Katherine Center has done it again with this heartwarming, hug of a story. This may be my favorite of hers yet, it’s definitely my favorite romance of the year!

If you haven’t read a Katherine Center story, I would describe it best as being hugged by your favorite sweater when you need it most. She writes emotional and relatable storylines, her character’s are endearing and perfectly flawed, and she expertly balances real-life difficulties and humor, giving her stories emotion and depth. I haven’t read one book of hers that didn’t play with my heartstrings, and this one tugged on every emotion.

I fell in love with Emma and Charlie, both were beautifully flawed, but their story wasn’t all fluff. Both had experienced life changing events and had to learn to navigate through big change and all its own stressors, and neither made it through unscathed. I loved Emma, her strength in picking up the pieces and how she put her life on hold for the good of her family, but was saddened for the guilt and anxiety she felt that made it difficult for her to ask for or allow others to help. And I adored Charlie, right from the grumpy start and my heart broke for all he went through. I adored watching both them grow together, helping each other face their fears, as their feeling for one another grew. I loved their banter and silliness as they worked together and conducted their ‘research’, the angst of what was going on around them was palpable, but despite the heaviness of the situations each faced, I found the story to be beautiful and uplifting, packed with happiness and hope. Just perfect!!! I would also be remorse not to mention the secondary characters, especially Emma’s dad. I found them all just beautifully written adding their own bit of magic to this one, and for those that read The Body Guard, Jack Stapleton makes a cameo appearance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center, St. Martin’s Press AND Macmillan Audio for granting me access to this book AND audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This book is scheduled to publish June 11, 2024. Reserve your copy now, you won’t be disappointed!

This story was FUN! I loved the peek into the movie industry - a universe completely foreign to me. The characters were unpacked slowly but surely which helped the story to move along even when it was unclear how the various subplots would resolve. Details came to light at a really great pace which kept me invested in the story. And the two main "stars" of the story were a delight to get to know. Each of them brought unique characteristics into the storyline which just made this whole story really entertaining. Really enjoyable read.

I don’t know how Katherine Center does it, but she takes something that sounds kind of cheesy, like a nobody rom-com screen play writer helping a super famous action screenplay writer fox his horrible rom-com, and she just makes it lovely. Her books are so nice and readable and I think this is one of her best ones.

I absolutely loved this new Katherine Center, enemies to lovers romp. Emma and Charlie are both equally fraught with emotional baggage that impacts their relationships and how they make their way through the world. Brought together in order to write the ultimate Rom-Com, these two are forced to make it work, despite their pasts and their perceptions of one another. This is a wonderful example of the relationships that can develop behind closed doors. This books pub date will be in June, and I absolutely recommend picking it up as your next summer read. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Marten’s Press for the e-ARC version of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited to get an ARC copy of the Rom-Commers because I love Katherine Center’s books. Her stories mostly center on women who overcome tragedy and find some romance along the way.

Emma is a writer who is obsessed with romantic comedies. She’s also care-giver to her father who was injured in a hiking accident, and she has given up everything to be with him 24/7.

When her ex-boyfriend/literary agent offers her an opportunity to ghost re-write a movie with her all-time favorite screenwriter, she heads out to LA to rescue him from this script, which has pretty much been deemed the worst thing ever written.

The screenwriter, Charlie, is quirky and cantankerous. He’s got a drawer full of major awards. And he doesn’t really want Emma’s help.

Emma and Charlie make a great team, even though they often clash and misunderstand each other. This story is funny and cute, even though the characters have some sad backstories, like most of Center’s characters. Be on the lookout for a cameo from the actor Jack from The Bodyguard.

I received an ARC copy of this book from St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.

This was funny, charming, and had a unique point of view that was really refreshing. The most well respected and award-winning screenwriter tries his hand a a rom-com and it is terrible. Career-ending level of awful. So they bring in an unknown writer who has a tough road to help ghost write it and make it passable. Shenanigans ensue, can these two broken people find their way, alone or together? Comes out June 11th!

A solid addition to Katherine Center's arsenal. The addition of writing aspects will appeal to readers and writers everywhere. Enjoyable easter eggs from other Center books. As expected, in such a lovely way.

This is my favorite kind of rom-com. Lovable characters, great dialogue, swoony chemistry that is sweet and fun. This was my first title by this author but will certainly read her back list now!

Clearly I’m in the minority here, but I just did not vibe with this book at all. I kind of …hated Charlie? This review may have spoilers 🤐

I’ll start with a general issue I have. IMO, when you have a romance where there’s a power imbalance between the two MCs, the only way for it to work is if the person with more power is down SO bad. Preferably they fall first, but they definitely need to fall hardest, otherwise it just kind of gives me the ick. I honestly need their life to be hell over it for a short period of time lol that just was not the case here.

My other issue is if you are going to have a single POV romance, you have to show the reader why we should be invested in the other person through their words and actions throughout the book. By the time Charlie’s “true feelings” are conveyed at the very end, it’s too late…he had already yelled at her several times, stormed out on her, etc. etc. by then- I had written him off long before his declaration.

Also, the reason behind why he was pushing her away is SUCH a pet peeve of mine. Taking agency away from someone because you think it’s in their best interest is so incredibly infuriating.

And finally, and quite possibly the MOST egregious part of the book was the totally unnecessary throwaway line about the guinea pig on the very last god damn page 😩 literally wtf why lol #justiceforcuthbert

If you liked this book, I am happy for you!!

Katherine Center has become one of my new favorites. The Rom-Commers is emotional, funny, and just an enjoyable read. Once again the author note is almost as wonderful as the story itself. I love that the characters actually have time together to grow and develop, even if I did want to thunk Charlie on the forehead once or twice. If you love love stories, Hollywood drama, cameos from past novels (hello Jack Stapleton!), sisterhood, and writing/writers in general, read this book.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for my audiobook to review. As always, no influence from that fact in any way.

Quick easy read. The author does a great job at capturing your attention right away. A writer heads to LA to help rewrite a rom-com after 10 years of giving up her dreams to become a writer and taking care of her dad. Once she gets to LA will the writer allow her to stay or make her go back home? Can home survive without her while she’s in LA?

3.5 stars

I do really enjoy reading Katherine Center’s books but find them to be either a hit or a miss. The Rom-Commers was actually both for me. The first half was definitely a hit! It was funny and the author did a great job of creating likeable characters. But the last half of the book was, unfortunately, a bit of a miss.

The story revolves around Emma, an unknown screenwriter who helps award-winning Charlie Yates write a Rom-Com. The banter between the two main characters was fun and I laughed out loud during a couple scenes. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Emma’s father. While the book is meant to be light and funny, it did introduce an element of grief and mourning. I appreciated that this aspect of the book was portrayed in a very realistic way.

But then the book became a bit of a cliché. I found myself cringing during the last half, which just did not live up to the first half of the story. The ending was satisfying, if not a bit predictable.

I have read a couple of Center’s previous novels, and this one is by far my favorite! It was funny believable, and done so well. 5-star read! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center is an entertaining mix of romance and comedy that brings a fresh perspective to the world of screenwriting. Emma Wheeler's journey from caring for her father to pursuing her dream as a screenwriter is both heartwarming and inspiring. The dynamic between Emma and famous screenwriter Charlie Yates adds depth to the story, as they navigate the complexities of love and storytelling. This novel is engaging, humorous, and full of charm!

4.25 STARS

This was my first book by Katherine Center, and I damn well know it’s not going to be my last. This was such fun, with real-life moments that factualize these characters. The witty banter is top notch, and OH MY GOSH Charlie is so freaking romantic without even knowing it! Their tension, their romance, their everything is so much that I’m left kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot in the middle of the night.

This might be my favorite Katherine Center books. Wow she caught me in the emotions a few times, and then wrapped it up perfectly.

What a treat and delight!!!!! I could NOT put this book down, and enjoyed it every single second. I laughed out so loudly in parts that my partner came in the room to ask what I was doing. One of my most favorite books is The Bodyguard, and this is a perfect companion. No notes, perfection. What a treat and a joy. Thank you, thank you!!

This book was good! I enjoyed it enough but not sure if it made a lasting impact. It was a light read.

Another light cute romcom from Katherine Center. Great as a palate cleanser after a heavier book. Very light, easy read.

This book is like a big hug, especially if you like
rom-com movies. I laughed out loud at the quirkiness of Emma as she navigates working alongside Charlie and cheered for them as they found each other. I felt like I was in living in a rom-com movie with them as they both learned to navigate the ups (and downs) of life