The Love Haters is a fun love story about Hutch and Katie. The setting and characters make for a quick and fun read as Hutch and Katie find their way to one another. The subplot of Katie finding her way to herself is welcome, though I may just be a bit past that part of life, and to me, it felt like trying to make sure a fun summer read had redeeming value.

Still, it's a fun beach read, and fans of the author will enjoy their journey. 4 Stars for me. This book was given to me in exchange for an honest opinion, and it is available now.

2.75/5 (rounded up)

After enjoying the Rom-Commers, I was delighted and honored to receive an e-ARC copy of Love Haters from St. Martin’s press and NetGalley. I read this quickly and then paused before writing my review because I found myself unsure of exactly how I’d rate it.

I really struggled with the early chapters - I didn’t care for the main character and found the unrelenting comments about her body issues to be an obnoxious distraction from the storyline. So much so that if I’d have picked this up from the library rather than gotten this as an e-arc copy, I would have stopped reading. As a side note, it’s very unusual for me to stop reading a book once I’m several chapters - normally I push thru when it’s very mediocre so the fact that I would have dnf-ed this means I was really (!) not liking it. However, given that this was an arc copy, I felt it would have been disrespectful to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press not to read the entire book so I trudged forward, albeit unexcited about how much was left. In the end, I’m glad that I did or I would have missed out on parts that I enjoyed.

The first 1/3 was the most challenging & even the romance was flat for me (his interest level wasn’t developed well at all and when they have their first kiss, it came out of nowhere and was more head scratching than butterfly inducing)!

The second half of the book was much more enjoyable than the first, mostly due to the amusing secondary characters - particularly Aunt Rue and her friends. The secondary characters carried the book for me and even Katie & Hutch grew on me by the end, even if it’s was in an eye-rolling, over the top way. And most shockingly, I found myself still thinking about characters and occurrences in the novel a couple weeks after I finished it, which made me think maybe I liked the second half more than I initially thought.

While overall I found this to be closer to Center’s Hello Stranger (which I gave 2 stars) than The Bodyguard (which I gave 4.5), I’m glad that I finished it and I think if you can get past Katie’s annoying and grating traits early on & are looking for a light escape, then you’re likely to enjoy it. In fact, I trust many will like this more than I did so if you’ve been a fan of Center’s other work, I’d encourage to give it a try (and with expectations for it to be fine rather than fantastic).

Thanks to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an e-arc copy and happy pub day to Katherine Center!

Thank you St. Martin's Press and net galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am not a love hater, but I am a hater of this book. Maybe hate is a strong word but I didn't like this book. The overall theme surrounding body image didn't sit right with me. Katie constantly commented on Hutch's *HOT* body, while also constantly judging her own - second guessing what she wears, what she eats, etc. The insecurity was too much for me!!! I didnt like that Katie had huge body insecurity issues with herself and then would only define Hutch for his body?!! I feel like Hutch is so much more than just his *HOT* bod???

Ya idk.. this book just wasn't for me... SORRY!!!

Every year, I count down the days until the new Katherine Center comes out but unfortunately this one was not as much of a hit for me as her previous books. This was a super anticipated read for me, but I found it a bit tough to get into and didn't really vibe with the FMC. Hoping that the next book Katherine Center puts out is more of a hit for me!

There was so much of this book that drove me crazy and made me roll my eyes and groan in frustration that at times, I almost gave up on reading it. HOWEVER, there was just enough sweetness and deeper meaning that it saved my reading experience. Really and truly it was a roller coaster reading it. I didn’t like it, then I was hooked. Then it got ridiculous, then heartwarming. It had a bumpy plot but ended nicely. It was a wild ride.

This book had a unique plot and charming characters that I could see played out as a rom-com movie. I loved that Katie and Hutch had a lot of spark and chemistry on page. Every interaction of theirs was fabulous and that silly dog George Bailey practically stole the show. Rue and The Gals were the perfect comedic touch. There were some really nice familial connections that took things a bit deeper emotionally and softened some of the silliness. I don’t particularly think this was a fabulous romance but it was an entertaining read.

Unfortunately the idiocy of the female main character and her continued disparaging remarks about her body (girl, go to therapy) really brought the book down for me. Throwing in a big lie/fake girlfriend/staying quiet to please your boss plot was confusing and unnecessary. There was just a LOT going on at times. Overall, the bad outweighed the good for the most part leaving me a touch disappointed.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Katherine Center for an advance copy of this book for review.

I have mixed feelings on this book. I liked learning about Katie and Hutch. Seeing their pasts, how they intertwined, and how their romance grew, was really fun to read.

While I understood Center’s idea for Katie’s body struggles (and how she worked through it), I found her self talk to be hard to follow. It felt like too much, too often. Unfortunately, that took away from the book for me. I know so many people would probably not be impacted by that, but it was hard for me personally.

Content Warning: Although there is no mention of it in the synopsis, there is A LOT of body image discussion in this book. Disordered eating, discussion of weight, food journals/calorie counting, etc. There was too much for me, and I did not think it added to the plot. Please consider skipping this book if these things are triggering for you.

There were many things that I enjoyed about this book. The book is written in 1st person from Katie’s POV. I loved being in Katie’s head (especially during Coast Guard rescues—it seemed so adventurous!) It was all written in such a fun way and was easy to read. The book was very funny and I laughed out loud many times. I also loved the set-up and premise of the romance. As soon as I read that Hutch has “no inner life” and doesn’t talk much, I was so ready for Katie to break down his walls and find out who he really is. I also loved all of the side characters and George Bailey, Hutch’s Great Dane.

But then…Cole (Hutch’s brother) re-entered the story. I was really frustrated with Katie’s actions at this point in the story, and I felt so bad for Hutch. With the backstory, I do understand why Katie made the choices that she did, but it was still disappointing. AND THEN THE END!! It was a wild conclusion to a fun book. I do recommend this book for anyone looking for a summer romance, as long as the body image discussions won’t be triggering for you.

Thank you to Katherine Center, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

Read if you like:
💕 Forced proximity
💕 Lovable pets
💕 Tropical settings
💕 Kissing only spice level

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC.

This book really benefits from starting with the author’s note—it sets the tone and intention beautifully. She offers thoughtful reflections on the power of fiction: how we know it's not real, but believe in it anyway, and how that belief can bypass the analytical brain and speak directly to the heart. That framing helped me better appreciate the story’s deeper purpose.

The novel strikes a lovely balance between being page-turning and insightful. It’s fun and accessible while still engaging with meaningful themes, like body dysmorphia and self-worth, without ever feeling heavy-handed. The author has a knack for wrapping wisdom in warmth, making the experience both emotionally resonant and easy to enjoy.

There many standout lines just from the author's note—“It’s nourishing to read stories about people finding nourishment,” and “Learning to love yourself is a process—and a circular one at that.” Her message is about learning to see ourselves with more compassion, focusing on what’s right rather than what’s wrong—because “That’s how you fall in love—and stay in love with anyone, including yourself: see the best in that person and enjoy the hell out of it as often as you can.”

Hutch, Rue, Katie, and even Cole were all genuinely likable characters that I found myself rooting for throughout the story. While the Great Dane knocks Katie over more times than I can count, iit matched the purposeful light and endearing tone of the book. Katie’s decision to go back and save the dog was a touching moment, and I can't believe for a light book the author let the boat become unmoored. And yes, sure, it’s a bit far-fetched to imagine the Coast Guard prioritizing a dog over a person, but by that point, I was invested in the story that I didn’t mind suspending disbelief. It just worked.

A warm, wise, and uplifting read.

PS Shouldn't this just be called The Love Hater, singular? I think this mostly just applied to Hutch's reputation.

This one is a bit of a toss-up for me.
Here is what I loved:
MMC, Hutch, absolutely no complaints. He was a genuine, good person.
FMC, Katie, she had been through some hard stuff, and her struggle with her body image was very relatable and well written.
A big, funny dog with a mind of his own. Always a win!
Both of their jobs, made the story interesting.
Rue, you’ll love her!
Here is what I struggled with:
The description of Hutch, by his brother, as being grumpy and a love hater. I really just don’t think that’s accurate. Hutch is serious and responsible; I never got the sense he hated love for any particular reason (no back story to support that).
Since the book is written from a single point of view (Katie’s) I never really connected with why Hutch really liked Katie, what made him fall for her. He said great things and I liked them together, but I never got a sense of what it was about her that really drew him in. I think I just wanted a deeper connection.
Although I loved the sweet relationship between Katie and her cousin, Beanie, it felt a little juvenile at times. I know that Beanie was trying to help Katie get to a better mental health space, and she did that, I just didn’t connect with the way they talked to each other. Again, I loved the intent, I just would’ve liked more mature conversations I think.
This story moved along at a really good pace, it kept me engaged the whole time, I never felt bored reading it. There was constantly something happening, from the beginning, and I liked that a lot. The author still built in back story even while things kept moving. Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend the book, I think there were just a couple of things I needed a little more from. Definitely will continue to read Katherine Center’s backlist and look forward to her new releases.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

3.5/5 Stars

Premise: Katie is a video producer, sent to profile Hutch, a grumpy, yet handsome coast guard wimmer in Key West. Katie lies and says she can swim so she doesn't lose her job. Insert love sparks and various side stories, the usual rom-com tropes.

There's a lot of telling in this book, not a lot of showing. We get they will fall in love, that Hutch and his brother Cole don't get along, that Rue, the sweet "auntie" will be a beloved character, funny misunderstandings will happen, you get the idea. Ended up skimming through the last 45% and didn't miss much.

It's your most basic of rom-coms, and I've been unimpressed with Katherine Center's books lately. I hope she goes back to more detailed, serious, skewing slightly older demographic, which is where she shines best.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center was a slow-burn for me- it took me a while to get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down!

I liked the theme of body positivity and self-love, but on the other side of that was a lot of negative self-talk about body image and weight issues- and that was hard to read. It took up a lot of the first half, which is why it took me a while before I really enjoyed the story. I wish this story had been told in dual perspectives so I could have gotten a break from being in her head and constantly reading about her insecurities and negativity. Plus, I would have really enjoyed getting Hutch’s perspective.

The second half, thankfully, almost felt like a different story and more like the Katherine Center I normally love. I smiled, I laughed, I cried. The side characters, like Rue and George Bailey, stole my heart! I loved how Rue instantly connected with Katie and made her feel like family. Rue and her friends brought some much-needed comic relief to the story. George Bailey (a Great Dane) and Katie’s journey on the houseboat had me so emotional!

There was a plot line with his brother (AKA her boss) that didn’t sit well with me, though, or even feel necessary. This story was pretty light on the romance and I don’t think Hutch and Katie’s relationship needed any additional complications.

Even though this story was light on the romance, I loved what little we got! Hutch had some lines that had me melting! And the flower? Had me teary! I wish we had gotten less of Katie’s internal struggles and more of their romance! This story is told over a short period of time and I wish it had been longer so their relationship could have been better developed. Definitely go into this story expecting women’s fiction versus romance.

Thank you to St Martins Press for an early NetGalley of The Love Haters. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. It’s out today!

3.5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I really wanted to love this one, but I'm afraid it's the first book by this author that didn't instantly draw me in. The main character's pervasive "poor me" complex, while understandable in its exploration of self-esteem and rejection, became a bit overwhelming and dominated the narrative. Consequently, the romance felt underdeveloped, lacking the tension, longing, or passion I typically enjoy. It almost seemed like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the story.

Despite these reservations, it's still an enjoyable and quick read. I believe my expectations were simply too high going in. I'd still recommend it, especially to fans of Katherine's
This book was one I was really looking forward to, and while it didn't quite capture my heart like Katherine's other novels, it's still a worthwhile read. My primary reservation stemmed from the main character's persistent "poor me" complex. While I commend the author for addressing important themes like self-esteem and the challenges of self-acceptance, this particular focus felt a bit overemphasized at times, becoming the dominant element of the narrative.

Because of this, the romantic storyline didn't resonate deeply with me. I didn't experience the emotional tension, the yearning, or the passionate connection I typically look for in a romance. It felt somewhat secondary, rather than a driving force within the plot.

Despite these points, it's an undeniably quick and engaging read. I suspect my high expectations played a role in my overall impression. Ultimately, if you've enjoyed Katherine's previous work, I absolutely recommend giving this one a try. What didn't quite click for me might be exactly what you'll love.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

I was delighted to receive an early digital ARC of THE LOVE HATERS from publisher St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest review. Katherine Center can always make my heart flutter with her magical, sweet romances, and THE LOVE HATERS is no different. This is a non-spicy, heart fluttery romance about Katie, a documentary filmmaker who’s been tasked with making a promo about the Coast Guard. She’s going to profile Hutch, a practically perfect rescue diver. The only catch is that Katie can’t swim, and both she and Hutch have sworn off love.

Of course, the two start to fall in love, and in true Katherine Center fashion, they have some adorable/slightly ridiculous hills to climb before they can be together. I adored George Bailey, the Great Dane, as well as all the peripheral characters (except maybe not Cole … he seems like a jerk).

All of Katherine Center’s novels have a little lesson to learn, and the theme of THE LOVE HATERS is body positivity, and learning to love our bodies just as they are.

Although this was not my favorite Katherine Center novel (The Bodyguard holds that spot for me and it would be hard to beat), I still really enjoyed THE LOVE HATERS and recommend it to anyone who just wants to smile!

3.5 STARS
There are few good things that occurred in summer of 2020, but finding Katherine Center has to be at the top of my list. Since that time, I have read all her backlist and eagerly await each summer for her latest release.

As expected, there was light hearted humor and antics galore. I especially adored Rue and the ladies. They added so much color to the story, both literally and figuratively. The banter between Hutch and Katie was adorable, especially in the earlier chapters. While I would not consider this "insta", I definitely wanted more buildup to the romance, especially since it was supposed to be hate/love trope. Katie’s obsession with her body image was distracting and left me wanting to toss my Kindle. Despite being a romcom, there were some emotional moments. While this will not go down as a KC favorite, it was still an enjoyable experience.

The Lover Haters is another Katherine Center gem! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Maritn's Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. 💖

The Lover Haters released today, May 20th, and is the perfect start to the summer beach read season! Not to mention, the hardcover edition has the most stunning green sprayed edges & if you know me, you know I love me a good sprayed edge edition!! 💁🏼‍♀️

The synopsis in two sentences: Katie Vaugh is either getting laid off or going to make a comeback by filming a promotion video of Hutch, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, in Key West. Not really a big debate - except Katie can't swim and has some epic body issues. 👙

That is super boiled down - but the synopsis doesn't give it real justice - Katherine Center's storytelling capabilities knows no bounds! Her characters are so real that honestly by the end of the book you feel like Aunt Rue and The Gals are part of your own lives. And we cannot forget Hutch's Great Dane who loves to hold toads in his mouth! 🐾🐸

This was just overall a really cute story, with romance and a heavy dose of learning self-acceptance along the way. Katherine Center is an auto-read author for me and The Love Haters was a great start to the summer list! 🚤

Last year while writing this book I heard an interview with Katherine Center. She said this book would be a "Barnbuster." That was not a lie!

Katie creates documentaries and Day in the Life type videos. Her job is on the line after new management takes over. Katie can't swim. She lies about that to get an assignment , prove her value and keep her job. She is sent to Key West, Florida to create a video about the Coast Guard's elite rescue swimmers who save people from all sorts of tragedies. But she can't swim and she hates bathing suits.

Enter Hutch, the rescue swimmer she is sent to interview and film. Hutch can swim and do everything else with perfection.

Enter Rue, Hutch's aunt that has a small business on Key West, owns cottages that she rents out, and who loves color. All sorts of bright colors.

Enter Cole , Hutch's brother who Katie works with and who is insanely jealous of his brother. He holds resentments for a tragedy that happened when they were children. His job at the video firm is also at risk.

Enter a huge, lovable dog named George Bailey, Katie's cousin from a far Beanie, and a hurricane brewing in the Atlantic.

All of this combines for that barn buster of a book. A story that could only be told by Katherine Center who proves once again that love is good, love is hopeful, love is worth getting out of bed for, love is eternal. This is a story of loving yourself, overcoming tragedy, finding your self worth and finding joy and love everyday. Katherine Center puts the reader right in the story. Puts you there in Key West. Makes you Katie, Hutch, Rue and all the characters. Katherine Center makes you look inwardly with this story and come out on the other end knowing love stories are the reason for living. Love stories make us human. Love stories make us better.

I am so in love with this book. Katie's story resonated so much with me. Katie's story brough the color into my world and renewed by hope that love will save the world. This book is full of summer vibes, colorful characters and most of all love. This is a must read book, over and over again.

3.5/5 stars

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the advanced reading copy!

CW -- eating disorders/body dysmorphia

While this one still had touches of the magic Katherine Center can write, it was an overall let down for me.

First the bad --the plot was so... random? From the very beginning I felt like I was missing something. This plot was entirely made up of random things happening "for romance reasons," and there is only so much I can just blindly accept. I wasn't able to connect to the plot from the beginning, and that stopped me from truly loving this one as much as I normally would a Katherine Center romcom. Points for creativity, though.

My other main complaint is Cole and Hutch's relationship. The entire thing was shrouded in mysterious and felt a bit tenuous and haphazard. Plus, let's just not force someone to drink who doesn't drink??? Cole was insufferable and I didn't like that Katie went along with his lies, however temporary.

Now for the good! I loved our FMC, Katie. Her growth and self-love journey was great to read. I liked that Hutch supported her through this journey with his words and actions, and their overall chemistry was great! I always have a soft spot of male characters caretaking (what does this say about me? Lol) and I loved the relationship Hutch had with Aunt Rue. Her character was delightful, as well, and really added some fun touches to the story.

No character was as good as George Bailey, though. While his role in the plot was so chaotic and, towards the end, frustrating, I loved him and his antics. Katherine Center can make me actually LOL while reading and, in this case, many of those moments were sparked by George Bailey.

This entire story just felt so random to me, it was hard to get past. Despite that, Katherine Center is still a phenomenal writer and Patti Murin a great narrator, which did keep me interested. There were moments of magic, like I said, but not enough for me to truly have loved this one.

Probably more like 2.5⭐️ This was a fun romcom and a unique concept but this didn’t really work for me. It’s a great summer read as it takes place in Key West FL, but I did feel pretty bored throughout a lot of it. I felt like not much was happening and I wasn’t really into/buying the romance? I wanted more tension and yearning, it’s kinda insta lovey and predictable. I did enjoy Kate’s self-love journey but it felt exhausting at times. She really got in her head a LOT and it would go on for pages 🥲

I didn’t hate this but just didn’t love it. I was a huge fan of the rom-commers last year so I was really excited for this one, but it just fell a little flat. I still say give it a shot if you love other KC reads! I could see it working for others!

I know I'm going to be in the minority here, but this just wasn't it for me. This is my second book by Center that focused on a FMC that I just couldn't mesh with. While I felt that Katie's struggle with body positivity was relatable, I thought it was handled sort of callously and almost as a tool for humor. I just didn't love the vibe of the story and don't love how she writes her FMCs. I also got the ick from Cole and his brotherly jealousy - it was very over the top and didn't work for me. The lack of actual romance surprised me and not in a good way. I just wanted much more romance in a romcom.

This was my first Katherine Center book, and now I totally get why people rave about her!

Katie Vaughn is a video producer on the verge of being laid off when she’s thrown one last chance at career redemption: a gig profiling a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. The catch is that the swimmer is her coworker’s brother (they don’t get along), and Katie can’t swim. Which she absolutely does not mention. Sooooo.

What follows is a funny, feel-good story with a slow-burn romance. Katie’s voice is sharp and relatable, and I loved her journey as she fumbles her way into love.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.