I love a good Katherine Center romance! This one touched heavily on body positivity which was really nice to see and a good reminder that the relationship we have with ourselves is just as important as any romantic relationship.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh how good it feels to jump into a Katherine Centre story, some of my favourite rom/coms she has penned. The Love Haters releases in less than a month, I highly recommend it.

Told from Katie Vaughn's point of view she takes on a job she is nowhere near qualified for, She is not only trying to help a coworker out but also possibly saving her own job. She gets way more than she bargained for.

As I’ve come to expect with this author, this wasn't just a rom/com, she also deals with relevant subject matter. For Katie, it is dealing with her inner demons in terms of body image, love ability and being too hard on herself. With a wonderful cast of characters I was thoroughly entertained with a story that was heartfelt. It made me laugh, smile and feel for all the characters, even George.

I was lucky enough to get both the e-book and audiobook for review purposes and I listened and read both. Center’s books are a perfect fit for audio since they are usually from the point of view of the main character, it's like she’s telling her story. The reader did an awesome job bringing Katie's story to life with heart and emotion. The e-book worked great for curling up on the couch to read and unwind. I will be adding the print copy to my shelf to go with her other books.

The Love Haters is a story of friendship, loss, self love and stepping out of your comfort zone. There is a Great Dane named George Bailey, who one can’t help but love along with Lucky his new little friend.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for advanced copies in exchange for a honest review.

This is a quick, easy read with some fun bright spots along with some deeper insights as well.

What I loved:
George Bailey! Who doesn't love a cute book doggo??
The tropical setting of Key West. Bring on the summer books!
The personal growth the characters embark on. I felt this was handled very well and allowed the characters to push through adversity and come out stronger, knowing themselves and loving themselves a bit more. A teeny downside of this is that I feel that it took away from the romance love story, being more about a self-love story. Both have their place and are important, but in a romcom, I think the romance should be the main love story. Which leads me into...

What missed the mark (for me):
The chemistry! I didn't feel the rom in this rom com. I so badly wanted to love these characters together. But it lacks chemistry and passion.
The choices of a few characters - I don't want to spoil anything but Katie! Girl! Enough of the "it's only until Friday, then I can tell the truth". And Cole. Seriously!? The lies this man believed and told and just his whole persona was so silly and ridiculous!

Overall, not book of the year, but still an enjoyable read!

I always know what I’m getting with a Katherine Center book in the best way. Quirky scenarios that make me laugh out loud, sandwiched between deeply profound moments that stick with me long after I’ve finished reading. I’ve had moments in her books that unpacked emotions it took me years to untangle in therapy (no joke lol). It’s always fun when you’ve read enough of an author’s work to really understand their voice, it makes the experience feel so enjoyable and familiar. After falling in love with The Rom Commers last year, I was so excited to get my hands on an ARC of The Love Haters, and it did not disappoint.

As a native Floridian whose favorite city is Key West, I adored following Katie and Hutch’s story. The last third of the book was so tense for me—as someone who’s experienced what Katie goes through her entire life, I was blown away by how beautifully and accurately she captured the anxiety, stress, and helplessness of it all.

Also? I want to be Rue when I grow up. Give me the bold prints, the ride-or-die friendships, and the poolside giggles until I’m old and grey.

The Love Haters is out on May 20th! Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC!

In an effort to save her job, Katie Vaughn agrees to go to Florida to create a video promo on Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. The catch in all of this? Katie isn’t qualified for this job, one that involves swimming - which is something she isn’t able to do. Katie finds herself doing everything she can to save her job, even if that means swimming lessons, while she’s also battling her own demons and scars from her most recent breakup, which was super public.

I really wanted to love this book, as I have been a fan of Katherine’s books for quite some time! Unfortunately, this one just fell flat for me…It started off strong and brought some complexities into the storyline, with also some witty one liners - which I appreciated, but as the book progressed, there seemed to be almost “too much” happening. I did enjoy the funny quips from the characters and the hilarious moments with George Bailey, the Great Dane - so I don’t want to discount it too much because there were parts I did enjoy! However, it’s just not the one for me - but I do look forward to reading more Katherine Center books in the future!

Love Haters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
By Katherine Center

🖊️ Publication date: May 20, 2025

“I just suddenly understood, in a whole new, sun-breaking-through-the-clouds way, that even if we do eternally need, and long, and want to be seen, maybe the most important eyes doing the looking are our own.”

🌴 Genre: Romance
🌴 Steamy rating: Mild
🌴 Profanity: Mild

Love Haters is a charming rom-com that follows Katie, a heartbroken videographer who gets roped into a new assignment by her coworker, documenting said coworker’s brother, Hutch, who’s serving in the U.S. Coast Guard down in the sunny Florida Keys. When Katie arrives, she’s greeted by a warm and quirky retiree and a very unenthusiastic Hutch. Cue the family drama, sparks flying, and all the grumpy-sunshine vibes you could want. I absolutely loved Katie and Hutch’s chemistry, and the Coast Guard angle added a fresh, fun twist to this romance. Am I now crushing on Coast Guard guys? Absolutely!

Thank you @macmillan.audio and @katherinecenter for this gifted copy of this audiobook. I loved it.

Triggers: Infidelity, death of loved ones, hurricanes, body dysmorphia and online bullying

I read the ARC for The Love Haters first and then listened to this audiobook. It was a rough start and took some time getting into, as I wasn't a huge fan of the story the first time around, although I adore the Katherine Center and Patti Murin combo.

I do feel like the audiobook enhanced the overall experience of The Love Haters. Katie came alive in her quirky self, and Hutch was more charming. I could understand their chemistry more, but still would have preferred that to be at the forefront of the book, instead of all the different storylines competing. I was definitely still more immersed than I was with the ebook.

Overall, I did enjoy the story more as an audiobook and would bump up its rating a point because of this.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. All views and opinions are my own.

I’ve said it before, and I will continue to say it. Katherine Center’s books are a balm for the soul. You will walk away lighter and inspired after reading one of her books. It should come as no surprise that this was a five star read for me.

Katie is offered an opportunity that may just save her job. However, it requires her to swim, and guess what? Katie can’t swim. But she is very resourceful. It turns out that this job will change her life.

Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson is a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. He is also the subject of the job opportunity that Katie has been given. She is going to create a video to promote what Hutch and his co workers do. Hutch’s brother Cole is the one who arranged this opportunity.

Tim and Katie have a lot to work through in this book. From outside meddling to battling their own personal demons.

And like always, the ending is the best part of the book with Katherine Center. She leaves you with so much hope.

I absolutely adored Katie. I can relate to her body issues on a very high level. I appreciated her honesty and candor. I truly enjoyed her journey in this story.

I adored the other characters in this story too. Rue, Beanie, and Rue’s Girls were fantastic. I had a lot of mixed feelings about Cole. That was to be expected - he made a lot of decisions that affected the people around him.

Katherine Center writes real characters with very relatable real-world problems. They are always unforgettable. And every story is different. This one is no different.

This was the first story by this author that I listened to on audiobook. It was wonderful! Patti Murin does a wonderful job with this story. She is Katie. This was a fantastic listen.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to this one! This is one of my most-anticipated reads of the year. This one didn’t disappoint. If you are a Katherine Center fan, you understand. If you are new to this author, this is a great place to start. But be forewarned, you will want to read every one of her books. The result - absolute joy.

I had the ALC and ARC for The Love Haters by Katherine Center and I really had a good time with this book. Our FMC, Katie, has not dated in a year, and is still recovering from the trauma of her all to public break-up with her famous ex-fiance. On top of that, she is in danger of losing her job due to lay-offs at her video production job. She is convinced by her colleague, Cole to take an assignment to profile Tom 'Hutch' Hutchinson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Katie omits telling Cole that she can't swim and takes the assignment and heads to Key West.

Cole has booked Katie into a cabin owned by his Aunt Rue, and Aunt Rue is a sweetheart who basically adopts Katie and is constantly giving her brightly colored clothes and swimsuits. Katie tries to be invisible - when she was engaged to her ex they attended an awards show together and Katie was savaged by the internet trolls for being fat, old and ugly. She is none of those things but when hundreds of thousands of people are dumping on you, it is easier to believe them. Needless to say, Katie has body image issues. So brightly colored clothes and swimsuits are things she has avoided. Just like she avoids scales and mirrors. Aunt Rue arranges swim lessons for Katie and, of course, the swim instructor is Hutch. Things go awry when Hutch's adorable rescue Great Dane, George Bailey, tries to jump into Katie's arms. It must be said that George Bailey is a fantastic character. He seems to know that Katie and Hutch are made for each other before either of them knows the other's name.
George Bailey is not the only matchmaker in Key West. Aunt Rue and the gals - women retirees who like their cocktails, swimming and meddling - and not necessarily in that order.

I loved the love story. It made me happy. And, actually made me laugh out loud.

The book's narration was completely on point. Patti Murin does a stellar job as narrator from the perky voice as Katie, to the husky Hutch, and Aunt Rue, too. What a fun time!

I need to thank Net Galley, MacMillan Audio and St. Martins Press for the advance copies. This book releases May 20th.

The following is my review for the digital copy I received an arc of. I enjoyed it so much I was delighted to be given the audio version . The narration did the story justice!

Katherine Center has a way of creating stories that feel like magic, and this book is no exception. Katie, the main character, is stuck in a job as a documentary videographer, paying the bills but far from following her true passion of showing life behind the scenes. When her boss promises her job security if she takes on a special project, Katie tells a little white lie and ends up leaving her life in Texas—including some painful social media embarrassment—to head to Key West.

From the moment Katie arrives, she feels completely out of place. Her all-black wardrobe stands out in the world of bright colors, sunshine, and her quirky, stylish landlord who insists on giving her a makeover. As Katie adjusts, she’s surrounded by a cast of lovable characters: a handsome and serious hero, a clumsy but lovable Great Dane, an uplifting cousin, and a group of supportive, matching making new friends “The Gals” who become her cheerleaders.

Through their help, Katie starts to break down her walls of self-doubt and discovers confidence in herself—her work, her body, her friendships, and even her love life. It’s an inspiring story about finding yourself, embracing change, and letting the unexpected lead you to happiness.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves stories about second chances, personal growth, and a touch of romance. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to read in one sitting, and as always, I’m already waiting for Katherine Center’s next masterpiece! Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for this free advanced audio copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily

I really enjoyed this one! I liked the characters and Hutch the most, obviously. The ending was so good and had me on the edge of my seat. The conflict was silly but it was resolved well! Took a star off because there was just too much body dysmorphia for me.

I listened to this on audio and the narrator was fantastic! Her voice was enjoyable and I think I listened to it in a day! It’s really great!

As usual, Katherine Center hits it out of the park! This is a cute and fun romantic comedy. Katie and Hutch are extremely dynamic characters. And there are so many minor characters that shine in this story as well. I loved it!

I listened to this as an audio book and loved it! Now, to be fair, I LOVE Key West, so the story gets bonus points before it even begins for taking place there. I'm struggling to figure out what to include in the review that won't be a spoiler, because there are some good twists and turns along the way. The story has romance, work drama, swimming lessons, a goofy Great Dane, a fabulous, caftan-wearing older woman, & more. There we go. That should be enough to convince you to read it.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audio book!

Katie is a video producer whose job is in jeopardy. Her coworker, Cole, offers her a job to profile “Hutch”, his brother, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer who resides in Key West. In fear of losing her job, Katie accepts. There’s just one catch... she can’t swim. Once Katie arrives, she is swept up into Hutch’s crazy family dynamic, which includes his gigantic Great Dane, who loves to jump up on her at the most inconvenient times.

I actually can’t decide which Katherine Center book is my favorite. The characters are so relatable, and you can actually FEEL the ups and downs of the emotions of the characters. I think my fav scene was the mishap with the swimsuit during training. Truly one of my worst fears when swimming or going in the ocean *insert laugh cry emoji*

If rom-coms are up your alley, adding this book to your TBR is a no-brainer! I can’t wait for the next Katherine Center rom-com!

Thank you, NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, and Katherine Center for this ALC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I am a Katherine Center stan. I really enjoyed the story line of this book. I felt as if I was learning in real time with Katie. Hutch was a great MMC and Cole was truly unsufferable as he was supposed to be. Truly my only complaint is that there wasn't enough of the romance. I wanted to see the relationship between Katie and Hutch develop more! I felt like we got more of the relationship between Katie and George Bailey then them. The body image representation was SPOT ON. I truly appreciate how Katherine Center always nails the insecurities of her characters.
3/5 stars!

Loved this narrator. She was so fun to listen to. I
Enjoyed the plot. But did not love the whole brother lying stuff.

Rating: 4..0
Review:

Delightful is the first word that pops into my head when thinking about the characters Katie and Hutch in The Love Haters. If you have previously read from Katherine Center you know exactly what to expect and it delivers. Her writing paired with narrator Patti Murin performance makes sometime serious topics light and breezy. As Katie starts to love herself. Her cousin is such a champion for her in a real way.

I will say it's may be best to spread out reading of her titles as I recently read the Romcommers as the characters read pretty similar to me.

Thank you to Net Galley and MacMillan Audio for a free listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb:

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 pretends that she can.

Plus, Cole and Hutch are brothers. 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 maybe 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.

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.

In her next release, Katherine Center gives us a fun, hilarious summer read that has a meaningful underlying message about loving yourself and continuing to grow.

Katie Vaughn is a video producer at a company that is undergoing serious layoffs. Her coworker presents her with an opportunity: wait around to be the next person laid off or go to Key West to make a video profile about a Coast Guard rescuer, Tom "Hutch" Hutcherson. Hutch is her coworker's brother, and he's not exactly thrilled Katie is here instead of his brother. On top of that, Katie isn't qualified to be here - she can't swim, but she doesn't admit that until she's there, which immediately puts her and Hutch at odds. But Katie's time in paradise might be exactly what she needs to not only help her with her job, but give her a chance to deal with her past and overcome her fears.

I really enjoyed this book! I think it was a perfect summer read - Florida, swimming lessons, an adorable giant dog, two love-opposed people fighting their feelings - what could be better? This title also has underlying themes of struggling with grief and body image (content warning here). I thought Katherine did a good job with these heavier themes and balanced them with lighter moments that are very true to her style.

Overall, I think this was a fast and easy read that is perfect for summer!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan for this advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

More like a 3.5 rounded down. It's should have been a 4, but I just can't do it.

The first 70% of this book was the sort of delightful romcom that I have come to expect from a Katherine Center story. The last 20% was an exciting and fairly believable wrap up.

But then there is that 10% which is some of the worst, most utterly infuriating, nonsensical writing I've ever read from Ms. Center. The third act break up is utter crap in this book. It makes zero sense and there is no purpose to it. Almost the entire section could have been left out without it really affecting the outcome of the story at all. And in the end, a terribly loathsome character gets a pass for TRYING TO SELL HIS SUPPOSED GIRLFRIEND TO A ROOM FULL OF STRANGERS because of "childhood trauma". Sure it was "just a kiss" but the book skims over the character's misogyny to focus on his lies as if those are the only problem with his messed up personality. There are multiple scenes within that 10% of story where the female lead should have punched him, where he DESERVED to be hit, and it never came for extremely convoluted, nonsensical reasons.

I wanted to love this book, and parts of it were truly great, but that 10% puts this at the bottom of the Katherine Center barrel for me. It didn't make sense and it didn't belong in this story, and ultimately, it was that much more frustrating because I know the author is better than this.

I love Katherine and her writing. But unfortunately this one fell super flat to me. My main issue was the amount of times her insecurities were brought up. Now don’t get me wrong I love books about body image and body positivity. But i feel like that topic was so heavy in this story it didn’t really seem to fit and overshadowed the whole story between Janie and Hutch. I wish Jamie loved herself a little more and wasn’t so hard on her image. But Her feelings are exact feelings I feel and so relatable but her execution of the topic fell flat. But she loved hard and she was able to overcome so many fears and obstacles and for that I admire!