How does Katherine Center manage to write books where I can’t get enough of her characters and storyline every single time? Like all of Center’s works, The Rom-Commers is smart, and the characters are relatable and real.

Emma Wheeler, Center’s latest spunky, strong heroine, is a screenwriter who has put her father and sister before herself for 10 years. Her long-time friend and agent, Logan, offers her a dream opportunity: ghostwriting for her favorite award-winning Hollywood screenwriter, Charlie Yates. Charlie has attempted writing his first rom-com, and there is only one word for it: terrible. Emma knows that with her help Charlie Yates can add rom-com to the list of great screenplays he’s famous for writing. So she takes the plunge, says yes to Logan’s job offer, and chooses herself for the first time in a long time.

What follows is all the best that rom-coms have to offer. The Rom-Commers is joyful and hopeful and heartbreaking and thoughtful. I cried and laughed and swooned. I may have even come away with some new life mantras. Just perfection. It’s this summer’s must-read.

When one publishers a book under this title with this premise, it needs to be a home run. At the very least, full bases. This was maybe 2 bases tops.

I know! I know! Katherine Center is a g-d for many and she's written some really good stories that resonate with me so hard, I highlighted passages and can't wait for the day I can launch an Earth Day speech that mirrors that small entry in Happiness for Beginners (both book and the Netfilx film that kept it) or something at a family wedding that mirrors The Bodyguard's Thanksgiving blessing.

We all knew where The Rom-Commers was going but there wasn't much joy in getting there. Certainly, there were some funny moments, but the overall story lacked the depth of some of her previous great hits and it lacked chemistry. Our main love interests spent so much time not giving off sparks that there wasn't enough zing when realizations/declarations of love happened.

Usually, I like Center's chummy gal storytelling tone. In this case, though, it didn't bring in enough dreamy romance to carry me away. Because of her past genius, it hurts to give this 1.5 stars, so I've rounded up to 2.

YES! i have been excited to read this once since i realized it existed (because i’ve really, really enjoyed the last two books.) this might take the cake for being my favorite one. i love, love the romcomness of it all (ESPECIALLY with the epilogue i could see it so vividly in my head.) charlie and emma were adorable, and sometimes frustrating (charlie.) i was deeply scared for my life for a moment towards the end, thanks. overall, such a good romcom love story. i have to add i love the brightness of the cover too. excited to have a physical copy and reread this one day.

The Rom-Commers is now my favorite Katherine Center novel. I laughed at times and teared up at times and I stayed up way too late trying to finish this story,

I loved the humor and especially the witty banter between the characters of Emma and Charlie. Speaking of Emma and Charlie, Center created great likable characters with such detailed back stories. You were rooting for this couple throughout the story.

I have a love hate relationship with rom-com stories. I love to read them but dislike the cheesiness at times. Thank you to Katherine Center for writing a rom-com that is a full meal with very little cheese!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this great book!!

This book took me through a series of emotions, and I'm so glad that I read it. The Rom-Commers helps remind the reader of all the emotions associated with love, both good and bad. I'm not much of a crier while reading books, but I was tearing up in some scenes. This book has both gut-wrenching and heartwarming moments. This book was truly fantastic and it represent everything that a rom-com should be. I definitionally recommend this book, and I had an amazing time reading it. I was seriously addicted to this book and I can't wait to read more romance books by Katherine Center!

Finally, the book to get me out of my romance reading slump! I adored this book. It had me smiling and sobbing (in a good way). I’m normally so-so on Katherine Center’s books because I prefer romances with a bit of steam and more of an “edge”, but this was an easy 5 star rating for me. The dialogue was so funny and witty, and I loved the combo of romance writer / writer who doesn’t believe in love. This was such a fun and heartfelt read!

I've read 5 other Katherine Center books and I do enjoy her writing. They are usually quick reads. This was much of the same. Girl writer helps boy writer write a Rom-Com...and they fall in love.Shocker. But that’s exactly the point! It is a cute story.. The only part I didn't love was the random parts where the author was talking directly to the reader. I felt like I was watching a movie with the main character breaking in occasionally to narrate.

One big 300+ page swoon for me! Katherine Center always shoots to the top of my TBR pile. I think I've read most, if not all, of her books and this one might be my favorite yet. I laughed out loud, found myself smiling through most of it and I cried actual tears (which is quite unusual for me). I really adored this story, the characters were fantastic, they had depth, some heartbreak and a whole lot of love! Also, the banter was perfect and Emma's wit was top notch! As an added bonus, tt was also fun to get a little bit of a follow-up with Jack and Hannah from The Bodyguard.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book.

Emma and Charlie are an excellent sunshine/grumpy combination. There is just the right amount of chemistry between the 2 main characters for their romance to be believable.

There are so many funny scenes as well as a few heart wrenching ones. Emma’s relationship with her family is amazing.

I also loved the slight cross over with Jack Stapleton and Hannah from the Bodyguard but I think this book stands on its own.

Love, love, love, love. Did I mention love? I love Katherine Center books but this one just may have been my favorite. Emma and Charlie were adorable. I loved their banter, I loved how she didn't back down. I loved her rant about his shitty screen play. I loved Charlie and his buying peonies. I loved his swimming. I loved everything about this book. I was happy for Jack's appearances and to revisit the Bodyguard's universe. 5 solid stars.

Another fun read from Katherine Center! I loved the banter between the leads and each layer of their perspective stories. Sweet and funny — an easy 5 stars!

I don't think I can call this my favorite Katherine Center book, I'm not sure anything can ever top Things You Save in a Fire; but this comes so, so close! I am so excited that I had the chance to read an ARC of this book, having read all of Katherine Center's books, I've been eagerly anticipating this one...and it did not disappoint.

Her sweet writing is fun to read, as is the witty banter. I laughed and cried and couldn't put the book down. Who doesn't love a good cameo too. Read The Bodyguard first to recognize Jack Stapleton and Hannah. Definitely put this at the top of your beach read pile this summer.

Thank you to St. Marin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this wonderful book.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center is a fun read that will have you smiling from ear to ear and laughing out loud at times. This was my first Katherine Center book and it did not disappoint!

Writing: 5/5
I really enjoyed the flow and pacing of this book. I liked that at times I felt like Emma was talking directly to me. It felt like we were friends and she was telling me about her experiences..

Plot: 4/5
I enjoyed the premise of this book. I liked that there were multiple parts to this story such as Charlie and his ex-wife, Emma's family, Emma and Charlie's relationship, Emma and her sister, etc. There was some heavier topics that were explored really well.

Characters: 5/5
Emma was a great FMC. She was vulnerable but also brave and had determination. She was relatable and I felt like I wanted to be her friend. Charlie was unlikable at first but as we got to learn about him I understand some of his words and actions. They both had depth and character growth in the story. There were side characters that I enjoyed as well such as Emma's dad and her sister.

Overall, I am a fan of Katherine Center and will definitely be reading more of her books.

This book will be published on June 11, 2024. Make sure to read this book if you are fan of romantic comedies!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.

This author has an amazing way of making the reader feel that they are a part of the story. As a reader, I was cheering Emma on as she tried to do something for herself for the first time ever. I felt like there was some beauty beneath the beast of Charlie but was interested to hear his story. Emma's dad was so likeable--you wanted him to be yours!!

I devoured this book in twelve hours and was disappointed that it went so fast!

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

WARNING: Do not start reading this book unless you have enough time to finish it! From the very first line, I was completely hooked in the best possible way and read the entire thing cover to cover with a huge, goofy grin on my face. I think Center's books "The Bodyguard" and "Things You Save In a Fire" are two of the best rom coms ever written and this one is right up there with both of them - maybe even better (gasp! shock! awe!).

And, even though we all know there's a happy ending coming (thank goodness, am I right?), this book really does a great job of throwing some curveballs in there that I didn't see coming - such as how Emma ends up in LA working with renowned screenwriter Charlie to begin with. I mean, Logan is walking that thin line between clever and crazy, and I am here for it!

This is one of those rare books where I loved all of the characters, their quirks, the way they come together and even their moments of weakness. They are so human they are begging to jump off the page. Just like Charlie and Emma are writing a script made for the screen - this book needs to be made into a movie - and when it does, I'll be the first in line to see it. Bravo Katherine Center, you are a national treasure. Your books bring such joy to people, like me, and the only thing I wish were different is that the book never had to end.

I don’t know how it’s taken me this long to pick up a Katherine Center book, but I’m sure glad I finally did!! And it definitely won’t be my last!

The Rom-Commers is filled with everything you look for in a rom-com: charming characters, entertaining dialogue, & a funny but also emotional storyline. The banter and sexual tension of the two main characters was palpable. I laughed, I cried, and I immensely enjoyed the story of these two and their journey toward love and self discovery! 💕

4.5 ⭐️ A feel good must read!

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this amazing digital ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center is about Emma who has spent the past decade revolving around her father, who needs around the clock care, as she gets asked by her friend from high school, to live with her idol and famous screenwriter, Charlie, and help him write a romantic comedy script.

This one was SOOO cute, and if it were a romantic comedy movie, it would be one set in the early 2000s, like one of the really good ones… How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days I’m looking at you!!!

What I loved most about this story was how it was told from Emma’s POV. Now usually, I’m a sucker for a double POV, but this story being told from Emma’s perspective was really special because I thought Emma was an incredible narrator. It truly felt like we were in her head, and living this story as her. This writing felt really talented.

I wasn’t a huge fan of Charlie if I’m being honest… he really redeemed himself in the end and I don’t want to “judge” him because of the clear struggles he was battling through this book, but he frustrated me at times!!

All in all, this was a really good book and would make an INCREDIBLE screen adaptation if done well.

Thank you Netgalley and SMP for a copy of an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

OUT ON 06/11/24

Katherine Center has done it again! I think I'm in for a fun and flirty story and instead I get that plus so much depth and heart!

What makes you belly over laughing?

For me it’s people who fart in public or people falling.

I know, I’m awful. We’re supposed to ask if they are ok if they fall or just politely walk away if someone farts but I mean come on man, I can’t do it. It’s hilarious.

If I fart or fall I promise, you can laugh.

Do you want to know what else had me bellied over laughing?

The Rom Commers

Would you look at what I just got my hands on !!!

I was late to the gate when it came to the Katherine Center, craze but once I got my hands on The Rom Commers, my fate was sealed…

I binge read the entire backlog and hung on her every word.

Katherine Center instantly became auto buy. She writes it, I’ll read it.

This jazzy little number right here will have your heart swelling and giggling out loud.

I get it now, Katherine Center is “lit”.

Five Stars

Check out this teaser :

She’s rewriting his love story. But can she rewrite her own?

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.

Emma’s younger sister steps in for caretaking duties, and Emma moves to L.A. for six weeks for the writing gig of a lifetime. But what is it they say? Don’t meet your heroes? Charlie Yates doesn’t want to write with anyone―much less “a failed, nobody screenwriter.” Worse, the romantic comedy he’s written is so terrible it might actually bring on the apocalypse. Plus! He doesn’t even care about the script―it’s just a means to get a different one green-lit. Oh, and he thinks love is an emotional Ponzi scheme.

But Emma’s not going down without a fight. She will stand up for herself, and for rom-coms, and for love itself. She will convince him that love stories matter―even if she has to kiss him senseless to do it. But . . . what if that kiss is accidentally amazing? What if real life turns out to be so much . . . more real than fiction? What if the love story they’re writing breaks all Emma’s rules―and comes true?

PS- when this book releases it’s going to have pink sprayed edges (Eek!!!!) I know! 😍

I think this was a very cute read. Some quotes really got me, and Emma was hilarious. I will have to be honest, though, and say that Charlie’s character confused me. He was grumpy, yet silly, and seemed very into his ex. He was a conundrum I couldn’t crack. I think some of the tropes became overplayed (like overhearing conversations) but I do think overall this was a fun read with enjoyable characters. I just wish there was more with Charlie and Emma’s relationship - it felt like it was missing something.