Another sweet and wonderful book by one of my favorite writers! This is the first time I've listened to an audio book version of Katherine Center's novels and I absolutely loved the narrator. She is so amazing!! And Jack Stapleton from The Bodyguard makes an appearance here, isn't that great! Maybe I didn't fall in love with Emma and Charlie as I usually do with all of Center's characters (because they are just so real!!), but I still enjoyed watching/listening to them getting to know each other.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

This was such an adorable book! I loved watching (well reading) Emma & Charlie fall in love. And I couldn’t keep myself from crying when Emma & her sister had their big fight.

This is the perfect book, especially if you’re a fan of her other book The Bodyguard (iykyk).

Emma Wheeler, an aspiring screenwriter, gets a chance to rewrite a script for her idol, Charlie Yates, while her sister takes over caring for their dad. Despite Charlie's disdain for her and romantic comedies, Emma is determined to prove their value, leading to an unexpected romance that changes everything.

Katherine Center is an auto-read author for me! However, I had mixed feelings about *The Rom-Commers*. The plot was sweet and had so much potential, but I wasn’t a big fan of Charlie. I empathized with Emma regarding her past and finally being able to pursue her dreams. It didn’t surprise me that she had more of a doormat personality since she had to start taking care of her dad and raising her younger sister at a young age. I liked seeing Emma’s growth throughout the story. Charlie, on the other hand, has to be one of the worst male main characters. He’s a textbook red flag. I hate that whatever he tells Emma is the opposite of what he means. There’s also a major twist at the end that I thought was incredibly messed up. Charlie continues to treat Emma poorly while secretly having a crush on her, but his words are what hurt the most. I couldn’t imagine them being together long after the epilogue due to the initial relationship they have. One part of the book I did enjoy was the cameo appearances of Jack Stapleton from The Bodyguard. Overall, The Rom-Commers had its moments, but it didn’t fully deliver for me.

I am so torn on this one! I'm a big fan of some other works by Center and was looking forward to reading this! I found the overall premise of two writers falling in love amidst their work enticing. But the execution didn't quite hit the mark for me. The lack of chemistry between the two main characters, Emma and Charlie, coupled with some cringe-worthy behaviors had me rolling my eyes. HOWEVER. For fellow fans of the 'regular degular girl gets the attention of hot and famous guy' trope then this is for you. The narration was great though.

THIS BOOK WAS 100% WORTH IT! 5 STARS WITHOUT A DOUBT!
Emma Wheeler is a screenwriter who has spent the last ten years taking caring of her father who sustained a traumatic brain injury following a climbing accident. Emma is given the opportunity of a lifetime to work with her favorite screenwriter, Charlie Yates, but this opportunity requires her to go to California for six weeks. Emma is torn as she has been the sole caregiver for her father since his accident. Emma’s sister, Sylvie forfeits her internship to stay with their dad so Emma can take this opportunity. How does a famous screenwriter like Charlie Yates write such a terrible rom-com screenplay? Que Emma to help re-write this terrible screenplay and teach Charlie some lessons in the process.
As soon as I saw this on audiobook, I knew I had to listen to it. I loved how this book was written, and I couldn’t get enough of it! I totally binged this audiobook and I am not ashamed to admit it. It was like I was having a girl’s night with my best friend the whole time! The narrator, Patti Murin, was a perfect fit for Emma’s character and the overall story! Her reading was clear, and her inflections and commentary fit the story amazingly making it feel like she was having a conversation with me throughout the book. Throughout this book, I experienced lots of laughter, irritation, and tears. This was my first Katherine Center book but definitely won’t be my last. This book is available June 11th, perfect timing for your summer vacation reading list!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advance audiobook and the opportunity to provide my honest opinion!

Catherine Center’s latest novel, The ROM Commers, is a delightful blend of romance, humor, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a charming small town, the story follows Emma, a quirky and endearing protagonist who stumbles upon a mysterious community of romantics.

Center’s writing is whimsical and evocative, capturing the magic of unexpected connections and the power of love. The characters are vividly drawn, and their interactions feel genuine. As Emma navigates her way through secret societies, hidden letters, and heartwarming surprises, readers will be swept away by the sheer joy of it all.

Katherine Center you have done it again. Taken my heart and made it burst!!! I loved this book.

If you’re seeking a heartwarming escape with a touch of whimsy, The ROM Commers is a five-star read that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page.

There is a lot to love about this book. The idea of meeting and working with your personal writing hero Charlie Yates on a once in a lifetime script opportunity is fantastic! That said hero doesn’t have any idea you’re coming to work, oh and, stay with him, not so much. This is the start of the Rom Commers. The two protagonists, Emma & Charlie,share an agent/friend who schemes this starting scenario to “help” both. It does not go over well.
That said, the two leads are fun, there’s a lot of great dialogue, a passionate defense of not only love, but romance and romance writing, some cute moments, and a heartfelt story of loss, family, pain, and love.
My only tiny qualm was the story is completely in the hands of our female protagonist Emma, who, often treats us to third wall breaks and has a tendency to get the wrong idea instead of confronting people. Which, fine, is not a huge leap in storytelling, but occasionally I kind of wanted to yell at her. This audio came with a couple of delightful bonus extras. One being an additional scene of a crucial moment but told from Charlie’s point of view. That was something I kind of wished we could have had throughout. Maybe I’ve just gotten used to dual narrative storytelling since I’ve been working my way through several series of romance novels. Whatever the reason, I loved that. The other was a fantastic argument for all the merits of romance novels from the actual author. It was great! Overall, the Rom Commers was a delightful book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.**

I don’t want to harsh vibes or ruin expectations but this one was… not for me. What I liked: Emma’s sunny disposition despite what she has been through. What I didn’t like: Charlie. He was so childish and annoying. This one has fantastic reviews all over Bookstagram and Goodreads so I am an outlier here. I just didn’t feel any chemistry between the main characters !

The narrator did a fantastic job though!

Not horrible, not great. 3 stars!

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it for your summer reading list. Katherine Center does an incredible job with keeping the story moving and entertaining. There was no middle of the book lull like in so many books. I listened to this on audio and Patti Murin does and excellent job narrating this audiobook. The characters are all flawed and intriguing. Overall this book is just what a romantic comedy should be.
Thank you to netgalley and to Macmillan Audio for a free advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Katherine Center's books are pure delight. The narrator had the perfect tone for this rom-com. I loved how "tv show sitcom" it felt in the best way. This is a great book to read when you need a pick me up but still has heart and heft.

A fun story that was easy to listen to while running errands or working around the house. It does touch on some pretty heavy topics so readers should be aware of trigger warnings.

I loved this story! Anticipated pub: June 11th.

My favorite aspects:
-the banter between Emma and Charlie (Yates) when they get past their animosity towards each other
-there's even a cute guinea pig character, like hello!
-Emma's character growth, she finds that she can live for herself while being there and taking care of the people she loves
-this tore my heart apart then put it back together

Expanding on the above: Emma takes care of her disabled dad and has ZERO life for herself. This is part of her character growth is seeing she can get a job, have a life, be a friend, without keeping her eyes on her dad 24/7. I love that Charlie (Yates) helps her realize this. He seems to live in his (albeit bigger) own bubble as well. But I love that Emma brings some life to his life.

Not gonna lie, I thought we were going off the rails at the end into tragic love story territory but the title is the "Rom-Commers" so is anyone expecting anything else other than a romance with a HEA?

I will say -- this author LOVES to use a full name. FFS man, Charlie is referred to as "Charlie Yates" more than he is referred to as "Charlie" and I remember commenting on this same thing in my review of The Bodyguard. (and who would guess (/s), but Jack Stapleton is also called Jack Stapleton in THIS novel too [rather than just Jack].)

This was just super FUN to read (most of the time). I thought the narrator did a great job on this.

The Rom-Commers rom-commed in the best rom-commy way.

No notes!

The Rom-Commers
By Katherine Center
5⭐️

Katherine center did it again. I DEVOURED this audiobook. Every time I had a spare second, I turned it on.

I loved the characters, I loved their story. Katherine Center always gives her characters some adversity they are managing through while falling in love. Both of these characters have dealt with some heavy stuff, but are able to work through it.

I could be one of those cool people that times their review with pub day, but I wanted to talk about this one as soon as I finished. It comes out next week, so you don’t have long to wait. The audio narration was well done, and Katherine reads her own authors note to you at the end, which I loved.

They need to make this one into a movie. 🤞🏻 I’m manifesting it. I want to watch these two fall in love.

Thank you to @macmillan.audio for the ALC and @netgalley . And thank you to @katherinecenter for this delightful journey.

I laughed out loud multiple times while listening to this audiobook! It was well written and the narration was enjoyable.

As Katherine Center books are wont to be, this book was a love letter to love stories and romance that I was absolutely enthralled and delighted by from start to finish.

Emma Wheeler is a girl after my own heart. An Eldest Daughter who takes responsibility for her whole family and is more or less shoved out of the nest in order to fulfill her lifelong dreams, I found her really endearing and loved her love of love stories and determination to share them. And Chalie Yates? Never have I ever been more simultaneously obsessed with and aggravated by a love interest. By the end, I understood why he did the things he did, and he did have some really sweet moments, but wow was he a little all over the place.

I loved the Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic between the two characters. and the hijinks they got into together. Katherine Center has such a talent for weaving together humor and heart and enough emotion to tug at your heartstrings.

If you need a smile or a cry or a reminder of why romance is so incredibly important, please pick up The Rom-Commers!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

This is the third book that I have read by Katherine Center, and she does not disappoint. She seems to have a way of writing a rom-com that gives you that euphoric feeling that a romance is supposed to provide you with but also throws in the grit of real life. That grit does nothing but make the meat of the story that much sweeter. (My head is giving an analogy like the thing we are biting into is a peach). "The Rom-Commers" follows aspiring screenwriter, Emma Wheeler, who is given a chance to ghostwrite alongside her idol, but she has to set aside her life, which is a difficult concept as she has spent the entirety of her adult life (10 years) as a caretaker for her father after a tragic accident. Her younger sister agrees to be the temporary caretaker so Emma can follow her dreams. Little to anyone's expectations Charlie isn't exactly the dream writing partner. He may be a brilliant writing partner, but he knows nothing of the rom-com genre, not putting any heart into his script as he doesn't believe in love.
I loved this story, and especially the narration in the audiobook, because it was like the character was actually sitting down and talking to you, recounting these events of her life. The narrator was able to really convey every aspect of this story perfectly. I felt that the characters were relatable in a way that you don't always see in a romance. There was lying, manipulating, and bouts of anger, but in the end it was the imperfections that made everything that much better, and even a little more realistic. I think the expectations that you have from reading previous Center books, will hold true with this one as well. She is an author that has yet to disappoint.
Side note, I feel like the author's note at the end is almost as great as the story itself, much in the same vein as her note in "Hello Stranger" She speaks of why romance is such an important genre.

I received an audio advanced reader copy from NetGalley for my honest review. I listened to this book in two days and really loved the rom-com about writing a rom-com screenplay. The banter was witty and the characters very easy to like. The narration fit the vibe of this book and allowed the book to flow well.

The story itself is exactly what you expect from a Katherine Center book - hopeful and fun and filled with the idea that love can be for everyone. There is a time and a place for a fun read like the Rom-Commers and it is definitely during the summer beach/travel season. It’s a great book about relationships, love, family and making the choices that can bring good things to life.

Katherine Center returns following Hello Stranger and The Bodyguard with her latest captivating and witty romance, THE ROM-COMMERS. The novel stands out with its portrayal of an unconventional couple, their messy lives, and their journey toward a heartwarming love story. Katherine Center is known for her charming novels and movies with witty sparkling dialogue and heartfelt storylines with substance.

She's rewriting his love story. But can she rewrite her own?

About...

Emma Wheeler, a former English teacher and a devoted caregiver to her father, has put her dreams of becoming a screenwriter on hold. Her struggle to balance her family responsibilities and her passion for writing is a poignant and relatable journey that will resonate with many readers. She had guilt over her mom's death (climbing accident) and her dad's paralysis. She is also the big sister of her 23-year-old younger sister, soon to graduate with her dreams.

However, when will Emma's dreams come true? When is her time? Is she procrastinating, trapped in her world of sadness and problems?

Emma's ex-boyfriend, who also happens to be her agent, offers her a chance to work on a romantic comedy with her idol, screenwriter Charlie Yates. Despite Charlie's initial cynicism and the script's poor quality, Emma is determined to prove herself and make the project a success.

However, things go differently than planned. Who is this guy? He is bitter, cynical, mean, and disrespectful. The script is terrible, and so is he. Yet, Emma is determined not to give up with a fight.

Emma will convince him that love stories matter. What if the love story they are writing about breaks all Emma's rules―and comes true? What has she got to lose? She will be honest and tell him everything wrong with his bloody script. What she did not see coming was losing her heart.

Audiobook...

I read the e-book and listened to the audiobook narrated by the talented Patti Murin, offering a fun, lively performance! The audio also features a bonus scene and author's note read by the author. A perfect listen for the beach, your summer vacation, a cozy porch read, or a hammock.

My thoughts...

THE ROM-COMMERS is a delight! In Center's signature style, this is another cracker of a read, a romance that sizzles with witty banter and depth.

Engaging and endearing, an unlikely pair team up with past burdens, baggage, guilt, family, and disappointments. Their emotional complexities, fears, and vulnerabilities will resonate with you, making you fall in love with these two!

While I am not a big fan of romance or rom-com novels, I appreciate Katherine Center's writing and snappy dialogue. Her fearless approach to tackling difficult topics such as loss, grief, sickness, family complexities, careers, and tragedy and her ability to infuse light even in the darkest times is commendable.

Bittersweet, the author skillfully weaves a narrative that pulls on your heartstrings. At times, it is emotional and heartbreaking, but there is also a balance of light, love, hope, joy, fulfillment, and lots of humor, making it a truly engaging romance. A mix of romcom, humor, action, and romance. Soulful, heartwarming, and full of wisdom and life lessons.

While The Rom-Commers isn't a sequel to The Bodyguard, Jack does make a cameo appearance, as Charlie wrote the screenplay that made Jack famous. (Check it out; it's also a fun read.)

Recs...

This is for fans of the author's novels and movies and those of Emily Henry, Emily Giffin, and Sherryl Woods. However, none are quite as funny or comforting as KC!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: June 11, 2024
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This little sweet story is dazzling. It has humor and love and all of the emotions. My only tiny complaint is that I wish, as with many stories in this genre, that the happy ending was more showing than telling especially with a focus on that love story we've been waiting so long for. I had the opportunity to read the ebook and audiobook, and I loved both, switching between them. The narrator, Patti Murin, was great!
Massive thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of both the ebook and audiobook!

Katherine Center has done it again. Do you even need me to tell you that this was a fantastic romance? Perfect amounts of funny and emotional and heartwarming and frustrating. It's everything you could want in a love story, yet again. If you love romance, absolutely pick this one up.

Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.