I love Katherine center books and this was no exception. The banter between characters was so good. I had laugh out kid moments and moments that tested me up. The storyline was unique and the women empowerment was just what I needed. Katherine has a way to draw you into a story. Katherine can do no wrong in my eyes. Loved it

This book was not at all what I was expecting- in the least. But I'm not upset about it. The Love Haters was shockingly tender and profound. I can honestly say reading this book, I wasn't reading about Katie, I was her.
The Love Haters follows Katie as she is sent to Florida to film a recruiting video for the coast guard in hopes of saving her job. She ends up working closely with her colleagues brother Hutch and through everything they grow close. But honestly this book felt more like an ode to self love than anything else. I feel like Hutch & Katie's romance was second to Katie's self love journey and I wouldn't change it.
I will admit, I found myself crying multiple times throughout the story- I mean, how could I not:
"Huh," I said. "I thought you just really loved pennies."
"Nah," Hutch said. "I just really loved my mom." Brb crying in the club.
If you want a book that will make you feel something- 10/10 would recommend.

Hutch Hutcheson is a Rom Com hero worth almost drowning for!!

Ask Katie Vaughan - who has been tasked with creating a promotional video of the U.S. Coast Guard, featuring the already legendary Hutch Hutcheson.

Hutch is already renowned on the worldwide web for having rescued Jennifer Anniston's dog from certain death. Now Katie needs to capitalize on his fame by getting him to agree to participate in one of her "Day in the Life" videos (where she interviews and captures the everyday routine of real life heroes.) His story would be the big break that could simultaneously save her job and launch her career as a documentary videographer. What could possibly go wrong - other than the fact that she can't swim?!?!

Katie has had a lifelong love/hate relationship with her body image. Circumstances (no spoilers here!) conspired to make Katie feel so badly about her weight and her fashion choices that she went on a starvation diet and tossed her entire colourful wardrobe into the trash. Black on Black became her go-to shade on the colour wheel.

When Katie's luggage goes missing on her flight to Key West, Florida, Hutch's Aunt Rue takes it upon herself to ensure that Katie is only given access to the most gloriously vibrant and flowery hues that her clothing store has to offer.

Aunt Rue is a loving force to be reckoned with! Before Katie knows it, she is embraced and taken over by The Gals (Rue's friends and fellow occupants of Rue's retirement villa.) Katie's wardrobe gets hijacked and made over, as does, eventually, her self image.

Katherine Center has written a hilariously eye-opening story dealing with body image issues. Katie may have given up on her crash diet and her cheating boyfriend, but a lifetime of body shaming from the media and her step-mother have left her believing that she was unworthy of love - even from herself.

Katie's gradual transformation will have you cheering for her - even while she is battling seasickness on a houseboat during a hurricane! It's all a learning curve for sweet Katie - but no more spoilers! That spectacular ending will have you on the edge of your seat - I certainly fell off of mine at one point, I was that frantic!

As I turned the last page, I had to wonder at the choice of the heroine's name: Katie (...Katherine.) Hmmmm! Authors often write from personal experience. We can only guess at how much of Katie's journey to self-acceptance was one that Katherine Center had undergone herself? If so, Center's bravery in writing about her own body image issues has resulted in one of the funniest, most compelling novels she has ever written. I loved Happiness For Beginners: I didn't think Center could surpass that masterpiece. Well, I think she may have come close to it this time.

All the stars and then some for this hilarious, heartfelt story about self-acceptance and love! My thanks to one of my top ten most favourite authors, Katherine Center, her publisher, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved every minute of it!
(Expected Publication Date: May 20, 2025.)

I just finished this novel and was completely swept away! The characters were wonderfully developed, and while there were some admittedly silly moments of misunderstanding between them, these didn't diminish my overall enjoyment. The story took me through a full range of emotions - from laughing out loud to gasping in surprise and even shedding tears.

The book tackles meaningful themes, particularly through Janie's journey of self-discovery and learning to love herself - something I believe will resonate deeply with many women readers. I was especially relieved by the heartwarming scene where George Bailey, the dog, is rescued at the end.

Katherine's note in the afterword perfectly captures the essence of this story: "Love stories make us better at love." I couldn't agree more, and I'm eager to recommend this book to all my fellow readers.

It was funny at times, cute at times, and I’d say maybe just a comfort read. I’d have like a little more development/insight on the side of Hutch. I felt like his role was a bit lacking, but it was cute and fun. I love the author’s ability to state explicitly things, abnormal/vulnerable/normal person things, that most people wouldn’t say or write like (and I’m paraphrasing), “Could I have done that myself? Yes. But it felt nice to be taken care of, so I let him.” Very simple truths that I feel like most authors don’t bother to mention. I love things like that.

Katherine Center is an auto-buy author for me, so I was ecstatic when I saw a new book!

This is a love story, but it’s primarily a love story between a woman and her body. It may be triggering for some. But overall I loved the message, and the author’s note at the end was phenomenal.

That being said, I almost dnf’d. The first half of the novel was sloooowww for me. And there were some plot points that were somewhat unbelievable… and maybe distracted from the actual story. I actually checked and it was around the 50% (maybe just over) mark when I realized I was invested in the story. And then I was hooked until the end!

There is great dialogue and some hilarious interactions. And there are so many types of love portrayed- family, friend, romantic, self- it is a fantastic love story. The characters feel like friends- I need a Rue in my life! And the MC and her best friend are friendship goals.

If you typically enjoy Katherine Center's books, you will likely enjoy this one, as well. With its Key West setting, it will be a wonderful summer read! 3.5 ⭐️s rounded to 4 for this review.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you want to laugh yourself to death, this is it.

Katherine Center creates the most lovable broken characters. This book is jam packed with humor and had me laughing my butt off. The entire haunches scene was the best laugh I've ever had. I died. Second hand embarrassment? Maybe. The writing not only made me laugh but put me smack dab into the story. I loved all of it. Katherine did an amazing job conveying the MC emotionally as well. I felt connected to Katie as much as I did to the story. It's a quick read but packs a lot of feels and chemistry between the two main characters. And the best part, the serious part of the story is so emotional and raw while being heartwarming and good. Fixing those broken pieces of the characters in the story.

This is one of the greatest romantic comedies. I'm obsessed. The balance of hilarious moments and serious so well done and beautiful.

Thank you to netgalley and st.matins press for this book.

I love Katherine Center, but this book was not my favorite. I did read the whole book in one night, but there was something I didn't like in this book. I think i had a hard time with the issues the main female character had. I did enjoy this boo and will always read Katherine Cente. This was just not my favorite book by her.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early ARC of this book!

I have been reading Katherine Center's newest releases for the past few years, and last year, I really, really loved The Rom-Commers. Dare I say that this one tops it for me?

Overall, this was a lovely novel about a woman named Katie who has a pretty severe love/hate relationship with her body (for a number of reasons). Toss in an ex-fiance who got famous and cheated on you, and you can't blame her for having a hard time. When we meet Katie in this book, she's going off to Key West to film a commercial for the Coast Guard, highlighting one rescue swimmer in particular, Hutch, who is famous for having saved Jennifer Aniston's dog in an emergency. She can't swim, but she's willing to learn in order to do this commercial and keep her job. Gotta love the commitment. When she gets there, Katie meets Hutch, and hijinks ensue.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I really enjoyed the author's note at the end which highlights how there were two love stories in this book (although I'd argue three, because George Bailey really loves toads). There is so much growth that you see Katie go through in this novel, and she's supported by such a wonderful cast of characters around her who already see her for who she is.

100% read this book!

I just read what is going to be the best beach read of 2025. Katherine Center can do no wrong. The best part of this book is an adorable Great Dane named George Bailey who loves to hold toads in his mouth. Does a fun romance get any better than that? Great banter, lovable characters, a swoon worthy hero….5 stars all day! Thank you for this treat!

The Love Haters was another really sweet, fun Rom-Com by Katherine Center.

The main characters were all charming and inventive, particularly Rue. The world Center created in this book - filled with poolsides and sangria and saving lives - while a stretch, was a joy to be in for the short time it took me to read.

I think my main criticism of this book is that it could’ve been longer. The main romance needed a larger build up and I would have loved to see more depth to and interactions with some of the side characters - particularly her boss and ex fiancée. Felt like there was more that could have been told there. It was almost unnecessary to bring them into the story at all.

I found some parts to be repetitive with Katie’s inner monologue. I think the ending would have been more powerful if her self- love had been realized only then and not so often throughout.

Thank you Katherine Center for writing another enjoyable read, I look forward to your next one.

I enjoyed this book so much. The humor had me laughing out loud at certain points and I loved learning about the Coast Guard divers and program. I kept taking breaks to Google stuff to get an even better visual, which to me is always a sign of a great book, wanting to scope out more info and deep dive. Katie and Hutch were such great characters and Rue was a favorite for sure, though I do wish there were more of The Gals - they were fantastic when they did show up.

I think what I loved most though was Katie working thru her body image issues. I resonated so much with this with my own history and experience that I identified with her on a level that I constantly felt seen and understood. While body-image issues or eating disorders are layered and complicated, just addressing it, in and of itself is significant.

As the author’s note stated at the end, the books was only half focused on the love story between Katie and Hutch, but equally the story of Katie learning how to accept herself in her imperfections, by herself, which I thought was so valuable. I think for those who haven’t struggled with this, maybe it’s not as impactful, but for me it was. It changed the focus of the book a bit in a more introspective, deeper way, that I appreciated - her love story with Hutch shared the stage with learning how to be ok and love herself.

I loved it, and it’s definitely going to be a favorite for me. I had such a hard time putting it down, thought about it when I wasn’t reading it, and will be thinking about it for a while more. I’m really just disappointed that it’s over. ;)

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

3.5 ⭐️
There were many aspects of this story I enjoyed particularly the dialogue between the main characters, Key West setting, and the female friendships. I also adored Center's Author's Note so make sure to check that out at the end!

Unfortunately there were certain plot points that just felt too unbelievable to me in this particular story that were hard to overlook and I felt like some of the storylines didn't connect as well as they could've. There is also a decent amount of body image and weight weight talk, particularly at the beginning, which I'm sure most of us can relate to but also may be triggering to some.

That being said, if you typically enjoy Katherine Center's books you will enjoy this one too and it's perfect as a poolside/beachside read.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much for the ARC!! This was a fun story set in the Keys, and i loved the dog George Bailey ha. But I just could NOT connect with either the MMC or FMC. Even near g he end, the MMC just irritated me. Appreciate the early read!

I absolutely loved this book! I will have to purchase a copy for my shelves to read again. I immediately connected to Katie, and could relate to so many of her insecurities. This was a hard truth but uplifting story with themes of positive body image, loving ourselves, and found family. I laughed out loud, smiled, gasped and teared up a little too. Another excellent story told by Katherine Center!

I always love a new Katherine Center book! This one had me giggling and kicking my feet. As per usual! But it also dealt with self-love and acceptance. Wholeheartedly recommend!

Katie is your average relatable woman with the same insecurities as many others walking around. What she has that I hope every other woman has is a girls girl reminding her of her worth every. damn. This book is not about that BUT wow, how important is it to have that and how great is it that it was highlight throughout this story? I will tell you again, SO GREAT! Katherine Center has done a beautiful job telling the story of a young woman overcoming the scars of unrealistic expectations and brothers battling through their own family demons. Will new love conquer everything? Will family relationships heal?

I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. Once again, Kathrine Center proves why she is one of my favorite authors. Her books are so effortless and easy to read. The characters are always phenomenal and you get invested in their lives. I would highly recommend!

“I’m not really a bright colors person,” I said. But Rue looked me up and down. “ Sweetheart, life is short. Let’s fix that.”

Katie lives in grays. Filming is her passion and safe space. It’s her career and hobby. The only spot where she’s able to live a life of color. She’s got a problem though, her current job is up in the air- the company is downsizing, and she needs to show her worth-so when she’s offered the opportunity to film a promo about the US Coast Guard, that could save her from being fired, even though she knows nothing about them, she says yes, and figures she’ll jump right in and learn to swim later-both literally and figuratively here, folks. What follows is a journey of learning how to love herself, and grasp the colors of life around her.

This is my first book by, Katherine center and I was so very entertained. There are so many things to love about this book: the setting is Key West, Katie has fabulous and colorful cast of supporting characters, the MMC, Hutch is swoon worthy, and let’s not
forget, the Great Dane, George Bailey,

There were many laugh out loud moments for me, and I loved every interaction in this book. The romance is sweet, the friendships are sweeter. Altogether highly recommend.

Katie is good at making documentaries and business video that invokes emotion...that is, she can make people cry. Her production company is doing lay-offs, and her only hope of saving her job is doing a profile of a "hero" coast guard rescuer named Hutch. He is the only brother of her boss, Cole. Cole can't do the assignment himself, so he sends Katie to Key West to do an in-ocean shoot via helicopter. The only problem is, she can't swim! Cole lets her stay with his aunt Rue, a feisty fun lady in her 80's with many friends in villas that is part retirement home, part resort. "The Gals" are a fun comic relief from Katie and Hutch's tragic back stories. Hutch is the subject of the documentary, and also Katie's swim instructor.

With witty banter and interesting facts thrown in, we get to know Katie and how she interacts with the world. She has significant body image issues, but isn't afraid to work on them and take responsibility. Katie is mature and agreeable yet likable. Hutch as a main male character is a bit too perfect. For me, what makes Katherine Center books great is that they have such a strong story beyond the romance. The dialogue is funny and engaging. The backdrop usually has some sort of life saving/accident EMT type and a tie to the entertainment industry. The balance of dialogue to description to narrative is pretty perfect.

If you like a sweet romance with life saving themes, read any Katherine Center book, but this is one of her best.

Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review. Book to be published May 20, 2025.