The Love Haters

I have nothing but love for The Love Haters!

The Gist: Attempting to save her flailing career as a video producer, Katie jumps at the chance to go to the Florida Keys and film US Coast Guard rescuer Hutch, who doesn't like being in the spotlight. He begrudgingly agrees to be filmed in the hopes of promoting the US Coast Guard but finds having Katie following him around is more than he bargained for.

My Take: This story has humour, heart, a delightful slow burn (non-spicy) romance and a fantastic cast that includes a toad loving Great Dane, a couple you'll root for, a gaggle of sassy 'ol broads and their wonderful community in the beautiful Florida Keys. 

The strength of this book is in its characters and its messaging. Hutch is a damn fiiiiine leading male character and I enjoyed seeing Katie's growth as Center explores issues of self-love, body positivity, and going after what makes you happy. 

The secondary characters are also well-developed, and I especially loved Rue (and her elderly crew). Rue is the person who is pulling all the strings behind the scenes (with a colourful flair!) as she patiently helps others find their way. Beanie, Katie's BFF, on the other hand takes a more direct (albeit long-distance) approach as she tries to counteract Katie's negative self-talk with a regime of nagging (with love). May we all have a Rue and a Beanie to watch our backs and lift us up! 

"Every time you have to be brave, you get to be a little braver next time."

This is my favourite Katherine Center book to date (with The Bodyguard a close second). It's an easy read that's a wonderful blend of wholesome, happy and hilarious that addresses important social issues, long-buried emotional conflicts, Mother Nature's wrath, a rescue and splinters in the most embarrassing of places. It's a story that will leave readers with smiles on their faces.

Disclaimer: Thanks to St Martin's Press for the advanced digital copy of this book which was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 5 stars

Author: Katherine Center

Genre: Romance

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: St Martin's Press

First Published: May 20, 2025

Read: April 11 - 14, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: It’s a thin line between love and love-hating.

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.