Dear Katherine,

THIS BOOK! I am absolutely smitten, totally in love, wholly wrapped up in this story. Happiness for Beginners has long been my favorite of your books, but this one gives it a run for its money.
I adored Emma and Charlie. It wasn’t difficult to love Emma. I saw a lot of goodness in her, even if I also saw flaws. I think that’s something I love about your books—your characters are so raw and real, I feel like they could be my neighbors or my friends (at least the friends thing would always be my hope). I’ll be honest, I wasn’t so sure about Charlie at first. He grew on me quickly, however, and then I was smitten and rooting for them both to figure things out and just get together already!
I love how the challenges you set up for your characters always throw not only them, but also me. I never see almost anything coming. They really add to the realness and humanity of your novels, and that is the case with this one as well.
I adored Emma’s family, and how supportive they were of her. I loved how Emma was pushed and stretched and pulled, and Charlie was pushed and stretched and pulled, and how they grew, both as individuals and together.
The banter and humor were spot on, and that was balanced so well with depth and rawness. I just loved it. I absolutely adored it.
Forever yours,
Jessica

AUDIOK REVIEW: I loved this audio! I felt like the narrator really brought Emma and her emotions and thoughts to life. The audio makes this read even better.

TW/CW: mentions death of parent (occurs previous to book); mention of cancer; health concerns with parent; mentions of divorce; multiple uses of the f-word; romance: kisses only

**Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Macmillan for the copy. All thoughts are my own.

Katherine Center's "The Rom-Commers" is a delightful rom-com that brings together all the beloved tropes and quirks of the genre with a fresh, modern twist. Center, known for her witty and heartfelt storytelling, delivers another winner with this novel, blending humor, romance, and a touch of real-life complexity.

The story revolves around Lucy Parker, a lovably clumsy but fiercely independent woman who finds herself in a series of hilarious and awkward situations as she navigates her career and love life in a bustling city. The charm of "The Rom-Commers" lies not only in its laugh-out-loud moments and swoon-worthy romantic encounters but also in its exploration of self-discovery and personal growth.

Center excels at creating relatable characters, and Lucy is no exception. Her journey from moments of self-doubt to moments of triumph is both endearing and inspiring. The supporting cast is equally memorable, from Lucy's quirky best friend who dispenses dating advice like a fortune cookie to the charming love interest who challenges her in unexpected ways.

What sets "The Rom-Commers" apart is its ability to balance humor with genuine emotional depth. Center deftly weaves in themes of friendship, family dynamics, and the pursuit of happiness amidst the chaos of modern life. The dialogue sparkles with wit, and the romantic tension sizzles on the page, making it impossible to put the book down.

Furthermore, the novel's setting feels vibrant and authentic, adding another layer of richness to the story. Whether it's the bustling cityscape or the cozy coffee shops where Lucy contemplates her next move, each scene is vividly depicted, drawing readers deeper into Lucy's world.

In conclusion, "The Rom-Commers" is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies and anyone looking for a feel-good story that will leave them smiling long after they've turned the final page. Katherine Center has crafted a gem of a novel that captures the essence of love, laughter, and the beauty of imperfection. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to uplift and entertain—a true joy to read.

I've read a couple of Katherine Center's books and I tend to really love them, so I was excited to get to this. As usual, I loved this book, too!

Like with any of Center's books, she writes flawed characters and a plot packed with heartfelt emotion. Sometimes you love the characters because of their relatability, and sometimes you don't when they make decisions that don't seem entirely logical. Regardless, the characters feel like fully fleshed out people with complicated lives and complex emotions that exist outside of the plot. They are probably my favorite part of her books as it's very easy to understand them when they are written in such a compelling way.

As for the story itself, it's full of funny, romantic moments and tons of banter that keeps the story engaging, so, naturally, I read this very quickly. I think the ending scene is probably one of my favorites of Center's books and will stay in my mind for awhile.

Listened to this on audio for a second time and the narrator did a fantastic job bring this story to life. Highly recommend.

If you want to laugh, cry and generally enjoy a book - read this. Katherine Clark’s books always put me into a good mood.

Feedback regarding the narrator: Patti Murin is hands down one of my favorite narrators. If she reads it, I will listen to it. I have enjoyed every title she narrates. She makes it feel like the characters are actually talking to you- everything sounds natural. The way she portrays emotions and performs accents, it is like my imagination coming to life as the dialogue jumps of the page. If you love audiobooks or haven't had success with finding a narrator you enjoy, I highly recommend giving her a shot. I hope she continues to always narrate Katherine's books.

Feedback on the book:
Katherine Center has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her stories are infused with joy and thought-provoking inner dialogue that makes you want to live a happier, more connected life.

Emma had big dreams as a high schooler, but a tragic accident left her father permanently disabled needing 24/7 care. She has given her adulthood to helping her dad and caring for her younger sister. But when she gets a chance to work with her idol, grumpy screenwriter Charlie Yates on his newest script, she takes a chance to pursue her dormant dream of becoming a successful screenwriter. As Emma begins teaching Charlie about the magic of rom-coms, she might be finding love herself…

My thoughts:
As I have come to expect from Center, The Rom-Commers balances heavy topics including caretaking, cancer and sudden death of a parent with moments of joy, hopefulness, humor and healing. At it’s core, this book is a love story, but it is also a love letter to romance novels. While Emma is teaching Charlie about rom-coms, Center is articulating why romance novels and movies are well loved despite claims of predictability.

“A rom-com should give you a swoony, hopeful, delicious, rising feeling of anticipation as you look forward to the moment when the two leads who are clearly mad for each other finally overcome all their obstacles, both internal and external, and get together.”

"A great rom-com, is just like sex. If you’re surprised by the ending, somebody wasn’t doing their job. We all know where it’s headed. The fun is how we get there.”

This book was an absolute joy to read; funny, sweet, thoughtful, and introspective. I always finish Katherine’s books feeling so grateful. Her novels enforce the fact that happiness is created from finding gratitude in everyday moments, simple acts of affection and having a perspective shaped in kindness.

“There it is. The whole trick to life. Be aggressively, loudly, unapologetically grateful.”

Read this book/ listen to this book if you need a shot of sunshine, the perfect balance between romance and family, healing and forgiveness, self-discovery and funny moments.

Thank you MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC of The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center!! I absolutely loved this book and I am so looking forward to reading other books by this author! This story follows the story of Emma and Charlie who are both screen writers and navigating their own challenges and life styles. Charlie who seems to have it all deals with his heath and loneliness. While Emma cares for her sick Father and puts others needs before her own every time. When Emma has the opportunity to write with her dream writer (Charlie) she struggles to put herself first but realizes it is important to follow her own dreams. Sure enough Charlie is complex but still as dreamy as she imaged and Charlie of course falls for Emma's wittyness, confidence, and just true to one's self personality.

Inserting this quote so you get the idea: "Classic Emma," he said. "Everything that you say is not romantic is romantic. You said it's not romantic for people to fall on each other, but then you fell on me and it was. You said line dancing isn't romantic, but then we went there and ogled that Italian guy and I thought I was going to lose my mind."

This was a low spice romance that really allows you to feel as though you are going through all this with Emma the main character. I really enjoyed the dynamic of these two characters and all the emotions showed from all characters in this story. Normally, I would not go for low spice romance but in this case I seriously adored it. Emma also talks about the grief of losing a parent and constantly worrying about those we love, which can become all consuming. I can understand these emotions as I write this review on the one year anniversary of my own parent passing away. It is important and as stated in the book that life happens and we cannot control everything but it is important we make steps to move forward. In the story it also talks about how you get there is what really matters and the importance of being present. Overall, I really loved this story and thankful I had the opportunity to listen to this book in advance!

Read if you like:
- Forced proximity
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Low spice level
- Good banter
- Workplace romance
- In depth character development
- Working through grief

#MacAudio2024 #romancebook #bookreview

Anything Katherine Center writes, I will read. The Rom-Commers was no exception! I absolutely loved the story, and thought the audiobok was fantastic. 

The story centers around the main characters, Emma and Charlie. For all of Emma's life, she has wanted to be a screenwriter. She has had to put her career on hold to take care of her father. This all changes when Emma is given the opportunity to work with famous screenwriter, Charlie Yates. She is tasked with re-writing his newest screenplay, which is awful. He is her favorite screenwriter, and this is an opportunity of a lifetime. At first, she is unsure whether she can take it because it would require her to leave her father and travel to Los Angeles. Fortunately, her sister steps in and is willing to take care of their dad so she can live out her dreams. 

This all sounds great until she meets Charlie Yates....

When she meets him, he is extremely unpleasant. and doesn’t want anything to do with her. He definitely doesn’t want to write or work with her. Emma now has to navigate this and figure out what’s best for her, and whether or not she should stay or go back to her life before. I loved this story, and it’s definitely one of my favorites so far this summer!

4.5 stars

This was my first Katherine Center book and I was not disappointed. I really loved how sweet the story was while also focusing on some deeper issues and topics. It felt like a nice mixture of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez. I think the screen writing plot was so unique and I was drawn into the banter and the fun dynamic of the two main characters. I don’t listen to many audiobooks outside of work, but I couldn’t stop listening to this one because I ate up this cute story. I listened to it in one day, and I will definitely be picking up more Katherine Center books in the future.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! Katherine Center always writes fantastic love stories. Listened to this one in a few days because I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to see what Katherine Center writes next.

This narrator IS MY FAVORITE. This author IS MY FAVORITE.
This book is great, it is is funny and warm and real and sweet and silly and full of heart and charm. This was one of the most enjoyable books I had read or listened to in a long time. Katherine Center's character development is always off the charts, and these two were SO alive on the page it was like I was watching them on the supersized Cine Capri movie screen. Bravo, loved it and smiled so much and had all the feels.

Katherine Center is an auto-buy author for me and I had pre-ordered this book long ago, but was thrilled to have the opportunity to listen early! The narration is excellent! I cannot believe that this was not more than one narrator! Patti Murin brought this story to life!
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This book is a defense of the rom-com, and it’s wonderfully done! I love the interaction between Emma and Charlie and the way they both learn things about themselves and grow as individuals and grow in understanding throughout this book! That’s one of the things I love about Katherines’s writing! She always deals with deep issues that get me thinking and speaks to me at surprising levels!
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There were so many great lines in this book, I want to re-read it soon, with my physical copy! If you can do an immersive read, with both the audio and the physical that’s what I would recommend for the ultimate enjoyment!

Thanks @NetGalley and @MacMillanAudio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
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Katherine (you literary genius you!) has woven literally the most epic deep amazing book you could ever wish for. You know those epic Romantic Comedies of the early 2000s….. this book delivers that and so much more! Like steamy but clean….. and literal PG13 goodness! The characters both have so much should I say baggage and personal growth throughout that it’s just perfect. I love how the romance unfolds melodically and with a one house trope that is just perfection!!! Also Charlie=swoon to the 10th degree🔥😍🔥!!!

I would recommend this book to anyone that loved “The Proposal” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 days” and “10 things I hate about you” growing up and wants to revisit that genre again.

Katherine Center is an auto-buy author for me! I really enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that I felt like the medical aspects were similar to Hello Stranger. I was hoping for more Bodyguard vibes.

Hey, rom-com lovers! Get ready to fall head over heels for this absolute gem of a book. The Rom-Commers is your favorite feel-good movie come to life on the page.

I listened to this one on audio (thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for an advanced copy), and I thought it was a great listen. The narrator Patti Murin did a great job bringing these characters, and their unique personalities, to life. Hearing the witty banter is even more enjoyable than reading it, in my opinion.

Now on to my spoiler-free look at The Rom-Commers . . .

Emma Wheeler is a total sweetheart with big dreams of making it as a screenwriter. She's been crushing it with her contest-winning scripts, all while taking care of her adorable dad.

When Emma lands the chance to work with the Charlie Yates (she loves Charlie Yates!), she packs her bags and heads to La La Land. But . . . her writing idol might be more of a grumpy nightmare than a dream come true.

Charlie's not exactly thrilled about teaming up, and his script? Let's just say it needs some serious TLC. But our girl Emma's not backing down without a fight. She's on a mission to save rom-coms, spread the love, and maybe even melt Charlie's icy heart along the way.

Things get spicy when Emma decides to show Charlie the magic of love stories firsthand. One kiss later, and suddenly their own real-life romance might be heating up! Is it really true that sometimes life is even better than the movies?

Trust me, you'll be rooting for Emma and Charlie from page one. It's funny, it's sweet, and everything you want in a rom-com!

The Romcommers is a delightful story of two very different people with the same aspirations. Emma Wheeler, of Texas, has always wanted to write successful screenplays for romcoms. However, her dreams were put on hold when a tragic accident left her father terribly disabled and cost her mother’s life. Emma had just graduated high school and her younger sister Sylvie was only a child. Unable to go away to college, Emma got her degrees from the local college where she now taught to supplement their meager income. Caring for her dad was almost a full time job for Emma and it took every ounce of her energy to keep up with his care and her job.

Charlie Yates was about the most famous screenwriter in Hollywood, having been discovered and had his breakthrough script become a blockbuster while he was still in college. And that was only the beginning with one major motion picture after another. But there is a darker side to the glamorous life he seems to be living. As a divorced thirty something and cancer survivor the lifestyle isn’t all its cracked up to be. And now, in order to get the picture made he really wants to do, he must do a romcom script for the director’s mistress. Knowing nothing about this genre, the script is awful. His agent, Logan Scott, is looking for a savior for the project and knows just who to call in. . .his high school friend Emma.

This is such a good story. While laugh out loud at times, it is also a touching tale with so many threads woven together to bring the reader a very satisfying reading experience. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

Omg.... All the motherfreaking stars!
All. Of. Them!
I don't know if you can tell but this just became my newest favorite book. Can you tell? 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
How about now???? 😏

"Its not a romance unless everyone has an orgasm."

You know that moment where you're enjoying an audiobook so much that you do this crazy thing of adulting LONGER to keep listening?? Yea... I know. THAT is how much I loved this book. I equal parts wanted to keep going but didn't want it to end. The Rom-commers by Katherine Center is semi-opposites attract, Grumpy vs. Sunshine hilarity at its finest. I ugly laughed out loud with this one - you know when you freak ppl out around you because your gleeful cackle erupts out of nowhere. That was me. Cackle happy.

Emma is the frizzy haired, awkward, big hearted MC that has an inner monologue worthy of a stand-up comedic award. Charlie is the adorable author whose hit the writers block wall. Required to write a romcom, Emma is enlisted to save his awful manuscript. A little forced proximity and a lot of revelations slowly bring these two together. I officially need a shirt that says "My heart is a suicidal bird."

Its not just the humor that got me. Center really brought the emotion. With the caregiver aspects for Emma's dad, the family's tragic history, topics like cancer, hemiplegia and Ménière's disease all tied around the bonds of family, I got hit pretty hard in the feels too. All around this novel brought everything I love in my romcoms to the table.

The audio is read by Patti Murin wonderfully. This is the type of audio that has you buying the physical when it's done because you enjoyed it so much. Obviously you can tell by now how much I loved this. Absolutely recommend to romcom readers. However, if you're looking for smut, this isn't it. All the lols and feels instead 💋

Thank you macmillan.audio for the gifted ALC!

This was so fantastic on audio (as per usual from Katherine Center books narrated by Patti Murin). I loved that he falls first, the family values, and the humor! This was such a love letter to romance readers and romcom movie lovers and I adored this. This was uplifting and tender hearted and I am so grateful to have gotten to read this story!

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan audio for this ALC!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for review copies, and @daniallreads magic giveaway winner picker for choosing me to win this beautiful finished copy!

One might think that reading a book called “The Romcommers” would be just a fun little easy read that skates right by your heart without shredding it into a million pieces. And one would be wrong, because while it has all the funny charm and humor that I love from Katherine, this book also packs several emotional punches. So much so that while listening to the last ~30% of the book, I sat and quietly sobbed on the couch (Brian was cautiously concerned until I told him it was just me being moved by the written word). There were thoughts that Emma voiced about grief, guilt, and holding together families in the aftermath that illuminated deep seeded feelings I didn’t realize I was carrying. There is still so much romance and swoon and my god Charlie should be on the Mount Rushmore of Men Written By Women. In short, this is my new favorite Katherine Center book and while I recommend asking about CWs to take care of yourself, it is a book I don’t think anyone should miss. If you’re an audio lover, Patti Murin is exceptional as always and you won’t be disappointed.

#MacAudio2024 #macmillanaudio #stmartinspress #katherinecenter #theromcommers #romance #womensfiction #fivestarreads

Five stars. Five million stars! Literally cannot out in to words how much I loved this book. Katherine Center has quickly become my favorite author. Such a fantastic premise. On the heels of another rom com that was cheesy and a little hallmarky predictable, I was not sure if rom coms were for me. But this book is like comparing a hallmark movie to an Oscar winner. This was book oscar worth to me. I could totally see it as a movie. Here’s hoping!! The banter. The characters. The depth. The details. I loved all the googling! Ha! The whole book felt authentic and not too over the top. So so good!