another katherine center read but I have to admit that I had mixed feelings about this story despite loving her previous books. to start, there were many aspects of this story that I enjoyed! the plot line was very promising and it was so interesting to read about a coast guard rescue swimmer, a career I would have never known anything about before picking up this book. it was evident that she had done so much research about the job and made for a very engaging read whenever mentioned. I also loved several of the side characters, particularly rue, the gals, and the dog, who I felt really made the story with their unique charm and contributions throughout. and while I did enjoy katie and hutch and their few romantic moments, this book ultimately lacked a bit in this area for me. the primary conflict in this book just did not make sense to me and was quite frustrating. katie's coworker and boss were frankly annoying and led to so much unnecessary drama which detracted from the budding romance. I wish we could have seen more of their growing relationship throughout which I think would have really made the story as the premise was promising. ultimately, though it was definitely a fun read that I was excited to continue reading and would still recommend, this book just fell a bit short for me.

I absolutely LOVED this one! The characters were great as was the story! I always look forward to new releases by this author, She has such a way with telling a story that evokes all sorts feelings with great character development!

Absolutely wonderful story and delightful characters, I couldn’t enjoy it more. thanks for a great read dear author. What a joy!

This book has a great concept and sounds intriguing. However, I try to read Katharine Center books and unfortunately she’s just not for me. I know she’s incredibly popular so it’s more that her writing doesn’t suit my style. The cover is beautiful though!

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center
Overall - ⭐⭐⭐
World - 🌎🌎🌎
Plot - 📖📖
Characters - 👫👫👫
Writing Style - 🖋️🖋️🖋️
Vibes - ❤️❤️❤️

We were so excited to receive an early copy of Katherine Centers newest book, The Love Haters! We are big fans of her previous work and we're counting down the days to this release.

The story features Katie Vaughn, a video producer who believes that her job is on the line. Out of desperation, she agrees to take on a project featuring her coworker's brother, a rescue diver who went viral a few years ago. A very hot rescue diver. Who loves dogs. And is hot. Did I mention that? Only Katie can't swim…And Hutch, the diver, isn't exactly a willing participant. At first glance, this had all the trademarks of a great story with its intriguing setup, mix of humor, stakes, and a beautiful Key West backdrop but we found the execution lacking slightly.

Katie and Hutch's chemistry never hit the way we expected even with all those swimming lessons. The supporting characters were a bit of a mix for us - Rue, Hutch’s quirky aunt was our favorite with her boldness, wisdom, and hilarious friend group. Cole, Hutch’s brother, was both underdeveloped and a real jerk. We don't mind an unlikeable character as long as they feel real and this felt like more of a caricature than a villian.

There was some exploration of heavier themes like body image and grief however the tone never felt quite right - we couldn't tell if it was trying to go for light and funny or trying to address these very real issues head on. It felt like things got out of balance and never corrected.

However, there were still elements of the story that we loved! The vivid descriptions of Key West and the helicopter rescue missions were a favorite and the ending has an over the top, almost unbelievable twist that we didn't see coming. Katie’s personal growth—learning to confront fears and embrace her worth—was a highlight, even if the journey felt uneven at times.

Overall, The Love Haters is a quick and easy read. While it didn’t quite measure up to the expectations we had from her other books, it may still appeal to readers looking for a lighthearted rom-com with messages of self-discovery and empowerment.

This book was such a delight. It was an easy read with great characters that you absolutely get attached to.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

WOW. Just WOW. there are so many things I love about this book but first, as a woman who’s actively recovering from an ED relapse, this one really got to me. It was so nice to read about Katie with her struggles and her gains. Hutch was a 10/10 MMC. I love that most of Katherine Centers books have characters with intense jobs and as someone who lives in a Coastie town, it was really cool to read about.

I loved this book. Everything about it. Mostly George Bailey though. And Rue, obviously.

Katherine Centers books never disappoint! She has such a way with emotional & impactful romances. I absolutely adored the characters and story line. Cannot wait for the next KC book! They’re always a joy to read.

This was a great read. Very funny in some parts. A bit too unlikely but an easy summer read I did not like the sinking boat and water rescue at the end I felt that was very unrealistic I will be reading more of Katherine Centers books though
Thank you to Netgalley and St Marten’s Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my review

I really enjoyed this read! I always say Katherine Center writes the best leading men in her books and I was not disappointed with Hutch! (While I read, I pictured David Corenswet hahahaha!) The dynamic between Hutch and Katie was so fun and I really felt pulled in during the third act of this book and I kid you not I read the last 49% in 1 day! So much going on I couldn’t put it down! Another good, heart warming read from Katherine Center. Thanks NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!

The Love Haters was laugh out loud funny, so heartwarming and sweet. This is such a perfect summer rom-com. Katie is a documentary filmmaker who has to go to Key West to make a film about a US Coast Guard rescue swimmer. There’s really a little bit of everything in this book from family drama to romance to a self love journey plus the sweetest side characters. The main love story of this book was Katie‘s own love story with herself and her body image. Her struggles were told in such a light and relatable way that was also super meaningful. This is a great option if you don’t like spice in your romance books. It’s ridiculous and unrealistic at times, but there’s still so much emotional depth and such a sweet love story.

I absolutely ADORED Katherine Center's last book and was so excited to read The Love Haters. However, I didn't make it more than 20% of the way through because the FMC was so insufferable to me. She was on this absolutely wild mission to write about Navy Seals when she had ZERO experience swimming and would have to pass a qualifying swim test. If that wasn't enough, she talked ad nauseam about her body. Listen, I get it--as women, most of us have body issues, and I appreciate when an author can include that in a way that feels authentic but this felt like it was her entire personality and the only thing that was going to save her was the MMC's male gaze and appreciation and that gives me the ick. I really wanted to love this book but I just couldn't do it--not enough plot, very singular focused character development, and too many body issues at the forefront. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

Love Haters was an enjoyable summer read. Katie comes off funny, witty, and slightly melodramatic while Hutch is the absolute definition of a golden retriever (rescue diver who saved Jennifer Aniston’s dog 👀). The book has many lovable side characters like Rue and the gals who give the book a warm loving feel. George Bailey will however remain my favorite character from the book (Hutch’s dog). The story gives off fun summer vibes, but also focuses on Katie’s difficulties with her body image. I would say her struggles are very relatable for most women even if not brought on by a similar circumstance. Katie had a lot to overcome through out the book, but found strength, confidence, and self love along the way. The story also gives us some action/adventure with a third act rescue. Overall this was a fun summery read that provides lots of laughs while still having deeper themes along the way.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc of Love Haters

“I’m saying that when I’m not with you, I’m thinking about you. And waiting to see you again. And we’ve spent all day, every day together for weeks now— and it already feels like it’ll never be enough.”

oh I am OBSESSED with this book. Like, staying up until 1 AM to finish it because it was so good I just couldn't put it down. The plot was so good, the characters were amazing, and the organization was incredible. I don't usually like reading romance with only one POV, but I think it really worked a lot better in this book.

I am obsessed with Hutch. Like he really is the perfect man. There is literally nothing wrong with him. The only problem was his brother Cole. That dude straight up sucks. Like he ruins everything and is such a whiny baby. I know he had a little redemption, but I still stand by my statement. But Hutch was just so sweet and wholesome; and he literally saves people for a living, and yet is still so humble.

But this book isn't just about Hutch and Katie's love story, it's also about Katie learning to love herself. I felt very connected to Katie's character. I also have severe body dysmorphia, and also deal with disordered eating. When her cousin asked her to name one thing she liked about herself, and she came up with the most random body parts, I understood it too well. Anytime someone asks me that, I just say 'my eyes' or 'my hair sometimes', so this part of the book hit very close to home for me. But I got so emotional when she had that breakthrough; she went through so much in order to get to that place, and I was so happy that she was able to finally love herself completely.

tropes
friends to lovers
he falls first
meddling matchmakers
only one bed

I hate to say it because I've enjoyed other Katherine Center books but I found this intolerable. I wanted to like the female main character, Katie, but I found her to be such a characture, an embodiment of "body image issues" with little else with a giant scoop of objectifying the male main character Hutch. The Adonis with a heart who she drones on and on about. I just couldn't go on anymore, I mustered through half before resigning that I can't proceed with any amount of joy. Sucked the love out of romance for me.

There was parts of this book that I really enjoyed but others parts that really annoyed me. The ended was also a little unnecessarily stressful in my opinion. Over all it was a quick easy read and I’d probably still recommend it to some people but I would not pick it up again. Still enjoy most Katherine Center books and look forward to reading the next.

Katie’s on location in Key West to produce a story about a Hutch, an exceptional Coast Guard rescue swimmer. She’s in a precarious situation at work and this story might be her last chance to prove that she’s a valuable part of the team. Her colleague Cole begs her to take the job because Hutch is his brother and they haven’t been in touch in some time. Katie and Hutch hit it off, but she can’t quite tell him why she’s there. It’s a sweet, closed-door romance with a pretty delightful climax of the story. I truly could not stand Cole and thought his appearance in Key West was kind of a let-down. Not my favorite of Katherine Center’s books, but a really enjoyable read.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.

Katherine Center never ceases to impress! Her voice as an author is just so good. This book made me laugh out loud, gasp, and tear up all in one go. It helped me to confront obstacles of my own that I didn’t expect in a gentle but impactful way. I’ll also be doodling Hutch’s name on my notebook until further notice. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this phenomenal story!!

I throughly enjoyed this book. The best part is that the main guy characters job is a coast guard. I love reading books where characters have jobs I’ve never read before.
I also really enjoy Katherine centers writing. Plus the main female character Katie was super relatable. She had some personal issues that most other females can relate to. She also went through some character growth and I appreciate that.

I actually really liked this book. This was the first book I’ve read by this author. Some parts were cheesy and a bit over the top, but a bit is to be expected in the genre. Definitely a nice, lighthearted read.