I don’t know what it is about Katherine Center but her books have continued to surprise me. For me I do feel like she does love her FMCs to have a bit of an embarrassing trait to them, I feel like it’s a common theme. I do feel like a lot of her FMCs could benefit more from therapy than from the actual love so the in general. Although I love a good love story, I love more when the FMC stands up for herself and seeks professional help rather than allow the romantic connection to fix her, although sometimes the romance doesn’t hit as well. Katherine Center does write in a way that I can imagine all of it in my head and see her story play out in a movie in my head which is the biggest plus

This is my fourth Katherine Center book. I was so excited to receive this ARC as I’ve enjoyed her other most recent novels. However, I struggled to find the chemistry between Katie and Hutch. The novel was interesting from a Coast Guard knowledge perspective. You can tell Katherine definitely did her research there! I feel like maybe this was actually the promo for the Coast Guard rather than Katie’s footage!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

This wasn’t my favorite Katherine Center read but I still enjoyed it. While I love a grumpy MMC, I was never able to get fully invested in the love story between Katie and Hutch.

My favorite parts of this book were the Key West setting and amazing side characters like colorful Rue, the Gals and a very large Great Dane named George Bailey 🐶. While the first half of the book dragged for me, the ending was exciting and it wrapped up nicely.

⚠️ A heads up that the FMC, Katie, has major body issues and that’s is a large part of this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review. I will post my review closer to the publication date.

So good! As always, Katherine Center writes great characters! It's always a good challenge to read about characters learning to love their bodies. Hurricanes always hit a little too close to home though!

Great book. Character and storyline was relatable. Easy read that has you rooting for the characters

Loved this!!!

Synopsis:
“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. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim—but fakes it that she can.
Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. And they don’t get along. Next stop paradise! But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good looking man she has ever seen . . . but also a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.
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.”

Review:
This was my first KC book, and I loved it!
A wonderful, charming love story about loss, friendship, and learning to love your true self.
This book made me laugh, cry, and smile big!
Bonus because it had a cuuute German shepherd in it!
I cannot wait to read more Katherine Center

• Forced Proximity
• Grumpy X Sunshine
• romcom
• Set in Key West, FL

I have been a fan of Kathrine's books for a while now.
When I found out that I got approved to read her new book early, l literally screamed my lungs out.
The Love Haters brings all the charm and wittiness that all of Kathrine's book have. It felt such a wholesome story to read. We have our two main protagonists Katie & Hutch that are so beautifully written.
Katie works as a videographer for Hutch's brother.
While Hutch works as the US Coast Guard.
The main premises is that Hutch and his brother are in the very rocky terms, and they have not seen each other in a while. Instead of his younger brother arriving at their hometown for filming a segment on a US guard training course, he sent's his videographer instead...
This is where the story truly unfolds, it is so full of swoony movements, and very heavy topics that are represented in most beautiful way.
While reading this book, I loved the banter. I also loved the way that Katie and Hutch first met. I loved the tension and the sweet moments. I loved how Hutch supported and cared for Katie so deeply, and she for him. I really thought that at some point while reading this book that it will end on a cliffhanger, but it didn't and I am glad that they had a happy ending.
Favorite Quote: "Because every time I am around you - and today was the worst of all - I want...l just want everything." "Do you understand what I am saying."
"What are you saying."
"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." - Hutch

I enjoyed this book, however at times I felt like the story was stalling out. Katie, Hutch and the rest of the supporting characters were well written, but sometimes I felt like there was too much time spent on Katie doubting herself. I understand the point that was trying to be made, but sometimes it was not helpful to advancing the story.

(I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Thank you Netgalley, St. Martins Press and Katherine Center.)

4.5 Stars

The Love Haters single-handedly rescued me (see what I did there?) from my reading apathy & funk even without being a five star read so for that I absolutely loved it.

Honestly? I mostly loved it. The storyline was interesting, engaging & so many of the characters were incredibly lovable—including George Bailey the Great Dane. I loved the coast guard/rescue swimmer of it all and was so invested. If you’ve ever seen the movie The Guardian with Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner then what they do is what our main guy Hutch does.

I feel like the cover & synopsis really market The Love Haters as a RomCom when it’s maybe 35% that and 65% women’s fiction. The main story was really about Katie’s recovery from self-hate and humiliation, overcoming fears with a heavy dose of found family added in.

Yes, there was romance to it but it wasn’t the main event. Which is fine! But I really wanted a little more romance in at least the ending! I found myself a little unsatisfied with the wrap up. I think if there had been two more romantic scenes this would have been an easy five-star read for me.

I remember feeling similarly with Katherine Center’s last book, The Rom Commers in that the main man is always a little too mysterious. I never quite figure them out or get to know them (and their feelings!) as much as I would like to? Even just one more scene with Hutch & Katie in the epilogue could have softened this feeling for me I think.

All of that to say though, I really enjoyed this story and am still a big fan of Katherine Center and I think The Love Haters would probably make a great movie! Something I really appreciate about her work is that the characters always feel like real people. Almost like this could be a slightly more dramatic story about your best friend or something.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve said it before, and I will continue to say it. Katherine Center’s books are a balm for the soul. You will walk away lighter and inspired after reading one of her books. It should come as no surprise that this was a five star read for me.

Katie is offered an opportunity that may just save her job. However, it requires her to swim, and guess what? Katie can’t swim. But she is very resourceful. It turns out that this job will change her life.

Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson is a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. He is also the subject of the job opportunity that Katie has been given. She is going to create a video to promote what Hutch and his co workers do. Hutch’s brother Cole is the one who arranged this opportunity.

Tim and Katie have a lot to work through in this book. From outside meddling to battling their own personal demons.

And like always, the ending is the best part of the book with Katherine Center. She leaves you with so much hope.

I absolutely adored Katie. I can relate to her body issues on a very high level. I appreciated her honesty and candor. I truly enjoyed her journey in this story.

I adored the other characters in this story too. Rue, Beanie, and Rue’s Girls were fantastic. I had a lot of mixed feelings about Cole. That was to be expected - he made a lot of decisions that affected the people around him.

Katherine Center writes real characters with very relatable real-world problems. They are always unforgettable. And every story is different. This one is no different.

This was the first story by this author that I listened to on audiobook. It was wonderful! Patti Murin does a wonderful job with this story. She is Katie. This was a fantastic listen.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to this one! This is one of my most-anticipated reads of the year. This one didn’t disappoint. If you are a Katherine Center fan, you understand. If you are new to this author, this is a great place to start. But be forewarned, you will want to read every one of her books. The result - absolute joy.

Katherine center never lets me down. Love all of her books so much. Great story!!! Always waiting for another from her.

I had the ALC and ARC for The Love Haters by Katherine Center and I really had a good time with this book. Our FMC, Katie, has not dated in a year, and is still recovering from the trauma of her all to public break-up with her famous ex-fiance. On top of that, she is in danger of losing her job due to lay-offs at her video production job. She is convinced by her colleague, Cole to take an assignment to profile Tom 'Hutch' Hutchinson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Katie omits telling Cole that she can't swim and takes the assignment and heads to Key West.

Cole has booked Katie into a cabin owned by his Aunt Rue, and Aunt Rue is a sweetheart who basically adopts Katie and is constantly giving her brightly colored clothes and swimsuits. Katie tries to be invisible - when she was engaged to her ex they attended an awards show together and Katie was savaged by the internet trolls for being fat, old and ugly. She is none of those things but when hundreds of thousands of people are dumping on you, it is easier to believe them. Needless to say, Katie has body image issues. So brightly colored clothes and swimsuits are things she has avoided. Just like she avoids scales and mirrors. Aunt Rue arranges swim lessons for Katie and, of course, the swim instructor is Hutch. Things go awry when Hutch's adorable rescue Great Dane, George Bailey, tries to jump into Katie's arms. It must be said that George Bailey is a fantastic character. He seems to know that Katie and Hutch are made for each other before either of them knows the other's name.
George Bailey is not the only matchmaker in Key West. Aunt Rue and the gals - women retirees who like their cocktails, swimming and meddling - and not necessarily in that order.

I loved the love story. It made me happy. And, actually made me laugh out loud.

The book's narration was completely on point. Patti Murin does a stellar job as narrator from the perky voice as Katie, to the husky Hutch, and Aunt Rue, too. What a fun time!

I need to thank Net Galley, MacMillan Audio and St. Martins Press for the advance copies. This book releases May 20th.

I enjoyed this book!

Videographer Katie is on the brink of losing her job, so she has no choice but to accept an assignment in Florida filming a promotional video for the US Coast Guard. Her subject is rescue swimmer Tom "Hutch" Hutcherson, her boss's very attractive brother.

This job will require some intense training to be able to accompany Hutch and film rescue missions. The only problem? Katie can't swim.

Swimming lessons, old lady friends, natural disasters, family drama, a giant rescue dog, and a web of lies all await Katie when she arrives in Florida.

Throughout this book, Katie struggles with her body image and has a difficult relationship with herself. I found this difficult to read as someone who has struggled similarly, but I felt that this topic was handled with care and sensitivity.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press/ You Had Me at HEA and Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I fear I may be in the minority with this book. It is a solid 3.5 star read for me, and I adore Katherine Center books. Katie's lack of body confidence is a main tenet of the story, and her spending time with dreamy Hutch, the hot Coast Guard rescue swimmer, seems to juxtapose it even more. They fall in love with each other, which is not surprising. The girls, including Hutch's "aunt" Rue, really are the gems of the story. Along with the Great Dane, George Bailey. I would have felt more for Katie if I felt I could picture her more clearly in my mind. I struggled to keep an image of her which made buying the body issues a little more difficult. It lacked some of the emotional depth I've seen in her other books. Again, I feel like I'm in the minority on this one, but it just didn't hit a high note like so many of her others have.

I can always count on Katherine Center for a fun, sweet romance with a little extra for me to think about. I loved the themes of family, self love, and friendship. There's also a dog. The Key West setting was perfect for summer reading, which is when I love to read romance. The super swoony leading man was a great addition too. All in all, a perfect summer read. Highly recommended.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.

I give this book a 3.5 ⭐️. It was the perfect light-hearted rom-com. The only thing I had an issue with was I felt like there was so much focus on the dog and Cole and wish there was more focus on her and Hutch. I wish we got more depth of their relationship.

Love haters was one of my most anticipated reads so I was so glad it became a read now on netgallery thanks to Martins press! However I kind of had a love hate relationship with it! It was a 3.5 star read for me because all around it was a sweet summer romance. I enjoyed the unique storyline of a hero coast guard MMC who hates love getting a documentary written about him. However I didn’t love how much the FMC hated her body. Body issues are a big deal and I understand that but I felt like every other page was her tearing herself down. Because she had body issues I did enjoy at the end her learning to love herself first, an enemies to lovers for her body. I enjoyed the aspect of their always being more to the story for hutch and he was so sweet to everybody. Thankfully there wasn’t really a third act but that was a twist! I also loved the side characters of AuntRue, the Gals, and even his dog!

I found The Love Haters by Katherine Center to be one of the best rom-coms I've read in quite a while. It was such a fun, and also suspenseful story before the end, that I couldn't put it down and was up until the early morning hours to finish it.

Katie Vaughn is about to lose her job as a video producer when her co-worker convinces her to take on a job filming a Coast Guard recruitment piece featuring his brother, Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson. Katie, who can't swim, accepts, even though Tom is a rescue swimmer and part of her job will include a swimming test….what could go wrong?

When it comes to the swimming part of this novel, you definitely have to suspend your disbelief, but if you can get past that I think you'll be okay, that was my most difficult aspect to overcome.

From their first meeting, it's clear that Katie and Hutch's story is going to be an eventful one, that first meet will having you rolling on the floor with laughter, and it won't be the last time.

Although there's lots of humour, and a number of quirky characters, including a Great Dane named George Bailey who steals the show more than once, there are some serious moments interspersed as well.

While I did find Katie's body image issues a bit annoying, I also found her feelings to be pretty familiar to me. So while I didn't necessarily love seeing her struggling with the issue like she did, I also know that it rung true for me, and I'm sure many other women out there.

Despite the unrealistic aspects, I found The Love Haters to be a lot of fun, with a touch of suspense thrown in, and it was just what I needed to lift my spirits at the time I read it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was excited for this book. Who doesn’t love a grumpy male character. And one that saves lives nonetheless. I liked this book other than the brother plot line. That was a little bit much to get behind.

Katherine Center is one of the most reliable authors punishing today. By that I mean, readers can count on each of her books to be entertaining, smart, fun, creative and a delightful escape from one’s real world woes. The Love Haters is no exception. In her latest, I got such a kick out of the array of side characters. There’s definitely a madcap element to this novel that you just kinda have to sink into and enjoy. Happily (for me) this turns the book into more of a rom-com than just a pure romance. I think this will be a popular summer beach read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the complimentary eARC.