Entertaining, as usual, for Katherine Center! I've loved all of her books and this one is no different. It is a easy and entertaining read that one could stay up late trying to finish!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Katherine Center for an eARC copy of The Rom-Commers via NetGalley.

Emma has been living as her dad's full-time caretaker for ten years, putting all her dreams of becoming a screenwriter (which she was actually pretty good at) to the side until her sister could take over after school. Her life is about to change, however, because she was just offered the job of a lifetime - to help re-write a romance script with one of the most famous, and her all time favorite, screen writers: Charlie Yates. She upends her life and moves to LA, leaving her father in the capable hands of her younger sister, to take a step towards making her dreams a reality. The catch? Charlie has no desire to work with her, “a failed, nobody screenwriter”, doesn't believe love actually exists, and doesn't care one bit about making his script worthy of production. Will her fighting for herself and love as a whole break through and get Charlie on board for producing a swoon-worthy romance?

OH.MY.GOSH. This was suuuuuch a good book. Stayed up all night finishing it because I couldn't put it down. Emma was such a well rounded character, there were moments where she was selfless and moments where she was less than perfect, and I think that made her so much more realistic. I am a sucker for books where a woman being tricked into a job where the boss doesn't want her there, but then changes his mind when he talks to her for a bit and starts to enjoy her company. I was obsessed with Charlie. The way Center would describe his personality and his actions made me feel like he was a real person she was discussing. Him simply observing Emma while she did any number of random things, writing, cooking, etc. wouldn't normally be anything funny or worth noting, but the way it was written had me giggling at his expense and conveyed how at his core he truly was a gooey cinnamon roll MMC.

I can't say enough good things about this book, it may be my favorite of hers so far, and I will definitely be re-reading it in the near future. I would recommend for anyone who loves romance, with a touch of grumpy/sunshine. It's good for any and all romance readers, no spicy scenes, and was overall such a happy read.

I enjoyed this book but not as much as Katherine Center's other books. I felt like the story was a little slow to get going and when it did it still fell a little flat for me. I did love the characters and the banter/wit and longing looks of this book and will still rush to read anything Katherine Center writes!

I have mixed feelings about this book. I went into the story thinking it would be similar in tone and emotion to the other books I've read by Center, but boy, was I wrong. This story packs an emotional punch and explores topics like grief, cancer, caretaking, illness, divorce, and more. Overall, it has a lot of fun and uplifting parts, but the story definitely has some more serious and heartbreaking moments. I didn't expect it to be as emotional as it was, and I would strongly suggest checking out the content warnings before reading.

The main characters are not my favorite either. Emma is a major fangirl, but some of the things she does border on harassment, like her foiled attempts to kiss and have sex with Charlie - super awkward and uncomfortable. Though he gives mixed signals, Charlie explicitly rejects Emma multiple times, and yet she still persists. It made me dislike her character. There was also a scene with her sister where Emma says some really hurtful things that feel uncalled for. In the heat of the moment when they were both so emotional, it's clear they didn't mean what they said, but the entire cruel conversation didn't align with their relationship dynamics and felt totally out of left field.

And I wanted to love Charlie! He has so many wonderful qualities, and he's definitely a layered character, but the meanness behind some of his comments and actions are as cringy as his arrogance. Charlie says a lot of disrespectful and hurtful things behind Emma's back, which made me really dislike him. I think he and Emma are kind of immature, and there's a lot of miscommunication, lying, and talking behind people's backs, and I just couldn't get behind it. On the other hand, they have fabulous banter, and Charlie does many lovely things, simple and big gestures, that show how deeply he really feels for Emma.

Other elements I enjoyed include Emma's relationship with her father and sister (minus that one hurtful scene), the clever banter and dialogue, and the author's writing style. Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

I enjoy anything that Katherine Centers writes. This was good, and cute but I didn't love it as much as some of her previous books. The beginning felt a little too long, she had multiple scenes where the main character accidentally overheard conversations she shouldn't have and parts felt forced. I enjoyed the second half much better, and the last 3rd I couldn't put down. I would still recommend to any romcom lovers (obviously) but I didn't swoon as much as some of her previous works.

I do love her messaging in her books, about doing what you love and having a positive outlook on life and this book was no exception. The dad was the best character, and I 100% agree that you can't control everything in life but you can control the attitude and mindset you approach it with. It was a feel good, warm and fuzzy book through and through.

4.5!

I loved it. So so so much!! I could visualize the entirety of the book on a screen- I need it in my life. Will be recommending this one a lot!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195790586-the-rom-commers

My goodness this is might be my favourite read of 2024 so far! In “The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center, readers are taken into a world where love stories unfold both on and off the page. I’m a huge fan of Center and her writing, and this story did not disappoint.

Meet Emma Wheeler. She’s an aspiring screenwriter who has spent her life immersed in romantic comedies, the kind that win contests and warm hearts. But her real-life script takes an unexpected twist when she gets the chance to rewrite a screenplay for none other than her personal writing god.

Emma's move to L.A. for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is a leap of faith. Her younger sister steps in as caretaker for their kind-hearted dad, allowing Emma to dive headfirst into the world of rom-coms. Meet Charlie Yates. He isn't the collaborative partner Emma envisioned. He dismisses her as a "failed, nobody screenwriter" and views love as an emotional Ponzi scheme. His own romantic comedy script? A disaster that might trigger the apocalypse.

But Emma won't back down. She's determined to prove that love stories matter, even if it means kissing sense into Charlie. As they write together, the line between fiction and reality blurs. What if their love story breaks all of Emma's rules and becomes something more authentic?

Center's writing is both laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming. It’s what I love about her. I also love how she captures the essence of resilience, vulnerability, and the magic of storytelling. Emma and Charlie's banter dances across the pages, and readers will root for their unconventional romance. I know I did!

This book isn't just about love; it's about rewriting our own narratives, embracing imperfections, and finding joy in unexpected connections. Center's signature blend of wit and emotion shines through, making this novel a delightful addition to the rom-com genre. I think Netflix will totally make this one a movie, too. I know book clubs will be digging into this title in 2024 and for years to come.

Center continues to be the reigning queen of comfort reads, and continues to craft bittersweet romantic comedies that resonate with this reader. Her stories satisfy me in the most soul-nourishing way, and evoke comparisons to Jane Austen and Nora Ephron every time. Center's novels offer a perfect escape, and “The Rom-Commers” is expected to be published on 11 June 11 2024, and promises laughter, love, and a touch of magic.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Other: 💖🎥✒️🏊
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Single

Emma has had to give up a lot of career opportunities to take care of her father for the last decade. When an old friend offers her the opportunity to help a mega successful (and personal hero) screenwriter revamp his attempt at writing a romantic comedy, her friends and family come together to make the opportunity happen. The thing is, Charlie really isn't interested in her help. But after meeting Emma, Charlie begins to let down his walls. Can Emma convince him that love actually isn't fiction?

To say I loved this one would be an understatement. I'm already planning on buying several copies as gifts as soon as this book is released. There is just something about a Katherine Center novel that just grips you from page one and Rom-Commers was no exception. I knew 5% in that I was just going to love it ("So predictable!") and I just devoured it like popcorn. Emma was lovely but Charlie was the heart of this story for sure. I loved them together. It was just so easy and the way they often spoke to each other - with such playful honestly - had me smiling through the whole book.

Katherine Center! You never ever disappoint. I always think that her most current book is the best one and yet again, I have a new fav. The characters are lovable and I feel like I have new friends. I missed Charlie and Emma after I finished the book. I love Katherine Centers ability to weave more serious themes within the cute pretense of a romance.

Emma Wheeler had promising future as a screenwriter when tragedy befell her family and she became the full-time caretaker of her father. Ten years later, when she gets the opportunity to spend six weeks rewriting the awful screenplay by her favorite writer, Charlies Yates, she thinks she can’t go. Then her younger sister steps in to take care of Dad.

Emma loves rom-coms and can’t believe such a talented writer could pen such awfulness. Then she learns why Charlie didn’t exactly put his heart into this work. The plot of this involves Emma overhearing more than one conversation she wasn’t meant to hear. I like the message of this novel, which is essentially, yes, if we don’t feel things, we don’t get hurt, but isn’t life more fun when we love and laugh and take some risks?

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this book, which RELEASES JUNE 11, 2024.

I adored so much of this book. I loved the sweet, imperfect characters. I loved how Emma was herself. I loved how protective Charlie was. I loved Emma’s dad’s wisdom on love and good people. Loved the banter.

However, some of the situations they found themselves in were so over the top and felt like too much - basically taking me out of the story. I couldn’t decide if this was on purpose as it’s the most rom-commy of all Rom-coms or what. And I grew tired of Emma “accidentally” hearing other people talk about her as a way.

First off, I have been a fan of Katherine Center for quite a while now. As always, this cute, quirky, funny romantic novel was a huge hit in my book!

I was definitely engaged from the start in wall some of it might’ve been a little predictable, I thought that the plot and characters were very well developed and thoroughly enjoyed each time I got to sit down and read it.

It’s definitely a lighthearted, funny, easy summer read!

I’d always love it if some of her books turned into cute movies! Highly recommend you check this title out.

Thank you to NetGalley for this early release.

Love loved loved this book. So cute. So much character development. Characters are lovable. The banter in this book rivals some of the most popular authors out there known for banter. I’ve read almost all of Centers books and this is a favorite for sure. You follow this woman who’s had a hard life caring for her family who idolizes this screen writer and ends up ghost writing with him. Finds out he isn’t who she thought he was. But she’s determined to write the screen write. They laugh, they banter, they piss each other off, it’s all so wonderful. Always a closed door clean book from Center, gotta love it. I recommend this to everyone!

Absolutely swooning over this book. I would recommend this to any of my romance reader friends. Such a quick and easy read with a unique plot. 4 star read!

The Rom-Commers is an absolute joy to read! The storyline is all about love and finding your person with going through some hoops. There were definitely some twists and turns in this storyline but every one of them fit perfectly in the story. The connection between Emma and Charlie I loved so much! I also loved the background characters like Emma's family and Charlie's friends. The ending made me tear up in a good way and there were SO MANY parts that made me laugh! If you are looking for a book to make you laugh and cry this book is for you. I absolutely love Katherine Center's books and I cannot wait to read more of them!

Katherine Center never disappoints and her latest romance is as sweet and swoony as always. Emma and Charlie meet under forced circumstances but end up working together to finish his screenplay - a romcom. She is sunshine and love, albeit with heavy family issues that dictate many of her decisions. He is grumpy and cynical, determined to keep her at arms length. Witty banter, unexpected turns, perfect timing, and supportive family and friends surround Emma and Charlie as they write their own happy ever after - for the screenplay and for themselves. With a nod to the author’s previous novel, The Bodyguard, this book gives me the very best rom-com feels from first page to last. I absolutely loved it! All the stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

This was another 5-star read from Katherine Center! The Rom-Commers was a fun look into the lives of two screenwriters, one famous, one not, who connect to one another through their writing. I loved the sunshine vs grump trope, the forced proximity, and how the author guided us through the MCs' personal struggles.

Did I stay up all night reading this book? Yes. Is it Katherine Center's fault? Also yes. For the past few years Katherine Center's books have been my go-to for a make you cry, make you laugh, make you believe in love read. And, as I predicted when I first read the blurb for "The Rom-Commers," this one is no exception.

In "The Rom-Commers" we meet Emma, a screenwriter who has sidelined her career in order to care for her father and Charlie, a screenwriter who is having a bit of writer's bl...(shh, don't say it). They find themselves working together to transform his floundering script for a remake of "It Happened One Night" and the plot develops from there.

What I love about Center's book is that romance is, yes, at the heart of the book, but in a way that does feel like we're peering into the everyday lives of these characters. They're trying to live and maintain their lives and the obstacles they face feel fully realized and well, normal. And I don't just mean the obstacles to their romance, although there are plenty of those, but the obstacles they're facing outside of that.

This is a wonderful addition to Center's work. I just recommend picking it up early in the day so you're not up all night hoping not to wake anyone with your sobs or laughter.

2.75 stars rounded up.

This is such a disappointment because I'm a huge fan of Katherine Center and it breaks my heart to say I just was not in love with her newest novel!
The Rom-Commers had potential to be a wonderfully written book about self-love, acceptance, forgiveness, and moving on after tragedy-as all Katherine Center's books are-, but fell short because of lack of chemistry and details.
I felt as if we skimmed over the best parts of the book; the parts where you feel the vulnerability of each character and the little things that bring them close: cooking together, writing together, going swimming together. These are the scenes I live for because you can feel the chemistry and intensity through their banter, dialogue, and body language, but it was completely missing!
Also, I did not appreciate Charlie's quips to Emma most of the times. I understand he didn't believe in love and his defense mechanism was total shutdown and pretending not to care, but couldn't Emma have stood up for herself sometimes? Fought back? Her manipulation tactics had me cringing (because I am a Charlie myself) and going, "Yeah, that would never happen!"
There was definitely more focus on Emma's relationship with her family. I empathized with how worried she was over her father and how she mothered her sister, but as superb as a family bond lesson is in a story, that is not the main reason I am reading a romance novel.
Frankly, The Rom-Commers did not live up to its name: There was barely any Rom, and the Com was lacking. It was a cute, slow, shallow romance, with a bunch life lessons thrown in at the end (that are crucial to acknowledge, but could have been executed better).

Read if:
-you don't mind shallow relationships
-you've always wanted to live in Hollywood
-you secretly love to power wash your house
-you have a pet guinea pig
-you need a quick pick-me-up

This has been my favorite Katherine Center book so far! I loved the banter, loved how Emma was highlighted so much for being a caretaker. The third act breakup had quite the twist I was not expecting. I would have loved an epilogue, but was overall pleased with the happy ending!