Book Review: The Love Haters by Katherine Center
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

Short Summary:
Katie Vaughn is facing a tough decision. She can either wait to be laid off from her job as a video producer or take a last-minute opportunity to film a feature on Hutch, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer based in Key West. The only catch is that she doesn’t know how to swim, though she pretends she does, and Hutch happens to be the brother of her coworker, with whom he doesn’t exactly get along. What starts as a career move quickly turns into something much more complicated, filled with secrets, unexpected connections, and the possibility of real love.

My Thoughts:
I truly thought this book was amazing. From start to finish, I was completely drawn in by the story, the characters, and the energy that Katherine Center brings to every page. She has such a special way of writing stories that feel fun and light while also digging into real emotions and personal growth. I’ve loved every book she’s written, and this one easily became another favorite.

I really saw myself in Katie. She’s vulnerable, funny, a little bit messy, and completely relatable, which made following her journey feel personal and meaningful. Her interactions with Hutch had the kind of chemistry that felt both natural and exciting, and I loved watching their relationship unfold. Hutch wasn’t just a romantic lead; he had his own depth and story, and that added so much to their dynamic.

What I appreciated most was how the book balanced humor and heart. There were moments that made me laugh out loud and others that made me pause and reflect. The setting added a lot of charm, and the side characters, especially Aunt Rue and the rescue Great Dane, brought extra warmth and personality to the story. Every detail felt intentional and made the experience of reading it even better.

If you enjoy contemporary romances that are emotionally satisfying, character-driven, and full of heart, I cannot recommend The Love Haters enough. This was an easy five-star read for me, and I already know I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time.

Thank you, Katherine Center and St. Martin’s Press, for providing this amazing copy in exchange for a review!

The Love Haters by Katherine Center is a fun and charming contemporary romance. It has a summer and beach read vibe.

This story follows Katie, who is a videographer, as she travels to Key West to film a special project. This special project features Hutch, a hero in the Coast Guard.

Katie and Hutch get to know each other as Katie fakes her way through swimming lessons and involves herself in her coworker’s family dynamics.
My expectations were very high going into this book. I loved the setup, the humor, and the setting.

Katie and Hutch’s chemistry was there at the start, but never really seemed to develop. It felt like more was told than shown. Usually, the humor in Katherine Center’s books is a big hit for me, but in this book, it felt like they missed their mark.

If you are in the mood for a quick and easy read with a summer vibe, this book is for you!

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Katherine Center is the queen of heartwarming romances even if this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The FMC’s struggles with body image didn’t fit as cohesively with the romance as I would have liked, and overall I just didn’t fully click with the FMC or MMC very much. I loved Rue and the other ladies, as well as the dog, the most. I also appreciated that this ended with a high drama scene just like my favorite KC book, The Bodyguard!

If you’re looking for a read that’s equal parts charming, funny, and heartwarming, Love Haters by Katherine Center is an absolute gem. From start to finish, this book is an emotional rollercoaster—full of banter, chemistry, and that signature Katherine Center magic.

The story follows witty and resilient main characters who find themselves caught in a delightful enemies-to-lovers dynamic, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and heart-tugging scenes. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, and the chemistry leaps off the page. Katherine Center expertly weaves humor and romance with tender insights about vulnerability, courage, and what it really means to let love in.

Everything about this book you will love. The characters feel real, the pacing is perfect, and the writing sparkles. Katherine Center does not disappoint—Love Haters is an instant favorite. If you’re looking for a feel-good, swoon-worthy story that also packs an emotional punch, buy it now! You won’t regret it.

I have loved both Katherine Center books that I’ve read, but this one was a DNF for me. I was hesitant after the first chapter (FMC lying about knowing to swim/description of the MMC). And it only went downhill for me from there. The way the FMC narrated annoyed me; and the clear comic book lengths of description about the MMC just didn’t work for me - and I knew the book/romance wasn’t going to be believable for me.

Thank you Netgalley, St-Martin’s Press and the author Katherine Center.
This author writes books that make you smile, cry and warm your heart all at the same time.
Great characters, I loved Katie, Hutch, Rue and her crazy possy.
I will read everything you write.
Highly recommend
5 stars

This was my second Katherine Center book and I was hoping to like it more than The Bodyguard. Unfortunately, I once again found the male lead to be pretty lacking.

Spoilers ahead:

At like 40% through the book, we learned that Katie and Hutch spent a bunch of time together getting to hang out. The author described it to us like she didn't have time for us to get to experience it and fall in love with the characters themselves, therefore I never really did. Also, so much lying! It was truly insane. I couldn't understand how a good person like Katie could go along with it for any reason. The Luke plot felt like a half-baked story line and we didn't even really get much from Hutch ever, just a couple of kisses and being told he and Katie had good chemistry. He was so cold so much of the book and then out of nowhere I was supposed to think he loved her. It was all very strange to me.

I really wanted to like it, I just didn't feel like it focused on any of the best parts of the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press to the ARC of this book and the opportunity to review it. That being said, all thought and opinions are my own!

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Adventure Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

Wow. Wow wow wow wow wow. I do not even know where to begin with this book because I absolutely loved it. I went into this book pretty much blind and truly had the time of my life. The Love Haters is full of tension, longing, and genuinely authentic and vulnerable characters that I was rooting for from the second I started reading. Jumping right into Katie's inner dialogue and struggles with her body image was a bit of a shock and a lot heavier than I was expecting, especially since it was a very detailed section of the book, but at the same time, it really felt authentic and like something I (and I am sure many other readers) could identify with.

Every step of the way I was surprised by this book, whether that be Cole showing up half way through the book, Katie's ex's song about her, or the final 10% of the book and all of these twists kept me hooked from the first to the last page. If there was any spice, I honestly don't remember it because I was so focused on how Hutch and Katie's relationship, how Katie's relationship with herself, and how Hutch and Cole's relationship were all developing and changing at the same time.

My only gripe with this book is that there was even the smallest indication of how central the challenges of body image and overcoming an eating disorder would be to this book. While I personally have no issues with these topics, it is something that I know can be incredibly jarring and triggering for others.

Yay Katherine center is back. ROM commers fell flat for me but I like the love haters and I do think the characters could have used a little more banter or some better chemistry but I liked it so I’ll leave it at that

this was fun - it was giving silly romcom! also was reading the last quarter of the book while it was storming out and it matched the vibes perfectly

** spoiler alert ** The only character I felt anything towards was Rue.

Like of course Hutch is not going to be concerned about you when THERE IS A LITERAL HURRICANE.

And you are telling me the Lieutenant couldn't get that dog in the car? For real? So he just left him? BEHIND?

Like yeah I would've gone back to for the pet. But also really? Hanging off the side of a boat?

I cannot.

I have loved all of Katherine Center’s books, but realize I enjoy her earlier stories the most. The Love Haters has catchy title, and a cute, colorful cover with vibrant green painted edges. I just didn’t love the content within quite as much as I hoped to.

I always enjoy Katherine’s light-hearted, playful tone, witty banter, and the way she weaves heavier topics into a humorous romantic comedy. I just really did not care for the hyper-focus on body image in this story. It was constant and recurrent, and while I understand it’s an important issue, it’s just not one I want my whole plot to revolve around. The tone also felt a bit more flippant and sillier than I prefer.

This story is endearing in its own way and will be a meaningful read for many. It has the opportunity to be an impactful journey of self-discovery and empowerment for many readers, it just wasn’t a good fit for me.

I had the opportunity to hear Katherine Center speak on her book tour for The Love Haters. (Shout out to Blue Willow Bookshop for hosting the event!) I had already read the novel and loved it. But I left her talk loving it even more. The joy with which Katherine talks about her characters is infectious. She smiled, joked, giggled, and blushed (the actual Coast Guard was there to support her!) I loved that she describes the story as having seven different types of love: romantic, best friend, sibling, parental, golden girls/posse, pet, and self. I hope I got them all right! If not, it’s my mistake! She is truly a gem and so is this book. If you ever have the chance to see her speak live, don’t pass it up!

Special thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital ARC via NetGalley.

I loved this book!!! Center writes great romances, and I loved the personal journey that the FMC went on in regard to her body image. This was a very interesting setting and I loved the secondary characters - and the dog!! Overall a great follow up to the rom-commers. I'll read anything she writes now!

🌈Queer rep: none

I absolutely adored The Lover Haters. It hit me in the heart in so many ways. The body image struggles the main character faces? Completely relatable. Getting into a bathing suit feels like a full-on emotional battle sometimes, and I saw myself in those vulnerable, raw moments. I know some people have criticized that part of the book, but honestly, it’s what made her feel real to me. When your confidence is so low that the only thing you can compliment about yourself is your pinky nail—IYKYK. A little empathy goes a long way.

Rue is a total gem. I want to be her when I grow up—a free-spirited, wise, and unfiltered grandmother with so much heart. She brought warmth and courage to every scene she was in.

And Hutch? Absolute perfection. His calm strength, kindness, and quiet goodness just made me melt. He’s the kind of character that restores your faith in good people.

I kept highlighting quotes, but one that really stuck with me was: “Every time you have to be brave, you get to be a little braver next time.” That line alone earned a permanent spot in my heart.

This book was everything I needed—relatable, heartfelt, and inspiring. A definite 5-star read for me

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and adore this book!

This was my least fav or her books so far, but still a cute, quick beach read! It was funny and sweet with an original storyline.

An author that NEVER disappoints? Katherine Center. HANDS DOWN.

I do not know why it took me so long to read The Love Haters, but man. I LOVED IT.

📖Katie Vaughn may have been at her job for a year, but when it comes down to who gets cut when downsizing, she is still considered new. When she gets an opportunity to go down to Key West to shoot a piece on Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, the Coast Guard hottie who has saved the life of a sweet pup, she takes it. Even when she finds out she will have to do some of the rescue swimmer activities, she doesn’t give up the opportunity… even knowing she can’t swim.

No problem.. She will just get down to Key West a little early and take some swim lessons. But what a surprise to find that the swim instructor is none other than “Hutch”. Hutch the love hater who only agreed to this piece because he thought his brother would be the one coming down to do it. Instead he gets Katie, who can’t swim.

📝 THIS IS SUCH A GREAT BOOK! Both main characters were fantastic. The growth that Katie experienced was astronomical, but still felt plausible. It is so hard to be a woman and constantly compare ourselves with everyone else. Hutch was dreamy. His character was just a combination of kindness and sexiness that was so well described. Katherine did such a great job of really making Katie relatable and the way she became more confident…Ii loved it. The side characters- perfection. They really made this book and kept me invested in their parts. My favorite though, was obviously the great dane who clearly needed a thunder jacket.

This story was great… thank you so much @macmillianaudio for the audiobook! The narration was awesome and I feel like she did such a great job of conveying emotion throughout the whole book.

#macmillianaudioinfluencer #macmillianaudio #macmillianaudio2025 #audiobooks #thelovehaters #katherinecenter

The Love Haters by Katherine Center
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👙🩳🛟
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t totally sure how I felt about this one at first. The main character, Katie, is dealing with a lot – body image issues, chromophobia (yes, fear of colors!), low self-esteem, and professional anxiety. She’s also in the public eye and doesn’t know how to swim. It felt like a lot of baggage for one character, especially since most romances stick to one or two key issues. But in a way, it made her more real.

What really worked for me was Hutch. I liked him so much. He’s been through real trauma, so the label “Love Hater” didn’t quite fit him in my opinion. He was layered, grounded, and really likable.

Also, shoutout to the side characters – Rue (who is their aunt and absolutely hilarious!), Cole, and of course, George Bailey the Great Dane. Total scene-stealer.

The moments between Katie and Hutch really clicked for me. Watching them help each other grow – Katie learning to swim and love herself (with a big assist from her awesome BFF Beanie), and Katie helping Hutch and Cole finally talk through their past and begin to heal as a family – those were the parts that really stuck with me.

I didn’t know much about Coast Guard life going in, but it was cool to get a glimpse into that world. Katherine Center always has a way of mixing heartfelt romance with something deeper. Her books remind you that love stories aren’t just fluff – they’re meaningful, and they can still be fun and uplifting.

I really enjoyed this one, even though The Rom-Commers is still my favorite. That said, I’m thrilled to have a hardcover copy with a signed bookplate sitting on my shelf!

Katherine Center always writes the most heartfelt entertaining emotional journeys and this book is no different. I loved the setting so much!

Katherine Center is an auto-read author for me. In her newest release, The Love Haters, she shows us love (or not!) in different ways..romantic,self,family and friends, pets, career, place and even color! I loved the Key West setting and most of the characters, especially Katie, Hutch, Rue,and George Bailey,the gentle giant Great Dane. There was one part of story line, however,that seemed out of sync with the overall tone of the book, involving Hutch’s brother Cole. And, this “What’s happening here?” moment made me drop my rating. I did like the happy ending, though, and appreciated the Author’s Note at the end. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this egalley in exchange for an honest review.