Katie is a video producer, tasked to film a piece on Hutch - the Coast Guard rescue swimmer who went viral saving Jennifer Aniston’s dog. The job was originally for her coworker, Cole, but he would rather do anything than spotlight his brother as a hero. Katie takes on the job, battling not only self-image issues but also the fact she doesn’t know how to swim. Hutch, reluctant to participate, rises to the challenge in more ways than one. As the two get to know each other, a few challenges and lies emerge, making it hard for Katie and Hutch to work together, and hard for them to stop liking each other too.

Y’all. This had me GIGGLING! I loved this story. I have only read one other Katherine Center, so I wasn’t sure how this one would resonate with me, but oh did it. I loved both main characters. Katie is relatable to me, and develops an amazing sense of self-love over time. Hutch is the perfect combo of grumpy and flirty, and I just KNOW he’s good looking 😂 Can we start producing a movie for this one? I’m in. I appreciated both of their back stories and how it helped them relate more to each other. The big blow up almost pissed me off, not gonna lie - but the rest of the story and the emotions I experienced still kept this one ranking high for me.

Another fun story by Katherine Center! I loved FMC Katie's character ARC and the way she learned to love and accept herself, despite inward and outward criticism. The supporting characters were lovable as always (maybe with the exception of Cole, eye roll). Hutch is a delicious cinnamon roll of a man and I officially think a Coast Guard swimmer might be the hottest job?

There were a few things I didn't totally love - I wanted more from Katie and Hutch's romance, especially at the end. I would've loved to actually "see" them get to know each other (i.e. the carpools to and from work) more instead of just hearing about it.

Overall, a solid KC read! I will read anything this woman writes and can't wait to listen to the audio because Patti Murrin always does a great job!

The first half was a cute, grumpy x sunshine. There were some twists in the second half that made it more interesting than I anticipated. I love a good hero coming to the rescue! As usual the dog was my favorite character!

Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center and St Martins Press for this ARC!

This author's fans are in for a treat. This is another lighthearted contemporary fiction romance by the ever-popular Katherine Center who is always on my must-read list. This book is the perfect escape. I shrugged off my cares and worries for a few days and melted into this story. The storyline is clear cut and the writing is flawless. I laughed and I cried, and I rooted for the romance between Katie and Hutch. I especially loved Rue, The Gals, and George Bailey. Overall, this was a very entertaining read.

My sincere thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This author is usually 5 stars for me. But I just couldn’t get into this one. I was honestly just bored. I didn’t feel any vibes between these characters. I love the quirky banter between her characters but there wasn’t any here. The MFC was understandable with her anxiety and body image issues, because that’s me too… so I felt like I could step into her shoes there. I was more curious about the relationship between the brothers.

Edited: I came back because I finished the book! I was 1/3 in when I last posted about this one. I found the beginning to be very slow and hard to get into. But the last 2/3 picks up! I really enjoyed the body positivity and accepting yourself as you are. I think the relationship building kind of took a backseat in this story. It was more about character development. Which I can appreciate but I did want a little more there. I loved the couple tho. And I love the direction Cole went even if his character wasn’t very lovable. All the characters were great. I loved the dog too! All in all, a great story.. I just wished for more on the romance part.

I loved both main character's and their respective baggage: Hutch with his family history and relationship with his brother, and Katie's relationship with herself & her body image. I loved spending time with both of them when they were together and 100% love how Katie realizes how "easy" it is to just BE with someone sometimes.... HEART EYES

We love a good side character around here and Aunt Rue fits the bill! We are introduced to her as a spunky elder who gives sage life advice to Katie and we quickly learn she is one hell of a generous and kind person! Cole is a side character I loved to hate but we needed him and HIS baggage also!

I felt Katie's struggles with her body image were done very well. I especially loved a chapter that included herself realizing if just ONE person can stand up for someone to stop the bullying, why couldn't she be that ONE person to do so for herself. Probably the message that will stick with me the longest from this book!

TL;DR: overall super cute and easy read that has good enough pacing and conflict/anticipation to want to keep reading with fun characters and humor!

*link to Goodreads posted; will add link to instagram once the post is live!

Katie's job as a video producer is in jeopardary as they have a new boss coming in, who is intent on restructuring the department. Katie's superviser, Cole, offers her a lifeline by sending her to Key West to shoot a promotional video for the US Coast Guard highlighting the handsome Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson.. Sounds perfect - the catch though, is that Cole was the one who was supposed to go because Hutch is his brother, and they are expecting him. Apparently they are estranged, so Cole is refusing to go. Oh, and also, Katie can't swim....and the job requires it. What could go wrong???

The Queen Of Rom-Coms strikes again! This book was so good. This book had so many layers. It wasn't just about Katie going to Key West to shoot the video and falling in love with the "guy who hates love". It was also about her getting over a bad , very public breakup with a musician where pictures of her were splashed all over the internet, then the haters all crawled out from under their rocks and body shamed her. It was about her learning to love her body again. It was about two brothers learning to make peace with each other after a rift that was ridiculous and should never have gotten this out of control. Lastly, it was about facing your fears, no matter what they are, and overcoming them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I think you will too..

Thank you for the opportunity to read The Love Haters by Katherine Center, This was the first book by Katherine Center I have read but it definitely won’t be my last. I loved the story between Katie and Hutch (and George Bailey) but even more I loved the story of Katie opening up to herself and learning to appreciate herself without judgement. Add in the Key West setting, Rue and all the fun adventures with The Gals and this may be one my favorite books ever,

Katherine Center’s The Love Haters is an absolute gem that brilliantly weaves humor, self-discovery, and the beautiful complexity of family into an unforgettable story. I was hooked by Center’s signature wit and relatable characters.

The novel is delightfully hilarious, filled with laugh-out-loud moments that perfectly balance the deeper emotional beats. The protagonist’s journey of finding herself amidst life’s chaos and contradictions is both inspiring and authentic, making it easy to connect with her struggles and triumphs.

Family dynamics are portrayed with warmth and realism, highlighting both the messiness and the magic that come with these relationships. Center’s writing captures the essence of love—not just romantic, but familial and self-love—in a way that feels genuine and uplifting.

The Love Haters is a feel-good read that stays with you long after you turn the last page. If you’re looking for a book that offers laughter, heartfelt moments, and a refreshing take on personal growth, this is it. Highly recommended!

Really enjoyed this entertaining, fast-paced tale set in Key West with all the summery vibes of sun, water, sand.. and FUN that includes Congo dancing, drinking games.. and why not, a few stolen kisses followed up with a possible summer fling. A journalist by trade, Kate lies about her credentials to gain a gig profiling a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. The problem is, she can’t swim. Kate heads down to the Keys to learn, and take a guess who her swim coach is. With witty, unique in their own way, adorable characters, fun island escapades and romance, it’s the perfect beach or poolside read! ❥ 4.25 stars — Pub. 5/20/25

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVE Katherine Center, easily one of my top romance authors. And while this one was definitely better than The Rom-Commers, I feel it still fell a little short compared to her other works.

Things I liked: I enjoyed that the MMC was in the Coast Guard and that he was a rescue swimmer. This was something different than what I typically see in romance books so I enjoyed it. I also really liked how much Hutch cared, and loved his dog. His Aunt Rue was also funny, and I loved how much the two main characters hung out with her and "The Gals." I also love that Katie had to address her insecurities.

Things I did not like: Once again, just like the Rom-Commers, I feel this story lacks some depth. I feel like there could have been more details added to the part where they were "falling in love." I hated how Cole used Hutch, and while Katie was ignorant at first, how she just went along with it. I also feel like the title of this book isn't very fitting, I never got the vibe that either of the MCs hated love.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

It got a little hokey near the end but this was still a fun story. I thought the plot was well paced and the characters were charming. Some of the self love messaging was a little heavy handed but a nice journey for Katie to go on after a rocky relationship with her musician ex.

The Love Haters was a quick and easy read, similar to Katherine Center’s other books. I enjoyed the overall vibe, but I had a hard time connecting with the story. I forgot for the entire book, they were supposed to be in Key West, until the hurricane came through. The chemistry between Hutch and Katie was meant to be strong, and while it was there, it felt kind of rushed and forced. I also appreciate the inclusion of body positivity and self-discovery, but it didn’t feel super believable and maybe that is on me as I do not relate to her in the same way. One “light bulb moment” doesn’t undo years of insecurity, and that part fell a bit flat for me. I liked it, but that’s about it. It didn’t leave a lasting impression and that's okay!

I’ve long been a fan of Katherine Center’s writing—she has a beautiful way of blending heart, humour, and healing. While The Love Haters didn’t quite work for me in the way her other novels have, there’s still a lot to appreciate in this story’s ambition and emotional depth.

The setting—a Coast Guard base in Key West—offered a unique backdrop, though I personally found myself wishing for more focus on the romance and less on the technical elements. The themes leaned much heavier than I expected from the cover, touching on personal trauma, body image, and emotional recovery. I applaud the author for tackling difficult issues, though I found myself wanting a more complete arc of healing for Katie, especially when certain struggles weren’t fully addressed within the story.

That said, there’s an audience for this kind of introspective, character-driven narrative. Readers looking for emotional complexity, realistic inner dialogue, and stories of resilience may find a lot to connect with here. I went in hoping for a light, summery romance, and this turned out to be something different—so it may simply have been a case of mismatched expectations.

Thank you to Katherine Center, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Publication Date: May 20th, 2025

I loved 'The Bodyguard' by Katherine Center so was excited when I saw this new title pop up. Katie is a video producer facing a potential layoff, and is given an opportunity to profile Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer—who is also her coworker Cole’s estranged brother. Despite not knowing how to swim, she embarks on this assignment, leading to a series of comedic and poignant events, including swim lessons, helicopter rides, and unexpected romantic entanglements.

An impending hurricane and a dating scheme force Katie to confront her fears and insecurities.
This is no new territory for Ms. Center as the classic rom com is her specialty. But in this novel, she tackles some serious themes of body dysmorphia that Katie struggles with that affect her work and relationship with Hutch. This body acceptance struggle is center to the plot and since the book is set in Key West, lots of skin is on display, making Katie more anxious.

There's some great side characters, such as Aunt Rue, with her flamboyant personality, and George Bailey, the affectionate Great Dane. This adds some charm and depth to the story. The novel's exploration of self-love and personal growth resonates, offering a bit of much needed laughter and introspection.

She also touches on themes of grief and self-worth which clash at times with its lighter, comedic tone, leading to a sense of imbalance.

If you are sensitive to body image topics you might avoid this one, but other than that, it's a fun romantic read about self love and learning to accept yourself as you are.

Katherine Center writes such relatable characters, and I loved the overarching themes of appreciating life, your body, taking risks and to live fully. I thought Katie's struggles with body image and history of disordered eating was extremely relatable, and especially loved the exercises Katie engaged in to help shift her mindset like identifying specific things she loves about her body, and stating something positive after being unkind to herself. There was a good balance between humor and positivity alongside more serious topics, which includes toxic cyber bullying. I loved Katie and Hutch together, and Katie's relationship with her cousin, but I couldn't stand the immaturity and lies coming from Cole's brother. I don't agree with the reasoning behind a major lie that created unnecessary conflict and hurt toward the end of the book, which was ultimately why I didn't give this five stars.

On the verge of losing her job, Katie Vaughn accepts an assignment to create a promo video for the Coast Guard Rescue Team. It sounds like a great opportunity, except she lied; she can't swim! However, she heads to Key West to keep her job and meets the interviewee, gorgeous Tom "Hutch" Hutchcheson. Hijinks, miscommunication, and found family later - will Katie get her HEA, romantically and with herself?

Katherine Center hits all the marks for a romance novel. This was my first book by the author, and I can see why she is so popular and a must-read for many. I enjoyed the focus on body positivity and loving yourself first themes. I also enjoyed the relationship between Katie and Rue. However, I found the Cole aspect of the plot unrealistic. I know there is a suspension of belief in romance novels, but this seemed pushed through. All that said, I read it all in one sitting!

Advanced copy provided by St Martin's Press via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Katie has to take an assignment in Key West to save her job. Hutch is trying to repair his family & takes a drastic measure to do so. Mild, daily chaos of the (almost) believable kind ensues. The MMC & FMC switch off their grumpy/sunshine roles which I thought was a really fun take on the troupe. There is a very important, but smaller miscommunication troupe that was done well & didn’t last the entire book so it was tolerable & believable. I would have rated this a 5-star but there are two reasons I am only giving it 4- minus 1/2 star because the ending felt REALLY drug out, it could have been shorter, I ended up skim reading for the last hour, minus 1/2 star because while I love an escape & I am ok with something being slightly unbelievable, the end of this was trying WAY to hard.
I 150% recommend the audio version of this. I read the last 40% & I have a feeling if I had listening I would have enjoyed it more. But absolutely I would recommend this book for an enjoyable, fun, 90s romcom feel read & especially if you loved The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley.

I really enjoyed this one and every book I get to read by Katherine Center! I’m just always impressed how I have Bo idea where the story is going to go but that she always keeps the romance and real life aspects so real and raw. The emotions always feel natural and I am just a big fan of her writing.

A very public break-up leaves Katie Vaughn looking for a distraction away from her town. In order to potentially keep her job, she accepts a videographer assignment in the Florida Keys. She must get the elusive dog rescuer who went viral to agree to participate in a youtube profile.

Hutch doesn't like the limelight, and just wants to do his job with the Coast Guard. Together, they become entangled in each other life and families as they learn to cope with loss, welcome new friendships and learn that love can heal a broken heart.

We can't not mention the scene stealer of this love story, the great dane, George Bailey. He's a gentle giant to all he meets and loves those who he endears fiercely. He just can't stop tackling Katie every time he sees her.

A charming, new edition to Center's romance books!

Thank you St. Martin's Press