Member Reviews

"If those are the only stories we tell about ourselves, then those are the only stories we have."

Emma Wheelers life has been turned upside down by a tragic accident. She has to put her dreams aside to care for her father.
When the opportunity comes along for her to rewrite a script with her idol, Charlie Yates she jumps at the chance and heads to L.A.
Emma has her work cut out as Charlie doesn't believe in rom-coms or love.
I was so pulled into the story as I was rooting for Charlie and Emma as I watched this story unfold.
A rollercoaster ride of emotions as these two flawed, lovable, relatable characters find their own story. I laughed and had tears.
A Katherine Center book is an automatic must read for me.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book.

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I enjoyed the book, but I kind of wish I had gotten Charlie’s perspective for some of it. The one sided narrative felt really, really one sided. There were a couple of odd scenes that felt jumbled, like the one with TSA. Emma talks about the ID then the scanner and then the ID again. I was surprised by how short the book was, but I don’t know that it needed to be longer. I like Center’s writing style, the dialogue flowed and the character driven narrative was good.

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This is one of those Katherine Center's that very feely, made me cry, and had a good romance. On the Rom-com spectrum, it's much closer to a drama than a comedy. It was heart wrenching, but never made me laugh.

This book is so bingeable! I read this so fast in a day. I was so invested in how everything would turn out (mostly the movie script that they were writing, and the character of of Charlie). It's primarily about the joy of writing, caretaking of your family, and letting people in despite past relationship trauma.

A video review including this book will be on my YouTube channel in the coming weeks, @ChloeFrizzle

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy to review. All opinions are my own.

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Halfway through reading this book, I bought another Katherine Center novel, and this was my first of hers. That’s how mesmerizing her writing is. It is so unique and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. She breaks the fourth wall, but in such a charming and engaging way that you don’t even feel it happening because it feels so natural. Her main character Emma is so bubbly and full of joy that you feel yourself start to embody her. Her dialogue is delicious, and this story was one of the most fun reads I’ve had the pleasure of reading! This plot was adorable, and executed perfectly. I gave this four stars because I didn't feel like I could connect to the male main character as much as the female main character, but that didn't take me out of the story or change how much fun this story was! I cannot wait to get my hands on more of her genius.

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I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, I found the characters to be a bit immature and not easy to relate to. I enjoyed the concept of the book and the witty dialogue, but I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters. I've appreciated the author's previous works in creating complex characters and writing uncomfortable scenes, but in this book, the characters' storylines didn't resonate with me. I acknowledge that many people will enjoy this book, but unfortunately, it wasn't for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the eARC.

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Katherine Center does it again!! This is an auto buy author for us @those.book.besties.

Somehow, Katherine gives her readers a therapy session- reminding us to focus on being grateful, and that ‘sometimes things get better’ and it’s HOW you get to your destination that matters, not the destination itself.

In reminding us of these beautiful things, we are also introduced to Emma and Charlie- screenwriters with opposing interests who come together to write a rom-com. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic, forced proximity and adorable banter had my attention from the first page.

Highly recommend this to anyone who wants a feel-good-page-turner; this is an excellent choice for a summer read!!

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All the stars for this !

This book is beautifully written , I love the story line won’t lie when I did think Emma was going to come off like stalkerish to Charlie but she didn’t ! Their banter was amazing and watching them fall was beautiful!

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Thank you, Netgalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a quick and enjoyable read. The story has a great build-up that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. With the will they/won’t they love connection it’s easy to inhale this story.

Enemies to lovers and workplace romance are mastered in this story. I really enjoyed Emma as a female main character breaking down the elements of a good romcom. The irony of seeing the described elements play out for our characters.

The only drawback to this story is that there wasn’t any smut. The tension between them is amazing, and you know it’s going to be amazing when they finally follow through. But only kissing in this story, and it was kind of a letdown.

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Oh boy, I feel like a buzz kill! There are a lot of positive reviews about this book and most people appear to be loving it, so I am an outlier here. I really wanted to love this book; the premise was very intriguing to me, the plot line was solid, and Katherine Center’s writing is always highly prolific. But I absolutely need to love the main characters in a romance and, unfortunately, never connected with these two. I had high hopes for a funny and heartwarming romcom but the relationship between the main characters felt really off and there was little to no chemistry and, therefore, no one for me to root for. I hope people continue to enjoy this story but it just wasn’t for me this time around. Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on June 11, 2024

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The premise of THE ROM-COMMERS felt perfect for a rom-com novel. Emma Wheeler has put her screenwriting goals on pause to be her dad’s caretaker for the last 10 years, when she gets a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with Hollywood renowned screenwriter, Charlie Yates, on a rom-com. Emma’s job? Help a romantic pessimist write a great romantic comedy.

Katherine Center excels at writing heartwarming, romantic comedies that go deeper than surface level. Her banter is always fantastic and a major reason I love her books.

What I think is a defining feature of Center’s books is that her characters are often grappling with challenging life scenarios. We often go deep into a characters situations, and even when they may not be specifically relatable, Center writes in such a way that you can easily emphasize with them.

The Rom-Commers was no different and it was paced in such a way that I couldn’t help but fly through it. I enjoyed the parallels between the rom-com screenplay and events that unfolded with Emma and Charlie’s real lives. Charlie and Emma are both complex characters, with their own baggage being brought to the situation and it was interesting to see it all come together.

I did struggle with Charlie’s continuous rude comments towards Emma. As well, the argument between Emma and her sister at the end. In both situations, I was hoping for a deeper apology or resolution.

Overall, I enjoyed this and Katherine Center continues to be an auto read author for me. I can’t wait to read what’s next!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Writer Emma has had to put her dreams on hold to take care of her father while her younger sister went to college. When Emma gets offered the chance to work with Oscar winning screen writer Charlie Yates she decides to put herself first and seize the opportunity. Emma then finds out Charlie only needs help with his horrible romantic comedy script in order to get the movie he’s really passionate about made. Emma is appalled not only at the situation but at Charlie, who doesn’t believe in love and thinks it’s a sham. She is determined to show Charlie true love exists and that it can make a good story.

With her signature Katherine Center heart and charm, this romance is highly entertaining and will leave you laughing out loud and also crying but in the best way!

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Katherine Center, my absolute go to author when I want to read a great rom-com, has written the book that tells us why she is such a good writer. She really understands what her readers want from her books and delivers it time after time. Characters we care about, the importance of family, facing the obstacles that we all face and ultimately finding joy in the life we have. Her books are so uplifting. The Rom-Commers is a not to be missed book.

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Katherine Center can do no wrong. There, I SAID IT!
She just keeps delivering one 5 star romcom after another… so of COURSE she nails it again with a title like this. I’m reminded of a British slogan “it does exactly what it says on the tin” - that’s how I feel about The Rom-Commers. There’s romance, there’s humor, witty banter, and that swoon-worthy HEA we long for.
Thank you, KC, for unapologetically sticking to the formula of predictability romance readers are here for. I for one, will absolutely eat it up with a spoon every single time you serve it! To quote the acknowledgements in the back of this novel: I am also very grateful we can show up for each other.

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I truly love Katherine Center and how she weaves real life problems and issues into her stories, but something about this one fell a little flat for me. I loved Emma's dad and his outlook on life (talk about radiating positivity and sunshine!) but something about Emma and Charlie was just hard for me to buy into. I think what bothered me was how emotionally immature both of these characters were. I also wasn't crazy with how Emma handled a situation with her sister late in the book. But I did want to keep reading this book, so something about it hooked me, and Katherine Center is still an auto-read author for me.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

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Katherine Center is a master at Rom-Com. I loved this so much. The story was very Goldilocks - the just right everything! I loved the banter between the characters, and the humor. The first time they meet is so terrible I wasn’t sure how on earth they would have a HEA. Katherine Center doesn’t disappoint. Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the ARC.

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Thanks, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio, for the review copies of the e-book and audiobook via NetGalley. (Available 11 June)

Where do I begin? I love Katherine Center. She’s a Ghirardelli chocolate brownie with chocolate chips, cooked in a cast iron skillet and topped with ice cream and hot fudge. She makes me smile, laugh, love love, and love stories. She reminds me that happiness is its own reward.

Emma put her screenwriting career on the back burner to care for her father. Only now, her high school best friend (and agent to superstar Charlie Yates) talks her into helping Charlie re-write an apocalyptically bad rom-com screenplay. Along the way, she teaches him why rom-coms provide so much joy.

As with other stories I love best, this one has interesting side characters to root for. There’s Emma’s spunky and sweet younger sister, who rolls in to take care of Dad while Emma gets her chance-of-a-lifetime. Then there’s Dad! “If there were a dad store, he’d be a bestseller. They’d have rows and rows of him for sale, right up front.”

As a bonus, take Center’s words, her joy, her love for love, and banter, and give them to actress/singer Patti Murin for delivery. She sparkles. The combination is pure genius, as I discovered last year with HELLO STRANGER. Even though I had a copy of the e-book, I knew to wait for the audiobook of this year’s gem.

To quote Emma, “All genres have a promise,” and romantic comedies promise to leave the audience happy and satisfied. In the hands of Katherine Center, it’s a promise you can take to the bank.

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I LOVE Katherine Center. I always read everything she writes. In THE ROM-COMMERS, Emma Wheeler had been a full time caregiver for her dad, until she gets the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to write a movie with one of her favorite screenwriters, Charlie. Emma moves to California for 6 weeks only to find out that Charlie is stubborn to work with and doesn’t want Emma’s help. Eventually he gives in. To write a good rom-com movie, Emma tries to make Charlie a believer in love. I loved their banter, Charlie’s grumpiness, and Emma’s energy. I found myself laughing and rooting for them. Katherine always has the ability to make you feel while you read! This is one of her best novels yet! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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Katherine Center, what are you doing to me?! This is my second book from this author and I cried even more and even harder than the last one. The Rom-Commers might actually be my new favorite book - one I will grab from my shelf when I need a comfort read, a hug from a friend, a warm cup of tea... you get the idea. It follows Emma Wheeler who is a screenwriter but mostly a full-time caretaker for her father.
She gets the chance of a lifetime to work with her hero, Charlie Yates, on a rom-com screenplay. Charlie thinks love is made up by Hallmark, but luckily for him, Emma is strong, steady, resilient, and willing to teach this dolt (her father's word) a thing or two about love. Have I mentioned how much I love these two characters? I LOVE THEM. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book when it releases in June!

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

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Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance audio-copy of The Rom-Commers, in exchange for an honest review.
Katherine Center's 'The Romcommers' is a charming and heartwarming novel that explores the complexities of love, life, and the power of storytelling.

Charlie Yates, a renowned Hollywood screenwriter, decides to venture into the uncharted territory of romantic comedies. However, his initial attempts prove disastrous, threatening to derail his career. Enter Emma, an aspiring writer and longtime friend of Charlie's agent.

With a lifetime of experience in love and relationships, Emma agrees to mentor Charlie in the art of writing a rom-com. As they delve into the nuances of the genre, Charlie learns not only how to craft a compelling love story but also how to open his heart to the possibility of love in his own life.

Center's writing is witty, relatable, and emotionally resonant. She deftly weaves together the personal journeys of Charlie and Emma, exploring themes of loss, grief, and the transformative power of connection. Through their interactions, readers gain valuable insights into the human experience and the importance of embracing both the joys and sorrows of life.

While the novel is primarily a romantic comedy, it also delves into deeper themes of self-discovery and resilience. Center encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, to cherish the people around them, and to find light even in the darkest of times.

The pacing is well-balanced, with a steady flow of humor, romance, and introspection. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs.
The Romcommers' is a delightful and heartwarming read that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies and those seeking a deeper exploration of love and life. Katherine Center's charming prose and relatable characters will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired. Whether you're looking for a lighthearted escape or a story that will resonate with your soul, this novel is highly recommended.

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4 stars!

Katherine Center's "The Rom-Commers" is another fabulous addition to her already stellar catalog of work. Is there anything she can't do?! Seriously! Every single book she writes is wonderful. Center is in the business of writing comfort books, and that's just what we've got here. I found myself fully immersed in Emma and Charlie's story from the very beginning. Chapter one hooks you and then never lets you go. I liked the differences between Emma and Charlie. Where she is an unknown writer obsessed with Charlie's entire career, he is a famous, decorated writer with tons of money and fame and has no idea who she is. Where she loves love and loves writing about love, he doesn't believe in all that mumbo jumbo despite it fueling his career for years. Their vast differences make their pairing all the more delicious. Though Charlie starts out being a huge d1ck to Emma, he eventually comes around. As we learn more about why they both act as they do, we find that they are both carrying a lot of baggage with them. Their problems feel realistic and mostly fully fleshed-out, integrating well with the work and love aspects of the story. I found this story to be heartfelt and well-paced. I laughed a lot while reading it, and even got a little misty when it came to Emma's father and family dynamic. That part was very compelling (but I don't want to spoil it, so I won't say much more!). The book has a great ending and excellent side characters. My chief complaint is that I didn't feel a humongous spark between Emma and Charlie until the last few percentage points of the book. I would have liked a bit more depth between them. A lot of their connection felt surface level and convenient because of their proximity to one another. It's not until the very end of the book that that changed for me. Still, I think almost everyone will enjoy this book (honestly, everyone should enjoy *most* of Katherine Center's books!). She is one of the few authors I've read who knows no misses.

Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center, and St. Martin's Press for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

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