
Member Reviews

Ah Katherine Center, you win again. This was a great book with so much emotion. It’s on part with her past books. There is so much character development and it touched on issues that are important with the climate of today. The characters are quirky and you can’t help but love them. It was such a quick and easy read.

This book is so relatable and absolutely everyone will have moments of self-doubt. It’s unfortunate that the new generation will not only have ‘well intentioned stepmothers telling you ‘to suck it all in’ or ‘insist salads for every meal’ but that their insecurities could be memorialized on the internet. I love a good best friend that reads self-help books and constantly tries to become the best version of herself, we all need one. The chemistry is pretty volatile but the FMC has so many insecurities that she doesn’t see the effect she’s having on him. The MMC is essentially a golden retriever and objectively ‘perfect’ but has some childhood trauma that lingers. Rue is by far the best supporting character in the story and I hope to one day live in a series of cottages in Key West with my best gal pals. George Bailey, the Great Dane was obviously my favorite and his deep love for his new toad friend Lucky.

This book had so much potential. It got me hooked with Katie, Hutch, Rue and of course the loveable George Bailey. The interaction with all the characters was delightful. The sparks with Katie and Hutch made you cheer for them. The way they were put together in situations was funny and captivating. For me there was too many descriptions from the main character and it took forever to get to the point. I always love a story of loving yourself especially in this world where people can be cruel for likes on social media. I am giving it 3 stars since it kept me reading, although I was disappointed with how Hutch reacted with the rescue. I understand he is in rescue mode but if you are rescuing the person you love some emotion is bound to come out. For me he should have been more emotional. He didn’t know if she was alive or dead. Also, the epilogue was unappealing. I skimmed it wanting more of the main characters. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book even though it wasn’t Katherine Centers strongest book. Katie was a relatable and charming character with some body dysmorphia issues. Hutch fit the mark for a coast guard hero, but was also perfectly perfect in a humble way. It’s obviously that someone would need saving and the turn of events wasn’t what I was expecting and that’s where the magic of the story took place. As with all stories from the author, they are such enjoyable easy reads and I would highly recommend this one! Thankful once again for the ARC from Netgalley!

3.5 stars for this one. I love Katherine Center, but this one wasn’t my favorite. The story, location, and main characters were great! The other characters and problem in the book were not so great. It was still a cute read and I’m glad I read it! Especially happy to get this as an ARC from NetGalley.

The best thing about Katherine Center's novels is the joy you feel while reading them, and the worst thing is knowing when you finish you will have to wait until she writes another one to experience that joy again. Center is, for sure, one of my favorite authors, and The Love Haters certainly didn't disappoint. Like her other novels, Center has crafted characters that are perfectly flawed and relatable, and you can't help rooting for them.
This particular novel centers around Katie, a film maker who is sent to The Florida Keys to film an incredibly good looking hero named Hutch, a member of the Coast Guard search and rescue unit. Sprinkle in other lovable characters (Rue! George Bailey! Beanie!) who help Katie learn to love herself as well as Hutch, and you have an amazing novel!

Thank you Net Galley and St Martin's Press for the advanced copy of Katherine Center's newest upcoming book "The Love Haters". Overall, I really enjoyed the book yet it was not Katherine's usual fun rom com style. Could be trigger for some with eating disorders, death of loved one, alcohol.
The setting- Key West and the topic spending the weeks with the USCoast Guard were so unique, different and well researched that it was so much fun to read.
I LOVED the side characters which truly made the book. Best friend Beanie! Everyone needs a Beanie! Rue- the real estate tycoon, "aunt" and cottage owner! The Gals! (of course - with a character named Nadine how can you not love them.) and can't forget George Bailey-the lovable great dane.
But the main character Katie was so blah. Due to childhood trauma and previous fiancé, Katie had significant body issues that Beanie was working hard on with her but the overall ignorance that Katie displayed throughout the story was embarrassing especially at beginning of the story. Then to have her go along with a lie later- I would have expected more growth from Katie by then.
As typical Katherine Center style, she did provide an author's note writing about healing which this book definitely targets and the hate to love trope also included within Katie herself.
This is a book that I think I will have to read a second time to really appreciate the underlying messages. Overall it is an enjoyable read and so excited for it to come out in May!

A breezy love story, typical of Katherine Center. Much lighter than some of her previous stories, it seemed a bit rushed and shoved the main protagonists together. Very preachy about positive body image, which is appreciated occasionally but it was bit over the top in this particular novel.

I absolutely love everything Katherine Center rights and this book was so different! Relationships, banter, laugh out loud moments. It’s all there to make another perfect book. Would of course reccomend!

Solid 4-4.25 stars. I love Katherine Center’s books for being “romance with a message”. I could relate a lot to Katie’s body image struggles so it’s always helpful when you can see yourself in the FMC. I am also a sucker for a dog, especially a Great Dane/horse and Rue was such a character. I wish we got to know a little bit more about her eccentric life, and the parts with Cole kind of dragged for me which is why this isn’t a full 5 stars for me. Thanks to Netgalley and St Martins Press for providing an advanced copy for review - all opinions are my own!

LOVED it! I devoured this book in one day! Katherine Center does it again! The characters were so like-able and the storyline kept me interested the whole book.

This is a poignant and beautifully written story that explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, and the power of self-discovery. The book centers on protagonist Claire, who, after a painful breakup, swears off love altogether. Her resolve is tested when she meets the charming and enigmatic Liam, who challenges her beliefs and forces her to confront her past. Center's writing is evocative and full of emotional depth, drawing readers into Claire's journey of healing and transformation. The character development is superb, with Claire evolving from a heartbroken skeptic to a strong, independent woman who learns to open her heart again. Liam's character is equally compelling, providing a perfect balance of warmth and mystery that keeps readers intrigued. One of the standout aspects of the book is its exploration of the different forms of love, from romantic to platonic and self-love. Center delves into the idea that healing from a broken heart requires more than just finding a new love—it involves understanding and accepting oneself first. The dialogue is witty and engaging, and the chemistry between Claire and Liam is palpable. Center masterfully blends humor with heartfelt moments, creating a story that is both entertaining and deeply moving.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this book, with my honest review below.
I really loved The Rom-Commers, which exposed me to the different ways Katherine Center’s style of writing can appeal to me, and I was eager to read The Love Haters to see what she had in store for her readers here, since undeniably she is an inventive and entertaining storyteller. With The Love Haters she took me on an escape to Key West and filled that charming key with equally charming characters.
Katie (and her lies about her proficiency in swimming) starts us off, holding onto her job by going to the Keys to film a recruiting video for the navy of the absolutely perfect Hutch, puppy savior (for Jennifer Aniston) and all around good guy. Clearly Hutch’s brother has some issues with him given he sent Katie in his place to avoid said perfection, but Katie’s not exactly helping by not having a fear of water she’s hiding. And as is often seen with Katherine Center's books, there are points of serious subject matter in the form of Katie’s past eating disorder and continued struggles with body dysmorphia which understandably contribute to her not wanting to don a swimsuit. While I appreciate the representation of such a serious issue that many struggle with in small and large ways, I did feel that the marriage of the other parts of this story and Katie’s struggles didn’t always work well. That said, characters like Aunt Rue and Hutch were good balances and the parts of Katie’s struggles that rang true were where her circle helped champion for her to be kind to herself and look outside her own perspective.
Ultimately a lighter romance, I enjoyed the story quite a lot but found myself wishing it found more balance and transitioned a little more smoothly. If you are a fan of romantic comedies with more substance included, however, this will be appeal.

Delightful quick rom-com read! Did the storyline have a certain predictability to it? Sure. But I find that to be a comfort when it comes to a book like this. It was like rewatching your favorite episode of a tv show and it gives you all the warm fuzzies. Well written and fun banter along the way will just enough drama sprinkled in. 4/5!

I really enjoyed this book! Katherine always does a fabulous job with the little details. I enjoyed the storyline with hutch and Katie. I loved every detail about key west and aunt rue and the girls. Even George Bailey was enjoyable and entertaining. I thought the self love portion of the story was well written and nicely incorporated into the story. Overall I loved the book!

This book was hard to put down, I really loved the character to Villa moon and storyline. I love this author and another book by her that did not disappoint.

This book was great! Practically finished in one sitting. Yes it's a predictable romance, but it's also so much more. There are great ideas and tips to help with body image and they are easier to read and relate to in this setting than if i had just read a self help book.
This book starts quickly with Katie about to lose her job but quickly takes off from there when a coworker offers her a new project. Romance and humorous situations that could only happen in a book or movie ensue for a great time.

I absolutely love Katherine Center and this book reminded me why!
Katie has struggled with body image issues since her step mom told her to “suck it in” for a photo. These issues were exacerbated when she went to a red carpet event, with her rockstar boyfriend, wearing floral. She was body shamed online. Her boyfriend then proceeds to cheat on her.
Hutch lost his parents at a young age due to a car accident. His brother Cole is the least likable character in the book. His jealousy of his Coast Guard rescue swimmer brother has no bounds. Cole holds a grudge for something Hutch had no involvement in.
Cole is Katie’s coworker and sends her to interview Hutch instead of going himself.
Katie and Hutch use this time to work through their issues in healthy ways with only a few communication issues.
If you pick up this book be ready to get nothing else done until you’re finished. You will not be disappointed!

I love Katherine Center’s books. She is a fantastic writer. This was not my favorite but I still thought it was fantastic. I loved the characters. Katherine Center will continue to be a go to author for me.

4 ⭐️ - Katherine Center always has a way of pulling at the heartstrings; this book was a bit far-fetched at times, but balanced out with the continuous journey of self-love, exploring true love, and embracing all flaws and cracks in your armour. Center’s knack for intertwining humor with life lessons always does seamlessly!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!