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morethanmylupus's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Katherine Center's romcoms always have me giggling away and this was no exception. I read this one on audio while walking my dog, so the neighbors probably think I'm a bit batty now but I was enjoying myself too much to mind.
Charlie was hard to love at first. He's crabby (which I didn't mind - grumpy/sunshine is my favorite romcom trope) but more notably he seems to be doing some underhanded things that I didn't love. But this is a romcom, so he redeemed himself in the end, of course. Poor Emma has been through the wringer with her life, but I liked the growth in her character as well as the way her family role and the relationships she has with her sister and dad grew.
The banter was great but the story did veer into the overly dramatic and unlikely a couple of times which I didn't love. Overall, this isn't my absolute favorite of Center's romcoms to date, but I had such a blast with Charlie and Emma that I'm not mad about it.
Charlie was hard to love at first. He's crabby (which I didn't mind - grumpy/sunshine is my favorite romcom trope) but more notably he seems to be doing some underhanded things that I didn't love. But this is a romcom, so he redeemed himself in the end, of course. Poor Emma has been through the wringer with her life, but I liked the growth in her character as well as the way her family role and the relationships she has with her sister and dad grew.
The banter was great but the story did veer into the overly dramatic and unlikely a couple of times which I didn't love. Overall, this isn't my absolute favorite of Center's romcoms to date, but I had such a blast with Charlie and Emma that I'm not mad about it.
A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Death of parent
kerosenelit's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
I swear, I open a Katherine Center book and I cannot help but devour it. I've read nearly all her books, and I'm always hooked by her warm blend of meaningful topics within an otherwise breezy, cheerful story. She makes me feel all the emotions!
This was very much a validating love letter to the romance genre. And Charlie Yates certainly gets a lesson! With his script for an upcoming romantic comedy being downright terrible, aspiring screenwriter Emma Wheeler is tasked with helping him rewrite it.
Let's just say, it took me time to warm up to Charlie. He is a realist, and for understandable reasons, but his bitterness was uncalled for at times. Emma was a darling powerhouse of personality, and it irritated me to see Charlie continually push away a good thing.
But he won me over!
Through writing sessions and research (hehe), I loved seeing Charlie experience all that romance has to offer. Leaving you with the message of finding joy within the hardships, it's a delightful ending with a totally memorable grand gesture!
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
This was very much a validating love letter to the romance genre. And Charlie Yates certainly gets a lesson! With his script for an upcoming romantic comedy being downright terrible, aspiring screenwriter Emma Wheeler is tasked with helping him rewrite it.
Let's just say, it took me time to warm up to Charlie. He is a realist, and for understandable reasons, but his bitterness was uncalled for at times. Emma was a darling powerhouse of personality, and it irritated me to see Charlie continually push away a good thing.
But he won me over!
Through writing sessions and research (hehe), I loved seeing Charlie experience all that romance has to offer. Leaving you with the message of finding joy within the hardships, it's a delightful ending with a totally memorable grand gesture!
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Medical content
elle_laine's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Emma is a writer who has passed up opportunities to further her career because she is her father’s primary caretaker. But when a friend calls her and describes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to re-write a romantic comedy script with one of the most famous screenwriters of today, Charlie Yates, Emma can’t say no. And after her dad and sister hear about the opportunity, they make it impossible for her to not go. Unfortunately, Emma finds out too late what Charlie Yates thinks about romance and love, and the journey she sets out on to prove to him that love is not “an emotional Ponzi scheme” turns out to be something she never bargained for.
I simply ADORE this book and storyline! Katherine Center never fails to deliver a truly heart-warming and slightly heart-breaking story about love, the realities of life, and truly comedic moments. I fell in love with Emma and Charlie, their stories, and all the other characters that made this story so incredibly special. Not a single character was presented as one-sided, but rather each character was presented with their flaws as well as their strengths, making the story complete and realistic. I felt like I could relate to the characters.
THANK YOU Macmillan Audio for providing me with the audiobook version of this book through NetGalley. All opinions listed here are only mine. The audiobook made it that much more special. The narrator was excellent and brought life to the story that took it up a notch. For each character, she created a distinct voice which greatly helped in the reader experience. Personally, I typically opt to read the physical copy of books, but this was a wonderful audiobook production. My recommendation is the audiobook, as it gave the story a fullness that I do not think I would’ve gotten from an ebook or physical copy. The overall experience with the audiobook was all-around enjoyable.
This is the perfect spring/summer read for lovers of Katherine Center’s other books, lovers of happily-ever-afters, and even for those who do not really “believe” in love. Let this book surprise you. Open up your world to a genre you may not generally lean toward.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing
jillwedemeier's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Katherine Center does it again with another delightful romantic comedy, aptly titled "The Rom-Commers." Center is a master at crafting sweet, closed-door romances that will give you all the feels. Like with her other books, "The Rom-Commers" will have you laughing out loud and wiping away tears. There are quite a few hard-hitting topics in the book, so be sure to check the trigger warnings. But, as usual, Center is able to skillfully balance grief and trauma with romance and humor. This book was not my favorite of her works, but it was an enjoyable and easy read that will make the perfect beach or poolside companion this summer. Emma and Charlie were relatable characters, each dealing with their own challenges and past traumas. I loved the "opposites attract" trope and thought they both had excellent character development. Overall, a wonderful rom-com that I recommend.
I listened to the audiobook read by Patti Murin. She has narrated Center's books in the past, and I always enjoy her narrations. Murin is a believable narrator who brings the story to life with a fun and lively performance. The audiobook featured a bonus scene from Charlie's perspective and an author's note read by Center, which are both audio-exclusives, as well as acknowledgements read by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to the audiobook read by Patti Murin. She has narrated Center's books in the past, and I always enjoy her narrations. Murin is a believable narrator who brings the story to life with a fun and lively performance. The audiobook featured a bonus scene from Charlie's perspective and an author's note read by Center, which are both audio-exclusives, as well as acknowledgements read by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
thebookishpersuasion's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cursing
mrs_meg_walsworth's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Chronic illness, Cursing, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Closed door no sexual content really. A few kisses but nothing descriptive.macklyle's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ARC Review -
The sweetest story - truly just the embodiment of a good rom-com. Katherine does a really good job to keep you hooked and maintain the storyline at a pace that doesn't feel dragged out but also was not missing any details. I loved the banter between our two main characters from the get go. My heart was swooning the whole time - I als0 loved the sweet bits of advice and inspiration from her father.
Pros: Loveable characters, witty banter, unique plot, and explores grief, growth and forgiveness in a non 'heavy' way.
Cons: I did not love the second person writing; some points it was cute, and others it felt distracting from the story line. I would have loved a bit more interactions between out two MCs - which is a weird considering they lived together for 6 weeks, but at times it felt like a recanting of moments from Emma's pov and not the real thing.
Overall - I adored this book so much!!
The sweetest story - truly just the embodiment of a good rom-com. Katherine does a really good job to keep you hooked and maintain the storyline at a pace that doesn't feel dragged out but also was not missing any details. I loved the banter between our two main characters from the get go. My heart was swooning the whole time - I als0 loved the sweet bits of advice and inspiration from her father.
Pros: Loveable characters, witty banter, unique plot, and explores grief, growth and forgiveness in a non 'heavy' way.
Cons: I did not love the second person writing; some points it was cute, and others it felt distracting from the story line. I would have loved a bit more interactions between out two MCs - which is a weird considering they lived together for 6 weeks, but at times it felt like a recanting of moments from Emma's pov and not the real thing.
Overall - I adored this book so much!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cancer, Death, and Car accident
juliereadsromance's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Rom-Commers
By Katherine Center
Easily five stars. This book is as moving as it is funny.
There were scenes that were so funny (one in particular with a country line dancing instructor) that I really had to wonder whether this had happened to the author in real life. Because, you just can’t make up some of the hilarious situations in the book.
I cried at one point and told my husband he needed to understand that I was going through a really emotional part of the book and wouldn’t be back to myself for a while.
I really love these characters. They took up residence in my heart and haven’t left yet.
My only gripe is that book is not spicy. Closed door. But that’s my preference and not a shortcoming of the book. I would have really loved to see Charlie and Emma get it on, but maybe some reader will produce some fan fic to fill that gap :) [no pun intended]
I give this book my highest recommendation for readers who want a contemporary rom com with depth and heart. It stands out as a perfectly executed romance.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
louisekf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Katherine Center is a must-read author for me. She never lets me down. Her romance novels always bring joy to my reading life, even as she covers serious topics along the way. The Rom-Commers is no different - it was just delightful.
Emma Wheeler is an aspiring screenwriter but life got in the way of her taking advantage of a prestigious Hollywood internship. Specifically, she became her father’s caretaker and a mother-substitute for her younger sister, after a tragic accident. So she put her life on hold, while she continued to write without achieving any success in that area. But an old friend in LA is her manager and one day he hands Emma the opportunity of a lifetime - to write (actually re-write) a rom-com with her screenwriting idol, Charlie Yates, if she can come to LA from Texas. Apparently, Charlie is a masterful writer but this rom-com is a disaster and rom-coms are Emma’s specialty. So this is a rom-com about writing a rom-com! Very meta.
The whole sequence of events after Emma gets to LA is pretty hilarious, while also touching on Emma’s fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, and her fangirl idolization of Charlie and other Hollywood writers and actors. There’s a fun cameo appearance by Jack Stapleton, who we met in The Bodyguard - and Meryl Streep! We have a bunch of tropes: enemies-to-lovers and/or friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, grouchy-sunshine, etc., but Center somehow pulls it together in her expert way. Among the serious topics covered are: Meniere’s disease (I don’t think I’ve seen another book that covers this, a disease a friend of mine deals with); cancer; death of a parent; disabling injury; and more.
Do not miss this book if you like rom-coms at all!
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Patti Murin, and the audiobook includes a short piece by the author (read by the author).
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cancer
cayleyreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Omg I loved this book so much. I cried so many tears, both sad and happy, and can’t not rate it 5 stars.
I loved Emma’s energy and personality, and the way she behaved around the stars of LA resonated so much. Her family overcame so much and was so lovely. You could tell Charlie was in love with her from the first second, and the grumpy energy made for such a good build up.
Both characters have a lot of trauma that they work through, both together and apart, and they’re just such a power couple.
I also loved the nods to the tropes and writing style of a rom com throughout. Fantastic writing and story.
I loved Emma’s energy and personality, and the way she behaved around the stars of LA resonated so much. Her family overcame so much and was so lovely. You could tell Charlie was in love with her from the first second, and the grumpy energy made for such a good build up.
Both characters have a lot of trauma that they work through, both together and apart, and they’re just such a power couple.
I also loved the nods to the tropes and writing style of a rom com throughout. Fantastic writing and story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Terminal illness, Medical content, and Medical trauma