I have heard so many positive things about Katherine Center's writing and books and was super excited to finally read my first Katherine Center novel. This story in particular sounded absolutely adorable, I mean what avid bookworm obsessed with romance novels and romance stories wouldn't want to read one based on two screen play writers coming together to write a romcom? Add that it was available on audio and I was in.

I have two main thoughts with this book. On one hand, I could give this book ten stars for how witty and vivacious the banter and back and forth was between Emma and Charlie. Center clearly has a way with words and is an effective story teller. There were SO many deep and profound and relatable themes to this story, I could easily quote so many golden nuggets from the dialogue and the chemistry and romance were perfect for a book based on two people falling in love while writing a romantic comedy. The Hollywood vibe was spot on and I really liked the overall story. The ending, that moment with Charlie getting his award, that was powerful and will stay with me.

That being said, on the other hand, it was extremely disappointing for someone who so obviously has an incredible grasp on language and vocabulary to use so much foul language, the 'F' word in particular, throughout the book. I lost track of how many times the characters used the 'F' word, it was to the point where I was uncomfortable listening to the audiobook and could only have it on when I didn't have anyone else around. It also was very jarring for me and instead of adding emotion and power to the moment, it pulled me out and became so over used that when the word could have been effective and impactful, I was burned out on the overuse it lost its power other than to turn me off. I think the author could have used so many better word choices to convey more effectively the emotions of those moments. It was just too much foul language in my opinion.

Due to the amount of swearing, I can't just blanket recommend this book which is really a bummer because I liked the story and I really liked the characters. I could easily become a huge Katherine Center fan, but if her other books have language like this, even if the sexual content is closed door, I don't find it "clean" seeing as it takes the book to a sort of rated "R" level to me. I think if it had been one or two ‘F’ words it might not have been an issue for me, but I legit can’t even count how many times it was used, it was WAY too many.

As for the audiobook version itslef, I really enjoyed the narrator and the way she gave life to the story. I definitely recommend the narrator, again, I just have to give a disclaimer on the language found in the story before straight out recommending the book as a whole.

I received an advance listening copy of this novel from Netgalley and Macmillan audio. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"You had to maximize joy when it fluttered into your life."

“Are you mad at me?” I asked.
“No,” Charlie said, still looking mad.

“You don’t need fixing.”

My rating: Five ⭐️ (and more if I could)

Katherine Center is an author whose words resonate with my soul.

Desperate anticipation is a mild description for how I felt about this book. When I received an ALC (advanced listener copy), I immediately downloaded it and put off all my responsibilities and other books so I could immerse myself in yet another of Katherine Center's incredible books.

I have LOVED everything I've read by Katherine Center, and the last three books I've read from her (The Bodyguard, Hello Stranger, and The Rom-Commers) have all been exquisitely enthusiastic five-star reads.

The Rom-Commers is so, so much fun. I wish I could give it more than five stars because I loved it more than I can express. I can't even count the amount of times I found myself chuckling out loud or with a grin on my face while listening to this book. There are so many moments that are, in a word, delightful.

Lighthearted without shying away from hard topics, The Rom-Commers is full of heart and hope and healing. Emma and Charlie are EVERYTHING you could want in a set of main characters. Real and flawed, I honest-to-goodness found myself trying to look them up at one point to see what other works they've created, only to remember that they only exist in the too-small moment of this book.

Watching these characters make mistakes, participate in incredible banter, overcome fears, and blossom into better people was like sitting in your favorite chair with your favorite book, favorite drink, and favorite blanket cape—comforting and soothing and rejuvenating.

How I wish this book could have lasted forever. Already I find myself looking forward to reading it again, and we're only twelve hours out from when I finished it the first time. (If that gives you any indication of how much I enjoyed this book.)

Katherine Center is a master, and I will forever read anything she writes. The end. Definitely recommend this book to absolutely everyone. Swoony, engaging, and fun, this book is one you won't want to miss.

Gneral notes:
Book: The Rom-Commers
Author: Katherine Center
Genre: Contemporary Romance/RomCom
Language: Moderate (a few "F" words, various swears scattered throughout)
Romance: Closed door/fade-to-black
Violence: None
Trigger/Content Warnings: Death of a parent, dealing with long-term illness, anxiety

The Rom-Commers- Made me chuckle along with a little heartbreak. Too often we think we are the only one who can do something and then come to find out once you don’t do it life still goes on someone else will step up. Emma and Charlie have chemistry that is both explosive at times and dry. Will they or won’t they find their way to each other.

The narration was amazing.
Thank you NetGalley for another amazing advance audiobook!!

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center - Releases June 11th 2024 - 2.5 Stars

Honest discussion incoming. I started this book really enjoying the storyline and feeling like Katherine Center can just tell a good story. 2 Screenplay writers in Hollywood working together to write a rom-com?! Let's go right?! And I will say, I really enjoyed The Bodyguard and Hello Stranger by Katherine Center, so I was so pumped for this one! (And I will still be reading her backlist because I have heard nothing but great things about those!)

Unfortunately, this newest one just wasn't for me for several reasons and I ended up being disappointed. I am very appreciative to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review of the eBook and audiobook - and the narrator did a great job in narrating the story to keep you engaged - I did want to keep reading and listening - but like I said, it ended up not being for me.

As I mentioned this is about 2 Screenplay Writers who are working together to write a rom-com together. We have Emma and Charlie. Emma is ultimately a character I started off really enjoying because I found her, at first, to have such depth as a caregiver to her family and very relatable because I am a special needs Mama and have experienced caregiver fatigue just as she has. I loved how passionate she was for her writing and was so excited for the project they were going to work on.

The story kicks off as her ex-boyfriend from high school introduces her to Charlie, a famous screenplay writer in Hollywood, to help him with his horrible rom-com he's written. Charlie is a guy she has idolized and fan girled about for years in her screenplay writing career, so she is nervous and so excited to go on this journey. Her family encourages her to go because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for her and she has sacrificed so much for them. However, Charlie wants nothing to do with Emma because he says he doesn't need help and it wasn't exactly approved for her to work with him at the start. After reading her work, he realizes she is a good writer and asks her to stay. She ends up staying and living with Charlie in his mansion for several weeks to help write the story and everything takes off from here.

Here is what I didn't like:

While I started off liking Emma, I became frustrated because of how much she is pursuing Charlie when he is completely mean and rude to her. There are several situations where he talks bad about her behind her back and she overhears it. For example, Charlie was married before and Emma overhears Charlie talking bad about her to his ex-wife (and the friend who introduced them) saying she was "nobody" and "just a writer" etc., yet there were times I felt like he did like her and showed emotions for her? So, while I understand the reason he felt like he couldn't be with her, he was just so rude for no reason and she didn't know any of those reasons. Yet she still peruses him. Over and over again. So ultimately, Charlie was a character that was just so back and forth for me and I had mixed feelings throughout the story about him. I felt like we needed his POV to really understand him since its first person and we just feel like he likes her but then he treats her bad several times so you end up frustrated with him.

Around 78% is where I almost DNF'd this book because of a scene that, while this entire book was considered clean romance, this scene frustrated me on a personal level. Essentially, Emma is upset for a certain reason and ends up getting drunk during that time at Charlie's place. She is pursuing him and trying to proposition him to have sex with her and it could just be a 1 time thing, that is doesn't matter etc. He says no, he doesn't want to, she is not able to consent because she is drunk and she thinks to herself how "ugh. now he was throwing consent at me? How was I supposed to argue with that? Maybe I could use my feminine wiles." And so continues to try to proposition him for sex with him continuing to say no. That bothered me because it portrayed her in such a negative way. So in that moment he's being a good guy, yet she's mad about it.

I did ultimately finish the story and see the happy ending they had, but I was just over it at that point. They didn't really go together for me personally - it felt toxic in a way. So all of those things lead me to this 2.5 star review. With some things I liked but it was overall, not for me.

Again, I do like the two previous Katherine Center books I have read by her but unfortunately, this one was just not for me. I will be reading more of her backlist but not recommending this one.

Content: language - several F and S words, sexual innuendos, death of a parent, parent with an illness, cancer, divorce, caretaker fatigue and other details explained above.

If you like rom-coms, you will love this exceptionally well-written book.

Emma Wheeler hasn’t been able to pursue her dream of writing romantic screenplays. Instead she’s been stuck in a tiny apartment caring for her injured father and teaching English so she can give her younger sister a full college experience. There’s a great scene early in the book where Emma and her father are having breakfast; it’s funny and touching and lets the reader know so much about the close relationship Emma has with her family, even with all the challenges.

Emma’s life begins to change when she is pushed to accept the challenge of going to Hollywood to rewrite the terrible romantic screenplay drafted by her literary idol Charlie Yates. I loved both characters who are portrayed in depth with all their flaws and insecurities. A very funny scene near the end of the book where Emma and Charlie go line dancing is so well-written that the reader “gets” their relationship without the author having to tell us.

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did an excellent job.

PHENOMENAL!

"The Rom Commers" is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies looking for a feel-good escape. With its endearing characters, sparkling dialogue, and heartfelt message, it's a book that will leave you laughing, crying, and believing in the power of love. So grab a cozy blanket, a hot cup of tea, and prepare to be swept off your feet by this charming tale of romance and laughter.

A traditional romcom in a contemporary setting, with a meta twist, that was as warm and appealing as I could wish for.

Emma Wheeler has been the caregiver for her father for 10 years since a camping accident and has consequently been forced to put her screenwriting career on the backburner. But when an opportunity comes up to co-write a romcom screenplay with the famous Charlie Yates, she can’t turn it down.

There are all the romcom beats you look for, and which Emma has to explain to Charlie as he’s only ever written action thrillers and appears to be immune to the charms of love. Misunderstandings, missed connections, and tears - so many tears - make up the time-honored plot and while my eyes rolled a little as Emma, yet again, misses the cues, I have to say I was spellbound and in a rosy haze while I was listening. None of the characters break the mold, but they are all people I’d be happy to meet.

Patti Murin (who also read The Bodyguard) brings empathy, charm, and sprightliness to her narration and accomplishes capturing both the rom and com elements with aplomb.

Ideal for those of us who like their fantasy in a pink cover with illustrations.

Thanks to Macmillan and Netgalley for the audiobook review copy.

Emma and Charlie. Charlie and Emma. A rom-com about two screen writers writing the rom-coms of all rom-coms while living it in real life. Charlie is the jaded screen writer with writer’s block, and Emma is the nobody screen writer praying for her big break. Emma’s best friend and manager of Charlie and herself stages a life-altering meet cute. A novel full of family, grief, love, and rom-coms. Audio book is delightful and the extra chaptwr and notes from the author are a great surprise.

there are not words to describe my absolute love of this book.

I giggled, I kicked my feet, I laughed out loud, I cried sad tears, I cried happy tears, I BLUSHED… AT. A. BOOK.

some out of context non-spoiler spoilers for you, just to list a handful of the things I loved
- the cover
- the intertwined references to The Bodyguard
- 88 days. he GOOGLED it.
- the cover. again. I love it that much.
- “Reverend Dad”
- Cuthbert the guinea pig
- the pocket square. that mf pocket square🥹

I cannot wait until this book comes out so I can buy a copy and immediately reread it and annotate the hell out of it.

Thank you NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, and Katherine Center for the ARC! New absolute favorite book: unlocked.

Unfortunately, I didn’t like much about this at all. It was easy reading and polished but beyond that I was scratching my head that an author as revered as Katherine Center would write this. I expected a women’s fiction with a romance, even though the blurb sounds more like a romance, and somehow it was neither. It was also not a comedy.

It was a story of two (mostly unlikable) people in forced proximity who work on a screenplay together, & that’s about it. Not a lot of character growth, not a lot of romance. They don’t like each other, they barely get to know each other, then they’re in love, I guess? It’s a little hard to tell because both characters were so obtuse.

The MMC insults and degrades the FMC to multiple other characters multiple times, in front of her and behind her back. The FMC accepts all this and still likes him anyway. She’s pushy, naive, and judgy. She throws herself at the MMC then pouts and won’t let it go when he turns her down. Have some self respect, girl.

I don’t know what else to say. Maybe this book has an audience but it’s obviously not me.

I did this one on audio and liked the narrator as Emma, but her man voices were not great. It was very distracting.

I love Katherine Center and this book did not disappoint.

While I had a great time reading this, I will agree that this book is not quite as good as The Bodyguard. I do still recommend reading this, especially via audiobook! I did not love either MC the entire time, but I was invested enough to want to see the outcome. Some portions did feel a little bit forced, and the writing was not as good as I have read from this author before.

If you want a fun summer reading pick this book up! And if this is your first Katherine Center book, you NEED to pick up The Bodyguard next!

4 stars.

Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced audiobook. This was a super cute book about family and love!

This is the first book I have read by Katherine Center and I loved it!! In many places I laughed outloud and at the same time there were a couple places where I shed a couple of tears. Her writing reminds me of another favourite author of mine Kristan Higgins. The story is believable, heartfelt, emotional and at places hilarious. The narrator has a great voice which changes with the mood of the book and that makes listening to this story so much more enjoyable. I encourage you to get this book and read or listen to it as the story will definitely not disappoint and you will be glad you took the time to enjoy this book.

Im just going to start by saying I love Katherine Center’s writing. This was an average romance read for me. I enjoyed it but it didn’t wow me like bodyguard did. I just couldn’t fully connect with Emma or Charlie. But it was still a solid read

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Narrated by Katherine Center & Patti Murin
Available June 10/24!

I know what I like and what I like are books by Katherine Center! Add in narration by Patty Murin and I am one happy camper.

This book is so good. Yes I am going to gush. I enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and everything else about this book. The concept of a young writer getting the opportunity to show her skills and to do this with her author ‘God’ is so much fun. This grumpy/sunshine book is fun, sweet, sexy, and has a Guinea Pig with emotional needs ❤️. And thankfully January Lavoy took on the job of bringing this story to life. I always enjoy her narration; the flow and ability to define each character. The characters are endearing and clever; people you might enjoy spending time with and getting to know them better.

I really cannot say enough about this book. I am a huge fan of Katherine Center because she writes stories that are engaging, fun, and unique. Ones where I can escape for a while from this crazy world. Do yourself a favour and join me in the wonderful world of The Rom-Commers.

Many thanks to Katherine Center, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ALC.

I am the biggest fan of Katherine Center. I always fall in love with her books. I was elated when I got this advanced copy. After listening AND reading it I can honestly say it’s my favorite of 2024 so far. I love this book. I love everything about this book. I loved the witty banner, Emma and Charlie, the twists and turns, the details, and the insane ending . This plot is amazing, this book is amazing, the writing is amazing. She look all the cliches of a rom-com and un-cliched them. It’s funny and witty and enchanting. This book truly makes you believe in love again. I got butterflies on every chapter and that’s how I know it’s a great book. I loved it and so will you, go read this book!!

It’s a yes. This book is another winner for this author. I enjoyed the mature romance along with the vulnerability of both fmc and mmc. I didn’t always enjoy fmc point of views. The best part was the ending and how Mmc showed his love.

Thank you NetGalley and Katherine Center for this eARC. It was amazing as always!

“The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center is a delightful romantic comedy that combines humor, heart, and the magic of storytelling. Here’s a glimpse into this enchanting novel: “The Rom-Commers” explores new chances, sacrifices for loved ones, and the pursuit of dreams. It’s a story of resilience, attraction, and the magic of love.

“I had a theory that we gravitate toward the stories we need in life. Whatever we’re longing for—adventure, excitement, emotion, connection—we turn to stories that help us find it.”

Katherine Center weaves a keeper-shelf-worthy tale that will leave you smiling. Whether you’re a rom-com enthusiast or simply seeking a heartwarming read, this book delivers. Add to your TBR stat!

Dang you @katherinecenter for making me cry while doing yard work and listening to my New Favorite Katherine Center Book!!! 🥹 🥲 😭

How do you do it?! … the love, and characters, and stories in your books…. Wooooow! Just, wooooow!

Thank you so much for this one! ALL. THE. STARS! Go preorder this one now! It’s out June 11!

Anddddd… that EPILOGUE!! Wooooow!

"The Rom-Commer" is a funny, cute, and typical romantic comedy that also explores some deep topics. This charming story follows the adventures of lovable amateur screenwriter Emma Wheeler as she goes on a journey to rewrite a script with her celebrity idol Charlie Yates. While it follows the traditional rom-com formula (it’s a must), it also delves into themes of self-discovery and the complexities of relationships, adding depth to the story.

Review: "The Rom-Commer" is a delightful rom-com that combines humor, romance, and deeper themes. The witty dialogue and charming moments had me laughing throughout the book. The characters are relatable and well-developed, making it easy to root for their happily-ever-after. What sets this book apart is its ability to explore deeper topics while still maintaining the light-hearted and entertaining nature of a rom-com. It's a perfect read for anyone in need of a funny and heartwarming escape.

Thank you to St. Martin Press for the opportunity to review this book through NetGalley