Emma Wheeler, talented screenwriter and devoted daughter, has just about given up the fight between the two priorities in her life. Her father, injured 10 years before in a climbing accident that Emma carries secret guilt about, needs her constant attention and care in their modest Houston apartment. Or does he? An unexpected offer comes out of the blue from an old friend, now a very well-connected Hollywood agent, to work with top screenwriter Charlie Yates in LA on a script that needs…how shall Logan put it delicately… work.
Em is sorely tempted but who would help her dad? It takes her younger, just graduated from college sister, to give her the push she needs, offering to come home and take over for the 6 weeks the job will require. And so, Em sets off with equal parts fear, trepidation, and fangirling, because Charlie Yates is her screenwriter idol. That illusion lasts until she and Logan are at the doorstep of Charlie’s Beverly Hills mansion, and then bursts in his immediate and negative reaction. She didn’t see that coming, but then, neither did he from his side of the situation.
Enemies to lovers trope: check (double, triple check). Outstanding narration by Patti Murin, capturing all the humor, tension, pathos, and glee: check (infinite number of checks). Does Ms. Murin’s narration convey nuance and easily glide between the distinctive voices of the characters? Yes! Does it also reveal Ms. Center’s propensity for rhetorical questions? Yes (but by that point, I’m in, hook line and sinker, so.. so what?)
Katherine Center expertly ratchets up both the narrative tension and romantic entanglement in carefully plotted spirals that weave together so seamlessly that it truly takes a second reading (or listening) to go back and catch all the breadcrumbs that she’s dropped in. The happily ever after is a given trope for the genre – in this case, not only for the initially doomed remake screenplay for “It Happened One Night”, which Em bluntly tells Charlie is apocalyptically bad, but for Em and Charlie’s own relationship, which moves from antipathy to reluctant partnership, and then (carefully navigating the traumas that both have experienced in their lives), to a new understanding and a new relationship that survives some pretty rocky waters.
Highly, highly recommended.

4.5 stars rounded up.
Oh. My. Gosh. I enjoyed this romcom so much! I loved the snarky humor, the main female character, and I absolutely loved the epilogue. Emma, the main character, tells the story from her point of view, and we get every bit of detail and thought that she has. Occasionally, I feel like this can be boring in a novel, but not so with this one. The secondary characters in the story were really well defined, and I became just as interested in them as I was in Emma.
This story came to me by way of audiobook, and I felt that the narrator did a good job conveying feeling and character differences.

Pick this book up when it publishes June 11th. When you get to the epilogue, make sure you're paying attention to Emma's dad and the message he has about marriage. Stronger truth could not be told. ❤️
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the ALC, and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

Enemies to lovers romance about two people writing a romantic comedy screenplay together sounded fun but omg this was bad. The main girl was so annoying (I guess having curly red hair is a personality trait??) and the main guy was just an asshole. Nothing about it was funny or charming, the author tried way too hard to make all the characters quirky. And to top it all off, one of the dumbest endings I’ve ever read. I hate finished it. Big fat nope from me!

Most people who follow my reading life know my love for this author which has burned strong since I first read Happiness for Beginners in 2016 - she just hasn't ever let me down as a reader and to watch so many other people fall in love with her lovely characters and beautiful writing makes me so happy!

I read The Rom-Commers on my kindle in January thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress and then I was craving a reread so I listened to it on audio this week narrated by the wonderful  @pattimurin and I loved it just as much, if not more! There are so many great things about this book and I think it just works so well for us romance readers. It's immensely funny, so swoony and sweet, but it's also so sad at certain moments (I cried), unpredictable even though there is the expected Happily Ever After, and it just feels like a warm hug I could always seek out on a cold day. 

Emma and Charlie experience a unique forced proximity situation (Katherine Center excels at this) and the entire plot centers around rewriting a rom-com movie. There's lots of discussion about what makes a romantic comedy what it is. There sre other moments where the meaning of love is discussed. There are famous people and awards and aspirations and fearful moments. The pace of the plot is perfect and the supporting cast of characters are essential and enchanting.
I cannot wait to own this one in print with its gorgeous pink sprayed edges in a month! I highly recommend checking out that hardcover to buy
Also - don't skip the author's note on this one - I didn't get it the first time in the early copy of the advanced read but it's in the audiobook and it is UTTER PERFECTION and may or may not have triggered a Katherine Center personal re-readathon
Here's just one breathtaking quote as a teaser:

“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.”

What a delight this book was! Even knowing details of the premise and plot going in, I was constantly surprised by the turns and beats the story took. Some may have been a bit dramatic, but it was nicely balanced with levity - there’s a Guinea pig! And line dancing!

Emma was completely endearing, and after a series of false starts, Charlie will win you over. Hopefully as a reader, you pick up on his gestures of affection before Emma does…she’s clearly a words of affirmation gal and not acts of service, cause his actions were SCREAMING and she was deaf to them lol

Patti Murin gave an incredible narration as always! Thank you to Katherine Center for this love letter to love stories and to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!

We have long established that I am hit or miss with romances; I love some, and some, I want to slap the characters. I know Emma Wheeler could write one I love, especially when writing with THE Charlie Yates.

Emma has had to put her dreams on the back burner to take care of her father and make sure her younger sister lives out her dreams. It doesn’t mean she has quit writing; it’s just that she is doing it from Texas, not California. Well, she isn’t sending those stories out…maybe one day. That one day comes when her long-time best friend (who happens to be Charlie Yates’ manager) tricks them into writing together. We hear great banter, see fear, and is that feeling blooming?

Patti Murin is a fantastic narrator for The Rom-Commers. At times, I giggled, cried, and held my breath.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for this advanced audio copy!

Oh Katherine Center, can you do anything less than perfection? The Rom-Commers is a novel that embraces all of the cult classic early 2000s romcom movie feels. Readers are blessed with a forced proximity, grumpy vs sunshine type situation when Emma joins up to write a screen play with her personal writing hero- Charlie Yates.

The banter, the tension, the slow burn of slipping into absolute head over heels love was just perfectly paced and addictive. A perfect story to slip into when you're looking to lose track of time and be completely enamored by two fictional characters. Both Emma and Charlie offer such deep and emotional complexities to the story and while there is so much light-hearted humor and fun in this read, the emotional depth of overcoming some deep trauma does not shy away from the spotlight. Both characters are forced to face some deeply traumatic issues all while attempting to care for everyone but themselves. The true beauty in this entire story is when they both finally start to care for themselves and let themselves really feel and want.

The audio version of this is matched rather well offering a connection to readers that is both fitting yet slightly different from what you may imagine initially.

I really enjoyed this book. Katherine Center and Patti Murin were the narrators of and they held my attention through the whole book. I love when narrators have such entertaining voices. The characters in this story were well written. Emma and Charles characters were likable and relatable. This book checks all the right boxes for a terrific Rom-Com story. It's funny, sad, endearing, and simply an all-around great read. I didn't want to stop listening to this book. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. I look forward to reading more of Katherine Center's books.


Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC for my honest opinion.

I loved this audiobook! Such a fun and cute plot, and in my opinion, it's the perfect summer read! Katherine Center is a definite go-to for a light-hearted, romance novel.

I appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 Stars ✨

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Audio 🎧 version

“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.”

I was so excited to score this audio arc. I have loved Centers books in the past so I couldn’t wait to read this one! While I did enjoy parts of it, I didn’t love it. It felt a bit different from her previous books. I didn’t get the same vibe from this one as I normally have in the past. I have also seen some reviews called it “clean”, I personally wouldn’t consider this book as a “clean romance” not because it’s dirty, but because of some of the subject matter dealing with sex, drinking, innuendos and language. So I guess it’s up to personal preference. I still enjoy centers writing, and look forward to trying her again in the future.

Katherine Center is back with another heartfelt, humorous, and fun contemporary romance. This one follows aspiring screenwriter Emma Wheeler, who is given the chance of a lifetime to re-write a script with the world-famous Charlie Yates! Her romance expertise is being called upon because Charlie has epically failed at his attempt to write a romantic script. The only problem is Emma is caretaker for her amazing dad, who needs full-time care, that is until Emma’s younger sister steps up and volunteers to help so that Emma can meet one of her screenwriting idols and kickstart her career. What follows is a funny romance filled with witty banter, great characters, and deeper conversations about health, family obligations, and how we move forward from grief. Center always does an amazing job bringing heart and hope to her romances, while weaving in very honest and true themes and she did it again with this one.

My first Rom-Com, and I wasn't disappointed!

I enjoyed following the story of Emma and Charlie and their journey to write a rom-com screen play. I listened to the audiobook and I would recommend the audiobook. The narrator did a great job. She was clear and easy to listen to. This story was engaging, and kept me interested to see what was going to happen with these characters.

My only critique is that I didn't find the many parts of the book humorous. I was expecting a romantic comedy to be funny, and I didn't laugh out loud. I thought some of the situations that Emma found herself in to be funny situations. However, I didn't find any of the dialogue very funny. I wanted more humor and quick-witted dialogue between Emma and Charlie.

Such a fun book! I loved the dynamic between Charlie and Emma! Charlie was this perfect blend of grumpiness that was so endearing! Something I can never get enough of. Him answering phone calls while accepting awards? Delightful. Emma was this golden retriever of a FMC that was so wonderful! The story was engaging and just so so lovely!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced audio-copy of The Rom-Commers, in exchange for an honest review.

Katherine Center's 'The Rom-Commers' is a heartwarming novel that follows the unlikely journey of two screenwriters: Emma and Charlie.

Emma, a once-aspiring screenwriter, has put her dreams on hold to care for her ailing father. Charlie, on the other hand, is a celebrated Hollywood screenwriter with a string of successful films to his name. When Emma's ex-boyfriend commissions her to help Charlie rewrite his abysmal first attempt at a rom-com, their paths collide.

Despite their vastly different backgrounds, Emma and Charlie find themselves drawn to each other's wit, banter, and undeniable chemistry. As they collaborate on the script, they navigate the complexities of their own lives, confront past hurts, and discover the transformative power of love.
Center's writing is both sharp and emotionally resonant. She deftly captures the ups and downs of relationships, the challenges of pursuing one's dreams, and the importance of family. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their flaws and vulnerabilities making them all the more endearing.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the nature of love. Emma and Charlie's relationship is not without its obstacles, but they learn to overcome them through communication, compromise, and a deep understanding of each other's needs. The novel also celebrates the power of laughter, showing how it can break down barriers and bring people together.

'The Rom-Commers' is a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and drama. It is a story that will make you laugh out loud, cry tears of joy, and ultimately believe in the transformative power of love. Whether you are a fan of rom-coms or simply enjoy a well-written story, this novel is highly recommended.

Overall, 'The Rom-Commers' is a heartwarming tale that will leave you feeling uplifted and satisfied. It is a testament to Katherine Center's exceptional storytelling abilities and a must-read for lovers of contemporary romance.

This is such a fun audiobook. I thought it was original while still incorporating your typical HEA storylines. Emma is such a relatable and lovable character that even though she has some neurotic seeming moments, you can't help but continuously root for her! I felt like I should have been a bit more annoyed with or put off by Charlie up until the end but I couldn't help but love him throughout. I only gave this book four stars because I never felt strong enough emotion of betrayal or loss like I feel like adds depth to the novel, but I would still recommend it. I did really enjoy the book!

I listened to the audiobook version. Usually I’m not an audiobook fan but I did enjoy this one. Maybe it’s just because Katherine Center can do no wrong. I found myself talking to the characters during this book which was entertaining. It was a good book from start to finish. I liked the concept of this one. I love a good happy ending.

Sometimes you just need a feel good book that makes you remember why so many believe in love. This one checks this box. I’ve already recommended to duel enrollment students for fun.

I adored this story! I’ve enjoyed previous books by Katherine Center, but this took the cake. The characters were so lovable despite (and sometimes because of) their flaws, the humor was just right, the romance was swoony, and the messages were insightful without being trite. The plot points were somewhat unbelievable when you stop to think about it too much (tragic rock slides, life-changing opportunities dropping out of the sky, cancer fake-outs, etc), but the story was grounded enough at the same time that I willingly suspended my disbelief. I’ll be buying a copy of this for my own collection when it’s published and rereading it some summer in the future because it’s a PERFECT summer rom com.

I’m very particular about audiobook narrators too, I’ve learned, but I genuinely enjoyed this one. Her voice was full of personality, like the character she was narrating for, without being annoying. I didn’t even mind the voice she put on when the love interest spoke, even though that’s usually the cringiest part of listening to a female narrator in a romantic audiobook. She didn’t overdo it or try to hard, but the character still came across.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my copy of The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center Narrated by Katherine Center; Patti Murin in exchange for an honest review. It publishes June 11, 2024.
First off, the narration of this book was very well-done, and top-notch. I would listen to anything Patti Murin narrates.
This book is yet another wonderful story in Katherine Center's collection. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, bringing the same readability that makes it IMPOSSIBLE to stop reading. Honestly, I just had to know what was going to happen next, I was always on the edge of my seat.
I adored the characters in this story, and I found the character development to be so satisfying. I loved what I got to learn about screenwriting, and I loved Meryl Streep!
Seriously, just read this book, you won't regret it!

THIS BOOK.
We read romance books because we love romance. THIS IS A ROMANCE BOOK about two screen writers, writing a romance movie - we have script development, we have relationships budding on and off script, we have real conversations, we have flirtation.
THE PREMISE ALONE - you need to read.
screen writer obsessed Charlie writes a romance script and its bad so his agent brings Emma in to help. What could go wrong? Just two people writing a romance script....!!

This book was incredible. The narrator makes you feel apart of the story as it progresses and its so fitting. I don't know how else to describe it, but while listening, i felt as though this story was specifically being shared just to me - and I loved this.
All of the quirky funny romance antics that happen in movies and in books that are out of this world are in this book but the way it plays along into the storyline and script development was so witty that I was chuckling constantly. Some of the ideas/happenings are so outlandish and wild but i LOVED every aspect of it in everyway. Our supporting characters are fun and witty and supportive.
Our MCs overcome grief, fears, emotions and really hard truths over the duration of our story and this is not an aspect to be overlooked - they both know they need to deal with personal things before they can give themselves to another (i love this in romance books/movies) and the pay off is SO GOOD.

Some random thoughts:
- I love Charlie, you can't convince me otherwise - he tied her shoes and that did me in - the pocket square at the end -- DEAD. The things that come out his mouth had me on the floor giggling in the cutest way ever.
- this man knows how to take notes on romance movies and the GUY DID HIS HOMEWORK
- ** when you realize you're reading the scene that coincides with the FMC's dress on the book cover!!**
- I love the emotional journey that Emma goes through, while hard and difficult - she grows so much as an individuals and it made for one of my favourite aspects of the book

Friends, without giving too much away, please for the love of all things wonderful, read this book, and PLEASE read the authors acknowledgments at the end. Romance readers till the end <3

Favourite quotes:
"I've been waiting for you for 3 hours, while you were serenading a rodent"
“I would write 100 happy endings for us if I could” (CRYING)
“It can’t be where you’re going that matters, it has to be how you get there”

Thank you @macmillanaudio @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the ALC - I LOVED.