felt underdeveloped and at times carelessly woven into the plot and miraculously resolved. It was frustrating to read page after page about how much the FMC hated her body, especially in contrast to the male lead, who was constantly described as unrealistically handsome and perfect.
Additionally, and this is something I don’t like too much in any book, the book was littered with too many overly current pop culture references—TikTok, the Jonas Brothers, etc., which made the story feel like it was trying too hard to be relatable. The breaking of the fourth wall didn’t help either. Lines like “You’re probably wondering what I look like” or “I’ll tell you what I did…” pulled me out of the story rather than drawing me in.

The romance itself didn’t feel earned. It was a lot more telling than showing when it came to the connection between the leads. The chemistry was minimal, at best, and there weren’t enough genuine or meaningful moments between them to make me believe they were actually falling for each other. Cole, in particular, was a character who came off as unlikable and annoying, and the subplot with Katie’s boss flying across states just to sleep with his brother? Completely unbelievable. For a character like Hutch, who’s supposed to be intelligent, it also made no sense that he wouldn’t question Katie’s supposed relationship with his brother more critically.

Lastly, the title felt completely disconnected from the story. Neither of the main characters actually hated love, which made the choice feel mismatched.

That said, I do see potential in the author’s voice and storytelling, so I’m open to giving another Katherine Center book a shot. Hopefully, one that leans more into developed relationships and thoughtful character growth.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as some of her others (really loved The Rom-Commers & The Bodyguard, so highly recommend those two books), but this was a fun quick read. Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC. #booksbyashleynicole

I love Katherine Center's stories and after having relatively recently visiting Key West for the first time ever, I was so excited to pick up The Love Haters. However, it just didn't work for me like I had hoped. I loved the setting of the story and the plot line was fun. But I didn't love the characters. And I felt like the message of body positivity could have been done so much better that it was. I also wasn't sold with the romance between the two main characters. This book wasn't my favorite, but I'm not giving up on Katherine Center's stories. I'm excited to see what she writes next.

Katherine Center just writes the best books! This, as all of her other books, was cute and funny, but she always ends up teaching you about something. I know an awful lot more about coast guard rescue swimming than I ever would have otherwise. Absolutely the best summer reads!

guys i think i figured out who the real love hater was all along! me. maybe if i practiced self care and dnfd books i would have stopped when hutch was described as an alpha with a saviour complex.

anyway, unfortunately it has been established that i almost seldom find a romance book that i actually like and makes me feel things. was this an exception? absolutely not.

this was, undoubtedly, and almost painfully, unfunny. very rom and no com, but even then i didn’t feel anything for the rom. for instance, was him teasing her while tweezing things out of her ass- or as she so specifically put it, her haunch- supposed to be funny? i had to put my phone down and take a deep breath after that scene.

as for the chemistry, i can't feel anything from the scenes given. everything feels forced to me and was very insta-lovey (hutch also confessed his feelings 50% in). i can draw two stick figures with more chemistry than these guys and i care about katie and hutch as much as i care about a wet paper towel. they both irked me. for that matter, i felt the same way about everyone else too, most particularly cole. if cole has no haters, i’m dead. the fake dating instigation by him out of nowhere pissed me off and he just kept getting worse. he direly needs to verbally restrain himself.

katie: being stuck in her head got genuinely exasperating for me, especially during the first 50% of the book. she was morbidly and chronically ogling and praising hutch’s bodybuilder-esque body with model abs and calf muscles or whatever on what felt like every other page, or his said melancholic eyes. it was to the point where my neurons were killed and i started questioning if i have dementia because katie made it seem like i do. everything he does also unfolds in slow-mo apparently which she never ceases to mention. hes just THAT HOT guys! i’m swooning! also her after they kissed for the first time? i’m sorry, but i wasn’t aware having the best kiss ever with a said really irresistibly hot guy is a personality trait. i get that it was life changing and all, but perhaps we can practice wordless sentences? i’m developing listening fatigue.

hutch: he's a guy who didn’t talk or flirt much with anyone apparently until he met katie. she’s just different. oh also he happens to have abs and muscles for days, not sure if i mentioned that yet. i appreciated his efforts to comfort her while she felt insecure; however, it just gave me the ick. he called her a hot fudge sundae. which is.. very empowering. right? definitely not among one of the least sexiest compliments i’ve ever heard my entire years of living. had someone said that to me, i’d be pulling a serena van der woodsen. (saying i got to go and running away as fast as i can)

i do appreciate the implementation of body image issues, but it felt oddly/strangely handled—forced, if you will. her talking about it also took up what felt like 50% of the book.

the pacing and writing just didn’t sit right with me either.

with that to say, i don’t hate you katherine center. i just feel disdain for this book. maybe it was worse because i felt like being a behemoth of a hater today.

thank you to the publishers for e-arc

Katherine Center has been an auto buy author for me since I first read The Bodyguard, and I was so excited that she was coming out with a new book this summer. I find that her characters are very well developed and the plots are fairly unique compared to the current trends in romance novels today. In this book, we are in a new setting, the Florida Keys, and it gives us so many fun plot points that involve summer, swimming, and the unpredictability of Florida weather. Unfortunately, this book was not the hit I wanted it to be, and some parts fell a little flat. I did not particularly love either main character (I did love Hutch's Aunt Rue though!). I still enjoyed reading it and would probably recommend to others, but I do think there ar better Katherine Center books.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center is a delightful read! A Laugh Out loud read that captures the complexities of love, self-acceptance, and personal growth. DO NOT SKIP This one!!

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for providing an honest review in exchange for an honest review!

Katherine Center has done it again! She makes her characters so relatable and as a woman I can definitely relate with Katie Vaughn. Katie’s character shines bright with a little cloud hanging over her. That cloud being how she can’t see her true beauty.
Hutch is the sexy, Coast Guard rescue swimmer who happens to be the owner of one GIANT Great Dane named George Bailey. The way Katherine peels back all of Hutch’s qualities makes you fall in love with him sentence by sentence. He’s got a good heart and he’s an even better person.
Honestly, it’s a toss up who would be my favorite male character in this story because as amazing as Hutch is I just love George Bailey. I secretly want a real life George Bailey and my real life dog to marry, who’s part Great Dane and part Poodle.

Thank you Katherine Center, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an e-Arc in return for an honest review.

Thank you @NetGalley for the ARC, Katherine Center is one of my go to authors. She writes it and I will read it. The Love Haters was so good. I loved all the characters in this book, especially the great dane George Bailey. The story is heartwarming and so funny. A must read, especially for this hot summer.

THE LOVE HATERS is an enjoyable story about lost loves, friendship, courage, and a slow burn romance. Katie Vaughn, a pretty video producer, is desperate to save her job. Lying is so not Katie's version of trying to save her job, but her boss offers her a stint filming a hunkalicious Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Tom Hutcheson, in Key West. She isn't forthcoming about her lack of experience on swimming. She takes the job, but is wary about what it entails. Katie confronts her greatest fears and insecurities, while trying her best to fake it, so she doesn't get fired. Katie is also dealing with a traumatic breakup from her now-famous musician boyfriend. Can life get anymore difficult?

Katie meets handsome Hutch and his brilliant Aunt Rue along with his lovable great Dane. Between swimming lessons, scary helicopter stunts, messy love interests, and a simmering romance, will Katie and Hutch face their fears and move past it all? Will they be brave enough to take a step towards romance?

Ms. Center's story put a smile on my face with its lovable cast of characters and one adorable dog. Ms. Center's books are always fun and totally unique. That is what I love about her stories. First book I have ever read about a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. It was very enjoyable reading what the job all entails and I have great respect for the Coast Guard! There is a wonderful group of women that Hutch's Aunt Rue hangs out with, that added richness to the story line. The romance between Hutch and Katie was slow going, but loved the angst between them. Both had past fears from failed relationships to get over. Loved the hilarious situations Katie found herself in and laughed many times! I was charmed completely by the eccentric characters and the unique plot. THE LOVE HATERS is very funny and inventive!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

THE LOVE HATERS - Katherine Center

Amazing! - 5 stars

Plot - 5 stars - Katie Vaughn has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified since she can’t swim. Plus, Cole is Hutch's brother, and they don't get along. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good looking man she has ever seen . . . but also a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two. Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue—along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.

Writing - 5 stars - As always, Center has the ability to write in such a way that what seems like a difficult situation at first, can then turn into something hopeful and fulfilling. She builds characters that are appealing, despite their flaws. Or perhaps they are especially relatable because of their flaws. She focuses on subjects that are somewhat unusual but always fascinating.

Characters - 5 stars - This is where the book particularly shone for me. Hutch (despite his handsome looks) is down to earth and kind and an all-around excellent, almost textbook, hero. It's interesting that I didn't really get a clear picture of what Katie looks like, mostly because she's always downplaying her looks, thinking she looks frumpy or "forgettable." Plus, it's her personality that's intriguing about her. She's thoughtful and self-deprecating, but she has a core of strength and tenacity that is something to be admired. I loved the both of them together--a team that ticks all the boxes for the reader.

Title - 4.5 stars - The title doesn't seem quite right, but it certainly captures the attention and makes you think about the possibilities.

Cover - 4.5 stars - I'm not a big fan of the trendy, cartoon-y covers, but this one has wonderfully bright colors and a simple style that really catches the eye.

Overall - 5 stars - Katherine Center always knows what I want to read, even before I do! This time she focused on a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, and the built-in heroism that job entails. Oddly enough, the woman creating a promotional video about him has the opposite problem--she doesn't recognize her own good qualities, thinking of herself as forgettable. But the camaraderie and caring between them just kicks in immediately, and I was totally rooting for their success as a couple. Plus, I couldn't help but want to be with them both during their journeys of self-awareness and growth. The story kept moving forward, with no quiet moments. Was it all adventure and excitement? No. But the quiet, reflective moments were also compelling, and I couldn't put it down. I found the subject to be fascinating--something that I hadn't really thought about before.

I have yet to dislike anything that has come from Katherine Center, I just love her writing style and stories! It is obvious she does her research about the topics in her books, as well as the places and careers. This was such a cute story, I absolutely loved every single character... Except for Cole sometimes haha! Katie and Huch are both top tier main characters, and Rue, Beanie and "the gals" make for amazing supporting women. Watching Hutch come out of his shell and blossom into the love he deserves was beautiful, as well as the relationship Katie has with herself and her journey from self hate to truly loving herself. The goofy Great Dane is always a good addition and added an important part of the plot in this story. This book was definitely 5 stars for me, I will happily reread or listen to it sooner than later. Lighthearted yet just the right amount of emotional pull, fun and witty banter and interactions between the main characters, and Katie finding love... both romantically and for herself. I both read and listened to the story and huge praise for Patti Murin, she is an amazing narrator and I will gladly listen to any of her work, even if it's a new to me author!

I can’t get enough of Katherine Center’s books, and The Love Haters was no exception! I absolutely loved this story and found myself quickly drawn into the world of Katie, Hutch, and my favorite character of all—Aunt Rue. The characters felt real and lovable, and their relationships were both heartwarming and fun to follow.

As other reviews have mentioned, there’s quite a bit of focus on weight, body image, and appearance in this book. As someone who is plus-sized and often dresses in black, I really related to Katie and her insecurities. In fact, the book actually inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and buy a dress and skirt in actual colors!

That said, while I liked this story a lot, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as The Rom-Commers, Centers previous book. The plot in The Love Haters moved along well, but The Rom-Commers resonated with me more overall. Still, this was a lovely, uplifting read and a solid addition to Katherine Center’s collection.

Hello Stranger - i am still obsessed with this book
The Bodyguard
How to Walk Away
Happiness for Beginners -read this last year by the pool and LOVED the book and movie
The Rom-Commers
The Love Haters
Things You Save in a Fire

Katherine Center is a must read author for me but this one might be my favorite so far. She writes rom coms with heart and depth. Her writing was especially beautiful in this book. I found myself noticing the beauty of the words even while I was becoming more engrossed in the story.

Katie is a videographer from Dallas who is sent on an assignment to video a commercial for the coast guard featuring a national hero rescue diver. As they work together for months, they both grow stronger as their attraction also grows.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc.