I love KC, so this one really disappointed me! I found the characters unlikeable and the romance cringe. Unfortunately, it just never came together for me or got any better. 2.5/5

I found The Rom -Commers to be an engaging and refreshing read. The romance moved at a pace that kept me rooting for Emma and Charlie to get together. The focus on Emma’s family, and how those relationships affected her romantic and professional life, resonated with me.
I would love to see this book adapted!!

Let me begin by stating that I have read Katherine's other books and that I always find something to love about her writing! When I first started reading Emma Wheeler's story, my heart was already hurting! ❤️ Her devotion to her father is admirable, but the chance to chase her long-lost dream? Very hard to resist! ✨ Working with her favorite screenwriter, Charlie Yates, screams potential for humor, passion, and all the feels, and it was delivered!😍

With Katherine Center's trademark charm, clever repartee, and poignant moments, this romantic comedy is not to be missed! 🎥💞 I enjoyed seeing Emma’s journey unfold 🚀📚

It only took reading two of her books for Katherine Center to become a must read author for me. Her witty banter, intriguing plot lines, and heartfelt romance make it almost impossible to not devour each book in one sitting. The Rom-Commers had me laughing, crying, and utterly obsessed.

An enemies to lovers story with a touch of forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine, there were so many layers to like about Emma and Charlie’s story. Center knows how to pull readers in with an enchanting premise, and then hook them with the likability and charm of her characters. Mixed with the heart melting romance are also very real, and very difficult themes/moments, that are handled with care and definitely resonated with me.

The Rom-Commers was one of my favorite books of the year with a romance I was rooting for from the first page to the last. I can’t wait to read what Center publishes next.

What a fun meta take on a rom comm with layers of rom comminess woven throughout as Emma and Charlie fall into their own romantic traps.

A rom com book about a rom com screen play. By Katherine Center? Yes please! Center continues to be an auto read for me. As someone who is not a big romance reader her stories are always ones that I enjoy and fly through. If you've read any of her other works and enjoyed it this one should go on on your to read list as well.

While the premise was nice, the writing was... not what I expected. I wanted more from the characters because I felt that what was on the front cover and the front flap was not what we were given.

This was ridiculous and cheesey, but I kind of loved it. The miscommunication was a little too much at times, but at least there was a reason for it.

If you're a fan of heartwarming rom-coms, a dash of Hollywood glamour, and a whole lot of laughs (with some swoon-worthy moments to boot), then The Rom-Commers by Ketherine Center is your next must-read!

The story follows Emma Wheeler, a woman with a passion for writing romantic comedies—the good ones. She’s spent her life crafting stories that tug at your heartstrings, but her reality has been anything but glitzy. Between being her father’s full-time caregiver and chasing her screenwriting dreams, Emma has been stuck on the sidelines. That is, until she gets the chance of a lifetime: to rewrite a script for none other than Charlie Yates, The Charlie Yates, the screenwriter she’s admired her entire life. This is her big break, right?

Well, here’s where things get messy—and wonderfully entertaining. When Emma finally meets Charlie, her idol, she discovers that he’s not exactly the romantic, dreamy genius she imagined. In fact, he’s kind of a mess himself. He’s cynical about love, sees rom-coms as a joke, and doesn’t really care about the script—they’re just a means to an end. And if that’s not enough, his own romantic comedy might just be the worst thing she’s ever read!

But Emma is nothing if not determined. She’s here to fight for the integrity of rom-coms, for the art of love stories, and maybe—just maybe—for the kind of love story that could actually come true. And what better way to convince Charlie that love is worth believing in than with an accidental kiss that might just change everything?

The Rom-Commers is a delightful, laugh-out-loud, slow-burn romance that beautifully balances humor with real emotional stakes. Emma’s wit and determination shine through on every page, and watching her navigate the chaos of working with Charlie—who is both frustrating and irresistible—keeps you hooked from start to finish.

If you love books that poke fun at the rom-com genre while also celebrating the magic of love, this one is for you. It’s an absolute must-read for fans of The Hating Game or Red, White & Royal Blue, with a heartwarming, feel-good vibe that will leave you rooting for Emma and Charlie, and maybe even believing that love stories can change the world.

This story starts out with a family to love; and a family that cares for each other enough to put each other first. Getting a peek at Emma’s character through her heart-wrenching family history grabs a hold right away. Then it was a treat to sit back and enjoy the fun as the work on Charlie and Emma's rom-com collaboration takes off and the chemistry between these two slowly simmers. There are always so many unexpected chuckle moments throughout Katherine Center's stories and this time biscuit birthday donuts was just one of the scenes that filled my heart with laughter and smiles; another sweet and satisfying five-star story!!

I’m so happy to have had the chance to read this Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy of The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center; thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center is such a emotional but endearing and even fun read. Emma is the kind of character you just get—she’s real, relatable, and so easy to root for. I loved watching her navigate the ups and downs of love, family, and life in general. Center’s writing is super witty and charming, making you laugh one minute and tear up the next. While some parts were a little predictable (hello, rom-com tropes!), the emotional depth really made it stand out. It’s got all the feel-good vibes, with a dash of real talk about second chances and personal growth. Perfect for anyone who loves a sweet, uplifting romance with a little heart. Definitely a cozy, uplifting read to curl up with!

Absolutely INCREDIBLE!

I've been a fan of Center's writing for some time now, but this story takes it to an entirely different level.

Emma and Charlie were positively adorable together. Their chemistry flew off the page. You couldn't miss it. I was rooting for them all the time. Even during the moments I wasn't supposed to.

Center could teach a masterclass is writing dialogue. So witty. Fantastic back and forth banter. She pulls so much emotion out of you. I was along for this ride from the first sentence.

OUTSTANDING!!!

This book was so good! I loved it! The writing, the chemistry, chefs kiss!!!!!! I ate this book up!!!!!!

A Cute ride that mixes humor, romance, and with a bit of humor.
It is charming and feel-good read that will leave you smiling. It's perfect for anyone looking for a fun romance with a good dose of humor.
Overall, it was a fun read, but I like some of her other books more and just felt this one was ok.



Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Net Galley for providing an advance reader copy.

I always love Katherine Center’s books, but this one was not my favorite of hers. I saw a lot of myself in Emma, being the oldest daughter and feeling the weight of many responsibilities while also trying to please everyone, and I love her quirkiness, heart, and humor. She was driven and wanted to genuinely make something of herself.

However, my main problem with this book was Charlie. He was so cold to Emma and rude to her so many times during her time in LA. If I had been Emma, I would have left the first day, so props to her for sticking it out and standing up for herself. There were glimmers where I thought I’d start to like him more, but then he would go back to being a total jerk. When Charlie rejected her the second time, that would have been the last straw for me and I would not have forgiven him. But through a series of grand gestures, Charlie wins Emma over. I felt like the ending was really rushed and I was left wanting more emotion and more explanation from Charlie for why he acted like a jerk the way he did.

I DID enjoy learning more about screenwriting and the nuances that come with writing a good one. All the pop culture references, real and fake, were also fun too. Katherine Center has such a fun, warm tone of writing that makes you want to keep reading that also held my attention. I just wish the MMC had to grovel a bit more at the end to win Emma’s heart.

I didn't care for the MMC and how he treated the FMC at the beginning and then I didn't really buy their relationship after that. Not Center's best rom com, sorry The Rom-Commers. 😬 I read this in May 2024 while boycotting SMP.

Katherine Center always does a great job of writing a romcom (no pun in intended) that keeps you page turning and sad that the book is over at the end. This was a perfect enemies to lovers that makes you hate Charlie in the beginning but man does he grow on you as the book continues. The way she was able to loop in the fact that she is a care taker for her dad was perfect, as some readers may be in the sandwich role, and feel a kinship with the characters even more. Ready for the next one!

Katherine Center’s "The Rom-Commers" is an absolute delight from start to finish! If you're a fan of feel-good stories that mix humor, romance, and real-life challenges, this book is a must-read. Center's signature writing style shines through as she creates an irresistibly fun yet heartfelt narrative that perfectly captures the magic and messiness of love.

I had zero expectations going into this book. I always love Katherine Center’s writing. I pick up every book she’s written. Needless to say, I LOVE this book. I definitely can see myself in the FMC. Grief and moving past hardships is a topic here that is highly spoken about. The relationship between Charlie and Emma felt so real.

Katherine Center’s The Rom-Commers is a spirited, meta-romantic comedy that playfully deconstructs the genre while celebrating its enduring appeal. Center introduces us to Emma Wheeler, an aspiring screenwriter who has long been content writing perfect rom-coms from behind the scenes—until a six-week stint in L.A. forces her to confront her own story. Balancing the demands of caregiving with her creative dreams, Emma’s journey becomes a heartfelt exploration of sacrifice, ambition, and the transformative power of love.

At the heart of the narrative is the electrifying, if somewhat contentious, collaboration between Emma and the cynical Charlie Yates. Their dynamic—brimming with snarky banter, surprise kisses, and a reluctant mutual admiration—offers a clever twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope. Center’s signature warmth and wit shine through as she deftly navigates both the humorous absurdities and the quiet, poignant moments of real life. The novel’s self-aware nods to rom-com clichés and its occasional forays into fourth-wall-breaking narration might feel a bit jarring at times, yet these moments only underline the audacity of a story that refuses to be boxed into a formula.

Moreover, The Rom-Commers delves into themes of grief, healing, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passion. Emma’s struggle to care for her father while chasing her screenwriting dreams is rendered with both sensitivity and humor—a balancing act that resonates deeply with anyone familiar with the costs of personal sacrifice. Although the character dynamics sometimes lean toward the conventional, and the conflict in the third act might catch some readers off guard, Center’s insight into the messy reality of relationships adds a refreshing layer of depth to the tale.

Overall, The Rom-Commers is a rollicking, thought-provoking romp that offers as much heart as it does hilarity. It’s a love letter to second chances and the messy, beautiful process of writing our own stories. For its blend of smart dialogue, emotional sincerity, and playful genre subversion, I’m giving this novel a solid 4.25 out of 5.