Member Reviews

This is my second book by Katherine Center and both were great! Unexpected love especially while working through all life has to throw at us creates a story full of highs and lows. Katherine has the ability to pull what feels like real life experiences together with the fun and craziness of a romcom novel. This is a fun one!

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Katherine Center has done it again! I loved this banter-filled sweet rom com featuring two writers with very different points of view. I'm a sucker for a forced proximity romance, so this story scratched that itchy in the most delightful way. Katherine Center is an auto buy author for me, but I fall more in love with her writing with each book and this one might be my favorite so far!

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Grumpy meets sunshine, forced proximity romance. Unfortunately, the female lead is inconsistent. At the beginning, she's the primary caretaker for her partially-paralyzed father. When she gets the chance to further her career by working with a successful Hollywood screenwriter, she becomes very juvenile. The plot takes another turn when her father faces a health crisis, but then she just seems mean and judgmental. Though this is presented as a romance, it takes a while and then seems to come out of nowhere with little development. In the author's note, she mentions the discrepancy of romance novels not being considered good writing, but I feel this would have been better represented as a family drama rather than primarily a romance.

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I am a big fan of Katherine Center's other books so I was thrilled to receive this ARC. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley. When this audio started out, I wasn't sure that I was going to like it. Charlie was not a very kind or likeable person. It didn't take long for him to grown on me, and of course, the relationship between him and Emma was inevitable.

The narration was great, in my opinion. I liked how at times, the narrator filled in the listener, to remind you of what Emma had previously done or was about to do. It was a different style that I hadn't listened to before. For anyone who enjoys easy, rom-com stories, with just a bit of heartache, this is the book for you. Katherine Center wrote another winner, in my opinion!

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This was another wonderful book by Katherine Center. I just love everything I read by her. I really loved this story. There were times that I laughed and also times I cried because this book hit upon some personal topics for me.

I have to admit that I didn't love Charlie. I understand why he did the things he did, but he said some things and did some things that were just so mean to Emma. I couldn't completely understand her sticking with the project to begin with. We definitely would have made some different decisions.

Of course, this is a rom-com so you know how it's going to end, but it was a lot of fun getting there. I read this one a lot faster than I expected to.

I listened to the audio narrated by Patti Murin. She did a wonderful job and I would recommend this format. I loved that the audio had a bonus chapter from Charlie's perspective and a note from the author (narrated by Katherine Center).

I can't wait to read whatever Center comes out with next.

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I really enjoyed this book. I love a good stuck together book. I was surprised the age gap was glossed over. I also found the main character annoying at times. But overall enjoyed and would recommend for a summer romcom read.

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This is the third book by Katherine Center that I've read, and I love it. I read The Bodyguard thrice coz it was that good, but Hello Stanger was a disappointment to me. I read an e-ARC of The Rom-Commers a while back and listening to it as an audio has been such a delight. Patti Murin has a lovely, comforting voice and the bonus scene read by the author herself was amazing too.

Like most readers, I can't resist reading books about books, and this romcom about a romcom gave me the same joy. I love all the characters in the story and how lively they are. Emma has golden retriever energy, only slightly dimmed by the realities of her present life. She's thoughtful, witty, caring and SO RELATABLE. She's blessed with some awesome people in her life, and I absolutely adore Logan with his slightly eccentric ways of showing his love for Emma.

Between my first read of the book and this re-read, I came across "Just Some Stupid Love Story" by Katelyn Doyle where the MMC (a divorce attorney) is a romantic at heart and the FMC (a romcom screenplay writer) doesn't believe in love. It's super cool how similar the stories are in some ways, and I totally recommend them both. Charlie is such a sweetheart (I first pictured him to be much older I don't know why) and that one bonus chapter from his POV melted my heart. Such a perfect MMC.

Having loved The Bodyguard, I loved the glimpses of Jack Stapleton in the same universe. This book has the best side characters especially Emma's little family. I appreciate not showing Charlie's ex-wife in a very bad light. This is a world I crave to live in coz of the characters, okay enough I can't stop raving. I can't wait for Center's new book next year, and I hope I get an ARC for that too!

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This was a 3 star read for me. I enjoyed the plot idea and the lol moments. Emma was funny and I really liked how she spoke to the reader and gave us updates. It felt like listening to a friend vent lol. However, I really wasnt a fan of Charlie. I warmed up to him as the book progressed but for about the first 3 quarters I didnt get why he was so rude to Emma and why Emma put up with it. By the last few chapters I understood more I just wish I cared for him more sooner. I am interested in reading more from this author since I've seen some great reviews about her previous books and I think i might connect better with those.

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I want to express my appreciation to MacMillan Audio for providing this ARC Rom-Commers by Katherine Center is my first experience with her work. While the book lacks spice, the delightful character banter more than compensates for it. The audiobook production was outstanding—I found myself bursting into laughter multiple times. I must admit, if I had read the book instead of listening to it, my rating might have differed. Charlie, one of the characters, didn't sit well with me, and there were moments where I wanted to shout at Emma due to some questionable decisions. Despite these quibbles, I overall enjoyed the book.

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“Katherine Center’s ‘The Rom-Commers’ is a total mood-lifter! It’s like a rollercoaster of laughs and feels. The characters are like friends you wish you had, and the story strikes the perfect balance between light-hearted fun and genuine emotion. An all-around feel-good read that I can’t recommend enough!” It is the perfect mix of humor and heart. I really loved everything about it! Highly recommend!

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I love Katherine Center. Her books often feel like a warm hug and this book was no different. This book was so freaking cute! I loved everything about it. The characters, the plot, the bodyguard cameos..everything. If Katherine Center writes it, I will read it.

Thank you to netgalley, Macmillan Audio and Katherine Center for early access to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

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LOVE LOVE LOVE Katherine Center and her female characters. They literally make me laugh out loud. The narrator in this book was perfection! This book had me unable to take out my headphones because I just couldn't stop listening!

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Katherine Center is ALWAYS a winner for me! The Rom-Commers on audio was a smash! I absolutely love Patti Martin's narration. She brings the characters to life and is able to play on Katherine's words making it so funny! Both of these characters are so relatable. I could not recommend this one more!

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My new favorite Katherine Center novel, The Rom-Commers is full of laugh-out-loud scenes, witty dialogue, and a sparkling romance with perfect chemistry! With its grumpy-sunshine trope, Hollywood setting, and characters and scenes that are occasionally larger-than-life but in that sweet rom-com way, this book is an ode to the genre!

Center herself has shared and written a lot about how the romance genre is supposed to be predictable (expectation is key! It's all about the journey of how the characters get together, not "if" they do.) And I think that discussion has played a key part in the creation of this novel. As one would guess from the title and plot, a lot of the story hit on the "why" rom-coms are structured the way they are, what we expect from them, and the fact that while they may be "cheesy" they're also entirely necessary and an important part of fiction too! I really loved this exploration of the genre as a whole, and the passion our main character Emma felt toward it.

Center also does a really great job of navigating heavier topics and discussions, all the while balancing it with the light-hearted, feel-good experience we want from a book like this -- because that's real life!

The Rom-Commers is funny and heartfelt, full of warmth and joy, and while I really loved this audio version of the book, you can bet I will definitely be grabbing a physical copy for my shelf too!

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Thank you @netgalley and @macmillanaudio for this arc! I’ve tried Katherine Center over & over but I think this is an author that just doesn’t work for me. I still liked the storyline and was funny at parts (narrators were great!) but the writing style isn’t as smooth as some of my other fav romance authors. Glad I listened, but now I’ve learned as a reader it’s not my fav … & that’s okay!

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Katherine Center's newest novel is a charming yet slightly flawed romantic comedy that follows the unlikely collaboration between Charlie, a reserved and jaded filmmaker, and Emma, an enthusiastic rom-com aficionado tasked with helping him write his first romantic comedy. The dynamic between the two leads is classic rom-com fare: clash of personalities, differing goals, and an inevitable romance brewing in the background.

While the story is sweet and entertaining, it struggles with a noticeable power imbalance between Charlie and Emma, which makes fully buying into their romance a challenge. Charlie's status as the older, wealthier, and more accomplished individual, coupled with Emma's fan-girl admiration, creates an awkward dynamic that persists throughout the narrative.

However, despite this imbalance, Center's storytelling shines through with her remarkable ability to evoke deep affection for her characters and infuse joy into even the most challenging situations. She navigates the ups and downs of life with finesse, emphasizing the potential for happiness and the beauty that emerges from adversity.

Overall, The Rom-Commers is a heartwarming read that showcases Center's talent for crafting tales that brim with happiness, even if its romantic resolution may feel a bit over-the-top for some readers.

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Title: A Heartwarming and Hilarious Rom-Com Delight

Rating: 5 Stars

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center is an absolute gem of a novel that combines humor, love, and poignancy in equal measure. From the first page to the last, this book had me laughing, crying, and everything in between, making it a truly unforgettable read.

At its core, The Rom-Commers is a story about love in all its forms—romantic love, friendship, and self-love. Center's writing is as sharp and witty as ever, with laugh-out-loud moments sprinkled throughout the narrative. From quirky characters to hilarious situations, there's never a dull moment in this rom-com extravaganza.

But beneath the humor lies a deeper emotional resonance that truly sets this book apart. Center expertly navigates themes of loss, grief, and resilience, creating characters that feel utterly real and relatable. As the story unfolds, we see how each character grapples with their own struggles and insecurities, ultimately finding strength and solace in the bonds they share with one another.

What makes The Rom-Commers truly special is its ability to stir all the emotions. One moment you'll be wiping away tears of laughter, and the next you'll be reaching for the tissues as the characters confront their deepest fears and regrets. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that leaves you feeling uplifted and inspired by the end.

The romance in this book is also beautifully done, with Center crafting a love story that feels both genuine and heartfelt. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and you can't help but root for them as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationships. Whether it's the budding romance between the protagonists or the enduring love between lifelong friends, the love stories in this book will tug at your heartstrings and leave you swooning.

Overall, The Rom-Commers is a triumph of storytelling—a heartwarming and hilarious rom-com that will leave you feeling all the feels. Katherine Center has once again proven herself to be a master of the genre, delivering a novel that is as funny as it is touching. If you're in need of a pick-me-up, look no further than The Rom-Commers—it's guaranteed to leave you smiling long after you've turned the final page.

Thank you Katherine Center and NetGalley for ARC and ability to review this wonderful book.

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Thank you Netgalley for the ALC of The Rom-Commers. I
Thus was one of my most anticipated releases of the year.
What a fun story about two people who are writing a screen play together. Charlie doesn't understand what is needed to write a rom-com. But Emma drops into his life to show him how to have fun in life.
I usually love the family aspects of these stories but I really enjoyed the romance so much more than the family storyline. This is still extremely cute and worth a read.

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"The Rom-Commers" by Katherine Center is a delightful audiobook that will charm fans of romantic comedies. The story follows Emma, a screenwriter who is passionate about romantic comedies but has lost herself while being a caretaker. When she gets the opportunity to write a screenplay with her favorite screenwriter, Charlie, things don't go as smoothly as she hoped. Charlie is a grump who doesn't believe in love, creating tension between them at first.

What follows is a captivating story of two unlikely partners finding their rhythm and falling into a romance that mirrors the rom-coms they love. Emma and Charlie are both endearing characters, and their relationship develops in a way that feels genuine and heartwarming.

Katherine Center's writing is engaging, with a perfect balance of humor and heartfelt moments. The audiobook is especially enjoyable, with a narrator who brings the characters to life and adds to the overall charm of the story.

Overall, "The Rom-Commers" is a fun and engaging listen that will leave you with a smile on your face. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies or just looking for a feel-good story, this audiobook is sure to delight.

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Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

4STARS

I absolutely love Katherine Center's books and this one is no exception. This will make the perfect summer read to take to the pool, beach or on any trip! You'll thank me later!

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