What a spectacular read! I’ve picked up a few of Katherine Center’s really special books now and all have been just absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to read her back catalogue, especially those that are now on the screen (Netflix movies)!

No one else writes clean romance like she does - in such a way I don’t even miss the steam. The Rom-Commers is a very special story where a romance writer is brought in to help clean up a script by a famous, award winning writer who is only doing a rom-com for a favor to someone so he can get another movie made (one important to him), and he doesn’t care if it flops. Other people do care, which is why Emma is brought in. Charlie Yates, the famous, doesn’t work with anyone else so rejects all attempts, until Emma gets over the hero worship, short of being run out of Hollywood (after reorganizing her entire life of caretaking her very unwell father), and just tells him how awful the script is.

This opposites attract, close proximity, workplace romance with several fantastic surprises (trigger warnings to be heeded about illnesses!), cannot be missed. Center is a pro at writing very emotional journeys that really hit you in the feels without bringing on waterworks, and take us on beautiful adventures with plenty of laughs. I know this is my favourite of the few of her books I’ve read, but it’s a hard pick.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by the immensely talented Patti Murin, who did the previous works of hers I listened to. Murin is one of my favourite voices in the business (and of course in general - such a famous gal!!). She does a beautiful job and honestly, it wouldn’t be a Katherine Center book with anyone else narrating!

I received an advance read and listen copy from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio, and this is my honest feedback.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
I was hooked from the start. This story was so cute with the perfect amount of chuckles mixed in

Emma, an aspiring screenwriter, faced a significant life change following a disastrous family vacation. Prioritizing familial responsibilities over her career aspirations, Emma's dreams were put on hold for years. However, a promising opportunity has now emerged, offering her the chance to collaborate with the renowned screenwriter Charlie Yates on a romantic comedy screenplay. Despite her expertise, Emma encounters a formidable challenge: How can she assist Charlie in crafting a screenplay centered on love and romance when he himself harbors skepticism towards these concepts?

This book was such a blast to read and a nice change from my usual stuff. I enjoyed their banter and the gradual unfolding of their relationship. Overall, I found the book to be another great addition to the author's collection and would recommend it to fellow fans of Katherine Center's work.

***Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

This is the third year in a row that I've read Katherine Center's summer release in advance of publication. It's been an excellent three years—I hope the trend will continue!

The Rom-Commers sports all of Center's trademark banter, relationships of all types, misunderstandings and miscommunications, nuggets of wisdom, and laugh-out-loud humor. By the end, I succumbed to gentle crying, which is not a typical response for me—I was just so invested in the story. In fact, upon review of my notes in preparation for writing this review, it's clear that I so furiously gobbled up the book that I am already ready for a reread!

The audiobook is narrated by Patti Murin, who is nothing short of spectacular! She has so much personality! I've often enjoyed her audiobook narration, so I took a deeper dive into her acting career. I might have seen her on stage as Glinda in Wicked during its first national tour (I saw it twice, but it's long enough ago that I can't immediately put my hands on my show programs). I haven't seen any of her large- or small-screen credits, though I've put a couple of Christmas movies in which she appeared on my library hold list. [If you're not aware of my inexplicable love of Christmas movies, it's kind of a funny story. Whether it's funnier coming from me or my partner is up for debate.] Audiobook exclusives include a bonus scene and a message from the author. A version of the latter is also available on Center's website, I believe. I recommend reading it, as it has just as much heart as her fiction. She makes a pitch for silliness and the value of love stories—both things that improve my quality of life, to be sure! It also talks about pro-social behaviors.

If you're a softy for a love story, rom-coms, or general fun, give yourself the treat of reading this book!

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected June 11.

[EDITED upon completion of second reading, increasing to 4.5⭐]

I loved this one! It was an ode to romcoms in a lot of ways - specifically with the premise being the main characters were actively living out a romcom while working together to write one. Charlie doesn’t “believe” in them but by the end he’s the one who wants the happy ending 🥹 I’m loving this new romance trend of overly tropey ironic romcoms - it reminded me in a lot of ways to True Love Experiment (which I also loved)

I think it’s my favorite KC to date. Forced proximity, workplace romance, and grumpy MMC. Emma and Charlie seemed like opposites but they worked so well together. She never backed down when Charlie challenged her and I loved that about her - she was a strong independent woman who didn’t need no man (but wanted him anyways)

And we even got a few cameo’s from our very own Jack Stapleton from The Bodyguard and now I think it’s time for a reread 😏

🎧 audio was excellent! Patti Murin did an amazing job bringing Emma to life - and her voice for Charlie was gravely and dreamy. Thank you @macmillan.audio for the ALC!

Emma put her life and career on hold to care for her sweetheart-of-a-dad when tragedy struck. Now she gets the opportunity of a lifetime to help re-write a rom-com screenplay with screenwriter Charlie Yates, Emma’s idol, but the job isn’t exactly as described.

I absolutely loved The Rom-Commers! I laughed, I cried, and my heart soared with joy! Hard to go wrong with Katherine Center. There’s always layers, with the characters and with the story. I don’t want to break everything down, because I feel it’s better to go in and experience all the lovely for yourself, but it’s a definite 5-Star recommend!

I alternately read and listened to an audio version of the story, and I can recommend either version. Patti Murrin narrates, and she acted her heart out, bringing out all the emotions, making each character come to life! So wonderful! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

Y'all there is SO MUCH to love about this book. I honestly really enjoyed most of this book but there were a couple of things that brought it down for me and it just didn't hit as hard as Katherine Center's other books (this was my fourth read by her). What I didn't care for was Emma's personality. She was a hot headed redhead for sure. However, I did love the concept of a grumpy action script writer pairing with the queen of romcom writers to, not just improve a romance script, but to learn to love in real life. This wasn't just long distance correspondence. This was close quarters house sharing and writing on a deadline. I loved seeing the two put their judgements aside and learn to get along and get to know each other in order to accomplish their task. Their were funny moments and sweet moments and so much to love.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

I don’t think this author is for me, which is a surprise to me as she is a well loved author. This is my 3rd of her books and they all fall, unfortunately, in the just okay category.

It took me a while to figure out why I didn’t love this one but I think it’s a couple things. I did not like how the narrator talks to the reader, it took me out of the story and I found it distracting. It was also missing the hilarious banter I look for in my favourite romances. And the last thing that lost me was Charlie. I simply did not like him. Overall it felt long and I was eager to be done with it.

Not to say I will never read anything else by this author, but I do think 3 books is enough for me to say we don’t click.

If you’ve read this or love this author I’d love to hear all the reasons you love her! Convince me!

It sure does have a gorgeous cover. Thank you to @stmartinspress for my early copy. This one is out on Tuesday and I have no doubt I am in the minority and it will be popular.

Looking for the perfect summer read? Might I recommend The Rom-Commers? It’s sweet and quirky and heartwarming.

@katherinecenter knows how to write banter and these MCs banter constantly.

Therefore, come for the banter, stay for the deep conversations on caregiving and grief.

Special thanks to @macmillan.audio for the ALC.

Charming story filled with humor, angst, and creative writing. Audio narrator was excellent!
About the forced collaboration of 2 script writers (one romance vs one action) in order to create a better Rom-Com screen play.
My only complaint was the much used word, mansion.
Will recommend to romance readers.

Another 5-star read from Katherine Center. Possibly one of the most on-brand rom-coms you could pick up. It was swoony and hilarious and I could have spent hours more with these characters. By far the best of the best Hollywood setting, grumpyxsunshine, forced proximity, slow burn romances that I've encountered. I finished this book in one day and I want to revisit it and love and laugh with these characters all over again.

Do yourself the favor of listening to this one on Audio. Patti Murin does a phenomenal job narrating. this first-person, single POV. I could listen to her bring characters to life every day for the rest of my life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an ALC.

I have such mixed thoughts about this one.

Both MCs have an incredible about of trauma they are working through and, as a result, their protective mechanisms cause them to keep others at a distance. For Emma it manifested as catastrophizing and a need to control everything about her life and her father's care. Things started to improve half-way through, but then at 80% Emma became a jerk again. The way she treated her sister was unwarranted. It was like all of the self-reflection and improvements she made didn't even occur.

For Charlie, his coping mechanism was the need to keep everyone around him at arms length. I enjoyed reading along as he discovered what romance was and there were some super cute moments where he really tried with Emma. But then he got THAT phone call and it all went down the drain.

Overall, I really wanted to love it, but it just didn't get there for me in the end. The last 10% was so emotional and so good but I think it took too long to get there and show us a more likable side to Emma and Charlie.

I have liked other releases from Katherine and I think I'll try her again with another release. The Rom-Commers just wasn't for me.

That said, I thought the audio was really well done. Patti Murin did a great job voicing Emma and made her so real. I think that's why my feelings on this book are so strong. I would recommend the audio to those who already have this on their TBR and are interested in reading.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Katherine Center for an early listening copy. These are my honest thoughts.

SCREAMING, CRYING, NOT THROWING UP BUT CLOSE. It's been a while since I haven't been able to put down a romance and it is EASILY a 5-star book for me. This book reeled me in from the very beginning. The character development is great, there are two main characters and a few supporting, which made it super easy to keep on track and connect to everyone. You'll laugh and cry alongside Emma and Charlie as they learn to navigate being forced to work together by a mutual friend/manager. If this is on your TBR do not hesitate. I'll now be binging all Katherine Center's books!

I am a huge Katherine Center fan, but true confessions.....I struggled with last year's release of Hello Stranger (I didn't hate it but I didn't love it as much as I have her others). I was a little nervous to pick up this year's newest, but there was no need to worry. I loved it! I see the book has gotten some mixed reviews, but I am here to tell you that I enjoyed the underlying premise of the book (two screenwriters working together on a rom-com when one of the writers does not believe in love) as well as the way the plot unfolded. I loved the characters and how they developed throughout the story. I loved the relationship between Emma and Charlie as well as Emma and her dad. I would not be sad to see these characters make another appearance in a new book!

I really enjoyed this. Patti Murin has become a favorite audiobook narrator. It starts slow so give it a chance--picks up after she gets to LA. My personal preference is more spice, but if you are a reader who prefers a romance without explicit sex scenes then this one is for you. I didn't realize I was missing it until the end so you don't need it. Author's note at the end also a bonus. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the AAC and the opportunity to share my review.

"The Rom-Commers" by Katherine Center is a must read, with a perfect blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt character development. Personally, I felt deeply connected to Emma, who undergoes significant personal growth throughout the story. Especially as an older sister, I found myself relating to her journey. Center's ability to create such an understandable and engaging character made the story feel incredibly personal and touching.

The humor in this book is simply unbeatable. I found myself laughing out loud countless times, only to be swept off my feet by the romantic moments that followed. The way Center masterfully balances humor and romance creates a delightful rollercoaster of emotions that keeps you hooked from start to finish. It’s rare to find a book that can evoke such a wide range of emotions, but "The Rom-Commers" does so with grace and finesse.

The narration in this book, as with all Katherine Center books, is absolute perfection. Patti Murin brings the characters to life and makes the listening experience so enjoyable.

Katherine Center has truly crafted a gem with "The Rom-Commers." It’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a heartwarming love story. This truly is a perfect reminder of why we love rom-coms in the first place.

What to expect:
Strong Female Protagonist
Family Dynamics
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Laugh Out Loud Moments

Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, and Katherine Center for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Interesting story. What happens when you have put your life on hold for everyone else and you suddenly get the chance to work with your screenwriting hero? Your family gives you the opportunity to go and you take off for Hollywood. Great characters with a fun storyline.

This was my first Katherine Center, and I can see why she’s so popular. Everything was very cute. But at times, I felt like the light-hearted cuteness of it all conflicted with the heavier themes Center was trying to pump in, such as parental loss, disability, illness, etc. Those two aspects to the story, the light-hearted putting-it-all-out-there for love and the real-life sadness that can get in the way of love, felt in opposition to one another. I’ve seen it done well (Kennedy Ryan, Emily Henry, etc), and this didn’t quite feel right.

I also just… didn’t care for the FMC. Like at all. She was exasperatingly naive for a fully grown, college-teaching, screenplay-writing woman. She also felt superficial. Like aside from her stubborn commitment to her belief in the concept of love, I don’t think there was much to her. And maybe that was on purpose. By making the main character more of an idea-on-legs rather than a person, Center allows every reader to put themselves in the role of leading lady.

All that being said, I enjoyed the book. I liked the forced proximity and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic. I liked two artists sharing their love for their craft. I liked the mutual respect, the banter, and the slow burn. I liked the small-town-girl goes to Hollywood story. And I actually didn’t mind that this was closed door. The tropes were really really well done.

Overall, I think this book is intended for a reader who’s more of an optimistic idealist than I am. Therefore, I expect this one will be really, really popular.

Katherine Center has done it again! I absolutely adore this story. I listened to the audiobook and really loved the narrator as well. I really love reading about people in the book world, weather it's a reader, publish or a screen writer.
The plot was super cute. A famous cute screenwriter who writes a really bad rom-com, and gets forced to get a "ghost writer" for help with it. What could go wrong? Or Right.

I love stories like these that have multiple stories within them. It's not just a "rom-com" but a slice of life with other members of the family too. I like the family aspect even tho some times it can be a serious or sad situation.

I am very new to New Adult/ Regular Fiction stories. I tend to read mostly thrillers of all kinds, horror, and non- spicy romance / rom coms. This was my 3rd by this author and now I can say with certainty that she is a favorite author.

The only slight thing I wasn't crazy about was the MMC name, Charlie Yates. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't written out sooo much. The first 4th of the book, his name was written in full way too many times. But once she met him, she didn't have to be so excited about him anymore. LOL

This was a bit disappointing and forgettable to be honest. I didn’t connect with the characters and Charlie was kind of a jerk throughout the whole book. The fight between Emma and her sister at the end almost made me DNF the book and the big reveal at the end was not realistic or swoony. Just skip this one.