I was lucky enough to be approved for the arc of both the book and audiobook. While I read the book some, I enjoyed the audiobook more. The narrator was great.

Katie and Hutch being thrown together because she can't swim and needs to be able to in order to film a documentary day in the life piece on his. He is in the Coast Guard and she needs to be able to swim to go through the training. Once he starts helping her learn to swim sparks fly and the fun, funny and laugh out loud moments start. How the story progresses was great and the shocking twist toward the end was a surprise.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

I have never been disappointed by this author. Katherine Center takes me on a journey with realistic characters who are sometimes wonderful, sometimes horrible. While some of the situations may not be believable, the emotions are dead accurate.

Katie is a videographer. One of her co-workers got the assignment to film the Coast Guard guy in a demonstration rescue and promo for the Coast Guard. The guy is called Puppy Love (Pup Daddy in the ebook), because he rescued Jennifer Aniston's dog and went viral. He has refused to do any interviews or anything ever since. It turns out the co-worker, Cole is his brother.

Katie would love to do this and maybe even interview, Puppy Love, otherwise known as Hutch, for her own project of Day in the Life. Most of her subjects have been women because she is with them a full day, sleeping at their home, etc. The staff at the company all needs to do great work because the owner is miserable from her divorce and firing people left and right.

Katie goes, even though she doesn't know how to swim, and will have to pass a water test to ride in the helicopter. The Coast Guard facility is in Key west. Cole's aunt Rue puts her up. She meets Hutch and after the initial shock Cole isn't coming Hutch works nicely with her. But there are reasons Hutch agreed to the interview to make sure Cole came and reasons Cole doesn't want to come.

Aunt Rue and her friends are awesome. I really like both Katie and Hutch; they are good people. Of course, Hutch and Katie fall for each other, and the rescue Great Dane, George Bailey. Cole absolutely makes a huge mess and then Katie goes back to get George Bailey when a hurricane is coming and that doesn't go perfectly for them.

Be sure to listen to the author's note about the background on The Love Haters. Every Katherine Center book is full of inspiration, feel good, and character growth, as the characters get to know and care for each other while dealing with life.

Narration:
Patti Murin seems to narratee many of this author's books, so I have listened to her before. I appreciated the emotion she brought to the characters. None of the voices pulled me out of the story, but they were distinct and felt comfortable. I listened at my comfortably 1.75x speed.

I absolutely love Katherine Center books, the romance, the witty banter, all of it is so enjoyable and this book was no different.

This book follows Katie Vaughn. She has been burned by love in the past where her ex-fiancé cheated on her when he became famous and the the internet had no problems with talking about the way she looks. Because of this, she has issues with her body image and even at one point wasn't eating the way she should to lose weight.

Her job is currently on the line, because they new boss is on a firing spree and her coworker Cole has picked her for this amazing opportunity to prove herself and keep her job. The job is in the Florida Keys and she has to profile Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. The catch, she doesn't know how to swim and she doesn't like wearing a bathing suit. Oh and Hutch only agreed to this gig because he is expecting Cole to be the one shooting it. Why Cole? Because Cole is his brother who hasn't spoke to him for the last year.

Will Katie learn to swim in time to do this gig and keep her job? Will Hutch completely shut the job down once he learns Katie is the one doing it instead of Cole?

I really did enjoy this book. I listened to it on audio and I felt that the narrator did a wonderful job with it. While I am not a huge fan of the body shamming and one of the main plots being body image issues, in the end it worked out because the message was learning how to love yourself no matter what and not caring how others perceive you. I also loved Hutch. While he is an alpha male (I mean he is in the Coast Guard, what do you expect), but he doesn't flaunt it and he doesn't see himself in that way.

I really loved their connection together and I loved watching their relationship blossom. I also love the side characters of Hutch's aunt Rue and her friends and Hutch's rescue Great Dane, George Bailey.

My only real problem with the book was Cole so that is why this isn't a five star book for me, but otherwise I felt the book was really good and had me in my feels at times. She also had me laughing out loud at times as well. Katherine Center is an auto-read author for me and I look forward to her books every year.

Read if you like:
-Strangers - to -friends - to lovers
-Alpha male
-Fake Dating
-Only One Bed
-Key West setting
-Workplace Romance
-Witty Banter
-Forced Proximity
-Loveable Side Characters
-Imperfect by relatable FMC

Thank you @macmillan.audio, @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the #gifted copies.

I really wanted to like The Love Haters, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. The premise had potential, but the execution fell flat.

I couldn’t connect with the characters at all. They felt incredibly shallow, and the lack of chemistry between them made it hard to invest in their relationship. I kept waiting for a spark or some emotional depth to pull me in, but it never happened. Even the banter, which should have added charm or tension, ended up feeling forced.

Another major issue for me was the way the main character’s body dysmorphia was handled. It was mentioned so often and explained in such a heavy-handed, repetitive way that it started to feel disingenuous. Instead of creating empathy, it felt like it was being used more as a plot device than a nuanced part of the character’s journey. I’m all for exploring difficult topics in romance, but it has to be done with care and authenticity, and this just didn’t hit the mark for me.

Thank you #NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a chance to read this early in exchange for an honest review.

4.5⭐ (audio)
I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and I'm generally happy as long as the narrator doesn't pull me out of the story. Patti Murin does a great job narrating this, and she adds to the story instead of taking anything away.

4⭐ (story)
Great if you're looking for a light read! One of the things I love about a lot of Katherine Center's books is how well they dive into different themes and how well they explore them. I felt like that was missing a little in this one.

That said, I really did enjoy this story and getting to know Katie and Hutch. The setting and the story were fun, and the characters were believable. If you're looking for the deeper aspect, you might be disappointed with this one, but if you go into it realizing that it's a lighter read, I think you'll enjoy it!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced audio copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

With each Katherine Center I read, I find myself loving her books more and more. Katie's got many problems - her love life is abysmal, her job is on the line, and she can't swim. Her not knowing how to swim is a big problem because she has to do a career-making profile on Hutch, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. I absolutely adore Rue. She gives off fairy godmother vibes with her meddling. The paradise that she runs perfectly showcases girlhood too. Hutch is a grump but oh so dreamy. This was a great rom-com coming into beach read season. The audio was perfection, which I listened to in combination with the digital copy. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the gifted eARC and ALC. All opinions are my own.

Instagram post will be liive before or on release day.

What happens when you mix a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, a body-image journey, and a dash of slapstick humor? A love story that’s as messy as it is heartwarming. 💕🌊

Read if you like:
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Love-hating with a side of healing
✨ Small-town charm
✨ Big-hearted dogs who steal the show 🐾

Katie Vaughn needs a miracle—or at least a career-saving gig. When her boss offers her the chance to profile a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Katie jumps at the opportunity… conveniently forgetting to mention she can’t swim. 🏊‍♀️ The catch? Her subject, Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson, isn’t just a love-hater—he’s also her boss’s estranged brother. What follows is a whirlwind of swim lessons, hurricanes, and stolen kisses as Katie faces her fears, embraces her flaws, and learns to let love in. ❤️‍🔥

Katie is a relatable mess, wrestling with body-image insecurities and trying to keep her head above water (literally). Hutch is the “scientifically good-looking” brooder with a soft side buried beneath his gruff exterior. 🥵🐚 Their banter is electric, but their emotional growth is the real highlight.

Katie and Hutch’s chemistry alternates between sizzling tension 🔥 and tender vulnerability 🥺. Their romance feels authentic, filled with stolen moments and heartfelt confessions. While the humor occasionally veers into slapstick, their connection brings depth to the story.

Narrated by Patti Murin, the audiobook brings even more heart and humor to the story. Murin’s warm, expressive narration captures Katie’s quirky charm and emotional vulnerability perfectly, while giving Hutch just the right mix of gravelly resistance and hidden sweetness. Her performance elevates the already witty dialogue and adds an extra layer of personality to the colorful supporting cast—especially Aunt Rue and the gals. 🎧💬

Aunt Rue and her crew, “the gals,” are pure joy—bringing Key West’s vibrant charm to life. 🌴🍹 And let’s not forget George Bailey, the rescue Great Dane who will make you laugh and swoon. 🐶💖

Katherine Center blends humor with heartfelt moments beautifully. While the focus on body image and slapstick humor might not hit the mark for everyone, the story’s underlying theme of self-acceptance shines. 🌟 Her ability to craft characters who feel both flawed and lovable keeps the pages turning. 📖

Though not Katherine Center’s strongest book, The Love Haters offers a unique twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope by pairing a love story with a journey of self-acceptance. It’s a lighthearted read with moments of emotional depth, perfect for fans of quirky romances and heartwarming endings. 💘✨

This was a very fun, summer read! I liked the setting and the exploration of self-image within our main character. The romance felt a bit rushed to me, but was still very sweet to read!

Love love love love the audiobook! Recommend audiobook over the physical.

4.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing Group for this arc.

“Stories have a unique kind of magic. They aren’t real life, but they’re kind of the next best thing. Especially good stories.” - Katherine Center, Author’s Note

The newest Katherine Center book, The Love Haters did not disappoint. Katherine’s way of storytelling is completely unlike any other romance author I’ve read. Her books are some of those “especially good stories” that readers are able to relate to on another level.

I loved connecting with Katie as I was listening to this story develop. She goes through so many changes as the story progresses, but is so easily relatable at the same time. She goes through things that all women feel at some point in time- body insecurity, how the world sees her, and other internal struggles.

We meet and fall in love with Hutch- a US coast guard rescue swimmer- and Rue- Hutch & Cole’s aunt- and you can’t forget George Bailey- the most lovable Great Dane! Katie finds her place among the cast of characters and continues to grow & learn more about herself each day.

The banter is laugh-out-loud funny, and there’s enough substance to keep the story moving. I especially loved all the US coast guard parts, as one of my favourite movies of all time is coast guard based as well.

Do yourself a favour and don’t leave out listening to or reading Katherine’s Authors Notes at the end of her books. They are so moving and just speak to me so deeply as a reader. Being a huge romance reader, I’ve never heard anyone talk about romance, love & stories like Katherine does.

“It’s not real life but we believe it anyway and It heals us and nourishes us in ways we could never find anywhere else. […] Love stories are the best kind of therapy. They aren’t shallow, they’re deep. Start looking and you’ll see it too. Love stories make us better at love in all directions and getting better at love, of course, means getting better at life.” - Katherine Center, Author’s Note

Pros: I appreciated the author's description of Key West and Vitamin Sea with its bright clothes and accessories. I also appreciated the Coast Guard description / research. I also found the scenes with Rue and her friends by the pool to be hilarious. I loved Aunt Rue and wanted to delve deeper into her story along with her friends. I thought George Bailey, the great Dane, was hilarious in thinking he was a lap dog instead of a huge dog that could knock people over. Having recently visited Key West, I thought it was a fun place for a book to take place.

Cons: I struggled with connecting with the main characters of this book. I wanted to like this book so much since I'm a Katherine Center fan, but I don't think I'd recommend this to my friends to read.

This book was a really good non-explicit romance. I enjoyed the blossoming love of Hutch and Katie, the brotherly love of Cole and Hutch, and the enemies-to-lovers trope of Katie and her body image. This was really well-written, and the conflicts that arose were NOT expected. Katherine did a wonderful job, as usual, writing this book. I also appreciated the fact that she wrote this romance without any open door scenes, as it proves that it can be done! Will definitely recommend this one to others.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audiobooks, and You Had Me At HEA for the eArc and Alc!

The details:

Katie Vaughn is given an opportunity to save her job as a video producer while her boss has been firing people left and right. What better way to do it than get to video the viral sensation “puppy love” who is a US Coast Guard rescue swimmer who saved Jennifer Aniston’s dog. This gig could make or break Katie’s career. Will Katie be able to keep her job? Or will Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson get her fired before it even starts when the video producer he wanted isn’t the one that shows up?


This was my first Katherine Center so I wasn’t sure what to expect. While I enjoyed the book overall, I think the audiobook made it more enjoyable for me. Katie had a lot of growth in the book (TW for body image in case that is a hard topic for you) and I think it was easier overall to complete with the performance of the audio by Patti Murin, who I think did a great job.

Audiobook review: Patti did a great job with differentiating voices between characters, but I had a hard time sometimes figuring out when Katie was talking in her head or talking out loud. Overall her performance added to my enjoyment of the book.

I want to read more from Katherine to see how this one compares to her others. Overall it was a fun read but felt more on the cheesy side of romance books (which is not necessarily bad, but might not be for everyone).

Spice: only kisses

3.5⭐️ no spice
this was a fun bingeable read, definitely a rom com and less of a contemporary than she usually writes. This wasn’t my favorite from KC but this was a silly fun time and I enjoyed it! It is unrealistic, funny, and great for escapism. If you’re looking for a easy bingeable beach read, this is it!
Also was nice to read a military romance and already be familiar with all of the acronyms and training drills i’m already used to hearing as a Navy wife.
The Romcommers is my favorite KC novel though I have that one 5 stars!

Really enjoyed the narrorator on this one too

thank you Netgalley for the ARC

Thank you, Netgalley, for this audiobook arc 😍

Katherine Center is one of my favs. This romcom starts out with a lot of body image insecurities. It felt like it was dragging on a little bit, but once the history was firmly established, the story picks back up.
The plot is based on love with one's self, one's family, and one's chosen family. The foreshadowing is on point. Everything ties together neatly in a bow with an added chapter read by the author explaining how love stories are not trivial, they're profound. 4.5 stars 😍

This was the first Katherine Center book I've listened to/read that lost me for a bit.
What I loved:
The storyline of Body Positivity.
Hutch
The friendship with Beanie
The older, wise ladies
George Bailey
How Katie wasn't stuck on a loser ex.
Family reconciliation

What I didn't care for:
What seemed like unnecessary Deception. - Hutch was emotionally mature enough to handle the truth. It just seemed over complicated.
Too slow of a burn for me.
Cole

All in all, even though I got a little disinterested in the middle, the ending was strong and Katherine Center will still be an auto-read author for me.

Thank you Net Galley, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and Katherine Center for an ARC of this story.

This story is a fun, heartfelt rom-com set in Key West, following video producer Katie Vaughn as she pretends to date a Coast Guard hero—while hiding the fact that she can’t swim. With witty dialogue, emotional depth, and a lovable cast (including a giant dog), the story explores self-acceptance and personal growth. Though a bit predictable at times, it’s a charming, feel-good read with Katherine Center’s signature warmth.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this advanced audio version in exchange for my honest opinions!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook copy of The Love Haters! I was lucky enough to get an e-book copy as well, and I did the majority of my read through audio. I will say that I do think that Patti Murin's narration made the story what it was - I love Katherine's writing, by Patti takes it to another level and she's the reason that the audi0book is 5/5 and not 4/5 like the e-book.

While it wasn't my favorite story of Katherine's, I did enjoy the story for the most part. It die drag on a bit compared to her other books, hence, the rating. But I loved the dynamic between Katie and Hutch, and Katherine's humor is always very good in her books! And like usually I did cry at the end so I'm 3 for 3 with crying over Katherine Center's books. Patti does such a phenomenal job with Katherine's stories, and I truly they continue to work together in the future because I truly have a great listening experience every time when they team up.

5 Stars!

This is now my favorite Katherine Center book. This story made me laugh out loud, tear up several times and had me literally holding my breath. I could relate to the body image issues that were a big part of this book. These characters had my heart from the first chapter, especially the Great Dane named George Bailey. I promise you will fall in love with them too. The setting is in the Key West making this a great summer read. I can't wait to see Katherine when she comes to St. Louis on her book tour for this book.

I received an ARC and a ALC so I was able to read with my eyeballs and my ears. The audiobook was so well done and really gives you the full experience especially in the funny and tense moments. Absolutely great narrators.

Thank you to Macmillian Audio, St. Martins Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

3.5!
I had such a fun time reading this one! I related to Katie and her insecurities and enjoyed listening to her ramble and inner monologue! I do wish there were more scenes that showcased the building connection between the two main characters but nonetheless i still really enjoyed! It was more telling than showing but I still enjoyed despite the fact and loved the characters and setting so much! it really stood out to me besides the romance! I loved Rue so much hehe! It was a fun read and highly recommend it for summer because it is light hearted while also having hard topics discussed! i was swooning despite the lack of relationship building which says a lot! The author always has a way to hit home emotionally while also having a romance plot so i recommend it!

The audiobook was so good and I ended up finishing the book within a couple hours! I was intrigued by the story and couldn't put it down! Sometimes narration can make or break my need to finish a book, and this one was perfect!


Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc in exchange for an honest review!