Emma Wheeler is a screenwriter who writes the perfect rom coms. The problem? Emma is busy taking care of her Dad who needs 24/7 care and her scripts have not received the recognition they deserve. Until, she gets the opportunity of a life time! Help famous screenwriter, Charlie Yates re-write his first ever rom com. What could possibly go wrong? Well, Charlie doesn't want help especially from a "nobody screenwriter." But, Emma is desperate to help him re-write the atrocity of a love story he has created and change his mind about love in general.
Review:
4.5 stars
This was the first Katherine Center book I have read and I will say that it will NOT be the last. Wow! I loved this story. The comedy and wit of these characters is fantastic! I loved the way it was written. It felt like I was inside a movie being told and shown the scenes throughout the story. I felt emotional at times, I laughed, I smiled, I teared up, I got angry (just tell her!!!!). A story that entices all kinds of my emotions is a GREAT book! The Rom-Commers publishes on 6/11 and you will definitely want to pick this one up!
Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center, and St. Martin's Press for this ARC of The Rom-Commers in exchange for an honest review!

Emma Wheeler has always put others before herself. She gets the opportunity of a lifetime to help her favorite author Charlie Yates rewrite a romantic comedy script. Finally putting herself first she travels to LA to work with him. This was my first Katherine Center book and I really enjoyed it. I liked how the characters relationship grew and their banter was fun to read. This would be a great summer read.

Loved this one! So cute and easy to read with lots of character growth. My favorite Katherine center book I’ve read in a while!

**Review of "The Rom-Commers" by Katherine Center**

Reading "The Rom-Commers" by Katherine Center felt like stepping into a world full of playful banter and the classic grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The book’s charm lies in its humor and engaging dialogue, which kept me entertained and curious about what would happen next.

Emma, an optimistic writer, teams up with her idol, the moody Charlie Yates. The grumpy/sunshine trope comes through as Emma’s enthusiasm meets Charlie’s gruff exterior, creating moments that are both amusing and heartwarming. Their relationship’s evolution from contentious to collaborative had its delightful points.

However, Emma’s fangirling was sometimes a bit much, especially given Charlie’s often dismissive and rude behavior. It was hard not to cringe as she overlooked his insults, both to her face and behind her back. This dynamic, while interesting, sometimes made the characters feel a bit insufferable. Emma’s starry-eyed adoration and Charlie’s brusqueness created a tension that felt more frustrating than endearing at times.

While the book held my attention with its engaging premise and enjoyable tropes, the ending left me wanting more. The climax didn’t quite deliver the satisfying, triumphant “happily ever after” that I crave in a good rom-com. Additionally, Charlie’s character arc felt somewhat underdeveloped. His growth and transformation seemed rushed, lacking the depth needed to fully justify his change by the story’s end.

Despite these points, "The Rom-Commers" offers a fun escape into a world where opposites attract and the journey to love is paved with laughter and tension. It’s an entertaining read with memorable moments, even if the characters occasionally test your patience. If you enjoy banter, celebrity crushes, and the grumpy/sunshine trope, this book is worth a read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Katherine Center for the early read of The Rom-Commers!

I adore Katherine Center's writing- her stories are often times so unique and her character's banter never fails to have me rolling. I enjoyed so many parts of this story- I loved how Charlie and Emma were both screenwriters, I loved the forced proximity, and I loved Emma's friendship with Logan. The ending was also adorable and had a perfect "rom-com" worthy gesture.

For me though, as many redeeming qualities the the MMC had, there were too many instances where he was just mean! He would say cruel things, Emma would overhear him talking poorly about her, his actions and words would often conflict and although he might have had his reasons, I have a hard time rooting for a character that is ultimately a little toxic.

I would say I liked this book but didn't love it. There are SO many amazing KC books out there, this one just isn't a favorite.

This was a cute, easy read. Obviously it was a tad predictable, but overall the characters were likable enough even if I find it tiresome that the messy, or unattractive (she was low-key portrayed this way early on) is always a curly haired redhead. It happens in media ALL THE TIME, like redheads and curly hair = less appealing. Because of this, I didn't get a lot of chemistry from this couple or that I would actually see this going where the book obviously was going to go (ie, romantic) My one (other) main issue was really just about the situation that came up between sisters. To avoid spoilers, I will leave it at it didn't feel very authentic to their characters and how they had been portrayed leading up to it. It seemed more harsh and intense and really, it didn't fit for me...The ending was a little hard to believe, it seemed just too convenient. overall, a 3* is a good review for me, it's a cute, easy read, just not memorable.

Good gravy I devoured that!! I loved Emma and Charlie but I think Logan and Cuthbert might have stolen the books. Plus a Jack and Hannah sighting!

Emma Wheeler has spent her whole life studying and writing romantic comedies while also being her dad’s full-time caregiver, delaying her dreams of becoming a full-time screenwriter. Until she is given the chance to rewrite a screenplay for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates—someone she has always admired from a far. Little does she know how difficult it’s going to be to write a convincing love story with someone who doesn’t even believe in love himself.

This was such a heartwarming and emotional story, with characters I really felt for. Emma and Charlie are polar opposites, as we quickly find out, but their banter and honesty with one another made their connection feel genuine, and not once forced. I especially loved Emma’s relationship with her dad and seeing her learn to prioritize herself after always putting herself and her career second! She was a very admirable character.

I absolutely loved The Bodyguard by Katherine Center, so it was no surprise that I ended up enjoying this one as much as I did. Thank you to St Martins Press & Netgalley for the ARC!

The Rom-Commers is a fun twist on a romantic comedy book. Emma Wheeler's best friend arranged a once in a lifetime opportunity for her to work with a famous writer, Charlie Yates. He tends to write action packed scripts. This time around, he takes a chance at writing a rom com script. Let's just say that this is not his forte. When Emma has the chance to read through a draft of it, she tears into it with all different kinds of improvements. Emma is hesitant to relocate to LA for this opportunity since her dad needs a full-time caregiver. She knows what a huge deal this is and her younger sister agrees to be the caretaker for 6 weeks. The next few weeks are full of lots of script revising, but also some bonding between Emma and Charlie.

I enjoyed this concept behind this book. It was a really fun and light hearted read. There were some parts of this book that made me smile. Certain parts of this book were raw and realistic by highlighting the fact that sometimes love requires some trial and error. The author seemed to make the concept of love seem more realistic instead of like a fairytale. Because of this, I feel like this story might be easier for some readers to relate to. This book was such a compelling story from start to finish!

Charlie is a famous screenwriter who wants to get his mafia script sold, but needs to impress a producer with a romcom script first...and it's pretty terrible. Emma is also a screenwriter, but has had to put her life on hold while caring for her dad for the past ten years. When the opportunity to work (ghostwrite) with her idol on a romcom arises, she takes the opportunity.

Charlie has been burnt in the past and pretty much hates romcoms, so he doesn't really care about the script. Emma really wants it to see the light of day, she just has to convince Charlie to love romcoms.

I really loved these characters. Emma is super sarcastic and snark, which reminds me of myself. I kept laughing at the stuff she'd say. Lots of really good one liners. Charlie is a grump, but there's more than meets the eye and he's actually pretty lovable. Also, lots of SWOON.

Overall, I loved it. This may be my favorite of Katherine Center's so far!

Disclaimer: As much as this book is a rom com, it deals with some heavy topics. Charlie has had cancer. Emma's mom's death ( as well as her dad's injury), although in the past, is on page and I felt it was semi graphic. So, keep those in mind when deciding if you want to read. The books was great, but if those are sensitive topics, you do what's best for you.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Rom-Commers is exactly what a great rom-com should be. Funny, sweet, a little slapsticky, and full of heart.

Emma Wheeler always wanted to be a screenwriter. But when an accident left her dad in need of a full-time caretaker, she put her dreams on hold to take care of him and give her sister a normal life. Now, though, a chance to work with her favorite screenwriter of all time has landed in her lap, and both her father and her sister insist she take it. Except it turns out that Charlie Yates, the screenwriter in question, has no idea that she's been brought on board to fix his tragically terrible affront of a rom-com. And he doesn't exactly play nice with others.

This book is a little bit meta when it comes to rom-coms, filled with plenty of jokes and references, but it also tells its own story. I loved the heft of Emma's backstory - becoming a caretaker and forgetting what it means to have anything for yourself - and the way that the book didn't just brush past it or resolve her father's chronic illness with a magic wand. Charlie also has a strong backstory and I loved the way that Emma both acknowledges that he can genuinely be an asshole and knows how to see through it. Their chemistry was the best part of this book - as it should be - and honestly, I wished we'd gotten to see sparks fly more often. The slowness of the burn was really my only complaint.

Overall, I laughed a lot and really fell in love with all of the characters. Plus, Meryl Streep shows up at one point.

4.25/5

THE ROM-COMMERS by Katherine Center is an absolutely delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy that truly has everything – wonderful characters, humor and an unexpectedly sweet love story with the requisite happily ever after. Emma Wheeler dreams of being a screenwriter for romantic comedies, something she is really great at. But when her darling dad ends up needing full-time care, Emma gives up the chance of a lifetime to be his caretaker. She can’t believe it when her agent gets her the chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter, Charlie Yates, who is her writing hero. It seems too good to be true. Her sister agrees to care for their dad while Emma moves to LA for the six weeks it will take to re-write the script. But when she arrives at his home, Charlie makes it clear there is no way he is writing with anyone, especially a nobody like Emma. Emma refuses to quit and what follows is a funny and emotional journey that held me captive with every page. I won’t say much more other than I loved the story, the characters and every other little thing about this perfectly-crafted rom-com. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

Emma and Charlie’s story was filled with everything a good love story needs. The way they brought out the best in each other, loved each other unconditionally, and helped each other through the hardest times was everything I could expect and more. I loved the journey of them writing a screenplay together and going on dates for “research”. This story gave me butterflies and had me blushing. Loved that it was closed door too! I will definitely be reading more from Katherine Center.

It’s time y’all!! Tomorrow, June 11, everyone can get a copy of Katherine Center’s new release, The Rom-Commers! I was so excited when my friends at St. Martin’s Press sent an early egalley, I read this back in January. I loved it so much I read it again in March. When I got the chance to request the audio from Macmillan Audio I jumped, because KCtr writing + Patti Murin narrating is flipping unbeatable. I don’t like to pick favorites, but this may be my new favorite rom-com.
Emma Wheeler has immersed herself in the art of screenwriting for years. She’s dreamed of it, studied it, but like the best rom-com heroine she’s got one big obstacle. She’s the sole caregiver for her father. But was she too busy to pursue her dream and a personal life, or did she busy herself into perfection ensuring she didn’t have time for either? Charlie Walker is a legendary writer, with awards and accolades most never dream about. To get his next project to production he has to write a rom-com. How do you write a love story when you don’t believe in love, and think the genre is silly? Emma agrees to co-write with her idol but soon finds Charlie never agreed to the matchup. This pairing seems doomed from the start. Rom-com gold!
Katherine Center takes what seems a simple premise and brings so much more. It’s that X-factor. In the author’s note of her last book, Hello Stranger, she lays out a literary manifesto in support of romance novels. This is her mission statement, it’s joyful, passionate, and I’m so glad to be along for the ride. I adored Emma and Charlie’s journey, the ongoing healing, because life isn’t a linear path.
For audiophiles I highly recommend this format. Patti Murin is back to narrate and does a phenomenal job capturing both Emma and Charlie’s voice. I loved the awkwardness and determination of Emma, the quiet and protective side Charlie. Murin adds that next level performance I’m always looking for in my audiobooks that immerses and invests me deeply.

Emma is a likable character from the start, Charlie on the other hand is not so much. He is an award winning, famous screenwriter who doesn’t believe in love. She is a romance lover to her core and is tricked into a ghost writing situation to help Charlie fix his crappy rom-com.

Center is one of those authors who always makes me smile while reading. This book was everything I’ve come to expect from KC.

My favorite parts:
-the drunk pool/swan dive scene … I was cackling!
-Emma’s dad’s speech in the epilogue. It was perfect and is an absolute must read
-the Author’s Note … she always makes me cry in these

4 Stars
I loved The Bodyguard by this author so I was pleasantly surprised to get more of Jack Stapleton in this book! This book is from Emma's POV and she was such a fun character to follow and had me rooting for her and Charlie from the start. I love how Charlie redeems himself in this (I cried when we got to that part in the end with Emma, the screenplay, and that video!!) and seeing his growth through Emma's perspective was great. I highlighted so many quotes from Emma's dad from his talk with her towards the end because they were so good (and as someone who only had use of one hand at one point I sobbed and found him so relatable lol). This one might be my new favorite from this author!

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

The Rom-Commers is funny and endearing story involving two writers working together on a rom-com screenplay. I liked how the main character, Emma, felt very confident with herself even after purposefully stunting her personnel growth while taking care of her father. The story is easy and fun to read except for the parts when Charlie kept shutting down Emma and her feelings. Emma put up being pushed away and told she was unwanted more than felt comfortable. Some of the best and most quotable moments of the entire book are when Emma is talking to her father and sister. Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC to review.

5⭐️ this book is truly like a love story to love. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours and when I tell you that I could not put it down, I just could not put it down. I had to know how the love story between Emma and Charlie ended. When it comesto closed door romances, Katherine Center can do no wrong. I always love the level of self discovery her female main characters have, and how relatable they are. This is up there contending with one of my favorite romances of 2024!

This was an advanced read copy I received through Netgalley so it’s not going to be officially published until June 11, 2024! But this is my honest review!

Add this book to your to read list, I promise you won’t regret it! & then let me know what you thought!

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When Emma gets the chance to write a romantic comedy screenplay with her favorite screenwriter, Charlie Yates, she thinks she’s made it. But when he had no idea she was coming to write with him and he doesn’t believe in love or romance, it immediately spells disaster. As he caves in and agrees to let her help, she convinces him to go method and do some of the fun things the characters do in the book. They line dance, they cook together, they go to the farmers market…and they start to fall for each other.

I loved this book so much. The writing was fantastic which isn’t unusual for a Katherine Center book, but the chemistry between the two characters was so palpable. Couldn’t love the two of them together more! A perfect summery read.

I will always read a new Katherine Center book. The Rom Commers is another winner. Maybe my favorite! not only do I love her writing style and the topics about which she writes, I always seem to learn a little something new. Emma Wheeler has a dream. She wants so badly to be a successful screenwriter. Her friend in the business sets her up with Charlie Yates, who is a superstar in the screenwriter world. Emma has responsibilities that hold her back. Charlie has baggage that keeps him from believing he can ever love another person. I highly recommend this book.