3.75⭐️ rounded up. I’ve loved Katherine Center’s last three books, so I was thrilled to get an advanced copy! I really liked this book, but I didn’t love it as much as some of her others.

Love Haters started out really strong for me. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. I love the way the author’s writing style makes your feel like you are along for the ride! The premise of this book felt different from other romances. Katie, the main character is tasked with shadowing Hutch in his job as a rescue swimmer, in order to film a promo for the Coast Guard. The proximity created an intimate setting for these two characters to slowly fall for each other. The main characters were very likeable and relatable, and I loved their chemistry from the first meet. I adored the fun and colorful side characters of Rue and The Gals!! The setting of this story really got me! I’m ready to move to the Starlite Cottages in Key West and live a whole new way of life, colors and all!

Where this story took a turn for me was when Cole, Hutch’s brother, and Katie’s colleague, shows up. The story became a bit outlandish and made for some pretty uncomfortable situations for everyone involved. Luckily, the story made a quick recovery toward the end with a real life rescue scenario.

This story also dealt with a lot of themes of self worth, body image, and self love. Throughout the story we see Katie confront these issues from both her past and her present. This felt very relevant, especially in the day and age of social media. There were times where I found these parts of the story to be a little over the top. But overall, I loved the messages of learning to love yourself, especially in a world where there’s so many unrealistic expectations of women and so much judgement related to physical appearances.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published May 20, 2025.

At first, I wasn’t sure how much I would like this book. I love Katherine Center. I’ve read her entire backlog of stories and have loved them all. The first half of the story didn’t move me as much as her books normally do. However, Katie grew on me. I related very much to her story and the insecurities that she struggled with. I fell in love with Hutch and his annoying brother and wonderfully charming and eccentric aunt. The Gals and George Bailey brought an even cozier feel to this story. One thing I’ll always adore about Katherine is the witty writing and the breaking of the fourth wall she does in the narration. Every story she writes brings forth so much lightheartedness, but also new things to think about and to learn from. While this isn’t my favorite book of hers and it isn’t one I fell hard for, I still enjoyed the ride.

I devoured 'The Love Haters' by Katherine Center, and it left me feeling seen, heard, and emotionally drained (in the best way possible). As a documentary filmmaker, Katie's journey resonated deeply with me. Her task of creating a promotional video for the Coast Guard alongside the broody Hutch serves as the perfect backdrop for her own journey of self-love. What struck a chord with me was Katie's relatable struggle to find self-acceptance. Center masterfully weaves together themes of vulnerability, self-doubt, and the transformative power of love – not just romantic love, but also self-love, friendship and, dog love ;) (love you, George Bailey.) Be prepared to laugh, cry (I cried a lot!), and cheer on Katie as she navigates her way through the ups and downs of life. 'The Love Haters' is more than just a romance novel – it's a powerful exploration of the human experience, and I couldn't recommend it more. 5/5 ⭐️ thank you netgalley, Katherine Center, and St. Martin’s press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Charming story about self acceptance and how hard it is to get comfortable in your own skin. The two thirds of the book had me so invested in Katie and Hutch. I felt as though the last third was A LOT, but still enjoyable.

I love this author and I love her books. I started reading this to get some relief from a serious historical fiction book I was reading and I couldn’t put it down. At first I was put off by her “I’ll just omit the truth and deal with it later” attitude and thought, oh no this book is going to be silly. It wasn’t. There were good lessons in this book amongst the burning romance and cuteness. Just what I needed. Great quick read

Katherine Center has done it again! She always knows how to write a unique love story that gives you all the feels. I’ve read a few of her books, and I think this is my favorite so far. The main character, Katie, was easy to resonate with, and I loved seeing her grow and change throughout the book as she learned to love herself. Her relationship with Hutch had me kicking my feet, and I devoured this book in a day. There were so many great lessons about body positivity and loving yourself. This is the perfect rom-com to dive into this summer.

I am forever a loyal Katherine Center fan and reader. Her stories are endearing, heartfelt, and I always associate her with a depth that many rom-coms are devoid of. So needless to say, I was eager to experience Katie’s story in Key West and all that came with her task of filming a Coast Guard recruitment video while falling in love.

I’m sad to say that I didn’t feel this was Center’s best work. I thought Katie had potential but her struggles with body image weren’t fleshed out and in turn, were left feeling shallow and vague, making her growth less impactful.

So many aspects felt disjointed and surface-level, which isn’t usual for Center’s work.

But I can say that it was still heartwarming and Hutch was a fantastic MMC. I am also in awe of Center’s dedication and research that clearly went into the Coast Guard aspect of this book.

Overall, a fun, easy read. Just not my favorite of Center’s work, despite my excitement for it. But thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

This was such a delightful read. I couldn’t put it down.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5

While the first 2/3 of the book is perfect, I felt the last 1/3 was a bit too much of a rollercoaster. Nevertheless, loved the chemistry and heartfelt moments between the main characters. The “too perfect” MMC stole my heart with his steady nature, protectiveness and genuine care for others. The FMC goes through a journey to self love and acceptance that felt believable and real. This novel has lighthearted humor in spades.

When I tell you that I have never so closely identified with a protagonist, I mean it. From the first few chapters, I felt like I was reading my own journal thoughts. I think so many women will be able to identify with Katie because the womanly experience of trying to find self-love is universal. The Love Haters not only shows the story of Katie and Hutch, but the story of learning to love yourself. Katherine Centers does an incredible job at bringing the characters to life, and I guarantee you will find hope and comfort as you dive into the story.

** Be sure to read the “Author's Note” at the end of the novel.

What I loved:
💗Friendship goals-the friend/cousin/sister dynamic between Katie and her bff is beautiful
🎥 Katie's unique career as a videographer/documentary creator
🛟 Hutch's career in the Coast Guard
🐾Pet storyline ❤️


Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Pub date is May 20, 2025

Katie is offered a job filming a Coast Guard promo featuring her coworker Cole’s estranged brother, Hutch. The catch? Katie doesn’t know how to swim but pretends she does. Arriving in Key West, she stays with Cole and Hutch’s eccentric Aunt Rue and her lively group of friends. While Key West may look like paradise, Katie’s tangled web of small lies leads to a series of adventures—navigating swim lessons, thrilling helicopter rides, and even a hurricane.

The Love Haters is a delightful and heartwarming read. Beyond the romantic connection between Katie and Hutch, the story beautifully explores Katie’s journey toward self-acceptance and her relationship with her body image. Aunt Rue and her colorful friends bring humor and charm to the story, creating a vivid sense of community that makes you wish you could join their dinner parties. With its lighthearted tone and clean romance, this is a perfect book to share with your mom or anyone looking for an uplifting, feel-good story.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an advanced copy of The Love Haters in exchange for an honest review.

I love Katherine Center. She’s an auto buy for me since I discovered her via BOTM years ago.
I devoured this story. I laughed and cried and just felt good. What a great read

I love Katherine Center’s books and really enjoyed reading The Love Haters. It was a cute story but also dealt with heavier topics like body image issues/self love. I wish Katie and Hutch’s relationship was a little more developed but overall I loved it.

A huge thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy! This book completely surprised me with how much emotional depth it carried. I went into it expecting a light romance, but what I got was so much more.

The story tackles important themes like body image, self-worth, confidence, and the struggles with disordered eating—all with incredible sensitivity and care. I found myself deeply connecting with the FMC, Katie. Her journey was raw and heartfelt, and I loved her on every single page. Watching her growth was empowering, and her story resonated with me in ways I didn’t expect.

While this book is a romance, it’s not just about the relationship between Katie and Hutch, the broody, reluctant rescue swimmer. It’s also about the love Katie learns to have for herself. Katherine Center, once again, masterfully weaves a love story that’s equal parts sweet, swoony, and deeply introspective.

Hutch is such a compelling MMC—serious, protective, and layered. His journey complements Katie’s perfectly, and their chemistry is undeniable. But what really stood out for me were the side characters and the sense of community they brought. Rue and her “gals” were delightful, and the setting of Key West added so much charm to the story.

This book is more of a slow burn and leans heavily on character development rather than over-the-top drama. The author’s note at the end beautifully captures the heart of the story—it’s not just about falling in love with someone else, but learning to love yourself first.

This is a romance with real depth, and I highly recommend it. I can’t wait for more readers to discover this gem when it’s published in March.

Another can’t put down book from Katherine Center. The relationship between Katie and Hutch was exactly what I wanted/needed. Absolutely adored Rue and the heartbreaking backstory between her and the boys.

This book is the epitome of a feel good romance. Katie and Hutch were so cute together! Katie also battles with self-love after the fallout from a toxic relationship, and I loved her journey to feeling that love for herself again with the help of Beanie and Aunt Rue. Will be a great summer read!

I love Katherine center- all of her work is so beautiful and funny. She writes characters who are realistic, well-thought out , funny- people I would want to be friends with! This was some of her best work. If you liked rom-comers, you’ll love this one. She’s different than Abby jiminez/emily Henry. It’s probably more similar to a Christina Lauren style. However, she’s definitely at the top of her game!

I was SO excited to be chosen to review The Love Haters by Katherine Center. She’s one of my auto buy authors! This was a great read!!

I devoured this book—I absolutely love Katherine Center's work—so thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC! That said, I do have one critique: I didn’t quite understand why the book was titled The Lover Haters. There didn’t seem to be many instances where the main characters genuinely hated love. While the idea was mentioned, it wasn’t clearly demonstrated in their actions or the storyline.

Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the romance, and it didn’t detract from the overall story, though the title did leave me a little puzzled.

(Spoiler alert) One other thing I’ve been thinking about: I can’t believe George Bailey was rescued first. While I understand the reasoning behind it, part of me still questions the decision. It wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but it’s something I keep reflecting on.

I loved this book! The Love Haters by Katherine Center is an easy to read book that will take you on a journey through an array of emotions.

The story centers around the main character Katie, a video producer, who travels to picturesque Key West to film a video for the Coast Guard in an effort to save her job. I found Katie to be so relatable. I felt so connected to her. She’s a go-getter but like many, she has personal struggles she is dealing with too. I liked being able to see her grow throughout the book.

I also adored the MMC, Hutch, he’s a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, and just such a good guy. They are a couple you want to root for.

Personally, I’m a huge dog fan! I love when dogs are incorporated into books, especially such a lovable one like George Bailey, the Great Dane, Hutch’s dog in the book. Such a fun addition to the story.

I also enjoyed the supporting characters that the author created. The Gals and Aunt Rue just added so much to the story. They were true gems! Such a wonderful little community that they built together down in Key West.

I truly enjoyed the emotional journey that this book took me on. I loved the strong message in the book that you have to learn to love yourself first. The romance in this book was the best, but I appreciated Katie learning to love her body and herself again too.

If you love a book with a heartwarming romance, an adorable rescue great dane, and a strong element of found family, then read this!

I read this book in one setting, and truly had the best time! It such a well-written and enjoyable book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was a sweet and endearing story. I enjoyed the opportunity to read it as I love Katherine Center! Though I did find the story to move a bit slow at times, I still overall enjoyed it!