I love Katherine Center books so it hurts my heart that this wasn’t a hit for me. There were parts I loved and parts that just fell flat. I think that this was definitely more a self love romcom versus a romance between the main characters. And I think if the authors note came first maybe I wouldn’t have struggled to connect with the story as much. I connected to Katie due to personally experiences that are similar but it felt hard to connect to Hutch as we were told about him versus shown. Their romance felt like a subplot to Katie loving herself. The “villains” in the story (Cole and Sullivan) also seemed unnecessary to the story.

Thank you netgalley and St Martins press for a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Katherine Center has done it again. The way she wove this love story with the female journey of self acceptance brought me to tears multiple times. The FMC is endearing and loveable and you never actually get a physical description of her, which I loved. Center always has great insight in her acknowledgements about why she writes romance and why we love it: "Along the journey of a romance, we merge with those characters- and then we do all kinds of healing things. We rethink assumptions, and overcome prejudices, and learn to see more clearly. We soften and empathize and nurture. We go deeply into ourselves- and break up the emotional scar tissue we all carry from our lifetimes of hurts and losses and disappointments. It's not real life, but we believe it anyway. And it heals us and nourishes us in ways we could never find anywhere else... Reading love stories isn't frivolous. It's profound. It's not escape, it's the opposite. Trust me, and trust yourself: love stories are the best kind of therapy." This book was a warm hug in the midst of a world on fire. God bless you, Katherine Center. Never stop writing.

This was the first book that I have read by Katherine Center. I heard so much about her on BookTok so I was excited to check her out and let me tell you, she did not disappoint. Katie, a video producer is possibly about to be laid off from her job when an opportunity to create something amazing is kind of thrown in her lap by her coworker Cole. Katie has every reason not to take this on but for the sake of her career she dives right in and through a series events, ends up learning so much about herself and so much about what love truly means. She learns about love in the literal sense but also about loving herself. The setting is literal Paradise and the author does a beautiful job of painting a picture so vivid that you feel like you are there. The characters are loveable and relatable and genuinely laugh out loud funny. I found the female main character to be someone so easy to relate to because she has struggles that I feel like we all have been through. The author makes you feel like you are in this and creates an environment to become so invested. And while it was extremely funny, it was also very reflective. The events, the lessons, the banter...all things that we can look at and apply to life. If you want something light and fun but also a bit reflective, I highly recommend you pick this one up! I loved every second of it!

OH MY GOSH. I devoured this book in 4 hours. I do believe this is my favorite Katherine Center book so far.

Never I have ever related to a FMC, so much.
Sectoral heterochromia? check.
Likes to avoid bright colors and wear all black? check.
Likes to be a wallflower and go unnoticed? check.
Has a crappy ex? check. ( and I feel like this could have been more developed in the story... like I was constantly just waiting for him to make an appearance).
Has an ex stepmom who made you have body image issues? check.
Hasn't weighed herself in ages? check.
Would risk my life for a dog? check.
Going through the steps to tech yourself to love yourself again? check.
Took on a totally new life adventure after building your confidence? check.

This could be considered a workplace romance (loosely) and kind of forced proximity (I mean they do have to be around each other). You will love the characters in this book (except for one) and feel like you're hanging out in Key West. The writing style leaves you easily absorbed into the story, There were silly moments, sad moments, raw moments, and maybe a couple over the top moments. Many things happen in life and alter our course, and I feel like these characters make the best of it. Katie and Hutch will have you rooting for them from the get go, plus you get enjoy Aunt Rue and her crew.

Love Haters left me with a smile on my face and thinking about the characters the next day. This book is definitely recommended for your next romance read.

ARC Review
This was my third Katherine Center book and it did not disappoint! This book follows Katie’s point of view as she is forced to take a videographer and interviewing job in a different state to follow along a rescue diver in the military. The catch, she doesn’t know how to swim. Hutch, the rescue diver, also hates that he is being forced to be interviewed.

Katie also has not been in a relationship for a year since her fiancé dumped her. Follow along as she navigates learning to love herself again, feel confident in her own body and attempt to go out of her comfort zone.

I resonated with Katie’s struggles of a negative body image. I also adored the character Hutch and his dog George Bailey. The side characters were very memorable as well. This book genuinely made me laugh out loud and cry, in the best way possible.

Katherine Center discussed in her authors note that she has a way of writing that immerses you in the whole experience of reading. That is exactly how I would describe it too. It makes you feel like you are experiencing the book and not simply reading. The Love Haters comes out May 20th and I highly recommend you check it out! 🩷

3.5 Stars

Publication Date: May 20, 2025
St. Martin's Press

If you are fortunate enough to hear Katherine Center speak, you quickly realize that she believes that love is the solution. For everything. She is correct. We see her belief beautifully illustrated in The Love Haters.

A few things I love about The Love Haters are the Key West setting and the focus on the work of the U.S. Coast Guard. Their accomplishments serve as the perfect background for how to approach our challenges in life and overcome our fears. Plans and practice are key. Thus we find our journalist and heroine, Katie, in Key West to observe and interview the work of a Coast Guard Rescue training and operation. The only problem is that to go out with them, she has to go through their training. No problem at all...unless you can't swim. Will the coast guard team member be as much of a challenge as the training, or will they form their own team? Add in some adorable and wise elderly women to both support and push Katie to move forward, and you have a charming and entertaining story of a young woman accomplishing more than she imagined at the outset of the assignment. Oh! You are going to love George Bailey.

Thank you to Net Galley for the Advanced Reader's Copy of The Love Haters in exchange for my independent review.

Thank you Net Galley and Katherine Center for an ARC of this much anticipated book!
3.25 stars
I had a good time reading this book, but found myself bored at times. I enjoyed the last 10-15% the most and wish that that kind of pacing was throughout the whole book. This isn’t my favorite Katherine Center book, but I enjoyed it.

Unfortunately this one didn't work for me. I struggled to connect to the characters who just didn't feel deeply developed. It was so odd to be told about moving conversations between the characters, chemistry that is off the charts...but to rarely experience it in the text ourselves as readers. Not only did I not connect to the main characters, I found many of the supporting characters to be unnecessary and underdeveloped. While the book tackles difficult topics like weight and body image, social media and self perception, it still felt lacking. This is so hard for me to say as I generally enjoy this author's work.

Thank you St. Martin Press and NetGalley for the gifted advanced reading copy of this upcoming book.

It honestly breaks my heart to say this, but this one just didn’t work for me. I struggled to connect with the characters, and much of the book relied on telling rather than showing—we're told that the characters have deep, meaningful conversations and strong chemistry, but we don’t actually see those moments play out on the page. This made it difficult for me to fully invest in their relationship and emotions.

There were also characters who felt underdeveloped or unnecessary, and at times, the plot seemed loosely held together. I found myself struggling through much of the book, but after reading the author’s note, I finally understood what she was aiming for. My biggest piece of advice? Read the author’s note first. It provides valuable insight into the book’s themes and may shift your perspective going in.

There were some things I found deeply relatable and some characters I really enjoyed. One aspect that really resonated with me was Katie’s fear of being weighed and her desperation to avoid wearing a swimsuit in public—those moments felt raw and deeply relatable. As far as characters, Aunt Rue is pure gold. I want to be her when I grow up.

This story does tackle some very heavy topics, particularly around body image, the impact of social media on self-perception, and disordered eating. While anorexia isn’t explicitly named, it's heavily implied, along with body dysmorphia.

While this book wasn’t a hit for me, I know it will resonate with other readers and, again, I encourage you to read the author’s note first so that you go in with the right expectations.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. If first impressions counted, I would have put this book in my DNF pile rather quickly. Before Katie even made it to Key West. I just did not like her obsessing over her weight. BUT I stuck with the book mainly because I love The BodyGuard and the Rom Commers so I kept trudging through. While some characters stayed 2D, loved Rue and want her and her posse to have their own book.

Oh Katherine Center, I almost did not finish this book. I put it down a couple of times before Katie even got to Key West and met Hutch. It was just so cringy. BUT considering Rom Comers was one of my top 5 books in 2024, I kept going. While it was a predictable ending, I love Hutch and Katie together. I even forgave Cole for every lie he told.

I did find Cole and Sully's relationship a bit convenient. And frankly, she was a bit 2D character. She needs to be flushed out a bit more.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

George Bailey & Rue (& the Gals) were some of my favorite side characters. Love that he just launches himself at Katie whenever he sees her.

Love Rue and the Gals and their evening sangria filled cookouts. And I agree, life is better in color.

Beanie needs her own book next.

What would be on my list of what I love about myself if Beanie was my BFF? My eyes would be at the top. Not sure I have ever given my earlobes a thought in my life. But like Katie, that is where my list ends. And hence you see one of the reasons why I almost walked away before Katie even made it to Key West.

I want to give this book an A but the cringy parts of the book will drop it to a B/B for me. BUT do not let that stop you for reading it.

PS-There is a part at the end in a conversation between Katie and Beanie that I was reminded of Gloria's speech from the Barbie movie. You know which one I am referring to.

A cute, fun romp. Set in key west, so definitely perfect for a beach or summer read. It was predictable, but that’s exactly what I was looking for. Definitely recommend anyone who wants a light hearted read!

Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC! This is such a fun cute book. I have other Katherine Center books on my list that I haven’t gotten to yet, but now I will put them at the top of my list. I recommend everyone reads this

this book is ridiculous in a zany, 1930's screwball comedy type way. If you can avoid laughing during the high stakes third act climax, you are a better person than I.

I love Katherine Center!
The Love Haters is a heartfelt romance with her signature blend of humor, charm, and emotional depth.

Katie Vaughn, a video producer with no swimming skills, takes on the challenge of profiling Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson. The result? A memorable and unique story packed with tropical adventures, family drama, and a lot of chemistry. But it isn't too cheesy or steamy.

I loved how the novel balanced lighthearted fun (swim lessons, conga lines, and a lovable rescue Great Dane!) with deeper themes of resilience, and fear. Hutch is the perfect broody but charming hero, and the tension between him and Katie kept me interested. The family dynamics, especially between Hutch and his brother Cole, added layers to the story that made it very engaging and believable.

That said, I found the frequent discussions about body image a bit excessive. While I appreciate books tackling self-esteem, the focus here felt overwhelming at times and could use a content warning.

Overall, The Love Haters is a great, feel-good romance with adventure, heart, and an unforgettable setting. Fans of Katherine Center’s previous books will love this one!

Katherine Center never disappoints her readers. We know to expect interesting characters, a plot that isn’t simple, humor and kindness. The Love Haters is no exception.
Katie is a creative journalist specializing in videography, whose job is threatened by a downsizing organization and AI. Hutch is a Coast Guard rescue swimmer who’s made headlines for a daring rescue of a celebrity dog. He also happens to be just the right amount of gorgeous, and private.
Katie has one chance to save her career, by getting Hutch to agree to an extensive video interview. The story of how the two negotiate the assignment, which includes a duplicitous brother, a charming Aunt and her crew, and the true star of the story, George Bailey, a rescued Great Dane.
Another delightful, hopeful story by Katherine Center. Not to be missed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Publishing Group for the advance copy. The Love Haters will be released May 20, 2025.

burned from love and arguably from life, katie is not in any position to say no to a project that may save her job. a videographer/director/producer/editor, katie has to wear a lot of hats, but her new assignment involved following a coast guard rescue swimmer in key west and capturing everything that makes his job so cool. the catch? katie doesn’t know how to swim.

the other catch? she’s inserting herself into a family drama of her coworkers creation. caught between two brothers and an overly generous aunt, katie’s being stretched thin by other peoples lies and the weight of her own.

a unique plot and a refreshing take on miscommunication, you can really root for these characters. however, I think we could have gotten just a little more out of them and the story line. still a delight to read and the cover matches katherine’s other work really well.

if you don’t want to make a netgalley account, you can look forward to reading this when it drops on May 20th this year.

3.75/5 stars

Once again, I loved a Katherine Center book. Though not a fan of her earlier books, starting with The Bodyguard, every book she has written has been a favorite of mine. This was no exception, I thoroughly enjoyed it and finished in less than a day! I wish there was a little more of the romance in the epilogue, but other than that, I was delighted with the read!

This was my first book by Katherine Center and boy am I late to the party! This was everything I would want in a romance novel. All the smiles and giggles and sentences that warm my heart but also make me happy. This was such a good escape from reality I devoured it within 24 hours! I will be recommending this to my romance readers- this one is not to be missed!

I always love a Katherine Center novel! This is a short, sweet story with themes of self acceptance, family, and healing. I would’ve liked a little more time with the love story and a little more of the characters’ back stories. I loved the author’s note at the end! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

“Love is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans"

The Love Haters is a heartfelt, yearning romance. Katie has a bad history with men (toxic cheating ex 🙁) now struggles with self confidence. With the risk of losing her job she goes to the keys to film a promo video. Enter Hutch, a caring and respectful coast guard. The banter is PERFECT so many quote worthy moments.

I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire way through, Katie and Hutch had real struggles of confidence and grief. A fast paced read that would be perfect by a pool or on the beach.

I cannot wait to read more of Katherine Center's works.

Thank you to netgalley and Katherine Center for the ARC <3