Can we get a book about Rue?! Overall I enjoyed this book. I thought the eating/weight/body image talk was a bit much at times but I also understand that’s a reality for some people. But for real, when is Rue and the Girls’ book coming out?

Overall I enjoyed this book. It wasn’t my favorite of the other books of Center’s that I have read - but I still enjoyed the story overall! The storyline of disordered eating was difficult to read, and could see it potentially being a trigger to future readers. I did enjoy the relationship between the two MCs, and the caring they had for each other.

3.5 stars
I had a tough time getting into this story, but by around page 60 l was pretty engaged. I loved seeing Katie and Hutch's relationship unfold, despite the challenges posed by her job and Cole, Katie's manager and Hutch's brother.
Rue was definitely my favorite character and I loved anytime her and the Gals were mentioned. I will say that Katie trying to get drunk Hutch to kiss her didn't really sit right with me.
This was my first book of Katherine Center's and I would definitely give her other books a try. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC!

I am a huge Katherine Center fan and love her writing. It is so engaging from the very beginning. This book was no different. I loved the MMC and my biggest complaint of the book is that we didn’t get to see more of his relationship with the MFC. I felt like it kind of ended abruptly after they confessed feelings. I was looking for a little more after that build up which is the reason for giving a 4 star rating.

I am in love with Katherine Center’s writing. It’s sweet, compelling, and oh so addicting. I could not put this book down!

Anything Katherine Center writes, I will read! I was so excited to get my hands on an early copy of her upcoming novel:

‘The Love Haters’ is all about a video producer named Katie who has been assigned to make a promotional video for the U.S. Coast Guard. As her company begins downsizing, she knows that accepting this gig is the only way she can avoid being cut. There are just a few problems: She can’t swim, she will be working around the water, and she is terrified of being in a swimsuit all thanks to a cheating ex and a tabloid’s comments on her body. Yet, when Katie first lays eyes on the handsome rescuer that she’s been assigned to film, he not only leaves her with loads of incredible footage, but with a whole new take on life.

I have always loved the depth that Katherine Center puts into her love stories, and I really enjoyed how this book was essentially a love story to our bodies. I can’t say that I’ve read anything that explored this concept in such an intense way, as U.S. Coast Guards challenge their bodies and risk their lives every day for the greater good.

While there are some deeper topics in this one, like any other Katherine Center book, this story had so much humor sprinkled in! Her writing style is like talking to your BFF, and there were so many memorable characters. I especially loved reading the author’s note at the end. I felt like this really captured what we all love about her books and why love stories are such important ones to be told.

Bonus: If you’re familiar with Florida living, I think this will be an even more exciting read as the story takes place in the Florida Keys.

CONTENT WARNING: Body dysmorphia and an unhealthy relationship with food are recurring themes throughout the book. There are also references to grieving the loss of a loved one.

Katherine Center is one of my favorite contemporary authors! I eagerly anticipate every new release, and The Love Haters did not disappoint. I devoured it in a single evening and immediately wanted to reread it. The story follows Katie, a video producer on the brink of unemployment, who takes an assignment to film Hutch, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, in Key West. One problem: she can’t swim, a fact she conveniently fails to mention. Throw in an estranged brother, a rambunctious Great Dane named George Bailey, a gaggle of geriatric friends, and an impending hurricane, and you have a perfect mix of romance, humor, and self-discovery.

I absolutely loved following Katie’s journey. She felt so real—her insecurities, her messy decisions, and her unexpected bravery all made me root for her. And Hutch? Let’s just say he’s the kind of grumpy-but-softhearted hero I can’t resist. Their chemistry was off the charts, but also off-the-page, which means you could let your auntie read this one. Speaking of aunties, Rue was kind of my favorite character of all. I wish we'd gotten a little bit more of The Gals, but that's a minor quibble.

I can't wait for the next book by this author!

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I love love love Katherine Center. She’s a writer who makes me feel things. And The Love Haters was no different.

I almost wish the book was longer. I could have read more about our FMC and our MMC. The Love Haters was warm, cozy, and hilariously funny.

This is my honest opinion in exchange for an advanced digital copy.

If Katherine Center writes it, I will read it. And I will experience all the emotions while km reading. She did not disappointment with this novel, this novel reminds me of the grit and raw emotion Katherine Center incorporated into "Things to Save in a Fire" and the romance of her newer novels ❤️💔

In an attempt to save her job, video producer Katie agrees to profile hero coast guard swimmer Hutch in Key West. Their first "meet cute" with Hutch's rescue dog George Bailey had me crying with laughter 🤣 The Great Dane was my favorite main character and I will not apologize for saying that. I did love Katie and Hutch, their chemistry and their personal development. The honest conversations and Katie's internal thoughts had me feeling an emotional connection to Katie as well, she could be one of my best friends in real life.

The only reason this novel is 4⭐️ and not 5 is that I despised how much Katie let her "coworker" used her and talked to her and about her 😡 Just NO and I wanted Katie to find her backbone sooner. But alas I am not the author so I was just along for the ride.

I just loved the cast of characters, the plot and the ending of this novel. I can't wait for more people to read Katherine Center's newest novel!

Thank you St. Martins Press for the ARC.

I was very excited to read an advanced copy of this book, since I have been a huge fan of this author's work in the past, but I was sadly not impressed by this one.

What I did I enjoy were the moments of our MC learning how to swim (since I personally am an adult that also does not know how to), any scene that involved George Bailey (the wonderful and massive pup), and the characters of Rue and The Gals.

What I was not a fan of, was how irresponsibly the subject of body weight/shaming were told throughout this story. I understand the author's intent, but it felt odd and uncomfortable for her to comment on her weight and our MMC's constantly in the way that she did. I also was not a fan of the pacing, and felt that their romance developed seemingly out of nowhere in the span of a chapter or two, and the story would also breeze past moments that should have stretched on longer for proper character development. I also thought that everything that had to do with our MC and her coworker and boss was hard to follow, based on thin logic and reasoning, and honestly just didn't make sense. Why on earth did the boss come down to Florida? Make it make sense.

Overall, this book felt a bit chaotic and messy. It truly didn't feel like Katherine Center wrote it, and I think the plot has merit, but needs to be better flushed out and could stand to have some further edits. This won't stop me from reading her next book though!

new favorite Katherine Center book unlocked!! I absolutely adore the way she writes her stories, they always feel so happy and comforting. I also loved the setting of this book, I feel like I really learned new things about the Coast Guard and what they do. Also, Hutch is literally perfect.

Katie is about to lose her job and takes an assignment out in Key West to film a Coast Guard recruitment video of her co-worker's brother, Hutch, who he doesn't get along with. Immediately upon arriving, she mets his wonderful aunt, Rue, who is so warm and welcoming towards Katie. She instantly liked Hutch, despite Cole's warnings about him, and his dog, George Bailey, was the icing on the cake.

I loved this book. I read the Rom-Commer's last year and loved it and was happy I was able to read an Arc of this book, and now I feel like I need to read the rest of Katherine Center's books. I, like probably many other women, could really relate to Katie's self-esteem issues and that really touched me. This book was funny, romantic and I loved Hutch. These characters jump off the page, and now I think I may need a physical copy of this book when it comes out!

Thank you Netgally and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of The Love Haters

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!! I love Katherine Center books and this one did not disappoint! It had be hooked from beginning to end. The chemistry and build up from the couple was amazing and every song character main and side were so memorable and shined in their own way!! Truly loved it!!

I screamed out loud when approved for this ARC as falling back into a Katherine Center story is always the best kind of treat. Katie and Hutch’s love story was sweet, at times far fetched and unbelievable in the best way, and filled with deeper meaning about body image, self love, and acceptance. I did struggle with the perception of mental health, specifically the lack of therapy and treatment involved in addressing some of the character’s very serious concerns. Overall though I couldn’t put this one down. As always the authors note at the end is its own additional delight.

Seriously, Katherine Center has yet to disappoint. I loved this. It was so fun! I enjoyed reading about Katie and Hutch's love hate story. I will definitely be recommending this to friends and family!

I have loved all the Katherine center books I’ve read so far and I’m sad this one didn’t quite hit the same for me.
The overall story and potential is there & I know people are going to love this. It’s a personal experience and how you interpret it at the end of the day!

Overall I still enjoyed it & had a good time, for me personally the letdown was the FMC… & the timings felt strange.

The writing is good and there were cute moments too.

I hope there will be trigger warnings once released for those who need it.
Thank you for the arc!

I loved this book! I went in thinking The Love Haters was going to be a typical enjoyable, run-of-the-mill rom com, but I was very pleasantly surprised by the uniqueness of this book! The plot twist with the storm and the house boat at the end really had me on the edge of my seat. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of rom coms or Katherine Center!

This was SO GOOD!!!! I love Katherine Center's writing and this did not disappoint. The banter is top notch and her writing is so funny. I loved every minute of it. Thank you for allowing me to read it early!!

Katherine Center does it again! The Love Haters is everything I wanted—charming, witty, and full of heart. From the very first page, I was completely hooked and couldn’t put it down. (Seriously, I read it in one sitting!)

What I love most about Center’s books is how effortlessly she blends humor, romance, and real, meaningful character growth. This story is no exception. The banter is top-tier, the chemistry is off the charts, and the emotional moments hit just right. It’s a perfect mix of feel-good joy and deeper themes that make you think.

I don’t want to spoil anything, but let’s just say this book gave me everything—laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy romance, and those signature Katherine Center life lessons wrapped up in the most delightful storytelling. If you love her books, this one is an absolute must-read!

The Love Haters
By Katherine Center
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As per usual, I stayed up way to late reading. A good sign that I loved and devoured this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I enjoyed Katie’s journey, especially her self love. I think it’s a great reminder to check in with yourself. She had so much growth by putting herself out there for her job. 👙🩱

Hutch was described in a certain way by his brother and I was worried I was going to dislike him. I was so happy to see him be humble and not like I thought he might be. Although at the end of the book……I was questioning it for a minute! But he pulled thru and didn’t let me down! 🤣 🏊♂️ he’s a dream boat 😍

George Bailey stole the show! Having had a dog that was afraid of thunder and lightning, I could thoroughly relate to his needs. But also, the slivers cracked me up and we can’t leave out Lucky the frog 🐸 💚