5/5 stars

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy!

CW: parental death, illness/injury

SYNOPSIS -- Emma Wheeler's screenwriting plans may have been derailed for the last 10 years, but she still longs to make it big writing romcoms. When she gets the chance to write for her screenwriting idol, Charlie Yates, she takes a step back from caretaking for her sweet Dad, passing the reigns to her younger sister and moving to LA for six weeks. They say "don't meet your heroes," and maybe that's a good idea. When Emma shows up, Charlie refuses to work with her, refuses to care about the script, and refuses to believe in love. Despite all that, Emma digs in her heals and steels herself to convince Charlie of her worth as a writer and the worth of rom-coms in this world. When their rom-com becomes a little too.... real... Emma has to reconfigure her idea of reality and break some of her own rules to get there.

Ahhhhh she's done it again!!! I LOVED the premise and the story far exceeded my excitement for the synopsis. The characters were so dynamic and complex, and I loved them, despite feeling SO FRUSTRATED with their denial of their feelings for so long. The romance was cute and felt believable, in a way that not all romance authors can nail. Family was a big feature in this book, and I think this was really well done. Forced proximity like this is soooo fun and I loved Emma and Charlie's banter from the beginning. Katherine Center does an amazing job of weaving complicated themes into her work, and this one wound its way through grief and its complexity in a beautiful way.

PLUS there was a fun crossover with THE BODYGUARD, which I LOVED.

Patti Murin is a fantastic narrator, and really managed to capture all of Emma's chaotic feelings and awkwardness and delightfulness into her voice throughout this book.

This book truly gave me the warm and fuzzies all the way through: from page 1 to Katherine Center's self-narrated acknowledgements at the end. I love her writing style, her characters and her plots. I will read anything this woman writes!!

I was excited to receive an advance copy of this book and could hardly wait to start reading it! Because I have read other books by this author, I knew it would be fun to read with likeable characters.

For the past several years, Emma has been the full-time caregiver for her dad because he was permanently injured in an accident and her mom died. She regularly sacrifices what she wants so her little sister Sylvie can live her dreams, but they switch places when Emma receives an unbelievable job offer. Sylvie cancels her internship to stay with their dad so Emma can go to L.A. for the chance of a lifetime to work with a famous screenwriter she has a crush on and help him rewrite a flawed rom-com screenplay. Her childhood best friend and former boyfriend is his manager and got her the job. The problem is Charlie has writer’s block, doesn’t want her help, and doesn’t believe in romance.

There are some serious issues addressed, but overall the book was very funny, and some parts even made me laugh out loud. The tension leading to the kiss was perfect, but the wet dress scene was way too much. I think the book would have been much better without it. I love the dad’s advice at the end and the bonus chapter in the audiobook. You can’t go wrong with a book by Katherine Center, the writing and characters are excellent. This would be 5 stars if it wasn’t for the language and the dress scene.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for a digital ARC and Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC via NetGalley to use for my review.

Emma's dream is to be a rom com screen writer. While she is skilled and willing to work to make that happen, she has kind of put her goals on hold after her mom passed away and her dad required full-time care. When she gets the call that Charlie Yates, her favorite screenwriter in the world, create a rom com she cannot say no. She worked it out where her sister stays with her dad while she takes advantage of this seemingly once in a lifetime opportunity. Unfortunately, upon arriving to Charlie's house it becomes clear that Charlie did not ask for help nor did he know she was coming. He needs the help though because his screen play is not great. After a bumpy start, they begin working together.

Emma starts to feel the whole don't meet your heros when she learns more about Charlie's plans and her reason for being there. Still, the money is good and the opportunity could be a game changer, so she stays and aims to develop the best rom com she can.

In the beginning Charlie may not believe in love, but by the end of their time together, he is singing a different tune. Our main characters experience joys and hardships in their time together and learn more about relationships (romance and family) through the process.

I felt connected to the story and honestly felt a lot of the emotions as I was listening. I listened to this book in basically one sitting and would probably say it is my favorite Katherine Center book I have read. It goes from fan and famous screenwriter to enemies to friends to lovers. It was quite the journey, but I enjoyed the ride. I got an ALC of this book and definitely recommend the audio.

CW: Death of a parent (details of the event included on page), full-time caregiving, cancer, panic/anxiety attacks/disorders

Struggling screenwriter Emma Wheeler writes romantic comedies between caring for her father full time. When she’s given an opportunity of a lifetime to work with THE Charlie Yates—her idol and screenwriting legend—she can’t pass it up. Her younger sister takes over caregiving for six weeks while Emma flies off to L.A. But this opportunity isn’t anything she expected, nor was Charlie expecting her at all. Emma must either make Charlie believe in love or go home empty handed.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center, narrated by Patti Murin, is a romance comedy woman’s fiction that will have you snorting and swooning.

This was so adorable! They’re basically trying to fix the most awkward rom-com ever and, while doing so, create their own. ❤️ I love the support system and family Emma has which is honestly so refreshing in romances.

Charlie first comes off as a jerk, but he slowly grew on me as he developed. Patti Murin really brought the characters to life too! I have yet to find a Katherine Center book I don’t absolutely adore.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC! ❤️

Let me start by saying, the audio of this book is fantastic!

This is a romcom lovers dream. Humour, complicated and charming characters, witty banter and all the feels. My heart hurt for Emma so many times and you can't help but fall in love with and route for her.

I found Charlie's character to be a teeny bit hard to route for. While there was great banter and ultimately a happy ending, I never felt that magical spark of chemistry between the two main characters. There just seemed to be something lacking, though I don't know what that was.

Overall, this was a cute romcom with amazing narration!

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and the author for the advanced audio of this book!

I immensely enjoyed this book! While both characters need to attend therapy for their traumatic experiences, I thought that the author did an amazing job at describing their flaws. However, I do wish that I had more depth from the characters. This was a fun, quick, light romance. It was just what I needed and I couldn't stop listening. The MC was witty and smart. The love interest was predictably moody and difficult. I would have liked a little more character from him, but it all worked for me.

<i>thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!</i>

**the audiobook was a 5/5! the narrator did such a great job of bringing these characters to life.**

now to the actual story lol. i fell in love with the bodyguard by katherine center when it came out a couple years ago and nothing she's come out with has lived up to it since. unfortunately, this was a complete miss for me and one of the most disappointing releases of this year. despite the actual story, i still love katherine's center's writing and storytelling. however the characters in these were awful.

emma and charlie yates (and important to full name him as emma does every other line in this book) were completely insufferable. emma had a savior complex that could not be broken. she was a self-wallowing person because of it, not allowing herself to move on from any of her trauma which in turn causes her to act like a bull and SPRINT towards red flags (aka, charlie yates). she was a total c*nt to her sister over something that she had no control over and never even apologized.

charlie yates? biggest red flag - which is apparently emma's type. he was an ASSHOLE to her. he was rude to emma's face and totally berated her and kept being condescending towards her behind her back. the fact that emma overheard him talking shit about her multiple times and doing nothing about it? girl...lol. he honestly had no redeeming qualities.

katherine also made some questionable choices, having charlie misdiagnosed with cancer only for it to be a case of bronchitis??? HUH???? ummmm cancer's not something you just happily throw in as a plot point???

they were shitty people who shouldn't have gotten together and there's no way they lasted after the epilogue. no way in hell.

such a disappointment!

This was such a cute, sweet, and well-written rom-com! It felt exactly like I was reading a book version of the classic rom-com movies of the 80s and 90s (can we bring those back!?).

Patti Murin was a great narrator for the audiobook and especially for the leading lady, Emma Wheeler.

This was my first Katherine Center novel, and while I think she is a fantastic romance writer, I didn’t realize that she was known for more wholesome stories. This is a closed-door romance with no steam. It is 100% sweet! Not knowing this, I was waiting the whole book for something to happen 😂 As an audiobook though, this really worked for me because I tend to cringe at spicy scenes when they’re narrated. Also if you have teenager who is interested in reading romances, this is one I personally would 100% think is appropriate.

Thank you Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC! The Rom-Commers is out 6/11!

Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter. She’s spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies—good ones! That win contests! But she’s also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care. Now, when she gets a chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates—The Charlie Yates! Her personal writing god!—it’s a break too big to pass up. How will Mr. Grumpy and Miss Sunshine write a romance, can they keep it professional?

This book was a 5 star for me. I am a huge Katherine Center (KC) fan. This is my new favorite by her!! The banter she portrays between her main characters is truly perfection. They were hilarious. I was laughing and crying in this latest KC. If you love a grumpy and sunshine trope this is the book for you. In true KC form she gives enough intimacy to leave it closed door but you don’t feel like you are missing out. There is so much chemistry between Emma and Charlie.  Lastly, I loved the Easter egg she left for us in this one. It took me far too long in the book to realize it and once I did I couldn’t stop smiling, well done!

I can see this absolutely being a summer favorite. 

Thank you Netgalley & Macmillian Audio for this ARC. This book arrives on shelves June 11, 2024.

Okay, let's get real about this book. Emma is a total gem - relatable, lovable, and just a burst of sunshine. She's like that friend you can't get enough of, and I could listen to her all day. She's a hoot, but there's so much depth to her, especially when she opens up about her fears. But what really got me was her bold passion for the romance genre. It made me stop and think about all the great points she brought up.

Now, Charlie is the polar opposite of Emma. He's grumpy, set in his ways, but surprisingly sweet. You'll see what I mean when you dive into this book. It's hard not to spill the tea while writing this review, but I'll do my best.

This book had me laughing most of the time, but there's also some drama as we uncover more about Emma's past and her relationships with her father and sister. Charlie's situation is a bit concerning, but this isn't one of those novels that leaves you in tears.

Oh, and guess what? It ends with a HEA (happily ever after). I won't spoil it further, but "The Rom-commers" was an absolute delight as an audiobook. Patti Murin's narration was spot on. If you're into audiobooks, Katherine Center's reading is a bonus with an extra scene. The book is engaging, funny, emotional, and full of hope - everything I adore and expect from a Katherine Center novel.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for my free audiobook for review.

I haven't read a book by Katherine Center that I have not enjoyed. This one is no different. I laughed, I cried. I felt everything. A cutesy rom com with raw and real emotions. A very sweet and hopeful story.

4.5 stars rounded up

What to expect in this book:

-Grumpy/sunshine
-Screenwriters and Hollywood life
-Exploration of grief and medical diagnoses
-Feel good/comforting characters
-Father/Daughter relationships
-Fantastic on audio!

Thoughts

This is my seventh and now FAVORITE Katherine Center book. Katherine's books are always such feel good reads with likable and relatable characters. This one is for the eldest daughters! Emma Wheeler longs to be a screenwriter but circumstances have prevented her from being able to live out her Hollywood dreams. After her father had a terrible accident, she became his sole caretaker. When she gets the chance to re-write the script on a romantic comedy for her long time screenwriter idol, Charlie Yates, Emma knows that this is an offer she cannot refuse. Until... she meets Charlie and realizes that he does not believe in rom-coms or maybe even love at all. Emma is set to convince Charlie that love stories matter.. maybe so much so that the love story they are writing might actually come true?

If you are looking for a sweet, clean romance, Katherine Center is always an amazing choice. I love the depth that she provides to her characters' stories and the connections that they form. I had such empathy for Emma as she cared for her father and had such a close bond with him. Emma was optimistic without being annoying and Charlie brought a sense of sadness that I think was a great balance to the story. I loved how the author spoke about suffering in many different forms from health to loss. There were so many beautiful lines that I think many of us can relate to. I really saw this book in my head and can imagine this being an amazing movie!

I loved how Emma had to teach Charlie about love and romance, in some ways it reminded me of some of my favorite rom-coms like 27 Dresses. But also, we need to talk about how there was a guinea pig and I loved Cuthbert so much! I enjoyed the mentions of mental health and processing of grief and loss as well. Ultimately, I know this is one I will be recommending to all my friends, especially those who love a happily ever after. Thank you so much to #NetGalley and McMillian audio for the advanced copies of this in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and, of course, Katherine Center. Getting access to a book before anyone else is exciting but, when it’s one from your favorite author- a whole other level! I love/hate finishing her books. I easily could have written best book by K. Center & will probably be your favorite summer read - but I’ll give you a little more.

** The title gave me an idea of the plot and the author’s expected quirky humor. I can always expect some serious life circumstances mixed in reading Katherine Center book, she does not pick cookie cutter storylines and characters. This is why I like her books. They are not fluff, shiny, and pretty. You will feel deeply and hope like mad that love wins. **

The Rom-Comers, caught me right away. The main character Emma cares deeply for others and is passionate about her love for romantic comedies. She works from home (which allows for her to care for her ailing father) writing screenplays that most people will never see, but it pays the bills. Her boss or manager happens to be her ex-boyfriend from ages ago, who is now happily dating a younger man. The system must work as she makes enough money to pay for the apartment and her baby sister has been able to finish college.

The day her sister is to come home and celebrate her graduation, Emma gets a call about a possible opportunity. And not just any opportunity…. She would get to work with Charlie Yates, the best writer on the planet. The legend, he’s just amazing….BUT apparently he wrote a romantic comedy. And he does not write romantic comedies. Emma figures it can’t be that bad….. then she read it. it’s the worst thing she’s ever read. So the opportunity is for her to go and help him fix it.

At least that’s the opportunity the way it’s told her. When she gets there, she finds out a completely different story. She’s livid and embarrassed.

The development of Emma is so profound. Her entire life has been behind the scenes. However, there is so much more to her. As you read -you want her to come out of her shell and say what she’s thinking and feeling. See her achieve success and find love.

Charlie Yates, the famous screenwriter. He comes across so pompous and full of himself. As you read, you want to find out what he’s hiding, why he puts on this arrogant front. What keeps him from letting Emma in…. You can tell he cares about her.

There is so much more to the story and I love how each character is so intentionally described. It makes them have a purpose throughout the plot. Because in the beginning, a person may be mentioned and you are unsure why and in the end you find out, there is a much deeper meaning to the relationship.

Throughout the book, there are serious parts when it comes to Charlie and how he was having writer’s block. Or Emma’s father and how he deals with his daily ailments.

This is probably my favorite book I’ve read by Katherine Center. It was almost impossible to write a review for this book because I wanted to tell you everything about it. But I am a person that doesn’t like giving everything away.

My favorite things about this book were the humor, how each person in the book had a purpose, and how difficult subjects were talked about just like real life.

Must read! Loved!

I loved this audiobook. Audiobooks are not normally my style but this one had me hooked! The narrator does such a great job of capturing all the emotions from the characters. I had heard so many good things about this author and was really excited to get to listen tot his early. I love a good rom com with great banter and the banter in this story was great! I really felt the characters and loved their journeys and their path to each other. I can’t wait to read more from Katherine Center. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the listen of a great book!

“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.”

Emma Wheeler has had dreams of making it big as a writer, dreams she hasn't let herself think about in years...until her big break comes along: she's offered the chance to write a screenplay with the legendary Charlie Yates. The catch? It's a rom-com...a rom-com Charlie is only writing to get his big Mafia movie made...a rom-com penned by a man who doesn't believe in love.

I mean what could go wrong?! 😆😆 Loved it! Loved. It. This book is both laugh-out-loud funny and extremely endearing. It’s a grumpy meets sunshine, set in Hollywood. THE most perfect backdrop for a grumpy award winning Hollywood-ite and a naive, yet strong, ball of sunshine with wild curly hair.

I loved these characters so much! They are so real they were jumping off of the page and out of my headphones and straight into my heart. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them yet. And isn’t that just simultaneously the best AND worst feeling?!

I also really enjoyed the bonus scene in the audiobook. That was such a fun look at one of the best scenes in the book from Charlie’s perspective. Such a fun addition! Patti Murin just nails the narration of these characters. 10/10 recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for the ALC and ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This story gave me everything that I want in a rom-com. It was funny, deep, and it gave me all the warm fuzzies. I absolutely loved it.

Many thanks for providing me with an audiobook copy of “The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book by Katherine Center. I have read or listened to several of her books, and I can truly say I have not been disappointed with any of them. She brings her characters to life and has many twists and turns as they struggle with their relationships. She has the characters find each other while working through their differences always make for a great book to read. I cannot wait to read another of her books!
Thank you NetGalley, Katherine Center and Macmillan Audio for the copy of The Rom-Commers. This is my personal review.

The Rom-Commers
by Katherine Center
5/5 ⭐️

The Rom-Commers is a romantic comedy about two screenwriters working on a rom-com. It is perfection! Katherine Center is a genius! I loved how she crossed over characters from The Bodyguard. Emma Wheeler and Charlie Yates have this electric chemistry from day one and their banter is impeccable. I loved everything about this book from the guinea pig to the hidden awards!
Along with the romantic storyline, @katherinecenter gives us a little family drama which thickens the plot. I enjoyed the narration by Patti Murin. The bonus scene and author’s note were a plus too. The Rom-Commers comes out June 11th, be sure to grab your copy!

Read if you like:
🛏️Forced proximity
📝Workplace romance
😠Grumpy vs. sunshine ☀️

Thank you to @Macmillan.Audio and @netgalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. All my opinions are my own.
Publication Date: June 11, 2024

First, you can’t convince me that Logan and Emma aren’t based on Will & Grace! That drew me in immediately, but the rest of the story was absolute perfection. It’s an ode to all your favorite romcoms – you know, the good ones from the 90s and early 2000s. The ones with a little miscommunication, characters being too hard on themselves, cliché kisses and scenarios, but instead of getting annoyed, you savor each moment because you know there’s a happily ever after coming. This is my second Katherine Center novel, and I’m definitely diving into her entire backlog. I only have two other romcom authors whose books I religiously follow and autobuy, but Katherine Center is officially added to that list. Incredibly grateful to receive an eArc and audiobook from NetGalley and Macmillan audio. Pub day is June 11th and I have definitely ordered a physical copy for the shelves. The Rom-commers is a PERFECT romcom.

I went between the ebook and the audiobook narrated by Patti Murin for this one. I'll have to say that I loved having it read to me by such a delightful narrator.

I have totally enjoyed everything I've read by Katherine Center and it seems like they are all pretty different from each other and distinctly wonderful. This one dealt with some health issues, grief, taking your chance in life and caring for aging parents. It also dealt with love...and romance.

Emma is a published author of rom-coms and Charlie is a super successful writer of just about all genres--except romance. He really doesn't seem to have a romantic bone in his body, so when he writes a truly tragically awful rom-com, his agent pairs him with Emma. She's supposed to fix it by writing it with him. He, however, doesn't want anything to do with a collaboration.

Charlie and Emma have so many humorously awkward moments before they get to anything resembling romance that I would have normally started to wonder if it would even happen. But, since it is a rom-com it was bound to happen and well worth the wait. It was wonderful to experience the shifting in Charlie's attitude and the beginning of his softer feelings for Emma.

And oh my gosh, the canned biscuits!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for these copies. All thoughts are my own.