I can always depend on Katherine Center to deliver a book that will make me smile, leave me feeling happy and hopeful. I loved this one. The tension was really up there with the main characters while of course keeping true to her low/no spice writing. I love that she can do that and still evoke the same emotions of longing and feet kicking. This book was so fun and the dog was the icing on top. Thank you to NetGally and St. Martin's press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

i am a sucker for a good romcom with the sweetest tension & off the charts banter. i’ve come to expect both those things with katherine center’s writing - and this book absolutely delivered. i am not normally a fan of single pov, however the way center involves the reader in the actual story by narrating to them instead of at them is really special.

there was a heavy emphasis in this book on body dysmorphia. i think the topic was handled really well when introduced. the tactics/strategies to help katie open her eyes to the beautiful body in front of her were really well done. i thought it was important to acknowledge the impact the media & others’ opinions have on our self-esteem & this book did a good job of that. i will say that i was not expecting it to carry through so much of the main narrative. though i know this is not an issue that simply goes away, it eats into every aspect of your life, i did find that it was inserted almost too much & pulled me out of the story in some places.

i really liked hutch’s character. he was so kind & attentive, showing katie the respect & praise she deserved all along. when he noticed the pie piece in her eyes, i was a goner. his character’s backstory was a great way to give him depth without giving him his own pov & i thought that was very well done.

the book had a lot happening in it - it seemed like the characters lived entire lifetimes in the span of 400 pages. it was an engaging read, though there were some bits in the middle that lost me a little. overall, i enjoyed the story, not my favourite of hers but i still absolutely love her writing style.

When video producer Katie has the chance to save her job by filming a promotional video for the U.S. Coast Guard, she should be excited about the chance. And she is--except for the little fact that she lied about being able to swim. Despite this wrinkle, she takes the job anyway, and soon becomes entangled with the main subject of her video: Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Throw in a cast of colorful supporting characters, a Great Dane named George Bailey, and hijinks ensue.

This was another delightful read from Katherine Center. The writing (all from FMC's POV) was dramatic in the best way, and I really enjoyed it. The supporting characters were fun, and I loved the scenes with the dog. The book loses points for relying on miscommunication tropes, but overall the plot was fun and frothy, a great beach read. I will give a heads up that there is a lot of Katie's internal narration that deals with body image issues, past eating disorders, etc. and that can get a bit long-winded at times, and didn't seem to totally fit in with the otherwise fun, beach-y vibe of the book. I felt like the rest of the book made up for that, though, and there is a real emotional core running through this. Enjoyable and recommended for fans of the author's previous books.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this story. This is a great summer read. I'm a big fan of Katherine Center's books. I'm excited to see what she writes next. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center ⭐️⭐️

I’ve read and enjoyed other Katherine Center reads, but I did not like this one. The FMC was way too insecure for me to enjoy being inside her head. I’m all for characters having things they struggle with, but her struggles were her whole personality or at least maybe overly focused on to where it took away from anything else that might’ve made her unique. Our MMC, while absolutely fascinating in theory, fell flat, and I couldn’t find a sliver of chemistry between the two main characters. Insta love trope 100%. The side plots were weird and didn’t hold my attention, like I couldn’t care about the job situation.

With that being said, I did enjoy some things. A few of the side characters were brilliant. George Bailey absolutely stole the show for me, and I loved Rue’s colorfulness. I also liked the attempt to showcase a self-love love story.

Readers who enjoy stories that could be movies with all the wild events, tropical settings, and insta-love may enjoy this one.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted e-book!

I am a huge Katherine Center fan, so I was very excited to read this one. Overall, I really liked it. The main characters were great, and I loved their chemistry. The ending was a little “out there” but entertaining!

It took me awhile to get engaged with this one; I felt the second half was stronger.

But still a really solid read overall.

Katie Vaughn is still reeling from her last and very public break up from rock star ex-boyfriend Lucas. So, when Cole Hutchinson convinces Katie to go to Key West to film a video about a US Coast Guard rescue swimmer – sure Katie said yes for it was better than losing your job. When Katie heard that it would require a video of said rescue swimmer on a helicopter over the ocean and jumping out of the helicopter a little panic set it. Why? Katie does not swim nor wears a bathing suit. And why Katie when Cole was requested? Plus, why wouldn’t Cole jump at this huge opportunity after all Tom “Hutch” Hutchinson, aka a Pup Daddy just happened to be famous for saving Jennifer Aniston’s darling pup and his brother?

Katie’s journey to Key West is twofold, while it helps to save her job .. maybe only temporarily, it forces Katie to face those self-doubts that she fears most about herself and maybe find someone else to occupy her heart.

Overall, The Love Haters was a sweet and quick read with much of wit and charm that always draws me to Center’s stories but I felt it had more emphasize on some very heavy topics of body shaming, loss of love and being bullied by the media – which that is not a bad thing it just was not what I was expecting. While there were some great moments between Katie and Hutch, I felt their chemistry just felt a little off. What really fell short for me was the whole family dynamics between Cole and Hutch.

Being the big fan of Katherine Center I was so excited when I was awarded an advance copy of The Love Haters .. I mean I have read all of her books. This book just did not knock me over, so, it grieves me to rank this novel with only 3.5 stars.

Thank you, Katherine Center, St. Martin's Publishing Group, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh boy. I’m a fan of Katherine Center’s writing but will admit it’s been hit or miss for me. “The Bodyguard” was a five star for me and “Hello Stranger” was a two. That said, “Love Haters” felt like a mix of both books.

One of the best things is the way that Center writers direct to the reader. Katie, at times, genuinely is talking to the reader as if we were a friend. However, that strong voice also became a downside as SO MUCH of the book was focused on her body issues. I struggled to not DNF early egg use there was just so much body hang up and nothing else. The resolution to that - a boy (Hutch) telling her she was pretty - really ruined any strength in that plot line.

Her co-worker, Cole…let’s just say he’s a walking problem. When he comes to the main book location, I just can’t with his lies. It was quite cringe, There were also a lot of places where the book could have used tighter editing. For example, at one point she said the dog’s nails were as thick as yarn. Yarn is everything from gossamer fine thread to thick, thumb wide roving in size. When Hutch starts to gush how she is a song jingle you don’t want to remember but can’t help, the whole passage could have been cleaned up to feel more like actual speech.

The saviors of this book were definitely Rue (would LOVE a full book on her, the life she’s lived, etc!), the dog and the out of reality ending. That was setup quite well through the book. The epilogue was so only for readers I’m pretending it wasn’t there!

Katherine Carter has done it again! I loved her previous books and had to jump on this one. This is exactly what I needed and I had such a great time reading this book; her books always give me a fun, cute good time. And this would be the perfect summer read.

There were some more “heavier” moments, but I think yet again they are written about in a manner where it flows naturally. And having it mixed in with the fun humor and banter fit perfectly.

Katherine Center’s The Love Haters is a sunny, big-hearted romcom set against the vibrant backdrop of Key West, where healing, humor, and unexpected romance collide. Katie Vaughn, still licking her wounds after a humiliatingly public breakup, is trying to keep her job afloat when she’s handed a high-stakes assignment: profile viral Coast Guard hero Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson. The catch? She can’t swim—and Hutch is his brother’s sworn enemy.

Thrown into a world of ocean rescues, island locals, and emotional baggage, Katie finds herself untangling more than just her career. As she fakes confidence (and swim skills), she starts to discover what bravery really means, not just in love but in self-worth. Hutch, with his brooding exterior and surprisingly sweet heart, becomes a compelling foil—and yes, romantic interest.

What really steals the show, though, are the supporting characters: George Bailey, a gentle Great Dane with the best name and the biggest heart, and “The Gals,” a group of meddling, margarita-loving retirees who provide some of the funniest and most tender moments in the story. The blend of quirky humor and emotional growth is where this book truly shines.

While it may not reach the emotional highs of some of Center’s earlier novels, The Love Haters is still a delightful ride—funny, heartfelt, and full of that signature warmth her readers love. There's even a laugh-out-loud scene involving a splinter, a dog, and Katie’s backside that had me in tears. It’s a story about facing fear, learning to speak up for yourself, and embracing love, even when it’s inconvenient.

This one’s perfect for fans of grumpy-sunshine dynamics, forced proximity, dogs with great names, and romcoms that leave you smiling.

Katherine Center’s The Love Haters is a breezy, romantic escape set against the sun-drenched charm of Key West. The story follows a woman sent on assignment to create a promotional piece for the Coast Guard, and while she’s there, she finds more than just scenic backdrops—there’s love, personal growth, and a handful of quirky characters along the way.

Having visited Key West myself, I was especially impressed by Center’s vivid descriptions of the setting. From the laid-back island vibe to the roosters strutting through the streets, the setting felt authentic and immersive. It added a delightful sense of place that grounded the narrative and brought it to life.

The characters were mostly likeable, with enough warmth and complexity to keep me engaged. However, I felt the story moved a little too quickly in parts, leaving some moments underdeveloped. The pacing made the emotional arcs feel slightly rushed, which lessened the impact of what could have been more poignant scenes. Additionally, the use of first-person narrative—while intimate—wasn't my favorite, and at times, it pulled me out of the story rather than drawing me in.

Overall, The Love Haters is a light and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate a vivid setting and a touch of adventure. While it didn’t completely win me over, it still offered a sweet, tropical escape with heart.

Katherine Center has done it again. Another book that I didn't want to stop reading. I was pulled in by the unique careers of each main character and the reason they were pulled together. I would like to have had more depth when it came to back stories and why there was conflict between some of the characters. Maybe there is a sequel planned. Some of the scenes that happened "off camera" I would like to have seen play out in "real time" instead of an explanation of what happened later. I did appreciate the addition of the main characters body issues and the way she worked through it, but again, more depth was needed. All in all another solid story from Katherine Center.

Sadly this book wasn’t for me. I think the FMC’s lack of understanding of so many things was supposed to be charming, but for me it was just frustrating. I appreciated how her body issues were handled, but overall I could not connect with her.

Hutch was fine, but I didn’t feel very invested in the romance. I think if this had focused more as a women’s fiction and her loving herself more, I would’ve liked it better. The little third act plot twist (if you can call it that), was also completely unnecessary.

Most of this is most likely my issues, and wouldn’t bother other readers. But something that is definitely a me thing, is I don’t like reading about hurricanes. So I did not enjoy that all.

2.5 stars

Katie is fighting to keep her corporate videographer job amidst company-wide layoffs. At the strong urging of her manager, she accepts an assignment to go to Key West to profile a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Hutch is a heroic rescue swimmer of some fame (much to his dismay), who reluctantly agrees to be the subject of a promotional video. Earnest and gallant, he seems too good to be true. Katie is neurotic and very relatable, and Hutch is a frowny "still waters run deep" kind of guy who blossoms around the right person. I really liked Katie and Hutch, both apart and together, and I genuinely enjoyed their story. There was a sweetness to them both that was so comforting, and this read was just what I needed. It's pretty trope-heavy, which I ordinarily don't enjoy, but it was fun in a "don't over-think it" kind of way. Plus, some authors let the tropes do the heavy lifting in carrying the plot, but that's not the case here. There's high meet-cute energy and great supporting characters (especially George Bailey!). There's also a nice amount of humor, I wouldn't exactly call it a rom-com but there were enough comedic elements to make it fun. The book had great messages about self-acceptance and the profound joy of choosing to love yourself. I highly recommend you read the Author's Note at the end, she has some wonderful views on the healing power of love stories. :) I have read this author before and I have always enjoyed reading her books, and this one is no different. If you're looking for a closed door workplace romance with an HEA, this is the book for you! 4.5 stars. Publishes May 20, 2025. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an eARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Katie’s barely hanging on to her videography job when she lands a dream assignment: filming a Coast Guard recruitment video in sunny Key West. The twist? The star of the shoot is viral hero (and total dreamboat) Tom “Hutch” Hutcherson-who also happens to be her boss’s brother. Oh, and Katie can’t swim.

Cue the awkward-but-adorable lessons… taught by none other than Hutch himself.

It starts with a mix-up-Hutch was expecting his brother Cole, not Katie, but what begins as a surprise quickly becomes something much deeper. Katie’s carrying body insecurities, past wounds, and the pressure to prove herself, but Hutch sees right through all the noise. Their chemistry is instant, their banter is sharp, and their slow-burn romance? Total swoon.

Hutch has a giant dog, a grumpy exterior, and the softest heart-and Katie sees him in a way no one else does. Add in Rue, his warm and wise aunt who helps Katie begin to heal, and Beanie, Katie’s bold, ride-or-die cousin, and this becomes more than just a romance…it’s a true found-family gem.

They’re sunshine and storm, sparks and softness—the perfect recipe for a movie. There’s heart, humor, a lie, a rift, a rescue…and a love story that makes you want to flip back to page one the second it ends.

That said, there’s one moment near the end that gave me pause. I checked with someone in the field, and while it’s not impossible, it would only happen under very rare circumstances-which didn’t seem to quite fit here. It stood out in an otherwise heartfelt, grounded story. If not for that, this would’ve been a solid five stars. Still, it’s an absolute gem that deserves all the love.

I really liked the message behind this book! I loved the FMC's journey to self love and acceptance, it was very relatable! Hutch was also great, there were just times where I was confused about what they liked about each other? Other than he's hot and a hero? I enjoyed reading this but wish we got to see more of their relationship, especially in the epilogue. Also wasn't a fan of the fake dating the brother side quest. Felt icky.

I enjoyed this book. It’s a good summer read. I liked the supporting characters a lot, would love to see more of Rue! The body dysmorphia topic was a little overdone for me. I feel like it overshadowed the characters chemistry. Overall this was a good book and I would recommend!

I read my first Katherine Center book three years ago, and since then have read her entire back catalog. I really enjoy the thoughtfulness of her romances and always by myself rooting for the main couple. In her latest book, the main struggle between our leads is miscommunication. If you do not enjoy the miscommunication trope then this is not the book for you because whether knowingly or unknownly miscommunication comes between our leads finding their happily ever after. Katie, the female lead character suffers from major body image issues, which I think are very delicately addressed but important to know about before you go into the book. Also, Hutch sounds fantastically attractive!

Thank you #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Katie Vaughn has recently broken up with her now-famous boyfriend Lucas. With lots of hate from the media, she struggles with her body image and self-love. When her job is on the line and her last shot to keep it is filming a promo for the Coast Guard in Key West, she has no choice but to face her fears of wearing a bathing suit. She is tasked with filming Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Tom "Hutch" Hutchinson, who is described initially as a grumpy, love-hater. She tackles her biggest fears while trying to keep, but she gets tangled in a web of lies and family drama.

The relationship between Katie and Hutch felt underdeveloped, with a lot of their relationship-building glazed over or left out. When it comes to the side characters, Hutch's brother, Cole, was brash and unlikable. However, Hutch's dog, George Bailey, was honestly the star of the show for me. The book also covered a lot of heavy topics, including: a car crash, grief, terminal illness, and body image issues.

With all that being said, this book was a quick, easy, fast-paced read perfect for the summer!

Rating: 3/5 stars

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital review copy.

Will there ever be a Katherine Center novel where I will rate it no less than 5/5?!?! I don’t think so! Each and every KC book I’ve read was pure winner in my humble opinion! I’ve swooned, cried, laughed out loud, giggled in giddiness, sobbed then sighed in contentment! The Love Haters is no exception. I love love loooove it right from the start! The characters were interesting and endearing. From the moment I got introduced to Katie I wanted to hug and befriend her! And let’s not forget to mention her bestie Beanie, who I would vote for the best book bff in a pinch!!! And Coast Guard rescue swimmer Hutch? Hello?!?! Book boyfie alert!!!!! I won’t delve much into their romance because we all know if it’s not HEA ending I won’t be gushing about this book so much🤭 but I definitely need to mention that this is more than just a love story between romantic partners. It’s also about loving oneself, literally though thick and thin (IYKYK), love between lifelong friends, aaaand, love among family and found family. TBH, this was such a comfort read for me that if I weren’t reading an arc thru my ereader, I would have hugged this super duper tightly after finishing it. It’s just…perfect. Periodt! It’s going to be out on May 20th so please, do yourself a favor and GRAB THIS ASAP! Hands down deserving of all the 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 in the world! Katherine Center, you can do no wrong in my eyes!!!!

***Thank you @smpromance @StMartinsPress for my arc. You made me scream in delight when it landed in my inbox!