Take a photo of a barcode or cover
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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: Eating disorder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Death of parent
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
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
* I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *
Katherine Center does it again! I loved this book just as much, if not more, as her other books!
Katie and Hutch are two “love-haters” who seem to be hopeless with finding love. Hutch is too busy with his job, and Katie is just over a year past getting publicly dumped by her fiancée.
In a desperate attempt to save her job, Katie packs for a trip to Key West to film a promo video for the US Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue team.
Rue and her ladies were a fun addition. I pictured Rue as Blanche from Golden Girls and that mental image made her character even better in my head.
Throw in a cute Great Dane pup named George Bailey, and that just tied the book up into a sweet, romance package. 💜
Katherine Center does it again! I loved this book just as much, if not more, as her other books!
Katie and Hutch are two “love-haters” who seem to be hopeless with finding love. Hutch is too busy with his job, and Katie is just over a year past getting publicly dumped by her fiancée.
In a desperate attempt to save her job, Katie packs for a trip to Key West to film a promo video for the US Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue team.
Rue and her ladies were a fun addition. I pictured Rue as Blanche from Golden Girls and that mental image made her character even better in my head.
Throw in a cute Great Dane pup named George Bailey, and that just tied the book up into a sweet, romance package. 💜
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying
Minor: Terminal illness, Violence, Car accident
adventurous
emotional
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:
Yes
I loved this book so much. Katie’s struggles with body image were relatable and written very well. I loved her and Hutch so much!! And George Bailey of course !! I also loved the exploration of complicated family dynamics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Car accident, Alcohol
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit
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
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Terminal illness, Car accident
Minor: Alcoholism, Death, Toxic relationship
emotional
funny
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
As with every Katherine Center book I've read, the premise of The Love Haters was fairly unique. The FMC is a videographer who's going to film the MMC at his job as part of the Coast Guard. The only problem is she doesn't know how to swim even though that's part of the job requirements. Who better to teach her than Mr. Coast Guard himself?
The Florida Keys setting was pretty fun and bright - a big contrast to the black on black our FMC likes to wear. I also really enjoyed Rue and her friends, they're all a bit older and quirky and they brought some levity into the plot which was pretty necessary with the difficult topics of body dysmorphia and eating disorders etc. laced throughout the book. It's tough to deal with hard topics like that in romance and to be honest I'm not sure this book did a very good job of balancing all of that.
Hutch was dreamy lifeguard material. I never did watch Baywatch, but I can imagine he came straight from there and onto the pages of The Love Haters. He would be a great book boyfriend to add to the collection. I actually really loved Hutch but he also felt slightly underdeveloped - with no friends or hobbies, just a dog and a job. Aside from missing a little more development, he was very much the watch her from afar, love her in the little ways, silent about his feelings type which was quite endearing.
Unfortunately I just REALLY didn't care for Katie (or her side character cousin/BFF Beanie for that matter). This may 100% be a personal opinion but I don't think her self-deprecation and body dysmorphia was dealt with very well and I'm also not sure something that difficult could handled in tandem to a romanic plot successfully. Center seemed to be very careful in her writing keeping Katie from ever fully needing saving from Hutch, she was always dealing with her issues first (sometimes along with Beanie) before Hutch could swoop in. But at the same time all of her emotional homework felt so FORCED. And also begs the question of why she wasn't addressing her issues with a professional instead of Beanie? It was just mind boggling. I think it's a weird friendship dynamic for one friend to therapize another the way Beanie did to Katie.
In addition to Beanie, there was Cole. Cole, the other side character, is Hutch's brother and Katie's superior. But he was practically non-existent for way too much of the book. He and Hutch have their own issues to deal with but so much of this book is about Katie and her problems that I think that overshadowed everything - even the swimming lessons subplot ends up becoming an off-the-page thing fairly quickly.
(Also to note, there are some weird, random 4th wall breaks where Katie talks to us (the reader) and I was not a fan of that.)
All this to say, I think if this was a Women's Fiction book about Katie that could've worked for me. Or if this was still a Romance book but all the body insecurities were removed, that also could've worked for me. As it is, I liked the unique jobs, I liked the setting, and I liked both Rue and Hutch, but the rest was a miss for me.
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for the ARC through Netgalley!
The Florida Keys setting was pretty fun and bright - a big contrast to the black on black our FMC likes to wear. I also really enjoyed Rue and her friends, they're all a bit older and quirky and they brought some levity into the plot which was pretty necessary with the difficult topics of body dysmorphia and eating disorders etc. laced throughout the book. It's tough to deal with hard topics like that in romance and to be honest I'm not sure this book did a very good job of balancing all of that.
Hutch was dreamy lifeguard material. I never did watch Baywatch, but I can imagine he came straight from there and onto the pages of The Love Haters. He would be a great book boyfriend to add to the collection. I actually really loved Hutch but he also felt slightly underdeveloped - with no friends or hobbies, just a dog and a job. Aside from missing a little more development, he was very much the watch her from afar, love her in the little ways, silent about his feelings type which was quite endearing.
Unfortunately I just REALLY didn't care for Katie (or her side character cousin/BFF Beanie for that matter). This may 100% be a personal opinion but I don't think her self-deprecation and body dysmorphia was dealt with very well and I'm also not sure something that difficult could handled in tandem to a romanic plot successfully. Center seemed to be very careful in her writing keeping Katie from ever fully needing saving from Hutch, she was always dealing with her issues first (sometimes along with Beanie) before Hutch could swoop in. But at the same time all of her emotional homework felt so FORCED. And also begs the question of why she wasn't addressing her issues with a professional instead of Beanie? It was just mind boggling. I think it's a weird friendship dynamic for one friend to therapize another the way Beanie did to Katie.
In addition to Beanie, there was Cole. Cole, the other side character, is Hutch's brother and Katie's superior. But he was practically non-existent for way too much of the book. He and Hutch have their own issues to deal with but so much of this book is about Katie and her problems that I think that overshadowed everything - even the swimming lessons subplot ends up becoming an off-the-page thing fairly quickly.
(Also to note, there are some weird, random 4th wall breaks where Katie talks to us (the reader) and I was not a fan of that.)
All this to say, I think if this was a Women's Fiction book about Katie that could've worked for me. Or if this was still a Romance book but all the body insecurities were removed, that also could've worked for me. As it is, I liked the unique jobs, I liked the setting, and I liked both Rue and Hutch, but the rest was a miss for me.
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for the ARC through Netgalley!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Car accident
Minor: Chronic illness, Vomit, Death of parent
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming
Minor: Alcoholism, Bullying, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Katie is still getting over the trauma of a very public breakup with her now famous ex. She is trying to keep her job and agrees to do a profile on Hutch a coast guard rescue swimmer who went viral for saving a celebrities dog.
This book was full of extremely relatable moments and conversations that we've all had in our life, But I was kind of disappointed in the fact that this really is a very little romance. Not even like a slow burn. Slow buildup just pretty much none. And I get that that might be on me. But with the title of this book I was kind of expecting a little bit more romance.
I loved the conversations throughout this book around. Loving yourself being happy with who you are and the career that you have, and how true friendship really can be a great love. Like every Katherine Center Book the writing in this was just
beautiful. I still highly recommend it and she will always and forever be one of my all-time favorite authors.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book.
This book was full of extremely relatable moments and conversations that we've all had in our life, But I was kind of disappointed in the fact that this really is a very little romance. Not even like a slow burn. Slow buildup just pretty much none. And I get that that might be on me. But with the title of this book I was kind of expecting a little bit more romance.
I loved the conversations throughout this book around. Loving yourself being happy with who you are and the career that you have, and how true friendship really can be a great love. Like every Katherine Center Book the writing in this was just
beautiful. I still highly recommend it and she will always and forever be one of my all-time favorite authors.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Death of parent
Moderate: Infidelity, Car accident
Minor: Alcoholism, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Once again, Katherine Center hits it out of the park for me. This book manages to be a laugh out loud rom-com with a sweet message wrapped inside. I want to be besties with Katie.
Once again, Katherine Center hits it out of the park for me. This book manages to be a laugh out loud rom-com with a sweet message wrapped inside. I want to be besties with Katie.
The cover and book synopsis do not do this book justice! Of course there are the usual rom-com staples: miscommunication, crazy flamboyant supporting characters, and sharing childhood trauma. But this story is so much more, too. The dialogue is so well written, it feels like you’re there. Katie is goofy and nervous and says all the things you think in your head at least once in a while. I can buy even buy into the over-the-top scenes because I’m invested.
Anyway, enough blathering. It’s a good book. You are going to want to read it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Car accident