First thing’s first- I absolutely loved this book. I’ve read all of Katherine Center’s books so when I got the opportunity to get an ARC for this one, I jumped at the chance.

Once I started, I could not stop reading. I LOVED Katie as a main character. She had so much depth to her and there was a lot about her backstory that I could relate to. She felt like a real person to me, and while the love story with Hutch was wonderful and I loved reading it (and I loved him!), Katie learning to fall in love with herself was the main takeaway from this one. Writers sometimes don’t write those types of stories well, but I really like how it was done here.

The supporting cast of characters were all great too- I wish I had a Rue in my life to dress me up in colorful clothes and a whole group of ladies cheering me on in life. I would love to see this made into a movie one day- there’s a lot of romance, yes, but there’s also action and really wonderful people that you can’t help but root for.

Another great novel from katherine center. This book takes you on a journey with the FMC toward self-love and discovery with real topics and a romance that supports the story but doesn't overwhelm it. The romance is sweet and developed nicely, and the best part - It is not the answer for "fixing" the FMC her nor is it the thing that makes her realize she needs to go on her self care journey in the first place. The book does a nice job exploring difficult topics, always handling consent in romantic relationships really thoughtfully, and kind of flipping some of the tropes you love to see into new adaptation. It was fun and I read it in one sitting. The characters feel so relatable and I love that this book the side characters are people you feel like you know and are getting along with throughout the book. Content warning should include exploring topics around negative self talk and body image.

In true Katherine Center fashion, this book was a perfect combination of funny and endearing. So many quotes that I was absolutely obsessed with. The romance was sweet and the addition of George Bailey was also adorable. Definitely one of my favorite books by this author.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the advanced copy!

Katherine Center does it again!! This book had everything! I laughed, cried, got angry, and just had the best time reading this. I can’t wait for this to be in everyone’s hands.

I was eager to read this book as I have enjoyed Katherine Center's previous works. I was not disappointed by this heartfelt, funny, and hopeful novel. I loved the development of the main character as she grows to love herself and reframe her mindset. The setting of Key West was an amazing choice and I loved the introduction of color and unique personalities. The slow build romance was realistic and believable with many amusing moments. I would definitely recommend this book!

Katherine Center I'm quite literally obsessed with you please never stop writing. Katie is an intensely relatable character, not in the way she falls in love, but the way her trauma prevents it. She is headstrong, fiercely independent, and motivated. And all these things can't save her from the hurt that lingers deep in her soul. Hutch has found a way to heal himself, and knows that his trauma doesn't dictate the life he continues to live. And so Katie couldn't fully grow until she changed. In addition to being a beautiful love story between two characters, it is also a love story between Katie and her body, one I think many women could do with reading. She is so understandable for those of us who have always struggled with our body image and just need to love ourselves a little more. And her development was never a sudden epiphany, it was something she worked hard for. Like we all have to do for the rest of our lives. To love and understand ourselves, we must work at it. Katherine Center captures this idea in a wonderful display of hope, love, and adventure, and I can't wait for readers to fall in love with this book as they have with all her others.

The Love Haters was a cute, easy and fun read that I really enjoyed! Katherine Center's books are just such a pleasure to read and I was hooked immediately with his one too. I did find the last 3rd of the book (primarily once Cole shows up) to be a little frustrating with all of the lies (lies which felt unnecessary). And the ending felt a little rushed for me from a romance perspective, especially with *SPOILER ALERT* Hutch almost leaving Katie in the water after saving George Bailey. But overall, a charming and entertaining read!

There is nothing bad I can even say about this book. If you are feeling low, sad, tired, or unhappy, this is just the medicine you need. The Love Haters is a book that once you pick it up, you won’t want to put it down until you're finished. It felt like coming home and snuggling into my favorite blanket.

First off-the characters. I fell so in love with every one of them within 3 pages of introduction. Katie is so relatable, Beanie is full of wit and wisdom we all need to hear, The Gals are hysterical, and I want to be Rue when I grow up. The brothers, Hutch and Cole, have their rivalry bringing conflict, but even after wanting to punch Cole in the nose, he still ends up being likeable in his own way. Saving the best for last-George Bailey is the one holding everything together.

There are laughs, tears (or the threat of tears), action, and best of all-love. Katie has her own struggles but the way Katherine Center writes about them, its healing for the little girl inside every reader. Too often love stories seem forced or unnatural and Katherine Center has figured out the magic touch to avoid this. Self-love and romantic love both have their perfect place within the story. It’s not often I read a fun, fluffy romance and immediately need to buy it, but this one did the trick. 5 STARS!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of The Love Haters by Katherine Center. Over the years, Katherine Center has become an auto-read author for me. I appreciate her unique writing ability to create characters that are not only relatable and likable, but ones that experience the slices of life that feel close to the heart. The Love Haters sticks to this formula of characters working through deeper level issues, while also trying to find meaningful love. The only drawbacks that I found while reading The Love Haters is a slightly trite, unrealistic play of events at certain times throughout the book. This didn't "bother me" as a reader, but I could see some readers not enjoying this type of banter or play of events. I think it fits with the general trope of a romantic comedy, but then again, I can attest that it is not my favorite Center book should I attempt to rate them. Otherwise, I was happy to read it and will continue to read her novels!

I have been a Katherine Center fan for the past couple of years, so I was excited to get an advanced copy. Thank you, NetGalley!

This was such a sweet story - did I roll my eyes a few times? Yes! Did I sigh a few times? Yes! Did I love it? Yes!
But this was just a typical rom-com love story - mixed signals , misunderstandings and lots of laughs!!

Ugh Center did it again and I am in love with Hutch, plain and simple. I want his stoicism in my life and Rue could probably make my life better too. I want to cuddle this book. But also, screw Cole bc he is SO annoying. I'm still recovering from the stupid step-sis in hello stranger lol

Funny, and Engaging! The Love Haters by Katherine Center is pure gold.

After an extremely tumultuous failed relationship, Katie put her life back together. Her job as a video producer has been her saving grace, as has her pet project of filming her “A Day in the Life” series for YouTube. After being told that layoffs are imminent, Katie jumps at the chance to produce and be a part of a project for which she’s wholly unqualified, and the results are hilarious.

Enter Hutch, a member of the US Coast Guard who’ll be starring in Katie’s project, and showing her the ropes. Hello Dreamboat! (Too bad you’re a fictional character 😢 who's too young for me anyway, lol!). The moment these two meet, hilarity ensues, and sparks fly. The chemistry between these two fictional characters was so great, that I didn’t want this book to end. When it finally did, I was left wholly satisfied, with a smile on my face.

The Love Haters has it all and is now a new favorite by Katherine Center.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.

What can I say about this. I’m speechless - in a good way. The best thing I can say about this is that Katherine Center tells a beautiful love story, and also tells the story of Katie and Hutch. The truest and most endearing love story in this book isn’t between the two main characters, it’s all about Katie and how she feels about herself. Katherine Center has become my newest favorite author, because she emotionally wears me out every time I pick Up one of her books. If you need a little coaching on loving yourself, this the book for you.

Okay, first of all, this book had me laughing, swooning, and wishing I was on a beach with a drink in my hand. Katherine Center nailed that perfect mix of chaos, charm, and feels that makes you want to devour the whole story in one sitting.

Katie Vaughn? Relatable AF. She’s juggling a messy career situation, past relationship baggage, and pretending she can swim (girl, same — except I don't lie about it). Enter Hutch: a Coast Guard rescue swimmer who’s like... annoyingly attractive but also kind of grumpy? The tension is 🔥, and their banter? Chef’s kiss. Plus, throw in his hilarious Aunt Rue and an oversized rescue dog, and you’ve got a whole chaotic vibe I was fully obsessed with.

But what really got me was the heart behind all the hijinks. It’s about facing your fears, being real, and learning to take a chance on yourself and love — even when it’s messy. Katie’s journey felt so real and made me root for her at every step.

If you love rom-coms with strong female leads, hot coast guard guys, tropical chaos, and a side of emotional growth, do yourself a favor and pick this up. Trust me, it’s a whole vibe. 💛🌴

What happens when you mix a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, a body-image journey, and a dash of slapstick humor? A love story that’s as messy as it is heartwarming. 💕🌊

Read if you like:
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Love-hating with a side of healing
✨ Small-town charm
✨ Big-hearted dogs who steal the show 🐾

Katie Vaughn needs a miracle—or at least a career-saving gig. When her boss offers her the chance to profile a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Katie jumps at the opportunity… conveniently forgetting to mention she can’t swim. 🏊‍♀️ The catch? Her subject, Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson, isn’t just a love-hater—he’s also her boss’s estranged brother. What follows is a whirlwind of swim lessons, hurricanes, and stolen kisses as Katie faces her fears, embraces her flaws, and learns to let love in. ❤️‍🔥

Katie is a relatable mess, wrestling with body-image insecurities and trying to keep her head above water (literally). Hutch is the “scientifically good-looking” brooder with a soft side buried beneath his gruff exterior. 🥵🐚 Their banter is electric, but their emotional growth is the real highlight.

Katie and Hutch’s chemistry alternates between sizzling tension 🔥 and tender vulnerability 🥺. Their romance feels authentic, filled with stolen moments and heartfelt confessions. While the humor occasionally veers into slapstick, their connection brings depth to the story.

Aunt Rue and her crew, “the gals,” are pure joy—bringing Key West’s vibrant charm to life. 🌴🍹 And let’s not forget George Bailey, the rescue Great Dane who will make you laugh and swoon. 🐶💖

Katherine Center blends humor with heartfelt moments beautifully. While the focus on body image and slapstick humor might not hit the mark for everyone, the story’s underlying theme of self-acceptance shines. 🌟 Her ability to craft characters who feel both flawed and lovable keeps the pages turning. 📖

Though not Katherine Center’s strongest book, The Love Haters offers a unique twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope by pairing a love story with a journey of self-acceptance. It’s a lighthearted read with moments of emotional depth, perfect for fans of quirky romances and heartwarming endings. 💘✨

QOTD: If you had to take lessons in something you’re secretly bad at, what would it be? 👀

#KatherineCenter #RomComReads #TheLoveHaters #CoastalRomance #EnemiesToLovers #BodyImageJourney #Bookstagram #RomanceReaders #ReadingCommunity

This story will make you laugh, sigh, and cheer for every step toward healing—proving that love, even self-love, is worth the leap. 💫

This book takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, filled with highs, lows, and every feeling in between. The protagonist, Katie, is deeply scarred by a painful breakup that does more than just make her sad—it shatters her self-image, leaving her feeling empty and afraid to embrace who she truly is. Her journey takes her to Key West for a video assignment, where she meets Hutch, a Coast Guard swimmer who becomes the focus of her story. Their immediate connection helps Katie see herself in a new light as she navigates this transformative chapter.

I was captivated by the depth of the characters and their emotional growth throughout the book. The supporting characters were equally delightful and added richness to the overall narrative. While romance isn't the central theme, it remains a subtle and ongoing thread throughout the story. Katherine Center has a remarkable ability to craft stories that leave a lasting impact, changing the way you see the world as you read. I highly recommend this book.

First, let me say I feel bad for leaving this review because Katherine Center is one of my all time favorites. However, this was a miss for me. I just could not relate to any of the characters and really disliked Katie and Cole. I know Cole was supposed to be unlikable, but he was awful. I can appreciate the struggles with her body and confidence that Katie was working through, but I felt like the story leaned too much into that piece. I mean, toward the end during a very big event, Katie was more focused on her body image than surviving. It was too much. Not sure what to say about Hutch. He was made to be perfect, and kind of was. Would have liked to see more push and pull within for him and maybe some of his perspective. This was really a self-love story. I do think the epilogue helped and broke down the learnings from the book and that was nice. For me, this is a library rental.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I aboslutely devoured this book! KC has a way with words for sure, and this one is that excellen slow burn romance with plenty of "woman getting her groove back" brilliance.

I love any book by this author...but I have to say 1 of these characters really tested my patience. That's why I can only give it a 4 star. The storyline is witty. I laughed out loud at places and felt other emotions at places. I left this book feeling both relief, happiness and changed. The author's notes were some of the best I've ever read. These make it a 5 star. I highly recommend this book. Like her others, you're guaranteed a ride of emotions as you read. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. #NetGalley #TheLoveHaters

I love Katherine Center’s books, and this one did not disappoint! I was so excited to read this one and put aside other books to get it done. I’m happy I did! I loved the characters in this rom-com. There is a funny and strong female main character, a hot male love interest and his quirky dog, and older female friends with Rue and The Gals. Katie’s voice lends humor and self-awareness to tough life topics such as low self-esteem, online bullying, and learning to love herself again. When a work assignment takes her to Key West where she encounters a hunky coast guard rescue swimmer, she is faced with a few problems such as she doesn’t know how to swim and she doesn’t know if she can deal with hard things. Through this heartwarming story, we watch Katie grow and evolve to view herself in a positive light and live the life she loves. This was a great read! Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.