I seriously don’t think I’m read a Katherine center book I have not liked. I was completely immersed in the Emma and Charlie from the start. While these two could not be more different that’s what made them work so well. So much humor and charm and such a fun read!

This is my first book of Katherine Center that I've read. It was such a good book! Like the title shows, this is a romantic comedy. There were definitely some laugh out loud moments.

Emma gets the chance to work with the famous screenwriter, Charlie Yates. She leaves her sister to take care of their dad so she can follow her own dream for once. Charlie doesn't believe in love and it shows in his new script. She makes it her mission to convince him that love exists.

This book has the unlikely pair and overcoming obstacles tropes. If you're looking for a good laugh, this is the book for you!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

The Rom-Commers was a cute and charming read, delivering exactly what I expected from Katherine Center. It’s a classic, feel-good romance that follows familiar tropes but does so with warmth and heart.

Emma is an aspiring screenwriter and when she gets the chance of a lifetime to work with one of her favorite screenwriters, she leaves her ailing father and moves to California for 6 weeks! But when she gets there, she finds out that Charlie Yates isn't what she anticipated and writing the screenplay isn't going to be as easy as she hoped.

The relationship between Emma and Charlie was the highlight for me — their chemistry and development kept me engaged from start to finish. I genuinely cared about their journey, which made the story enjoyable even if the plot felt a bit predictable at times.

Overall, this book is perfect if you’re in the mood for a comforting, straightforward romance. While it didn’t break new ground, it offered a satisfying, lighthearted read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Katherine Center has a way of writing that feels like a warm hug and a burst of laughter all at once—and The Rom-Commers definitely lives up to that vibe. This book was such a joy to read, filled with charm, wit, and those heartfelt moments that remind you why we love rom-coms in the first place.

The story follows characters who are perfectly imperfect—flawed, funny, and relatable in all the best ways. I loved how Center balances humor with emotional depth; the laughs felt genuine and the vulnerable moments hit just right without ever feeling heavy or forced. The dialogue sparkled, making every interaction feel fresh and real, and the chemistry? It simmered beautifully without rushing, which is exactly what I needed.

What stood out most to me was the way Center crafts her characters’ journeys—not just in love, but in self-discovery. It’s a rom-com, yes, but it’s also about learning to embrace yourself, face your fears, and find joy in unexpected places. There’s this lovely theme of personal growth woven throughout the story that made it resonate on a deeper level than your typical light read.

The pacing was mostly great, although there were a few moments where the story slowed down a bit, which I felt could have been tightened. Still, those moments gave space for reflection and added to the emotional payoff at the end. The setting and side characters were equally enjoyable, adding layers of warmth and texture that made the world feel lived-in and cozy.

If you’re a fan of rom-coms that are sweet but not saccharine, funny but thoughtful, and filled with characters who feel like friends you want to hang out with, The Rom-Commers is an excellent pick. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile on the bus, laugh out loud in public, and maybe even shed a tear or two when you least expect it.

Thank you so much to @netgalley for the ARC! Katherine Center’s voice is one I always look forward to hearing, and this book reminded me why she’s such a beloved author in the genre.

This was another great romance by Katherine center. I loved the premise. The secondary characters were slightly better than the main characters.

Now this a rom-com & a perfect summer read. It’s fun. It’s quirky. It had plenty of laugh out loud parts that I had to explain to my husband when he asked, “what’s so funny?” The perfect amount of drama & sadness- love a book with a full affect.


Thank you Net Galley & to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Of the books by Katherine Center that I’ve read (which is a handful at this point), this is my favorite to date. Every character is well thought out, deep, leaping off the page. It is a joyful ode to rom-coms. There were delightful and suspenseful twists and turns, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment.

This book was really cute! I loved the premise so, so much. The FMC, Emma, loves this screenwriter, Charlie. He writes many different things, but one thing he doesn’t? Romances. Then he tries to write one and it is absolute trash. Through a friend, she ends up under contract as a writer helping Charlie with it. And through their journey of critiques, a guinea pig, writing, fear of water, cooking, and so much more, they fall in love.

Just a little side note, Emma is in her head a lot in this story. She is constantly thinking through things and weighing options and so on and, for me, it was a bit much at times, but I do understand why the author did it because it was authentic to the character.

Tragedy strikes on both sides with one pushing the other away and the other running away for an emergency. But eventually, as we all know and love (because why else do we read romance), through a time when something major was possibly happening that would keep them apart, they finally get together at the end.

I thought this one was just okay. Definitely enjoyed the first 50% but the end fell off a bit for me. Still enjoyed though! If you’re a Katherine Center fan, her classic charm can still be found here! I did like how the title played into the plot though. Approximately named for the premise!

Written well, a love story rooted in miscommunication and secrets.
The female main character has made her adult life choices after a tragedy occurred in her late teens. As a result, the ripple effect on her family members is evident, resulting in missed opportunities, resentment, and martyrdom. However, there is humor, hope, and redemption too! Simultaneously, the male main character has his own developmental arc, as he reconciles with some demons of his own. There is some physical comedy interspersed as well as sweet gestures, which keep the plot moving.

Overall, a satisfying read, and I’d read more from this author.

Charlie Yates is the most adorable clueless man to ever love. I love Katherine Center’s writing. There is always such a heartfelt foundation to her stories, woven together with a thread of humor. We also get the tiniest hints of angst and lust in this one, I think.

The angle of a caretaker is one I felt very relatable and it was something I enjoyed reading about.

I felt frustration with Emma at different points because while she deserved sympathy for many things, I felt like she wanted it for the things she actually didn’t (see: fight with sister).

I also felt like Charlie’s dynamic with his ex wife was written in kind of an odd manner. These types of relationships are often written in a way that’s meant to confuse the love interest into thinking there is still something between the characters. I guess Katherine did that too well because even the reader felt it wasn’t clear (me, I was the reader).

Still, I was glad to see Emma get her HEA with Charlie because they were clearly meant for each other.

Hoping to see glimpses of them in future books!

This was my introduction to Katherine Center’s novels (aside from having watched Happiness for Beginners - which I really enjoyed). I have to say that I definitely was not disappointed. I especially loved Katherine’s writing style and how she seemed to break the third wall with Emma’s direct commentary throughout the book.

Emma was a complex FMC in my opinion, but I really loved Charlie’s character arc. I enjoyed their back and forth and banter, and I truly felt my heart breaking for the two main characters. Especially during that part…you know the part. However, I was very pleased with how the book ended, as well as with how all of the characters fared. The epilogue also added enough additional information for me to feel content with how things left off.

I can’t wait to read more from this author, and I can’t thank Katherine Center, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press enough for the opportunity to read the eARC of this novel!

The Rom-Commers
by Katherine Center
5 stars

I absolute love Katherines books. This one didn't disappoint. It took me awhile to get into but once i did I loved ever minute of it.

Emma has dreamed of becoming a screenwriter. So when the opportunity arises to write with her favorite screenwriter, Charlie Yates, she jumps at the chance. That is once her sister convinces her that she has everything under control with their dad who needs constant care. The problem is, Charlie isn't at all who she'd hoped he'd be and doesn't even believe in love. Emma is determined to thaw Charlie's ice cold heart whether he likes it or not.

Katherine Center is one of my all time favorite authors and her books are always a must read immediately for me. I always love how she has depth in her stories instead of just a silly love story and this one was no different. Emma was so likeable; her romantic heart, her love and worry for her father, her tenacity to fight for what she believes in, even as Charlie pushed back on her again and again. It makes you want to stand up for what you believe in as well. Another winner for Center, as always!

Thank you NetGalley for this e-ARC!

This book follows a girl who goes out to California to help renowned author Charlie write his first rom com.

This book wasn't my favorite but overall still a cute romance. I liked the characters but I sometimes zoned out here or there.

5 stars. No notes. This was such an amazing book that had me feeling all the feelings and I loved it so much. My new favorite Katherine Center book easily, highly recommend!

“The Rom-Commers” is a delightful contemporary romance novel that combines humor, hope, and heart. Emma Wheeler, a passionate screenwriter, gets the chance of a lifetime to rewrite a script with her personal writing god, famous screenwriter Charlie Yates. Sparks fly as they navigate their creative differences and discover that love stories matter even if they have to kiss senseless to prove it. Center’s storytelling effortlessly weaves tragedy, hardship, and perseverance into this enemies to lovers tale, making it a must-read for rom-com enthusiasts.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was exactly the kind of book I read in two sittings on a cold rainy weekend. It reminded me that Los Angeles will be sunny again and had the same optimism about weather as it did about love. I love a normal person and celebrity trope and a grumpy vs sunshine. This had both and was a fun easy read. I love Katherine center’s other books and can’t wait to read what is next.

Katherine Center never fails! Her writing is always consistent and locks me in with great character development and a plot that never drags!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.

Unfortunately, I decided that this wasn’t the right fit for me and decided not to continue with this book.

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to read this title!