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challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Katherine Center’s “The Rom-Comers” is one of my favorite books of the past few years, same with “The Bodyguard”. Both were pretty straightforward romances, which I am here for.
That said, “The Love Haters” is not a Romance. It’s a romance-adjacent story about holding onto family (both kinds), self-acceptance and letting go.
I disagree with other reviewers takes on dual POV. It might have been fun to get Hutch’s thoughts, but I think it would have changed the story completely.
I loved the audio, narrated by the always fab Patti Murin and afterward read by the author.
Make sure to check the content warnings!
That said, “The Love Haters” is not a Romance. It’s a romance-adjacent story about holding onto family (both kinds), self-acceptance and letting go.
I disagree with other reviewers takes on dual POV. It might have been fun to get Hutch’s thoughts, but I think it would have changed the story completely.
I loved the audio, narrated by the always fab Patti Murin and afterward read by the author.
Make sure to check the content warnings!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcohol
Moderate: Abandonment
The last few chapters take place during a hurricane, where Katie and George Bailey (Hutch’s comically large Great Dane) are trapped on/in a houseboat, which eventually starts to sink.
George Bailey is injured but does not die.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Center is a fun storyteller, and she always gives a feeling of being along for the ride. This isn't her most coherent story ("Things We Save in a Fire" or "Happiness For Beginners" are better places to start) but it's still fun and worth the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
Moderate: Gaslighting
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The dog was far and away the best, most endearing character and that’s all you need to know lol
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Gaslighting
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Katie is fighting to keep her corporate videographer job amidst company-wide layoffs. At the strong urging of her manager, she accepts an assignment to go to Key West to profile a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Hutch is a heroic rescue swimmer of some fame (much to his dismay), who reluctantly agrees to be the subject of a promotional video. Earnest and gallant, he seems too good to be true. Katie is neurotic and very relatable, and Hutch is a frowny "still waters run deep" kind of guy who blossoms around the right person. I really liked Katie and Hutch, both apart and together, and I genuinely enjoyed their story. There was a sweetness to them both that was so comforting, and this read was just what I needed. It's pretty trope-heavy, which I ordinarily don't enjoy, but it was fun in a "don't over-think it" kind of way. Plus, some authors let the tropes do the heavy lifting in carrying the plot, but that's not the case here. There's high meet-cute energy and great supporting characters (especially George Bailey!). There's also a nice amount of humor, I wouldn't exactly call it a rom-com but there were enough comedic elements to make it fun. The book had great messages about self-acceptance and the profound joy of choosing to love yourself. I highly recommend you read the Author's Note at the end, she has some wonderful views on the healing power of love stories. :) I have read this author before and I have always enjoyed reading her books, and this one is no different. If you're looking for a closed door workplace romance with an HEA, this is the book for you! Publishes May 20, 2025. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an eARC of this book, all opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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:
Yes
I’ve read all but one of Katherine Center’s books and I have to say this is my absolute favorite! I appreciate that she writes closed door romm-comms. It’s rare to find a solid closed door heartfelt funny romance novel.
I feel like Center’s writing has really evolved. The Love Haters tackles multiple serious issues as her previous novels while still keeping true to her humor and lightheartedness and of course pulling at your heartstrings.
This particular story focused on self love which, seriously, we can all use more of. The FMC, Katie, is so critical of her body she struggles with naming a body part she loves or even finds beautiful. She is “scared” of wearing swimsuits and covers her body as much as she can. Her wardrobe consists of black clothing to draw the attention away from herself and hide. She meets a woman named Rue who is a free spirit, showers Katie with colorful clothing and shows her how to enjoy life. There is also a male love interest, Hutch, who appreciates Katie and helps her with her self discovery.
Katie is such a relatable character with the dark wardrobe and the constant struggle of loving and accepting herself which is difficult due to the criticism woman experience on their figures daily. Center seamlessly weaves the combination of self discovery and humor. I love that the story wasn’t focused on Katie changing her body but rather loving it.
4.5 stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you NetGalley, Katherine Center and St Martins Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Eating disorder, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail