Katherine Center’s latest novel, "The Rom-Commers," is a delightful and heartwarming journey into the world of romantic comedies, both on and off the screen. "The Rom-Commers" serves as a love letter to the romantic comedy genre. Through Emma’s determination to show Charlie the value of love stories, the novel explores the timeless appeal of rom-coms. Center’s writing is infused with references and nods to classic romantic comedies, making it a treat for fans of the genre. The meta-narrative about the process of writing and rewriting a rom-com adds an extra layer of enjoyment for readers who appreciate the craft behind storytelling. One of the novel’s strengths is its ability to blend humor with emotional depth. The comedic elements are sharp and well-timed, while the emotional beats hit home. "The Rom-Commers" is a captivating and feel-good read that celebrates love, both in fiction and in real life. Katherine Center has crafted a story that is as entertaining as it is meaningful, filled with endearing characters, a compelling plot, and a heartfelt message about the power of love and storytelling. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of romantic comedies or simply looking for a heartwarming tale, this novel is sure to leave you smiling and believing in the magic of love stories.

THE ROM-COMMERS

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️
🤬🤬🤬

Initial thoughts: not my favorite Katherine Center book. I liked it because I love Katherine Center’s writing and the underlying messages in her books. The pacing of the story moved nicely and I remained interested in the story but I just didn’t connect with the characters.

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!

I really enjoyed my time reading this one! This new novel from Katherine Center follows two screenwriters — an aspiring though self-proclaimed "failed" writer named Emma and an outrageously successful and highly awarded writer named Charlie — as they join forces to save Charlie's latest project from its current disastrous state. This is all I will leave you with as I think it's fun to go into this book not knowing too much!

In full transparency, I wasn't sure how I would feel about this one as it took me a while to feel connected to Emma and Charlie as characters. I feel like we got a lot of background on Emma right off the bat which meant a bit of slower start to the story for me (it was a lot of info without being given a reason to care about any of it), but once Emma and Charlie started working together I got sucked in and really came to enjoy their banter with one another other. It truly felt like reading about two characters who were matched in every way and it was fun to see them (rather accidentally) come to care for each other.

I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and fast-paced yet sweet and heartfelt read this summer — this was incredibly bingeable and is perfect for reading in one sitting during a beach day. I also really recommend if you loved The Bodyguard by Katherine Center: not only did they have a similar energy, but there might be a cameo or two from some familiar faces! And if you are just generally a lover of rom-coms (books OR films!!!), you will probably find something to love here.

✨ Review ✨ The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center; Narrated by Katherine Center; Patti Murin

Thanks to Macmillan Audio, SMP, and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

So I typically prefer my romances to be a little less G-rated, but this one was an exception. The book made me laugh and root for the characters and really just get sucked up into the story.

I loved the fun elements of the story - the high dive, TJ's nickname lol, Emma's awkwardness, the line dancing and other research they did, the love of Emma's family, and on and on.

The first 1/3 of the book was near perfection -- I loved how it set the story up, I loved how it paired comedy with the characters' grief, and so many things just made me laugh. The tension was A++

The second 2/3 of the book slowed down just a bit because I felt a little frustrated with the characters. I know people don't change over night but sometimes Charlie was really mean to Emma and Emma too unsure and forgiving. I appreciated the messiness but also wanted something a little more from it. I think also hearing Charlie's POV alongside Emma's might have shifted this a bit for me?

Average these together of 5 star x 1/3 + 4 stars x 2/3 gets my rating lol (too much math sorry)

🎧 I listened to most of this on audio BUT I think the jokes landed more via ebook for me, which might be why the first 1/3 ranked so much higher for me. Definitely a fun and quick summer listen!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.33)
Genre: f/m contemporary romance (closed door)
Setting: Los Angeles
Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins
Pub Date: Jun 11 2024

Read this if you like:
⭕️ squeaky clean romances
⭕️ forced proximity with lots of banter
⭕️ guinea pigs
⭕️ tensions on the high dive
⭕️ instruments you can play with one hand

I love Katherine Center but this is her worst book. Wow. Emma and Charlie were both awful! There were multiple things that happened in the book that made me pause, open my chat with someone else who already read this to rant about it, and then go back to finish it. I’ll definitely keep reading her books but this was a huge flop for me.

This was a cute book but fell flat for me in the “rom com” department. I wish the characters were a bit more developed and it was at times a bit boring.

Emma Wheeler is an aspiring screenwriter who spends most of her time taking care of her dad who's still recovering from an accident. Her life's on hold until her agent calls her with what could be a life-changing project. At first, she declines, but then she finds out it's a rewrite with her favorite screenwriter, Charlie Yates. This one is drastically different from his other work as it's a romance and it's a complete mess. She decides to take the chance and goes to Los Angeles to work with him.

This was my first Katherine Center book and I think that may have actually worked against me as I came in with high expectations from all the hype. I just never felt the spark with Emma and Charlie's chemistry. In fact, Charlie treats her terribly for a significant portion of the book. His "conflict" just gave me whiplash — I will leave it at that to avoid spoilers.

Also, I have decided clean romances are lame.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

This Grumpy/Sunshine, forced proximity, workplace romance is an adorably, cute, fast, summer read and I was hooked from the very start.

Another great book from Katherine Center.

Thank you Katherine Center, Netgalley and St Martins Press for the advanced reader’s copy (ARC), all thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars - This book was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way. I may have been crying as much as I was smiling like a loon while reading this story.

The characters were unique and endearing and wildly lovable and frustrating. Two writers… the definitive grumpy sunshine pair… in a long term forced proximity situation… painful trauma in both of their pasts… created incredible chemistry. The banter! The friendship! The slow burn!

A little cameo from a beloved character from a past Katherine Center book was so fun! I definitely don’t want to say too much on the plot- just go read it! 🤣

This is definitely my new favorite Katherine Center book. And one I know I will come back to again.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review an advanced copy.

4.5 stars

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center was such an adorable - you guessed it - rom-com. I loved every minute of reading it and had a hard time putting it down because it was such a fun, fast read. At a time when I was really struggling to find something I was interested in and which could hold my attention, this was the perfect palate cleanser.

The characters stole my heart so quickly. Charlie and Emma both have this quirky, awkward energy like they’re aliens sent to earth and have to pretend to be humans that was both hilarious and so heartwarming. I find them both so adorable and so relatable which kept me devouring the book because I just wanted more of their combined energy in my life. Their chemistry and just the way they worked off of one another was my favourite part of The Rom-Commers and I’m completely obsessed with how the both of them somehow work together perfectly.

This book also had one thing I thought I would never see in a romance. That’s right: communication. Just when I was bracing myself for the angst of a couple in strife over not talking something over, lo and behold they talked and cleared the air. This was such a breath of fresh air and had me sighing with relief because it’s so rare.

This is definitely the kind of story that has me a bit melancholy upon finishing it. I was so invested in the story and the characters that having it come to an end is super bittersweet. I ended up falling for this book so much harder than I expected to and it has quickly become my favourite book by Katherine Center I’ve read so far. I very eagerly look forward to her next book because this one has exceeded my expectations.

*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A cute, fast, summer read! Perfect for the beach and summer fun. A true love letter to the romance/romcon genre.

***TRIGGER WARNINGS: cancer and loss of a parent***

The Rom-Commers follows Emma who wants to be a screenwriter. But she is the sole caretaker for her dad. Her idol is Charlie Yates. Soon she gets a chance to help him rewrite one of his scripts. But she would have to move away from her dad for 6 weeks. She wasn’t going to go but her sister agrees to take care of their father while she is gone. Charlie doesn’t want to work with anyone and he doesn’t want to write a rom com. He doesn’t like them but is forced to right one. Emma is convinced she can work with Charlie and get him to like rom coms. While writing the script the two start to hit it off. Is this real love or is just for the script?

I was hooked with this book from the very start. I was a little nervous to read this one. I have read two other books by this author and thought one was just okay, and I thought the other was bad. This book is my favorite of hers that I have read. I am so happy I decided to give this author another chance. For a romance book it did lack a bit of romance so that is why I rated it the way I did. And I did wish there was more romance. But I really enjoyed this book. I liked how it dealt with some pretty serious topics and it did it in such a great way.

I just finished this delightful book and I have a big smile on my face. I fully heartedly agree with the concept that the quality of your life is all in how you tell it, your point of view and perception is what determines whether it is a happy life or miserable. Emma is so real and relatable. Charlie is such a grumpy perfect book boyfriend. This book pulled out all the feels, from tears to laughter. I loved it!

This is the best romance book I've read so far this year! The main character was extremely likeable and had a well developed storyline. While the relationship between the main characters was addicting, I enjoyed the family storyline on the side even more. I loved her relationship with her father and sister. I love romance novels that give the main characters something outside of the romance and this one doesn't disappoint. Will definitely be recommending to everyone!

I loved this book! It felt like I had a friendship with the main character and was just rooting for her the whole book. This book navigated family dynamics and caregiving while also chasing dreams and finding love, OF COURSE! It was just delightful and I kept finding myself thinking about what would happen next when I wasn’t reading. I loved it!!!

Just got back home from the candy shop with arm holds and legs fold and butt loads of the sweetest, spiciest, most delish candy to ever set foot on the palm of my tiny hands and surprise, surprise, it’s in NOVEL FORM.

This book brought distinct memories of a trauma I faced a mere 8 years ago and it goes like this:

In the midst of a shopping run at Target, my my fellow coworker/close friend, expresses with what cannot be masked as anything but disgust that my love for You’ve Got Mail as one of my top films is r-i-d-i-c-o-l-o-u-s.
“The movie is so cheesy” she says. “I cannot with that movie” she scoffs. “I would rather watch paint dry and lick my toes” she might as well have said. To say I felt attacked would be an understatement—but to Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks’ rescue, her full-on Monet of a boyfriend with the personality of a shriveled up raisin declared: “What? That movie is money.”

Was I in the Twilight Zone? You’re telling me I live in a world where my opinion aligns with a mean, skinny ogre over a dear friend who is as lovely as a bouquet of roses?

I lost a little faith in the human race that day. Some before that and a lot after that incident too. Mainly because, the general opinion was that rom-coms are SILLY movies for SILLY women with SILLY expectations.

Well call me Sally Seashell, but there’s no way in this seashore that I would ever simp over some sad, slimy slime-ball. My guy has gotta be as sexy as sweet in all departments. Okay? Okay.

Anyway, long-story-short, Katherine Center was already my fiction romance author hero but NOW she is my rom-com savior. The Rom-Commers is a love letter to all rom-commers that lovingly shouts: “rom-coms have been and will always be the sh**.” AND to all girlies and WHOEVER else has been a lover of rom-coms~~you are the OG baddy b**ches.

I am tired of typing now but I just wanted to say 1) I LOVE this book, 2) GO read this book, and 3) special thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and the beautiful Katherine Center for blessing me with an ARC yet again. I am so so so excited to purchase this book on publishing day, weeee!

Format - EARC (Netgalley)

Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Spice- 💋

Series- N/A

Troupes- Grumpy/Sunshine, forced proximity, workplace romance

Representation- parent caregivers

CW-

This is the third time I have absolutely devoured a Katherine Center novel. And my only complaints are that I want more of these two and also a little bit of spice would have been great but honesty I almost didn’t even miss it.

Katherines writing is serotonin to my brain and I just adore the way she tells a story. Charlie and Emma I think have taken the top spot in my Favorite characters from Center and I just want more of them. I loved the mutual pinning and banter, the way they feel into playing house like they were meant to be.

Charlie is definitely your classic grumpy yet marshmallow hero. Hard on the outside and soft and squishy on the inside. He has a great character growth while Emma forces him to at least pretend to believe in love.

Another great book I can easily see being turned into a movie! (Netflix get on it!)

Thank you Katherine Center, Netgalley and St Martins Press for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

I love everything about this book. I really do. Katherine Center writes flawed characters that you fall in love with. And even at their lowest points you understand exactly where they were coming from.

What's better than a rom-com lover, basically starring in her own rom-com?? Sat down to read this one and ending up finishing the whole thing in one sitting! Great characters, super cute story - definitely recommend.

4.5⭐️

Thank you to Katherine Center, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my copy of this book!

I absolutely adored this book. This is only my 3rd Katherine Center book and I think I need to dive into her backlist. This book follows Emma, an aspiring and talented screenwriter, who has put her career on hold to care for her father after an injury left him needed around the clock care. Emma gets a phone call from her high school friend about an opportunity to rewrite a terrible rom-com with Emma's favorite screenwriter of all time, Charlie Yates. It's an opportunity she can't turn down. But when Emma shows up, she finds out that Charlie doesn't want the help and doesn't think he needs it.

Emma is an optimist and believes in love and happily ever afters and rom-coms. Charlie is a cynic who doesn't believe in any of that. He is only writing this screenplay in order to get a movie he really wants made. Can Emma convince him to accept help, take this seriously and to eventually believe in love??

I loved Emma's character so much, I just wanted to be friends with her. I loved her sunny disposition and even though she was a fan of Charlie, she also told him the truth and stood up to him when needed.

Charlie was the perfect grump to Emma's sunshine. I love when the grumpy mmc is secretly a cinnamon roll and that is Charlie! The friendship these two developed was so good, and I loved how they slowly started to reveal themselves to each other.

I will say that I was not sure how Katherine was going to get to the HEA in this one, It was close to the end and I was certain she would not be able to pull it off, not only did she but she pulled together all of story in just a few pages and somehow it didn't feel rushed and it was perfect.

This book is definitely one to add to your summer TBR!