The Love Haters by Katherine Center delivers a unique and heartfelt story that stands out for its refreshing take on love, identity, and the path to self-acceptance. At its core, this novel is less about romantic entanglements and more about what it truly means to come home to yourself after heartbreak and hardship.

Center’s signature warmth and wit are present throughout, but what makes this book shine is the theme of healing. The protagonist’s journey to rediscover who she is—and to love that person fully—is both moving and empowering. It’s a narrative that gently reminds us that real love starts with self-compassion.

The story’s premise felt original and full of potential, with a concept that encourages readers to rethink what it means to be open to connection in a world that often encourages us to shut down. While some elements didn’t resonate as strongly as others, and pacing occasionally lagged, the novel’s message remains uplifting and worthwhile.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance reader copy. The Love Haters is a thoughtful, feel-good read that will speak to anyone learning how to heal, grow, and choose themselves.

It was a very cute book. There were a few times that you had to suspend your belief for. Like that the coast guard could just choose any random video service. Maybe I’m wrong about that but government agencies normally don’t have that ability or budget. I believe the brother conflict was a tad overblown and unrealistic. Again, a suspension of belief made it fun but it didn’t fully feel real. The ending of her going back for the dog was also a bit unreal. But it’s not supposed to be real I realize it’s a love story. But the supposed love haters didn’t feel like they hated it that much. It was funny she couldn’t swim but lied and said she could and he was the coach.

As much as it pains me to say, this one really wasn't for me. I usually love Katherine Center, but this one missed the mark for me. I really struggled with the body image issues that Katie, the FMC, struggled with. Many of the things she said to herself or did to herself (like tracking every single calorie she put in her mouth) felt triggering. I also absolutely hated the twist when her boss, Cole, showed up in the Florida Keys. The entire situation from that point forward made me upset, and I truly feel that Hutch deserved so much better from everyone in his life. Hutch was the best thing about this book by far, and I wish such a swoon-worthy MMC had gotten a story worthy of him. I also did love Rue, who was a bright and colorful addition to the cast. Sadly, I won't be recommending this one to my friends.

Listen I can pretty much always count on Katherine Center to write a book that I fly through and have a great time reading. I read this in just a little over a day. I flew through it. Katherine’s writing is so fun and easy to read and it just had me sucked into this story.

I thought Katie was so fun and I loved her constant rambling and she was just so enduring. Katie struggles with body dysmorphia and that’s a big theme of the book; Katie has to work to conquer some fears and change her mindset regarding her body and her looks. If this is a trigger for you then I would avoid this book. I really enjoyed her story and her journey. I loved Rue and all the Gals and honestly can I just move to the Starlite and hang out with all these ladies? They made the most little fun community for Katie.

And I loved Hutch. You think he’s gonna be a grump but he’s the farthest thing and I loved watching him and Katie get to know each other. Also he’s a rescue swimmer in the coast guard and I for some reason could only picture Glen Powell/Miles Teller a la Top Gun: Maverick while reading. I loved watching Hutch and Katie get to know each other and fall for each other.

This read like a 2008 romcom and I mean that as such an absolute compliment! I truly had the best time reading this one.

Thank you St. Martin’s and Katherine Center for the ARC!

👍🏻Read If You Like:
•forced proximity
•The Coast Guard
•dogs
•rescue scenes

🛑Content Warnings:
•body dysmorphia
•loss of parents (in past)

🚪Closed Door Romance

Really enjoyed this one! This was my second Katherine Center book and she’s becoming a must-read for me! Gave this 4/5 stars. Loved the premise and Katie, Hutch, and Rue! Great characters. At times there was a little too much focus on Katie’s self-acceptance/body hate/positivity but I know that was necessary for her to learn to love herself. All in all great book, highly recommend!

I enjoy this book! I do wish there was less of the body shaming from Katie and female main character. I loved Hutch, his dog, George Bailey, Rue, and her group of girlfriends. I know the main point of the book was for Katie to realize her self worth and that did come across. I wish there was more of the Coast Guard life because I did learn enjoying about that. The third act conflict was predictable but I still liked the book and would recommend for a summer read!

I wouldn’t recommend one at all if you have an eating disorder. This was super triggering. The FMC is so intensely obsessed with what she eats and how she looks. From the looks of other reviews it does not get better at all. I just can’t do it

The Love Haters, the newest romance from author Katherine Center, is a perfect summer read set in the sunny Florida keys. It's told from the POV of Katie, a videographer with dreams of becoming a documentary filmmaker. In danger of losing her job to to major downsizing at her company, Katie accepts a job to accompany a US Coast Guard rescue team in order to make a new promo code for the USCG. The only problem? Katie can't actually swim. But we all stretch truths for a job and Katie plans to worry about that later. Fortunately she's immediately put in contact with Rue, who sweeps Katie up in a whirlwind of energy and color and gets Katie set up with swimming lessons from her nephew, Hutch. Her incredibly handsome nephew who also happens to be the intended focus of Katie's promo video.
This was my first read by Katherine Center, and I loved it. The romance was so easy and natural and just charming. Hutch was funny and sweet, and he owned a rescue dog no one else wanted. Of course we all love him! And Katie was complicated and self conscious, but earnest and trying to be her best. It was so easy to be swept away (pin intended) by the charm of this love story.
As much as I loved Hutch, I loved Katie more. Riddled with anxiety and body insecurity, Katie was sweet and kind. It was difficult at times, reading her insecurities and wanting to shake her a little bit (I always want my romance characters to see a therapist, but oh did I really really want Katie to see a therapist!) But Katie's struggle was addressed in such a sweet way. Challenged by her cousin to make a list of her 10 favorite body attributes, Katie starts with her earlobes. At first I laughed, who chooses earlobes? But as she defended her choice, I began to wonder if I'd ever given my loves that much loving attention. She does the same for her ankles, her pinky finger, etc. It was silly and heartwarming at the same time. Would it work in a real world situation? I'm not sure, but the earnestness worked here and I loved it.
Center's writing also deserves mention. The book itself was engaging and fun, drawing the reader in quickly and keeping them with an easy flow. I devoured this book in a weekend, partly because I was so invested in seeing Katie succeed, but also because the pages flowed so easily it was hard to stop.
This is a fun read (though check the TW as Katie's issues may be triggering for some) and definitely has me ready to read more from the author.
This review has been published on my social media pages, as well as Barnes and Noble. All links are included.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

I adore Katherine Center and her feel good romances! This one is another solid rom-com that gives you all the feels!! Hutch is the perfect book boyfriend. Katie is a leading lady who doesn't believe she is leading lady material. Beanie is the best, best friend! Add a big, horse dog and a group of old ladies (Rue leading the pack). The whole book was fun and so heartfelt. The personal growth of our heroine was inspiring as well as hilarious as she learned to love and accept herself. I enjoyed every minute of the book...well, except for some of the moments with Cole. Grrr!! But I'm glad we got some understanding into his issues and slight redemption.

I had one bit of confusion which wasn't a big thing (no pun intended), but the book never clarifies whether Katie was truly a plus-size woman, or did she simply have a distorted view of her size. It was like we walked around any concrete descriptions about her in that regard. There is a lot of focus on loving your body which I applaud no matter the size.

Looking forward to the next writing! And audiobook on hold...:)

4.5 stars

Thank you to the publisher for giving me the chance to read an early digital copy of this book. I was also lucky enough to receive a physical ARC of this book. One of the words that I would use to describe Katherine Center's books is JOY. I read them whenever I need an uplifting book, and she never disappoints. This book is perfect for summer and one that I think her fans will enjoy. And if you've never read a Katherine Center book before, you are missing out! The atmosphere and the swoon are *chef's kiss*, and Katherine Center remains one of my favorites!

The Love Haters is exactly what you'd expect from Katherine Center—a warm, witty, and uplifting romantic comedy with just enough emotional depth to keep things interesting. The concept is fun: a heroine who’s sworn off love, a hero who seems too good to be true, and a delicious enemies-to-lovers vibe that keeps the pages turning.

The writing is breezy and engaging, filled with Center’s trademark blend of humor and heart. The main character is relatable, stubborn in all the right (and wrong) ways, and the banter? Chef’s kiss. There were definitely moments that made me laugh out loud and a few scenes that hit me right in the feels.

That said, it’s not a super deep or unpredictable read—some of the plot points feel a bit convenient, and the ending wraps up a little too neatly. But honestly? That’s kind of what I wanted from it. It’s comfort food in book form.

If you're looking for a charming, low-angst romance with a strong female lead and some seriously cute moments, The Love Haters delivers. Just don’t expect anything too groundbreaking—and that’s totally okay.

This was an excellent romcom! It was a heated romance with some family drama intertwined. I loved the feel good ending!!! Definitely recommend this book!

(2.5 stars, rounded up to 3)

This needed a trigger warning for body talk & disordered eating. I found it very difficult to read about her goal of 1,000 calories and how her stepmother talked about her body. Now, I did read an advanced copy so a trigger warning very well could be added in the final copy & I very much hope it was because it is needed.

This was the 4th Katherine Center book I’ve read & unfortunately it’s my least favorite.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this book!

This was my first Katherine Center book and it will absolutely not be my last. This book started out a little slow, but when it picked up, I couldn’t put it down!

The setting was so vibrant, I felt like I was in the keys myself. Perfect read for summer!

Overall, I loved that this book created a wonderful balance between light heartedness and heavier topics. I like my books to have a little weight to them but without taking themselves too seriously, and this did that seamlessly!

As posted on Goodreads:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6 Stars!)

Katherine Center has done it again with Love Haters—a novel that’s as easy to devour as it is hard to forget. I found myself completely entranced by her writing, which is both descriptive and accessible in a way that makes the characters feel alive and the emotions real. Her prose is like sinking into a warm bath: comforting, vivid, and undeniably immersive. I don’t know how someone can not instantly fall in love with these characters!

What makes Love Haters stand out isn’t just the romance, but the depth. It’s a story that navigates tough, often underrepresented topics like cheating, eating disorders, and body confidence struggles, and it does so with grace and sincerity. These themes are never heavy-handed—they’re human, and they make the emotional arcs land with more weight.

This book has some of my absolute favorite tropes: a grumpy-ish love interest meets a sunshine-y heroine, there’s “forced” proximity (if you know, you know), and a subtle “he teaches her” dynamic that’s warm, not patronizing. The banter is excellent, the chemistry is slow-burn and satisfying, and the emotional beats hit just right.

I highlighted quotes like:

“The truth is, it’s hard to make yourself ask for something that you know the person you’re asking doesn’t want to give.”

and

“Every time you have to be brave, you get to be a little braver next time. That’s what life is for.”

These lines stuck with me—not just because they’re beautifully written, but because they carry real insight.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the modern pop culture references (TikTok, Noah Kahan, Jonas Brothers) pulled me out of the story at times. They’re fun, but might not age well, and for me, slightly disrupted the timeless feel of the narrative.

Still, Love Haters is the kind of book I’d want my loved ones to read—not just for the romance, but for the emotional intelligence baked into every page. It’s a love story, yes, but also a gentle lesson in vulnerability, courage, and connection. There is something that lies in between the pages that everyone can relate to.

Highly, highly recommend!!

This is my second ARC from Katherine Center, and once again, I’m in love! Huge thanks to the author and St. Martin’s Press for the gifted copy—what a joy this book was.

I adored Hutch, but the one who truly stole my heart was George Bailey. His fear of thunder? Totally relatable (I’m scared of it too haha), and Aunt Rue’s little community? That’s my retirement dream right there. The whole setting felt so alive, so warm and inviting, I honestly wish it were real. I’d book a trip to Key West tomorrow if it meant I could visit them all.

This story made me laugh out loud. I finished it in one sitting. Katherine Center’s writing always feels like a warm hug from your bestie, and The Love Haters is no exception. 5 stars all across the board. I loved everything about it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars for The Love Haters by Katherine Center

I’ve really loved Katherine Center’s other books, so I had high hopes for this one—but sadly, it just didn’t land the same way for me.

The biggest issue? The body image storyline. I completely understand the importance of that kind of rep, but the amount of time spent on Katie’s insecurities (especially about wearing a bathing suit) felt super repetitive. Whole chapters were basically just variations of the same internal struggle, and I honestly almost DNF’d because of it.

I still enjoyed the overall vibe—it’s an easy beach read with some heart—but it lacked the magic I’ve come to expect from her. And don’t even get me started on the fake dating the brother subplot… I could’ve done without that entirely. There were way better ways to keep him in the story without making it weird.

Would I recommend it? Sure—as a light palette cleanser between heavier reads, maybe from the library. But if you’re new to this author, definitely start with one of her other books first. She’s written some real gems.

Many thanks for the earc
I really enjoy Katherine Center’s novels and was super excited to read this one! I loved the concept and the MCs, Katie and Hutch, but definitely felt that the book could have used some TWs (it may in the finished copy) and the ending felt unnecessary with the frustrating lies from the MMC and his brother. Definitely a fun and banter filled novel nonetheless, with an endearing rescue pup, that definitely stole the show!

The Love Haters is a fun book that reads like the female protagonist is talking directly to you. I really enjoyed that. The book is funny and insanely relatable as far as Katie’s personality goes.

Katie is trying to save her job by filling in for her boss, Cole, in putting together a promotional video for the Coast Guard—while working with Cole’s brother. We have side characters like Rue and Beanie who add to the entertainment.

I also struggle with how I feel in certain clothing, and I like to blend. Katie being so self conscious about herself spoke to my insecurities. I love when a book makes me think about how I can better myself.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

How does she keep delivering such adorable rom-coms featuring characters with such a wide range of professions? Are the moments between Katie and Hutch over-the-top and cheesy more often than not? Absolutely—but that’s exactly what makes it so fun. I enjoy a good cheesy rom-com, and this one delivered all the feel-good vibes I was hoping for.

I don’t always need heavy, real-life drama in my reads, and for a light, breezy beach read, this was spot on. That said, as with the author’s previous books, I’m still not the biggest fan of the female characters. But overall, the story is sweet, light-hearted, and charming—perfect when you're in the mood for something fun and easy.