I've read a few Katherine Center books before, but this one did not hit for me. The FMC's insecurities annoyed me too much.

Full of endearing characters, from a quirky aunt to an adorable rescue dog, The Love Haters is the perfect beach read. While tackling serious issues including body image and grief, the story also highlights the breezy romance between Katie and Hutch and the impact of kindness and community.

In the perfect weather setting of Key West, Katie is tasked to feature “Hutch” and the work he does as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. While initially sent as a last ditch effort to avoid being laid off from her job as a video producer, their professional relationship turns personal when sparks fly between the two.

An easy and fast read, I enjoyed this story to the very last drop. I find myself wanting to “hang out” longer with Katie, Hutch, Rue and the Gals. We all need an Aunt Rue and a George Bailey in our lives. They were my absolute favorite characters!

Thank you to NetGalley. St. Martin’s Press and the author for an early digital reviewer copy.

Okay, so The Love Haters wasn’t a total insta-love for me, but it was one of those quietly lovely reads that stuck with me more than I expected. The romance is cute—but honestly, the real standout here was Katie’s personal growth.
This is one of those books that reminds you to be kinder to yourself, even when your brain’s being a jerk about your body. Watching Katie navigate self-worth, body image, and healing after public humiliation was way more emotional than I bargained for. It felt real, and honestly, a little too relatable at times.
The banter between Katie and Hutch was great, and I loved how grumpy-sunshine they were without it feeling forced. The Florida Keys setting gave the whole thing this chill, sun-drenched vibe that made me want to read it with a frozen cocktail in hand. Also, Hutch teaching her to swim? Tender chaos. Love to see it.
Not a super spicy read, more like cozy and comforting with a side of swoon. The pacing dragged a bit in places for me, but by the end I was hooked! Definitely a solid addition to your summer TBR.

I've only read one other Katherine Center book, The Bodyguard, and I loved it, so I'm thrilled that I also really enjoyed The Love Haters. I loved the voice of the main character, and I loved that she was so authentic and kind of a hot mess. The premise was so funny. I loved Katie's relationship with her cousin -- it was such a positive relationship, and Bea felt like a fully present character even though I think we only ever saw her on FaceTime. And Hutch! What a thoughtful loving love interest.

Some of the plot points were kind of ridiculous, but it was a hilarious ride. I read this in one plate sit and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I know when I pick up a Katherine Center book, I’m in for a treat. What can I say about The Love Haters? Love, love, love! I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book - from cover to cover, it was just a delight to read.

Read this one if you like:
🧡 Relatable characters
🧡 Summer romcom
🧡 Fun banter
🧡 Bright colors

Sometimes romcoms feel controlled by the tropes. And sometimes they get stuck in a trope and lose the importance of the story. This never happened in The Love Haters. Ms. Center rarely took the romance trope/route that I thought was coming. This is a romcom about love - loving yourself, your friends, your found family. Finding yourself and what makes you happy.

While I think this would be a fantastic pool/beach read this summer, I highly recommend the audiobook read by @pattimurin . She’s just fantastic and really brings Katie to life. I just didn’t want this one to end.

“Every time you have to be brave, you get to be a little braver next time.”

Katherine Center never misses. Every book she writes manages to crack my chest wide open, skewer my heart, and heal some long lost insecurity I’d become resigned to accepting as permanent.

Beyond a beautifully crafted romance, poetically written with embedded adventures and side characters you just wish you could call your own family, The Love Haters takes on an underlying message of self-love and how we deserve to not only accept ourselves—but to love ourselves for who we are, what we look like, and the life we’ve lived without any amount of shame.

On the romance front, I loved the give and take of Katie and Hutch’s relationship. Sensing his growing feelings for her from the very first moment, but her hesitancy around him because 1) she had yet to love herself enough to recognize someone else might be able to love her too after her very public break up with her now-famous ex-boyfriend, 2) she was there for work, and 3) her coworker had called his brother a “Love Hater”—meaning no matter how attractive she found him, it wouldn’t go anywhere.

But each one of her reasons falls away the more time she spends in his town filming him as he demonstrates his “heroic” ways and she learns more about what makes Hutch tick. But I think what I truly loved is that he only has one reason to stay away from her—and it’s because of a lie his brother, Cole, tells him: that Cole and Katie are dating.

…EXCUSE ME??? Thank goodness the truth comes out eventually! I was STRESSED. But MAN is it worth it in the end!

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

I don’t know if I could ever truly rank my favorite Katherine Center novels, because I love them all so much—and even if this isn’t my all-time favorite, I still thoroughly loved it and enjoyed getting lost in this Key West town with Katie, Hutch, and Hutch’s dog, George Bailey.

Tropes:
- Opposites attract
- Workplace romance
- Stolen kisses
- Daring rescues
- Fake dating
- Self-love
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Coworker’s brother
- Lovable dog
- Phenomenal side characters

[The Love Haters]

Thank you to Katherine Center, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martian's Press for the gifted ALC and ARC.

Katherine Center NEVER fails me!! No one sets a scene like she does and no one can make me laugh as hard as she can. I found myself cracking up and also thinking about life while listening to this book. Katherine has this special way of making you take a close look at topics that other people shy away from but balancing it perfectly with humor.

“𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵-𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯-𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦.”

Katie and Hutch were such a fun couple. I loved them both together as a couple and separately as individuals. Katie is working through some major body image issues. (If you have triggers around body image or eating disorders, take a closer look before you proceed. Take care of yourself.) I love how she begins to love and appreciate her body after some major traumas. And Hutch was so grumpy but also such a good man underneath. I thought they had so much chemistry and I enjoyed their back and forth so much!

Don't even get me started on the Rue, the gals and the most lovable Great Dane. (plus the toad!) They brought so much to the story.

This is such a fun, easy read that I had so much fun with!

Grab this one if you love:
✨ Small Beach Town
✨ Boss's Brother
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Coast Guard Hero
✨ Body Image Struggles

📚 Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🔥Spice Rating: 🤍

Spice Rating
🤍 clean romance
💗 closed door/ fade to black
❤️ spicy content (a few detailed scenes)
❤️‍🔥 explicit, play-by-play (major part of the plot)
🖤 graphic, more than vanilla

Quick Summary: A "culture of appreciation" novel

My Review: The Love Haters by Katherine Center is a contemporary women's fiction/romance novel. It was released on 5/20/25.

About the Book: "It’s a thin line between love and love-hating...

Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past—now she may be lighting her career on fire.

Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue—along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last."

In My Own Words: A story about surviving heartbreak, taking chances, and learning to love & appreciate self

About the Characters:

Katie - >

I genuinely liked Katie. She was a character who was easy to relate to. Her experience was believable. Her state after her loss was understandable. Her background and her relationship woes influenced how she saw herself and how she perceived the world. Her journey towards wellness and healing was remarkable. Even though the choices she made were so far from her norm, they were necessary for her growth. In the end, I am so glad she chose to take a chance and put herself out there. The omissions and deception were a vehicle that drove her story, unfortunately.

Hutch - >

In terms of the love interest - Hutch - he was a noble guy. He was good. He was heroic yet humble. He cared about his family and his community. He loved his dog. He was a little rough around the ages, but at his core, he was decent. When it came to Katie, he seemed to want to explore the possibilities, even though he was guarded. He tried. The same could be said, regarding his brother - he tried. Hutch was likable. Some of his actions were questionable at times, but when all was said and done, he was upright.

Cole - >

Cole was not a good guy. He had a chip on his shoulder. He was manipulative, self-serving, proud, and bothersome. I didn't like him. Even when his story took an unexpected turn, I felt like he still didn't have a clue. I did not see real growth in him. And the insta situationship was a no for me. It did not flow.

George Bailey - >

What a good boy! His fear and that whole big predicament that came later in the story... my heart.

The Supporting Cast - >

Aunt Rue and her fellow seniors were delightful. They were tuned in to all that was happening. I loved their relationship with each other. They were fun and frisky. There was a lot of wisdom and insight in this peculiar friend group.

Beanie was a loyal bestie. She stayed true the entire way through the story. I could easily see her cheering her girl on. When her list was revealed, it showed just how well she knew her friend. I loved her culture of appreciation idea.

Sullivan, the boss, was interesting. I liked her backstory mention. I did not care for her prowling and pushiness. The way her story played out with the brothers was a no for me. It echoed what happened between the brothers and the ex.

My Final Say: This novel was a bit different than the other KC books I have read. It was a story within a story, in my opinion. On the surface level, it was about a woman who was clawing her way back into life and employment. Beneath the surface, however, it was about a woman coming to know herself, challenge herself, lose herself, and love herself. It was also about having the courage to connect with people of interest. At the end of the day, both Katie and Hutch had to choose to free themselves from past issues in order to move forward and find true happiness.

I was not a fan of the lying games. It became too much after a time. I guess I didn't understand why it kept going. Neither that, nor the hiding of the health issue from being found out - I did not get why it was important to keep it from the person who should have been the first to know.

Other: Readers who like stories where you have to dig deep to find meaning will like this one. It's a slow burn, life lessons, learn to love yourself in order to learn to love others kind of read.

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 👍
Romance: +/-

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (St. Martin's Press), and to NetGalley for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review this work. I look forward to reading more from this writer.

The Love Haters is an engaging rom-com featuring a risk-taking video producer, a Coast Guard rescue team, and a Great Dane.

In The Love Haters, Katie Vaughn takes a huge risk to accept a job as a video producer to profile a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. One complication among many is that she can’t swim.

What I Enjoyed:
* tropical setting (Key West, Florida)]
* interesting premise
* colorful Aunt Rue
* the Great Dane
* fighting for your job and taking risks
* themes of self-discovery and empowerment
* witty banter
* page-turning plot
* rescue operations

Other Thoughts:
* body image and eating disorders may be triggers for some
* deception and lies/miscommunication tropes are not my favorite
* most handsome man she’s ever seen … I’m more interested in his character
* some unrealistic elements (would they really rescue a dog before a human?!)


While this wasn’t my favorite Katherine Center, it was an entertaining and page-turning romance, with witty banter, suspense, and some humor. Katherine Center’s fans will want to add it to their TBRs.

Content Consideration: body image and eating disorder, grief

Thanks #NetGalley @StMartinsPress for a complimentary eARC of #TheLoveHaters upon my request. All opinions are my own.

This was cute and different and I learned about helicopters and coast guards. I do enjoy Katherine's books- they're always enjoyable and this was no exception. A satisfying ending, and humor sprinkled throughout. The FMC was quirky, relatable and very likable! Would recommend to anyone.
4.5/5 rounded up to 5

I just think Katherine Center GETS IT- ya know? She gets that romance books should be fun and make you feel good, and I very much appreciate that they always have a gloriously happy ending.
I think in terms of adult romance, Katherine is just leagues above other authors for me. Her stories feel so hopeful and so bursting with love. The side characters are just as fun and lovable as the main characters, there's also a family atmosphere, and the romance is always sweet as sugar. I just love everything about the way she writes, and I am so pleased about this story.

4.5⭐️ Absolutely wonderful as always!! I absolutely resonate with Katie and her struggles. Love how she grew and her quirkiness. When I realized there was a Great Dane!! I’m a sucker for that breed. Also, @pattireadsbooks does an absolutely fantastic job in the audiobook too! That’s a 5⭐️ narration for me.

Katie’s job depends on this assignment going well. She must be the video producer for a segment of a coast guard in the Key West. There’s just one problem. Well, a few. But the main one is Katie can’t swim and there’s a lot of water activities in the coast guard. She will soon find out just how wonderful this Hutch guy is when he’s the one giving her swimming lessons. One day, her boss shows up and throws a wrench in all the trust Katie has built with Hutch. Will they be able to maintain that trust or will Katie lose more than just her job?

Thank you to @netgalley @stmartinspress and @katherinecenter for the advanced e-reader copy.

I loved this book. I loved the way Katie learns body positivity toward herself, and how she learns to let go. I love the characters and how vivid they feel. And I loved the hurricane twist as a Floridian who has always wondered what the hell would happen to a houseboat and being thankful I’m not on one. Highly recommended.

One of my most anticipated!! (And the way I put this off for so long because I didn't want it to be over 🤭, I mean the splinter meet cute?! It can only go uphill from there).

When Katie takes a work trip to the Keys to do a profile video of her boss's brother, a rescue swimmer in the coast guard and hopefully save her job in the process - she's armed with her video equipment, a love of black clothes and a little self doubt, and an assumption about Hutch, the man of the hour.

As the two spend time together through the course of the trip, its only a matter of time before walls start to come down, heat glances turn into stolen moments and you can't help but root for them right from the get go.

I loved this book. It had some hard truths and spots that hit you in the feels, it had butterflies and chemistry, MCs thst you couldn't help but root for, the heart pounding adventure towards the end and one heck of a side kick in George Bailey let me tell ya. Everything you could want from the latest novel from this author!





Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my review!

3.5 Stars

Katie Vaughn is still reeling from her last and very public break up from rock star ex-boyfriend Lucas. So, when Cole Hutchinson convinces Katie to go to Key West to film a video about a US Coast Guard rescue swimmer – sure Katie said yes for it was better than losing your job. When Katie heard that it would require a video of said rescue swimmer on a helicopter over the ocean and jumping out of the helicopter a little panic set it. Why? Katie does not swim nor wears a bathing suit. And why Katie when Cole was requested? Plus, why wouldn’t Cole jump at this huge opportunity after all Tom “Hutch” Hutchinson, aka a Pup Daddy just happened to be famous for saving Jennifer Aniston’s darling pup and his brother?

The trip to Key West pushes her out of her comfort zone, with the help of Rue and “The Gals”, a group of sweet 80 year old ladies.
Hutch is a grump on the outside, but has a gentle soul. And his love for his dog makes him irresistible. I loved the way he treats Katie. Even if there is no spice, there is tension between them and a lot of chemistry. The only character that I did not like was Cole, as he used both Katie and Hutch and is a selfish and jealous man.

The Love Haters is not just a love story between two people but also a celebration of self-acceptance. Katie's journey to love herself after years of criticism and self-doubt is relatable to many.

Overall, this is an easy, summer beach read.

“Of all the shipwrecks in all the waters off all the keys, Hutch swam up to mine.” With lines like this, how can you go wrong?

Katherine Center’s author notes should be the review for The Love Haters. In describing what she feels, what she is attempting to convey through her always-fabulous-never-ever-ever-disappoint books she touches on every point a reviewer could make. In her own words, The Love Haters is “another installment in my infinite series on why love stories can save the world.” And when you are done reading one of her stories you are a believer. And you’ve had one mighty fine time getting there.

I always forget just a little bit how quickly and easily Center’s books draw you in, how that warm, comfortable, somehow familiar feeling washes over you, and how happy you are to be reading this particular story, even if you know there are going to be hard times. Tough, sad, often tragic things happen but this feel-good-in-spite-of-it she wraps around you has you reading on and on, loving even the hard bits, eager to get to more and more of the warm, happy, fuzzy good parts. The Love Haters is just one more in a series of Center’s books that I love, re-read, ponder, relish.

Katie is struggling with so many things; it’s overwhelming. Her famous ex cruelly dumped her and then shamed her on the internet. And you know the internet – anything and anybody is fair game; there’s nothing too mean to post about someone. Truth, facts, a little human compassion? None of that matters to those who just pile on. “She’s ugly, she’s old, she looks frumpy, she looks like his mother.” Is there no end to the heartless things people will say? She already has serious issues with her body, thanks to her evil stepmother. As if that’s not enough, her job as a video producer is in jeopardy. Going to Florida and taking on a project her boss, Cole, apparently doesn’t want to do is a better option than just sitting around waiting to be let go. Not by much, though. And although she’s a very capable, talented video producer, she’s not exactly qualified for the requirements of this project, like swimming, helicopters, simulators. If her cousin Beanie wasn’t her constant support the despair would overtake her.

Hutch is struggling, too, but you have to look a little deeper. A Coast Guard rescue swimmer, great at his job and famous for rescuing Jennifer Aniston’s dog, it seems he has it all. Except there’s a lot of tragic history there that affects everything in the present. He’s such a good guy, hard-working, compassionate, good to his zany Aunt Rue that you will fall in love with him immediately. And of yeah, he is just possibly the most handsome man on earth. If you don’t believe me, ask Katie.

It sounds heavy and dreary and maybe hopeless, but it’s not. Instead, author Center works her usual magic and keeps you entertained from cover to cover: laughing, wincing, swooning. Sensitive topics are handled head-on – but sensitively. Love takes a lot of work, and it’s a learning experience on so many levels. Not just that handsome guy or beautiful girl, but loving yourself, loving those who’ve hurt you, learning to forgive and move on, and never giving up.

The Love Haters is another wonderful addition to my Katherine Center Library. Katie and Hutch are meant to be. Aunt Rue and her friends provide the comfort and acceptance that Katie so desperately needs. And the supporting cast is full of entertaining, surprising, sometimes annoying people and pets. I absolutely loved this story and recommend it without hesitation. I received an advance copy of The Love Haters from Goodreads and from St. Martin’s Publishing Group via NetGalley. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc!! This is the third Katherine Center arc I’ve been granted, and as usual she did not disappoint!

Katie is on the brink of losing her job when one of her coworkers, Cole, offers her the chance to do a documentary series on a u.s. coast guard water rescuer. Katie is up to the task, but isn’t thrilled when she learns the requirements of the job. She would need to learn how to swim (meaning she would have to be in a bathing suit in front of others) and undergo some rigorous training in case an emergency were to happen while she was filming. Still, with her job on the line, Katie agrees to do whatever is necessary to save herself from being fired.

Katie travels to Florida to work with Hutch, the hunky hero everyone on the internet knows as the man who rescued Jennifer Anniston’s dog. As well as being her documentary subject, Hutch is also teaching Katie how to swim, and is around occasionally because his aunt owns the hotel that Katie is staying at. Katie isn’t enthusiastic about love after her ex-fiancé broke her heart after years together, and Hutch is described as a love hater himself. However, as the two spend more time together, their connection and attraction to each other grow. But there’s some complications-it turns out Hutch is actually Cole’s brother, and Cole is not a fan of his heroic older brother. When Cole gets Katie involved in some lies, whatever relationship she has with Hutch is jeopardized. However, nothing challenges Katie more than when a serious storm rolls in and things go haywire.

This book is so good, I loved it!!! Katherine Center always writes such unique characters and storylines! Hutch’s job is such a unique career to delve into for a book, and her research definitely was evident through the details she provided us with. Hutch and Katie were such likable characters, and it was awesome to see Katie go through so much personal growth. I think some of Katie’s struggles will really resonate with readers, and as she heals maybe they will too.

I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves romance or is just looking for a good, interesting summer read!

This book was a quick and easy read. I found that there a few too many references to her weight and being down on herself.

📖arc review: love haters by katherine center
⭐️rating: 4/5
🌿genre: romance

💌my thoughts: thank you so much to st. martins press & katherine center for this ARC via netgalley!

this one was SO cute!!! it was such a good mix of humor, seriousness, and action that kept me so invested.

i loved our main characters & really resonated with some of the body insecurities that katie felt. i did get super mad at the end with one of the side characters and felt that it all was a bit rushed. this novel definitely gave all the summer vibes being set in key west which i also adored!

overall if you want a cute sunmer romance with depth and action give love haters a try as it is OUT NOW!!!

🏷️ #bookstagram #books #bookreview #booklover #bookaddict #booknerd #bookworm #readmorebooks #readersofig #read

This book and I went on a JOURNEY! We started out in potential 5-star territory, then I got to the 60% mark and things took a 3-star turn (more on that later). But thankfully, everything turned out okay (phew!) and it landed in my 4-star LOVE IT category!

What I enjoyed most about this book was the dialog. It’s so warm and witty, and helped showcase the characters’ growth through solid communication. As a result, the relationships in this book sparkled! The standouts for me were Katie and her cousin, Beanie (lots of body positivity/love yourself pep talks), and any moments involving Aunt Ru and “The Gals” (so much charisma).

And let’s not forget about the romance between Katie and our MMC, Hutch! I adored seeing them grow and especially how Hutch helped Katie gain confidence in herself. It’s a tricky balance because it could have given a white knight vibe. But for me, it was more about two humans seeing the good in each other, which helped them each acknowledge their own self-worth.

But let’s talk about that turn…there are a few things in books that just rub me the wrong way, and a couple showed up here at the halfway point. Misogyny, a potential breach of consent, and some solid manipulation all occur. These scenes played out fine and did factor into a few character arcs. But they also made me feel ick in the moment, which wasn’t fun.

Luckily, those questionable moments were brief and the final act was top-notch romance! On top of everything I loved, there was also a gorgeous Key West setting and an adorable dog named George Bailey, who stole my heart. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end! As a long-time reader, and recent romance lover, it touched my heart.