I had high hope for this read to be a favorite of mine. I read The Bodyguard by Katherine Center and LOVED it. This one fell flat for me. The love story was fun and kept me entertained. I wanted to love the awareness that this author was bringing to body image issues and mental health, but it just didn’t hit for me. It felt like the issues lacked depth and were mentioned frequently, but weren’t explored on a deeper level.

I have mixed feelings about this book. The premise for it is unlike any book I read and I really enjoyed certain aspects of it.
Pros: I liked learning about the rescue swimmers and following their job. The dog George Bailey was the show stealer. As a lover of rescue dogs, I loved that they talked about that.
Cons: most of the characters were semi-unlikable even until the end. Cole was super annoying and just had so many issues? I get he was supposed to be like that but dude you're a grown man.
I didn't mind Katie's insecurities and even liked that it was talked about, but sometimes I needed more depth from her character. She felt really whiny at times.
Also The romance felt really rushed at times.
In summary, super cool premise, Rue and George stole the show, and I enjoyed myself while I was reading it.

The Love Haters is perfect for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt story with emotional depth, a touch of humor, and characters who experience significant personal growth.

It follows the story of Katie and Hutch, who are navigating challenges like family disputes and self-doubt, which makes them feel real and grounded. Especially Katie, who struggles with loving her body after being body shamed multiple times in her life. I loved how Katherine described it herself, saying that this was another type of love story: "One between Katie and her body - in a kind of enemies-to-lovers trope".

What I loved was that Center has a gift for blending humor and heart. Her characters often face tough situations, but there's a lightness in the way she presents them, offering hope and optimism even in difficult moments. She doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional complexities of her characters’ experiences, in the end offering an uplifting message about resilience and transformation. For example now, showing how to learn to love yourself and the difference that it makes once you do it.

Even when the characters face hardship, there is a sense of hope and positivity in Katherine Center storytelling. Through Katie and Hutch story, we are being encouraged to embrace life’s challenges and find joy in unexpected places. And while this is a romance, it’s never just about love for the sake of love. Katherine Center romances are intertwined with deeper personal journeys, making the relationships more meaningful and authentic. Katie's and Hutch romantic relationship is built on emotional connection and growth, rather than just chemistry.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced digital copy - all thoughts and opinions are my own!

The early part of this book had me doubting if I would enjoy this book as much as the others I have read by Katherine Center, but by the time I finished, I really enjoyed it. The author throws in a couple of plot twists in the second half of the book that had me coming back for more and staying up too late to finish. The characters are compelling and not all the same despite the obvious reference to the protagonists being "love haters". Family history and body shaming are major topics in this book that play into the choices and personalities of the characters.

Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Katherine for allowing me to read the ARC of this book!

First and foremost, I want to let readers know that this book is not primarily a romance between the FMC and MMC…to me, this book was a love story about Katie learning to love herself. Though it wasn’t what I was expecting, it was one of the most heartwarming and emotional books I’ve ever read.

It made me ugly cry a few times. It made me laugh out loud so much that my husband didn’t know what was going on.

I think I loved this book (5-stars loved) because I related more to the main character than any book I’ve ever read:
***Small spoilers in this paragraph***
Katie experiences extreme body image issues related to both a demeaning stepmother and a cheating fiancé (who is also famous, so she gets berated online for her appearance). I relate to this because my mother used to say the exact same thing to me (suck your stomach in), and my husband cheated on me. People who haven’t experienced these things have no idea what it’s like to hate the body you live in, and can’t escape, each and every moment of every day, even if it’s irrational. I saw people complain in reviews about Katie and her issues, and how they didn’t think it mattered, or care, or want to see her heal and grow. They were only concerned about her relationship with Hutch. But Katie and her issues are what made this book unforgettable for me. I loved the freedom and healing she experienced - how she learned how to stand up to herself instead of bullying her own body every day. How she learned to love even small and silly things about herself. How she started to thank her body for what it did for her, instead. And how she stopped living in fear of what everyone thought or fear of being seen, and decided that only her opinion of herself mattered. And that her opinion of herself needed to be more kind.

All that to say, I think this book actually helped heal me a bit. So thank you, Katherine, for creating something so much better than a shallow romance. This book was deep.

I will also note quickly that I loved the brotherly competition dynamic and their backstory, and that Rue is awesome. As is George Bailey.

People will love this book if they:
-Have ever experienced body image issues
-Enjoy a strangers-to-lovers trope
-Like some action/adventure scenes mixed in with their romance
-Love a protective MMC with a sad backstory
-Enjoy a FMC who learns and grows a lot during the story
-Would choose a beautiful, tropical setting for their romance 🌴

All in all, I HIGHLY recommend this book, and will read it again and again just to see Katie overcome!!! My favorite Katherine Center so far 🤍🙌🏻

I just finished reading this book, and I had such a fantastic time! Katie Vaughn's journey was so relatable and entertaining. Right from the start, I was hooked by her dilemma—facing a potential layoff or taking a chance on a career-making gig. I could totally feel her anxiety and excitement as she decided to profile Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West.

Katie's lack of swimming skills and the fact that she faked it added a hilarious twist to the story. I found myself laughing at her attempts to keep up the facade. The dynamic between Katie and Hutch was captivating, especially with the added tension of Hutch being Cole's brother and their sibling rivalry.

Meeting Hutch's colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane brought so much charm to the story. I loved the interactions between Katie and these characters, and I felt like I was right there with them, experiencing the fun and chaos of Key West. I could especially relate to the character having sectoral heterochromia, as my daughter has it too. It made the story feel even more personal and touching.

The romance between Katie and Hutch had me swooning, especially with their stolen kisses and growing attraction. The adventure elements were thrilling, from swim lessons and helicopter flights to conga lines, drinking contests, and even hurricanes. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering how Katie would handle it all. The emotional moments, where Katie faced her fears and told the truth, were heartfelt and inspiring.

Overall, this book was a delightful mix of humor, romance, and adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and couldn't put it down.

thank you to netgalley for the ARC 💗🌊☀️very much appreciate the privilege to get to review a pre-release

this book is (for the most part) adorable. I think maybe a small trigger warning about body image issues to the point of disordered eating would’ve been a good gesture for the book, because it really does portray that quite honestly (and a lot of it). but all the same, it’s still a great book. Katherine Center always has the ability to suck a reader directly into the scene she sets. If you’re looking for a beachy read of with love that starts at the bottom wrung of the ladder and only grows from there, and some fun adventure with each page packed with so much to absorb, this is the one. You can very easily get lost in it. (But maybe don’t read it on a boat in a hurricane)

This book is perfect if you’re on a vacation or laid up in bed (sick, like I was when I received this copy, and it certainly helped pass the time and even got quite a few giggles from me)

if you liked The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, or People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, you’ll love this book 💗🌊☀️

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of The Love Haters by Katherine Center. I am a huge fan of Katherine Center and was so excited to see she had another new book coming out.

As the saying goes, there is a thin line between love and hate. Enter Katie Vaughn. Katie had a horrible past relationship and is finally feeling more like herself after a horrible, public break-up and downward spiral. She is afraid she will be laid off as a video producer and is given one last opportunity to go film “Hutch” Hutchinson with the US Coast Guard at his brother, and her coworker, Cole’s request.

Cole warns that Hutch is a love hater, a non-talker, and basically a miserable person. Katie also can’t swim which is a requirement.

When Katie gets to Key West, she realizes that Hutch isn’t anything like Cole described and Key West is the best thing that might have happened to her.

In my opinion, Center once again hit it out of the park. I loved the friction and connection between Hutch and Katie. Her embarrassment of so many things, the ridiculous situations she finds herself in, his obvious attraction that she is clueless to see. I HATED Cole, although that is pretty much why he is in the book. His jealousy is something he should have gotten over long ago, although he can’t seem to. The scene of them figuring it out is hysterical, though.

The end of the book was a bit obvious but it didn’t mean I still didn’t swoon and love it!

When I saw The Love Haters available on NetGalley I was ecstatic because I had just finished reading The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center and loved it.

Katherine Center nailed the character development and depth of Aunt Rue, who seemed to be the underlying constant carrying the plot from one scene to the next. Her backstory made me love her even more.

I really enjoy Katherine Center’s writing style, but some parts of the plot weren’t believable at all to me, specifically the ending which I won’t get into because I don’t want to risk any spoilers. Additionally, the theme of miscommunication left me feeling annoyed and confused as a reader. I would have much rather been “in-the-know” on all sides of the story while seeing how the miscommunication played out.

I’m giving the book 3 stars because I enjoyed it for the most part, but Aunt Rue was the only character I connected to and the unrealistic elements of the plot were hard for me to get past. This would be a great vacation or beach read, and I loved the overall Key West vibes!

Thank you to NetGalley and Katherine Center for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Since I discovered Katherine Center she has yet to release a book that doesn't at some point make me weep. She's a master in unexpected laughs, and seriousness, and touching stories. She writes books with souls. This was no exception, plots are always border line ridiculous but in the best possible way.

Rue, the gals, george bailey, beanie, all wonderful eclectic side characters supporting the katie/hutch romance. I loved the journey to get there too, the struggles, even the miscommunications. The book just leaves you feeling, thinking, and lighter. Absolutely recommend Center's books to anyone who needs a pick me up

Katherine Center book are automatic reads for me. This one started out a little slow, but picked up at the end and I could not put down. I like how she introduces heavier topics into her stories, but still manages to write a great story.

Traditionally, I've felt mixed feelings about Katherine Center's novels – some of them hit harder than others for me – and this one was on the lower end of that range. It felt like this story was warring between having a kooky cast of characters with over-the-top moments and the idea of heavier topics, like body image and self worth. Lots of the romance also felt forced, as if it was told that there was romance rather than being shown in the story.

This was still a cute, fun read and I didn't hate it, but it's not one I'll be purchasing for my bookshelf.

There’s nothing to hate about The Love Haters! This book was adorable. I loved the way Katherine Center follows the rom-com storyline formula but always finds a way to add her own twists and pizazz to jazz things up a little. Hutch was such a dream book boyfriend, and I’m a little sad our time together is over. If you’ve enjoyed KC’s previous books or enjoy swoony (but totally clean) romances with a little something extra, I think you’d really enjoy this book. Thank you NetGalley, Katherine Center, and St. Martin’s Press for access to this arc!

Katherine center is the QUEEEN of writing rom coms.

This was such a cute read! The perfect summer time rom com with banter, a fabulous story & scenes that truly have you laughing out loud. I started and finished this book in one sitting.

-opposites attract
-forced proximity
-work trip romance
-boss’s brother

Also we need to protect Rue, and George Bailey at all costs!!!!! Loved these characters omg.

3.5 stars rounded down

This was actually my introduction to Katherine Center as I have heard about her but have never read her books. While the book had an intriguing premise—a mix of humor, high stakes, and a vibrant Key West setting—the execution didn’t fully deliver.

The story follows Katie Vaughn, a video producer who, to keep her job, takes on an assignment profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. The catch? She can’t swim but keeps that detail to herself. The assignment is further complicated by Hutch’s strained relationship with his brother, Cole, who is also Katie’s boss. When Katie arrives in Key West, she stays with Hutch’s quirky Aunt Rue, whose lively presence adds charm. However, once swim lessons begin, the humor veers too far into slapstick, and the chemistry between Katie and Hutch feels more told than shown.

The novel’s handling of deeper themes, such as body image and grief, was uneven—important but often overshadowed by the book’s lighter tone. Some supporting characters lacked depth, particularly Katie’s friend Beanie and Cole, whose abrasive behavior was frustrating.

Despite its shortcomings, the book still had enjoyable elements, including the tropical atmosphere, adventure-filled plot, and Katie’s personal growth as she learns to embrace her body. The author even describes this as not just a romance between Katie and Hutch but a self-love journey for Katie and her body.

Ultimately, while this book wasn’t my favorite, I do acknowledges Center’s talent and remains excited for her next release. If you are looking for a lighthearted rom-com book, this is a great suggestion.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

I was so excited to have gotten an ARC to review. I love The Rom-Commers and The Bodyguard by Katherine Center so I figured I’d love this one too. I was so so wrong! This being marketed as a romance is incorrect. Hutch and Katie have no chemistry whatsoever. I have more chemistry with my morning cup of coffee and a stale piece of bread than they have together. They had nothing going for them, other than Katie saying Hutch’s name at least 800 times throughout the book, seriously! There were times where she said it at least 4 times in a single paragraph. I was so annoyed.

Then came fucking Cole. I despise Cole so fucking much. He’s a trash human who doesn’t deserve anyone’s kindness. I was infuriated at the 70% by him and his fucking antics that Katie decided was okay to go along with? Girl grow a fucking backbone! Ugh, I was so mad at the bar scene especially. Katie should’ve just walked out and left his ass.

I don’t believe they will last after the ending. I don’t think they will make it a month into dating. There was no yearning, no tension, no chemistry. They felt more like coworkers or acquaintances. This wasn’t a good romance at all.

I did really enjoy watching Katie learn to love herself after all the negativity she faced throughout her life. That was so sweet to see her finally appreciate herself and her body. I love Beanie, she is the friend that everyone deserves to have in life.

Anyway, I don’t recommend this one. It was barely a romance. It felt like a freshman year creative writing assignment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the opportunity to review an early copy of The Love Haters.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was a bit of a mess. I've read and enjoyed several Katherine Center books before, but this one really didn't work for me. The main character's only discernible character trait is extreme self-consciousness about her body, and it became a bit exhausting to live in her head after just a few chapters. The plot felt less like a cohesive story than a series of random events thrown together one after the other, so that it almost felt like the author took bits and pieces from several books and blended them into one. There was plenty of scenes that played into classic romcom tropes, but instead of feeling fun and relatable or funny, they just fell really flat. The humour was downright cringy, especially compared to previous novels where the author was able to write fairly charming banter. The relationship between the main character and the love interest was told to the reader a lot more than it was shown, so by the time they got together in the end it felt like a very uncertain connection between them. I wanted to enjoy this book but overall was left disappointed.

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC! I will always always read any Katherine Center new release!

Firstly, man oh man is the male love interest THE PERFECT HUMAN BEING. Not only is he a hunk named Hutch who is a RESCUE SWIMMER (hot), but he also seems like the most kind-hearted soul (that airplane story killed me). He’s easily a top tier book boyfriend for sure.


I will say the beginning of the book did take me a while to get into. Sometimes the main character just annoyed me, but mostly because I fear I have all the same insecurities as her so maybe it just hit a little too close to home. But I think the book does provide a good theme in how to change your perspective, love yourself, and be grateful for what you have in your life.

Overall a 3.5 rounded up to a 4!

Thank you to #NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC! Opinions are my own.

Katie is a videographer who heads to Key West on an assignment to profile her colleague's estranged brother - a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, who happens to be single, gorgeous and an incredible human being. Katie needs to conquer her own self-sabotaging inner thoughts and navigate

The novel employs a lot of really great romance tropes - miscommunication, fake dating - but the one I most enjoyed (and most appreciated the thoughtful author's note about) was about Katie's enemies to lovers relationship with herself. As a warning, Katie has a lot of body image issues that may be incredibly difficult to read and potentially triggering for someone recovering from an eating disorder or with body dysmorphia.

In all, I wouldn't say anything about this novel was particularly surprising - <spoiler>obviously she was going to end up needing to be rescued by the MMC!</spoiler>, but it was still very fun to read. Rue and George Bailey were particular highlights from a fairly limited cast of characters.

I really really enjoy Katherine Center's books and I'm so thrilled to have read this one. 4.75/5 stars

The last part of this book was substantially better than the first, so I’m glad that I finished it. But the first part was a little rough. I didn’t even know the main character’s name for the first couple chapters, and I had no idea why I was supposed to be rooting for her. She didn’t seem like a real person, sort of a cliche caricature of a sad, mopey woman (cheated on with a pop star? Her best friend had destroy her scale?)

Katie and the rest of the novel grew on me as the story went on, and it was an enjoyable read, but it lacked depth and dimension. The love story lacked chemistry at times and the supporting characters all felt a bit fake. Lots of love for George Bailey, though — he won me over immediately.