A delightful rom-com abou two people who are so alike and yet different. It's a story about believing in your self, sometimes faking it until you make it. Kate is conned into covering a story on Hutch, a perfect specimen of a man and saver of those less fortunate. Hutch is also the brother of Cole, Kate's co-worker, but she doesn't know that. Kate has to pretend she can swim (which she can't) in order to interview Hutch who is Coast Guard rescue swimmer. And let me just say, I loved Aunt Rue and her senior girlfriends who were the embodiment of true kindness and generosity. As they plot to get Kate and Hutch together, Kate begins to discover that maybe by facing her fears she can heal with hutch's help. Some twists and surprises, I enjoyed this spin on a rom-com. Enjoyable to the last page, as expected with Katherine Center. Many thanks to #netgalley #st.martinspress #katherinecenter for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I love the banter and connection between Katie and Hutch in this book. George Bailey was a fantastic addition to the story. The three of them and Aunt Rue captured my heart. I laughed, cried, giggled, swooned and got butterflies. I really wanted to give this boom 4✨ or better, as I adore other novels I’ve read by Katherine Center. I unfortunately can’t give it more than a 3 though. The lack of a major trigger warning and kind of off handed way that the eating disorder Katie has and is struggling with throughout the book was dealt with made me so sad. As this was a huge focus throughout the book it really should be included in the trigger warnings as it is something that is not easily talked about or treated. Other than that one thing I enjoyed the setting, characters and banter throughout the book. It is worth reading if you are in a good headspace to handle the triggers in the book.

What is your favorite tropical vibes book?

What to Expect:
- Key West Setting 🌴
- Video Producer FMC Videolo
- Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer MCC
- Great Dane Dog 🐕
- Body Image/ Self-Love Journey
- Forced Proximity
- Single POV
- Laugh-Out-Loud moments
- Slow Burn
- Closed Door Romance

Rating: 4 ⭐️

There’s something that characterizes Center’s books, and it's her approach to her down-to-earth characters and the humor she injects into her stories. This book was filled with laugh-out-loud moments that had me chuckling through so many. My favorite parts were definitely with the Great Dane, George Bailey 🐕.

The setting of Key West sets the premise for many tropical vibes. I love the colorful take that Aunt Rue brought into the story. She was such a sweet side character with her gals. I aspire to be Aunt Rue when I grow old.

While this story is light on many aspects, it does bring attention to a major part of the book… the struggles of body positivity and the self-love journey that Katie takes with the support of her best friend and Aunt Rue. I appreciate the author’s take on her self-discovery journey and the dialogue that took place, which can connect with many readers experiencing the same issues.

The love story took second place for me. While I felt the connection between the characters, this book felt more like a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Wishing Center a Happy Pub Day tomorrow (May 20)

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Katherine Center for the ARC of this book!

"The Love Haters" by Katherine Center is a fun, feel-good romance about Katie, a video producer who’s stuck in a rough spot at work. She’s sent to Key West to film a heroic Coast Guard swimmer named Hutch—only problem is, she has to get in the water, and she secretly can’t swim. As she fakes her way through it, things get messy, funny, and surprisingly romantic. It’s a story about taking risks, finding yourself, and falling for someone when you least expect it. Perfect if you’re into charming characters, tropical vibes, and a sweet love story.

This book was so cute.

Katie is about to get fired when one of her superiors asks her to take a job in Key West filming a Coast Guard recruitment video of his brother. Cole tells Katie that taking this project could save her job, but just don’t tell his aunt or brother why she is in Key West until the video shoot starts. When Katie gets to Key West, she meets Rue, Cole’s aunt, and Hutch, Cole’s brother. Katie has to overcome body image difficulties, past traumas, a bad breakup and an inability to swim. Hutch has to overcome his own past traumas and fear of connection. While overcoming these obstacles, they end up connecting more than they thought they would.

When I first read the summary of this book, I was unsure whether or not Hutch or Cole were going to be the love interest of the story. I thought maybe it was going to start out with one and end with the other, but when you start to read it, it’s pretty obvious Hutch is the love interest.

Katie’s storyline of dealing with her body image issues is really interesting. I felt like Center did a nice job of balancing it seeming realistic without seeming whiney. Katie didn’t come off like a “pick-me”, but more like she was truly insecure about certain parts of her body and her life and she was learning how to cope.

Katie and Hutch also had immediate chemistry. He does come off a little bit perfect, but he’s still endearing. I think because of his job it does make him spear like a genuinely kind soul. His brother on the other hand is a piece of work. I didn’t love the conflict that was thrown in about 2 thirds of the way through the book. There is a second conflict a little later that I liked better, but could’ve done without the first. I did also love Rue and her friends. They made for a fun little side story and entertaining characters.

I actually gave this book a 4.5 stars when I rated it, but one I could easily round up to 5. The characters and the setting worked together so well. I loved the Coast Guard storyline too. Comparatively, this book doesn’t have as heartbreaking of a twist as a lot of Center’s other books, so it was a nice light and fun read still with substance.

A fun summer read that felt adventurous and explored many relationships outside of the romance. I enjoyed the character growth with Katie and the brothers in this story. The premise was fun and gave off summer vibes, with some dramatic twist that I did not see coming. I enjoyed this book and even cracked quite a few laughs while reading.

I also really loved the author's note and thought it captured how I felt after reading this story.

Thank you to the author for a copy of this books.

I love reading Katherine Center, and The Love Haters was another heartwarming and funny story that I couldn’t put down. It was such an easy, feel-good read with great characters. I especially loved Rue and the women at the Starlite cottages—I honestly wish I could go live with them!

The main character, Katie, has really been through it. Between her low self-esteem, the public backlash from her relationship with a famous ex, and the fear of losing her job, she’s in a tough spot. But with the help of her hilarious best friend Beanie and her time in Key West, she starts learning to believe in herself again.

Then there’s Hutch—wow. He’s a handsome, heroic Coast Guard rescue swimmer, but he’s also got his own complicated feelings about love. He’s tough, charming, a little grumpy, and totally magnetic. The tension between him and Katie is so fun to read, especially as she’s pretending she can swim (spoiler: she really can’t!). Watching their relationship grow through all the chaos—swim lessons, hurricanes, helicopter rides, and some very swoon-worthy moments—was a real treat.

This book made me laugh, smile, and even tear up. Katherine Center has such a special way of blending humor, heart, and personal growth. The Love Haters is sweet, funny, and full of love—even if the characters don’t believe in it at first. A perfect, feel-good read!

The Love Haters is a fast-paced, engaging enemies-to-lovers romance with sharp dialogue and great chemistry. The characters are well-developed, and the emotional moments land perfectly. A fun and satisfying read for romance lovers.

When video producer Katie is given an ultimatum—lose her job or travel to Key West to interview a heroic Coast Guard rescue swimmer—she reluctantly heads to Florida.. The twist? The swimmer is her boss’s brother, Hutch. There’s just one problem: Katie is terrified of the water and must be in the water to successfully complete the interview.. To keep her job, she must not only face her fears, but also interview a subject who has no desire to be interviewed.

Staying at the quirky and cozy Starlite Cottages, run by Hutch’s wonderfully eccentric aunt, Katie soon discovers that her assignment is about more than just a story—it’s about second chances, unexpected connections, and a bit of self-discovery, too.

This book has everything: witty dialogue, a dash of suspense, a lovable rescue dog, and a meet-cute that’s genuinely swoon-worthy. If you're already a Katherine Center fan, this is another story to love. And if you’re new to her writing? What a perfect place to start!

5 ⭐️ 0🌶️ Katherine Center never disappoints! Her stories are always so heartwarming and I can always count on a happily ever after! This has taken the top spot as my favorite book of hers, I love everything about this story!

I loved witnessing Katie’s journey to self discovery and learning to love herself, I definitely related to her body image struggles. Beanie was a MC in my opinion, haha, everyone needs a friend like her! I adored Hutch, his “love you” speech to Katie was EVERYTHING! Cole, while I really disliked him, I totally got where he was coming from with his past trauma and “little brother syndrome”. I am so happy he seems to learn and grow out of at least some of it by the end.

The toad in the epilogue….. made me so happy, haha!

Happy Day before Publication Day! I'm not usually blinded by love for an author that I automatically give an author a 5-star rating for her book, but I feel like Katherine Center is becoming that author for me. I finished The Love Haters a couple weeks ago and I'm still thinking about all the cute moments in it.

Things that make this book worth reading:
-A character that learns to love herself (I need more of those kind of female lead characters)
-A Coast Goard male lead who rescues dogs. And people (Is it wrong to be more impressed by the dog?)
-I mentioned Coast Guard, right? Katherine posted a picture of herself with the Coast Guard a few weeks back- for research purposes. Stroke of genius.
-Sweet story in general--- I don't have too much to say about the book itself. Katherine Center books fall into the "cozy, sweet, romantic" storyline that is somehow very different but similar every time.

This was a wonderful romance. The kind that can be picked up on a rainy day (whether it's actually rainy or the mood is rainy) and re-read to feel happy inside. Yep. I'm happy inside after this one.

Of course I had to have this book - it's by Katherine Center. I love her books!

Description:
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.

My Thoughts:
This would definitely be a great beach read with the beach setting and the sexy Coast Guard rescue swimmer. The hurricane scenes were definitely scary and I was holding my breath and on the edge of my seat at times. I loved the Great Dane! He was so sweet. Hutch made a great hero figure and no wonder - he was perfect! The aunt, and Katie's hostess, was wonderful. She's a great character an I loved her attitude and her friends. Anyone who enjoys a good romance will like this book.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Katherine Center delivers once again on showing love stories are more than just fluff and spice. The Love Haters not only depicts a love story between two people, but also a love story with oneself. The Love Haters, just like all of Katherine's books, gives us a happily ever after, something that just makes me love Katherine and her books even more than I already do.

Katie Vaughn is a video producer who is extremely close to being fired due to her boss going through some crisis post-divorce. In an effort to save her job, she takes a career-making gig filming a profiling video of Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West, Florida. There's just one tiny issue--Katie can't swim and she has to go through this intense test that includes being submerged in water in order to keep the career-making/career-saving gig. Another issue, Hutch, who might just be the swooniest man alive, doesn't want to be a part of this documentary. What ensues is a hilarious and cute love story between Katie and Hutch and Hutch's Great Dane, George Bailey.

Katherine's books always leave me with bits of wisdom that I didn't realize I needed until I finished the book. This one left me with the realization that I've been harsh to myself in regards to my body image and that no matter how I look, I'm still worthy of love from others and from myself. Some may find the discussions regarding body image and disordered eating triggering and that's completely understandable. Please take care of yourself if these topics trigger you,

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC!

Katherine Center did it again. The way she writes dialogue is unparalleled! The banter was just so good. I laughed out loud so many times.

But it's also emotional and heart wrecking. Her characters are always so relatable, you can't stop feeling for them and cheering for them like when you watch a romcom movie.

Read this if you love :

✨ RomCom movie ;
✨ Banter ;
✨ Funny Moments ;
✨ He falls first ;
✨ Chemistry ;
✨ Slow burn ;
✨ Happy Ending.

Katie Vaughn’s life is varied shades of greige. A video producer at a corporate video company who was recently jilted by her very famous fiancé in a very public way, Katie only has two bright spots in her life. One is her cousin Beanie and the other is her YouTube mini-documentary series “Day in the Life” about everyday heroes. With her company laying off a third of its employees, Katie is willing to do just about anything to save her job. When her colleague, Cole Hutcheson, gives her the opportunity to film a recruiting video for the U.S. Coast Guard in Key West, Katie jumps at the job. Cole sweetens the deal by offering access to his brother, Coast Guard swimmer, Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson for one of her documentaries. But when Katie arrives in Key West, everything is out of her comfort zone and nothing is as it seems. She can’t swim, she hates color, and Cole’s brother and aunt don’t know that he has sent someone else in his place. As Katie starts her job and spends time with Hutch, his Aunt Rue, and her gaggle of retired girlfriends at Rue’s Starlite Cottages, Katie finds herself breaking free from the stagnant life she has been living and starts to live her life in full color.

Katherine Center writes the most heartwarming and comforting novels. The Love Haters is a love letter to everyone who has ever felt less than or not good enough. It’s not just a story about falling in love with someone else, but falling in love with yourself. It’s beautiful, introspective, and deeply moving while also being charming and funny. Katie and Hutch are great characters. They’re realistic, down to earth, caring and supportive. They are so good to and for each other. Rue and her besties are the perfect secondary characters, bright, mischievous, and hilarious. The Love Haters is a bear hug in book form. Low on the angst, high on the soft and sweet. It’s a journey of healing and a guide for how to be kind to ourselves. Something we all need to be better at. I love everything Katherine Center writes, but The Love Haters is one of those special books that will stick with you for a very long time.

This was another fun book by this author.
This book has all the aspects I’ve come to expect from this author. It’s perfect for all rom com lovers!

Katherine Center can do no wrong!! I loved this book from the moment George Bailey came in like a wrecking ball.

On paper, this sounds like a story that I would absolutely love. A broody, but not really, rescue swimmer as our MMC? Yes please.

Initially, I had no issues with our FMC. I knew body image was heavily present in this story. At times I even felt like I related to Katie, as sometimes I have the same thoughts about myself. However, I quickly grew to be annoyed by her. Although bubbly, and quirky, I found her character at times to be immature.

I was also starting to struggle with the pace of this story. At times it felt very fast paced, and other times it was very slow, and felt like it dragged. It was exciting and full of cute moments, and then next not much happening…

Ultimately, this turned into a story that I just wasn’t jiving with. It was a DNF for me @ 38%. Overall, the idea of the story was cute, but not for me.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the gifted earc ✨

I always eagerly anticipate Katherine Center's new releases and The Love Haters was no exception.

The Love Haters is a journey of friendship, family, self I love and romance set in the Florida Keys. As Katie's production company begins massive downsizing ( or " rebalancing" the company states), Katie seizes the opportunity from Cole, her supervisor, to head to the Florida Keys to film a segment featuring the US Coast Guard Search and Rescue swimmer. Hutch, a puppy rescuer, and viral video hero is also Cole's ever perfect brother..She knowingly forgets to mention she can't swim. ' though there will be swimming involved! She hopes to also film a mini documentary starring Hutch for her Youtube channel. As she settles into her place to stay,The Starlite Cottages she meets Rue , the owner and her friends : The Gals, who are living life to the fullest gathering nightly for dinner and cocktails. I loved this sweet bunch of ladies as they gather Katie into their midst. When Cole visits with his boss in tow, family dynamics explode and untruths are revealed, Katie is left floundering. Will she be rescued ?

Expected humor and witty banter always a plus from the author. A bit too much of the body issue theme for me,as it often seemed to overtake the story, and the chemistry between Katie and Hutch seemed just a bit lacking. I adored Rue and her Gals, the ever loveable Great Dane, George Bailey, and Hutch, as a true gentleman in every situation. Overall, a pleasant. summertime book

Thank you to #stmartinspress and #netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

It’s a thin line between love and love hating when you’ve been burned by love in the past.

Katie heads to Key West for a job profiling Coast Guard rescue swimmer, “Hutch”. 🏊‍♂️
Things aren’t exactly going swimmingly as Katie gets herself trapped in a sea of lies!

Will Katie sink or swim in this romcom read? 🛟

As confidence levels rise so do the heat levels! This was a fun read as things progressed with the characters. My favorite character by far was rescue Great Dane George Bailey and the jar of pennies tugged at my heart strings

Thank you to author, Katherine Center, Publisher St Martins Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.