This was SO GOOD. I’m not gonna lie, when I started this, I wasn’t loving it. But the more I got into it, the more I loved it. I laughed, I cried, I related, and I didn’t. I experienced frustration and empathy and entertainment. The mix of the romance, women’s fiction, personal growth, and even the pup made this book come together. I think if you read this, stick with it. You may learn something new about yourself and may even laugh, cry, and experience to the fullest along the way. Katherine Center, cheers to you for this one. It was amazing. And thank you for the research you put into this book. Great job. Can’t wait for what you bring to us next.

Is it possible that the audio book could be better than the actual book?? The narrators were great and really enhanced the story.
There were so many laugh out moments in this book, and they were even better on the audio book. Thank you to NetGalley for
allowing me to listen to this book and relive again. All of the characters were very well developed and adorable. George Bailey
may have been one of my favorite character.

I really enjoy Katherine Centers writing. This is only the second of her novels I've read and I am actually so excited to read more.
This was a fun, cute, low stakes, closed door romance, with loveable characters (especially Rue) and an adorably oversized scaredy cat of a rescue dog. I liked the chemistry between the love interests, and dont feel like it gave off instalovey vibes. I also really enjoyed her BFF and the fact that she lived in another city yet was still so present with their video chats was super cute.
One thing I didnt love was that some of the situations were just so unbelievable. I do think, for me at least, the characters and the writing made up for this, but if this is something that would ruin the story this book might not be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Audio note: The audio is good! I’m familiar with Patti Murin from listening to some of Center’s other books, so I knew the audio was going to be a good experience. We only get Katie’s perspective, so Patti is the sole narrator, but her voice works well for the vibe. Very easy to listen to. The runtime (10 hours) was perfect for a full-day binge, and the storyline is so fast-paced that I did just that. The heat level is very low, so not a bad choice for a workday listen, and the vibe was ideal for that. It’s emotional but not super heavy, with a little bit of humor mixed in. The audio definitely enhanced my reading experience.

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Admittedly, it’s probably my love of The Rom-Commers that bumps this rating up to 4 stars, but I also flew right through it. There are definitely some bumpier moments, but the bulk of it is solid. In many ways, it’s the heroine’s journey, following her on an assignment that slowly makes her feel stronger and healthier after years of being uncomfortable in her body. I wish there had been a content note about the heroine’s past with body dysmorphia and disordered eating, as it was a major element. I probably would’ve DNFed quickly had I not read and loved The Rom-Commers, but this smooths out once the romance is introduced. The story leans more towards women’s fiction than romance, but the little breadcrumbs we got kept me going. Eventually, I was immersed in the story, and I loved that it played out in such an unpredictable way.

The story follows Katie, a woman who has been tasked with creating a video that highlights the heroism of a notoriously camera shy rescue swimmer. While Hutch became famous for his heroics, he has avoided the spotlight until now. It’s Katie’s job to make him shine, and that means facing some fears of her own – including the fact that she can’t swim. As the two work on the assignment together and push through Katie’s fears, she discovers a side of herself that has been buried for a long time. They may not know each other well, but soon Katie and Hutch are drawn together in a way they didn’t anticipate.

I should mention that the cover (and title) does not fit with the vibe of the story AT ALL. Sure, it takes place in Florida, but the tone is much heavier and more emotional than the vibrant colors would indicate. There is the occasional humorous moment, and I would’ve loved more lighthearted scenes with Katie and Hutch. I really enjoyed them together, and I think their relationship had a lot of potential. I still want to know a lot more about Hutch, but I loved the parts we got to know. It’s very much Katie’s story overall, and her journey was interesting. Center is so talented at writing stories that straddle the line between women’s fiction and romance, so there were some great moments mixed in. I binged this in a single day and stayed engaged throughout, so I have to call it a win overall.

Unfortunately I didn't adore Katherine Center's The Love Haters. I've really connected with this author's stories in the past, so I was sorry these characters didn't resonate with me. Granted, I'm not in a position to relate to either of them, but that shouldn't really matter.

I did enjoy the pictures Center paints of all the adventures Katie and Hutch endure, she writes good comedy.

The audio version of The Love Haters is performed by Patti Murin.

Katherine knows how to hit you in the feel goods.
The dialogue between all characters in this book, not just the banter between the romantic couple, is backbone to such enjoyable and relatable stories. The beachy summer setting is the perfect Vibe for coming out of the winter, and the character development and reflection on self-love and worth was impactful without being over the top or uncomfortable. I've already recommended this book to several other people, and the afterward by the author moved me to tears. Romance books are about connection and they are important and they are needed and they are awesome!

3.5 stars
This was a good read, I really enjoyed the coast guard aspect. I adored George Bailey 🐶, and Hutch's aunt Rue. But didn't feel connected to any of the other characters. There was a lot of chaos going on in this and it just didn't pull me in like most of Center's other reads.

"You're like a human hot fudge sundae" was the strangest compliment ever but I also loved it because I love ice cream 🍦

Thanks to NetGalley & MacMillan Audio for an advance copy!

Katie has been burned by love in the past making her a love hater. And just when she thought it couldn’t get worse, she finds out she has one last chance to save her job by going to Key West to film her estranged coworker’s brother, Tom “Hutch” Hutcherson. Hutch is a fellow love-hating coast guard with a Great Dane just doing his job in the Keys. As Katie and Hutch’s lives become intertwined, they slowly learn a thing or two along the way and both must learn to be brave in their own ways.

I absolutely LOVED this audiobook. The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing that story to life and getting me invested in the characters. I absolutely adored Katie and Hutch (and George Bailey!) and watching their lives unfold. Katherine Center has a way with words and captivating readers and listeners. I am definitely a fan for life!

Unfortunately The Love Haters did not live up to The Rom-Commers to me (the only other Katherine Center book I've read and can base on). I really wanted to like this one but I really found myself not caring about really any of the characters except maybe Rue. I didn't really feel any chemistry between Katie and Hutch. I did like the overall story and did have some moments I enjoyed. But I wish it had just a little more.

One thing I have discovered in reading Katherine Center books is that she always has characters that have certain issues that the reader can connect to. These issues are not always what you normally would think of, but Katherine is able to weave the characters stories and insecurities into the story. The Love Haters focuses on the themes of body image, low self esteem, grief, abandonment, self forgiveness and sibling rivalry.
Katie Vaughn is a video producer/reporter who has self esteem images that comes from her negative body image. Katie's boss Cole Hutchinson asks her to interview his older brother Tom "Hutch" Hutchinson, an elite Coast Guard rescue swimmer for their agency. In order for Katie to keep her job amongst the mass firings that the new boss is doing Katie says she will do the interview. The only thing is Katie doesn't tell Cole she cannot swim.
Katie arrives in the Florida Keys, and stays at Aunt Rue's resort, and must figure out a way to learn how to swim before she meets Hutch. I enjoyed Aunt Rue and her friends who give a lot of humor to this story. I also loved the cute Great Dane too!
I enjoyed seeing Katie's personal growth in this story and how Rue, Beanie and Hutch help her on this journey of self love.
The Love Haters is a lighthearted story that will make you smile, and how each of the characters help each other in opening up their hearts to forgiveness and love.
Highly recommend for fans of Katherine Center and lighthearted romance.
Thank you Net galley, Macmillan audio and St. Martin's press for the opportunity to review this book.

The Love Haters starts with a fun setup—fake swim lessons, family drama, and a swoony Key West setting—but it didn’t fully live up to its promise for me. Katie is a relatable, spirited lead, but her romance with Hutch felt more told than shown, lacking the spark I was hoping for. Some side characters, like Rue, added charm, while others felt underdeveloped or frustrating.

The book touches on meaningful themes like grief and body image, but they often got lost in the mix of humor and over-the-top moments. Still, I enjoyed the tropical setting, adventurous touches, and Katie’s journey toward self-worth.

I'm excited to read more from Katherine Center!

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the early listen opportunity!

Katherine Center's books are always an automatic read for me! I was so excited for the opportunity to listen to "The Love Haters". The Love Haters didn't disappoint. I loved the characters, setting, and the body image points in the story line. You are sure to love this read!

One thing I love about Katherine Center is that she chooses a topic and does all the research that will help her tell the story like an expert. This time her topic was the Coast Guard, which is actually near and dear to my heart, because my husband was rescued by the Coast Guard as as child! So I was very fascinated to learn about all the rigorous training and testing that they do, and that only a few truly brave people earn the title. I also am quite fond of Key West, where the book was based. I had read other reviews of The Love Haters and it almost deterred me from reading it! But I really enjoyed it. Katherine wrote Katie as someone who has a lot of negative feelings about her body, stemming from her step-mother and internet trolls. I understand the type of character Katherine was trying to write, so I leaned into it. Listen, not everyone is going to love their bodies, and some people let it consume their whole identity. Sadly, I know people in real life who do this!

While this was not my favorite book by Katherine Center, it had a similar feel to her others, and was quite cute and enjoyable and also educational.

Thank you to #netgalley and #macmillanaudio for this advanced listener's copy of The Love Haters!

My heart beats just a little bit faster every time I open up a new Katherine Center novel. She never disappoints. The Love Haters features Katie, a video producer who's job is in jeopardy. In order to save it, she opts to head to Key West to film a feature on Coast Guard rescuer, Hutch. Hutch hates any attention and never does interviews; however, Katie works with his brother and Hutch would do anything for Cole after a falling out years ago.

I think what I loved most about this book is that there are a ton of laughs interspersed with real, vulnerable moments. Hutch has really been through it. He may be cool as a cucumber on the surface but that is only to mask a ton of emotion and hurt inside. Katie is simply desperate to save her career - so much so she opts to do a feature that requires her to be on and in the water despite her inability to swim. I loved the natural way these two fell together. It never felt forced or contrived. There are some things at the beginning that I didn't love around body issues; however, the overall message that Center pulls off in the end made me glad I stuck with this story.

Patti Murin is back for the audiobook version, which surely is a no-brainer. Her narration is flawless.
She always handles the characters she features with both wit and care. They simply come alive. I enjoyed the side characters, I felt the chemistry between Katie and Hutch, and I found myself smiling as I inhaled this delightful book. I am only sad that it's over and I now need to wait for the next release from this wonderful author.

Katherine Center does it again!! I could not out this down!! I loved the banter, the setting, and all of the characters!!! I will read anything by her!

Katie Vaughn’s job may be on the line. Her boss wants to help prove to his boss that she’s worth keeping so he decides to send her on a special assignment interviewing a “love hating” rescuer in the Coast Guard down in the Florida Keys. Lies are told, “The Gals, a group of retirees, swoop in to encourage romantic mischief, and a tropical storm may be looming in the distance.

I love Katherine’s writing style! The story was fun to follow and I felt the pacing was good! The pacing of the “event” toward the end felt…odd…but it didn’t pull me out of the story.

Overall I enjoyed it and it’s definitely stand out story that won’t easily blur into the numerous romances I have and will read this year.

The star of the show is the Great Dane that’s terrified of thunder and has a soft spot for toads 💙

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press & Macmillan Audio for an arc in exchange for my honest review!

Katherine Center has done it again! I cannot get enough of her sweet writing style and her precious love stories she creates. I loved the narrator and I love the bright and fun colored cover (which I didn't get to appreciate as much due to the fact that I listened to the audiobook). This, and all of Katherine's other books are easy to read, addictive, and heart-warming. Get yourself a copy today! Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy of this book for an honest review.

3.5 🌟 rounded up. The Love Haters started off slow for me but picked up around 18%. From that point on, I was hooked! I looked forward to picking it up, if only to swoon over Hutch, and it really had my heart pounding towards the end. I laughed out loud and thought that certain scenes were just so funny and adorable. I cringed at some very cheesy lines but forgave them because the context surrounding the cheesiness was too good not to enjoy. But then the main conflict of the story really had me shaking my head. Overall, I very much had a love-hate relationship with the story but thought it was cute and had nice messages. I’d definitely recommend it to certain friends and plan on rereading it by listening to the audiobook when it releases in May.

I found Katie and the major issues she had surrounding her body image to be an overbearing start to the book. I completely understand her negative self-talk and the struggles she has had with the number on the scale, but it felt like it dragged on and on and was too focused on this in the beginning. By the end of the book though, I was sold on the message that Katherine was delivering. We only have one body in our lifetimes and one chance to love and appreciate all that it does for us! It is so important that we learn to be kind and forgiving to ourselves.

As soon as Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a rescue diver for the US Coast Guard, entered the scene, I could not put this book down. He is an extremely lovable and swoon worthy MMC and I ate up every single scene with this guy. I loved his humongous Great Dane sidekick, George Bailey, and the ridiculous yet hilarious situations he caused, his Aunt Rue, her colorful, flowery caftans, dinners by the pool every night with the gals, and her need to constantly gift Katie with bold bathing suits gently coaxing her to be brave, and his profession sold itself- the helicopters, the aviators, the necessity of being fit to rescue people in the ocean on the worst day of their life. He’s kind, patient, and always willing to lend a helping hand. The tension between him and Katie was so good and the inspirational, uplifting messages peppered throughout the book made me love the story despite the many issues I had with it. And Katherine Center is the queen of writing a meaningful and impactful Author’s Note so be sure to read it!

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The Love Haters centers around Katie Vaughn, a video producer sent by her work colleague, Cole, to film a promotional video for the Coast Guard in Key West. The only problem is that she cannot swim... but her job is on the line so she lies and hopes to fake it until she makes it. The star of her video is Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson, a handsome supposed "love hater" and the brother of Cole. Sparks fly with Katie and Hutch but there is some family drama and lies that might get in the way of their happily ever after.
I love Katherine Center romances, so I jumped on the chance to get to an early copy of this story. This book was enjoyable but for me, the romance element was lacking. A lot of the time spent between Hutch and Katie was just told to the reader by the narrator instead of shown so the connection didn't feel very strong to me. I also didn't think the body image issues were handed with the most care- those themes seemed very surface level. I did love Rue and her friends as side character and I learned a lot about the Coast Guard.
Thank you NetGalley and MacmillanAudio for the advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this book. From the very first page, The Love Haters had me hooked with its clever banter, lovable characters, and all the emotional depth I didn’t even know I needed.

Kathrine Center just gets it. She writes people who feel real—messy, funny, scared, strong—and watching the main characters slowly drop their walls and fall for each other was so satisfying. The chemistry was undeniable, the humor was perfectly timed, and the emotional moments hit me right in the heart.

This wasn’t just a cute rom-com (though it was definitely that too!)—it also explored family, ambition, and what it means to really let someone see you. I laughed, I teared up, and I didn’t want it to end.

If you love romance with substance, unforgettable characters, and a story that leaves you full of hope, this one’s for you. A total 5-star read!