Take a photo of a barcode or cover
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent
Minor: Animal cruelty
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was adorable and fluffy and sweet. I loved all the characters, I loved the premise, and I loved the character development. An easy, light read that doesn't take too long.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Eating disorder, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Terminal illness, Violence
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Ok...few things to discuss.
I completely understand the effort that was put into behind some of the topics and issues in the book. Internet bullies, body shaming, self-love, grief, loss and loyalty, how social media can warp and bend reality for some people, all these topics were beautifully described. I also respect the hell out of the author for making the book about rescue swimmers, about heroes in real life, the ones who don't wear an actual cape but have something infinitely better, integrity and empathy and resilience. I mean that's not something we see in every book.
My problem however, is with the romance plot and regarding everything around it
First of all,
1. Cole was a piece of shit. And I mean not the kind of shit you come to understand later why he was the way he was. He wasn't a flawed, misunderstood character, he was so fucking annoying that at some point, he didn't even feel like a character. It felt like the author was writing it like this just for the sake of the plot and Cole was the scapegoat. Like,how he could have just told Katie beforehand about the lie he told Hutch, about the fake relationship without showing up out of nowhere and giving her whiplashes afterwards? Even if I do agree that Cole had to lie, he just didn't have to keep Katie in the dark until the last moment and save us all the drama. It felt like Cole had little to no respect regarding Katie's decision or opinions which felt really odd. Also, not telling the truth to Hutch about the fake dating because Cole wanted to protect Rue from everything and then doing the exact opposite by showing us readers that yeah, Rue can definitely handle it felt such a waste of time. I mean I get it, it's just a book but hot damn, did some of the parts felt useless. It just felt <i>unnecessary</i>.</p>
2. I didn't feel the chemistry between Hutch and Katie that well. Is that weird? I loved Hutch and I loved Katie. But the angst didn't really work out for me. The book tried really hard to make me feel all the tension and stuff. But the way the plot was written, felt so unnecessary that all the tension between the two characters seemed hilarious and silly.
3.Objectifying Hutch because Katie wanted to secure her job felt...weird? I mean if the roles were reversed and if a guy had to film a woman slightly objectifying her on the camera so that he can impress his so-called, put-together, fit, handsome, divorced, hot and 10-years-older-than-both-them male boss, it wouldn't feel so hilarious, would it? It would feel downright creepy. Also, what is up with Cole and letting some random drunk horny dudes kiss Katie in a freaking drinking contest? I mean, okay, Cole might have done it because he knew Hutch would step up. But shouldn't Hutch have knocked some sense into his pathetic excuse of a brother for playing tricks like this and dismissing Katie's privacy and respect like that instead of putting up with his shenanigans? Like what the fuck was that scene?
Overall, 3 stars.
I completely understand the effort that was put into behind some of the topics and issues in the book. Internet bullies, body shaming, self-love, grief, loss and loyalty, how social media can warp and bend reality for some people, all these topics were beautifully described. I also respect the hell out of the author for making the book about rescue swimmers, about heroes in real life, the ones who don't wear an actual cape but have something infinitely better, integrity and empathy and resilience. I mean that's not something we see in every book.
My problem however, is with the romance plot and regarding everything around it
First of all,
1. Cole was a piece of shit. And I mean not the kind of shit you come to understand later why he was the way he was. He wasn't a flawed, misunderstood character, he was so fucking annoying that at some point, he didn't even feel like a character. It felt like the author was writing it like this just for the sake of the plot and Cole was the scapegoat. Like,
2. I didn't feel the chemistry between Hutch and Katie that well. Is that weird? I loved Hutch and I loved Katie. But the angst didn't really work out for me. The book tried really hard to make me feel all the tension and stuff. But the way the plot was written, felt so unnecessary that all the tension between the two characters seemed hilarious and silly.
3.
Overall, 3 stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Abandonment
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, Eating disorder, Car accident, Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Fatphobia, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Terminal illness, Violence, Vomit, Alcohol
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Katherine Center is a must-read author for me. I absolutely adore her books, and was so super excited to listen to the audio version of her newest book, THe Love Haters. All in all, I found this book to be a sweet read about relationships (both family and friends, but also the relationship you have with yourself) and facing your fears and demonstrating bravery and courage to let love win. The love story between Katie and Hutch was not what I was expecting, but it was original and felt genuine. I really bought their relationship, especially the ebbs and flows as the story progressed. No one is really what they seem (in the best of ways), and that is why I adore this author. She takes stereotypical characters/situations and adds a spin to them that feels authentic and real. The drama of the book in the last 25-30% of the story was a little far fetched and out there, in my opinion, but it was so sweet. And I loved the ending and epilogue!! As a side note, I adored Aunt Rue and would love a spin off about her story. What a fun and fascinating lady!
When you read this, be sure to listen/read the author's note at the end where the author shares her feelings about reading and healing and mental health. So so good! I love that this book, like her others, reads like a beach read but with so much wisdom, depth, and insight. I am constantly thinking about how I can apply some of the lessons the characters learn to my own life. In this book in particular, I can't stop thinking about some of the ways that Hutch and his brother misunderstood each other for years and years....makes me wonder who/what I misunderstand and how I can figure that out.
Lastly, I would absolutely listen to the audiobook again. Patti Murin did an awesome job and really added to the experience. What a wonderful story narrated with such passion, emotion, and enthusiasm!
Thank you to the author, publisher, narrator, and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
When you read this, be sure to listen/read the author's note at the end where the author shares her feelings about reading and healing and mental health. So so good! I love that this book, like her others, reads like a beach read but with so much wisdom, depth, and insight. I am constantly thinking about how I can apply some of the lessons the characters learn to my own life. In this book in particular, I can't stop thinking about some of the ways that Hutch and his brother misunderstood each other for years and years....makes me wonder who/what I misunderstand and how I can figure that out.
Lastly, I would absolutely listen to the audiobook again. Patti Murin did an awesome job and really added to the experience. What a wonderful story narrated with such passion, emotion, and enthusiasm!
Thank you to the author, publisher, narrator, and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Death, Eating disorder, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a good romance read. I don’t think either main character was necessarily a love hater, so I didn’t get the title, but I thought they had okay chemistry. I was internally yelling for Katie to get a therapist to help with all her issues but I was glad she at least had one support person and was able to grow. I enjoyed the idea of the body positivity arc, but it didn’t really land well in my opinion. It was mostly a lot of discussing with the one support person and then just changing her mindset like a light switch. (I get that obviously it was a journey to get to said moment, but I didn’t really feel like that was the case) We also kind of got some other romance tropes smushed in towards the end which threw me for a bit of a loop. All in all, it wasn’t a bad book. A fairly quick read, and a good beach read with summer coming up!
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Eating disorder
Minor: Death, Death of parent
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Title: The Love Haters
Author: Katherine Center
Genre: Romance
Rating: 1.50
Pub Date: May 20, 2025
I received complimentary eARC and ALCs from St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Erratic • Sappy • Beachy
📖 S Y N O P S I S
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 fakes it that she can.
Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. 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 also 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.
💭 T H O U G H T S
After reading Katherine Center's 2024 release, The Rom-Commers, I officially broke up with her books. While I enjoyed her earliest work, her writing style has evolved (starting with The Bodyguard to be more comedic than romantic and it no longer includes the emotional depth I crave in a romance novel. And yet, here I am having finished The Love Haters and feeling exactly how I felt last year when I swore off reading her new releases.
It's never a good thing when I prefer the side characters to the mains in any romance novel. Aunt Rue was an absolute delight, and I honestly would have preferred an entire book dedicated to her and her story. Then there is George Bailey, Hutch's rescue dog, need I say more. While I cannot fault Hutch's character either, I simply wish the story would have unfolded from his POV because I really didn't like Katie's character.
Patti Murin, as a narrator, really brings the characters to life and adds personality to each one. The pacing and tone were well executed and I do think it was is an entertaining audio listen. I cannot fault her because she is simply narrating the story she was given.
And that is where the good ends.
I didn't like the story all that much. There are so many outlandish situations that nothing felt real. The romance itself felt superficial (could she have mentioned his physical appearance more?) and it lacked any real chemistry.
Center has tried to check too many boxes in one book and as a result, the story suffers greatly. The lack of focus and endless list of tropes makes everything feel forced. Honestly, pick a lane and stick to it, there will be other books. She's also trying too hard to be witty and to come up with the most over-the-top moments that aren't particularly funny or entertaining, but rather quite ridiculous.
I appreciated the inclusion of body image and self-confidence issues, however, it also felt somehow shollow and forced rather than giving the story the emotional depth I suspect it was intended to. This isn't the first time I have said this about a Center book, but it simply feels like she includes these serious topics to tick the rep box rather than really researching whatever topic it is she's including. What Katie is dealing with is a serious mental illness and no where in the story is there talk of treatment or ways in which is dealing with it. In fact, there's no real resolution and it seems to disappear with all of Hutch's compliments, etc., which just isn't realistic.
I have no doubt The Love Haters will be a hit with many readers over the summer months, it just really didn't work for me. I certainly appreciate the themes of self-love and acceptance within the narrative, yet it's painfully obvious Center's humour (or lack there of) and current writing style don't jive with my tastes. I swore off picking up Center's books after reading 2024's release, and here I am again doing the same. I think it's safe to say, I've learned my lesson.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• deception
• furry friends
• forced proximity
⚠️ CW: body shaming, eating disorder, fatphobia, body dysmorphia, mental illness, bullying, death, death of parent, grief, toxic relationship, car accident, infidelity, alcohol, alcoholism, vomit, terminal illness
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Isn't that how it always is? The thing you're afraid of is never the thing you should be."
Author: Katherine Center
Genre: Romance
Rating: 1.50
Pub Date: May 20, 2025
I received complimentary eARC and ALCs from St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Erratic • Sappy • Beachy
📖 S Y N O P S I S
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 fakes it that she can.
Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. 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 also 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.
💭 T H O U G H T S
After reading Katherine Center's 2024 release, The Rom-Commers, I officially broke up with her books. While I enjoyed her earliest work, her writing style has evolved (starting with The Bodyguard to be more comedic than romantic and it no longer includes the emotional depth I crave in a romance novel. And yet, here I am having finished The Love Haters and feeling exactly how I felt last year when I swore off reading her new releases.
It's never a good thing when I prefer the side characters to the mains in any romance novel. Aunt Rue was an absolute delight, and I honestly would have preferred an entire book dedicated to her and her story. Then there is George Bailey, Hutch's rescue dog, need I say more. While I cannot fault Hutch's character either, I simply wish the story would have unfolded from his POV because I really didn't like Katie's character.
Patti Murin, as a narrator, really brings the characters to life and adds personality to each one. The pacing and tone were well executed and I do think it was is an entertaining audio listen. I cannot fault her because she is simply narrating the story she was given.
And that is where the good ends.
I didn't like the story all that much. There are so many outlandish situations that nothing felt real. The romance itself felt superficial (could she have mentioned his physical appearance more?) and it lacked any real chemistry.
Center has tried to check too many boxes in one book and as a result, the story suffers greatly. The lack of focus and endless list of tropes makes everything feel forced. Honestly, pick a lane and stick to it, there will be other books. She's also trying too hard to be witty and to come up with the most over-the-top moments that aren't particularly funny or entertaining, but rather quite ridiculous.
I appreciated the inclusion of body image and self-confidence issues, however, it also felt somehow shollow and forced rather than giving the story the emotional depth I suspect it was intended to. This isn't the first time I have said this about a Center book, but it simply feels like she includes these serious topics to tick the rep box rather than really researching whatever topic it is she's including. What Katie is dealing with is a serious mental illness and no where in the story is there talk of treatment or ways in which is dealing with it. In fact, there's no real resolution and it seems to disappear with all of Hutch's compliments, etc., which just isn't realistic.
I have no doubt The Love Haters will be a hit with many readers over the summer months, it just really didn't work for me. I certainly appreciate the themes of self-love and acceptance within the narrative, yet it's painfully obvious Center's humour (or lack there of) and current writing style don't jive with my tastes. I swore off picking up Center's books after reading 2024's release, and here I am again doing the same. I think it's safe to say, I've learned my lesson.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• deception
• furry friends
• forced proximity
⚠️ CW: body shaming, eating disorder, fatphobia, body dysmorphia, mental illness, bullying, death, death of parent, grief, toxic relationship, car accident, infidelity, alcohol, alcoholism, vomit, terminal illness
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Isn't that how it always is? The thing you're afraid of is never the thing you should be."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Mental illness
Moderate: Bullying, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism, Death, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent
body dysmorphia
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
✦POV: Single first-person
Katie is living the hero’s journey. While on this adventure in Key West, she will explore her relationship with her body and self and open herself back up to romantic love with Hutch after a very public betrayal. Katie is relatable and sympathetic and has great growth by the end. I liked Katie, but did find her tendency to repeat statements back as questions annoying.
Hutch is a hero, through and through. It’s the whole point, and the reason she goes to Key West, but as we learn more about him and his struggle, I wanted to reach through the page to hug him. He gets in his own way but his devotion to Katie from the start is achingly obvious. He also practices random acts of kindness, and that is hot af.
✦Spice: No/Low
This is a wholesome rom com, with a hint of suggestion. Like, we know they’re thinking saucy thoughts, but they aren’t printed. There are a couple of swoon-worthy kisses, but that’s as far as the spice goes.
The tension, however! This is one thing I love about Katherine Center’s writing: even though we’re only getting one POV, she writes scenes and reactions so that reading between the lines is easy and their longing is clear. She’s one of few authors who can make my chest ache with nothing more than the lead-up to a kiss. 💋
Katie is living the hero’s journey. While on this adventure in Key West, she will explore her relationship with her body and self and open herself back up to romantic love with Hutch after a very public betrayal. Katie is relatable and sympathetic and has great growth by the end. I liked Katie, but did find her tendency to repeat statements back as questions annoying.
Hutch is a hero, through and through. It’s the whole point, and the reason she goes to Key West, but as we learn more about him and his struggle, I wanted to reach through the page to hug him. He gets in his own way but his devotion to Katie from the start is achingly obvious. He also practices random acts of kindness, and that is hot af.
✦Spice: No/Low
This is a wholesome rom com, with a hint of suggestion. Like, we know they’re thinking saucy thoughts, but they aren’t printed. There are a couple of swoon-worthy kisses, but that’s as far as the spice goes.
The tension, however! This is one thing I love about Katherine Center’s writing: even though we’re only getting one POV, she writes scenes and reactions so that reading between the lines is easy and their longing is clear. She’s one of few authors who can make my chest ache with nothing more than the lead-up to a kiss. 💋
❝You know that feeling when someone’s about to kiss you? That tension? That palpable anticipation? How everything slows down and seems to matter in a whole new way? That was the feeling I had. And it pushed out all the others.❞
✩ Meddling matriarchs are my catnip in rom-coms, and The Love Haters adds a massive Great Dane into the mix! Cue genuine LOLs.
✦More to love about The Love Haters
🌺 Beautiful setting
🛥️ A houseboat!
🫶 Strong relationships
🥰 Found family
🛏️ Only one bed
❤️🔥 Forced proximity
☀️ Grumpy/ sunshine
😆 Banter!
♡ The Love Haters is an addictive, fast-paced read I recommend if you like rom-coms featuring thoughtful, moral-of-the-story vibes, and heroic grand gestures.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Grief
Moderate: Death, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, Death of parent
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🏖️ The Love Haters by Katherine Center 🏖️
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️.5
Katie has two choices: get laid off from her video producer job; or take a job profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a coast guard rescue swimmer in Key West. It should be an easy choice, but Katie can’t swim. And Hutch hasn’t necessarily agreed to the profile. When Katie lies about her abilities to get the job, things get messy, and both her and Hutch have to learn to be brave.
I was super excited to receive an ARC of The Love Haters, as I’ve loved some of Katherine Center’s books in the past. Unfortunately, this one didn’t hit for me. I kind of felt like it started really fast with us being thrown in, and I would have maybe liked to see a bit more of Katie first.
First - let’s talk about the romance. I felt like I didn’t get to know the characters very well, and I didn’t see their chemistry. There were a couple cute moments, but overall, I didn’t see why they were into each other.
Second - the body image stuff. I felt like this was an important topic that maybe wasn’t handled in a great way. While the handling of it may be relatable to some, there should have been trigger warnings that I hope are part of the published version. Even if being talked about in a way that is relatable, it felt kind of like a punch line at some times, and I think there should have been more acknowledgement of the harm and trauma and ways people can get help. And like referring to a girl posting bikini pictures as being flirty?? I didn’t love it.
While I liked some of the characters (mostly Rue and George Bailey), I wanted to know Katie and Hutch a bit more. I also felt that Beanie didn’t add a lot (and how did she not notice the eye thing?????).
Overall, this wasn’t my favourite Katherine Center book, but I understand why people love it, and I’ll definitely read her next release.
Read this if you like:
- deception
- funny senior characters
- intense jobs and a look into those
Vibes: 🩱🚁🌊🎥
🌸The Love Haters is out May 20, 2025! Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.🌸
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, Eating disorder, Death of parent