I love every Katherine Center book I read! This story didn't hit me quite as lovely as the rest but I was still captured and enjoyed it a lot!

Definitely has trigger warnings for disordered eating
I loved Hutch and Katie's relationship!
Just wish there was a little more spice

Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors, and this book did not disappoint. I read it in one setting. It was almost a five star read for me. I just wanted the ending to have more romantic fanfare. The scene is set, and it’s a big one. I just thought the romantic tension didn’t reach what it was capable off. I team “Please add more to the ending ocean scene!” Like….. pretty please with a cherry on top!

"The Love Haters" by Katherine Center is a charming slow-burn romance that initially takes its time to unfold. As a new reader of Center’s work, you might find the beginning a bit sluggish, but patience pays off. The characters gradually develop, and their chemistry becomes undeniable, leading to a heartwarming and satisfying happy-ever-after. By the end, you’ll likely find yourself smiling and feeling all the feels. Overall, it's a cute story that showcases Center's knack for blending humor and romance.

many thanks to the author, st. martin's press, and netgally for this arc

it was really beautiful reading Katie's story. her journey towards self love and healing is something i think a lot of people will be able to relate to and i'm so glad she got her happy ending. this is more of a finding yourself narrative with a romance sub plot, and i really enjoyed that. her bond with Beanie, Rue, and The Gals was so sweet and as someone who loves Key West, the backdrop was just perfection. the writing was beautiful and i highlighted so many quotes that stood out to me. i think this is one that a lot of people would benefit from reading.

now i love when a book has a furry companion and when it's a great dane that's convinced he's a lap dog i love it even more. Hutch was the epitome of dreamy book bf and i really enjoyed how in depth this book went into the coastguard and their rescue swimmers. the issue that took this from a 5 star read to a 4.75 was the conflict brought on by Cole. it seemed to come completely out of left field and by the time it was resolved we barely got to see Katie and Hutch as a true couple. their tension was great and i loved their back and forth but i just wanted more of them being in love.

I'm a big fan of Katherine Center books and this one was no exception. As usual, her main character is relatable and kind. The male interest, Hutch, also known as "The Love Hater" was also likeable which is another thing I appreciate - so many romance books have rude brooding macho men. Sorry, being rude isn't sexy! I love the sweet men Katherine Center writes about and was rooting for the couple the whole time. I loved Rue and the family dynamics and found the story to be a fun, relaxing read without being too cliche. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, SMP, and Katherine Center for the chance to read this ARC!

There was a lot I loved about this book:

-Bright & sunshiney Rue and her community of older women (The Gals) who embraced Katie right away
-George Bailey, a Great Dane & the best wingman ever
-Hutch who was hot but more importantly kind (although I would have loved more of them actually being together)
-Katie's journey of discovering how to be kinder to herself & her body
-Learning more about the Coast Guard was interesting.
-Set in the Florida Keys, this would make a great beach read.

Unfortunately there were also a few things I found fairly problematic.

-Katie has some really negative thoughts about her self image and also discusses her struggles with an eating disorder. First, I hope there is a trigger warning in the final copy because the thoughts she shares are pretty dark. However, her healing journey seemed to me like a lot of positive thinking, a plucky best friend, and an ah-ha moment of clarity. I don't think that's the reality for a lot of people, and it may be harmful to portray it that way.
-Some of the plot was driven by Katie's fear for her job security, but the reason for the potential job cuts really didn't sit well with me. In 2025 we have plot driven by a woman in leadership slashing roles because she had a bad breakup and needs to get laid? Really? I can't imagine reading a book where a man in leadership would be presented that way.
-The bar scene. Honestly this was upsetting for a lot of reasons. Having a contest with people where the prize is a kiss with someone unwilling? No thanks. Also there were ways to remove themselves from that situation without forcing Hutch to drink, especially when it was heavily implied that the reason he doesn't drink was linked to a traumatic incident in their past.

I know that in exchange for an ARC, I promise an honest review and I hope I've done that, although I think this review might be a little too honest. 😬 I think I would write it differently if these were things I just didn't like vs. things I am concerned about as a reader.

I've enjoyed other books by this author and would definitely read more of her work! ☀️

Such a cute, fun book! Heartwarming and joyful, and a good story about coping with tragedy and loss. I didn't love the fake dating aspect.

Can Katherine Center do any wrong?? Seriously her books are just so touching and full of love and emotion and growth.
The Love Haters is no different. Katie and Hutch make such a great pair, full of angst and emotions and fun and some miscommunication. But overall their growth while they share a week together is heartwarming and you cant help but root for them.
Katherine Center is a master at making a love story about the love and not needing any of that behind closed door spice.

ARC Review:

A book so good I read it in a day. Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors and I was so excited to be approved for an ARC of this books. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and for good reason.

I loved the characters, the plot, the character development, and literally everything else. Also, really really loved that the main characters had jobs that they actually went to and was written about on page rather than just having a job for the sake of giving them something to talk about (i’m looking at you hockey romance books).

This was a great read for spring break and will be an amazing summer read. I can’t wait to read more Katherine Center books, I’m obsessed.

Some Notes:
- I think it would be a good idea to have some sort of trigger warning at the beginning of the book that there is going to be heavy talk of eating disorders and self-image issues. I really loved how this plot point was handled and written about but especially with the on-page calorie counting, I think people that have experienced issues with ED recovery would appreciate knowing what they’re getting into beforehand.

- I think there was a typo about 62% of the way into the book. (I read on my kindle so i don’t know the exact page). The quote was “I things became more fun for him recently.” This could’ve already been spotted just wanted to lyk!

Thanks to St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for their advanced copy of the book!

This was a really fun read, while also balancing some serious topics about body image and loving one’s self. Katie really struggles with some body image issues after a break up and it follows her around for the majority of the book. And I really enjoyed how she was able to conquer those fears slowly but surely and eventually realize the importance of loving one’s body and one’s self.
Hutch was such a green flag guy. He was always so sweet and kind to Katie and helped her see how beautiful she was when she wouldn’t. He had such a tough exterior but a sweet inside, especially after hearing about his dog George Bailey (the sweetest boy ever)! And the way that Katie and Hutch first met? Hilarious!
Rue was such a good side character and I appreciate her fun whimsical personality and how she added to both Katie and Hutch’s story.
Cole was the only character I didn’t really like. I felt like he kind of created unnecessary drama for the plot that was a little over the top for me.
I really liked Katie’s job and how the documentary story with the Coast Guard added to make the plot really interesting and different from other books I’ve read before.
Everything wrapped up a little fast in the end but I had a fun time reading this one. It really is such a good book for the summer and made me feel like I was there in Key West as I was flipping through the pages of this book! Definitely get your hands on this one when you need a fun pick me up and a great summer set read ☀️

Triggers: body image issues discussed heavily

I've only read two other Katherine Center books before this one—The Bodyguard and Happiness for Beginners, and this one was definitely along the same lines as the others, a quick, fun rom-com (that even turns into an action packed blockbuster by the end).

I sat down and read this in a day because I was so excited to get an ARC from an author I had read before (which is rare for me), but it felt like a diet Pepsi of rom-coms—cute and enjoyable enough but felt empty and quickly forgettable. No flavor if you will.

Lost stars for me for the graphic detailed description of the main character's eating disorder towards the beginning which felt so out of place with the rest of the story—definitely didn't need the graphic description of that to understand she had body image issues.

Thank you to Katherine Center, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for this ARC!

Katherine Center’s *The Love Haters* is a heartwarming story that beautifully balances humor, romance, and emotional depth. When Katie Vaughn is sent to Key West to film a promotional video for the US Coast Guard, she has one small problem—she can't swim. With her career on the line, she quickly meets Hutch, her boss's heroic brother, who’s perfect for her side passion project: creating 6-minute documentaries about everyday heroes. Hutch is a Coast Guard rescue swimmer with a tough exterior, but Katie quickly learns there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Their week together is filled with unexpected chemistry, miscommunications, and emotional growth. As their connection deepens, both Katie and Hutch must confront their fears and insecurities. It’s a perfect blend of slow-burn romance and self-discovery, all wrapped in Katherine Center’s signature style—low on spice but big on emotions.

While the book touches on sensitive topics like body image issues and eating disorders, they’re handled with incredible care, compassion, and respect. (So, tread carefully! 🏊‍♀️)

If you love stories about personal growth, vulnerability, and finding love in unexpected places, *The Love Haters* is a must-read!

(4/5 Stars) Overall, this was a sweet, heartfelt romantic comedy that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. To start with a quick synopsis: Katie is worried about getting laid off from her job, so she steps (way) out of her comfort zone to do a profile on a Hutch, Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West - even though she can't swim. Plot twist: the Coast Guard rescue swimmer is her co-worker Cole's brother. Katie heads down to Key West, meets Hutch and a fun gaggle of side characters, and the story unfolds from there.

I've seen mixed feedback about Katie's character, but I really enjoyed her perspective in this book. As someone who suffers from body image issues/body dysmorphia, I thought this was a refreshing take on a FMC in a romance. I loved her journey to healing and loving herself, and the supportive cast of characters down in Key West who helped her get there. I thought Hutch was a gem and I would have loved a few chapters from his POV. My biggest complaint about this book was Cole. I really disliked his character, and feel like the plot could have progressed and this would have been a great story without him in it all, honestly.

This book will be a perfect summer read, by the pool (or the beach) with a cold, fruity drink - would definitely recommend if you're looking for something light and fun!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

The Love Haters was my first Katherine Center book, and I’ll be honest, I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype.

Thankfully, it did.

When Katie heads to Key West as a last minute substitute videographer to film a promo for the Coast Guard, she doesn’t know how to swim OR what drama she’s getting herself in the middle of. But she dives in and gets the job done… eventually.

Full of funny moments and interactions that made me laugh out loud, I couldn’t help but root for Katie to save her job, learn to love herself, and to find love with someone who really sees her. This book has a found family vibe that warmed my heart and was romantic without an ounce of spice.

Highly recommend to anyone who loves an empowering message and a good laugh.

Thank you St. Martin's press, Katherine Center, and NetGalley for this ARC!

Two words that will always get me to read a new book: Katherine Center.

When I was a kid, I would wait anxiously for the new Baby-Sitters Club book to come out and rush to the bookstore to buy it. I'd devour it in a day. As an adult, Katherine Center's books are my Baby-Sitters Club. Needless to say, I was ACHING to read her new book "The Love Haters" after hearing her talk about it when she was on a previous book tour. It was worth the wait. Was it my favorite Katherine Center book? No, but it's easily in my `Top 5.

So here's the plot:
Katie Vaughn is on the verge of losing her job as a video producer, but her boss Cole tosses her a project that could save her. She has to make a video for the US Coast Guard by profiling viral hero US Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer (and Cole's brother) Hutch. The catch? She can't swim. But who need to know, really?

In true Katherine Center style, she weaves a romantic, often-hilarious, tale. The relationship between Cole and Katie has plenty of tension, humor, and amazing one-liners. Oh... And there's a dog! A goofy, overly excitable Great Dane with a fear of storms.

This book delved into some more serious topics like body-image and self-doubt. I know this can be a trigger for some, but I appreciated the way she approached the topics.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

So good! Heartfelt and emotional. Next to zero spice but great writing.
Love Katherine's storytelling and character depth.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest feedback.
This first half of this book was absolutely terrible. 0 stars if I could. The entire book seems to focus on Katie's hate of her body, but the first half is just too much. I understand we all have things we dislike about ourselves, but the way this was written was so unrelatable. I could see this being written for young teens?
The last 20% of the book was enjoyable and had me captivated. I love Katherine Center, but this is a hard pass for me.

When I saw I got an ARC of Katherine Center’s new book I was so excited! So thank you to #netgalley for this opportunity to leave a review of my honest opinion.

1. Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors. If she has a new book out, I’m there! And this book was no different!

2. Things I expect when I read a KC novel… a sweet romance story that unfurls at a slow, but delicious pace, ✅, characters that have faced challenges, but grow in some way ✅, JOY filled moments/ characters ✅ and a happy ending ✅

This novel 💯 delivered and was a joy to read. Also, I loved that she featured the Coast Guard. My only regret is that she didn’t feature a bigger moment between Hutch and Mandy at the end. I mean the ending was pretty epic, but I wanted a little more closure between their relationship and maybe more than just a kiss! 😍

Life is too short. Even long life is short. That was one of the of the great messages in this book.

Positive about this book was that I laughed out loud and the humor on this was great for me. Very rom-com vibe and I loved it.
The Gals I would love to grow old and have a group like that.

Negative about this book is that the main character seems to have body dysmorphic disorder and it’s addressed very lightly even though it’s so bad that she cannot live normal life. I wish the book would have made more clear guy won’t fix your body image. Girl, you need therapy ASAP not another guy.

Second issue I had was all that lying. I just can’t handle that well. When it’s a big part of the plot I get so much anxiety. I guess that’s one reason I don’t get along with a lot of people.

This is fiction story though and rest of the book was VERY entertaining so I do recommend this for a light read and look past of how the mental health issues were handled.

If you have mental health issues please reach out. You are not alone.