I've always thought of Katherine Center's novels as light women's fiction even though the bright illustrated covers convey a different genre. After reading The Love Haters, I finally reclassified her books in my mind as rom-coms, hoping I'll enjoy them for what they are. Ms. Center believes fiercely in the importance of reading romance, and I don't dispute this. I'm just always surprised at the heavy emphasis of physical comedy in her plots (but by now I really shouldn't be).
The Love Haters is Katie and Hutch's story. Fearing for her job, Katie accepts an assignment to film a profile about Hutch, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. She travels to Key West to capture him in his element, and her inability to swim, his avoidance of the spotlight, and his beloved dog cause all sorts of madcap situations.
Her romcoms include at least one "serious" subplot, and I could relate to Katie's issues with her physical body. Hutch, of course, has some things to work through as well. Several points of the story were touching, but they were far overshadowed by Chevy Chase-level slapstick comedy which doesn't always appeal to me.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the review copies of this novel. Summer definitely feels like the perfect season for reading Katherine Center's rom-coms.
The Love Haters is Katie and Hutch's story. Fearing for her job, Katie accepts an assignment to film a profile about Hutch, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. She travels to Key West to capture him in his element, and her inability to swim, his avoidance of the spotlight, and his beloved dog cause all sorts of madcap situations.
Her romcoms include at least one "serious" subplot, and I could relate to Katie's issues with her physical body. Hutch, of course, has some things to work through as well. Several points of the story were touching, but they were far overshadowed by Chevy Chase-level slapstick comedy which doesn't always appeal to me.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the review copies of this novel. Summer definitely feels like the perfect season for reading Katherine Center's rom-coms.
