Are you looking for some fun characters and hilarious scenes? The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center has it.

"Emma is desperate to be a screenwriter. When she is asked to help another screenwriter fix his new Rom-Com, it turns out to be Charlie Yates - her favorite writer ever. And he's written a terrible Rom-Com, mostly because he doesn't think love is real. So Emma will do anything to convince him that love stories matter. But what happens when the love story hits close to home?"

First - this is a wonderful audiobook. Patti Murin gives Emma so much personality. From her convictions to her guilt about her mother's death and her passion for love stories. I really felt like I was listening to Emma's story.

There are so many funny scenes in this book - Lorenzo the Cowboy at Line Dancing lessons - and the scene on the high dive in Charlie's pool. I would watch this on Netflix just for that.

This is a romance so you have some idea about where the story is headed. But KC takes a different way to get there. When you meet someone and are attracted to them, you each have to work through the other's issues and hang-ups and hope it works. You're cheering for Emma and Charlie to get there.

This is a great book and characters from Center. Look for a lot of copies of this at the beach this year.

My rating for this book is 4.75 stars!

In The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center, Emma Wheeler, aspiring screenwriter and caretaker of her father, gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with her favorite screenwriter of all time, Charlie Yates. Unfortunately, when she goes to meet him in LA, she finds out that he doesn't want to work with her, doesn't care about the project they're supposed to work on, and doesn't even believe in love! Emma decides that she's going to work to convince him otherwise and make a great romcom script. Along the way, their relationship goes from writing colleagues to maybe something more.

I LOVED this book! Emma and Charlie's sunshine and grumpy dynamic made me laugh and made for the perfect setup for their character arcs. I loved how they slowly grew to like each other and were so surprised when it happened.

I also loved Katherine Center's writing style! It was so. unique and relatable and compelling. She made the heartbreaks so painfully poignant and the happy moments perfectly sentimental and emotional. I wept for heartbreak and joy, and could not stop rooting for all the characters to get their happy endings.

Thank you to Katherine Center and Macmillan Audio for the early audiobook copy of The Rom-Commers! Definitely check it out when it releases on June 11th!

The narrator of this book was Patti Murin. I have listened to several books by this narrator and they are one of my favorites! The narrator seamlessly moved between characters, and kept an easy and understandable flow between chapters. The narrator made the main characters sound unique and relatable.

Emma and Charlie’s story is a fun one. They are both writers, but of very different genres. When Emma gets the chance to work with Charlie, a famous screenplay writer, she takes the chance.

Katherine Center is a storyteller. I am constantly amazed by her creativity. She weaves together the main story and side stories into something that is a joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC, and for letting me share my early thoughts on The Rom-Commers.

Katherine Center is becoming one of my quintessential summer authors. This is my second Katherine Center book, and I adored it! The dynamic between Charlie and Emma was perfection (also - of COURSE Charlie is a Gemini).

This was very nearly a 5 star for me, it just lost me a little toward the end - I was expecting Charlie to have some big secret reason she would hate him and while he did have a secret, it certainly wasn't hate-worthy so I found myself re-reading to see if I missed something.

This is the perfect book to read (or listen to) by the pool or lounging outside in the sun.

Very cute, a bit of a book within a book feel and lots of sharp dialogue. I really enjoyed this story and think most closed door romance lovers will too.

What a cute story! This was my second novel by Katherine Center and I will definitely check out more of her earlier novels.

Emma Wheeler loves romantic comedies and wants to spend her time writing them however as the only caretaker for father (who needs around the clock care) her dreams to become a screenwriter have been on hold. Emma gets the opportunity to work with screenwriter Charlie Yates that she absolutely loves (and has a crush on) thanks to a friend who happens to be Charlie's agent. Charlie is switching genres of writing style and needed someone to guide him. Can Emma teach Charlie how to write a rom-com and how to feel love so he really gets it?

Katherine masterfully navigates the balance between emotional, relatable and serious topics while bringing in humour and some romance.

I absolutely recommend this book so anyone who loves romantic comedies! It's going to be a great summer read or listen for anyone who likes this genre!

A struggling screenwriter heads to LA for her one shot of writing a rom-com with her hero.

Emma Wheeler is obsessed with rom-coms. She’s spent a lifetime watching, studying, and writing them. But she’s yet to hit it big. As the sole caretaker for her father, there’s no time to cultivate a life of her own. When her now-successful-agent ex, offers her the opportunity of a lifetime—the chance to work with her screenwriting hero, Charlie Yates—it’s too good a break to pass up.

Emma’s sister steps up to care for her dad, while Emma heads to LA for six weeks, to help Charlie re-write a script. Nothing is as it seems, however, when she arrives. Charlie wants nothing to do with her and the opportunity seems to vanish in a blink. Before she leaves, she gives Charlie (who doesn’t believe in love!) a piece of her mind. And that does the trick…

Before too long, Emma is sitting across from Charlie Yates, writing a rom-com! Day after day, as they re-write Charlie’s script and unexpected sparks fly, they seem to be writing a romantic comedy of their own. After all, Emma needs to show Charlie that what love is really about… even as the line between fiction and reality blurs.

I absolutely loved this book! Center brings to life the enemies-to-lovers trope with a charming story of second chances, overcoming trauma, and finding love where/when you least expect. The narrative touts the perfect balance of humor and heart, enlivened by characters of which it’s a joy to root for.

Like always, this latest from Katherine Center is a wonderful, heart-filling delight to read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an advanced copy of The Rom-Commers audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

My first Katherine Center book! I appreciate Center's ability to cover difficult topics in such a natural way, such as Emma's family dynamic, grief, and caretaking. It's evident that she did her research on the topics she includes in this novel. The romance was so cute and I loved the writing style. Looking forward to reading more of Katherine Center's books!

Emma is an aspiring screenwriter that is completely enamored with Charlie Yates, a multi-award winning screenwriter. He commands respect and attention. So why is he writing a Rom-Com? When Emma has the opportunity to read it she is surprised because it is just awful!! A unexpected surprise call from her agent gives Emma an opportunity to help Charlie improve it, as a ghost writer of course. The problem is Charlie could care less about the script it is simply a way he can get his next big project funded. Emma’s pride will not let her do anything but her best, she is determined to write a great story. Charlie needs to be shown how great romantic stories can be so they can write an amazing story that they will both be proud of.


Katherine Center has perfected the art of writing witty, heart-felt romances that feel as if they are written for me. Not only is her writing clever, smart and addictive but the fact that she can make me feel such a broad range of emotions is the true gift. This book met my expectations and exceeded them, This has all of the best elements of classic rom-coms, I was a bawling mess by the end. Then just as my tears were drying I listened to the authors notes at the end which brought them on again!! Her message was so amazing and I love her philosophy.

The audiobook was done very well and Katherine’s notes at the end were a special bonus.

5 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review,

Another great Katherine Center book. The characters were wholesome and the book was easy to read. Thanks NetGalley for the audio eArc.

This checked all the boxes for a rom-com in my books!!

Loved the predictably of co-writers to lovers. I adored Emma’s character. Her care and dedication to her dad, her sacrifices felt believable caring for a sick parent. I was definitely routing for her.
Charles character was well written, making him unlikeable turned loveable with his generous acts from afar at the hospital.

Loved the book. Also found it refreshing to not have steamy bedroom scenes!!

Audiobook narrator was great. Love it on audio and written form!
4⭐️s. Will be recommending to friends.

I laughed out loud, I cried, and I laughed some more. Loved this book so much. So sweet and charming without any unnecessary spice. The witty banter was right up my alley. I would love to watch this book in movie form! Didn’t want it to end.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

The audiobook narration was great, I’d rate that 5/5 stars.

The story however, left much to be desired. I do love a Katherine Center book but I had a tough time rooting for this romance. Emma has family baggage and she’s a total pushover because she worships the love interest, screenwriter Charlie Yates. Great premise but Charlie is an a-hole to Emma throughout almost the entire book and I just didn’t buy the romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Short synopsis: Emma gets the chance to help her favorite screenwriter rewrite a script for a rom-com, hesitantly leaving her sick dad with her sister.

My thoughts: This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint. There is so much emotional growth throughout the pages, that I couldn’t help but root for Charlie and Emma.

I’ll admit, it took me a HOT minute to warm up to Charlie. Was a little too much male privilege that he eventually grew out of, but he did redeem himself with the picket square (if you know you know).

I also liked the growth emma went through. She needed to relinquish some control and let some things go, which she eventually did.

The audio on this was so well done! Highly recommend reading with your ears.

All in all, perfect classic Katherine Center. All the wit and banter which amazing characters.

Read if you love:
- Rom-Com movies
- Writers
- Celebrity romance
- Forced proximity
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Workplace romance

Granted, this was precisely the kind of book I needed right now--light and happy and not a lot of work--but it was also good. I am not a "romance" reader but I do like them once in a while, especially Katherine Center who is on the right side of romance--a bit corny at times but not silly or insipid. I am now in my summer reading mode and, especially with the end of the school year and upcoming surgery, I have very little focus and need lighter fare. It's like food: who wants heavy dishes in the middle of the summer; I need salads and things that are easy to digest. It is the same with books.
The reason I liked this book (and Katherine Center in general) is the voice. The narrator is likeable and funny, struggling with real life issues. And in the midst of some significant problems, she is optimistic and genuine, even if not perfect. Her love interest is curmudgeonly and who, at first, seems virtually misanthropic but with a heart beating somewhere inside under all that scorn. Has this been done before? Of course and it will be done again undoubtedly. However, Center has a really good handle on voice and character development so that the plot, while done before, doesn't really matter; I just want to listen to the character and have coffee with her. I would love to see a sequel, one where she and her curmudgeonly beau get married and navigate more life and difficulties alluded to in this novel.
Hopefully the author will see this review.
I read parts of the e book and listened to the audio; I think I preferred the audio but it may be my frame of mind. But also, the narration suited the voice of the main character.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and MacMillan Audio for providing me with the arcs in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early. First, I love Katherine Center books, so was excited to read this one about a girl who moves in with her writer crush to write a rom com screenplay. Emma and Charlie have good banter, but the book went off the rails for me when there was an accident with Emma’s father, a fight with Charlie and a health issue. It all seemed just too heavy for a rom com book. If you’re a big fan of Katherine Center’s other books, I’d still recommend it.

I loved the characters and the plot—especially the awards scene. It made me think of Notting Hill and The Holiday in the best ways. The narrator was great. I especially loved the bonus material and author’s note at the end and read by the author. Brilliant touch.

“I’ll take it! And I’ll spray-paint it bubblegum pink and write my name on it in red Sharpie with little hearts! And I’ll tell everybody I won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay for a rom-com so rom-commy it was called The Rom-Commers!”

“He felt real.
But more than that: he made me feel real.”

The Rom-Commers is a triumph of PURE JOY! Katherine Center dazzles with an adorable story oozing with love and hope and kindness. Reading it is like cozying up in a warm blanket… I always have a smile on my face reading her books, and this one is no exception.

Charlie and Emma, two writers, wind up working together on a rom-com screenplay. Along the way Charlie discovers what it feels like to be in love and they both learn how to give themselves permission to be happy. They each bring anxieties and baggage to the table. Just two souls figuring out that “Whatever story you tell yourself about your life, that’s the one that will be true.” It’s funny and charming and also brought tears to my eyes. My favorite kind of book…it delivers all the feels.

I was so excited with the Easter egg of finding Jack Stapleton from the Bodyguard in this book. These are FICTIONAL characters, and I found myself actually HAPPY that Charlie had Jack as his true friend. That’s a great writer… Katherine Center somehow makes me care about Charlie enough to be happy that he has a genuine friend that I feel I KNOW because I read all about him in The Bodyguard. Well done!

KUDOS on another gorgeous cover! And please never lose Patti Murin as the narrator of your books….she has a perfect voice for these books, just adds warmth and joy and absolutely brings these characters to life.

Thank you, Katherine Center, for your passion for the rom-com! Your words in the authors note are sooo true… we do find the stories we need to read, they call to us from our hearts. I will continue to “hang out with you on your hill of love stories”… you keep writing, I’ll keep reading!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
#netgalley #theromcommers #romcom #katherinecenter #pattimurin #macmillanaudio #stmartinspress

I wasn’t sure about the narrator at first but she really grew on me. I loved that Katherine did the bonus scene and author’s notes..
“Appreciate your person. Choose a good, imperfect person who leaves the cap off the toothpaste, and puts the toilet paper roll on upside down, and loads the dishwasher like a ferret on steroids - and then appreciate the hell out of that person. Train yourself to see their best, most delightful, most charming qualities. Focus on everything they’re getting right. Be grateful- all the time - and laugh the rest off.” - Emma’s dad

I love Katherine Center and everything she writes. You can feel her love for romance novels as her words jump off the page. I love the way she takes complex, made-up characters and forces you to see yourself in them or to empathize with them.

In this story, Emma is a wanna-be screen writer who hasn’t followed her dream because she has been taking care of her dad for the last 10 years. She has turned down opportunities and dream jobs so her sister can live her dreams. But now an opportunity of a life time has fallen into her lap and she gets to take it! The opportunity is writing a rom-com with her hero: Charlie Yates.

Problem is the whole saying “ don’t meet your idols” may be true in Charlie’s case. While brilliant he doesn’t like rom-coms, he doesn’t know how to write one and he doesn’t believe in love (typical). So it is Emma’s job not only to help him fix the horrible script but to show him what love really is.

You can never go wrong with Katherine Center and with The Rom-Commers she brought her usual punch of a cute and quirky romcom but this one also packs some depth.
As you first start to read this one you may think oh I’ve hear this before, enemies to lovers, grumpy guy turns romantic, will they won’t they, why don’t the see how good they are…and then there’s so much more.
Katherine Center adds to Emma & Charlie’s romance with elements of family, being a caretaker, tough medical situations, grief, divorce, and mental health. This adds so much relatability and depth to what could be simple tropes. It makes the story so much more believable and builds the reader’s connection and feelings for the characters. It’s easy for a romcom doubter to think romance is just a fairytale and nothing ever happens so perfectly, but with this one it’s not perfect, their love is flawed and complicated and that’s what makes a story like this universal and hopeful.