This was my first book by Katherine Center and I'm so glad I snatched up the audio ARC from Netgalley. This was an enjoyable, tame romance to enjoy while I waited my turn on Libby for the newest Emily Henry book. This had the same feel as an Emily Henry book, and reminded me a bit of Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, only less steamy.
The story had all of the heart and loveable characters I look for in a literary romance. The romance tropes were there, not overdone, and there were only a handful of "you're kidding me" moments when the boundaries of reality were crossed. (For example, no hospital exists like the one described later in the book).
The narrator was also very good. I normally don't enjoy when the narration breaks the fourth wall, but it worked well here.
Overall, if you're looking for a romance that's a notch better than a Hallmark movie that won't embarrass you to recommend to your mom or your teenage+ daughter, as well as a romance-loving sister or friend, this one may do the trick!
Thanks to Netgalley for the free audio ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I LOVE that Katherine Center switched to ROMCOMS because WOW, these last few books have hit it out of the park. I will read every romance she writes now. I loved the narrators, also. So amazingly done.

5 stars

Once again Katherine Center brings the laughs, the feels, and the heartwarming moments. This book was so special to me. I adored The Rom-Commers.

Emma Wheeler just got the break of her life. After spending the past decade caring for her father, her sister is taking over temporarily so she can write a screenplay with Charlie Yates. Yes, that Charlie Yates. Things don’t go as planned when she arrives, but Emma is adamant about making it work.

Charlie Yates does not want to write a rom-com. It doesn’t matter if he has help or not, he doesn’t want to do it. But here comes Emma catapulting into his life and changing everything. I loved both Charlie and Emma so much. At the start, I was worried I wouldn’t feel the love between these two. It was a slower burn, but once I did- I really did.

Emma was such a relatable character to me. Optimistic, a caretaker, the oldest daughter. And Charlie… he was just a delight LOL I mean, not at first, but with time I loved him so much! I loved how he didn’t want to fall in love with Emma but couldn’t quite help himself. He was endearing and kind and honestly my favorite.

The Rom-Commers had me in tears a time or two, made me laugh out loud, was witty, smart, and a whole lot of fun. This will most assuredly make my top favorites list of 2024 and I highly recommend it!
Audio book source: Netgalley
Story Rating: 5 stars
Narrators: Patti Murin
Narration Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 11h 21m

I love Katherine Center. Her books are always fun to read. I enjoyed the rom-commers, and like many of her other books, it has that feel good movie vibe.

Emma Wheeler has spent her like obsessing over becoming a screen writer, but when an accident within her family leaves her to be her dad’s caregiver, she puts her dreams and aspirations on hold to take care of him and her sister. When the opportunity rises, she takes a chance and goes for it, only things don’t always go as planned… sometimes they’re better!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the Advanced Readers copy in exchange for my honest review! I can’t wait for the book to be published in June so I can buy this beautiful cover for my shelf!

Katherine Center's books should be classified as narcotics. They always leave me on such a euphoric high, so blissfully happy and hopeful. I don't know how she does it.

Meet Emma, a writer who has spent the last ten years looking after her dad after a tragic accident. She gets the opportunity of a lifetime helping her idol, Charlie Yates, a dramatic screenwriter who has won all the awards. She has to help him with his rom-com, which is terrible. Let the shenanigans begin.

I love that Katherine Center wrote this whole book as a defence of romance and rom-coms. The characters are wonderful, and when they are together, it's absolute magic.

Thanks to Netgalley and St.Martin's press for the advanced reader copy. I look forward to June 11, to get a physical copy of this book, with it's absolutely gorgeous cover. I love this book and highly recommend it!

Edited to add that I have now listened to The Rom-Commers audiobook, and it's fantastic. Patti Murin does such a wonderful job narrating. Katherine Center's banter has a wonderful rhythm to it and Murin really emphasizes it and brings so much emotion to the whole story. It was a joy to listen to.

Thanks again to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener copy.

Another win for Katherine Center!! This one had my laughing while feeling those perfect ups and downs that go with a perfect rom-com. All within a story that is all about writing a romantic comedy.

Emma is hilarious. She’s got that natural funny personality that makes you want to know more about her. And Charlie Yates wants to know more about her too. You won’t find spice in this one, but just the perfect amount of sweet.

I had ebook and audio, but listened mostly to audio. Great narrators that kept the story going for me when I had to multitask.

Perfect back porch read to have on hand as we get into summer!

Five feel-good, happy vibe stars

The Rom-Commers is an uplifting story about Emma, who longs to live her dream after 10 years of caring for her father, and Charlie, the flourishing screen writer who doesn't believe in love. It made me laugh and had some truly heart-felt moments. I wouldn't so much say it was a grumpy-sunshine book, because Charlie wasn't really grumpy, but there was an aspect of that troupe. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator, Patti Murin, did a great job. She is a go-to narrator for me. The editing on this one was off though, because I heard a lot of breathing that was a bit distracting.

~~What I liked~~
-The overall story. I LOVE Katherine Center books. She always does a great job of incorporating humor and heart into her books. The Rom-Commers is definitely in my top three of her books. It was such a good story and well-written.
-The romance. The development of the romance was slow, but realistic. It wasn't insta-lust and it felt very organic in the way it was developed in the book.
-The characters. All the characters were pretty relatable which always makes me enjoy the book more. Don't get me wrong, I love a strong, sexy, bold FMC, but it's also just as nice to see "normal" characters in books.


~~Things I didn't like~~
-I thought there were a few scenes that were a bit unrealistic or the way they were described had me a bit confused about what was happening. For example, when they meet celebrities in restaurants in public and seemingly go unnoticed by paparazzi.


Overall, this was a great book. I stayed up late to listen and woke up early to finish it. I will definitely be re-reading it and would recommend.

The narrator made this book. The way she did a different voice for Charlie and Logan, and could really convey Emma’s innocence.

Emma is an aspiring screen writer who is homebound caring for her father who needs round- the- clock care following a tragic accident. She is offered a chance to ghost right for one of her screen writing favorites! This Romantic Comedy had me laughing, snickering and intrigued throughout the entire story. Not only did Emily find success as a writer, but her relationship with Charlie developed at a realistic pace with a reasonable amount of roadblocks, trials and growth. My heart was so deeply invested in Charlie and Emma's happiness. Thank you for this gift, Katherine!

The narrators of this audiobook were brilliant.

Loved the premise for this book. Not necessarily a will they/ won’t they trope, but as Emma’s character points out at the beginning of the book, Emma & Charlie are on more of a when-will-they journey. I was rooting for both main characters for the whole book!
The epilogue was the only part of the story that seemed unnecessary and took away from the overall plot, but Rom-Commers was so good otherwise!!

Thank you Net Galley, for an advance copy of this book! Katherine Center is one of my top favorite authors and I don’t think she can write anything badly. She is a genius at writing real, loveable, strong smart female characters, and Emma Wheeler is a sweetheart. She has always wanted to be a screenwriter but had to defer her dream to take care of her dad. As only happens in books and movies, she gets the chance to work with her favorite screenwriter, Charlie Yates, to write a rom-com together. But Charlie is only writing this as a way to make an action movie. It turns out, he doesn’t believe in romance. How the relationship evolves between Emma and Charlie will just keep you flying through the pages. The way that Katherine Center writes and creates such whole characters, with family and past issues and problems, is what makes her books stand above others. Reading her books is like getting a long hug from your favorite person.

Emma is a screen writer and full time caretaker of her father. She is told she has been hired to help famous fellow writer Charlie fix his terrible rom com. Chaos ensues.

I really wanted to like this book. I enjoyed The Bodyguard, but the progression of the characters left me wondering how they could ever come to the conclusion that they liked each other, nor did I feel anything other than mild confusion/distaste towards them.

Things that bothered me:
When you say “camping accident” I picture someone tripping over the poles of their tent, or falling into a fire pit. Say “climbing accident.” Also make this make sense? It was so vaguely told that as a climber I still don’t understand how the character fell (there are little to no beginner routes in Yosemite). If this took place within the last 10 years there’s no way someone climbing trad or sport would be using a belay device that didn’t auto lock if the belayer became incapacitated.

Analyzing another person for how they react in conversations to various stimuli is fine. Specifically asking them a hurtful question so you can see their response is plain mean.

Charlie supposedly has a drawer full of Oscars and has been on the cover of Rolling Stone twice but doesn’t use his money to get groceries delivered or bring in a private chef? No? He’s providing cereal with water. What?

In what world do people only plan in decade long increments? I’ll take the next 10 years and then my 12 year old sister will be 22 so she can take the next 10. What?

Home health care workers exist! How did Emma have a job or go grocery shopping or do anything while also providing 24/7 care? Still confused.

Overall Charlie and Emma were not super nice to each other? Emma especially seemed to steam roll Charlie in an uncomfy way and Charlie’s actions from the beginning weren’t great.

4.5 stars

Charlie Yates, famous screen writer, wrote a romcom and it's terrible. It needs help, though he doesn't want it. Logan, Charlie's agent, asks his longtime friend Emma Wheeler to help. She's been an aspiring writer for years but put her life on hold to care for her father. Now, helping Charlie could be just what she needs to jumpstart her career.

Though, Charlie doesn't want help. He knows it is terrible and he doesn't care. He only wrote it to get another project approved. Plus, he doesn't believe in love. Emma makes it her mission to show Charlie what love is and to prove that this movie is worth rewriting.

I enjoyed both main characters in this book and their banter. Charlie was grumpy, but still likable.

I listened to this and read this. Patti Murin was an excellent narrator.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In my ever so humble opinion, Katherine Center can do no wrong when it comes to writing a romantic comedy. She is by far one of my favorite romance writers, and I will always preorder her book the second I’m able to. Her books are cozy and heartwarming, swoony and butterfly-inducing. To me, they are the warm hug of romance novels. Her last book, Hello Stranger, was one of the only books my then-pregnant brain was able to focus on for the entire nine months I was pregnant. All that to say: I love Katherine Center’s books. Probably a ridiculous amount.

The Rom-Commers absolutely did not disappoint! Our leading lady, Emma, is desperately hoping to make her big break in the screenwriting world. Unfortunately, that has been easier said than done since she’s been taking care of her dad after a traumatic brain injury. In comes her manager (and friend and ex-boyfriend) with the opportunity of a lifetime! Emma has the chance to work with one of the best screenwriters in the business, Charlie Yates. Unfortunately for Emma, the project she’s tasked with helping on is a Rom-Com, and Charlie doesn’t know he’s about to be stuck with her. Did I mention that he also, seemingly, doesn’t believe in love?

Charlie is incredibly frustrating sometimes, but as we get to know him and the ins and outs of his history…we can kind of understand why. I loved seeing him warm up to Emma and the idea of love, and I loved how Center portrayed grief and heartache and anxiety. I loved Emma’s deep and passionate love of love, and I loved the moments of sweetness that Charlie slowly started to express. The only reason it’s not a perfect 5 stars is because Charlie really was so rude at the beginning (and sometimes in the middle) and I’m not sure he fully redeemed himself in my eyes.

Like all Center books, this will make you feel all ooey-gooey inside. It is a charming journey of banter, laughter, and maybe (probably) even some tears. If you love romantic comedies, this is absolutely a must-read!

(How many times did I say love??)


Thank you so, so much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to listen to this arc in exchange for my honest review!

As my first Katherine Center book, I have to say that I am thrilled by her voice. I find it rare to hear authors who are attempting to caretake their readers, or in this case the narrator herself. It made this book easy to continue because each time we were set up for a huge fall, Emma pulled out a net for us so we could land a bit easier.

Let's get into it.

[ Emma and her backstory were highlights for me in this book. Rife and rich and beautiful. The connection with her father, relationship with her sister, all of this came through in her narration and the way she treated the reader as she told us her story.

Major props to the audiobook narrator too, Patti Murin. Her narration was extremely activating to the story and kept me engaged even though I wanted to DNF at 30%.

Which brings me to the reason for the DNF-ing...

The MMC, Charlie, wasn't nearly as clear for me. I think The Rom-Commers could have really benefitted from dual narration so there was some understanding of his hard exterior. His meanness made it quite difficult for me to continue rooting for them. I wanted Emma to give him what for from the very beginning and instead, she took his verbal abuses and caginess all because she's his biggest fan...which I also found a little tedious as we were reminded of this fact again and again. His actions didn't make it feel like a love story, even if it was born from deep-seated trauma.

It's rare that I'm not thrilled by a book but want to continue reading an author, but that's what Katherine Center managed with The Rom-Commers. Hopefully, the next story I read of hers makes me swoon. (hide spoiler)]

Thank You to Macmillan Audio for the gifted audio ARC provided through NetGalley.

Can I just say how much I ADORE this story?! Charlie is a famous and successful screenplay writer who wrote a rom com that is absolute garbage, and needs help. Emma happens to be his agent’s friend from high school, and an aspiring writer whose life got in the way of her career. Naturally Charlie is reluctant to work with a nobody, and Emma is reluctant to sacrifice her dignity, and so an uneasy partnership is formed with a heavy dose of distrust and a lot of crossed wires.

This story is hilarious from the start, with lots of twists and a slow burn to drive you wild. But also has an exceeding amount of heart. It will deliver ALL the feels.

Narrator Patti Murin delivers a stellar performance. Her pace, timing, and voices were all en pointe and kept me listening.

It is no surprise to me that this is Katherine Center’s next book after Hello Stranger, and if you read or listened to the author’s note at the end of Hello Stranger, you won’t be surprised either. This book represents all of the wonderful things that we all love about the romance genre. And when I say wonderful, I don’t necessarily mean happy sometimes wonderful is gut-wrenching. Sometimes it’s hilarious and sometimes it’s hilariously gone wrong. All of these things cultivate that ending, that surge of emotion when we know in those characters know what they have to do. I love this story for Emma and Charlie’s journey, but I also love this story because of its messaging around the romance genre.

This was great!! Not only does the FMC have the same name as me, one quote really hit me and made me laugh out loud at how accurate it was - “I don’t have anxiety, I just worry all the time!”

For fans of witty banter, enemies to lovers, slow burn, and fun writing and Hollywood references, this is a must read.

Easy 5 stars for this Romcom book that I got early from NetGalley (comes out June 11,2024). I listened and the narrator was fabulous. I laughed out loud so many times! These two authors wheret one is grumpy and super successful and the other is trying to help him fix the romcom he attempted. The characters had depth and I loved the way it ended!!!!

This warm, funny novel is an ode to the romantic comedy, and fans of this genre will adore it. The plot: aspiring screenwriter Emma gets the chance to work with her idol, rewriting an absolutely terrible rom-com that he wrote. She upends her life to do it, then discovers that he wrote this just to get a film he really cares about greenlit—because he hates rom-coms, and he also seems to not believe in love. While Emma’s goals may be obvious, and there will be obstacles along the way (of course!), the journey there is both sweet and sad, very relatable, and at times, very funny. Katherine Center has really scored with this one—it may be her best yet. Every minute of this audiobook was a joy! Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I have never been so happy to receive ARC permission for a book than for this one. I have been a Katherine Center fan since her very first book. She is a one-click author for me and this newest book, THE ROM-COMMERS, proves why.
Emma Wheeler is a failed screenwriter who is hired to help a famous screenwriter get over his case of writer's block and do a rewrite of the famous movie, It Happened One Night.

Emma is stuck in her life. After a tragic accident took her mother 10 years ago and made her father someone who needs round-the-clock care - by Emma, she never gets to fulfill her desire to be a screenwriter. When she is given the chance to help Charlie Yates- her favorite screenwriter - revamp a script, and a ROmCom at that, she jumps at the chance.
This book is so filled with my favorite tropes - opposites attract, enemies to lovers, forced proximity. And Katherine Center executes them all perfectly.
What follows once the two get working is a story so filled with angst, trust issues, becoming the person you were meant to be, medical drama, and family issues.
I'd like to comment on the narrator, too. Patti Murin does a fantastic job as the voice of EMMA - the POV the story is told from. Her voice, inflections, and inner thoughts were perfect for the character of Emms.
iI can't recommend this book enough and I thnk NetGalley for allowing me to listen to it prior to publication.