The Love Haters

Book Review

The Love Haters by Katherine Center
Romance | Fiction | Contemporary

If you ask me to recommend a romance, chances are I’ll pass you a Katherine Center novel. Contemporary romance is never a go-to genre for me but Center is the one author whose new releases I will eagerly keep an eye out for. Her books are always full of the cheesy rom-com, slightly over-the-top goodness that is perfect for sitting on a beach and soaking up the sun with. But they’re also usually woven through with a variety of heavier themes and pain that feels relatable but still so full of hope.

Given that her previous novel, The Rom-Commers was my favourite Center novel to date, I came into this book with high expectations! Katie Vaugh is a video producer who is recovering from a public breakup and struggling to love herself. With her career on the line, Katie takes a job profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. The only problem? Katie can’t swim. And the coworker who gave her the job isn’t exactly telling the whole story either…

Cue the flirtatious banter and lively dialogue, the slightly far-fetched but nonetheless delicious rom-com plot, and a giant rescue dog that steals the show.

The Love Haters was, first and foremost, a lot of fun. The Key West setting was dreamy and full of (literally) colorful characters. Katie and Hutch were great protagonists with some memorable scenes and dialogue that made me laugh out loud multiple times. The book hit upon some classic tropes while keeping me on my toes and taking a few unexpected turns along the way.

However, this book did take me a little longer to get into than I expected. It had a slower start, and while I appreciated this ongoing conversation about the main character’s struggle to love herself and her body, it didn’t fully hit the mark for me. (I will also note that one of the plotlines was particularly frustrating. *Cough* Cole *cough.*)

Still, this was an entertaining and lovely read about learning to love yourself as you learn to love others. (Plus, that setting alone was glorious!) It may not be my favourite Center book, but I had a delightful time binge-reading this novel, and it’s earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf. If you’re looking for a sweet, feel-good romance, this is a great one to add to the summer TBR.

3.75 stars, rounded up.

Recommended for:

Fans of closed door, contemporary rom-coms

This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Finished copy of the book provided courtesy of the publisher, St. Martin’s Press. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

(From the publisher): 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.