{3.5 stars}

Emma and Charlie are screenwriters collaborating on a romcom screenplay. Charlie is an acclaimed writer who is being pushed into the genre and Emma is a great romcom writer who just hasn't gotten her big break. They have a tight timeline and choose to live together to accomplish their goals. As time progresses their emotional baggage is unpacked and they realize that both have feelings for one another but that their connection is ultimately doomed.

This one reminds me a lot of The Happy Place, I believe if you liked that, you will like this. There were parts of it I really enjoyed but overall, these were adults with completely stunted emotional intelligence. Had they just communicated rather than shutting down all the time, they would have had a smoother road. I get that there are lots of people like that in the world, but I guess I don't enjoy reading it especially when they are supposed to be these amazing screenwriters who communicate emotion effectively. The pace was also quite slow to start off, I spent the first half waiting for something to happen. When it got to the meat of what we all picked the book up for, it felt too late and went too quickly. Don't get me wrong, their banter was so entertaining. But I did not understand why we needed all the setup to get where we got and why it was over so quickly.

Katherine Center is definitely hit or miss for me, but I'm still always willing to pick her books up.
Read this one if you liked Romantic Comedy.

Thanks to St Martin's Press for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.

Wow! Once in a while, I read an ARC and after, I feel so lucky to have gotten to experience the story before the masses... This is one of those stories. This book was so absolutely beautiful, and full of characters that were given depth, but none of it felt overdone or overwhelming. I never got bored, or tired of reading... I cried, I laughed... I LOVED. I felt so much from the main characters, but also all of the other characters that brought so much to the story - they all belonged, which IMO is hard for an author to do. I will recommend this book to anyone who will listen!
THE ONLY thing I could say negatively is that there was NO SPICE in this book... like, not even a little dash of pepper... Which, as much as I love a spicy romance, still did not change how much I loved this book... so, I guess not really a negative thing to say.

Please, do yourself a favor and pre-order this book... Add it to your TBR... Put it on your request for the library... This is a book any rom-com reader will want to read in June 2024!! 5 stars - hands down!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A rom com about two writers who fall in love while writing a rom com screenplay!?!? I loved this book. Every amazingly wonderful rom com cliché comes alive in this book as you watch Charlie and Emma rewrite Charlie's rom com attempt. I laughed, and I cried. The writing and the relationships are so beautiful. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I’m not sure there is any author who has a style that is so uniquely definite to herself more so than Katherine Center. You can read any line from any page of any of her books and know exactly who wrote it. I love that about her! And even though every one of her books is written in this very specific style, they all stand on their own two feet as just super good books.

The Rom-Commers has all the laugh-out-loud but also cry-out-loud moments that make Center’s books so special, and I think this line sums it all up beautifully:

“Happiness is always better with a little bit of sadness.”

I was so happy to be able to read this early copy from NetGalley! Thank you!

Once again, Katherine Center delivers a delightful story full of heart. In this story, an aspiring writer who is her father’s caretaker, Emma, is offered an opportunity to rewrite a romantic comedy screenplay with a famous writer, Charlie. Emma is an expert on romantic comedies and Charlie is one of her writing heroes. However, Charlie is not interested in co-writing, romantic comedies, or love. Will hopeful Emma change grumpy Charlie’s mind about the value of love stories?

The dialogue was cute and I found myself smiling - and giggling - throughout the book. I appreciated the character development, the cameos, and the obstacles to overcome. I also liked how the book seemed to be written to the reader by the protagonist making this feel more intimate between friends. And finally, I loved the quotable statements sprinkled throughout the book about storytelling, grief and loss, and love. This book is just full of joy.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Unofficial Synopsis:

Emma desperately wants to be a screenwriter but being a caretaker to her dad has held her back. She’s spent lots of time studying romantic comedies in the meantime. When Emma gets the chance of a lifetime to work with her idol, she calls her sister to step in as caretaker so she can go.

Charlie doesn’t exactly want Emma’s help, much less a “nobody”. But Emma is determined and knows what she’s talking about. She won’t go down without a fight, even if it means kissing Charlie senseless to prove her point.

Review:

I’ve read every one of Katherine Centers books and they are all so good, however, this is probably my new favorite! It was just so good, and I loved every minute of it.

I really enjoyed both the main characters and their personalities. Emma was sunshine enough to not be annoying and Charlie was grumpy enough to be likeable. I also enjoyed that this was a clean romance, because it was a good reminder that angst can go a long way. I loved the ending of this one, because it felt all too real. I could totally see something like this playing out in real life, and it was easy to picture it happening. One of the things that I love about Katherine Center’s writing is that it is easy to get lost in the writing and feel transported to their world. Since I devoured this book, I’d normally have time to read more during the day, but this book ruined that for me, but in the best way possible and I don’t regret it at all.

I am on board with the way Katherine Center is going with her books, and I cannot wait for the next one. While they’ve always been amazing, now they’re spectacular.

You need to add this to your list, it’s a must read.

Another wonderful book by the amazing Katherine Center! I love everything she writes, and this one was no exception. This book tells the story of Emma, the aspiring writer who has been a full-time caretaker for her father, and Charlie, the grouchy, famous screenwriter, who are thrown together against their wills when Charlie writes a truly atrocious screenplay in an attempt to get a pet project produced.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book – as always, it was very well written and I had a hard time putting it down. I always appreciate how well Katherine Center manages to balance heavy subject matter with zingy one-liners and romantic scenes. I found nothing to complain about – I was hooked from the first page all the way to the last.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the advance copy! 5 stars, highly recommend.

The Rom-Commers is the latest by romance fan favorite, Katherine Center. This story follows Emma as she takes on a ghost writing gig alongside a grumpy yet famous screenwriter. Charlie is one of Emma’s idols but is not at all interested in her help, or even the project itself. As they spend time working together and getting to know each other, they develop an adorable relationship. Emma and Charlie’s complex lives bring their challenges but their banter and adventures are so freaking cute. The ending had one component that required complete suspension of disbelief that totally rubbed me the wrong way. Other than that component, it would have been a close to perfect romance. (I love a celeb/normal person romance!)

Do you ever feel like a book has wrapped you up in the coziest of blankets? Because that’s what this book did for me. I was curled up on the couch, deeply invested in this story line, and found myself crying for these characters. I didn’t even realize how much I’d sunk into this story line until the tears started to fall.

These characters have struggles and flaws, yet it’s those same things that made them feel so real. My heart broke for Emma and Charlie for so many different reasons throughout the book. You couldn’t help but want love and happiness for them with each other. This book was rooted so deeply in human emotions, which makes it so easy to connect with as a reader. Regardless of where our emotions come from, they drive so much of what we do. Charlie and Emma were wholly relatable because of this.

Katherine Center does a beautiful job of writing this book for readers. She shows us through her story-telling how love stories exist to “give you a simulated feeling of falling in love.” And who doesn’t love that euphoric feeling of newfound love? As readers, we get to experience that time and again through stories like Center’s.

This was an absolute home run for me. My only disappointment is that it’s over. I will absolutely be reading this one again.

This is my second Katherine Center book and she’s now a go-to author for me. I will say that this book should have at least four trigger warnings, and maybe Center needs a sensitivity reader. But there’s a LOT of trauma in a very short book, and a rom com at that.

Now, that being said, the characters are great. Emma did kind of bother at the start because I hate a FMC who is constantly self-sacrificing. But she ended up being a very likable and humanized type of flawed.

Charlie. Where do we start? He’s a MESS, but he’s the kind of mess you want to win over and make like you. And you feel that on the page from the tension and chemistry they have.

There were a few scenes that made me scratch my head and go “really?”, but on the whole, this story was charming, well executed, AND had cameos from The Bodyguard, which I always love to see a callback to an authors body of work.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for letting me read this ARC in exchange for this review!

Every Katherine Center book I read becomes my new favorite - The Rom-Commers is no exception. Center delivers stellar writing, an interesting storyline, and captivating characters. Who better to to write about romantic comedy writing than a romantic comedy writer. I loved the plot line of the student becoming the teacher. The characters were well drawn and very relatable. Their dialogue and interactions were spot on. I loved The Rom-Commers and give it 5 stars.

The Rom-Commers is my new favorite Katherine Center book! I laughed and cried which is always a marker for me of a great book! I cannot recommend this book enough. I loved the way the main character interacted with each other. I also enjoyed the aspect of guilt felt when being the caretaker to a parent but then doing something for yourself.

The Rom-Commers was one of my most anticipated reads of this year, so I went into this romance novel with high expectations. Having read and loved The Bodyguard by Katherine Center and Hello Stranger, I did venture into this book with such an appreciation for Katherine Center’s writing. All of my expectations and hopes for this book were surpassed. I truly adored this story and everything about it.

The setup of The Rom-Commers was so unlike anything I was expecting. The screenwriting storyline was so enthralling and interesting to me that it sucked me in immediately.

The setting gave me MAJOR The Holiday vibes. I think that the setting being in Los Angeles concerning staying at a screenwriter’s home had my brain relating it to the Hollywood career types that were in this movie. Just picture it: a super young and handsome screenwriter in Cameron Diaz’s house from the movie, littered with prestigious awards just like the old lovable screenwriter from the film. I love that film immensely and I know how beloved it is to so many. This was a great connection to make.

On that note: please dear God, someone make this into a movie STAT. I absolutely need to see this play out on the big screen or on a streaming platform. If I could snag an invite to the premiere too, that would be great.

Since this was the second Katherine Center book I’ve read, it cemented my plan of fully reading her backlist books. In fact, I immediately started Happiness for Beginners after finishing this since I was craving more of her writing.

Her writing is wonderful. It’s realistic, sweet, and moving simultaneously. She’s got some of the most profound and touching lines in her books and I always audibly emit an “Awww” while reading. There are so many times I’ve highlighted quotes that I’ve loved in her books and her quotes are some of my all time favorites.

I closed this book and immediately declared my love for it. I know it’s early in the year, but it’s currently in my top favorites of 2024 and I am certain it’s going to remain there. When I think back on a book and have warm and fuzzy feelings for it, it’s such a great feeling. I loved this and strongly urge you to read it as soon as it comes out on June 11, 2024!

Read this if you love…
Grumpy/sunshine ☀️
Roommates 🏠
Hollywood setting 🎬
Coworker romance 💻

Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press for reaching out to me directly about reading this book. I am so happy and grateful to be invited to read an early copy of this! Thank you to Katherine Center for writing this gem and to NetGalley for being the platform on which I read this as well.

Oh my. Katherine Center always reminds me that I do love a good romance. And of why I love to read. Great, great weepy smile-y book -- thanks NetGalley folk for an ARC to read!

All of the stars!

"I do. Of course. And would I give up ALL this personal growth to see her again for even and hour and just clamp her into my arms? In a second. But that's not a choice. All we have is what we have."

Beautifully written with wit, charm, and a touch of Hollywood magic, this rom com delivers a heartwarming narrative that resonates with dreamers and believers alike.

The characters are vibrant and relatable, each with their own quirks and fears. Emma and Charlie add depth and dimension to the story, inviting readers to root for their happily ever after.

Rom-Commers is a testament to the power of chasing one's dreams and embracing the serendipitous moments that shape our lives..

What a fun, funny, heartwarming, serotonin boost of a book! I laughed, I smiled. I teared up. I cannot wait to read whatever Center writes next! Also another major kudos for writing about medical issues and DOING THE RESEARCH to get it right,

Let me start by saying I am not a Katherine Center fan. I did enjoy The Bodyguard but none of her other works unfortunately. However, she hit the jackpot with her newest release.

Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter. She’s spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies―good ones! That win contests! But she’s also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care. Now, when she gets a chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates―The Charlie Yates! Her personal writing god!―it’s a break too big to pass up.

Yes this book is every cliche imaginable when it comes to romcoms but all with a very deep and emotional side to them. It makes you ponder why you love them or don’t and really makes you change your way of thinking when it comes to live life itself. I loved the way Emma talks to the reader as if she’s simply telling you her life story and that made it even more impactful. There is so much love and heartbreak within these pages but there’s also a whole lot of humour and banter as well.

The only caution I would say is there is a lot of grief and descriptive medical talk on the pages so please be careful if this could be triggering to you. But while saying this, I do want to applaud the author for the representation and the respect in which she wrote it.

Of course my favourite part is the relationship between Emma and her dad. Most books have either a strained father daughter relationship, a non existent one or one with the dad deceased; but for once we have a strong one that is very much like the love between my dad and myself.

Overall, Center has finally won me over and I highly highly recommend

I double dog dare you to read Katherine Center’s latest book, THE ROM-COMMERS (available June 11), and not crack a smile. I mean, this woman has absolutely mastered the exact science of a swoony, sweet, gooey, witty, heart-fluttery rom-com and I adore everything she writes.

In this one, aspiring screenwriter Emma gets the opportunity to write a rom-com screenplay with her idol, the oft-awarded, ultra-famous Charlie Yates. Emma has spent the last ten years caring for her ailing father, putting her own dreams on hold. When she arrives in Hollywood, however, it turns out that Charlie is a real a-hole and doesn’t want her help writing a rom-com. He doesn’t even believe in love. But, it’s a rom-com, so of course they fall head over heel for each other. You might know how THE ROM-COMMERS ends, but it’s so much fun getting there. There’s a Peruvian long-haired guinea pig named Cuthbert, canned biscuit shenanigans, stolen moments while hiding hip-to-hip in a crowded pantry, accidental high-dives, and so many life lessons woven throughout.

I adore everything Katherine Center writes and this one sits side-by-side on my favorites shelf right next to The Bodyguard, and THAT’S saying something. AND - wooooo! - THE ROM-COMMERS takes place in the same world as The Bodyguard (cue guest appearances by Jack Stapleton).

Anyone who likes Abby Jimenez or Emily Henry books will also surely love this one.

A sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy of THE ROM-COMMERS in exchange for my honest opinion.

Emma Wheeler’s career is just about to skyrocket when she realizes she has to press pause and head to Texas. Her father has just had an accident and in Emma's life, family is more important than her screenwriting internship.

Divorced screenwriting legend Charlie Yates doesn’t believe in love. Perhaps that’s why his romcom fails. Charlie also doesn’t co-write. He’s won multiple awards on his own and doesn’t need help. When his agent hires Emma to help Charlie rewrite his script, sparks fly. Charlie thinks it’s beneath him to have an amateur come to his aid…especially since he didn’t agree to the help. He soon discovers that Emma’s expertise is exactly what he needs.

The banter in this workplace romance had me giggling and gasping aloud in public! I can always count on Center to pull me out of a funk. She writes such authentic and heartfelt stories, mixes them with real-life moments, and adds a dash of sarcasm and humour. I loved how her characters brought out the best in each other and gave each other the opportunity to rewrite their own life story. Healing, for these two souls, is a process and reading about them working together to forge their happily ever after was beautiful. As with all KC reads, I feel like I want to hug the book when I’m finished. Most importantly, I always feel noticed and am always reminded to be gentle with myself - I’m a work in progress.

Note:
The Rom-Commers isn’t a sequel to The Bodyguard, but Jack Stapleton does make a cameo. Charlie in the Rom-Commers wrote the screenplay that made Jack famous.

I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I requested this book based on the cute cover and synopsis, but after reading it I think I’m done with Katherine Center. It doesn't seem fair to go into tons of detail about what I didn't like since there wasn't anything egregiously wrong with the book. I just wasn't the right reader for it. Her writing style doesn't work for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.