If you're looking for a book that feels like a tropical cocktail—sweet, tangy, and with just enough punch to leave you smiling— this is the perfect pick!

Katie Vaughn is my new spirit animal. Who among us hasn’t exaggerated a skill or two on a resume? But Katie takes it to Olympic levels by pretending she can swim. (Spoiler: She cannot. Like, *at all.*) And where does she end up? Filming a profile on a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Enter Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson, who is not just ridiculously good looking but also ridiculously complicated, which makes him even more irresistible.

Throw in Katie’s charmingly awkward dynamic with Cole (Hutch’s brother and her coworker), a giant rescue dog that’s just as extra as the rest of the cast, and Aunt Rue—who might be the true MVP of this story—and you’ve got a recipe for hijinks that will have you laughing into your drink.

The setting of Key West shines as bright as the romance, with sunsets, conga lines, and hurricanes adding to the drama. Plus, there’s something hilariously relatable about Katie floundering through swim lessons and trying to keep her head (and lies) above water.

Yes, there’s tension, miscommunication, and enough sparks between Katie and Hutch to light up the Florida coastline, but what really makes this book shine is its heart. Katherine Center has a way of making you laugh and swoon while sneaking in a few life lessons about courage, truth, and learning to love—warts, fears, and all.

So, grab a beach chair, a fruity drink, and prepare for a joyride of stolen kisses, larger than life personalities, and a love story that’s perfectly imperfect. The Love Haters is a feel good rom com that will leave you hating how fast you read it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center, and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this book.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bro the way Katherine Center Can just pull me into one of her books needs to be researched. Because I was hooked from the first sentence. The first book I read from her was “Things You Save in a Fire” and I rated it five stars. And from there I've loved all her books. Her unique ability to write characters and have you relate and resonate with them from the beginning is such a thrill! Not only does this novel give us a phenomenal romance, but it also gives a beautiful lesson in body positivity/body image and the constant battle we can have to overcome it. The fact that she gives you a lesson or a common theme in each of her books is so pretty because it shows the reader, they are not the only ones wrestling issues by themselves I love how she as an author relates to her reader 💖
-
Moving on to the moment you've been waiting for.... The Love Haters ohhh my gosh this book was such a fun time I ate it up. Let’s talk about it! Our Girl Kaite is about to get laid off from her job as well as almost all of the other workers (YIKES!) but here comes her co-worker Chase to the rescue having a proposition for her only thing is... she. Is. So. Not. Qualified, but desperate times call for desperate measures what’s the saying “Fake it till you make it?” That’s exactly what Miss Ma’am does; to save her job she must shoot a video promo for a US Coast Guard, ladies and gentlemen in comes the one and only Hutch Hutcheson. Epitome of a total good guy thinks of others, lover not a fighter (except he himself hates love). Oh, not to mention he’s Chase’s brother... The adventure that this book carries between characters is entertaining to say the least. The banter, the flirting and the plot twist was too good!
-
Once again Katherine Center does it again and never ceases to amaze me, you want a quick fun rom com-read with a great lesson? Read this book!! I ain’t playing when I tell you she is going to have you do some self-reflection (the good kind) ALSO can we talk about the Authors note though it was beautiful had me in my feels forreal. THE HIBISCUS FLOWER OH MY GOSH STOP ITT
Thank you, Mrs. Katherine never stop writing!

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy! Stay Blessed everyone 😊🙏🌺

I absolutely LOVED this book. I fell in love with the characters and could have continued reading more and more about them. The story kept me on my toes and was fantastic for a feel good story!

Ok this was a whirlwind for me. I absolutely loved the concept of the story. I was on the edge of my seat for many chapters. However, I struggled with the continuity, number of traumatic layers, and, frankly, the lack of longing I felt between the main characters. I really enjoyed reading this, but I was left a bit disappointed with the love story aspect. I also felt like it was pretty self-deprecating in a bad way for Katie. Though she ends the story with a much more positive self image, I feel like a trigger warning should be issued for body image/dysmorphia issues as well as car accidents and substance abuse. Overall a solid 3.5 stars - thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Katherine Center for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!

Katherine Center once again crafts a nuanced story that extends beyond the romantic relationship at its core, exploring self-love, friendship, and the families we create or inherit. Her prose is both tender and insightful, offering a narrative that feels therapeutic. In her author’s note, she eloquently captures the intention of the book—one that not only comforts but also inspires personal growth in how we approach love and relationships in our own lives. This is a quick, cozy read that leaves the reader with a sense of warmth.

Hate to add any spoilers but I was really grateful for the fate of Lucky.

Thank you St. Martin Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

4.5 stars

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this upcoming release, so thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read it early.

I’ve yet to read a Katherine Center book I haven’t fully enjoyed, and The Love Haters was no exception. To save her job, filmmaker Katie is sent by her boss to Key West to film a hunky Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hutch, for a promo video. While it is pretty obvious they are going to develop feelings for each other, there are many other characters and parts of the story that make it feel full and rich and dramatic. I loved Rue’s character especially with her colorful look on life. Katherine Center is the queen of the heartwarming rom com book.

3.5 stars, rounded up ⭐️🫶🏻

The book was a rollercoaster from great to wtf to have you lost your mind to just okay.

I loved Hutch, grumpy sunshine is always a favorite of mine. I would pay money to read a novel about Rue and the Gals. I don’t think Katie was justified in her participation of the big lie and I actually think it’s an odd step away from her journey to self discovery. Cole did not deserve his own happy ever after.

All to say, if I’m being completely honest, not my favorite book by Center. In theory, I love the idea of an “enemies to lovers” romance in regard to a woman and her body but body dysmorphia doesn’t magically cure itself in 2 weeks time with only positive thinking. I hope the author’s note will be placed at the beginning of the novel at release so readers know this trigger warning specifically.

Regardless, also typical of Center’s novels, I read it in one sitting sooooo 😅 she will always be an auto-buy author for me but this won’t be the one I tell you to start with from her catalog.

“You’re like a human hot-fudge sundae.”

“You’re a TV jingle you never wanted to learn, but can’t erase. You’re a puzzle that can’t be solved—or a question that can’t be answered—or a dream you wake up from that feels like it really happened.”

Thanks NetGalley for the arc! 🫶🏻

4.25⭐️ I love the way Katherine Center writes! She gives her characters so much personality(even the dog)! The main character, Katie, is headed to Key West for work to film a promotional video for the Coast Guard. And then she meets Hutch😍 This book feels a little more removed from possible reality with everything that happens to and around Katie, but it is never boring! Very entertaining and provides some self reflecting and body positivity that we can all be reminded of. I will continue to read everything she writes!

Thank you so much for this advanced copy! Katherine center you are Magic! I felt like I knew Katie! She was me! I am her! I laughed and cried throughout the story! Hutch was just perfect! I felt the connection instantly! I have to say this made me want to drop all my stuff and visit Key West! I also plan on telling myself daily all the things I love about myself! Rue and the gals are should be goals for all women!

As a huge Katherine Center fan I was excited to receive this eARC to preview. The Love Haters features Katie who is sent to the Florida Keys by her supervisor, Cole, to film a promotional video for the coast guard featuring Cole's brother, Hutch. This book made me wish I could see the promo video and watch the "Day in the Life" videos that Katie creates.

Katie stays in a cottage owned by Rue, the "aunt" of Cole & Hutch. Another parallel storyline unfolds as Katie spends a few weeks in the Keys and is loved on by Rue. Hutch was immediately likable despite the warnings from Cole. This also plays out later in the book. This was an overall fun read, but does work through some deeper feelings related to the death of loved ones. Hutch is steady and strong and lives his life for those around him.

Katie was a bit quirky and had a tendency to be too harsh on herself. Her character development was steady and it made more sense as the story progressed and detailed her previous relationship with plain boyfriend turned cheating recording artist, Lucas. Katie is also blessed with a bestie, Beanie, who helps her see the best in herself. If you are someone who struggles with body image you may relate closely to Katie who has her own enemies to lovers adventure with herself. I appreciate that Katherine described the relationship with Katie and her body as a love story in and of itself by seeing the best in that person and enjoying the hell out of it.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲.

The Love Haters is a rom-com and also a story of self-love. It is funny yet also emotional.
The story follows Katie Vaughn, a video producer who struggles with body image and is on a journey of self-love.
She is assigned a new video project to create a Coast Guard promo featuring Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson.
She travels to Key West, where she and Hutch spend time together as she learns to swim and films the recruitment video.
The story has witty banter , beautiful moments, and personal growth.
The supporting characters are loveable, adding humor and wisdom.
Overall, this was a joy to read. The romance felt a little undeveloped in the beginning, but the characters have chemistry throughout the story.
Id recommend this to anyone who loves a cleam rom-com..

I’m utterly enchanted by this book—what a delightful and unexpected love story it tells. It’s not just about romance, but about finding a profound connection with oneself in the most surprising of places.

Katie's life gets an unanticipated jolt when her career takes a left turn, whisking her away from Texas and dropping her in the sun-soaked Florida Keys. What follows is a journey of self-love, acceptance, and—perhaps most unexpectedly—her evolving relationship with color, as she moves from a life dominated by chromophobia to proudly strutting beautiful beta fish-esque outfits. I was absolutely hooked.

But what really took me by surprise was the love story at the heart of this novel—the kind that hits you like a wave, full of yearning and intensity, from the very first page. It's not the typical boy-meets-girl plot; it's the love story between Katie and her own body and soul. As a woman navigating the complexities of today’s world, Katie’s character arc made me reflect on my own journey, and I found myself wanting to apologize to my body for all the years of criticism. This story was an invitation to be kinder, more compassionate, and more forgiving to myself.

This was my first Katherine Center novel, and I can already tell it won’t be my last. I’m diving straight into her other works (pun absolutely intended!).

I just finished The Love Haters by Katherine Center, and I cannot stop smiling! This book was such a chaotic ride in the best way possible. The author has this way of making you laugh, swoon, and maybe even tear up a little, all in the same chapter. The story follows Katie Vaughn, who’s been burned by love, and now she’s juggling a shaky career and a reckless decision to lie her way into a life changing assignment. If you’re into laugh out loud moments, a touch of drama, and a sweet mix of chaos and charm, this book is for you. It’s messy, adorable, and just plain fun!

Whenever there is a storm around you, grab a Katherine Center book. It’ll wrap its arms around you in a healing, hopeful hug until everything feels much more settled.

Her latest is about saving each other and ourselves. It made me laugh and tear up and swoon and gasp and by the end my heart was swollen — but in a good, doctor-approved way.

I loved following Katie around and learning about Hutch and seeing everyone just be themselves, bumping up against one another until everyone was better for it.

What a joy to experience, start to finish.

Read if you like:
- Contemporary romance
- Terribly handsome men in aviators
- BFF convos that make you LOL
- A bit of action (not that kind, you naughty minx!) with your swoony stories
- Old ladies living their best lives
- Shmoopy pups
- Love stories about all kinds of love

This book was so unbelievably good, I read it in one sitting. I adore Katherine Center's books and I'm so grateful to be an early reviewer for this one!

Hutch is everything. I love the love interest in this so much, Katie is also a great relatable main character.

My favorite part of it all was the setting and the action. I know we come to romance for the romance- but I LOVE how much Center's books give it real story. The backdrop of Key West, crazy rescue action and delightful side characters!! This book was just so fun.

Oh, how it pains me to write this review. This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. The lead character was desperately in need of some (a lot) of therapy. The inner dialogue dragged on for pages….and pages. There were 7 pages of dialogue regarding her ankle?! It gained traction around the 25% mark but then went off the rails again. The romance was sweet and I liked the Coast Guard aspect. However, this one was a big disappointment.

Thank you to the Katherine Center, St Martin’s press, and Net Galley for this ARC.

Gah! Love haters has everything you want from a Katherine Center book, and more! I opened this book up and literally couldn’t put it down- I read it in one sitting!

Love haters may be slow burn love story about Katie (a videographer) falling for Hutch (US Coast Guard rescue swimmer), but it has so much more. There is found family, an interesting take on enemies to lovers, and how we handle grief. Overall, it tells the story of love: familial love, romantic love, and even self love. I laughed, I swooned, I cried. It truly had it all.

Did I love the way Katie asked herself/the reader questions like this in the whole book? Yes, yes I did!

Do I also wish I could snuggle George Bailey, the most lovable book doggo? Absolutely!

Katherine Center has very quickly become one of my favourite authors. This book was the perfect palette-cleanser romance with some emotional depth. My one issue with this book is that in the developing stage of Katie and Hutch's friendship/initial filming time, there were a lot of moments that we were told about instead of shown. This ranged from carpooling to different dinner cookouts as well as swim lessons. I found the writing style easy to digest and the plot itself gripping for a simple romance. I will be giving this book 4.25 stars and recommending it to my audience!

thanks to NetGalley for the eARC

⭐️=3.5 | 😘=2.5 | 🤬=2.5 | ⚔️=1 | 15

summary: so like she goes to make a video of this super buff hot coast guard guy and also has body image issues and also takes swimming lessons and also [there’s a hurricane and a helicopter rescue?????? (hide spoiler)]

thoughts: very, very ridiculous and unserious and contrived external conflict, very genuine and realized internal conflict. i think Center is good at making her characters uniquely traumatized and wounded, especially for a romance, which is great! I wasn’t, like, obsessed with this, but it is a good time! so!!

Katie Vaughn has been sent to Key West to film Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson for a coast guard promo in order to keep her job. The catch? Hutch was expecting his brother and is none too pleased to see Katie. With a lively cast of side characters and unexpected attraction thrown into the mix, will Katie come out unscathed and better yet, employed?
This is my first Katherine Center book and I really enjoyed it! It had a snappy first chapter and I was hooked by the last line of it. Our MC Katie, keeps to the fringes, but isn’t a doormat, which I found refreshing. I loved how Katie’s sassy best friend cousin Beanie helped Katie rebuild the relationship with herself throughout the book. That’s to say I never love when a larger person is obsessed with their weight- it was mentioned so often! Hutch and Katie had insta attraction, but not insta love, and that made their relationship feel more real. George Bailey, Hutch’s adopted Great Dane, has the most tender origin story and I always enjoy a “pet knows before anyone” trope. My favorite quote: “Should you touch a man’s extra biscuits?” This was an unexpected tear jerker and I’d definitely recommend!!