Rating: ★★★★★ (True Five stars)
"The RomCommers" by Katherine Center is an absolute gem of a book—no notes! And let's be real, with a title like "The RomCommers," how could you possibly go wrong? It feels like this book was written just for me!

Having read two previous works by Katherine Center, I can confidently say that she continues to surpass herself with each new release. As my fellow Texan and queen of closed-door rom-coms, she has truly outdone herself this time, raising the bar by a mile.

In "The RomCommers," Katherine introduces us to Emma, a rom-com fan and talented screenwriter who has spent the last decade caring for her father after a tragic accident while teaching on the side to make ends meet. When her high school ex turned best friend, Logan, presents her with the opportunity to ghostwrite a rom-com alongside her idol, the Oscar-winning and charming Charlie Yates, Emma jumps at the chance. Despite Charlie's initial lack of enthusiasm, Emma is determined to win him over to her love of rom-coms and see their project through to the end.

Where do I even begin to express my love for this book? Let me count the ways. Emma is the epitome of a perfect female lead—intelligent, determined, confident in her abilities, and fiercely devoted to her family and friends. Charlie, with his grumpy exterior and a soft, cinnamon roll center, is an irresistible character who quickly falls for Emma's charms and wit, much to his own surprise. Their banter is delightful, their chemistry electrifying, and they've swiftly become one of my all-time favorite book couples. The way Charlie looks at Emma with admiration, the way Emma loves everything about Charlie—it's all so beautifully and hilariously written and utterly swoon-worthy.

"The RomCommers" is a must-read for fans of close proximity, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and workplace romance. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this delightful book!

The Rom-Commers is perfect for all romcom fans!

As always, Katherine Center has written a beautiful story filled with hope, swoon-worthy romance, and humor. This book is an ode to romcom lovers everywhere!

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center - Releases June 11th 2024 - 2.5 Stars

Honest discussion incoming. I started this book really enjoying the storyline and feeling like Katherine Center can just tell a good story. 2 Screenplay writers in Hollywood working together to write a rom-com?! Let's go right?! And I will say, I really enjoyed The Bodyguard and Hello Stranger by Katherine Center, so I was so pumped for this one! (And I will still be reading her backlist because I have heard nothing but great things about those!)

Unfortunately, this newest one just wasn't for me for several reasons and I ended up being disappointed. I am very appreciative to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review of the eBook and audiobook - and the narrator did a great job in narrating the story to keep you engaged - I did want to keep reading and listening - but like I said, it ended up not being for me.

As I mentioned this is about 2 Screenplay Writers who are working together to write a rom-com together. We have Emma and Charlie. Emma is ultimately a character I started off really enjoying because I found her, at first, to have such depth as a caregiver to her family and very relatable because I am a special needs Mama and have experienced caregiver fatigue just as she has. I loved how passionate she was for her writing and was so excited for the project they were going to work on.

The story kicks off as her ex-boyfriend from high school introduces her to Charlie, a famous screenplay writer in Hollywood, to help him with his horrible rom-com he's written. Charlie is a guy she has idolized and fan girled about for years in her screenplay writing career, so she is nervous and so excited to go on this journey. Her family encourages her to go because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for her and she has sacrificed so much for them. However, Charlie wants nothing to do with Emma because he says he doesn't need help and it wasn't exactly approved for her to work with him at the start. After reading her work, he realizes she is a good writer and asks her to stay. She ends up staying and living with Charlie in his mansion for several weeks to help write the story and everything takes off from here.

Here is what I didn't like:

While I started off liking Emma, I became frustrated because of how much she is pursuing Charlie when he is completely mean and rude to her. There are several situations where he talks bad about her behind her back and she overhears it. For example, Charlie was married before and Emma overhears Charlie talking bad about her to his ex-wife (and the friend who introduced them) saying she was "nobody" and "just a writer" etc., yet there were times I felt like he did like her and showed emotions for her? So, while I understand the reason he felt like he couldn't be with her, he was just so rude for no reason and she didn't know any of those reasons. Yet she still peruses him. Over and over again. So ultimately, Charlie was a character that was just so back and forth for me and I had mixed feelings throughout the story about him. I felt like we needed his POV to really understand him since its first person and we just feel like he likes her but then he treats her bad several times so you end up frustrated with him.

Around 78% is where I almost DNF'd this book because of a scene that, while this entire book was considered clean romance, this scene frustrated me on a personal level. Essentially, Emma is upset for a certain reason and ends up getting drunk during that time at Charlie's place. She is pursuing him and trying to proposition him to have sex with her and it could just be a 1 time thing, that is doesn't matter etc. He says no, he doesn't want to, she is not able to consent because she is drunk and she thinks to herself how "ugh. now he was throwing consent at me? How was I supposed to argue with that? Maybe I could use my feminine wiles." And so continues to try to proposition him for sex with him continuing to say no. That bothered me because it portrayed her in such a negative way. So in that moment he's being a good guy, yet she's mad about it.

I did ultimately finish the story and see the happy ending they had, but I was just over it at that point. They didn't really go together for me personally - it felt toxic in a way. So all of those things lead me to this 2.5 star review. With some things I liked but it was overall, not for me.

Again, I do like the two previous Katherine Center books I have read by her but unfortunately, this one was just not for me. I will be reading more of her backlist but not recommending this one.

Content: language - several F and S words, sexual innuendos, death of a parent, parent with an illness, cancer, divorce, caretaker fatigue and other details explained above.

Katherine Center is one of my 'must read' authors with Christina Lauren, Abby Jimenez, Nikki Payne, and Mazey Eddings. This book exceeded my expectations and felt like a love letter to Rom Coms. Emma was the quintessential Rom Com Female main character, gave up everything to take care of others, put her career on hold, and wasn't living her life. Enter her opportunity to work with the curmudgeon Charlie who wanted nothing to do with her. The progression of watching them fall in love was that of a great Rom Com, and I loved that it was meta since they were writing a Rom Com at the same time. While I understand why the pantry scene was there, to have them fall on each other and show it can be romantic, I felt like having Margaux part of the story wasn't necessary. Who lets their ex-wife have uncontrolled access to their home? Otherwise, this is definitely a book that I would recommend others.

"The Rom-Commers" by Katherine Center is a charming and heartfelt romantic comedy that celebrates the power of love, second chances, and the magic of storytelling. The novel follows Emma Wheeler, a passionate screenwriter who dreams of making it big in Hollywood while balancing the responsibilities of caring for her father.

Center skillfully weaves together themes of ambition, family, and self-discovery as Emma embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rewrite a script for her idol, Charlie Yates. Leaving behind her caregiving duties to her sister, Emma dives headfirst into the world of Hollywood, only to find herself facing a formidable challenge in the form of Charlie, a cynical and disillusioned screenwriter.

The dynamic between Emma and Charlie crackles with tension and chemistry, as they clash over their differing views on love and storytelling. Emma's unwavering belief in the power of romantic comedies and her determination to prove Charlie wrong make for an engaging and uplifting narrative. As they collaborate on the script, Emma and Charlie find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways, leading to a series of delightful and comedic misadventures.

Center's writing is witty, engaging, and filled with humor, making "The Rom-Commers" a joy to read from start to finish. The author expertly captures the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, while also delving into the more tender and poignant moments of Emma's journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment.

At its core, "The Rom-Commers" is a love letter to the power of storytelling and the belief in happy endings. Through Emma and Charlie's unconventional romance, Center explores themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and the transformative nature of love. Readers will find themselves rooting for Emma as she navigates the ups and downs of Hollywood, all while staying true to herself and her dreams.

Overall, "The Rom-Commers" is a delightful and uplifting novel that will leave readers laughing, swooning, and believing in the magic of love. With its endearing characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt romance, it's a perfect read for fans of romantic comedies and feel-good fiction. Center has crafted a charming and memorable story that is sure to capture the hearts of readers everywhere.

Katherine Center is an author that always goes straight to the top of my TBR list As soon as I can I have to read them!

The Rom-Commers is my new favorite. Each new release replaces the last new one.

Emma Wheeler has a real talent for writing romantic comedies and is the queen of romcoms and what works in stories. But she's put her writing dream on hold to be a full time caretaker for her father.

When her ex/friend/agent calls her with a chance to re-write a script with her favorite screenwriter
BUT

He's never wrote a Romcom and to say its terrible is mean to the word terrible.
he doesn’t believe in LOVE. and he's only writing this to get his other movie made.

Emma is determined to convince him romance and romcoms are important and gives him tasks to show him its real.

There's something about Katherine Centers books that pull you in right away the cast of characters in this book is just wonderful. I had so many laugh out loud moments. I honestly can't wait for the audio as well because some things you just want to hear.

Look for a cameos from Jack Stapleton from “The BodyGuard”.

Available June 11, 2024< Will be a great summer read!


Thank You to St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This story was everything a romantic comedy should be. Funny, heart felt, heart break, love and just a beautiful story.

Emma and Charlie are the perfect stars in this story! Emma receives the opportunity to work with a famous screenwriter, Charlie who she has followed throughout his career. She's completely fan-girling and cannot wait to work with him. But things get off to a rough start.

These two are so good together. They had me smiling, laughing and crying. I loved how this book was realistic in that not all things in life end with perfect bows because life isn't perfect. There will always be hard times along with the good. And Katherine did an amazing job at showing this with Emma and Charlie. Not to mention Emma's dad stole my heart too with all his dad wisdom and outlook on life.

This book has a piece of me now along with these characters. So relatable and I can't stop thinking about them.

Thank you Netgalley, Katherine Center and St. Martin's Press for this ARC. This book releases on June 11, 2024.

Katherine Center has done it again! I was completely glued to this story as I read page after page. Fans of Katherine will absolutely love this book and even get a cameo from beloved characters of past books!

Katherine Center has an incredible talent in which she makes me laugh (like actually giggle), cry (sobbing in some places), and just constantly smile (like a lunatic).

Can you tell I enjoyed it?? 5/5 easy. I was just so dang happy reading this. Emma, our FMC, has put herself last for the past 10 years. Caring for her father and letting her younger sister shine, she has written herself out of her own story. She finally gets the opportunity of a lifetime to write alongside her writing icon, Charlie Yates. Charlie is the definition of cynical and has zero interest in working with Emma, until he spends 5 seconds around her. Cue the slow burn angst.

These two complemented each other SO well, and I absolutely loved every second of their love story.

#allhailromcoms

“It’s all about the details you notice. And the joys you savor. And the hope you refuse to give up on.”

I just finished this and loved it to pieces. This book brought fun, laughter, and a (much needed) good cry. It felt like a big giant hug and had so many sweet, romantic moments. As a person with newly diagnosed anxiety, this book really spoke to me and I really felt like I could see myself in the FMC. Katherine Center always delivers the most uplifting, swoony, funny books and I adore everything she writes!

My first read of Katherine Centers and it did not disappoint. It may be one of my favorite of the year. It is a story about writing romantic comedies and it has all the heart and love and heartache I could handle. It was an “insta love” without having a toothache too sweetness to it. I found myself getting belly butterflies and that exciting tingle in my chest that you get from a rollercoaster. I felt the tears well up in my eyes along with Emma and just as many belly laughs if not more. I couldn’t have hoped for anything more from this book.

I cannot adequately explain the scope of emotions I felt while reading this novel. Katherine Center is a mastermind at weaving a person's most realistic fears (loved ones getting sick, traumatic deaths) and still showing the reader that there is still happiness. This story had beautiful themes of reminding us that life is still beautiful, even when it is sad and scary. There is happiness. Katherine Center's novels are heavier than many realize and are worthy of much more attention and nuanced conversation than they currently receive. Then again, I live under a rock, so what do I know.

WELL DONE, I HAVE BEEN WRECKED IN THE WORST/BEST WAY.

I’ve been lucky enough to listen to the audiobook version of The Rom-Commers (twice!) and now I’ve had the pleasure of reading the book.

Reiterating what I’ve said before: this book is slow-burn, forced proximity perfection. There’s angst, yes, and a few fairly heavy topics, but overall the book has a sort of buoyancy that is completely in keeping with Emma’s outlook on life. q

I adore Emma, and Charlie Yates may be one of my all-time favorite book boyfriends. They complement each other so well, both emotionally stunted but in completely different ways and for completely different reasons.

While this is a slow-burn romance, at no point does the story drag. The plot managed to surprise me in a way that few romance books do. There are a couple of small questions I have, but nothing that would detract from this being a solid, five-star read.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced reader copy of this book.

loved this book! Quick pace and easy to get into. And 3 weddings in one book! HEA guaranteed.

Emma is a caregiver to her father and never puts herself first. She gets an opportunity of a lifetime and has to entrust her sister to caregive her father. Charlie is a writer who has a case of the yips and refuses to work with anyone. Will Emma get thru to Charlie and make a successful rom com script?

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

Emma was a promising screenwriter who had to put her dreams on hold for a decade due to a family tragedy. Allowed a bit of respite when her sister returns from college with a med student boyfriend in tow, Emma is called to LA to work for six weeks on polishing up a romantic comedy with the screenwriter she most admires.
Charlie is the revered, accomplished object of Emma’s professional aspirations. He’s also a man who doesn’t believe in love. His screenplay is a nightmare - for reasons - and Emma breaks down for him all the ways in which it’s awful. When they begin working together in earnest to rewrite it, Emma’s belief in romance clashes with Charlie’s cynicism.
I must stop here with the synopsis, as the publisher will provide it, and it would be criminal for me to inadvertently spoil any of this wonderful, funny, emotional, heartbreaking, life-affirming beautiful novel. It’s a ride the reader will not regret taking.
Katherine Center’s captivating writing style is immediately accessible yet light years beyond what one would expect from a romantic comedy. Written exclusively from Emma’s point of view, the voice is that of a dear friend catching us up on her journey from the last time we’d seen her to this point in her life. She’s witty and stubborn, even impulsive, but always likable.
I unreservedly recommend this book which is truly a standout in a sea of mediocre contemporary romantic fiction.
I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from NetGalley and it’s my privilege to share my honest impressions.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! 
This was a cute and fun read with a HEA. Katherine Center always writes easy and fun books and this was no different. Emma teaches Charlie how to love and write a HEA while they get one of their own. This book made me laugh, cry, and squeal (sometimes at the same time). Katherine's writing has her classic tone of banter and feel-good vibes.

Unfortunately, I didn’t like much about this at all. It was easy reading and polished but beyond that I was scratching my head that an author as revered as Katherine Center would write this. I expected a women’s fiction with a romance, even though the blurb sounds more like a romance, and somehow it was neither. It was also not a comedy.

It was a story of two (mostly unlikable) people in forced proximity who work on a screenplay together, & that’s about it. Not a lot of character growth, not a lot of romance. They don’t like each other, they barely get to know each other, then they’re in love, I guess? It’s a little hard to tell because both characters were so obtuse.

The MMC insults and degrades the FMC to multiple other characters multiple times, in front of her and behind her back. The FMC accepts all this and still likes him anyway. She’s pushy, naive, and judgy. She throws herself at the MMC then pouts and won’t let it go when he turns her down. Have some self respect, girl.

I don’t know what else to say. Maybe this book has an audience but it’s obviously not me.

4.25 ⭐️!!!
This was my first Katherine Center book and I really didn’t know what to expect, but there are so many golden nuggets about life in this book. I want expecting any *emotional damage* coming from this book but got it anyway. I also expected it to be pretty predictable but ended up being proven wrong as well! Charlie is a very far from swoon worthy, perfect MMC. He says all the wrong things, doesn’t believe in love, and is just fumbling through life, and this relationship. It was a bumpy journey, but overall I was pleasantly surprised by this book!

I was really looking forward to this one after loving Hello Stranger! The Rom-Commers was a quick and easy read, but while there were some cute moments in this one, it wasn’t my favourite out of all of hers I've read.

The plot was sweet but the ending let it down. (No spoilers) it just felt incongruous with Charlie’s character. Charlie started out with quite a defined grump type of personality and while he softened throughout, the end just didn't work for me.

The plot also relied on too many conversations being overhead, particularly in the first half, which was boring and simple after the first time it happened. There are other ways to introduce conflict! And speaking of conflict, I did not understand what was going on with the TJ Heywood thing at all.

Overall Emma was an ok FMC - I liked her passion for romance and her funny moments. However, she was annoying at times - overbearing and one dimensional rather than charming in moments where it would've made a huge difference e.g. getting drunk and climbing to the top of a high dive board is not endearingly cute, it’s tragic! And ignoring all the terrible things Charlie said without calling him out on it is the same - I prefer to see more maturity in my FMCs than is sometimes written in romcoms. I did like the inclusion of her current family dynamics and liked the representation of her life as a carer, but think there was more to work through with the trauma of her family's history that also would've added some depth to the story and her relationship with Charlie.

Overall not one I'll likely reread, but would recommend as an easy beach/summer read to a friend.

This is the first book I have read by Katherine Center and I loved it!! In many places I laughed outloud and at the same time there were a couple places where I shed a couple of tears. Her writing reminds me of another favourite author of mine Kristan Higgins. The story is believable, heartfelt, emotional and at places hilarious. I encourage you to get this book and read or listen to it as the story will definitely not disappoint and you will be glad you took the time to enjoy this book.