I absolutely adored this book. The narrator was amazing and the ending had me tearing up. And I don’t tear up often over books. Loved it

Emma is a writer with potential who has been living in Texas caring for her invalid father for a decade but is presented with the opportunity of a lifetime - in LA. Charlie is an incredibly successful, and grouchy and arrogant, screenwriter who needs Emma's help and doesn't want it. This book has banter, it has cooking together, it has a despondent guinea pig, it has a high dive rescue. Emma works through grief and family issues. She stands up for herself to Charlie and to her sister.

I first listened to the audiobook, and I have to say the narrator's voice was perfect for the Emma, the heroine. The only part that bugged me was her British accent for Logan, it reminded me of Lindsay Lohan's faux accent in The Parent Trap. Shudder. After I listened to the audiobook I read the actual book and oh, why is reading the words always so much better. It was as lovely as reading it for the first time. And I have to say the piece de resistance was the author's note. In the audiobook, Katherine Center herself reads the note. It apparently didn't get published in the book, but it can be downloaded from her web site. She's the real thing and I'm a fan for life!

This was an immediate 5 star read for me, I loved it so so so much!
Listening to the audiobook for this was such a fantastic experience, Patti Murin (who I did not know was narrating this and I am already a huge fan) did such a good job with both characters and adding her emotion into the story. I felt everything that she did and I was truly immersed in the storytelling.
Emma and Charlie were so well-written and I fell in love with each of the characters for different reasons. Emma has such a real, tragic story and I could not help but empathize with her need to put her family first. And Charlie had secretly gone through such difficult things too and he hid it well, but when I heard about the day his ex-wife left him I was genuinely about to throw hands with her.
Also Cuthbert is the absolute star of the show!!

This book was frustrating. While I enjoyed some of the chemistry between the characters, I found the overuse of the "eavesdropping" trope, cheap use of cancer for unneeded plot tension, and the progression of the relationship to be pretty frustrating. This book has gotten great reviews from others, so perhaps it just is not for me.

Emma was a promising screenwriter who sacrificed probable success and ten years of her life to take care of her younger sister and her father who suffered a traumatic brain injury when she was a teen. She’s earned a living writing freelance movie reviews, but her former high school boyfriend-turned-talent manager continues to send her job prospects. When the opportunity to work as a ghostwriter for her favorite screenwriter Charlie Yates is offered, it’s a chance she is loath to pass up. He’s famous for “guy” films but is being forced to write a romantic comedy in order to get the green light for his next gangster film. He, like so many other “serious” writers, disdains the genre and, not surprisingly, is no good at writing them. Lucky for him, Emma’s an expert and she refuses to let him ruin “his career, the romantic comedy genre as a whole, and all our lives with this nuclear-waste-fueled dumpster fire of a screenplay.” If she can just get past his curmudgeonly appearance and grumpy demeanor (that makes him seem 20 years older than he is) and break down the walls he has built after being abandoned by both his mother and ex-wife, then she might be able to teach him a thing or two about what makes for a successful romance, that love is real (and not just in the movies), and that sacrifice and risk are worth it if you find the right person.

There’s so much to love about this story: the witty banter and snark (especially the frozen veggies on the bruised tailbone scene); the way Emma challenges Charlie, first by being brutally honest about how bad his first rom-com screenplay is and then by forcing him into immersion research on romance (something he’s committed to in his previous movies but resists for what he considers not worth the effort); the fact that she has a virtual museum of movies kisses on her laptop for Charlie to view with her, but still thinks real-life experience is better; how Emma and Charlie’s relationship is so obviously classic rom-com material, including everything from line dancing to literally falling into each other (which Emma insisted wasn’t the least bit romantic until it happened to her); and, finally, Emma’s take on happily-ever-after: “We act like ‘and they lived happily ever after’ is trying to con us into thinking that nothing bad ever happened to anyone ever again. But that’s never the way I read those words. I read them as ‘and they built a life together, and looked after each other, and made the absolute best of their lives.’” For fans of Center’s The Bodyguard, there is even a cameo from Jack Stapleton who is slated to star in the film. This is rom-com gold for fans of Christina Lauren and Abby Jimenez. Highly recommended!

Overall, I found "The Rom-Commers" to be an enjoyable read. The book intrigued me with its premise and the chemistry between the love interests. However, around the three-quarters mark, I began to disengage as one character seemed to pressure another into physical intimacy, which detracted from my enjoyment. Nevertheless, the ending salvaged the book for me. I appreciated the absence of explicit spice scenes while still addressing adult themes. I also liked the back stories and personal issues of each main character because they added depth to the narrative. I would recommend this book to readers who like a touch of cheesiness in their romances and who appreciate stories centered around screenwriters.

Why do Katherine Center books always make me cry? Because somehow in someway they always hit something I needed. I adored the depth of this read. Emma and her struggles reminded and resonated with me on a whole new level. I also felt for Charlie even though his decisions annoyed me. My only thing I didn’t love was how LONG it took to get to the romance. The reason why I get, but I still wanted some butterflies 🦋. All in all, I adored the topics this one covered and KC will forever be an auto-buy for me.

I tandem read and listened to this one and I adored both formats.

This audiobook lived up to its title. Patti Murin does a wonderful job giving voice to the characters and the story. Two writers are thrown together to write a Rom-Com screenplay. Katherine Center once again does a great job of hooking you in at the very beginning. Giving you likeable, but flawed characters, a great storyline, Definitely one of those books that you don't want to put down from beginning to end.

I don’t think Katherine Center knows how not to write a book that’s beloved. In true fashion, her latest romcom hit, is full of amazing characters & a sweet love story you root for!

Patti Murin is one of my absolute favorite narrators! I always get excited to hear her read an audiobook to me! Love that she read this one so much!

Thank you so much, Katherine Center, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press.& NetGalley, for my audiobook to read & give my honest review!

Another cute, romantic comedy from Katherine. The more of her books I read, the more I want to keep working on her backlist.

Emma is a screenwriter. Her friend sets her up to work with big name Charlie Yates, basically against Charlie’s will. In the beginning she didn’t even want to take the job, it meant leaving her disabled father behind and traveling to LA. Even though Charlie doesn’t really want her there, he allows her to stay. He needs her help fixing his rom-com screenplay that is just terrible. She’s a romantic at heart and is determined to teach him what true romance is.

There were moments when I wanted to strangle both characters, but I guess that was kind of the point. The story is about showing them grow, as individuals and as a couple.

I enjoyed the narration. Patti did a great job telling both sides of the story.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for my gifted copies of this book.

Thank you so much to @macmillan.audio and @stmartinspress for the ALC/ARC!

🩷 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 🩷
This book was fantastic. Katherine Center’s stories are so heartfelt and well thought out, I wouldn’t be able to recommend this story enough! It left me feeling happy and hopeful at the end of it, and that’s a great feeling to get from a book!

I love that this story is about two screenwriters writing a romantic comedy story… a romcom story about romcom writers!! Emma is the romcom know all, amateur screenwriter. Charlie is the famous, well-known screenwriter who does Not write romance, and needs help writing a romance moving re-doing, It Happened One Night, that he got roped into writing.

Emma’s manager gets her the job of partnering with Charlie to write together. Charlie is not in favor of the situation and Emma is trying her best to work with him. Emma stays with Charlie, and slowly a fun relationship develops between the two of them. When real chemistry arises, and Emma wants to teach Charlie what a romance is all about in a romcom, feelings start to get involved!

I enjoyed Emma’s backstory here as being a caretaker for her father. Emma is a very take charge person but still has a lot to learn about herself. Charlie seems to have it all going for him on the outside, but has some internal struggles happening that Emma notices and empathizes with.

The ending of this book has such sweet and heartfelt moments that Katherine writes so wonderfully. She has easily become a go-to author I look forward to her books releasing.

Side note: I was supposed to see Katherine at her book tour in Indiana this past Thursday and half way there, my car broke down, so I couldn’t go! 😭 I was super disappointed because listening to Katherine would have been amazing, so I can’t wait to hopefully go in the future!!

🎧 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 🎧
Patti Murin did an amazing job narrating this story!! She felt so very Emma-like, and her emotion and depth poured into the story and characters. Katherine Center herself also narrates an audio bonus chapter and acknowledgments, and she is wonderful to listen to!!

🎧 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
🩷 RomComs
💚 Grumpy Sunshine
💜 Fun Banter
💛 Closed Door
🧡 Celebrity Romance/Screenwriters
💙 Forced Proximity/Roommates

I really enjoyed Katherine Center’s latest book, The Rom-Commers! Emma Wheeler is selfless, having put her life on hold to care for her father and support her sister’s education. When she's recruited to help an award-winning screenwriter rewrite his romcom script, you can feel her excitement and trepidation. The chemistry between Emma and the screenwriter is palpable, and their journey in writing a love story together is comedic, heartwarming, and full of witty banter. This book is a delightful mix of romance and personal growth, and it left me with a big smile on my face.

Fans of Annabel Monaghan and Abby Jimenez will enjoy this one. I switched back and forth between the book and audiobook and really enjoyed Patti Murin’s excellent narration.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I JUST finished the ALC of this book and absolutely loved it!! Emma is a bit of an anxious character who learns to let things go, just as Charlie learns more about love!

With a few plot twists that had me on edge and grabbing the tissues, this is a beautiful story of two people learning life lessons from each other all while working in close proximity together.

This was the first book I’ve read by Catherine Center and now I want to go out and grab all her other books to read. Such a heartfelt story that definitely tugs at your heart strings!!

Well...

KC has done it again with a delightful romance that defines the word rom com. I absolutely loved this audio!

Emma Wheeler gets a job of a lifetime, screenwriting a story like one of her beloved rom-coms. After taking care of her dad for so many years, she finally gets a chance to follow her dreams. Her screenwriting partner just happens to be Charlie Yates, one of her writer heroes, who also wants nothing to do with her. He works alone. But as fate has it, they get stuck together, in his house for six weeks and Emma teaches this experienced writer how rom coms should be written.

Forced proximity for the win! I loved the grumpy/sunshine vibes, L.A setting, and falling in love when you least expect. Fantastic dialogue, swoony romance, and a beautiful and fun story. Easy five stars for this contemporary romance magic.

Perfect beach read or summer read. Keep writing KC! I want to read them all!

Thank you Macmillian Audio for my Advance Listening Copy. All thoughts are my own.

Two writers working together to write a rom-com... genius, right? This is my first book by Katherine Center, and I'd give it a solid 4 stars. It’s an excellent beach read with great banter between the main characters, Emma and Charlie. The story made me laugh and also had some sad moments (see warnings). While I personally can’t relate to Emma and her story, I found her likable and believe many people will connect with her. I wish there was more development in Emma and Charlie's romantic relationship.

The narration by Patti Murin was outstanding, capturing the characters' emotions beautifully. The pacing was good and really brought the story to life.

Tropes & Warnings:
Grumpy x Sunshine
Workplace with Forced Proximity
Closed door romance
Death of a Parent & Grief
Caretaker
Cancer
Divorce
Trauma

Genre: (Clean) Romance

I find Katherine Center's romance books so enjoyable. They have fun characters, quirky romances, and all-around happy vibes. The Rom-Commers is no different. I enjoyed the themes of fangirling and Hollywood/movie tropes, all while teaching a standoffish male the rules of romcoms. It was so much fun. I was also a fan of the narration. The narration perfectly matched the vibes of the book. This is the perfect fluffy romance to read while relaxing in the sun this summer. I give it 4/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center. All opinions are my own.

Katherine Center has done it again! She's created characters that are funny, real, and likable with banter that had me cheering them on.

Emma has always wanted to be a screenwriter, she's spent hours watching and studying movies (especialy romantic comedies), and even written a few screenplays herself. When she's given the opportunity to write with one of the most famous and successful screenwriters in the world, Charlie Yates, Emma jumps at the chance...until she realizes he doesn't actually WANT work with her, he does NOT want to write a romantic comedy and he REALLY doesn't believe in love.

Emma is determined to change his mind, though--she IS a good screenwriter, romantic comedies CAN be successful, and love stories DO exist.

The story will leave readers smiling and believing in love themselves.

It was great as an audiobook--kept my attention and was just a delightful read.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center was exquisite! I absolutely love Center's writing, plot points and characters. Center writes different occupations superbly which in turn opens a lens to new worlds for us readers. Her character development and growth are unmatched! You can lose and find yourself in her characters. The Rom-Commers and Hello Stranger are both my fav books by Center although every one of her books are fantastic! The audio and narration on this audiobook was perfection!

🎬 The Rom-Commers - Katherine Center

4.25 ⭐️ - I said it once, I’ll say it again. Katherine Center has a fan in me. Every time I read one, I wonder why it took me so long to find her. I’ve enjoyed every one of them, her newest is no exception. It’s heartfelt, funny, serious, and thought provoking all at the same time.

Emma Wheeler desperately wants to be a screenwriter. She’s spent her whole life studying, writing romantic comedies, and winning contests. But, after an accident, she became to sole full time caretaker for her father. When she gets the chance to rewrite a screenplay for her favorite writing god, Charlie Yates!, the opportunity is too good to pass up. When Charlie doesn’t want to write with her, Emma does everything in her power to change his mind.

This book is so fun. How to write a good rom com while reading a good rom com! It has personal and professional growth, family issues (and solutions), and fun, playful romance. This is a great summer read and I cannot recommend it enough. I love the way KC tells a story, grows her characters, and develops a book you never want to end. It even had some little book crossovers (if you read the bodyguard, you’ll catch it!) which adds some fun flair. I definitely recommend picking this one up this summer! I can’t wait to see what KC does next.

Thank you Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and St Martin Press for the early arc and listener copies!

I loved this one! All the feels! I laughed I cried I was furious and all of the above! Some profound life lessons learned and plenty of swoony moments! So good I would definitely recommend this one! Content- This is a closed door romance but it does have a dozen or so f words and some other mild swearing so if that bugs you maybe skip this one. Trigger warnings- loss of parent in a traumatic way and cancer