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.

When you don’t want to read insta love and instead 2 people who have their guards up, this one is for you. This weaves the messy, awkward parts of human connection, making it feel incredibly real and earned. It's funny, genuinely heartfelt even for the love haters.

Trigger possible---body image--
I struggled a bit in the beginning of the book to get through the body image issues the FMC was experiencing. As someone who also had been criticized throughout her childhood and young adult life by parents/adults the memories that came back weren't really welcome to me.
Once I got past that, and Katie began her new assignment filming Hutch, things improved quickly. Rue was a bright burst of color and pulled Katie out of her grey/beige life adding color by force if necessary.
Hutch was much more of an open book than Cole led Katie to believe. I loved the relationship that developed between Hutch and Katie, I loved his dog's involvement in pushing Katie into another Hutch rescue situation. I am glad the fake dating portion was cut short by the truth.
I would qualify this as a fun summer read and leave it at that.

60/100 or 3.0 stars

This was a cute romance. I had heard great things about the author, so I wanted to check this out! It was a good time, and I would be interested in other romances by this author. The situations were a little much at times, and overlooking some plot holes, but otherwise, the banter and dialogue for the most part was better than most. Not a memorable romance, but was solid!

Katherine Center has created such a relatable character here. Who hasn’t struggled to love their shape…physical and general? Who hasn’t tried to shroud their lives in grey for a season? Loved the supporting cast here too. Especially the toad loving doggo.

Loved, loved, loved this book, holy cow.
I will admit, the first bit of this book was slow and took me a while to get into it, but once I did, it was absolutely fantastic.
I absolutely loved Katie and Hutch. I definitely do not think any woman needs a guy to feel beautiful, and I think Katie had to journey through her self-image issues herself, but Hutch was right along with her! Not to mention George Bailey, the adorable Great Dane? Rescue dogs are my weakness, especially when there is a story behind it!!!
A very light-hearted, fun rom-com book that didn’t disappoint!
I have a few other Katherine Center books to read, so I’m excited to read more of her works!
Thank you, NetGalley! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. <3

Did not finish @ 9%. The MC’s eating disorder should have been disclosed in the introduction or the synopsis. I personally did not enjoy reading about it and would have preferred a content warning. I am not here to invalidate an experience, I just found this to be a hard/unenjoyable read because of this content and do not actively seek it out in media.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥, 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲—𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈’𝐝 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬—𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 . . . 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 . . . 𝐈𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩, 𝐬𝐨 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫, 𝐈’𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞. 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟.

𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭, 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭, 𝐈’𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠.

𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book. It took me a while to get to it, and I think I have something to address first.

This book is in serious need of a CW warning for - at best- severe body dysmorphia and disordered eating and -at worst- ED. The FMC's view of her body and how she's restricted it, bullied it, hated it, and feared it, are at the forefront of this book and it leeches into everything this character does. People deserve warnings for things like this.

Beyond that, this book sometimes treated body dysmorphia with care, and other times, did not at all.

Katie, our FMC is sent to Key West to film a coast guard promo of the MMC Hutch, because her boss Cole, Hutch's brother, refuses to go. There she meets their honorary aunt, Rue, and the Gals, a bunch of little old ladies that all live in cottages next to each other and do cute senior things together. Katie and Hutch get really close while filming, however.

The romance was also luke warm. There is very little chemistry between the main characters even though I liked both of them. Hutch is darling and kind and gentle and lovely. Katie just wants to keep her job and falls in love with Rue.

There is NO spice in this book, which would be fine but there is also no intimacy. I think they kiss twice? These characters had moments of vulnerability and exchange of pasts but I just never bought that they loved each other.

The conflict at around 60% is also the STUPIDEST conflict in the history of conflicts.

There are some things I liked, though. The GALS. Rue and the GALS. The story of how Rue comes into Hutch and Cole's lives. Katie's relationship with her best friend, Beanie. (even though they only ever speak to each other over the phone in the book, which felt odd) There is also very cute (giant) dog in this book that is a really cute character. I even had moments where I teared up! I'm just not sure it was enough to make up for the other issues I had with this book.

𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫-𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐝𝐨𝐠 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞—𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥-𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞.

I didn't even get to the hurricane. The third that's released this year that I've read that has a hurricane.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center is meant to be read on a beach. Katie Vaughn is doing everything to avoid being laid off from her job as video producer, including saying she can swim in order to profile Tom “Hutch” Hutcherson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. The truth…is that Katie cannot swim but heads to Key West anyways. The book deals with body image issues and learning to love yourself. In addition the side characters, Rue and George Bailey (the Great Dane) are excellent additions to the story.

Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and the author for an eARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

What could go wrong when Katie goes to interview Hutch who works for the coast guard? She can't swim but that shouldn't matter. Her job is on the line and this is how she will save it.

Hitch can be a little prickly at first but once he warms up he will grab your heart. I don't know who I love more, him or his Great Dane. His aunt Ruth is also perfect as far as characters go.

I never wanted to leave this cozy novel and I will be reading more by this author. Do yourself a favour and pick up your copy today!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this much enjoyed arc

4.25/5 stars
The book has a lot of deep themes while also being a laugh out loud rom-com. Kathrine Center brings more of her fabulous writing and emotional characters in The Love Haters.

Katie is a film maker with body issues and a current fear of losing her job. She embarks to Key West to film US Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hutch, oh but did she mention she can’t swim.

When Hutch’s brother and Katie’s co-worker, Cole, fails to show up, Hutch is confused and upset, but with a few twisty and flirty weeks, he may begin to appear to Katie, as not sure a Love Hater after all.

The lying and miscommunication in this book are obviously needed to push the story, but it always just makes me upset when people don’t just say how they feel or lie for some dumb reason.

At really good summer read with plenty of romance and humor for everyone!

The Love Haters is everything I’ve come to love about Katherine Center’s books. It is full of heart, humour, and emotional honesty. This story had me hooked from the start with its blend of swoony romance, vulnerable self-discovery, and witty banter.

Katie is a heroine you can’t help but root for. Her journey from self-doubt to self-worth is deeply relatable, and I appreciated how the story tackled body image and past relationship wounds with care and nuance. Hutch, our gruff but lovable hero, was the perfect match... supportive, complex, and emotionally grounded. Their chemistry felt natural and earned.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. The Love Haters was a total joy to read and left me smiling, hopeful, and a little teary eyed in the best way.

This is the kind of book that makes you grin at the pages like an idiot. The Love Haters is peak Katherine Center—warm, charming, and sneakily wise, with just enough bite to keep it interesting.

The story hits all the rom-com notes, but what sets it apart is how grounded the characters feel. There’s chemistry, sure, but also real stakes. The banter is excellent, but it doesn’t overshadow the emotional payoff. I loved that both leads were flawed in believable ways, not just “quirky” or conveniently broken. It made their connection feel earned, not inevitable.

There were a few moments where the conflict felt a little stretched just to prolong the tension, but the pacing mostly holds up. And as always with Center, the side characters shine—funny, distinct, and never just background noise.

If you’re in the mood for a feel-good story with heart, heat, and characters who actually grow instead of just kiss a lot, this one delivers.

* 3.75⭐️💋only
* This was a contemporary romantic comedy about Katie, a video producer who finds herself in Key West working on a career-making project profiling a Coast Guard rescue swimmer named Hutch. The book explores themes of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and the power of community, all while navigating the familiar tropes of enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity. It delves into the impact of body shaming, internet cruelty, and perfectionism, advocating for courage rooted in kindness, humor, and connection. The story also features a hurricane and shipwreck as plot devices and metaphors for the internal storms the characters face. Ultimately, the novel emphasizes that true love, in all its forms, requires bravery and a willingness to embrace life's complexities. 
* This book was heavily focused on body image and the PTSD from being in a relationship and having your body scrutinized and the dark path it can lead you on. Especially when your new job takes you to a tropical place where bathing suits are the normal and clothing is optional.
* Did I like this book? I did. There were some things I didn’t enjoy: the weird fake relationship just hurt my heart. Katie did not seem like the type to go along with that. The rescue mission and talking about throwing her a raft-WTF? And then the epilogue. Like where’s the Hutch update?? That was a real let down. But like all Katherine Centers books they are so emotionally funny and tugging. There is no spice but that doesn’t even matter, the story doesn’t need spice to make it a great novel. I just wish some aspects weren’t in the story and there was more about Hutch.
* Read if you like: family drama, LOL banter, set someplace tropical, coast guard rescue swimmer, overcoming body image

* 3.5 stars *
I was really looking forward to this one but unfortunately I didn’t love it as much as Katherine Center’s last couple of books. I loved Hutch and his dog, really he had no faults and the dog was too adorable to get annoyed with. Katie had moments where she drove me crazy but she was relatable, but that was because she was relatable with her struggle with body image. Cole was a completely different matter… my irritation rose any time he got mentioned and multiplied when he showed up in person!

4.5 stars = I loved it! Would re-read.

Another winner from Katherine Center! I loved the main characters in this, but even more than the romance, I enjoyed the personal growth for Katie over the course of the book. I highlighted MANY statements throughout the book where she was working things out.

This is a standalone story, so if you are new to Katherine Center's work, you can jump in here without issue. Fans of her other stories, like The Bodyguard and The RomCommers, two of my favorites, should definitely pick up her latest. Perfect setting and vibe for summer reading. (some language)

The Love Haters by Katherine Center is a vibrant, emotionally rich rom-com that blends humor, vulnerability, and self-discovery in a breezy Key West setting. After a humiliating breakup and a looming layoff, Katie Vaughn lands a last-chance assignment to film a heroic Coast Guard swimmer—despite not being able to swim herself. Cue awkward lessons, identity mishaps, and hurricane-level emotional turmoil. The chemistry between Katie and the brooding but principled Hutch sizzles from the start, and the enemies-to-lovers arc is filled with sharp banter and authentic heart.

Center delivers her signature warmth through a colorful cast—rescue dogs, eccentric aunts, and conga lines included—while anchoring the story in Katie’s journey toward self-acceptance and courage. Some plot points are a little familiar, but the novel’s emotional payoff and feel-good energy make it a standout. It’s a funny, hopeful read that reminds you healing is messy—and love is worth diving in for.

4.5 Stars!

I loved this book. There was so much more here than just your typical romance book. The healing from the past, the personal growth, the learning to love yourself again, the dealing with grief and loss, even facing possible death. I was truly enthralled by this story. Only a few instances where I questioned things, but it was a close to perfect as it gets. Katherine Center is a favorite author and as per usual she did NOT disappoint. Thank you for the opportunity to review this one. I had surgery and catching up finally with my arcs! 😊

Hutch and Katie are literally perfect for each other! The adorable dog was also a highlight for me. Although I didn’t like it as much as her other books I did really enjoy the story.

I thought the banter was fun and the supporting characters were a hoot! The only character I did not like that actually lowered my rating, was Cole. I thought his character was pretty unnecessary honestly and the whole dating scheme with Katie was actually gross!

Anyway yes I will recommend it because overall I liked it and it did make me a bit emotional.

I was very uninterested in this book. I had a hard time connecting to the fmc & mmc. The plot was not capturing my attention like i thought it would. And the casual bringing up of real life celebrities made me dislike the book.