This was such a cute, sweet, and well-written rom-com! It felt exactly like I was reading a book version of the classic rom-com movies of the 80s and 90s (can we bring those back!?).

Patti Murin was a great narrator for the audiobook and especially for the leading lady, Emma Wheeler.

This was my first Katherine Center novel, and while I think she is a fantastic romance writer, I didn’t realize that she was known for more wholesome stories. This is a closed-door romance with no steam. It is 100% sweet! Not knowing this, I was waiting the whole book for something to happen 😂 As an audiobook though, this really worked for me because I tend to cringe at spicy scenes when they’re narrated. Also if you have teenager who is interested in reading romances, this is one I personally would 100% think is appropriate.

Thank you Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC! The Rom-Commers is out 6/11!

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. How will Mr. Grumpy and Miss Sunshine write a romance, can they keep it professional?

This book was a 5 star for me. I am a huge Katherine Center (KC) fan. This is my new favorite by her!! The banter she portrays between her main characters is truly perfection. They were hilarious. I was laughing and crying in this latest KC. If you love a grumpy and sunshine trope this is the book for you. In true KC form she gives enough intimacy to leave it closed door but you don’t feel like you are missing out. There is so much chemistry between Emma and Charlie.  Lastly, I loved the Easter egg she left for us in this one. It took me far too long in the book to realize it and once I did I couldn’t stop smiling, well done!

I can see this absolutely being a summer favorite. 

Thank you Netgalley & Macmillian Audio for this ARC. This book arrives on shelves June 11, 2024.

Okay, let's get real about this book. Emma is a total gem - relatable, lovable, and just a burst of sunshine. She's like that friend you can't get enough of, and I could listen to her all day. She's a hoot, but there's so much depth to her, especially when she opens up about her fears. But what really got me was her bold passion for the romance genre. It made me stop and think about all the great points she brought up.

Now, Charlie is the polar opposite of Emma. He's grumpy, set in his ways, but surprisingly sweet. You'll see what I mean when you dive into this book. It's hard not to spill the tea while writing this review, but I'll do my best.

This book had me laughing most of the time, but there's also some drama as we uncover more about Emma's past and her relationships with her father and sister. Charlie's situation is a bit concerning, but this isn't one of those novels that leaves you in tears.

Oh, and guess what? It ends with a HEA (happily ever after). I won't spoil it further, but "The Rom-commers" was an absolute delight as an audiobook. Patti Murin's narration was spot on. If you're into audiobooks, Katherine Center's reading is a bonus with an extra scene. The book is engaging, funny, emotional, and full of hope - everything I adore and expect from a Katherine Center novel.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for my free audiobook for review.

I haven't read a book by Katherine Center that I have not enjoyed. This one is no different. I laughed, I cried. I felt everything. A cutesy rom com with raw and real emotions. A very sweet and hopeful story.

4.5 stars rounded up

What to expect in this book:

-Grumpy/sunshine
-Screenwriters and Hollywood life
-Exploration of grief and medical diagnoses
-Feel good/comforting characters
-Father/Daughter relationships
-Fantastic on audio!

Thoughts

This is my seventh and now FAVORITE Katherine Center book. Katherine's books are always such feel good reads with likable and relatable characters. This one is for the eldest daughters! Emma Wheeler longs to be a screenwriter but circumstances have prevented her from being able to live out her Hollywood dreams. After her father had a terrible accident, she became his sole caretaker. When she gets the chance to re-write the script on a romantic comedy for her long time screenwriter idol, Charlie Yates, Emma knows that this is an offer she cannot refuse. Until... she meets Charlie and realizes that he does not believe in rom-coms or maybe even love at all. Emma is set to convince Charlie that love stories matter.. maybe so much so that the love story they are writing might actually come true?

If you are looking for a sweet, clean romance, Katherine Center is always an amazing choice. I love the depth that she provides to her characters' stories and the connections that they form. I had such empathy for Emma as she cared for her father and had such a close bond with him. Emma was optimistic without being annoying and Charlie brought a sense of sadness that I think was a great balance to the story. I loved how the author spoke about suffering in many different forms from health to loss. There were so many beautiful lines that I think many of us can relate to. I really saw this book in my head and can imagine this being an amazing movie!

I loved how Emma had to teach Charlie about love and romance, in some ways it reminded me of some of my favorite rom-coms like 27 Dresses. But also, we need to talk about how there was a guinea pig and I loved Cuthbert so much! I enjoyed the mentions of mental health and processing of grief and loss as well. Ultimately, I know this is one I will be recommending to all my friends, especially those who love a happily ever after. Thank you so much to #NetGalley and McMillian audio for the advanced copies of this in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and, of course, Katherine Center. Getting access to a book before anyone else is exciting but, when it’s one from your favorite author- a whole other level! I love/hate finishing her books. I easily could have written best book by K. Center & will probably be your favorite summer read - but I’ll give you a little more.

** The title gave me an idea of the plot and the author’s expected quirky humor. I can always expect some serious life circumstances mixed in reading Katherine Center book, she does not pick cookie cutter storylines and characters. This is why I like her books. They are not fluff, shiny, and pretty. You will feel deeply and hope like mad that love wins. **

The Rom-Comers, caught me right away. The main character Emma cares deeply for others and is passionate about her love for romantic comedies. She works from home (which allows for her to care for her ailing father) writing screenplays that most people will never see, but it pays the bills. Her boss or manager happens to be her ex-boyfriend from ages ago, who is now happily dating a younger man. The system must work as she makes enough money to pay for the apartment and her baby sister has been able to finish college.

The day her sister is to come home and celebrate her graduation, Emma gets a call about a possible opportunity. And not just any opportunity…. She would get to work with Charlie Yates, the best writer on the planet. The legend, he’s just amazing….BUT apparently he wrote a romantic comedy. And he does not write romantic comedies. Emma figures it can’t be that bad….. then she read it. it’s the worst thing she’s ever read. So the opportunity is for her to go and help him fix it.

At least that’s the opportunity the way it’s told her. When she gets there, she finds out a completely different story. She’s livid and embarrassed.

The development of Emma is so profound. Her entire life has been behind the scenes. However, there is so much more to her. As you read -you want her to come out of her shell and say what she’s thinking and feeling. See her achieve success and find love.

Charlie Yates, the famous screenwriter. He comes across so pompous and full of himself. As you read, you want to find out what he’s hiding, why he puts on this arrogant front. What keeps him from letting Emma in…. You can tell he cares about her.

There is so much more to the story and I love how each character is so intentionally described. It makes them have a purpose throughout the plot. Because in the beginning, a person may be mentioned and you are unsure why and in the end you find out, there is a much deeper meaning to the relationship.

Throughout the book, there are serious parts when it comes to Charlie and how he was having writer’s block. Or Emma’s father and how he deals with his daily ailments.

This is probably my favorite book I’ve read by Katherine Center. It was almost impossible to write a review for this book because I wanted to tell you everything about it. But I am a person that doesn’t like giving everything away.

My favorite things about this book were the humor, how each person in the book had a purpose, and how difficult subjects were talked about just like real life.

Must read! Loved!

I loved this audiobook. Audiobooks are not normally my style but this one had me hooked! The narrator does such a great job of capturing all the emotions from the characters. I had heard so many good things about this author and was really excited to get to listen tot his early. I love a good rom com with great banter and the banter in this story was great! I really felt the characters and loved their journeys and their path to each other. I can’t wait to read more from Katherine Center. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the listen of a great book!

“Love is something you can learn. Love is something you can practice. It’s something you can choose to get good at. And here’s how you do it…Appreciate your person.”

Emma Wheeler has had dreams of making it big as a writer, dreams she hasn't let herself think about in years...until her big break comes along: she's offered the chance to write a screenplay with the legendary Charlie Yates. The catch? It's a rom-com...a rom-com Charlie is only writing to get his big Mafia movie made...a rom-com penned by a man who doesn't believe in love.

I mean what could go wrong?! 😆😆 Loved it! Loved. It. This book is both laugh-out-loud funny and extremely endearing. It’s a grumpy meets sunshine, set in Hollywood. THE most perfect backdrop for a grumpy award winning Hollywood-ite and a naive, yet strong, ball of sunshine with wild curly hair.

I loved these characters so much! They are so real they were jumping off of the page and out of my headphones and straight into my heart. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them yet. And isn’t that just simultaneously the best AND worst feeling?!

I also really enjoyed the bonus scene in the audiobook. That was such a fun look at one of the best scenes in the book from Charlie’s perspective. Such a fun addition! Patti Murin just nails the narration of these characters. 10/10 recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for the ALC and ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This story gave me everything that I want in a rom-com. It was funny, deep, and it gave me all the warm fuzzies. I absolutely loved it.

Many thanks for providing me with an audiobook copy of “The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book by Katherine Center. I have read or listened to several of her books, and I can truly say I have not been disappointed with any of them. She brings her characters to life and has many twists and turns as they struggle with their relationships. She has the characters find each other while working through their differences always make for a great book to read. I cannot wait to read another of her books!
Thank you NetGalley, Katherine Center and Macmillan Audio for the copy of The Rom-Commers. This is my personal review.

The Rom-Commers
by Katherine Center
5/5 ⭐️

The Rom-Commers is a romantic comedy about two screenwriters working on a rom-com. It is perfection! Katherine Center is a genius! I loved how she crossed over characters from The Bodyguard. Emma Wheeler and Charlie Yates have this electric chemistry from day one and their banter is impeccable. I loved everything about this book from the guinea pig to the hidden awards!
Along with the romantic storyline, @katherinecenter gives us a little family drama which thickens the plot. I enjoyed the narration by Patti Murin. The bonus scene and author’s note were a plus too. The Rom-Commers comes out June 11th, be sure to grab your copy!

Read if you like:
🛏️Forced proximity
📝Workplace romance
😠Grumpy vs. sunshine ☀️

Thank you to @Macmillan.Audio and @netgalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. All my opinions are my own.
Publication Date: June 11, 2024

First, you can’t convince me that Logan and Emma aren’t based on Will & Grace! That drew me in immediately, but the rest of the story was absolute perfection. It’s an ode to all your favorite romcoms – you know, the good ones from the 90s and early 2000s. The ones with a little miscommunication, characters being too hard on themselves, cliché kisses and scenarios, but instead of getting annoyed, you savor each moment because you know there’s a happily ever after coming. This is my second Katherine Center novel, and I’m definitely diving into her entire backlog. I only have two other romcom authors whose books I religiously follow and autobuy, but Katherine Center is officially added to that list. Incredibly grateful to receive an eArc and audiobook from NetGalley and Macmillan audio. Pub day is June 11th and I have definitely ordered a physical copy for the shelves. The Rom-commers is a PERFECT romcom.

I went between the ebook and the audiobook narrated by Patti Murin for this one. I'll have to say that I loved having it read to me by such a delightful narrator.

I have totally enjoyed everything I've read by Katherine Center and it seems like they are all pretty different from each other and distinctly wonderful. This one dealt with some health issues, grief, taking your chance in life and caring for aging parents. It also dealt with love...and romance.

Emma is a published author of rom-coms and Charlie is a super successful writer of just about all genres--except romance. He really doesn't seem to have a romantic bone in his body, so when he writes a truly tragically awful rom-com, his agent pairs him with Emma. She's supposed to fix it by writing it with him. He, however, doesn't want anything to do with a collaboration.

Charlie and Emma have so many humorously awkward moments before they get to anything resembling romance that I would have normally started to wonder if it would even happen. But, since it is a rom-com it was bound to happen and well worth the wait. It was wonderful to experience the shifting in Charlie's attitude and the beginning of his softer feelings for Emma.

And oh my gosh, the canned biscuits!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for these copies. All thoughts are my own.

There's just something about a Katherine Center book that always gets me!

Emma wants to be a screenwriter, specifically romcoms, one day. But she currently is caregiver for her dad, who has medical issues and needs care. Logan, who is her manager and also her ex, approaches her with a chance to work with one of her idols, Charlie Yates, in rewriting his first romcom script. She is able to get her sister to come stay with her dad for a while.

Off Emma goes for this too good to be true opportunity. However. No one told Charlie this was happening and boy do they get off on the wrong foot.

Their banter was stellar and their humor had me giggling. I enjoyed these characters and being a long for the ride on their story.

I loved the audio and it brought the story to life for me.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press for an eARC, and MacMillan Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

The Rom-Commers is a delightfully enjoyable rom-com that weaves together themes of family obligations and mental health with wit and charm. Emma Wheeler finally gets her big break when she's given the opportunity to rewrite a script for her idol but this dream opportunity comes with its challenges, including leaving behind her role as caretaker for her father and facing off against Charlie's cynicism about love.

The dynamic between Emma and Charlie is both hilarious and heartwarming as they clash over their differing views on love and rom-coms.

As with many of Katherine Center's books, what sets this apart from other rom-coms is its ability to balance lighthearted humor with deeper themes. The exploration of family dynamics and the character's health adds depth to the story, making it not just a fluffy romance but a exploration of personal growth and self-discovery.

The narrator, Patti Murin, does a wonderful job delivering the witty writing and added another level of enjoyment to this read.

This is a feel-good read that will leave you smiling and believing in the magic of love and second chances. With its lovable characters, witty dialogue, and heartwarming romance, it's a book that's sure to delight fans of rom-coms.

What an absolutely delightful rom com. Charlie and Emma are tasked with writing a romantic comedy screenplay. Moving back and forth between the writing of the movie and watching Charlie and Emma's own love story unfold was crafted so well. This book gave me all the feels - straight up rollercoaster. It might be my new favorite Katherine Center. The title is absolutely perfect.

I highly recommend the audiobook! The narrator was great and there's a BONUS scene from Charlie's point of view (SO cute!) and an author's note!

This book was just OK for me. Never read a Katherine Center book so went in blind on what to expect from the author. I unfortunately didn’t really find it romantic or comedic. I need a rom com book to make me laugh out loud and feel the feels. The premise seemed cute but also overdone. Another ‘I’m a writer hoping for my break’ grumpy sunshine storyline. I was hoping I’d be intrigued with the characters but nothing really captured me while reading this. I didn’t feel a connection to any character at all, and while some of the banter was ok, it simply didn’t entertain me as much as I had hoped. Emma actually bothered me at times. And how she was rude with her sister …rubbed me the wrong way. I also do need to consider it could have been how this was read by the narrator. Narrators can make or break an audio book for me. So maybe that played a part in it too. I do think Charlie was just kind of mean to Emma and of course we find out why at the end. But also that ending frustrated the heck out of me. The finding out the Big C was a mistake diagnosis - I will say this IS probably a huge part of why I’m rating this a 3.5. As someone who was diagnosed with cancer recently, that kind of mistake is simply bullshit. So unlikely to actually happen that way. And it’s also the kind of luck I think all of us cancer patients wish we had, so am I bitter? Lol probably. But in reality that one thing was just too unrealistic for me.

A sweet story though a tad lacking in depth. I wasn't able to connect with the lead character though I appreciated the complicated faily position she'd found herself in. Though predictable over all, still a cute story. The narrator of the audiobook fits the tone well. 3 Stars.

I was really excited to get this book and even more excited to be able to listen to it in audiobook form. There’s something about fun summer romances while going on long walks that just “does it” if you know what I mean. Unfortunately, this wasn’t exactly what I was expecting… and that made it less enjoyable than I thought it would be. The main characters each have their own “stuff” they are working through which yes, provides conflict and allows room for growth.. but it also was pretty distracting at times and sometimes just felt like a big downer. This also might not have been the best time for me to read a book like this having just gone through a death in my family and so I did not want to spend my fun listening time listening to the pretty tragic story that colors the female main character’s personality. All that being said, I loved the peek into the writing process and the love of romance/history of romance in general and fully stand behind the premise of the book and how important romance and love stories are to tell. So Brava for that. Would I recommend this one to my friends? Sure, if they haven’t recently gone through something tragic in their own family - why not. But if you’re looking for an easy breezy summer book read… this one might not be it. Thank you for NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC and on to the next one!

THE ROM-COMMERS by @katherinecenter is another five star book for me! Dare I say this one took the crown for my favorite KC book list. Let me tell you why I loved this book.

1. Starting with the title. With a title like The Rom-Commers, I’m here for it! Who doesn’t love a good rom-com?

2. The main characters, Emma and Charlie, are wonderful. Their banter is funny and adorable.

3. The tenderness of their relationship, the grief, the humor. It was all the feels.

4. There was a Jack Stapleton cameo (The Bodyguard is high up on the KC list too— if you haven’t read it, please go do so).

5. It left me smiling throughout the majority of the book.

I’m so glad I’ve pre-ordered this lovely book because I loved it and need a physical copy! Many thanks to @netgalley @stmartinspress and @macmillan.audio for sharing this gem with me! The audio narration was great as always by Patti Murin, who adds so much spunk to the female leads.