Official synopsis:

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 pretends that she can. 

Plus, Cole and Hutch are brothers. 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 maybe 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. 

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.

My review:

I really enjoyed the summer vibes in this book! Our MC, Katie, was going through an acceptance stage in her life after a public breakup. What I enjoy most from a Katherine Center book are the messages and inspiration of self love, with a side of romance and funny situations. I think this definitely delivered a sweet, lighthearted beach read. The silliness and cute factor was really there and I was imagining myself in Key West on the beach reading this story. The relationship between Katie and Hutch, even though set up his brother, felt very organic and realistic. I had a good time overall with this read!

Audiobook narrated by Patti Murin, with a personalized note by the author, was fantastic. I loved Patti’s delivery and the charisma she added to Katie and all the characters.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the free review copies.

Pub: May 20

Title: The Love Haters
Author: Katherine Center
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️