I really enjoyed Emma and Charlie’s story! Emma is an aspiring romance screenwriter and Charlie is a well established screenwriter who had a failed attempt at writing a rom-com which is out of his wheelhouse. When Emma is given the opportunity to work with her idol Charlie Yates, she’s excited. Upon meeting Charlie, he’s not what she expected as he’s somewhat of a grump. Well, Emma and Charlie both have internal issues going on that neither know about one another. As they work together on the rom-com, it also helps them to work on themselves. While this one is a romantic comedy, it is also mixed with tragedy, loses, grief, and internal struggles. With Emma and Charlie working closely together, they are able to help one another with other things aside from screenwriting!

I really enjoyed the audiobook. I think the audiobook helps with those funny moments to hear them out loud. I found myself laughing out loud so many times with the interactions between Emma and Charlie. Just like the bright colorful cover of this one, the content is just as bright and is sure to leave a smile on your face. I do remember towards the end I had

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center kept me intrigued from start to finish. I was fully invested in the story of Emma, an inexperienced screenwriter that is offered an amazing opportunity to go to Los Angeles for six weeks to re-write a script for another screenwriter who is pretty much her idol. Emma is also the caregiver for her disabled father, but is able to work it out with her younger sister to take over, which is a major deal in itself. Once in Los Angeles, things start off about as bad as can be when she finds out that the screenwriter, Charlie, had no idea she was coming and it was expected that she would be staying at his mansion. The other kicker is that he hates rom-coms, her specialty and the genre of the screenplay they are to work on together. Emma has some major spunk and decides to stick with the situation and make the best of it. This book has a lot of feels to it, mostly the cute rom-com sort, but there are also some touching moments, as well as a lot of funny banter between the two of them. Thanks to Macmillon Audio and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions shared are influenced by nothing other than my own reading experience.

A big thank you to @netgalley @stmartinspress for the ARC & @macmillianaudio for the ALC of this book!

Katherine Center has been called “the queen of comfort reads” and after reading only two of her books thus far, I can still see the truth in that designation! Her books are so cozy, silly, fun, and laugh out loud funny all at the same time, while also including some very though provoking and important sentiments.

This way in which this enemies to lovers trope played out was very well done, a good balance of the unique dynamic between Charlie and Emma. The background about her admiration for him as a screenwriter, followed by his inability to work with anyone provided the unique storyline played out in these pages!

The themes around caregiving, physical illnesses/limitations, family dynamics and relationships really hit home for me. While I don’t want to give too much away, my personal ties (due to my husband’s chronic form of leukemia etc) to these themes was definitely in the forefront of my mind while reading and enjoying this book - and I appreciate the way in which this was handled in such a responsible way.

When thinking of the audiobook specifically, Patti Murin did a beautiful job narrating this book, and conveying the various emotions involved in the story! I also appreciated the audio bonus chapter - which was a fun perspective shift in the book too!

A HUGE thank you to @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for the audio arc of The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center narrated by Patti Murin. I loved this book with my WHOLE heart, and it was absolutely delightful as an audiobook. I kept looking around my kitchen, looking for things I needed to clean so I could keep listening. This publishes Tuesday (6/11) and just go ahead and order it–your summer reading TBR will thank you!

Emma Wheeler has been the caretaker for her loving dad for years and she’s good at it. She has color coded sticker charts to manage all aspects of his health and care (I knew I loved her when I read that). She has put her dreams of screenwriting off so she could support both her dad and younger sister. And now she gets the chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates–her absolute favorite writer ever. Her family comes together to support her and gives her the push she needs to head out of LA to tackle this opportunity. When she arrives let’s just say it’s not exactly as she thought…

What follows is such a wonderful story – an amazing combination of humor and romance, without being afraid to tackle themes of grief and healing, family bonds and expectations. I smiled and sighed and held my hand to my chest as I listened, loving the characters through their hurts and joys. The feelings were all so real and I loved it. I felt like I was reading a movie.

And the audiobook features a bonus scene and an author's note that were chef’s kiss. Five glowing hearts.

The Rom-Commers:⁣
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Thank you @stmartinspress and @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for my gifted copy.⁣
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“Whatever story you tell yourself about your life, that’s the one that’ll be true.”⁣
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In true Katherine Center style, this was adorable. From the line dancing to the random guinea pig, I loved how quirky this book was. The miscommunication part was irritating, but once that was cleared we were smooth sailing.⁣
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There was a lot going on in this book, and the type of grief Emma faced is hard. We always get the tough with the fluff, but this was tough. The guilt she felt was very sad and I wanted to give ole girl a little hug. ⁣
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Charlie was easy to like at first. He just gave grumpy of the sunshine band. The cafe scene? The swoon of that man. But that miscommunication really got me. To be a wordsmith, you’re horrible at saying words out loud. ⁣
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I liked them together and was happy to see how it all played out. Also, Emma girl. Great job on setting boundaries. Proud of you! ⁣
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The audio had bonus scenes and an author’s note, so I definitely recommend the audio. Hello bonus! Patti Murin, the amazing reader she is, did exactly what she always does. I love her narration and couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather listen to.⁣
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Overall, a good one for all the love bugs around! Out June 11th!⁣
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QOTD: Any plans this weekend?

The Rom-Commers-a standalone

Author: Katherine Center- I've read The Bodyguard(4*) and Hello Stranger(5*)

Publication 6-11-24, Read 6-9-24

Rating: 4⭐

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for this ARC and ALC 🧡! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are mine alone.

🤔What to Expect

-Rom-Com/Adult Fic
-book lovers/writers
-caretaker/disabled parent
-deceased parent
-family drama
-workplace romance
-slow burn romance
-wealthy H/celebrity H

Summary: Emma Wheeler has sacrificed her life for her younger sister Sylvie and her father. She's given up her dream of becoming a successful screenwriter to be her dad's caregiver for the past 10 years. When her ex-high school boyfriend Logan gives her an offer she can't refuse, her sister steps up to care for their dad. Emma goes to LA and will be a writing partner with her favorite author Charlie Yates but he has to be convinced.

The narrators Katherine Center and Patti Murin match their voices perfectly with the characters. The reading style brought the story to life and the pacing flowed easily with the story. The narration and the author were in sync, and they fit together perfectly. The narrators paused and announced every time a new chapter came. The book had a table of contents which helped me follow along with the e-book and audio.

Overall this was another solid romance from Center. Emma and Charlie kept me entertained with their banter and jokes. I'm glad the caregivers were given representation because it is a thankless and difficult job. Emma's dad finding love again was a nice touch and made me believe you can always start over.

I'd recommend listening to the audiobook because it's a fast read that you can adjust the speed, skip parts easily (if desired), and picture the characters more vividly.

"The Rom-Commers" by Katherine Center
Audiobook narrated by Patti Murin
Publish date June 11 2024

This is my third Katherine Center book after "the Bodyguard" and "Hello Stranger," and it is my favorite!
I love her sense of humor, expertly delivered by the narrator Patti Murin. I laughed aloud a few times. I also love human dramas she includes in her books. Her stories tend to be over-the-top so one needs to suspend disbelief - the way we do when we watch "It Happened One Night." This is no different. Yes, the situations like this where the main character gets to live with her screenwriter crush would be highly unlikely... among other situations that happens in this book. The book is not for realists. Rather, it is for romantic, silly and hopeful souls who believe in happy endings. I don't read too many romance books, so I am not an expert... I finished 11 hour audiobook within 24 hours. I also read three books by Emily Henry in recent years, and I would personally take Center over Henry any day. This one hasn't published yet, and I already look forward to reading more of her work.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for ARC of this audiobook. Opinions expressed herein are my own.

Thank you to SMP Romance and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

I adored Hello Stranger, and my review especially raved about the Author's Note and its full-throated cheerleading for the romance genre. In many ways, this entire book felt to me like it delivered on all the promise of that note. The Rom-Commers is a romance about romance and the entire rom-com genre. And thus, we get such great insight into the writing process and what makes romances so fabulous.

In this book, Emma Wheeler's agent matches her with multiple award-winning screenwriter, Charlie Yates. He's never written a romance and doesn't have much respect for the genre, so she will be his co-writer to help him deliver. And maybe make him believe in love along the way.

I laughed uproariously and had to share the dialogue with my family who also started laughing, no context necessary. We're still talking about some of the scenes. And reading them entirely from Emma's voice with her very conversational style made them even more fun.

But I also cried more than I have while reading in a long time. There's a storyline about Emma serving as the caregiver for her father, and it made me feel so seen. And I felt hope and joy. I'm not someone who often messages authors, but this book inspired me to write to Katherine Center to thank her, twice. And she was so sweet and gracious.

I can't say enough about how amazing this book is. And Patti Murin was an excellent narrator.

I really enjoy Katherine Center's books and this was no exception. This one battles Hello Stranger for my favorite Katherine book! I really enjoyed Emma (FMC) she was dealing with so much but had such a great attitude. I think Katherine does an amazing job in dealing with serious/depressing topics and still leaving you feeling optimistic. I have listened to all her books through audio and I really enjoyed the narrator! She did a great job capturing the story.

Emma is obsessed with Charlie Yates. She's idolized him as the best screenwriter around, which is why she jumps at the chance to help him revise his movie script, even though it means leaving her father, who needs constant care. Soon Emma is a fish out of water, leaving Texas for LA, only to discover that Charlie doesn't want her help. But certain events change their relationship, and soon they realize that they gel not just professionally, but personally. Can they move past their traumas and beliefs about life in order to grasp the love they've never dreamed was even possible?!?

I ADORED this book. The main characters were flawed, but realistically so, and their growth made the ending that much more satisfying. I laughed out loud numerous times, enjoying the narrator's creative dramatization of the story. I have to buy the physical book, however, because the words of wisdom, especially in the third act, are begging to be highlighted and read over and over.

Katherine Center provided an inside look at what writers are like, as well as how it feels to be a part of the industry. It was fascinating! This book leans into how the stories we tell ourselves impact our relationships and ourselves. The physical aspects of love were left largely out of the story in order to better feature the bond of two people who respected each other, and how that grew into affection, and ultimately, love. It was beautiful, and sometimes shocking, to read. I ADORED the selflessness, meditations on love and romance, and the grand gestures. This book made me look differently about my own life, which was perhaps my MOST favorite thing of all!

Trigger warnings: grieving the loss of a mother, caretaking of a paraplegic father, overcoming cancer, potential cancer diagnosis, near drowning/fear of drowning, parents divorcing, feelings of abandonment by parent

I'd like to thank MacMillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for the eARC of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

The Rom-Commers is such a fun novel! Emma is a struggling screenwriter who has had to sacrifice career opportunities to care for her disabled dad when she gets the opportunity to re-write a rom-com script with her favorite screenwriter, Charlie Yates. However, Charlie Yates, doesn't know anything about writing rom-coms, doesn't believe in love, and definitely doesn't want to work with an inexperienced screen writer. Emma's six-week writing experience with Charlie transforms both characters personally and professionally.

Narrator Patty Nurin delivers again! If you loved Hello Stranger, or The Soulmate Equation, you'll love The Rom-Commers. Nurin's expression, tone, and pacing makes it an ideal audiobook for summer travel or relaxation.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by a favorite, Katherine Center, narrated by the amazing Patti Murin, with the author reading an extra scene and the author's notes. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Emma Wheeler has put her dreams of being a screenwriter on hold to take care of her dad. But when she gets the chance to rewrite a screenplay that her idol, Charlie Yates, wrote, she's beyond thrilled. Charlie Yates is famous for writing big action movies, but his latest is a rom-com, and it's terrible. Emma knows rom-coms and knows she can fix this script, but working with Charlie, who doesn't believe in love, may be too much for both of them.

Katherine Center has done it again - I seem to love each of her books more than her previous one! She writes with such heart and it will make you feel all the feels, without falling into the sappy zone. She tackles difficult subject matters without making the book depressing; in fact, it's just the opposite. She shows you the good that can come from the bad. I fell in love with these characters and this book, and Murin's narration just topped it off. Center's author note at the end is a must read too. Do not miss this one - out just in time to add to your vacation book list!

The Rom-Commers, is written by Katherine Center and narrated by Katherine Center and Patti Murin. These two narrators do an amazing job of bringing the story to life! This is a uniquely themed romantic comedy story about a rom-com screenplay writer who teaches a famous blockbuster action writer about love, romance, and happily-ever-after in order to write a rom-com of his own.

Emma Wheeler is a writer who unexpectedly receives a chance of a lifetime to work with one of her all-time favorite screenwriters, Charlie Yates. The catch is, she has to move to LA for the six weeks, and up to this point, she has been a full-time caretaker for her father who suffered a tragic accident years earlier, something she blames herself for. Emma holds her responsibility as caretaker very seriously. In fact, this role has taken over her life, and though this is an exceptional opportunity, she’s reluctant to hand the reigns over to her sister, whom she helped raise.

To make matters worse, Charlie is unaware that Emma is coming to help him rewrite his one-off romantic comedy, something he is highly unskilled at. This disastrous rom-com is more of an obligation than a project he truly cares about. But Emma’s name will be attached to it and since it’s a remake of one of her favorite rom-coms of all time, she wants it to be a success. After a good deal of pushing and prodding, Charlie reluctantly agrees. Now Emma has to help him believe in love and experience romance in order to more effectively write a rom-com hit.

This story was entertaining and sweet at times, but there were elements that felt a bit silly and unbelievable. Ultimately, I really did not like either of the main characters for various reasons. I found it hard to buy into how out of touch with any emotion Charlie was and overall, he just didn’t seem very kind. His treatment of Emma was not very healthy or rational, and Emma’s treatment of her sister at a climatic moment was uncaring, hurtful, and unfair. And sadly, she never even recognized it. I have loved many of Katherine Center’s books, and will continue to read them. Her dialogue is always witty and fun, and while the Rom-Commers was enjoyable, it just wasn’t a favorite.

💖💖LOVED this!

"Whatever story you tell yourself about your life, that's the one that'll be true"

This was my first novel by Katherine Center and let me just start off by saying yes, I will be reading everything else by her that I can get my hands on.
The writing, plot, and characters were amazing. The characters were so loveable. I love the relationship that blooms between Charlie and Emma, I love her dad, and I adore the relationship between her and her sister.
I might actually give this a 4.75* only because there really was a lot of cheese at the end, we went off on a weird unrealistic scene (view spoiler). There was also some medical stuff that didnt make sense to me (I am a nurse and I dont necessarily think a non medical professional would pick up on this)-though this didnt ruin the story by any means, it was more of a "thats not what would happen" moment.
Overall I would 100% recommend this to any fans of rom-coms or rom-dramedies, there was some more serious themes in this, but mostly it was just fun, funny and lighthearted. I would recommend for fans of Emily Henry and Carley Fortune.
I listened to the audiobook read by Patti Murin, her narration was impeccable! Loved the voices, tone, and emotion portrayed in this narration. I will definitely check out more of her works.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Katherine Center, and MacMillan Audio for early access to this audiobook.

The Rom-Commers was the type of book that you love so much, it makes you laugh and cry and pray it never ends!

Katherine Center outdid herself with this beautiful perfection of a book.

Emma and Charlie are complex, lovely and are a delight to read with SO much swoon!

Read. The. Book. ❤️

A true winner by a favorite author!

Emma Wheeler is a screenplay writer. She loves romantic comedies and she is amazing at it. Too bad she is not famous. Her career is stagnant due to her personal family troubles. Emma has been the sole caretaker of her father who is unable to live by himself. Emma chose him over her own career. However, now her sister is coming back home after graduating and Emma gets the opportunity of a lifetime. She is asked to "fix" Charlie Yates's new rom-com. She just needs to leave home and fly to LA for six weeks to do it.

Emma has her work cut out for her. Charlie Yates doesn't want help with his rom-com. He only wrote it to be able to get another project approved. He doesn't believe in rom-coms. He doesn't believe in love period. Changing his mind is going to take all of Emma's time.

Will she be able to do it?

I love Emma. She was down-to-earth, half-full-glass type of person. She was sweet and a nice daughter. It took me longer to love Charlie. He was so standoffish at the beginning and it did bother me when he rejected Emma time after time. Yet, I ended up loving him.

The audiobook narration by Katherine Center & Patti Murin is completely on-point and added to the experience of the story.

Another favorite from Katherine Center. I hope she writes many more!!

This was another enjoyable book by Katherine Center. She makes my tear in the best way possible. Not only does this story make you feel good, it gives you hope that people can change their opinions and not have life be over.

The narration was fabulous. Patti Murin is great. I love her voice.

The Rom-Commers is about two screen play writers who are matched together by their agent. One needs to break into the industry and one is seasoned but has lost their mojo. They are put together for a 6 week period to write a screen play for a romantic comedy movie for a producer who will make an action movie if this task is completed. While together, the FMC tries to teach love to the MMC. Of course they have a good time together and create a bond.

I loved the characters, even the sub-characters. I can picture the coffee shop that a few scenes talk about, and I loathe the backwards cap man so much I don't even want to repeat his name. Katherine Center writes phenomenally and I cannot wait to see what else she brings to life.

Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion.

Katherine Center is the romance author I never knew I needed in my life. Although this is a clean romance, it is intense with incredible chemistry. Emma has experienced intense tragedy in her life and has proclaimed herself the caretaker of her family. Her BFF helps her weigh an experience of a lifetime and Charlie becomes everything she want looking for. I devoured this story from beginning to end.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this and provide an honest review.

I loved everything about this book, which was filled with funny moments and heartfelt, emotional turbulence as our main characters found their way to each other. I was rooting for Emma from the beginning and enjoyed cheering for her at all of her courageous moments. Patti Murin's narration was superb and do not miss the author's note at the end!

REVIEW: The Rom-Commers ⭐⭐⭐

“You had to maximize joy when it fluttered into your life. You had to honor it. And savor it. And not stomp it to death by reminding everyone of everything you'd lost.”
― Katherine Center, The Rom-Commers

I’m a huge fan of rom-coms, so I was excited to start The Rom-Commers. Emma is a striving rom-com screenwriter who is also a caregiver for her dad. She gets an opportunity from her ex-boyfriend to help rewrite a rom-com screenplay with Charlie Yates, a famous thriller and action writer. When Emma shows up in LA, things go differently than planned, and Charlie isn’t expecting her.

First of all, I like how this story is written. Katherine Center writes it in a way that seems like Emma is talking to you as her friend. There are many times when Emma addresses the reader, making the book feel like a personal conversation. This voice, paired with the great narrator, just really helped make the story more compelling. I also liked the theme that so many people think lowly of romance or rom-coms, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. Katherine Center even had an author's note about it at the end of the book. I thought having the main characters be screenwriters was also a unique view.

I loved this story as a fun rom-com until about 70-75% in. Then, there were so many unnecessary conflicts, and the ending was unrealistic. There were conflicts between Emma and Charlie and Emma and her sister that just made me cringe. Plus, throughout the book, I struggled to like Charlie. It was hard to root for him when he wasn’t someone I particularly liked.

Thank you, Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin's Press, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

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