I'm a fan of Katherine Center, and this book was another fun ride, but unfortunately, from time to time, I did feel that there were too many subtopics to tackle and that nearer to the end some ideas for the characters felt a bit forced/ contrived. However, it is still a solid romance, and a light beach read. I must state I read the ebook and audiobook in tandem. I got invested in most of the main and supporting characters and I loved the dog George Bailey. The love story was still entertaining and the rescue job aspect was well done. The narrator of the audiobook did a great job with the voices and for me, it helped move the story along through some of the heavier subtopics. Overall, a quick and easy read.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ALC. This is my honest review.

Narrated by Patti Murin, and due out May 20

If you go into this one looking for romance, you're gonna be disappointed, BUT...

Katie was once deeply in love with a fiancee who left her after becoming famous. After being shamed by his fans for her appearance, she withdraws and embraces a future of all black clothing in the hopes of never again standing out.

In an effort to save her job, Katie takes an assignment interviewing Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson. There's a decent amount of awkwardness here, because Katie has told a few lies to get this opportunity. (Yes, she's taken a position requiring that she swim knowing that she can't swim, and also that she's not comfortable being seen in swimwear).

Thankfully, she finds a tribe of older ladies, led by fairy godmother Rue. And this is the true heart of this story. The relationships here, formed in the most heartbreaking of times, are the best parts, full of love and solidified as chosen family. Katie is welcomed and evolves as she finds herself to be worthy of the attention and affection she finds.

Though some of the growing pains were pretty cringey in this one, and some parts downright silly, I liked Katie's learning to accept herself.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an audiobook ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

Katherine Center’s unapologetic love for writing romance makes me love reading her books. I’m comforted in knowing there’s always some swoon and warm fuzzies along the way to love. This book delivers as Katie sets out to interview Coast Guard rescue swimmer Hutch and save her job. Hutch is such a dreamy lead- he ticks all the boxes. Katie also struggles with self image and body positivity throughout the book which I can certainly relate to, so this felt more real than annoying to me. The final complication/scene in the book feels both extremely unrealistic and also a bit frustrating that Katie got herself into the situation, but I forgive a lot in the name of a happy ending courtesy of Katherine Center. As usual, Patti Murin provides excellent audiobook narration. I listened to an ARC from NetGalley and also had access to a digital copy. I did read several luke warm reviews of this book and understand some of the critiques, but while this book may have its imperfections, it’s a net win.

I love all of Katherine's books but this book mossed the mark for me. The characters seemed very childish and the heavy topics seemed to be brushed over. I was just left wanting more from this. It almost seemed like a different author.

I didn't enjoy the narration for this story. It fell a bit flat and didn't really hype up the story. Overall I would recommend physically reading this one.

First things first, this book definitely needs a trigger warning for the eating disorder content, in depth analysis of calorie counting and self image issues in regard to weight and overall body dysmorphia disorder. As someone who kind of doesn’t like my body sometimes, even I struggled to get through the first half of this one. I have always enjoyed when an author speaks about difficult things and shows the struggles and trauma of such topics as well as the challenges of living with and working on such things, but I felt like this could have been done better.

By favorite quote of the book was Beanie saying “This feels melodramatic.”, Yes Beanie, it does.. and I find it hard to believe that Beanie (sp?) didn’t see that Katie was struggling with these issues enough to suggest therapy. I mean it was all Katie thought about, like literally the only thing, I felt like I listened to a five minute long diatribe about worrying what her thighs would look like in a bathing suit. Which I mean, OK I get it but when it’s the third or fourth diatribe about how your body looks within, I don’t know 10 or so chapters I think some of that bleeds out into your personal relationships to where your friends and families can see that there’s an issue But maybe I’m just an over sharer and I don’t keep things to myself and other people do who knows.

For the title being the love haters, I didn’t feel like either of the main characters really hated love. They were both felt written as very open to love ways, In my opinion. I think it was just that neither of them were looking for love, rather than that they hated it.

Overall I didn’t really connect with this one, I wanted to know more about Rue and Cole than I wanted to know about Katie and Hutch. Also the dog and the frogs!

Solid 3 star mostly based on the fact that the writing wasn’t bad, the plot felt pretty fresh, the side characters were great and I liked a newish vibe with the coast guard, also I did enjoy the audiobook narrator Patti Murin. But for me the FMC just wasn’t it, I would have preferred a dual pov and the FMCs inner thoughts were a little too obsessive for me..

Please I beg of you put in a trigger warning!

Katie is facing job loss, but her boss gets her a job videoing his brother who is a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. While out of town on this adventure, there’s lots of laughs and giggles throughout. After she accepts the job, she fails to mention that she doesn’t know how to swim herself.

Then she learns about the brother’s past, and a little history while she’s in Key West with Hutch. As the story continues to unfold, there’s lots of humor which I really enjoyed. The romance is light and nothing outlandish, but overall I loved the story line and fell for all the characters, as they all had their own quirks and personalities.

Great read and highly recommend!

The Love Haters
By Kathrine Center
Narrated by Patti Murin
4.5 ⭐️

I was the definition of a captive audience for this story. Center puts humanity into her characters that I tend to instantly connect with. Add Murin’s ability to pour life into the characters through her narration, and I’m sucked in.

Katie’s body image issues made me uncomfortable. I think it’s because it’s difficult to not have at least some negative feelings re: body image in the world we live in. I think a good book making you uncomfortable is sometimes why we read. I don’t have a self image that in any way resembles Katie’s; and yet, I found myself pondering my own thoughts about body image and holding space for that. I really loved how this part of the story was wrapped up and found myself kind of liking having to think through some self help ideas along the way.

I really enjoyed this read. With the TW of body image issues, I’d highly recommend this.

Thank you NetGalley, Kathrine Center, Macmillan audio, and St. Martin’s press for an audiobook ARC and eARC copies of this story.

Just two MCs who realize they are love haters and enjoy spending time together. Katherine Center just knows how to write romcoms that will transport you into her world. Never let me leave I love it here.

Katherine Center is so good at creating characters that are multi-dimensional that you care about! This was a fun love story & will be one I'll recommend all summer long. As always, Patti Murin's narration is perfect!

This audiobook was absolutely amazing! I loved the book itself, but the narrator made everything ten times better. I love the way she read each sentence. she didn't sound like she was just reading lines, she actually put emotion into them, and I loved every second of it. The book itself was so fun and cozy, a perfect summer read by the pool! <3

I think the narration was great! I just did not love the story. I really struggled with this book. To me it was more chicklit than romance which is fine just not my thing. I do absolutely love Katherine Center and her writing. The book centered around Katieainky with kinda as a side character. I felt no chemistry even though he was sweet. But I will say the book did have some parts that had me actually laughing out loud.

I was so excited for this book and expected a five star read and I think I was the victim of too high expectations.

I struggled with Katie the main character at first because I found her tone annoying, and I dislike reading about body shaming ourselves. I did feel in the end that her growth through the story and how she learned to love her herself and her body was great, it was just not my favorite thing to read at first.

I loved Hutch (and his dog) instantly. He was perfect (seriously!) but I didn’t feel their chemistry. I liked how the relationship progressed but I wanted to feel it more.

In the end, it’s a fun romance story with growth for the main character, and some cute storylines. Unfortunately it is not a new favourite but it was still a fun quick and sweet read.

I did a mix of reading with my eyes and listening. The audiobook itself is good and easy listening. I enjoyed the narration.

I swear Patti Murin was total perfection to narrate this story! Katie is such a relatable character and the cast of side characters are were so wonderful! I loved those real laugh out loud moments and the emotional tearful ones as well. This was such a wonderful story with a cute romance and a good message about body positivity. Also… Katie’s best friend? She is amazing!

I want to thank NetGalley and the author for giving me the opportunity to listen to and review this book.

I thought this was a different and cute meet cute involving a member of the Coast Guard. I don’t read many books that talk about that branch of the military. I loved that the FMC had to pass swim and safety tests to be there and do the interview with the MMC. I loved all the aspects with the Coast Guard.

My only complaint is he didn’t really seem like he was a love hater like the book described. I know it was a misconception because of everything that happened with his brother. But some things just didn’t add up for me. Overall I enjoyed the story!

Katherine Center is an auto-pickup for me, so The Love Haters was for sure one of my most anticipated reads of the year! Katie Vaughn has been burned by love and she’s one step away from being let go from her downsizing company. A career-making gig at her coworker Cole’s request through has her traveling to Key West to profile Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer—the only catch, she’s not qualified since she can’t swim. Plus Cole and Hutch are brothers and they don’t get along, but nothing will stop Katie, even though paradise is messy. Overall, I enjoyed this read, but it also definitely isn’t my favorite Katherine Center. There is a romance plot, but this is more women’s fiction I would say. There is a lot of conversation of self love and growth for Katie to love her body after a very public breakup put her under intense online scrutiny and bullying. I really rooted for Katie and I enjoyed her journey a lot. And Hutch is so swoon-worthy. He’s sensitive and funny, and I adored the chemistry of him and Katie. I did not, however, enjoy Cole or the conflict he set up. It set up too much miscommunication that felt pretty frustrating. I did love the side characters—Rue’s quirky aunt was such a ray of sunshine in the story. And I loved the setting and Katie’s interviews and adventures. The swim lessons were my favorite, and the narrator is just so good! The Love Haters has a lot of charm and heart, and while it might not be my favorite, it’s still a really enjoyable read!

I love Katherine Center and this book is a really great example of why. I resonated with Katie and her self image issues and I rooted hard for her and Hutch! I thought the narrator was excellent in relaying the story! Thank you for allowing me the chance to review.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

The Love Haters by Katherine Center is a charming and touching story that combines humor, romance, and personal growth. Katie, is on the verge of losing her job when her coworker proposes a plan to save her career. Hutch, his polar opposite brother, is less than thrilled to be involved in the scheme. Hutch is expecting an interview with his brother, not a surprise meeting with Katie, and their funny introduction sets the stage for a story filled with tension, humor, and laugher.

Katie’s journey is shaped by her past, which has left her very vulnerable. As she spends time in Florida, her interactions with new friends and confronting her insecurities, readers see her grow and heal. Katie’s personal struggles are relatable, and Hutch’s initial gruffness paves the way to a sweet and supportive bond.

The dynamic between Katie and Hutch is filled with conflict and connection. The relationship between the grows from misunderstanding and reluctance to something deeper.

Katherine Center’s writing is engaging and uplifting, which was very much felt as I listened to the book. The Love Haters is a perfect mix of lighthearted moments and depth, making it an enjoyable read.

If you’re looking for a book that’s both funny and touching, with characters that feel real and relatable, The Love Haters is definitely worth picking up.

Another KC love story and of course 5 stars! So often I find myself relating to the main character with her struggles and loved getting to see her growth. Again, the wit and story was so fun! I read on my kindle and listened to the audio version, which I could not recommend more!

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martian’s Press and MacMillan Audio for the advanced copies in exchange for my honest review!

The Love Haters is another heartwarming, witty, and emotionally rich story from Katherine Center. The banter, the romance, and the personal growth of the characters made it such a fun and uplifting read. While I’m not sure if the body positivity theme was meant to be a major focal point, at times it felt a bit over-mentioned. That said, I was really glad to see Katie’s journey toward healing—her transformation felt genuine and well-earned. Also, the audiobook narrator was fantastic! They truly brought the characters to life and made the dialogue sparkle. Definitely a must-read (or listen) for rom-com lovers!

Hutch is my new favorite mmc! A real-life hero, yes please. His brother Cole however, is the most immature man baby character I've ever read. George Bailey wins best character in a book though because who doesn't want a dog side kick who is afraid of thunderstorms?!