What can I say about this book? I enjoyed it. I really liked the characters. I connected with Emma so much. I used to be a caregiver to my mom until she passed away a few months ago. Some of this book ripped my heart into pieces. I have had so many of the same feelings Emma had. I cried with her multiple times. By the end of the book I was sobbing. It was a bit of a rough read for me....but I feel like I needed it. Even though Emma is a character in a book, I needed to "met" her. I could go on and on but I think people just need to experience this for themselves! I don't want to give too much away.

I really liked Emma and Charlie. I laughed at their banter. I listened as I read, and I thought the narrator did a fantastic job! If you are a Katherine Center fan I suggest reading this book, just be prepared to have your heart strings tugged. I can't wait for what Katerine comes up with next!


Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center, St, Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for the copies in exchange for my honest review.

Without a doubt, this was a 5 ⭐️ read! I love the author’s previous books, and knew I’d like this one, it I wasn’t prepared to like it as much as I actually did! This is definitely a book for fans of rom coms! It made me laugh, and it made me cry! I loved all of the characters…well, other than TJ! Just read it, and you'll see!

I love Katherine Center's books and this one may be my favorite one yet. I laughed, cried, and swooned and I am deeply obsessed with both Emma and Charlie.

One of my favorite things in romance novels is when two characters' backstories or insecurities complement each other and "The Rom-Commers" did this really well. Emma having given up so much to become a full time caregiver for her father perfectly matched Charlie's fear of being left due to illness. I loved watching them explore these issues together, even implicitly. Normally I much prefer when romance novels have two POVs, but I think this book worked really well with one. Certain portions would have lost their impact if we also had Charlie's POV of the moment.

My only criticisms of the book were a few minor issues with the ending (Emma owes her sister an apology!) and a few other very minor other character things with Emma. She does that thing where she turns rejection back onto herself verbally (in the vein of "oh you really must hate me...") which worked in the context of the book I guess because it's a romance novel and Charlie really was into her the entire time, but is pretty cringey behavior in real life in response to someone who's actually rejecting your advances.

4.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Is it even summer without a new Katherine Center novel? For me that’s a resounding ‘no’!!!

In The Rom-Commers, Center’s latest, writer Emma is hired to help her favorite screenwriter of all time, Charlie, punch up his latest project. Charlie is an award winning screenwriter but when he’s charged with writing a rom com he runs into some debilitating writer’s block. Predictably the two fall in love as Emma teaches cynical Hollywood Charlie all about love.

The plot was a little too self-referential and meta for me at times, but still really cute. My biggest complaint is that the inclusion is the guinea pig named Cuthbert just felt wayyyyyyy too twee. It took me out of the story because it just felt so made up.

Fans of Center won’t be disappointed and ultimately it was all that I loved about Katherine Center books and it confirmed what I already know – she is incapable of writing a bad book!!

As always, Katherine Center delivers on the Rom com so what an appropriate title for the book. Emma Wheeler has put her life and writing career on hold for ten years while she cares for her Dad after an accident caused a traumatic brain injury. She has been teaching in a community college and taking small assignments from her high school ex-boyfriend who is also her manager. When he calls with the biggest assignment ever, to help a famous screenwriter, Charlie Yates (who is also her idol), rewrite his more than terrible romantic comedy, she finally takes the chance. Leaving her recently graduated younger sister to take charge of her father, she travels to Los Angeles to help Charlie only to find he had never agreed to the plan. Can you she succeed in winning him over?

Thank you to the publisher / author / NetGalley for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am a woman OBSESSED. I never thought that I would love this book as much as I did, but holy moly. Charlie & Emma’s story made my heart glow.

Emma is my favorite archetype of a fmc - she is so caring and compassionate to all of those around her. Welcome Charlie, who is there to show her all of the love and kindness she deserves. Both Emma & Charlie have truly tragic backgrounds, but this story is nothing but love and light. The banter was *chef’s kiss*. I also loved Emma’s family dynamic and all that they endure together in such an optimistic way.

“There it is. The whole trick to life. Be aggressively, loudly, unapologetically grateful.”

The Rom-Commers officially takes the top spot for me far as Katherine Center books are concerned. I’m anticipating a serious book hangover coming soon.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I really enjoy Katherine centers books and this one definitely topped some of her past books I read! I wasn’t so sure about Charlie’s character but I really adored his development. And I love how the FMC helped him tweak (or totally redo 😂) his screen play. I wasn’t a fan of the side characters at first (particularly her high school ex 😠) but he pulled through - especially since he brought Emma (FMC) and Charlie together. In a sketchy way …

As is always true for KC books, there is a medical issue for one of the characters that the main character (Emma) has to navigate. And of course it’s sad but it definitely adds a lot to the story dynamic . Charlie’s character also had plenty of baggage and his past is heart breaking - which is why he struggles with writing his romance screen play.

BONUS there is a cute Guinea pig named cuthbert 😭

Trope wise: celebrity romance, forced proximity, “do it for research purposes 👀 “

Highly recommend for Katherine center fans or anyone who loves a romcom because this one is 👏 solid 👏

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this book.

When Emma Wheeler gets the opportunity to work with her idol, Charlie Yates, on rewriting his abysmal romantic comedy script, it is a dream come true… that is, until she meets him in person. As the soul caregiver to her father, packing up her life in Texas and heading to LA is no simple feat. But teaching the jaded screenwriter that love is not something made up by Hallmark to sell greeting cards could prove to be even more difficult. The Rom-Commers is an endearing story about what happens when two unlikely partners set out to achieve the impossible, and wind up with much more than they bargained for.

What I love about Katherine Center’s writing is that she never fails to bring out a wide scope of emotions from her readers. On the surface, The Rom-Commers is exactly what is advertised… a romantic comedy. There were many times throughout the course of this story that I literally found myself laughing out loud. But once you start turning the pages, it becomes so much more than that. The characters within this novel are imperfect, and they tackle real, life altering issues. The ability to blend comedy along with the tragedy is a gift, and for me, it makes it so easy to become wholly invested in the lives of these fictional people.

There was so much to love in this book, from the banter amongst the characters, to the complicated yet fulfilling family relationships that were shown. It was a fast-paced, character-driven plot that left me wanting more in the end. I was already a fan of this author, but she certainly proved once again why she’s one of my favorites.

I loved Katherine Center's last book, Hello Stranger, so I was thrilled to get an early copy of The Rom-Commers. I kept hoping for the same magic I felt when reading Hello Stranger, but it just didn't happen for me with her new book. A few things that didn't work for me -- it was a romance novel, but also in many ways it was about other topics. There's a focus on personal issues and family relationships -- the main character, Emma, leaving her father (who is ill) for the first time in a decade, the other main character, Charlie, dealing with personal issues of his own. It was almost a book more about two people's personal growth (yes, thanks to each other) than it was a flirtatious and steamy romance novel. For most of the book I didn't connect with the character of Charlie Yates who was a bit grumpy and insular. In the end the young bubbly rom-com loving Emma improves Charlie's life, and serious, pragmatic Charlie improves Emma's life, but it took a long time to get to the conclusion. What I did like -- it was an easy read and the writing is witty. So in the end, not a perfect read for me -- perhaps my hopes were too high? But I could see others really connecting to this more than I did.

Okay, the book was as good (banter, slow-burn, enemies to lovers, oh, my!) as I’ve come to expect from this author, but can we also talk about Center’s Romance Isn’t Ridiculous Manifesto?

Gah! She might have opened my brain box and scooped out my own thoughts.

You, over there, reading Self-Help, or Literary Fiction.

Romance novels aren’t the less-worth genre.

Romance novels are not derisory.

Romance novels show growth and hope and redemption.

Romance novels for president.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for this comedically romantic ARC.

thank you netgalley for the free e-arc. this book just wasn't for me but it still could be for anyone else! i hated that there was the stereotypical gay best friend trope, we don't need that in 2024, just let the character be. i did not like charlie or emma at all. why would you read any story/book that both characters are so insufferable and miserable? usually one or both would have a redeeming quality to them but they were both awfully written characters.

I got this book as an advanced readers copy from @netgalley. Thank you to Netgalley. This book is fantastic. I've never been disappointed by a Katherine center book. Is it the most relatable? No. But it's still great despite that. I know that the people that end up not liking this book will be mad that the lead seems sort of "stalkerish". She definitely fangirls rather hard and can come on a little strong but I think she handles it quite well considering. This is a typical KC book with a strong female lead trying to prove herself. This is an enemy to lovers story with some twists and turns at the end. The story feels like it was written as if they were speaking to me, I loved the pov. The quotes at the end of the story and epilogue are everything. I felt so happy and fulfilled by the ending. I highly recommend this book.

10/10.

Author: @katherinecenter

Sweet, fun but kind of forgettable? I don’t really have much to say except I think I enjoyed it?

Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy!

I don’t read much romance, but when I do, you can bet it is either a Katherine Center or Annabel Monaghan book. The Rom-Commers was a funny delight! I read an advance copy with my book club and we are diverse group, but we all enjoyed this one. Center tells the story of a script writer who is stuck in her hometown taking care of her father who was ill. When she gets the chance to work on a script with a famous actor — make is script better, she goes west to California. Turns out the actor didn’t ask for her help and so the story develops! I enjoyed the banter and the character development. Even if you don’t love rom-comms, throw this one in your beach bag or buy it for when you need a mood adjustment upward.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Katherine Center does it again! I love her writing style and the way she creates a story.

The story is lighthearted (for the most part) and I had several lol moments. The banter between the two main characters is hilarious and giving a slight Luke and Lorelei vibe. I love how she pushes him out of his comfort zone.

Each of the characters in the story bring more to the story. The sweet dad and the well meaning best friend. There is one particular character that just makes you roll your eyes with his made up name. If you know, you know.

My only complaint is toward the end of the book there is a part that had my rethinking my rating. I didn't like the way the author "brought back" the male mc's illness and turned it into something else. I think it could have been written differently and handled in a better way.

This story includes cancer, a rock accident and death of a parent.

Overall I enjoyed this story. I you want a quick funny, summer read this is a great choice!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I loved Hello Stranger and Katherine Center… in person is absolutely adorable, hysterical and you could listen to her tell stories forever!
So when I got this ARC from NetGalley, I was so excited.
I’m not going to lie the beginning irritated me a little bit, but Emma intrigued me and drew me in. I literally could not put it down. There was so much heart and laughter, and even though I don’t care if I ever hear the name Charlie Yates or Jack Stapleton again 😊😉 iykyk, I loved this story and these characters 💜
You might cry you will for sure laugh and feel all the feels.

“ It’s just like sex. if you’re surprised by the ending, somebody wasn’t doing their job”
“ happy ending-essential”

Katherine Thank you for making rom-coms and love stories fun to read 💜📚
4 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Having a Katherine Center rom-com - the aptly named The Rom-Commers - saved for a reading slump and a tough period of complete burnout was pretty perfect. I eat up pretty much any Hollywood story, so I really enjoyed the somewhat meta pairing of anti-love, anti-rom-com Charlie and romance-loving, big-hearted Emma, chaotically paired together to work a screenplay. It's a delightful set-up that, of course, does not go to plan; their differing opinions on the genre influence their own relationship. I adore Center's recent books from her shift into straight romantic comedies: they are so charming, sweet ,and fun, as well as perfect quick reads, and The Rom=Commers was no different. This was extremely charming and feels like watching a classic rom=com.

As a self-proclaimed up and coming romance reader, I was impressed by Katherine Center's newest read, The Rom-Commers! Our protagonist, Emma Wheeler, is a wannabe screenwriter and current full-time caretaker for her father who suffered debilitating injuries in a rock climbing accident. But, she gets the offer of a lifetime from a long time friend to fix THE Charlie Yate's romantic comedy script. After making sure her sister knows how to take care of her dad, she hops on a plane to LA....and learns Charlie doesn't even know she was on her way. He's an asshole AND doesn't believe in love. But Emma's friend and Yate's agent forces them to work together and slowly, very slowly, they rebuild the terrible script and somehow start falling in love. Center has expertly weaved in life lessons, made you care about these two characters - asshole included, and root for their relationship to succeed. It's a slow burn but it's worth it ;)
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for my unbiased review.

4.5 stars — I adored this book. It took me a minute to get into, but the payoff was so worth it. I laughed through this whole book - the depth of grief, anxiety, and love are so beautifully woven throughout.
The mmc was written as stand-offish yet a total golden retriever at the same time. The fmc was independent and anxiety-filled and talented. Their dynamic was awkward and funny. I enjoyed the romance and chemistry between them a lot.
The ending had me in a chokehold and nearly brought me to tears.

Emma Wheeler has put her career and pretty much her whole life on hold to care for her father, who needs round-the-clock care. She's sacrificed so that her younger sister Sylvie can have the freedom she has denied herself. But she's a darn good screenwriter in need of a break. She gets a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with her idol, Charlie Yates, an award-winning screenwriter who has been tasked to write a rom-com for the first time. His first draft is awful and his manager (who is also Emma's manager and high school ex-boyfriend) knows that Emma is the perfect person to help Charlie. She doesn't want to leave her father but after making arrangements, she heads from Texas to LA. Only when she arrives at his mansion, it is clear that Charlie had no idea she was coming and has no interest in her help. Emma ends up demonstrating to Charlie the recipe for a good rom-com. But she discovers that Charlie can't write about love because he isn't able to let himself love. Will Emma be able to get through to him? 

The Rom-Commers combines the anticipation of love with people dealing with some serious life issues. But count on the ever-joyful Katherine Center to tell a sweet story that will make you happy. She has developed great characters in this fast-paced book filled with snappy, clever dialogue. And a great cameo from her 2022 book The Bodyguard was a nice wink to her legions of fans, which I am happy to be one of. If you haven't read any of Center's books, do yourself a favor and give one a try. 

4.25 stars.