But time and too much don't belong together like we do: THE LOVE HATERS.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Video producer Katie is about to lose her job. Until her boss, Cole, convinces her to head to the Florida Keys to film and interview Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hutch. Hutch, who happens to be classically handsome and nice, is well known for rescuing Jennifer Aniston's dog. His fame and affability could be the key to saving Katie's job.

And, it turns out, he's Cole's estranged brother. When Katie arrives in the Keys, she realizes she's in a hot mess. She lied about being able to swim and the only teacher available is Hutch. She knows nothing about the Coast Guard. She's in the middle of Cole and Hutch's family battles. Hutch is irresistibly kind and attractive. And he comes with Aunt Rue, his lovable yet forceful aunt, who quickly adopts Katie and tries to force her out of her shell.

Center gives us a cute romance with plenty of serious moments. It drags a bit in the middle and gets a little bogged down with all the miscommunication and lies, but overall, this one is enjoyable. Katie is a likable woman and Hutch, well, he's really quite perfect, even if he's deemed a love hater. Rue is a force of life, as are her friends, "the Gals."

Katie has struggled with body image for years, and the book focuses on body positivity and Katie's attempts to embrace her body image. I think it may wrap things up a little easily here (finding love = problem solved), but it's nice to see a romance explore these issues at all.

Easily the best character in this story, though, is George Bailey, Hutch's Great Dane. That lovable oaf is immune from the insanity and lies and half truths swirling around him and truly shines throughout.

If you enjoy your romances with a bit of drama (and a picture perfect dog-loving hero), this one is for you.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an unbiased review.

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And in a blink of a crinkling eye: THE ROM-COMMERS.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
My rating: 4+ of 5 stars

This book was a delight--a very enjoyable romance that also centered on grief, moving on, and finding your way after loss. Emma has put her life on hold after her father's illness, focusing on taking care of her sister in the wake of losing their mother. She has dreams of becoming a screenwriter, but family always comes first. But when she gets a chance to work with her idol, screenwriter Charlie Yates, even Emma has to admit she needs to leave her comfort zone and put herself out there.

The universe laughs at this, because when Emma gets to L.A., it's clear that Charlie has no idea she was coming nor does he have any desire to work with Emma on a romantic comedy script that he's basically being forced to write. But, shockingly, Emma wins him somewhat over and the two forge a bond over writing and other things. Emma quickly learns that Charlie has his own issues and isn't the perfect person she always idealized.

The best thing about this story is easily Emma and Charlie's chemistry. It positively sizzles and crackles. Emma might be meek and mild in real life, but she shines with Charlie. And while Charlie has no desire to commit to anything, you can easily tell how much he cares for Emma. There are plenty of sad backstories here (and Emma's dad is a delight), but the overall story is just freaking funny. These two are witty and lovable and you want them to work. It's incredibly easy to root for Emma and Charlie, as people and as a couple.

Overall, I found this romance about discovering love and believing in yourself to be a breath of fresh air. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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Healing as the colors in the sunshine and the shadows of her eyes: HELLO STRANGER.

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
My rating: 4+ of 5 stars

Struggling artist Sadie Montgomery finally gets her big break when she places in a portrait contest. But everything goes awry when Sadie is injured, and the doctors reveal she needs brain surgery... now. The surgery goes fine, but leaves Sadie with the inability to recognize faces (face blindness). Something that happens to affect her career painting faces just a BIT. Sadie frantically tries to adjust to her new life while preparing for the contest. She meets two men--one amazing: her dog Peanut's new vet; and one not so much: her annoying neighbor, Joe. Can she recover in time to win the contest and the man of her dreams?

I think HELLO STRANGER might be my favorite Katherine Center book to date, and I'm not just saying that because I read it in sunny Cancun! It was just so sweet and charming, and I really loved Sadie. A lot of terrible things happen to this poor woman--her mom died when she was young and her doctor father checked out on her, leaving Sadie with a hard time accepting help from anyone. She has an absolutely horrible stepsister, Parker (I mean, seriously awful) and then, finally, she gets a break and boom, face blindness? Sometimes I had a tough time reading because I couldn't handle all the bad things been thrown at poor Sadie!

Even worse, once she gets out of the hospital, her beloved dog Peanut (given to her right before her mom passed away) gets sick. Seriously, world, we haven't given this woman enough to deal with? The only positive is that she meets the dreamy vet, Dr. Addison. Thank you. Sadie needs a win here. But she has to contend with Joe, of course, whom she keeps seeing in the elevator with a variety of women (or coming out of various apartments--all female--in her building).

Sadie's story is sad sometimes, but overall it's so sweet. The romance is just lovely, and I found myself laughing and smiling while I read. The supporting cast is awesome--Sadie's building super is just a trip, along with his family, and even her stepmother and Parker provide some great comic relief. This is truly a tender story about accepting a new life, learning to ask for help, and, yes, falling in love. 4+ stars.

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway (thank you) and also received a copy from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an unbiased review. Look for HELLO STRANGER on 7/11/2023!!

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I shout it out to the night: THE BODYGUARD.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tiny Hannah Brooks doesn't look like an Executive Protection Agent (or bodyguard), but that's exactly what she is. And she's good at it. Her firm has been assigned to guard superstar actor Jack Stapleton from a recent threat. Jack is well-known, but has been laying low for a couple of years after a loss in the family. His mom is sick now, though, and he's heading home to their Texas ranch. Worried about protecting her, he doesn't want the family knowing about the threat (or the bodyguard). Enter Hannah, who will have to pretend to be Jack's girlfriend while actually keeping him safe. And what would you know? Stuck out there on that ranch, being Jack's girlfriend doesn't seem so bad.

This read is cheesy at times, but truly very charming too. Even I found Jack Stapleton dreamy! His family is completely adorable, especially his sweet mom, and it was hard not to fall for all of them. Hannah is a tough cookie trying to figure out life after a terrible ex (who frankly deserves everything he gets). She has her annoying moments, but you have to love her too.

The female bodyguard angle here is really fun and something different. And, I mean, it's always enjoyable to read about hot actors and the celebrity world, right? You feel like you're being let into a secret space. This one had a little bit of a wild ending, but it was a fun, quick read and exactly what I needed and expected from a romance.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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Once upon a time it was paradise: WHAT YOU WISH FOR.

What You Wish For by Katherine Center

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Crazy, repetitive plot kept me from focusing on romance

Samantha Casey escaped her previous school to her current one, a wonderful oasis on Galveston Island. She's an elementary school librarian, and she loves her work, her sunny library, and cheerful, happy school. But then one of the school founders dies and is replaced by a literal blast from Sam's past: Duncan Carpenter. Duncan is Sam's old crush from her last school. There he was a lighthearted and funny teacher. Now, he's a hardhearted principal obsessed with school safety, who seems determined to rip apart every sunny and happy piece of Kempner. Sam and the other teachers need to stand up to Duncan--before it's too late.


"There's nothing better than a before-and-after. But he didn't remember the before. So that pretty much killed the after."


I feel bad, but I think I'm somehow immune to Katherine Center's charms, which seem to make everyone swoon over her books. With the exception of How To Walk Away, which I really enjoyed, I like her books, but never really love them. And that's definitely what happened here. In fact, I often found WISH to be utterly frustrating.

Maybe it's because I'm the child of educators, but I just kept shaking my head at the idea of a principal who could come in and unilaterally make decisions without any resistance. It made it impossible for me to focus on the rest of the story. Apparently Duncan is hired by the school founders' son-in-law--essentially a school board of one. What private school has one person on their board? What sort of private school has parents who just quietly allow someone to paint the halls gray and put bars on the windows??! None of this made any sense to me. All the resistance came down to the teachers?? I've seen parents riot over far less.

I couldn't handle it--could you tell? I also couldn't handle Sam for most of the book. I just get frustrated with Center's heroines. Sam was so whiny about nearly everything. She was more than happy to judge everyone else, yet completely resistant to owning her own life, making any changes, and opening up. Ugh. I wanted to shake her sometimes.

The book was very slow to start. Much rehashing of Sam's own problems, Duncan's arrival and the fact that--can you believe it--he is different than he was before. Hey, did you know Duncan used to be cool and funny, but now he's not?! I didn't! Oh wait, let me tell you again 15 times. Also, let's go into the fact that Sam has some issues and can never ever love again. Did I mention ever?

Also, later, without giving too much away, we completely gloss over how serious PTSD is and whitewash over the severity of things like depression, because focusing on happy things will just take away those issues completely, right? Also most plot points are telegraphed a mile away.

Sigh, I'm probably being too harsh here. The book gets a bit better as things go on. And there's a really cute kid whom I enjoyed. But still. Repetitive, predictable, and not the best at presenting mental health issues. 2.5 stars, rounding to 3 here.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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Just hold me tight, when you love me tonight: THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE.

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Cassie Hanwell is a great firefighter. She loves her job in Austin, Texas and her friendly crew. Cassie's life is shaped by a series of events that occurred on her sixteenth birthday, including her mother leaving her and her father. Now she stays clearly in her comfort zone. That zone includes work, work, and more work. No relationships, no real attachments to anyone, a strong resistance to forgiving her mother, and definitely not love. But when her mom calls Cassie and asks her to move to Boston to help her--due to an illness--Cassie has to leave that comfort zone. Big time. She has to go live with her mother, whom she barely knows anymore. She has to leave behind her progressive Austin crew and work with a group of guys in Boston who are appalled at the thought of a "lady" on their crew. Except for one guy, the new rookie, who has no problem with Cassie. And Cassie doesn't mind being around him. At all. In fact she even likes it. But love isn't in Cassie's vocabulary, and even if it was, everyone knows firefighters don't date other firefighters. Right?


"I'd structured my life around routine, and safety, and order. Feelings were a lot of trouble. I avoided them as much as possible."


I really enjoyed Katherine Center's previous book, How to Walk Away, so I was excited to read this one. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much (though I enjoyed the little link between the two), but it is a cute read. I have to admit, there were times in this one when things seemed a little too saccharine for my cynical self. I know, I know, that's terrible, especially when things aren't always light and breezy for Cassie and friends in this book. I think it's something only sarcastic folks like myself will understand.

In fact, this book is a really interesting blend between dark and quite light and fluffy. Cassie has a dark past, as does the rookie, Owen, but a lot of the book is Cassie just repeating that she won't ever love anyone or date a firefighter. I think we all know where this is leading...

However, the book is really funny at times, and it's very easy to like Cassie. She's incredibly tough and brave, and she gives all the guys a run for their money. The book makes some great points on sexism, and I always enjoy a chance to watch a tough girl beat some boys at their own game. And I have to admit I enjoyed (okay, identified with) some of her anti-social tendencies.


"Human connection had its upsides, but it sure was a lot of work. The risk-reward ratio was low, at best."


There's also a good supporting cast from Cassie's mom and her mom's best friend. For me, this one picked up in the last fourth or so, when everything seemed to really come together. There's a moment when it all just clicks, and I found myself laughing and grinning a lot. That part made it all worth reading for me.

Overall, it took me some time to warm up to this book--much like it took Cassie a while to warm up to Massachusetts. But she's an engaging, tough character, and her story is one of resilience, even if there are a lot of really sweet, almost too-perfect moments too. You can pretty much tell how the story is going to play out, but it's a fun, cute read. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for a honest review. It is available on 8/13/2019.

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Sometimes I feel like giving up: HOW TO WALK AWAY.

How to Walk Away: A Novel by Katherine Center

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Margaret Jacobsen is working on the perfect life she's always dreamed of: ideal job; handsome fiance, Chip; beautiful condo; and more. But that all changes in the blink of an eye, and Margaret wakes up in the ICU. Once there, she realizes how bad things really are. She's assigned a physical therapist, Ian, that even the nurses do not want her to have. He's gruff and unpleasant and barely speaks a word--the exact opposite of Margaret. The crash also brings back her wayward older sister Kitty, who hasn't spoken to the family in three years. However, Margaret recognizes she needs all the help she can get to heal--physically and emotionally-and move on with her life.

This was a fascinating and fun book, despite its serious subject matter. It had the unique ability to draw me in, even when I knew where it would go and wind up from practically the beginning. It reminded me how much I enjoy women's fiction, which I feel like I have pushed to the wayside a bit lately for thrillers and psychological fiction, the "it" genre du jour.

Anyway, it took me some time to warm up to Margaret, whose outgoing and chatty self is the complete opposite of me. However, I could identify with her need for perfection in her life, her unwillingness to fail, and her desperate desire to please those around her, especially her parents. She was a very real character, with her ability and need to fantasize about ideal situations and coming out on top when she wasn't in the best position. She was funny at times, but also serious, and it was so easy to root for her.

The other characters in the novel were dynamic, especially Ian and Kitty, if not a bit polarizing. The mothers (Margaret's and Chip's) are just awful, to the point where I wanted to shake them at times. I know Margaret's probably meant well, but good grief! There's a lot of sideline drama with Margaret's family, most of which proves a good accompaniment to Margaret's issues. It's a very emotional read, making it easy to grow attached to the likeable characters (and to dislike the "bad" ones). I was definitely along for the ride and caught up in Margaret's life, health, and drama.

Overall, this was a touching read with interesting and fun characters that hooked me immediately, even if I could see where it was heading. 4 stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!); it is available everywhere as 05/15/2018.

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