Katherine Center has done it again! "The Rom-Commers" is a delightful and hilarious story about a woman who finds herself in over her head (literally!) when she pretends to be a swimmer to profile a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. The humor is spot-on, with laugh-out-loud moments involving swim lessons, helicopter rides, and even a conga line! But beneath the comedy, Center weaves a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, facing your fears, and the unexpected places where love can be found. If you're looking for a feel-good read that will leave you smiling long after you turn the final page, "The Rom-Commers" is a must-read!

I have a feeling The Love Haters by Katherine Center is going to be the book you see everywhere this summer. It’s the perfect pick for poolside lounging or a beach day—light, fun, and full of charm. The banter is top-tier, the main characters (Katie and Hutch) are easy to root for, and while it has its emotional moments, it stays delightfully cute overall. If you’re looking for a feel-good romcom to toss in your beach bag, this one’s a definite recommend.

This was a great book. Katherine Center doesn't disappoint. The story was well written and kept my attention. I loved the interaction between Katie and Hutch, but my favorite character was Rue, she was just an all around awesome lady.
I did want to smack Cole upside the head a few times.
In all it was an excellent story. A great beach/summer read.

I have loved Katherine Center’s books in the past, and this one felt like a stark departure from her previous works. The plot is flimsy and convoluted and really not based on any type of realistic scenario. I think it would have been stronger without any type of deception but perhaps the shenanigans is what was supposed to make the book feel more on the comedy side of the rom-com genre. As much as the book was supposed to take place in Key West, I never felt “transported” into a different place or feel connected to the location. Hutch is an interesting character and I appreciated his connection to his family both with Rue and with his loyalty to his brother. Cole was beyond confusing and the entire side quest with Sullivan was just odd and off-putting. I hate to say this simply wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

4.5 stars, another great read from Katherine Center!

The story was a bit slow to start but at about 40-50% I was fully hooked. Hutch in my mind is Dylan Efron and you can’t convince me otherwise. Katie’s insecurities were all too real for women nowadays, and I loved her moments of forgiveness and love for herself and her body, and her vow to stop being a chromophobe (also guilty of this at times)! Her treatment of George Bailey during the hurricane was everything to me as a dog mom to a gentle giant who’s also a big baby during storms. My heart was racing! The ending of the book felt just a little rushed and I would’ve loved some more Hutch and Katie time in the epilogue. Still, this book left me smiling and ready for summer!

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC!

It’s no secret that I love Katherine Center. KC and her books make me want to put on a bright floral dress and head out in the sunshine. Per usual, her newest novel THE LOVE HATERS is a feel good story set in tropical Key West.

Katie travels to Key West for a work trip to film a documentary centering around the coast guard, in particular coast guard rescuer Hutch. Katie has been jilted by her ex who cheated on her when he became famous. And Hutch is trying to live a quiet life and doesn’t seem to have plans to include love.

The banter between the main characters was cute. I really liked Katie despite a poor choice she made, but Hutch was obviously a better person. While I loved the main characters, George Bailey and Rue stole the show for me.

Thanks to @stmartinspress for the eARC so I could read when I couldn’t listen! This book will be available 5.20.25!

It’s taken me a little while to write this review because honestly, I wasn’t sure how I felt. I love Katherine Center and always enjoy her stories, but I had mixed feelings about this one.

The Love Haters follows Katie, who ends up in Key West, Florida for a job assignment she’s not exactly qualified for—partly because she lied. Once she gets there, she meets Rue, who owns The Starlite motel, a group of local ladies (Rue’s friends) called the Gals, Hutch (who is definitely swoon-worthy), and George Bailey, a Great Dane with a big personality.

After a pretty humbling moment early on, Katie realizes she’s going to have to actually learn to swim if she wants to move forward with her job—especially since it involves underwater simulations with the Coast Guard. Hutch steps in to give her swim lessons, and things go from there.

One thing that stood out was how much the story focused on body image and body positivity. I don’t usually see it as such a major theme, and while it didn’t bother me that it was part of the story, I struggled a little with how hard Katie was on herself. I never got the sense that she was anything other than average-sized, so some of her self-talk felt heavier than I expected.

I also had a hard time with how much lying and deceit there was. A lot of situations could have been handled with some honesty, but at the same time, I get that it added some extra drama to the plot.

Overall, even though this wasn’t my favorite Katherine Center book, I’m still glad I read it and enjoyed parts of the story, especially the setting and the character relationships.

Would you risk a little white lie for a dream job, or would you bail the moment you realized you weren’t qualified?

The Love-Haters was such a lovely read. I fell in love with the characters Katie and Hutch and rooted for them the entire time. I do wish there was a bit more romance and spice, as that is just my personal preference. The love story, though, was still sweet. Most of all, I loved the not so subtle reminders that loving yourself can take you places like you have never dreamed possible.

Cute and quaint but not for me. I didn’t see the chemistry between the two Mc’s. When it comes to their love story I’m a love hater… Ladies , listen up you don’t need a man to make you feel secure in your body! Rue was my favorite character.

Thanks NetGalley and St martins press for this arc in exchange for my Honest review

Perfect for summer - such a charming and heartfelt story that balances humor and emotion. I personally enjoyed the wit, vulnerability, and optimism—perfect for anyone that wants a love story with a bit of depth. I loved the snappy dialogue and relatable characters! George Bailey!!!!!

I'm a huge fan of Katherine Center. Her writing is rich in story and emotion. She has a special ability to draw you in make you fall in love.

The Love Haters was no exception. There was so much I loved about it. The characters were wonderful and unexpected at times. The bond seemed true and well earned. The side characters were mostly loveable, minus the boss and the MCs brother. The concept was so fun and unique. I had a good time. George Bailey was a wonderful addition as the giant dog who was afraid of thunder.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I wish there was a little more connection of Katie and Hutch at the end. The book focused on self growth and did end heavily with it.

Thank you NetGalley and Katherine Center for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

How did I forget how utterly heartwarming and funny Katherine Centers’ books are??

I so related to Katie. The wearing all black to be invisible and the utter contempt for her own body, but not in a outwardly “I loathe it” kind of way, but more in a resigned feeling of disappointment or failure way. Millions of women feel this, go through this, work actively against this. I absolutely loved the Beauty List, and how hard Beanie fought to have her do it!! True friendship is about supporting you in the hard times and pushing when it’s needed, but doing so with love.

Hutch. Dear sweet “not talkative” Hutch! Love him! Loved how he was just a good guy. With a good heart. I loved how simple their story was. The rides back and forth to work where they just talked. The dinners and the easy conversations they had. It was so sweet and gave me the feels!! The hair clip 🥰🥰

I love when a story is funny. So funny in fact that I actually LOL’ed!! Between George Bailey (in love with this name for a dog btw) and the splinters, and the bathing suit escapades, and Hutch’s subtle jealous/possessive poolside antics.

The backstory of this one is heartbreaking. For all the characters really. The moment with Hutch and Cole at the end, on the grass literally brought tears to my eyes.

This is the kind you can’t stop wanting to read, and one that sticks with you once you’re done!

The Love Haters was a fun and insightful book, as I feel all Katherine Center books are. A day later and I have not stopped thinking about these characters. While I was in the mood for a little more romance, this book still delivered.

At its core, this book is really about loving yourself. Loving your body because it’s yours and lets you live your life. There is a central romance, and relationship insights between siblings, parents, and extended/found family. But it all comes back to loving who you are and using that love to uplift those around you. To not take life for granted and live it to its fullest.

I was very invested at the end and was stressing about the outcomes to a couple conflicts, but it all worked out perfectly. Every time I finish a KC book I want to read more of her backlist.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for providing an eARC for my honest opinion.

*Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for access to the advanced reader copy and advanced listening copy for this book!

I really wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, this romance missed the mark for me.
I was intrigued and invested for the first 25-30 percent of this story. I appreciated Katherine Center taking the time to provide our female main character with a specific history, one that instantly endears her to the reader. I also appreciated the discussion surrounding outside influence on personal self-esteem and how that can lead to negative and unhealthy habits. This discussion dips lightly into body dysmorphia and eventual body acceptance, which was given time to be explored, but I do wish our female main character would have explored seeking professional help to sort through her challenges.
I was excited about the initial interactions between our female and male main characters. Center creates instant chemistry between the two, which puts a smile on the reader's face and keeps them wanting more. Unfortunately, the romantic progress is chopped off at the knees due to an incredibly frustrating, immature, and down right annoying side character. This character is unlikeable all on his own, but add in the complications he creates between our main characters and he's the absolute worst thing about this book. He ruins the energy of the story and sets off some major pacing issues, which are further worsened by a very drawn out third act conflict.
I think my favorite thing about this story is the audiobook narrator. She has an engaging voice and her ability to fluctuate between female and male voices is great. Without the audiobook, I don't know that I would have been able to make it through this book. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to experience Patti Murin's narration.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

An ideal summer rom-com, this novel delivers sunshine, charm, and heart in equal measure. We follow Katie on a high-stakes mission to salvage her career, set against the backdrop of a lush, sun-drenched paradise. Her task? To convince Hutch—the irresistible, altruistic hero with a savior complex—to recount one of his daring rescue stories for publication.

From the outset, the story brims with energy and wit, and I found myself thoroughly entertained by the chemistry between the leads and the vibrant setting. However, the introduction of a major miscommunication—a trope I personally find less appealing—slightly dimmed the momentum for me. That said, this is purely a matter of taste, and fans of this particular narrative device may find it adds welcome drama to the plot.

Overall, if you're in the mood for something fresh, spirited, and fast-paced with a touch of emotional depth, this novel is a delightful choice for your summer reading list.

Thank you to St Martin’s press and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

I am new to Katherine Center’s books as many have been on my TBR list. What drew me into this one was the Key West setting! There are a couple times in this book that I was definitely laughing out loud, but I think that I struggled with the portrayal of body image issues to the point the book fell short for me. I’m still interested in tackling my Katherine Center TBR as I really enjoyed the writing style.

Thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for a gifted ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

I love Katherine Center and what she stands for. However, this book is one that I wanted to love more.

This book started with Katie Vaughn, who has been burned in the past and is finding her feet as a video producer. However, things start to change as her company downsizes. In order to get a little more security at her job, she agrees to help produce a recruitment video for the US Coast Guard for their rescue swimmers by shadowing what they do. One problem, she doesn't know how to swim. She goes to the Keys and meets who she will be shadowing Hutch.

Katie spends much of the story getting over her self image issues, most of which is on page. It's a lot. There are moments where it overshadows other parts of the story, and becomes too much. While the message is there, and how she works through these self image issues is important, please take care of yourself if you have struggles with this.

I also struggled with the connection between Hutch and Katie. I didn't see how they moved past friends to something more. It doesn't quite make sense on page. I also found that all of the messy work and family drama that were intertwined was chaotic and struggled to make sense in the story.

Overall, it had the quintessential charm that is Katherine Center and a fun side cast of characters (my favorite was George Bailey the Great Dane!). The setting was set up well and the premise was all there, it just parts didn't click.

Katherine Center is one of my favorite rom-com writers. I always think her books would make great movies. This one is no exception. Katie makes promotional videos and is worried about losing her job to downsizing. She takes an assignment to make a promotional video for the Coast Guard about a rescue swimmer who rescued Jennifer Aniston's dog. She is hoping the rescue swimmer, Hutch, will also do a video for her series a Day in the Life. Hutch is love hater and is not happy making a video. Katie thinks maybe she a love hater, too. Her fiance cheated on her.
This is a warm hearted story about finding yourself in difficult circumstances. Katie and Hutch learn lessons about themselves in the story. I really enjoyed this flawed pair finding a peace within themselves during the story. I would recommend reading this book. I enjoyed it.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #KatherineCenter, and #StMartinsPress for a copy of this book.
#TheLoveHaters

I love a Katherine Center book!! This had everything that you would want in a beach read : tropical climate, forced proximity, brooding MMC, and found family. I wish we got more of a story after the helicopter rescue - but I adore Hutch and Katie!

DNF’d at 18%. There’s been near constant negative self talk, body dysmorphia, and detailed descriptions of disordered eating and not a single critical thought expressed about any of that. Not even any acknowledgment that what our FMC is experiencing *is* deeply disordered. I just made it through a scene where the FMC calls her friend because she cannot make herself put on a bathing suit. Her friend recognizes that she’s describing an experience that is deeply not ok, but jumps immediately to the issue being a “phobia”? Not a completely unexamined eating disorder? How?

Anyway. I can’t keep reading that. I’m done.