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funny
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
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.🚁
⭐️⭐️
This is my second book by Katherine Center, and unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me after enjoying The Bodyguard. The Love Haters is a book that was marketed as a rom-com between a rescue swimmer and a video producer set in Key West with some general hijinks as she tries to save her job. I found parts of it fun: the dog, Aunt Rue, the Gals, the setting, as many other reviewers did. However, I thought the romance was dry and forced and very insta-lovey, the plot line with Cole was ridiculous in a bad way, and the beginning where the book beat me over the head with Katie’s body dysmorphia was really hard for me to read, as it was relatable to the worst parts of myself, and rather painful to read. I appreciate wanting to cover difficult topics, but the content was soooo at odds with the goofy tone and plot of this book that it came off disrespectful and too unserious. The way Katie solves her negative self-talk after a man calls her beautiful?? Not a fan, personally. The miscommunication between them was excessive and annoying. Also a writing comment: the switching between first- and second- person perspectives was weird and made no sense. Best part about this book is the gorgeous cover and the dog; unfortunately I had higher hopes and this could have been executed better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Self harm, Terminal illness
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Katherine Center is one of those authors whose work I just enjoy picking up. Overall, I enjoyed this book. Was it my favorite by the author? No, but that doesn't detract from the fact that this is a solid book. If I had to complain, it felt like there was maybe one too many forced situations/tropes? The characters are fun, the story develops and grows in a good way, and I was thoroughly entertained.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Grief, 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
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
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Katherine Center does it again! This was so easy to read, but by no means was this a light read. Some heavy topics are dealt with at the forefront of the plot so I highly recommend checking trigger warnings before diving in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Infidelity, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the gifted arc and Macmillan Audio for the alc.
I’ve always loved Katherine Center’s writing, and The Love Haters was no exception. Her storytelling just flows, making it super easy to get lost in the book. The humor really stood out—I actually laughed out loud when Katie pretended to be a mannequin to avoid Hutch seeing her. That moment was gold! The supporting cast was fantastic, adding even more charm and depth to the story. And Patti Murin’s narration? She was spectacular! Her delivery was hilarious, expressive, and made listening to the book an absolute blast.
I’ve always loved Katherine Center’s writing, and The Love Haters was no exception. Her storytelling just flows, making it super easy to get lost in the book. The humor really stood out—I actually laughed out loud when Katie pretended to be a mannequin to avoid Hutch seeing her. That moment was gold! The supporting cast was fantastic, adding even more charm and depth to the story. And Patti Murin’s narration? She was spectacular! Her delivery was hilarious, expressive, and made listening to the book an absolute blast.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Cursing, Car accident
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
If you’re looking for a summer romance, this is a fun one. There is a cute “perfect storm of job requirements, physical proximity, removal of clothing, and . . . Hutch.” Ch 8
And also, there is an even deeper romance, “Specifically: Katie and her body—in a kind of enemies-to-lovers trope,” as she mentions in the author’s note.
It was this romance, I loved the most.
I loved all these parts of chapter 12:
“I remembered an article about bullying that said onlookers often didn’t stand up for bullied kids for fear that they would become targets themselves.
…
I could choose to be that one other kid. For myself. I could stay with her, and help her up, and we could turn to watch the sunset, side by side. I could keep one arm around her, and we could watch the sky darken until the moonlight sparkled on the waves, and listen to the water lapping the dock, and be okay together. What if I showed up like that every time?
…
If you don’t reject the harsh things people say to you, then I guess, at some point, that means you accept them.”
It was this part of the book I loved most. And also her friendship with Hutch’s grandmother Rue (who was fun-loving and quirky in all the best ways). And her relationship with Hutch’s dog.
Katherine Center’s writing always makes me think she would be the best kind of friend in real life. I have heard her talk about her husband being a middle school teacher and some of his students read her books, so she keeps them clean. I could imagine parts of this book she is saying to all women, but maybe especially young ones, these truths about loving your body.
Hutch was a great book boyfriend for sure. I also love how Center finds unique careers to write about. He is a US Coast Guard rescue swimmer, and all the facts and information about these heroes was interesting.
“Isn’t that how it always is? The thing you’re afraid of is never the thing you should be.” Ch 14
“He’s a love hater.” “What does that mean?” “He’s all rules and no heart! He’s all action and no reaction! He’s all body and no soul.” Ch 3
“that feeling of suppressed hope you get when somebody else might think the thing you also keep wanting to think.” Ch 11
“It was about the deep, enduring comfort that comes from looking at your life for exactly what it is, and exactly how it’s unfolded—and really seeing it. The past can’t hurt you now like it did then. The story of your life is always full of mystery. You can unfold it on a table like a map, and study it, and understand it in new ways. It’s not different, but you are.” Epilogue
Thank you libro.fm for providing audiobooks to librarians. This one was fun to listen to! And also thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Publishers for letting me read an advance copy!
And also, there is an even deeper romance, “Specifically: Katie and her body—in a kind of enemies-to-lovers trope,” as she mentions in the author’s note.
It was this romance, I loved the most.
I loved all these parts of chapter 12:
“I remembered an article about bullying that said onlookers often didn’t stand up for bullied kids for fear that they would become targets themselves.
…
I could choose to be that one other kid. For myself. I could stay with her, and help her up, and we could turn to watch the sunset, side by side. I could keep one arm around her, and we could watch the sky darken until the moonlight sparkled on the waves, and listen to the water lapping the dock, and be okay together. What if I showed up like that every time?
…
If you don’t reject the harsh things people say to you, then I guess, at some point, that means you accept them.”
It was this part of the book I loved most. And also her friendship with Hutch’s grandmother Rue (who was fun-loving and quirky in all the best ways). And her relationship with Hutch’s dog.
Katherine Center’s writing always makes me think she would be the best kind of friend in real life. I have heard her talk about her husband being a middle school teacher and some of his students read her books, so she keeps them clean. I could imagine parts of this book she is saying to all women, but maybe especially young ones, these truths about loving your body.
Hutch was a great book boyfriend for sure. I also love how Center finds unique careers to write about. He is a US Coast Guard rescue swimmer, and all the facts and information about these heroes was interesting.
“Isn’t that how it always is? The thing you’re afraid of is never the thing you should be.” Ch 14
“He’s a love hater.” “What does that mean?” “He’s all rules and no heart! He’s all action and no reaction! He’s all body and no soul.” Ch 3
“that feeling of suppressed hope you get when somebody else might think the thing you also keep wanting to think.” Ch 11
“It was about the deep, enduring comfort that comes from looking at your life for exactly what it is, and exactly how it’s unfolded—and really seeing it. The past can’t hurt you now like it did then. The story of your life is always full of mystery. You can unfold it on a table like a map, and study it, and understand it in new ways. It’s not different, but you are.” Epilogue
Thank you libro.fm for providing audiobooks to librarians. This one was fun to listen to! And also thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Publishers for letting me read an advance copy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness, Grief, Alcohol
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
This was so much fun! The perfect summer/beach read, with plenty of funny moments throughout, and a charming cast of characters!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Car accident, Dysphoria
Moderate: Cursing, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Vomit, Grief, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
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