What a wonderful love story: romantic, sibling, and self-love. All of Katherine Center's books toe the line between women's fiction and romance, and I found it quite sad and poignant that a lot of the conflict in Katie's journey comes from body issues and dealing with self esteem. It's so common, and I think Katherine tackled it beautifully

5 ⭐ Katherine, girl, I KNOW it's not your fault that this banger of a book has such a bad cover!!! I will forever love the way that Katherine Center writes her characters. They're so funny and it feels like they barely even have to try. I loved the setting, I loved the gals, and I loved the fucking dog. The SECOND George Bailey was in peril, I was preparing to either add this to my 5 stars of the year, or write Katherine Center's publisher a formal cease and desist letter. No in between.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center is the type of book you would expect from a Katherine Center novel and so much more. It makes you laugh out loud and kicks you right in the feels You become so connected with the characters and root for them until the very end.

The story follows Katie, a documentary reporter, that gets assigned to follow Hutch, a US Costal Guard, and document his job and it's challenges. She is given this assignment from Hutch's brother.

There are three problems that Katie faces with this job. Her job is on the line, she doesn't know how to swim, and she doesn't like how she looks in a swimsuit or just generally.

I think the way Katie begins to find love in herself and others reminds the reader that sometimes you have to look beyond your harshest critics and find the beauty in yourself.

being a corporate girl in dallas this made me lol
fmc is quirky and a little of a doormat but loved the relationship between katie & beanie!

read if you like film/media, military romance, self love
TW: mentions ED

Katie, Cole, Hutch, Aunt Rue and a dog named George Bailey will have you laughing, getting angry and falling in love. What a fun story. Another hit by Katherine Center. The narration was done well too.

Thank you #NetGalley, #MacmillianAudio, #KatherineCenter, #PattiMurin and #TheLoveHatersANovel for the arc for my honest review.

Katherine Center has once again delivered a delightful listening experience with her upcoming novel, The Love Haters, narrated by the talented Patti Murin. As a long-time fan of Center's work, I was eager to dive into this audiobook, and it did not disappoint.

Murin's narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. Her voice is familiar to those who have enjoyed Center's previous novels, and she brings a warmth and charm to the characters that enhances the storytelling.

In The Love Haters, Center explores the romance between two unlikely characters, Katie and Hutch. However, what sets this novel apart is its deeper focus on Katie's journey of self-love and acceptance. While the chemistry and banter between Katie and Hutch are delightful, the narrative emphasizes Katie's personal growth, making it a more profound exploration of love—both for oneself and for others.

The witty dialogue and playful interactions between characters are classic Center, and I found myself laughing and smiling throughout the story. The balance of humor and heartfelt moments creates a captivating atmosphere that keeps listeners engaged.

Overall, The Love Haters is a charming and uplifting audiobook that showcases Katherine Center's signature style while delving into important themes of self-discovery and love. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her work, this audiobook is a must-listen. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and can't wait to see what Center has in store for us next!

story review: i have mixed feelings on this one. i wanted to love this one but that wasn’t the case sadly. i wish we got dual pov, i think it would have helped me enjoy this more. i did enjoy the summer feeling setting. i would still recommend giving it a go!

audio review: i enjoyed the narration and honestly preferred that to reading the e-arc personally.

Rating: 5/5 Stars
Pub Date: 5/20
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Okay, Katherine Center…. Just go ahead and have my heart being out of my chest in a panic while I’m reading a love story. I see you, but seriously… I almost had a heart attack.
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The Love Haters was such a different type of romance / chick lit. I don’t know how to describe it but it just felt different. There was instalove and that was great (seriously though I love Hutch), but there was so much to learning to love YOURSELF, which lets be honest, I think most of us could use a lesson in that. The tension created by lies was superb and that suspenseful part had me panting like George Bailey (IYKYK).
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The characters are great, their stories are heartbreaking and heartwarming. I loved the resolution to every problem and how everything turned out in the end. This is one of those books that taught me a lesson about loving myself (even though I wasn’t expecting it) and its one that will stick with me for a while.
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I listened to this via audio while following along on my eARC. Patti Murin was fantastic. I love her as Katie and I think that she did a fantastic job. If you are picking this one up - definitely check out the audio!
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Huge thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center, MacMillan Audio and St. Martins Press for the ALC and eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center is so much more than just a romance. It’s a heartfelt, empowering journey about self-love, self-worth, and learning to embrace every part of who you are. I absolutely loved this book for the way it blended a compelling love story with honest reflections on mental health, social media, and body image. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, not just because of the romantic plot, but because it reminds you to treat yourself with compassion and care.

The audiobook production was top-notch. The narrator delivered an authentic and emotionally resonant reading that truly brought the story to life. Her voice felt like the perfect match for the tone and message of the book, and I’m already adding more of her narrations to my list.

If you’re looking for a love story with real depth that celebrates both connection and the power of loving yourself, The Love Haters is a must-listen.

3 stars

After reading a lot of Center's books, I have a pretty solid set of incoming expectations when it comes to her leads and the relationships they'll get into over the course of the novel. This is not a bad read, but it's not on the level with some of Center's previous romances.

In an effort to save her job, Katie takes a wild opportunity that lands her in the presence of a potentially dreamy dude. The strange thing is that while these two say - and others notice this - that they're into each other, that felt less obvious to me based on, well, limited character and relationship development. While I could have forgiven that and gone along with a fluffier exploration, it drove me bonkers that Katie was so focused on trying to breakup with herself. This character has some real challenges with her perception of her own body, and while that is likely relatable for many, it's also pretty tough to read (and I say that as a person who doesn't really have that lived experience). The relationship I know most about upon concluding the book is the one between Katie and her body. It's also more interesting than whatever is going on with Hutch. That's not really why I came here, though.

Fans of romance - particularly those who are more tolerant of a less developed relationship may enjoy this one. I am looking forward to Center's next effort.

3.5 ✨️ and likely an unpopular opinion, but I was not a fan of the middle/semi end of this book. Starting the book off, I wanted to see how Katie learned to love herself and maybe, in turn, fall in love with Hutch. But I have a few issues

A) we have another FMC not loving swimming, then she does and THEN a semi background character has a condition that may be terminal- reminded me a lot of the rom commers

B) Katie was okay LYING to Hutch about his brother and thats why she couldn't be with him. Keep in mind she was cheated on previously, I wish she would have had some gumption to state her mind asap.

Patti Murin saved the book for me as I'll listen to anything she audios. This just wasn't the book for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars (Excellent)
Setting: Key West, Florida
Genre: Rom-Com

I loved every Katherine Center I have read, and here’s another to end to the list of great reads! The Love Haters is everything I crave in a rom-com—hilarious, heartfelt, and swoon-worthy in the best possible way. It’s the kind of story that wraps you up in sunshine, makes you laugh out loud, and leaves your heart aching in the most delicious way.

Katie Vaughn is stuck at a career crossroads, and her last-ditch chance at success comes with one major problem—she has to fake being a competent swimmer while shadowing Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson. Oh, and did I mention that Hutch is the grumpiest, most gorgeous man alive? And that he’s also the estranged brother of Katie’s coworker? The tension is electric, the banter is top-tier, and the slow-burn romance is utterly irresistible.

But The Love Haters isn’t just about romance (though trust me, there are stolen kisses that will have you swooning). It’s also about courage—about stepping into the unknown, facing fears, and learning to trust yourself. Katherine Center has a gift for writing stories that feel like a warm hug, and this book is no exception. Between the stunning Key West setting, the laugh-out-loud antics, and the deep emotional beats, this one is pure rom-com perfection.

If you love your love stories with a side of adventure, humor, and a hero who will make your heart race, The Love Haters is a must-read. I adored every second of it! #netgalley #thelovehaters #booked_this_weekend

This is one of those cases where I think I went into this book with WAY high expectations. I liked it and found that it was engaging, it had its cute banter moments, Aunt Rue and the girls are everything and Key West is the perfect setting. And don't even get me started on George Bailey...
However, I had big issues with Katie's personality. And although it's a romance, my favorite part was when Katie finally learned to accept and love herself. The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life and setting the tone for the story. Overall, not was good, but not my favorite Center book.

absolutely loved this book!!!! deals with some heavy topics like body image issues and navigating grief but otherwise i feel like the author hit the nail on the head!

5 BIG FAT STARS!!
WHAT A GREAT BOOK!
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this wonderful book with me!
Lots of laughs and very happy tears at the end.
I'm heading to my Facebook page right now to recommend to all!
P.S. the narration was awesome!

Thank you NetGalley, Katherine Center, and Macmillan Audio for letting me review this audiobook in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This was my first time reading one of Katherine Center’s books and I was not disappointed. This was so beautifully written and gave me all the warm fuzzies. It’s a great read about facing your fears and loving yourself. Be sure to listen to the author’s note at the end.

I absolutely loved this book!! I’m giving it a solid 4.5 star rating. It was definitely one of my favorite Katherine Center books.

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

My favorite Quote:
“The past can’t hurt you now the way it did then” - The Love Haters by Katherine Center

This book is a romance for two people who’ve never been truly appreciated for who they really are. Both are desperate to be truly loved, and both have given up on the possibility.

I loved this trope. I don’t even know if it has a name yet. Maybe It’s Not Right, Until It’s Right or Not Seeking, But Always Hoping or Are You My Person? Whatever it’s name is or will be - I loved it!

In this book a videographer works on
a campaign to help the U.S, Coast Guard get more recruits, especially rescue swimmers.

You know those death-defying heroes that jump out of helicopters into the ocean and save someone from a shipwreck? That’s what our main guy does. Yea, he’s that cool.

I knew I’d love the book, because Katherine Center is a genius, but I didn’t realize just how much I love it.

Safe to read spoiler: There’s a great dane that’s impossible not to fall in love with.

I hope to see more of this genre in the future. Jilted People Deserve a Chance (another possible name).

Highly, highly, highly recommend!

Katie is on the verge of losing her job when a colleague throws her a lifeline—spend a few weeks in the Florida Keys making a Coast Guard recruitment film.

As someone with deep ties to the military community who feels the Coast Guard is often overlooked, I really wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, of the four Katherine Center novels I’ve read, this was my least favorite.

Let’s start with Katie. I struggled to see why any of the characters liked her. She comes across as self-absorbed—her cousin Beanie, who is supposed to be like a sister, essentially acts as her on-call unpaid therapist. Hutch claims he fell for her during their first conversation, even though she spent the whole time trying to disappear. Rue insists Katie reminds her of her younger self, but there’s no real explanation as to why. Cole, who barely knows her, goes out of his way to save her job, but his real motivation is never made clear. And then there’s Katie’s willingness to go along with Cole’s lies, which made her feel even more selfish and unlikable.

Hutch, the romantic lead, isn’t much better. He’s one step above a generic “fit, handsome, military guy,” which is disappointing given that Katherine Center’s previous characters have been far more nuanced.

The highlights of this book? Rue and “the Gals.” I’d read an entire novel about them! And the climax—the hurricane and subsequent Coast Guard rescue—was genuinely suspenseful for a romcom. But even the big romantic reunion after all the life-or-death moments felt a little flat.

Overall, this one was a miss for me. Here’s hoping Katherine Center’s next book leans more toward *The Rom-Comers* and less toward this.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for making an advance copy available in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book by Katherine Center!! Her books are always so cute & fun! Great read! Thank you NetGalley for allowing me access to read it early!