Katherine Center can do no wrong! She has a way of really making you feel while reading her books. This yet again knocked it out of the park for me. I always love a good grump to sappy story and this did not disappoint!

I have procrastinated on this review of The Rom-Commers. Why? Perhaps because I think I’ve become a broken record regarding Katherine Center’s novels. Novels that put a vulnerable heart on the line and show all the ways that it can get thumped, pounded, pained yet still remain hopeful, caring, compassionate. And how we really need that hope and compassion in a world where it is not in ample supply. Where reading a book like this can bring gentle joy into your life for a few hours but have residual effects. Okay. There. Review done. 😉 Ha!

Years ago a tragic accident happened on the Wheeler family vacation during which the mother lost her life, the father lost use of his hand and more, and daughters were never quite the same. Emma, the eldest, however, became a stellar screenwriter at school and even won an important internship that she had to relinquish when her father needed a caretaker. But now, thanks to an old friend and agent, Emma has a chance to pursue her dreams even if only for a short while. She’s been hired to help Charley Yates, the award-winning Charley Yates that she has fan-girled over forever. But Emma discovers when she meets Charley that maybe “heroes” are best seen from a distance. A very long distance.

So the thing about a Katherine Center novel is that one minute you’ll be crying and then next laughing. Like all things that have real heart and humanity, there are so many feelings in this novel that show themselves early on and continue. But, and I feel this is important, Center does not use sentimentality or angst to evoke those feelings. She uses someone relatable and lets her experience life outside the safety of her niche.

I was not always enamored with Emma but I’ve known women like her who feel the crunch of taking on burdens at a young age that their peers never experience. While Emma is fun and says what’s on her mind, she’s sometimes prickly and demanding especially later in the novel in her relationship with her little sister for whom she’s given up a lot. And like a real-life relationship, the emotions, a little bitterness from everything she’s sacrificed, have begun to show.

Charley is depicted as a grump despite have an extremely successful Hollywood career. Does he have his reasons? Well, let’s just say that I might be a grump too if handed the cards he was dealt. This is what makes the novel feel so real. These aren’t cardboard characters. These characters have depth and history, reasons for their behavior, and the obligatory scars.

The familial and friend relationships in The Rom-Commers ring true to me as well. The misunderstandings, the jibes, the saying of hurtful things that you’d take back in an instant, the love and loyalty.

Yes, there are some fantastical scenes as part of grand gesture but they add to the dreaminess of this love story.

At the end of the audiobook, Katherine Center makes a case for love stories. And, I think she’s right. We all need love stories. The ones in which a couple learn about each other, discover foibles, fall in love maybe a la Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. But having read the romance genre for more than a few decades, I’d have to differentiate between love stories and the lust stories that are prevalent. Lust stories are rarely love stories. But love stories can be lusty. My unsolicited 10 cents.

I have funnily enough begun to equate Patti Murin’s voice with Katherine Center’s, enough so that I’m semi-startled when I do hear Katherine Center (that’s not her voice j/k). Patti Murin brings The Rom-Commers alive. She enhances the heart in this novel and makes all of the lively banter so much fun. I could, probably, happily listen to her narrate any and every book.

The Rom-Commers will be out just in time to add to your TBR beach bag or mountain tote (is that a thing? Let’s let it be a thing.) I hope you fall in love with it as much as I did. And don’t forget the Refrigerated Biscuit Donuts!

Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy.

Katherine Center has done it again! I have never been disappointed with a Katherine Center read and I just adore her as a human. I mean, do you follow her on Instagram?! She is a wise soul and I drink up her wisdom with a straw! The Rom Commers stars Emma Wheeler and Charlie Yates. Emma has spent her life taking care of her father who was in a tragic accident when she was a teenager, the same accident that killed her mother. She is an amazing writer but her life has been on hold for a very long time. Through a mutual friend, Emma is “tricked” into ghost writing a romcom with famous writer, Charlie Yates. Charlie has no desire to write a romcom and doesn’t believe in romance at all. Emma is determined to change his mind and a journey of hilarity, friendship, sweetness and romance ensues.

Emma is one of the best heroines I’ve read in a long time. The way she narrates her story and emotions as if she’s talking to the reader is so personable. I felt like she was taking me INTO her life and experiencing it with her. She was hilarious and felt like a real friend updating me on the antics of her life as they were happening. As crazy as it sounds, I’m going to miss her! Charlie Yates was a grumpy cinnamon roll sunshine. Honestly, he reminded me of Shrek, ala “onions have layers.” The more and more the layers were peeled back, the more and more I fell in love with the guy. AND, one of the coolest things about this book is how Center described the expressions and movements of the characters. I could actually picture their expressions in my own mind and found myself, on more than one occasion, imitating the expressions (sorry to everyone who was around me as I listened to this audiobook). It just added another layer to the authenticity of these characters and a true immersive experience.

Katherine Center did an absolutely fabulous job of creating a true friendship and camaraderie between the two main characters that then transitioned seamlessly into love. As per most of Center’s novels, there were no spicy scenes (just a little steam) but I can say, as someone who loves the spicy scenes, I don’t miss them when I read Katherine Center. She’s a true gem of an author and I always feel a bit smarter and emotionally healthy when I finish one of her novels.

As a side note, the audiobook was awesome, the narrator was perfect, and the speed of the dialogue was great (you know those audiobooks that you have to listen to at 1.25 speed? This was not that and I loved it).


Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for review consideration via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I just love all of Katherine Centers books. This is such a heartwarming read with uniquely quirky characters. As always, there’s a serious undertone that needs to be overcome or discovered which just adds a layer of depth to her books that to me sets her apart from other romance authors.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emma and Charlie are both writers at heart. One problem? Vastly different work experiences and they have been coerced to work together. These two characters will make you laugh with their relatability of mundane circumstances and yet marvel at the fairytale ending. Do yourself a favor and listen or read this book this summer for a good Rom-com fix!

I liked this book but didn't love it, and I know the problem is me.


People are LOVING this book and the ratings are great! Which only proves that not every book is for everyone.


I think I’m not a big fan of the grumpy guy trope.
Also, some things felt a little unreal, and I was kinda mad at the characters hehe So yea, the problem was definitely me.

I loved the concept of this and loved the first 60% of the book. It was a great lead up to a great story and found that both MC were well developed. Then an abrupt halt happened at around 60-70% of the way through and I was cringing through the rest of the book. I needed it to be over and couldn't bear the dialogue and ending. I enjoy KC books, but this was a miss for me.

EMMA and CHARLIE!! YESSSS! Emma is so relatable and precious. I loved the relationship between her and her family. The BEST representation of feminine strength is her choosing her family over and over again. This entire novel was heartwarming and optimistic. Yes, it was easily predictable, but I enjoyed the story every step of the way! I would say this is a 4.5 star book. I LOVE “THE BODYGUARD” EASTER EGGS! I absolutely adored the Dad. Talk about a role model! His presence in the story brought tears to my eyes each interaction he had with his daughters. So pure. Charlie’s growth through the story gives me hope! “Men don’t cry” to *sobs on stage* may be unrealistic but it SHOULDN’T be and that’s the whole POINT! ROMANCE IS NOT DEAD! I will continue to fight for happily ever after with Katherine Center lighting the way. Thank you for this opportunity!!

Emma Wheeler's agent tricked her into a good thing: 1) Getting a break from her caregiving responsibilities (It was without a doubt her sister's turn to help out) and 2) Taking advantage of a potentially career changing opportunity. Why career-changing? Because she would be working with a screenwriting god, the famous, successful, award-winning writer, Charlie Yates. Charlie has written a rom-com script and not well. Emma is there to coach him to greatness. SN: Charlie turns out to be not so nice, but as the story unfolds, you see various facets of his character.

I loved the cowriting scenes between Emma and o teach Charlie. His astonished reactions to Emma's lessons were amusing. Very much on par with Center's enjoyable humor. The dialogue was great, especially the interior dialogue.

Overall, a really good story. I listened to the audiobook, which was provided from the publisher through NetGalley.

ARC review: MAN this started off so fun, the premise was fantastic and I enjoyed the writing and dialogue. Unfortunately, by the end I despised both Emma and Charlie. Mostly Charlie. He was simply the worst and I’m supposed to root for him after *what he does *? Nope 💞

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance read (listen) copy of this audio book!

There’s something comforting about Katherine Center’s books and I’ve found it’s even more relaxing to listen to the audio versions. Patti Murin’s voice make it seem just like I’m listening to my college roommate give me the run down on the latest guy she’s dating.

The Rom-Commers flows very similar to most of Center’s books where you know the happy ending is inevitable for the enemies to lovers pair with some slight climax’s thrown into the plot along the way. Emma Wheeler is screenwriter that has spent years of her young adult life caring for her father after a debilitating injury. She finally gets the courage to entrust her younger sister with his care after she receives an unexpected “big break,” to launch her career is a huge way. Emma finds herself in the home of one of the biggest screenwriters (and let’s face it one of her big crush’s) when she arrives in L.A. for six weeks. Emma learns there’s a whole lot more to Charlie Yates than what she expected and a whole lot more going on back home than she could have ever imagined too!

Center once again does a great job of educating the reader on a medical condition/diagnosis as in many of her other books.

This was so cute! I loved The Bodyguard, so I was really excited to read another book from this author. I love celebrity/normal people romances (probably part of the reason I loved The Bodyguard too!), so I ate this right up. It was funny and lighthearted, while also dealing with some heavier topics, but never in too dark of a way. My only hold-ups were that there was just a little bit too much miscommunication for me, and Charlie was kind of mean sometimes. I didn't feel like we got a super compelling reason of why he was as grumpy as he was. I still definitely recommend this book thought and I think a lot of people will love it!

The audiobook was also a really great listening experience. I believe this narrator did Katherine Center's previous 2 audiobooks as well and she always does a really good job!

4.5 rounded up💫 KC’s recent releases just really do it for me😌

✨two screenwriters co-writing a rom-com
✨opposites attract - she LOVES love, he doesn’t believe in it
✨emotional family ties - she’s her dad’s caretaker!
✨FUNNNNY! This put the COM in rom-com for me! I was giggling! 🤭
✨great on audio🎧

This was uplifting, both emotional and lighthearted, and oh so sweet. Was it cheesy at times? Yes but what good love story isn’t? A perfect, quick, summer read!!

Publishing next month!! 🤩

Another great book by Katherine Center. I discovered her in 2017 when I was in a reading slump and I instantly fell in love. I have yet to read a book by her that I didn't absolutely love!

This book was very fun! I absolutely loved Emma. she was such a firecracker and i loved how she stayed true to herself throughout this story. I at first was unsure of Charlie, but came to love him too. He was very misunderstood and didn't open to others easily. I loved reading Emma breaking down his wall and seeing these two get closer. Katherine Center always does a great job of making our hearts full, breaking it, and then mending it together again with her stories. There is so much more depth to the storyline other than the romance and i truly love that about her writing. I found Emma's story of being a caretaker to her father and having to make sacrifices throughout her life to be so moving and also a reminder to make sure we are living our lives. The grief she has with her mother and somewhat with her father was something that held her down, but also an opportunity of growth for her character. Charlie's medical history was a huge hurdle for him to work through. I was in tears at the end of this book because his arc was so emotional and well done. I truly loved this book and looking forward to continue reading this author.

The Rom-Commers is another fun book by Katherine Center. The narrator is great and the story is fast paced and fun. I will say the main female character wasn't my favorite but the male character was the perfect mix of grumpy and caring. Both the print and audio version are winners for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillian audio for my review copy of this book.

Super cute romance filled with Katherine Center’s usual wit and banter. There was too much feminism and wokeness sprinkled in throughout for my liking though. But overall very enjoyable story.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

*spoiler free*
Wow! This is my first Katherine Center book but it will NOT be my last. I listened to the audiobook and Patti Murin was a phenomenal solo narrator. I positively loved our FMC. Her positive demeanor and outlook was so refreshing without being over the top. Our MMC slowly opened up like a flower as he was thawed by her sunny disposition. The emotional edge to this story adds such a great depth to the typical rom-com story line. From start to finish I was enraptured!

We have Emma, a struggling screen writer, who has always put everyone’s needs before her own jumping at an opportunity of a lifetime. Grappling to let go of some of her responsibility she begins to thaw Charlie, our MMC. He is intelligent and aloof and a real cinnamon roll under his exterior. He takes a chance on a ‘nobody’ to help him write his first rom-com and while learning how to write love—- maybe he is learning about love all together.

Thank you to net galley for the ARC. I loved this book!

I loved this book so much! This is my favourite Katerine Center book I have read, and I have read almost all of her books. This book made me feel every emotion. I cried I laughed I got mad, and I got annoyed. Just like any Rom Com it is predicable, but they did it just right.

I 100% recommend this book for anyone who loves a romance with more depth.

I absolutely loved this book! And the audio book was just to die for ❤️
A book about two writers coming together to write a Romantic Comedy but one doesn’t believe in true love . Can she change that?
This book is so cute and extremely funny! I recommend anyone looking for a cute “beach” read ❤️
Easy 5 stars , can’t wait to add this to my physical books ❤️

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley, Katherine Center, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio allowing me to listen to an audio ARC of this book.

I loved this book so much. I keep hearing things about Katherine Center so I was thrilled when I got approved for this ARC.

Emma Wheeler was sent to Hollywood by her agent and friend, Logan, for a job opportunity to work with her hero, Charlie Yates. Charlie Yates turns out to honestly be...a jerk is the nicest way to describe him. But as you get further and further into the book you get to see multiple sides to him.

I loved every scene where Emma was trying to teach Charlie how to write a rom-com. He was supposed to be this amazing writer but it was painful to even hear how much he messed up writing a rom-com. Whenever Emma taught him something about rom-coms he genuinely acted so surprised and shocked which I found so funny.

Logan, Emma's agent, friend, and ex boyfriend, was amazing. At first, I liked him. Then, I was frustrated with him for a bit. Finally, I went back to liking him. One of the few complaints I have about this book is that there wasn't enough Logan. But to be honest, I might just be saying that because he was my favorite character and there can never be enough Logan.

Another small thing that bothered me is that some of Emma and Logan's relationship developed kind of fast. But that honestly could just be because at some points a lot of there time together was explained through internal dialogue.

In conclusion, this book was amazing and I need to read more books by Katherine Center.