Emma is a character I related to very much, always the care taker, blames herself for things she has no control over, panic attacks, never knew how to live for herself. Charlie in the beginning is a successful writer who has his fair share of PTSD if I may say so, however the banter between these two and Emma’s ability to both make Charlie uncomfortable but also to help him grow was incredibly written. Towards the end there was a certain point I got teary, but I loved this story. I loved the unfolding of traumas, the effect of personal traumas, the exploration of how events affect people differently was beautifully written. This is my third book by this author and will definitely not be my last. (Will be making another post on instagram tomorrow)

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center is a delight. Emma would love to be a screenwriter but even though she has the talent, she knows she must stay home to take care of her father. That is, until Charlie Yates, who just so happens to be her idol, needs help re-writing a script that is a rom-com. Rom-Coms are Emma’s specialty after years of researching them and this is an opportunity she can’t pass up. After moving to LA for six weeks, Emma finds out that Charlie is none to happy to be working with a rookie. They say you should never meet your idols and Emma is experiencing that first hand. She is determined to show her worth and create the perfect movie, no matter how hard Charlie fights it and the idea of love. Emma is willing to risk it all, including her heart.
An aspect of this book that really stood out is the way Center completely breaks the fourth wall. Many times throughout, Emma directly addresses the reader, which creates a feeling of safety and familiarity. Emma’s explanation of the genre and all its rules also lends to that feeling. You know what to expect because this is the recipe. What makes The Rom-Commers so special is that even though, you know where it’s going to end up, Center makes this story fresh and bingeable. The banter and the dialogue is whip smart and is laugh out loud funny. While I wish Charlie had been kinder much quicker than he was, watching his personal development was very interesting and I was rooting for his change. You can see his healing happening on the page.
As you are reading, you can feel the moods of Charlie and how they affect Emma.
Emma, herself as a character showed incredible strength and resilience. The situation with how her mother died added an emotional depth that some rom-coms could lack. Throughout you can see how Emma was affected and how her coping skills were formed. Center really dug to get to the bottom of how Emma would react in each situation.
There are two tropes at play here which include forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine. If you love these tropes, this is definitely worth a read. Also, if you are a long time reader of Center, you will get to see a cameo by Jack Stapleton from The Bodyguard. It is very easy to get lost in a Center book and feel like you are involved in these characters lives.
All in all, The Rom-Commers is a book that will ultimately leave you feeling complete and better for having read it. Charlie and Emma will feel like family and I can see this becoming a book that I re-read often.

It’s rare that I finish a book and instantly want to read it again, but that’s what happened here. This book was a love letter to love, life, and healing. It was funny and emotional.

I don’t think there’s anything better than a Katherine Center novel. In fact, I think the Rom-Commers is going to end up being one of my top reads of 2024 (and deservedly so)!

Emma Wheeler has had a long ten years as sole caregiver for her father, putting her screenwriting career on the back burner. When a high school friend offers her the opportunity of a lifetime, to help the legendary Charlie Yates rewrite his rom-com screenplay, she reluctantly decides to take the leap. The two quickly butt heads (after some well intentioned misunderstandings) and agree to forge ahead to make the screen play a romantic comedy masterpiece with Emma at the helm teaching Charlie everything she knows. With the two jumping head first into lessons on love, “research” demonstrations, and line dancing (if you know, you know), what could possibly go wrong?

This book is the most beautiful love letter to romance readers and writers alike. Katherine Center always does such a wonderful job crafting a unique story that’s part romance, part woman’s fiction, and all heart. With every book of hers I read, I fall more in love with her writing, the worlds she creates, and the contemporary romance genre as a whole.

I think the best part of her books are the profound lessons she leaves us with in her epilogues. It’s the perfect bow on the present that is her book.

I highly recommend preordering or requesting from your library! This is one summer read you don’t want to miss.

Many, many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC!

Emma Wheeler is the queen of writing romantic comedy. She's made an art of its study, but between the loss of her mother, caring for her father, and supporting her little sister, she has pushed her own dreams to the back burner. When her agent poses her with an opportunity to work with famous screenwriter Charlie Yates, one of her all time favorites, Emma finally decides to chase her dreams. Except Charlie doesn't want to work with her.

Charlie is an unlikely, and at times unwilling RomCom hero, but Emma is heroine enough to rise to the challenge of carrying the book. Katherine Center does an amazing job of writing a romcom that is real and raw at times, but ultimately hopeful.

The Rom-Commers is a single-POV opposites attract romantic comedy. Emma, a writer who has had to put her dreams on hold to care for her father, is presented with an opportunity to work with her idol. Charlie, a well-respected screenwriter has written a truly terrible RomCom and reluctantly accepts Emma’s help to fix it. Despite clashing in the beginning, the two actually work really well together, surprising them both!

Katherine Center has very quickly become an auto-buy author for me. Emma and Charlie were both alternatingly frustrating and likeable, so all around just very real! I loved this book, the banter between Emma and Charlie, the drama and angst, and of course the required HEA!


Read dates: 04/30/2024-05/01/2024
Goodreads review: 05/01/2024
Instagram review: 05/02/2024
Blog review: 06/11/2024

Not my favorite.

The main character is annoying and immature. There is no chemistry between the characters; it’s actually sad how she throws herself at him and he shows no interest until the very end. Just all over weird vibes for a “rom/com”. No rom, no com.

I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

I did not even know that corduroy was around anymore: I haven't seen corduroy pants in decades.

THE ROM-COMMERS is a sweet, sappy [clean] love story. But it's not just boy-meets-girl. Emma's family and her friend Logan play a big part in the story, too. How much do you give up for someone you love? How do you forgive and move on?

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy.

This is my third Katherine center novel and I can't decide if she's an author for. The first I read Things You save in a Fire I did not like. Like at all. However Hello Stranger was enjoyable if not a bit ridiculous and unrealistic. This was somewhere in between.

Things I liked: the beginning. Everything about the beginning - the banter, the emotions, the characters as they try to work out this weird arrangement of screenwriting.

Then the book took a turn. The screenwriting while a plot point wasn't that important to the story. They have some fun moments in the lessons but I felt like it was taking a backseat. Except I'm not sure what it was a backseat to? Not the romance that's for sure. I didn't care that much for the romance. It was almost an afterthought in the story.

Things that didn't work: the fourth wall breaking narrative. And why does the guy always not believe in love? Are there that many people out there that don't believe in this? Or are all of them just in romance novels?

Anyways - there were some lovely lessons in here, good writing and a decent amount of humor. This is for the lighthearted romance lovers, the movie making obsessed and fans of this author.

3 3/4 stars

Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - April 14, 2024
Publication Date - June 11, 2024

*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @katherinecenter, @stmartinspress and @netgalley!

St. Martin’s Press is releasing a fun version of The Rom-Commers with vibrant spray-painted edges!

Right away, I liked the way that the narrator talks to the reader. It feels very immersive and like talking to a friend who is spilling all the tea about her life! I could never be friends with an ex but I know there are many people who may find that normal or be in similar situations. The writing is very dramatic with so much exaggeration at times, so I can understand why some readers might not like it. Personally, I feel like it works because the main characters are both writers! What else would you expect from the writer of a rom-com? I liked reading about the writing process because every author has their own quirks and methods. There were also some great takeaways about love and life throughout the book.

This was my first Katherine Center book and I am so excited to read more!

Get excited to read this newly designed copy of The Rom-Commers, available June 11! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

I seriously love the way Center tells a story. In every book I’ve read by her she’s done and amazing job of making me feel deeply for the all characters. This one was beautifully done, I even cried at one point which is very rare for me in Rom coms.

I adored her authors note at the end and wholeheartedly agree that the world needs these stories. We need more hope and love and kindness in our lives. This was a fantastic read that I loved and needed in my life!

Thank you St. Martins Press for the arc via Netgalley!

Classic Katherine Center rom-com, no one does it better!
Loved the plot of screenwriting a rom-com and the commentary about the genre in general.
KC is a rom-com queen!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and to St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book.

I have read all of Katherine Centers books to date and have enjoyed them all. This book was no exception. Her books are fun, funny, and touching at times and over all just really good.


I enjoyed listening to this book. I can't wait until I read her next one!

Every time I read a Katherine Center book, I don't see how she can out do herself, but she always does. This has to be one of the funniest, relatable, entertaining books I have ever read. I literally snort-laughed out loud in a public place, several times, while reading this. You will both love and hate Charlie, the famous screen writer, as he "allows" Emma to help him get his writing groove back. You will love Emma's strength and wit as she stands up to Charlie and his overinflated ego. A truly wonderful read!

Overall I really enjoyed this read! I find Katherine Center's books very easy to get into and fast to finish! I loved the banter, and the re-creation of rom com scenes in the purpose of "research" for the new script that Charlie and Emma are writing together. The book was heartbreaking but also funny and makes you smile for the characters in the best way, and 100% root for their happiness in the end! I definitely recommend giving this one a read when it comes out!

4.25 stars

Good. Emotional. Angsty. I actually cried at one point, which I don’t do with a lot of books right now (there were extenuating circumstances, but still- this one was making me feel things). I liked the ending. All in all, I’ve been pretty happy with the handful of books I’ve read from this writer, and I look forward to exploring her next story as well.

I received this book as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley. I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed that I knew I would get the happy ending that a typical rom-com delivers.

There's something in Katherine Center's romcoms that makes me devour them SO fast. The Rom-Commers was no different! I binged this so hard. I never wanted to stop reading it, and even when I had to stop reading, I thought about the characters constantly. I adored this story and its characters.

I loved the setup of two screenwriters writing a romcom together and falling in love along the way! It made for a unique story and the perfect excuse for forced proximity. The two main characters were so vibrant in my mind. I appreciated Emma's wild red hair and her witty, dependable personality. I had a soft spot for Charlie's grumpy but kind demeanor. And I loved the journey they took together discovering what love looked like for them.

As expected for Katherine Center's book, this book dealt with some tough themes. Emma and Charlie went through some really hard times. But that's what I love about Center's romcoms. The banter and chemistry was delicious, but it was made even more special though the hard times the characters overcame. And while I had some issues with the ending (no spoilers here), I really appreciated this story and would absolutely recommend!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4.5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for the arc!
Releases June 11, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: death of a parent (recounted), chronic injury, care-taking, cancer (recounted), kisses, near drowning

This was a surprisingly moving read. Based on the title and description, I assumed this book would be an average romantic comedy, so I was surprised at the depth of emotion this book invoked. The characters were very well written and although it followed some traditional romance tropes, this book’s plot still had a lot of refreshing uniqueness to it.
In this book, Emily is the sole caretaker of her dad. He needs round the clock care so she’s basically given up everything in her life to care for him. However, when the chance of a lifetime come up, her sister convinces her to take a leap of faith. She agrees to go to L.A. to work on a screenplay with her favorite screenwriter. However, she soon finds that he isn’t interested in the screenplay and doesn’t believe in love, despite the screenplay being a romantic comedy!
I really liked the characters in this book. I rooted for Emily most of all but could tell that Charlie was worth rooting for behind his gruff exterior. I really enjoyed seeing Emily break through Charlie’s walls to teach him how to feel and express emotions again. Emily’s relationship with her dad was also special although I wish we got to see a little more of that in the book rather than solely her care for him.
This book does deal with heavy themes of death, illnesses, and catastrophic accidents. Yet, Center manages to balance the many emotions in this book with humor, hope, and kindness shining through to balance the good and the bad. I felt like the book ended on a great and realistic note, as well. It was optimistic but not overly so, which I appreciated.
This was the first book I’ve read by Katherine Center, but it certainly won’t be the last!

I have been known to be fairly wishy-washy on KC books. I love How to Walk Away and Happiness for Beginners, but I’m kind of not into anything else. I’m in the minority here, but this one just didn’t hit the mark for me. I found it to be incredibly boring and the characters to be flat and repetitive. There were also some weird interactions; i.e. Emma’s heart is beating rapidly and she thinks there’s an earthquake and her bed is shaking. Like… what? 🤔

I think a lot of people will enjoy this one and it will make them happy, it just wasn’t for me.