This was so addicting. I really enjoyed how much growth both main characters either had directly on the page or off the page. A lot of Katie's growth was throughout the main plot of the book and occured because of/with everything happening around it. Hutch didn't have a ton of growth throughout the main duration of the story, but it was really apparent to me that he had had that growth prior to the book taking place, which I liked. I feel like in a lot of romance books, the men either have little to no growth, it happens all at once in like five pages, or they're just seemingly perfect right off the bat, none of which are realistic at all.

The plot itself was super unique. I liked how the actual conflicts of the book made sense for the characters, rather than just kinda appearing out of nowhere. I do think the main documentary plot kinda got forgotten towards the end, since there wasn't a ton of actual follow-up in regards to that. I did like Katie and Hutch together, and the addition of both George Bailey was great. I liked the self-reflection of Katie's relation to her body, but it did get a little repetitive over the course of the book (like maybe we didn't need EVERY thought about it - like keep some things to yourself).

Thank you to St. Martin's and Netgalley for the advanced copy of the book!

I loved all of the research you can tell KC does for her books. It was entertaining, funny, cute and heartwarming. So many parts made me laugh out loud.

Katherine Center is an expert in the rom-com warm hug and this book was no exception. I’ve seen some reviews criticizing the FMC’s body dysmorphia but they also seem to be the ones who didn’t finish the book. While I agree it was a central staple to the story, you have to continue to read to see how she moves through it and heals through it. The result is far more satisfying than if you just judge her for her bathing suit “phobia” and stop progressing. Body dysmorphia, anorexia, and orthorexia are real conditions and having them as a focal point in the story and handled well and accurately is refreshing, frankly.

The pacing to me was very quick, we got to experience some of the whirlwind of learning about the USCG, feeling wrapped up in the chemistry and the in the shenanigans (wink, wink). Rue and George Bailey are each too pure for this world, and I love that Hutch nearly instantly picked up on her little feature in her eyes that her ex (likely) never noticed. We love an attention to detail sir.

Overall a very satisfying storyline and the overall warm hug feeling at the finish is what I have now come to expect from Katherine Center.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Katherine Center does it again. The Rom-Commers last year was one of my favorite books of last year, and the Love Haters will most likely hold the same weight for this year. And even more so, because I felt such a kinship with Katie and her struggles. I think any woman reading this book will be like, "Yep, I get it, girl." Katie was just so relatable. And Hutch....goodness. What a gem of a character. Yes, there was drama. But there was such a sweet slow build and though it was a romance, it was very much a story about self-growth and Katie coming to a peace with who she is. I adored this book- read it in a day. 5 enthusiastic stars...
Thanks to #NetGalley and #St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

This should’ve definitely came with a trigger warning due to the amount of eating disorder, body image, negative self talk that happens in this book because there was a lot of it. For most of the story actually. It definitely took away from the lightness and warmth that I usually expect from her books.

I loved reading about the US Coast Guard rescue swimmers and of course the Great Dane, George Bailey, stole the show and made some scenes absolutely adorable. The last quarter or so of the book ended up making my experience more enjoyable.

This was solid romance read but my expectations were high after the Romcommers and this just couldn’t compare for me! I liked the premise of how filming the promo brought Katie and Hutch together and found myself not being able to put it down because I needed to know what happened when Cole entered the plot in a bigger way. However, I caught myself skipping past the parts where Katie’s self-deprecation dragged on. I liked how Hutch’s stoic demeanor balanced Katie’s, but in the end I craved more character development with Hutch and wish we got a little bit more of his perspective.

This was exactly what I expect from a Katherine Center book- quirky characters, a will they or won’t they storyline (I always knew they would) and a happy ending, after several misunderstandings along the way. Katie has not been lucky in love lately, her job may be on the line and then a peer asks for her assistance filming a promo video for the coast guard. She’ll need to spend some time in Key West to do research and interviews and filming. She’s not a strong swimmer, but what could go wrong?
Fun story and a perfect beach/summer read.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s press for the digital ARC!

3.5 Stars. After a very public break-up with her now famous musician ex, Katie Vaughn takes an assignment profiling a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West in hopes of not losing her video producer job. However, the rescue swimmer, Hutch, is her coworker Cole’s brother, and Katie does not know how to swim. Paradise gets complicated when Katie and Hutch, a fellow “love hater”, begin to have feelings for one another.

Katherine Center continuously delivers light-hearted, cozy reads that seamlessly integrate serious topics into her stories, and I appreciated that the author tackled the important topics of body dysmorphia and eating disorders through this book. However, I struggled to connect with the female protagonist, Katie, as well as feel invested in the romance between her and Hutch. While this did make parts of the book a bit slow, I enjoyed other components of the plot. Ultimately, the story didn’t quite capture my attention as much as I had hoped, but I still liked it.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my gifted digital copy!

This book was so enjoyable to me. Katherine Center is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors to read. The story between Hutch and Katie was so good. Hutch is just so dang sexy, and I fell in love with George Bailey. It was just such a sweet story. The message in the book about loving yourself was such a great takeaway. It definitely resonated with me, and I could relate to Katie in many ways. I recommend this book wholeheartedly! Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Katherine Center does it again! I just started reading her books last year, and devoured every one. This was an amazing read, filled with adventure AND romance. Lucky for me, my favorite things. This was my favorite book I've read this year!

If you're craving a novel that blends heartfelt romance, sharp humor, and meaningful character growth, *The Love Haters* is the perfect choice. Katherine Center masterfully takes familiar tropes and transforms them into a refreshing, emotionally resonant story through her engaging prose and well-crafted characters. This is not just another contemporary romance—it’s an experience that will leave you uplifted and satisfied. Fans of Center’s previous works and anyone in search of a witty, feel-good read shouldn’t hesitate. Pick up *The Love Haters* and let its charm win you over.

This book is perfect for summer beach reading. I liked both characters and their journey to each other. There's a big goofy dog and a chaotic brother and lots of colorful outfits. It's just a joy.

The Love Haters was a delightful read with the absolute best characters and an adorable romance. Hutch isn't what his brother says he is. Cole is just upset and childishly dealing with the tragedies from his past. Katie has been burned by love and has a terrible body image, two things she is trying to come to terms with. Aunt Rue is the family member everyone wishes they had, and her small amount of meddling is exactly what this story needs. I loved every minute.

This is 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars for me. I enjoyed the basis of this story - I found the information about the Coast Guard rescue swimmers very interesting, and enjoyed hanging out on Key West with everyone. I had a difficult time connecting to the characters in this one, so I wasn't that interested in what was happening with them. By the end, stuck in Katie's head for many many pages, I was ready for it to be over. I do look forward to whatever comes next! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance digital copy!

Unfortunately, I’ve decided to DNF this at 30%. I just don’t see myself loving it and I should probably stop now before I end up hate reading it. I was really excited for this one but I just didn’t end up vibing with it.

LOVED THIS BOOK. Was not surprised that I loved it as it’s Katherine Center. Started off getting „The Guardian” movie type vibes with this book (the whole coast guard thing) and it really helped get the story going. If you loved the movie, you will also undoubtedly love this book.

I loved everything about this book. There was so much character growth. Albeit I do feel it went a bit overboard with just how much the main character talked about her body or how often that was the subject. Otherwise, this book was so wonderful and such a great summer read. Recommend over and over again!!!

I really loved this book. I thought it was entertaining and keeps you engaged and interested. The characters are so relatable and fun and I loved the found family in this book. I also felt like this book dealt with some pretty heavy topics like grief and body image issues but it was such a refreshing read. I loved it!

If I could rate this book more than five stars I would. It’s about growth and healing and finding love in unexpected places. About seeing your self through someone else’s eyes. What you might see as average they might find magical

Cute and light summer read. A videographer and a coast guard work together to create a film. Rue and the ladies are funny and added to the story. Loved the vibes of key west and summer vibes. Great book to read on the beach!!

LOVED:
- As always, I love KCʻs writing style. Makes the story fly by and feels like having a chat with a bestie.
- The body image storyline. I had read a few reviews saying that it was waaaay too much, but I think Katieʻs struggle with her body was very realistic and social media bullying is REAL.
- George Bailey!! I will always love a dog in the story :)
- Aunty Rue and "the girls"
- Both Katie and Hutchʻs jobs were super interesting. I have a friend in the Coast Guard and rarely see them represented in fiction. I also have a few videographer friends and I love how Katie highlighted their creativity, their ingenuity, and their sponteous sides!

LIKED:
- Katieʻs journey getting more comfortable in the water!
- The beige to color plotline. I am a chromophilia nerd and color is my JAM. I know everyone has a right to their own preference, but people who donʻt prefer color make me sad haha.
- Hutchʻs penny jar *cue the bittersweet tears*
- The brother dynamic (Iʻm a sucker for sibling plotlines in fiction). They went through something so traumatizing as children but because they both had different perspectives on it and didnʻt unpack it until they were adults, they missed out on so many years they could have had in a healthy(er) relationship.
- The wiiiiild ending, my heart was definitely pounding lol

MEH:
- I wish we got a little more of just Katie and Hutch together at the end, but nothing major!