The Love Haters was fast paced and fun, but lacked some of the depth I’ve come to appreciate from Katherine Center. While I love a book that moves quickly, I felt like the speed of this story cost it the ability to dive deeper into the characters and come to true a resolution that the reader can buy into. That being said, it was still funny, and enticing, and the tension was perfectly delivered. I definitely recommend this to fans of simple, low-risk rom coms, but leave you with a trigger warning for eating disorder/body dysmorphia-esc topics.

This was enjoyable and cute, but ultimately a bit forgettable to me. A cotton candy book, sweet, and kinda just ... melts away.

Again, Katherine Center delivered. This was cute and kept me engaged throughout the entire book. I loved the tropical vibes and it made me want to be there and soaking up the sun.

Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to honestly review.

AAAAAAAHHHH this book was SO GREAT! I love Katherine Center but can absolutely say I would not give this a five-star review if it did not absolutely deserve it. One of my favorite things about Katherine Center that was really highlighted in The Love Haters is her way of avoiding overdone tropes. Every time I was assuming what would happen next, the plot would turn away from what I expected. Fans of romance and Happily Ever Afters need to read this book!

There's so much to love about this one. From the premise to the banter to the theme of self-love and acceptance, this is easily one of my favorite Katherine Center books.

I’ve read all but one of Katherine Center’s books and I have to say this is my absolute favorite! I appreciate that she writes closed door romm-comms. It’s rare to find a solid closed door heartfelt funny romance novel.

I feel like Center’s writing has really evolved. The Love Haters tackles multiple serious issues as her previous novels while still keeping true to her humor and lightheartedness and of course pulling at your heartstrings.

This particular story focused on self love which, seriously, we can all use more of. The FMC, Katie, is so critical of her body she struggles with naming a body part she loves or even finds beautiful. She is “scared” of wearing swimsuits and covers her body as much as she can. Her wardrobe consists of black clothing to draw the attention away from herself and hide. She meets a woman named Rue who is a free spirit, showers Katie with colorful clothing and shows her how to enjoy life. There is also a male love interest, Hutch, who appreciates Katie and helps her with her self discovery.

Katie is such a relatable character with the dark wardrobe and the constant struggle of loving and accepting herself which is difficult due to the criticism woman experience on their figures daily. Center seamlessly weaves the combination of self discovery and humor. I love that the story wasn’t focused on Katie changing her body but rather loving it.

4.5 stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sharing this ARC!

I think I've come to the conclusion that Katherine Center is a hit or miss author for me. I loved The Bodyguard but everything I've read since has not been at the same level. The Love Haters in particular had me struggling to connect with the main character and her personal issues.

Unfortunately, I wanted to love this one more than I actually did. I think the author tried to do too much. We spent more time focusing on self-growth, which usually doesn't bother me, however it took a lot away from the actual romance. Because there wasn't enough page time to develop both, the romance took a hit. We spent a lot of time being told that things had happened instead of seeing them play out on the page. I never developed a strong connection with the MMC. I think this book would have worked better if it was a general fiction book. I wish we would have spent more time focusing on the FMC development through her ED, and then just a had a very minor subplot of romance.

Katherine Center delivers yet another charming, heartfelt rom-com with The Love Haters, a story filled with humor, adventure, and the kind of slow-burn romance that keeps you turning the pages. While this book didn’t necessarily blow me away like some of Center’s others, it’s still a wonderfully endearing story about loss, friendship, and learning to love yourself as much as you love others. (Side note: Katherine Center is always a MUST-READ for me.) This one will definitely give you the "love yourself" vibe.

Katie Vaughn, a video producer on the verge of losing her job, takes a career-defining opportunity that’s way outside her comfort zone—filming a profile on Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson. The problem? She can't swim. But that doesn't stop her from faking it, diving headfirst (pun intended) into a whirlwind of awkward moments, hilarious mishaps, and undeniable chemistry. The added tension of Hutch being the estranged brother of her coworker, Cole, only makes things more complicated.

Katie is such a relatable protagonist—her inner monologue felt like something I’ve had with myself a hundred times over. And Hutch? A total sweetheart who grew on me more and more as the story unfolded. Their dynamic is equal parts tension-filled and tender, making for a romance that feels earned.

What truly sets this book apart is the laugh-out-loud humor. One scene in particular—featuring a big dog, splinters, and Katie’s “haunches”—had me laughing so hard I cried. Center’s knack for blending comedy with heartfelt moments makes this an easy and enjoyable read.

That being said, there was one scene that took this down from a perfect 5-star to a solid 4-star for me. Without giving too much away, it involves the rescue scene, and I found myself a little disappointed with how it played out. Still, that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

With The Love Haters, Katherine Center once again proves her talent for creating romances that are funny, emotional, and full of heart. If you love a story with swoon-worthy chemistry, tropical settings, and characters who make you laugh out loud, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this eArc.

Loved this much more than Katherine’s other works! The summer vibes really pulled me in. This will be a great beach read or book for your summer vacation. Think Emily Henry vibes but better somehow! Absolutely loved!

a cute summer romcom! A true Katherine Center story.
I generally listen to her stories as audiobooks but it was nice to read this one. Thank you for the arc

I really enjoyed this book- 4/5 stars. I read it in a day! I felt there was just enough fluff/background information. I did think that the ex boyfriend and Katie were going to meet/talk at some point but it never happened. It was a good happy ending!

i absolutely love katherine center’s writing however this book felt a bit flat for me. Some aspects of the book were not ones that I wanted to read. While I still did enjoy the book, it wasn’t my fav especially compared to The Bodyguard. I feel like it was a pretty forgettable book.



Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of The Love Haters!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC opportunity!

I love Katherine Center, and this book was no different. It's a great summer read, and had me ready for summer!

This isnt her strongest book, in my opinion, but i really enjoyed it. It still had her usual great banter, dialogue and story building. Thats one thing she never misses on, and this was no different.

The locations, side characters and MFC were my favorite parts. I really was able to find connection with them, and it was nice. The MMC was a little tougher for me, because at times, he felt like more of an after thought. That could just be my understanding of him, but for a romance, i just wish he gave more to the story.

While I typically love a Katherine Center book this one just didn't have the same heart as her others. I didn't feel the romance between Hutch and Katie as much as her other books in the past. While I really enjoyed the setting and the side characters I would have liked it more of the story focused on Hutch. He was almost a side character to me, I would have enjoyed learning more about him and his job in the Coast Guard.

I hated how the main conflict in the book was based on lying. That is a huge pet peeve of mine in books. I just wish the characters would be honest with each other. I feel like talented writers like Katherine Center should be able to write a story better without the characters having to be deceitful. That being said I still did enjoy the book, it was an easy book to get into and the story did move along nicely and I was still drawn in. Katherine Center will still continue to be one of my favorite authors.

I absolutely adored this story by Katherine Center. Highly recommend for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid, this gives all the swoony feels. I loved the main characters and while the story was a bit far fetched (but in a fun way), the attraction felt very authentic. I read this book in 2 days which is saying a lot. Light and fun read.

I’ve never read a book by this author before but after a few chapters I was an immediate fan! This is such a perfect beach read for the summer!

I stayed up way too late laughing out loud over this rom-com. Katie is a videographer attempting to avoid a layoff by taking on a project for her co-worker. Hutch, a rescue swimmer, is part of the promotional video she is making for the US Coast Guard and has a hilarious rescue Great Dane.

There are some crazy situations Katie finds herself in during the story. She has a ton of body issues, and we see her slowly work through some of those in this story. The romance is light in this one, but friendships and found family make up for it. I enjoyed this one as much as The Bodyguard.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

Listen I am usually a big fan of Katherine Center, but this one was a bit of a let-down for me.
It felt quite juvenile?
I am not sure if that is because the "I hate my body" and "I am ugly" thing, but maybe as a women in her 40's that just felt too immature.
It seemed like a teenager's mindset. The growth was too little, too late for me.

Also, I did not feel a whole lot of chemistry between our two protagonists.

If you like a sweet romance, read any Katherine Center book, but this is one of her best. This one hit a little bit softer for me, previous Katherine center books has a hard tragic storyline with one of the main characters being very effected by a terminal illness but this one was much less of that and focused on the love story. (Well minus the tragic car accident that happened 15 years prior to this story... still not missing any limbs nor is anyone legally blind so I will take it.)

Our female main character gets sent off to make a documentary of a Coast guard rescue swimmer that wants nothing to do with the lime light. But alas she has to save her job as most of her colleagues are getting laid off. then we have the fake dating troupe thrown in towards the end just to mix it up a bit more. Mix in some mild body image issues, running from a past love, and saving her own job? We got an interesting mix of things going on.

This has witty banter, dialogue and a good mix of descriptions that makes it a fast and cozy read without leaving us (the reader) bored.

Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review. Book to be published May 20, 2025.