What a complete delight! I thoroughly enjoyed The Rom-Commers on audio. The narrators were fantastic and the story was Katherine Center’s best yet in my opinion. I whole-heartedly recommend this to anyone looking for a great book this summer and beyond!

I really enjoyed this rom com! Two screen writers come together to rewrite a horribly written romantic comedy & they find themselves along the way. A sweet ending and life lessons. Only reason it isn’t a 5 star, is I wish we had gotten to see the two MCs *together* for longer.

Thank you NetGalley for this audio arc!

Pros: Katherine Center has become a dependable author of rom coms for me, and I thought this book was a fun meta-commentary on and celebration of the rom com genre. One of my favorite things about the author’s books is there is often a Houston setting. I also love when, like in this book and The Bodyguard, she uses the famous person-normal person trope. I especially enjoyed the Jack Stapleton cameo in this book as The Bodyguard is my favorite of the author’s books.

I read this book in both ebook and audiobook formats . . . and accidentally read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I really like when authors use the same narrator for multiple books, and Patti Murin reads Center’s books so well.

Cons: This is not a con but is one thing that puts the book at a disadvantage--I compare all the author’s books to The Bodyguard, and it remains my favorite of hers.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read this book.

3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Center and MacMillan Audio for an audio ARC of The Rom-Commers in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a huge Katerine Center fan & was thrilled to have an early listen on The Rom-Commers. And that cover is STUNNING!

I loved this story, although, I was a bit disappointed in one portion of Katherine’s writing that I will get to in a minute.

Emma is a fabulous, but not known, screenwriter who gets the opportunity to help her idol screenwriter, Charlie, rewrite his first ever romance script, which just happens to be the worst script in the history of ever. Emma is stoked, but Charlie, not so much. What makes matters worse is that Charlie is only using this script to get to write a different script that he desperately wants, so he doesn’t even care about.

This was a classic & fabulous enemies to lovers, slow burn rom-com. I will definitely be recommending it as it was a 4/5 Stars for me.

My one & only beef with this book was the tone deaf, stereotyping of people who wear cowboy hat, line dance or just generally give off a Southern feel. I’m from the South. I don’t wear a cowboy hat or line dance, but to stereotype someone who does as a hillbilly was extremely offensive. I don’t offend easily – like hardly ever, but this one really pissed me off. And then to say “that guy rode here on his lawnmower crunching corn nuggets” – Katherine, I love you & I love your books, but this was not funny.

Another absolute delight by Katherine Center. She is one of those authors that you know you're going to get a book that you enjoy from start to finish, and this did not disappoint.

I loved the premise of Emma wanting to live her life in a romance novel and knowing every idiosyncrasy to a romance plot and being thrown into a work relationship with Charlie who does not believe in the recipe for a romance. Both characters were quirky in their own way, but I loved how each of them was trying to learn something about themselves throughout the book.

I wanted to channel Emma's bravery when telling Charlie how she felt. I was cringing with Charlie's reaction at the same time my heart was breaking. This book almost had me in tears a couple of times, which just proves all of the level of emotion Katherine Center can bring with her writing. Laughing out loud one minute and fighting back tears the next.

Patti Murin did a phenomenal job narrating this book. I often find it difficult to listen to romance novels on audiobook because if the narrator really isn't into it, it's just cheesy and awkward. This was NOT like that. Patti put forth all of the emotions when reading for the characters, and I was engaged in every chapter. She definitely elevated this experience!

I cannot wait for other readers to be able to experience this book! Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this advanced copy and for allowing my honest review.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Narrated by Katherine Center; Patti Murin

Patti Murin does a great job of narrating this romcom about writing romcoms. Emma Wheeler is getting her big break and her frantic energy is evident in the narration. Emma is so many good things, a dedicated to the extreme daughter, a talented but under noticed romcom writer, a devoted older sister, but also a young woman carrying a load of unvoiced guilt.

After ten years of devoting her life to caretaking her beloved, creative, and kind hearted father, the stars align and Emma has the chance to rewrite a romcom for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates. The Charlie Yates who writes block busting action movie scripts, the one with all the top awards, the one who has never written a romcom before now. The Charlie Yates who has written the worst romcom Emma has ever laid her eyes upon. Thank goodness Emma's newly college graduated sister can now take over caretaking duties which allows Emma to fly to CA for six weeks of rewriting the lousy script.

But Charlie wants nothing to do with Emma or her skills. He doesn't even believe in love or romance and or that his romcom needs a major overhaul and he's not even going to try to make his story good or the characters' actions romantic. He has an ulterior motive with his romcom and he doesn't need Emma's meddling thank you very much!

Despite the prickliness of both Emma and Charlie, with good reason on both counts, the two come together with an agreement to get the work done. Really, these two get along great, both can be fun, funny, and creative in their own ways. Both can learn from each other. When they are clicking along in a happy manner, they seem perfect together and others can see that they make a great team. Can Emma even entertain the thought that Charlie might like her as much as she likes him? But when the two are fighting, and fight they do, it's as if they are speaking different languages and leaving out half the words of each language. Especially with Charlie, he's keeping a lot from Emma and he will not break his silence on his inner thoughts.

Emma has broken her own heart by taking this job, she's laid herself bare and humiliated herself for this man. Can love break through barriers, can a man who is holding back so hard let go to love? This story is funny and sad at the same time and I'm very happy to have experienced it through the audiobook.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.

I received this audiobook from NetGalley to listen to and review. Here's what I thought:

The writing on this one had me going back and forth. On one hand it went along with the FMC's personality, but it wasn't for me in the way that she was speaking directly to the audience. It's hard to describe but a character would say something then the FMC would describe how they said it by saying 'like duh' or 'like really'. I did appreciate first person POV, though.

The mention of the power washing video game was hilarious only because my husband has a weird fascination with that game and I know the EXACT job that Charlie was playing with the backyard and the dog house. lolol.

The story progressed naturally and you can see the friendship form between the main characters through forced proximity. The drunken diving board scene was perfection, as was the third act non-breakup breakup. I'm not a big movie buff, though, so I think some mentions of actors and directors went over my head at times, causing a slight disconnect between myself and the main character.

Thank you to @smpromance for my #gifted ALC. This book will be published June 11! Pattti Murrin is a longtime narrator for KC, and she nails this book as well, but I also love that Katherine narrated the epilogue and her author's note!!

Emma is a teacher and aspiring screenwriter, but an accident left her to be her father's caretaker. She is an expert in rom-coms and can quote many line by line. She is called to help ghostwrite for her favorite screenwriter.

I have read all of Katherine's books and she writes just such happy feeling books that put a huge smile on my face! Emma is such an endearing character and I loved seeing her development throughout. I was so excited to see her go after her dreams and be able to lean on others for support. I also loved Charlie's journey to face his fears. Katherine's writing is well paced, witty, full of smile inducing banter, and just so sweet!! This is a heartwarming and delightful story that will put a smile on your face! I also loved the tie-ins to The Bodyguard!

I have fallen in love with Katherine Centers books this past year so I was excited to see a new book in NetGalley. It did not disappoint just as I suspected.

You will fall in love with Emma’s character and wish she could be your friend. Her partnership with screen writer Charlie might frustrate you at times but in the end you’ll love them both. I love a romance that can give you all the feels with absolutely no bedroom scenes.

Also, I’ll forever love the ties to Texas! ♥️

I absolutely adored this lovely story, it’s a solid 4.75 stars for me. How refreshing is it to simply love and be loved in a completely fantastical and unapologetic manner. I had love Hello Stranger so when I saw this KC title was up for review, I jumped and crossed every finger and toe. I’m so glad that it lived up to the first one and then some for me.

Another hit from Katherine Center! It's fast paced, witty, sweet as heck with a splash of emotions. You could tell while reading it how much Katherine poured herself into this book, you couldn't help but love the characters and the story telling. 10/10 would recommend especially if you love romcoms!!!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

Listening to the 'The Rom Commers' was a beautiful sucker punch because my eyes are stinging from going between smiling and tearing up. This book is funny, poignant, heartbreaking yet life affirming that had me glued. Just when I thought this book was 4 stars worthy because Emma made me cringe, she hit me so hard I saw a five (million) stars. Seriously, it was *that* beautiful I'm ashamed I didn't realise earlier.

For ten years budding screenwriter Emma Wheeler has put her dreams on hold to care for her father after a family tragedy. This changes when her ex-boyfriend and hot shot manager Logan offers her a six weeks job in Los Angeles working with her screenwriting hero Charlie Yates to improve his 'apocalyptically bad' rom com script.

I absolutely adored these characters and their banter. Being a bit more in the cynical side, I identified the most with Charlie. Charlie understands that its better to keep your hopes low so you never have to be disappointed, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Yet despite her personal circumstances, Emma is upbeat and a huge believer in love.

While Emma had me hooked from the start, at times I found her over-the-top sunshiney which annoyed me at times and made me cringe, when she'd try to push Charlie's boundaries then get upset and take it as a personal attack when he tried to re-assert them (refer to chapter 22), or her near-martyrdom by refusing to find a way to balance her caring responsibilities. I found her borderline stalkerish which had me almost want to give up listening. But then, towards the end Emma made this beautiful speech about how real enduring love is an action we choose for the people in our lives that I understood her better regarding the sacrifices she made for her family.

This book was such a beautiful blend of sunshine and rain in the best way. By the epilogue, I was a puddle. Longtime narrator for Katherine Center's books, Patti Murrin delivers another fantastic performance to bring the book to life. She has such a bright engaging voice that was perfect for Emma.

To paraphrase Emma I convey my aggressive, loud, unapologetic gratitude to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

I have to say that I had super high expectations for this book. Katherine Center’s last two books are some of my favorites. However, this one didn’t hit the mark for me. It started out strong - cute, quippy, and funny - similar to The Bodyguard. But over time I found myself disliking the characters and becoming annoyed. As much as Charlie is a good guy, the toxic masculinity traits he displays are bothersome and troublesome. And Emma has some massive co-dependency issues to work through. If you’ve read any of my past reviews, you know that co-dependency tropes are one of my most disliked themes. Also, the amount of bickering in the book felt excessive and just created anxiety. I did still enjoy the book and with the narration by Patti Murin it earned a solid 4 stars. I really wish I would have loved this more than I did.

So many thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my advance listener copy of this audiobook!

The book was light-hearted, cute, and entertaining. I would recommend to others.

There were a few parts that were silly or “cliche” in my opinion, but this didn’t stop me from enjoying the book.

Thank you for this opportunity to read an advanced reader’s copy!

I listened to this during a difficult time; it held my attention and even made me laugh out loud. Classic to contemporary Rom Coms are lovingly referenced and Emma is an effective defender of the Rom Com movie. This novel is a well-written example of the best of the genre. I enjoyed the voice Emma found in defending her dream, and the scene in an Uber while on the phone with her sister rang true. I also liked Charlie’s journey to face his fears. The narrator did a great job of keeping me in the story. Give this to fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez. Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance review audio. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a beautiful homage to love stories this was! This story is classic Katherine Center. I was uplifting despite some sad parts, it was swoony despite some heartbreak, and it made me laugh out loud. She truly captured what makes a romcom special, and why the world needs more.

Patty Murin is a narrator I always enjoy listening to, and this time was no different. She did a fantastic job.

I enjoyed this book right up until the last quarter. The "overheard" conversation ploy was overused, but I could have dealt with that - writers are nosey by nature though not always so fortunate to hear something worthwhile. But the characterization fell apart at the end, especially for our heroine, and soured the story for me.

Katherine Center has done it again! Like Emily Henry, Center never fails to write the devour-able rom com books everyone loves to hate.

Emma Wheeler is a teacher and aspiring screenwriter, but due to a terrible (per Emma there needs to be a better word than this) accident she is also her father’s caretaker, which limits her Hollywood dreams. Though she cannot be in LA, that doesn’t stop her from being an unparalleled rom-com fan. She knows and loves them all and can quote many line for line. This encyclopedic knowledge, an ex in the business, plus her writing capabilities gets her a short-term ghost-writing gig with her favorite screenwriter ever.

As the saying goes, “never meet your heroes.” Emma’s first impressions of Charlies Yates are less than stellar. The egotistical writer has his awards including his Oscars in a drawer! His total lackadaisical attitude about his career and his disdain for the rom-com genre has Emma fuming. He doesn’t even want to write the screen play and is only doing so for selfish reasons. But Emma is determined to win cynical Charlie over and prove that rom-coms matter and make him believe in love again.

Like many books of this genre, the plot is somewhat predictable, but that doesn’t detract from wanting to read Emma and Charlie’s story. Like any love story of this genre, and as Emma would remind you, they do have to fall in love in the end. I did have trouble liking Charlie for his heartlessness at the beginning of the story, it makes his behavior hard to justify, but he does work hard to redeem himself in the end. If you are looking for a fun quick read that is heartwarming, The Rom-commers will certainly do the trick!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and of course the author Katherine Center for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Rom-Commers is out in audio format on June 11th! All opinions are my own.

Emma has been working to become a screenwriter for years, all while being the caretaker for her father after his disastrous fall. Emma loves rom coms. Like LOVES them. So when she gets a call to help her favorite screenwriter try his hand at writing a rom com, she immediately jumps at the chance only to be disappointed when it requires her to be in LA. Her sister does not let her say no however, their dad will be just fine in her hands. Only one problem remains. Charlie does not want her help, doesn’t believe in love, and doesn’t want to fix this script.

Can Katherine Center do any wrong? NOPE. Not even close. This book was as fabulous as we have come to expect from Centers books and I loved every second. I did audio for this one while finishing the library and it was the perfect story to work to. I adored Emma, and even Charlie, though he certainly had some curmudgeonly moments. I really enjoyed following along as they wrote the screenplay, almost faced death, and tried to ignore the chemistry that was sparking between them! This book was so fantastic and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!

This was such a fun book! I really loved Emma our protagonist, she was quirky, interesting, and relatable. Taking care of her ailing father for the last ten years made Emma put her life on hold. Now with the chance to write a movie script with none other than Charlie Yates, Emma’s writing talents can shine. Unfortunately, the mega famous screenwriter doesn’t believe in love, leaving Emma to cover more ground and make him believe in the magic of a romcom.

Emma and Charlie had such cute banter, she was super funny, determined to make her dreams finally come true, with a little turbulence on the way. Adorable shenanigans and situations made this book so enjoyable - line dancing, pool diving and a little guinea pig. I loved the cameos from Katherine’s previous book The Bodyguard and overall this was a fantastic spring/summer read!

I loved Patti Murin’s delivery of this book, it was lively and entertaining. She did a great job showcasing Emma’s upbeat personality and Charlie’s gruff but sweet demeanor. The additional bonus chapter and note narrated by the author added a personal touch that I really appreciated!