I have to thank Bookstagram and NetGalley for helping me discover Katherine Center. Her early books’ covers didn’t grab my attention and What You Wish for was my first read of hers. I like how she meshes together life and romance. All with a little humor.

Now fast forward to this book which would have grabbed my attention. I love color and this screams color. Of course the book is good too. And if you read and loved The Bodyguard there is a nice easter egg in this one for you. It really made me smile.

I’ll admit it took me a little while to connect with Emma and Charlie. She was a little too woe is me and he was a little too all over the place, but eventually they clicked with me and I found I really liked and rooted for them. And I just didn’t think they had as much chemistry as other of her characters and other romcoms I have recently read. Now my thoughts could be me and a situation was a little too close to home for me, but I don’t know. (Check trigger warnings if life circumstances trigger you.)

But putting that aside, this one does represent what the author does best. Each character has emotional situations that pulled at my heart but didn’t overshadow this is a romance (that author’s note makes sure you know that is her intention). The characters are charming and have tons of witty quips and some whip smart banter. I like watching them grow together as they discover what they can be. And the romance never gets too sweet. it always remembers it is a romcom.

While this one wasn’t my favorite of hers (read The Bodyguard if you haven’t. It is my favorite. I gave it six out of five stars.), I did enjoy it and will definitely grab her next book the minute I can.

Patti Murin narrates this one and she does an excellent job bringing Emma’s insecurities and Charlie’s eccentricities to life. She captured the ups and downs and all the emotions perfectly.

And if you were trying to decide between audio and eyeball reading, the audiobook has a few bonuses: an author’s note and a bonus scene. Could you live without them? Yes, but they were fun to hear.

This book was just pure joy for me to read! From start to finish, I was invested in the characters and loved every page. Pick this romcom up if you enjoy:
☀️ Fun banter
☀️ Forced proximity
☀️ Grumpy / sunshine

Yes - this is a love story. It’s also a story about the importance of family, finding your purpose, and following your passion.

This is such a sweet, fun read for summer - enjoy it while you sit on your porch or throw it in your bag when you head out to the pool/beach. I listened to the audiobook - perfect for that summer road trip! Patti Murin brings the characters to life and it’s just a delight. (I listened while doing chores around the house, and the time flew by!)

the narration for this really did not work for me. :( made the character feel very immature and the voice for logan's character was very annoying.

“Love is something you can learn. Love is something you can practice. It’s something you can choose to get good at. And here’s how you do it…Appreciate your person.”
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Katherine Center is soaring to the top of my “must read” authors. Narrator, Patti Murin is also quickly becoming a favorite. She really brought the characters to life and added so much to the story. A narrator with such passion is a treat!
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The Rom-Commers has everything. From sarcasm to humor to one-liners that keep you wanting to turn the page (or listen to another chapter 😉). It was a wonderful book about life, family, love, and finding light in the darkness. Such a great comfort of humor and romance. It was a lighter story, but touched on some tough topics of grief and healing.
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I enjoyed it SO much. Made my heart happy!! Highly recommended for all but especially for fans of Abby Jimenez. Enjoy!! 💕 
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Center has done it again. I first fell in love with her writing after reading Hello Stranger and I loved this one as much if not more. She is just so good at balancing the humor, trauma, hope and romance. She is truly an author that I thank time and again for pu ching me in the feels 😂.

I love Emma and was so happy to see her have an opportunity to break out of her shell and do something for her after having spent so much time taking care of her family. Her supposed friend though... Boo...Hiss! 😅 Charlie was so prickly at first 😂 but I love how he became himself again while Emma was working with him. Not gonna lie, I screamed towards the end there because he was so frustrating. 😅 But then, I also thought it was really sweet how he redeemed himself. So I guess he's forgiven. 😂

I absolutely love the moments between Emma and her dad toward the end of the book. 🥹 Family can get messy and Emma had some big feelings but he was such a great dad in those moments.

The narration of Center's books are always excellent! I love listening to them and I can't wait for the next one!

A huge thanks to St-Martin's Press, Macmillan audio and Netgalley for the ARC/ALC. All opinions are my own.

The plot is right up my alley. I love a good forced proximity trope, and when authors (or, in this case, screenwriters) are involved, I'm sold. I loved the witty banter between the characters. There were many points during the book that I genyuinely laughed out loud. The narrator was enjoyable.

That being said... the MMC, Charlie, was absolutely not it for me. He gave me the ick so many times. He was quite awful to Emma, the FMC, to the point of bordering emotional abuse. It happened multiple times throughout the book, and I kept rooting for Emma to stand up for herself, but she never did. She just kept excusing his behavior as 'hiding' his true feelings. Unfortunately, even at the end when the 'reasons' were explained, it wasn't enough of a redemption arc for me to forgive his crappy behavior throughout 90% of the book.

While this one never hit me in the feels like I had hoped, largely due to having no positive emotional connection to the MMC, I do note that the majority of people have already rated this highly so I'm certain it will be a hit!

I have loved Katherine Center's wit and optimism for a while now. Her bubbly personality is evident in every book she writes. This was no exception. It was beautifully written and had all the right pulls. The dynamic between sisters can be tense and that was definitely felt, especially with the family situation Emma and Sylvie were dealing with. Great read. The narrator was wonderful and added to the story.

Emma has wanted to be a screenwriter for as long as she can remember. Instead, she teaches college classes from home while caring for her father. An ex-turned-friend calls Emma up with a job offer - help fix the disaster of a script someone wrote. Only that someone is her idol - Charlie Yates, world famous screenwriter. When Emma’s sister comes in to care for their father, Emma jets off to LA to see if her dream will come true.

This book was so good, I didn't want it to end! There were so many magical moments here. So many things that came out of left field, but somehow made perfect sense for Emma and Charlie. Both Emma and Charlie come with a lot of “medical baggage” I'll call it. Charlie used to have cancer, and Emma is the primary caregiver for her partially paralyzed father. This is one of my favorite things about the story - how they help each other move on from this type of trauma and support one another. Another favorite part is the bonus scene from Charlie's POV. This is not my first Katherine Center book, but it does make me want to dive into her blacklist more!

I believe this is my first narration by Patti Murin and I absolutely would not hesitate to grab another of one of her audiobooks. She's amazing and did a great job with all the different characters in this book.

A big thank you to Macmillan Audio and the author for the advanced copy of this audiobook. Opinions are my own.

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You're looking for a fun, clean rom com with all the hilariousness, fun side characters, and lots of love.

Lots of medical stuff mentioned. Might want to check triggers.

Despite my not loving this at all, I did finish the audiobook in its entirety! applause!

The female lead in this book is so gorgeous, as we can see on the cover, she is really what drew me in, but I unfortunately ended up not liking her as much as i’d hoped. She gave off strong eldest sister energy, but not in a good way. Emma seems to be extremely selfless, taking full time care of her handicapped father, but then uses that selflessness almost as a weapon against others? Blaming all of those around her as to the reason she doesn’t have the lifestyle she wants, when they have not definitively asked her to be so self sacrificing, and then once they offer to give her a break, and things don’t go perfectly at home, as is inevitable, she says some extremely hurtful things and shows her true character, leaving you not completely rooting for her own happy ending. Meanwhile, our main male character is basically perfect in every way imaginable, and any unlikable traits he shows turn out to have been completely for Emma’s own sake.

I think the main couple could’ve definitely used a deeper exploration of equilibrium, and their dynamic felt very unbalanced, which is unfortunate because I could’ve seen them being very cute together if they developed their relationship on more even and open grounds. Our FMC becomes so infatuated with our MMC, after he expresses so many unflattering thoughts about her entire career and passions, and then once we grow to like him more, we simultaneously grow to like our FMC less and less.

I didn’t hate this book, I got through it and was interested the whole time, but I found myself disliking a lot of the attributing character traits given to our main couple, but I guess them both being not very nice sometimes makes them a perfect match? perhaps?

Irresistible, quirky, and unbelievably adorable, just like its heroine, this commentary on happily ever after does so many things well!

Great characters and a thoughtful plot combined with wit and awesome tension, make for a sweet yet poignant take on modern love. I think you’ll love this tale of heart and heartache.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy. These opinions are my own.

Katherine Center does it again! The character drew you in to their story and you couldn’t help but root for them. Along the way you enjoyed the banter and comedy, while enjoying the love story they didn’t see happening

4.5⭐️
This book was so cute! If I read this as a physical book rather than an audiobook, I would have so many memorable quotes tabbed 😅

I felt like it was such a sweet yet emotional read that had you rooting for the MC’s the whole time. In the book it kinda says something along the lines of how romcoms are supposed to have a happy ending. “We all know where a romcom is headed. The fun is how we get there.” That to me is so true! When I read a romance, I want to be sucked into the characters life. To there emotions and feel like I am living what they are living, or that this could really happen. The Rom-Commers did that for me. It showed you could have a happy ending that looks different from the last person, and it will look different than the person after you.

I would say the only reason for the half star is because I felt like the FMC was a little immature sometimes. If you’ve read it you may know the parts that I am talking about, but overall I absolutely loved this one and cannot wait to read more from this authors books. I am officially a fan of her writing style. Thank you so much Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this audio in exchange for my honest review 🤍

I enjoyed the narration for this book! If you like a closed-door, grumpy-sunshine, cheesy and predictable romcom, this one is for you. Enjoyable on the whole, but not better than Hello Stranger.

You have to read The Rom-Commers! And the author's note at the end is a must.

Katherine Center has a way of writing that is just magical. She writes such real characters and doesn't skate past the uncomfortable parts of life. This book is full of heartache, hope, and love. But as she points out, every life has tragedy and we can't avoid it. We decide how to go forward after tragedies and that is what defines us. We can choose to look at the good things and be grateful. Being grateful is a choice that everyone has. I love love loved this book so much. I laughed and cried. Please read it. Also, the audiobook is amazing. The narrator did such a good job infusing emotion into the words.

🍐Bite-size Review: There is a lot to love in a Katherine Center book. Center’s characters fall in love while dealing with personal tragedies and traumas, this always endears me to their healing journeys and makes the characters and relationships feel more real. I did struggle with our two MCs in The Rom-Commers. I loved the concept of two screenwriters getting together to write a rom-com while falling in love, it was deliciously meta. I had a hard time liking Charlie. He punched down A LOT and it seemed like Emma ignored it because she was starstruck. Fortunately, Center writes romances that are really hard to put down and I needed to know how Emma and Charlie’s story unfolded. The ending was satisfying and redeemed Charlie a smidge. I really enjoyed The Bodyguard easter eggs!

🎧I thought Patti Murin did an excellent job narrating Emma, she conveyed her quirky personality perfectly. Her tone was fun and a joy to listen to. 5 Star narration!

Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Emma Wheeler wants to be a screen writer but has trouble breaking into the career because she is a full time caregiver to her father. When Emma’s long time friend Logan calls her for the opportunity of a lifetime it’s hard for Emma to turn it down. Emma has the chance to write a romantic comedy with the legendary Charlie Yates. The job isn’t quite what Emma or Charlie imagines but they both get so much more in the end.

Katherine Center does it again! I can’t remember the last time I read a book in one day. I couldn’t help myself! I was enchanted by the story and characters.

I adored Emma! She’s witty, smart and just plain adorable. I really connected with her character. Charlie is also lovable in his own way. I loved the character development in this book. You get to see Emma blossom into a confident writer and Charlie turn into a man who believes in love and hope.

I think the only reason why this book is 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because I hated how Charlie treated Emma sometimes. I’m not sure I could have forgiven or moved past some of the rude comments he made about her (even if they came from a place of fear).

Katherine Center does an amazing job of making you feel true emotions without having you sobbing in the fetal position. Not only is this story a wonderful read but it also has a great message about love and life. I love a good happily ever after!

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. It was a nice surprise to find an extra chapter from Charlie’s perspective on the audio version of the book.

I can’t recommend this book and Katherine Center enough!

This book is about life and loss, love and tragedy, and understanding things happen but those things ultimately can shape you into a better person.

I totally identified with Emma as a caregiver. It’s heartbreaking to see her sacrifice her life for her family unselfishly. However I think she may have been a bit controlling but that comes from her history of loss for sure. The family love in this book was my favorite. The lengths they go through for each other is unmatched (I like to think my family is like this too 🤣)

I was so excited to see Emma step out of the shadows and fall for Charlie but man did he take grumpy to the max. So much so that it felt mean. I had a hard time buying the love later down the road. I get that Charlie had a lot of trauma he needed to work through but man was it believable. Great work Katherine Center! My biggest issue had to do with the ending being a bit of a stretch. IYKYK! As a healthcare provider I couldn’t ignore the inaccuracies.

Is it my favorite? No.
Is it a fun summer romance (with very little steam)? Absolutely!

You can tell Katherine Center loves love by reading any one of her books but with the Rom-Commers... it is EXTRA delightful!

Emma has been the caretaker for her dad for the last several years. She's cool standing on the sidelines and helping out at home...especially if it means she can binge watch romcoms and add to her kiss folder. But when she has the opportunity to work with her FAVORITE screen writer, THE Charlie Yates, how can she say no?! LA bound she is with a suitcase and the idea that love is out there.. cynics be gone.

Yet, Emma is about to find out that Charlie does not want her there. He's just writing this absolutely horrendous romcom screenplay to then move on and screenwrite what he truly wants. He doesn't give an f about love, he's been burned before and it's not in his cards. He definitely doesn't want happy go lucky Emma, with her strawberry hoodie, to be in his house. But accept her he does as he starts to realize she may be just what he needs to come alive. Sometimes, all you need is a little comedy and some "oh snap that's romance" to make your life sparkle...at least, that's what Emma is set out to show.

Patti Murin does a FANTASTIC job narrating and bringing another Katherine Center story to live. I found myself clutching the steering wheel while listening (driving) and holding my breath waiting for "THE" moment during some scenes! Others I wanted to pound the wheel because of Charlie's antics. Whenever I pick up a Center novel, I immediately believe that love exists and is out there for anyone. There were some memorable quotes and one liners that had me checking my emotions. But most of all? I had the biggest grin on my face for how everything went together.... just like love is supposed to.

Emma Wheeler's dream is to become a screenwriter, but because of family issues she has to deal with that's been on her back burner. Finally she gets her chance to co-write with her favorite screenwriter and what a story is becomes!

Emma yearns to be a screenwriter. She has studied and written rom-comm’s her whole career. She has even won awards! But she hasn’t been able to fulfill it due to being the full-time caretaker of her kind-hearted dad. She is his sole caretaker until she gets a chance to help rewrite a screenplay of a famous screenwriter who doesn’t believe in romance. Her sister steps in for 6 weeks as caretaker so Emma can go off to LA. It’s a chance of a lifetime rewriting a screenplay with Charlie Yates the famous screenwriter.

Charlie Yates doesn’t want to write with anyone and never has. It’s the worse screenplay he’s ever written but he doesn’t really care about it. It’s his first Rom-Comm. Emma has her work cut out for her. She must make Charlie believe in romance in order to help him write a better screenplay about romantic comedies. Even if, she has to break every rule in the books. She stands up for herself, romantic comedies and love. She may even have to kiss him to make him start believing in love. Was it an amazing kiss or not?

This was my first Katherine Center novel and won’t be my last! Katherine Center makes you chuckle with some of the mishaps with Emma proving to Charlie that there is romance in this world! Katherine writes true Romantic comedies herself! She makes the reader believe in romance through showing Charlie how to become a romantic. There are twist and turns and ups and downs. It makes you laugh and then makes you almost cry. The deep serious side doesn’t take away from the story but really adds to it! She has strong believable characters with a strong family feel. She teaches you more about romance itself! You won’t want to miss this one! I will definitely be listening to more of her books!

The narrator did a fabulous job, has a pleasant voice and is easy to listen to! Her speed is right on and enunciation is very clear! She brings the story to life!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers in letting me read this book and allowing me to leave an honest review.