I just finished this book and LOVED it. It was such an emotionally charged romantic book. Katherine Center did a great job of showing how women don't need to have a relationship with anyone in order to love themselves. Knowing how her books typically work, I assumed the 2 main characters would eventually end up together. I love that there wasn't a typical happy ending. The happy ending part came from Katie learning to love herself and realize she didn't need anyone.

I ate this up! The pacing was good and kept me entertaining. The concept was unique. Like I said, in my Goodreads review this felt a little bit more like a women’s fiction novel with a sprinkle of romance. I enjoyed that aspect—it was all very relatable. I enjoyed all of the side characters (except for Cole, I haven’t really forgiven him) and think they added so much depth to the story. Rue is an angel!!! I think Hutch was exactly the type of man that Katie needed. Secure, kind, with an acts-of-service love language.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc of this novel!

I’ve been a fan of Katherine Center’s books for a while, but The Love Haters might just be my new favorite of hers! This book is a delightful rollercoaster of humor, heart, and a little bit of suspense —and it’s definitely a read you don’t want to miss if you’re into the whole "enemies to lovers" thing (which, let’s be real, who isn’t?).
The premise is simple, but oh so good: Katie, a woman who’s just been burned by love, ends up falling for her nemesis, Hutch, the charming and way-too-attractive and perfect guy. They’ve got that perfect mix of "we can't stand each other" and "we absolutely can’t stay away from each other," which, as far as romance tropes go, is chef’s kiss.
First, let’s talk about Katie. I loved her. She’s funny, and she’s not afraid to be real about her feelings—both when it comes to her career and her complicated relationship with love. She’s been through some tough stuff in her life, and that’s made her understandably wary of getting too close to anyone, especially Hutch. But the thing is, Katie’s also super relatable. Who hasn’t been there? Avoiding vulnerability and trying to keep your heart protected, but then... boom—life throws you a curveball, and suddenly you’re in a situation where your emotions are totally out of control.
And then there’s Hutch. Oh, Hutch. He’s the classic perfect guy. Not to mention he has the sweetest relationship with his dog George Bailey. He has that easy charm and confidence that makes you kind of want to roll your eyes and then also fall in love with him. What makes him so compelling, though, is how Katherine Center slowly peels back the layers of his character. There’s depth to him that becomes more apparent as the story progresses, and watching his relationship with Katie unfold felt so satisfying.
The chemistry between Katie and Hutch? Electric. The banter between these two is sharp, hilarious, and just the right amount of tension. Watching them constantly try to outwit each other while also clearly harboring an attraction they both refuse to acknowledge is pure gold. It’s the kind of tension that makes you want to shake them both and say, “Just kiss already!” But the slow burn? Totally worth it.
What really sets this book apart, though, is the way it balances humor with emotional depth. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments, but there’s also real heart underneath it all. Katie and Hutch’s journey isn’t just about falling in love—it’s about growth, healing, and figuring out how to open yourself up to someone else when you’re afraid of getting hurt again. It’s also about learning to love your self and appreciating your flaws. Katherine Center does an amazing job of blending the funny, the sweet, and the emotional in a way that feels real without ever being too heavy-handed.
I also have to mention the side characters—Katie’s “sister” Beanie, as well as her new friends Rue & The Gals that become her family—because they add so much warmth to the story. They’re supportive and loving without overshadowing the main romance, and I really appreciated how they helped round out Katie’s world.
In short, The Love Haters is exactly the kind of book you want when you’re craving a mix of laugh-out-loud humor, heartwarming romance, and emotional depth. It’s a perfect reminder that love is messy, complicated, and totally worth it. If you’re a fan of Katherine Center’s writing (or just looking for a feel-good rom-com that’ll keep you hooked), definitely pick this one up.

Rating: 5/5—Another winner from Katherine Center. Can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I read "The Rom-Commers" last year and absolutely loved it! I like authors who approach real life struggles with humor. Sadly, "The Love Haters" missed the mark for me.

Katie works for a company that produces corporate promotional videos. With layoff's looming, she accepts an assignment from her work superior, Cole, to travel to Key West and produce a video for the Coast Guard featuring Cole's brother, rescue swimmer Tom "Hutch" Hutchinson. To save her job, Katie lies saying that she can swim. Hutch turns out to be nothing like the sullen love-hater Katie was expecting. As the two grow closer through swim lessons, filming, and hanging out with Hutch's Aunt Rue, both Katie and Hutch must confront the lies and misunderstandings that have shaped their lives.

Overall, the story is engaging, but felt rushed to me. Katie has serious body image issues that require more than a supportive cousin and self help books to address. While the author's note states the romance is an enemies to lovers story between Katie and her body; validation from Hutch does play a large role in Katie's journey of self-discovery. I found Katie to be kind of weak and annoying; trying to face her fears but at the same time being pushed to take risks due to lies and an inability to fully stand up for herself.

Just a "meh . . .it was OK" for me.

Katherine Center’s The Love Haters is a fun, lighthearted rom-com, though it doesn’t quite reach the emotional depth of her earlier works. The story follows Katie, a video producer who fakes being able to swim to land a job profiling a Coast Guard swimmer, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments. While the book is easy to read and enjoyable, it feels a bit lighter than expected. It’s a pleasant read with relatable characters, but lacks some of the depth and impact of Center’s other novels. Overall, I’d give it 3.5 stars.

The Love Haters was a quick, simple dopamine read. The ending was so lackluster though. She is literally trapped at sea in a hurricane and I felt no fear for her. The epilogue was also disappointing. For a romance there was so little romantic interaction and then the majority of the epilogue is about every other relationship besides Katie and Hutch.

Super cute and fun read! Even knowing Katie & Hutch were inevitable, I wish there was a little more depth in their buildup to them realizing their feelings for one another. But still really enjoyed the overall plot, as well as the characters - both the main characters and the side characters!

First thank you for the opportunity to ARC this! This was my first Katherine book & I loved it.

This was a cute romcom. Katie takes a job to make a promo video for the US Coast Guard's starring Florida’s hero Hutch where she will question & follow he around for footage but one thing she didn’t tell her abyone, she can’t swim.

Katie takes the job hoping if she does good enough tgat will save her from her work’s downsizing. After making it to Florida she decided to take up some basic lessons on swimming because she also has to pass a helicopter sinking simulator first just to officially start recording. Her swim instructor is no other than THE “hero” & he ends up finding out she can’t actually swim.

Katie also struggles with her body image. Through out the book we learn her ex is a singer & his fans have bullied Katie into the way she is. During the work trip she works on wearing colored clothes again & finding things she loves about herself till she loves it all again.

So thankful I got to read this book early as I’m a huge Katherine Center fan. However, this wasn’t my favorite book she’s written and that’s totally fine. I did enjoy the story, I just wish I got more Katie and Hutch! Katie felt relatable and REAL which I appreciated.

I liked this book however some of it seemed a little too chaotic. I wish there was more of Katie and Hutch.

Another sweet read from Katherine Center. The primary love story has enough edges to keep
It compelling and keep you rooting for a hea. The supporting characters, especially Rue and the gals add a great side story and so much depth to the story and main characters - George Bailey too!
As an added bonus, I learned so much about the requirements of USCG water rescuers, and what it takes to float.

Ohhh this is classic Katherine center here doing what she does best, creating a cast of characters we can’t help but fall in love with. Really appreciated the way the story built and the tensions all came in waves verse all at once

Katie Vaughn is a video producer. She’s struggling with the possibility of being laid off when Cole gives her the best chance to save her job. All she needs to do is produce a promo video for the Coast Guard featuring their rescue swimmer Tom “Hutch” Hutchinson. So of course she takes it!

One small problem though…. Katie can’t swim. Oh and the reason Cole doesn’t want to take the job??? Hutch is his brother and he currently hates him.

I’m such a fan of all Katherine Centers books and this one did not disappoint! Katie and Hutch have such great chemistry from the beginning. The secondary characters are so charming and refreshing.

Katie’s struggles are so real, you’ll be cheering her on as she fights through each one, including… loving herself.

Thanks St Martins Press for the ARC '
Instagram post 1/28/25

While it reads easy and quick, the heavy emphasis on self hate and anorexia were too much. I know what she was trying to do - making this a story of self acceptance - but I do think it failed. Disappointed as this was only my second Katherine Center book.

I had so much fun reading this, Katherine has such a way in wrapping you in the story. a grumpy sunshine trope is always my favorite.

I am grateful to NetGalley for this ARC! Katherine Center is one of my go-to authors, and I enjoyed this book. Themes in this book include grief, trauma, self-love, and community. Katie is a videographer, and her colleague, Cole, convinces her to take a job capturing the US Coast Guard. She discovers that the feature of the piece is Cole’s brother, Hutch. Katie develops a strong relationship with Cole and Hutch’s “aunt” Rue who hosts her at the Starlite, a remodeled motel/senior living facility. Through nightly dinners, drives to work each day, and swim lessons, really gets to know Hutch. While I enjoyed the relationship between Katie and Hutch, it felt as if the tension was missing. There was little to no build up to their first kiss. Also, there were times in the book when I was frustrated with Katie. While she was dealing with self-acceptance, she exuded a sense of integrity in her relationships with others; however, this was not in alignment with her actions. Maybe this was a bit of self-sabotage? The end of the book was very predictable. If you are looking for a quick, easy rom-com, this is a good pick. If you’re looking for more dimension, skip this one.

3.8/5⭐️

I really enjoyed this book. I have liked other books by the author and immediately downloaded it when I saw it was a read now. Katie was a very likable character as was Rur!

4.75 stars

I love Katherine Center's books! I love the banter, the quirky characters, the reminders to do good in the world. KC has such a unique perspective on the world - just full of joy and color, like her book covers.

The only reason I didn't give this 5 full stars is because I'm a Floridian. I've been to the Keys (capitalized) a lot of times. So, some of the situations didn't ring true for me and pulled me out of the story. For example, I can't think of much shopping available on Big Pine Key - but they do have cute little Key deer! I can think of more examples, but don't want to give any spoilers.

Also, the whole complication/lie seemed a little contrived.

And, please NEVER give a dog rawhide!

I did love Hutch. And, George Bailey. I appreciated the message about body positivity. But, most of all, I loved Rue! I want to be her when (if) I grow up.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC in return for a honest review.

*The Love Haters* was a fun romp that had me laughing, cringing, and rooting for love in all. I especially adored Rue and the gals—she stole the show for me. The hints of Coast Guard lingo sprinkled throughout added a unique touch that kept the setting engaging.

The story delivered all the cheesy, over-the-top fun of a 2000s romantic comedy movie. However, I wish I knew more about the more difficult content before choosing this selection.

The ending felt a little too unbelievable to me and left me wishing for a more succinct resolution. Even so, Katherine Center’s writing was charming, and I’d check out more of her work in the future. While this one might not stick with me long-term, it was entertaining that delivered plenty of heart along the way.

Content warnings: body shaming, car accident, death of parent, eating disorder

Thanks for the ARC!

I see myself a lot in Katie, and I love that Katherine wrote a character like her. It’s not very often I read a book where dysphoria/negative self thought is a big part of who a character is. I still LOATHE Cole, but his makeup with Hutch at the end was really cute. The bar scene where Cole offered Katie as a ‘prize’ was heartbreaking, but I’m glad they’re more brotherly by the end. Also, i’m a huge fan of the found family thing. Katherine Center never fails to write an AMAZING book!