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readingwithmeredith's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Characters: 3
Connection to the book/Enjoyment: 2
Setting: 2
Plot/Overall Story: 2
Writing: 3
Every point= 0.25 stars, max per category 4 points
Not bad, but really not that great. The last 25% of the book was the best part but when I stopped and thought about it, it felt like a copy of her other books. The plot itself felt lacking to me and I just never connected our bought into the story. I didn’t care for her breaking the fourth wall in how she directly spoke to the reader, it just didn’t work for me. Prob my least fav of her books, but not a bad book. Thankful she is writing closed door still.
Connection to the book/Enjoyment: 2
Setting: 2
Plot/Overall Story: 2
Writing: 3
Every point= 0.25 stars, max per category 4 points
Not bad, but really not that great. The last 25% of the book was the best part but when I stopped and thought about it, it felt like a copy of her other books. The plot itself felt lacking to me and I just never connected our bought into the story. I didn’t care for her breaking the fourth wall in how she directly spoke to the reader, it just didn’t work for me. Prob my least fav of her books, but not a bad book. Thankful she is writing closed door still.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Medical content, and Death of parent
jg34's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Katherine Center DOES NOT MISS. She always finds a great balance of romance, character study, conflict etc. With some romances the characters seem to fall to fast or the third act breakup is not convincing, but I’ve never felt this issue with Katherine’s books. We really get to see the couple get to know each other and grow. Any conflict they face seems genuine and believable. And of course our main character is also going through her own journey aside from the budding romance. In this case our main character Emma is struggling to balance her dream career of screenwriting with caring for her ailing father. There is also grief, sibling relationships, feelings of inadequacy, things that many of us can relate too!
The male main character Charlie was charming and lovable. Get you a man that LISTENS and LEARNS from criticisms and get this… actually CHANGES HIS BEHAVIOR in response. IMPOSSIBLE. someone who so willingly agrees to do things he does not want to do to please someone else. A man who can be clueless but would google how to help you with any of your problems. Someone deep down so unselfish and accommodating. SWOON.
However, one thing that rubbed me the wrong way was how he acts in the beginning. It is a total 360 to how he acts for the rest of the book. He buys into partnering with Emma very quickly after earlier in the day he is listing about 1000 reasons why he would never ever work with her. I sort of get that he has this performance he puts on to act like he doesn’t give a shit but damn did he have to be so mean in the beginning?? I literally teared up for poor Emma!!
One more small complaint. (SPOILER) there is a public declaration of love, which personally is a bit of an ick for me. I’M SORRY I’m so shy I would die.
The ending though. Katherine center’s books (SPOILER) always have a happy ending. I can always count on her for this, she is so good at happy endings and always leaves me feeling hopeful and wholesome. I love seeing the characters growth on display in the epilogue, living their best (but still realistic) lives.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this, loved the characters, loved the plot, loved the growth. Great time would recommend.
The male main character Charlie was charming and lovable. Get you a man that LISTENS and LEARNS from criticisms and get this… actually CHANGES HIS BEHAVIOR in response. IMPOSSIBLE. someone who so willingly agrees to do things he does not want to do to please someone else. A man who can be clueless but would google how to help you with any of your problems. Someone deep down so unselfish and accommodating. SWOON.
However, one thing that rubbed me the wrong way was how he acts in the beginning. It is a total 360 to how he acts for the rest of the book. He buys into partnering with Emma very quickly after earlier in the day he is listing about 1000 reasons why he would never ever work with her. I sort of get that he has this performance he puts on to act like he doesn’t give a shit but damn did he have to be so mean in the beginning?? I literally teared up for poor Emma!!
One more small complaint. (SPOILER) there is a public declaration of love, which personally is a bit of an ick for me. I’M SORRY I’m so shy I would die.
The ending though. Katherine center’s books (SPOILER) always have a happy ending. I can always count on her for this, she is so good at happy endings and always leaves me feeling hopeful and wholesome. I love seeing the characters growth on display in the epilogue, living their best (but still realistic) lives.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this, loved the characters, loved the plot, loved the growth. Great time would recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Cursing, and Alcohol
annag77's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Why why WHY do I keep reading these hyped up books that are just not for me?
Honestly, I didn’t even like any of the main characters and the whole synopsis just seemed improbable from the startA no-name screenwriter assisting a seasoned, award winning screenwriter, who he has never met. Yeah…right. Not to mention living with him, again- a complete stranger?! I can only let so many things “go” Then there’s the grumpy/sunshine trope which I despise and the “forced proximity” trope that I’m iffy on.
But I decided to read on anyways since I kept seeing other people reading it (I know, I know).
As I mentioned I wasn’t a big fan of the characters, except her dad and sister. Charlie was just mean and Emma just kept taking it (although I can kind of under$tand why.
With that said, I might give Katherine Center one more chance because Hello Stranger was a nice book and there was some cute humor in these stories.
Honestly, I didn’t even like any of the main characters and the whole synopsis just seemed improbable from the start
But I decided to read on anyways since I kept seeing other people reading it (I know, I know).
As I mentioned I wasn’t a big fan of the characters, except her dad and sister. Charlie was just mean and Emma just kept taking it (although I can kind of under$tand why.
With that said, I might give Katherine Center one more chance because Hello Stranger was a nice book and there was some cute humor in these stories.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Medical content, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Death of parent
pandaorb's review
emotional
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? No
4.75
Touching. Humorous. Happily ever after. What else could you ask for in a rom-com? Guinea pigs? Some dumbo who awarded himself the best worst nickname of all time?
I truly did enjoy every single character that this story brought to life. Katherine Center was right - everyone needs to love this book!
I truly did enjoy every single character that this story brought to life. Katherine Center was right - everyone needs to love this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer and Grief
Minor: Animal death, Cursing, Infidelity, Sexism, and Alcohol
sunshinekmp's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Medical content and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, and Alcohol
kelly_e's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Title: The Rom-Commers
Author: Katherine Center
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.00
Pub Date: June 11, 2024
I received complimentary eARC and ALC copies from St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Brisk • Entertaining • Cliché
📖 S Y N O P S I S
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.
Emma’s younger sister steps in for caretaking duties, and Emma moves to L.A. for six weeks for the writing gig of a lifetime. But what is it they say? Don’t meet your heroes? Charlie Yates doesn’t want to write with anyone—much less “a failed, nobody screenwriter.” Worse, the romantic comedy he’s written is so terrible it might actually bring on the apocalypse. Plus! He doesn’t even care about the script—it’s just a means to get a different one green-lit. Oh, and he thinks love is an emotional Ponzi scheme.
But Emma’s not going down without a fight. She will stand up for herself, and for rom-coms, and for love itself.
💭 T H O U G H T S
After not absolutely adoring The Bodyguard and Hello Stranger over the past two summers, I was determined to give Katherine Center one more shot. I was hoping for a return to her earlier writing style, unfortunately that didn't happen.
There is no denying Katherine Center knows how to write banter. However, the banter overtakes the narrative entirely. Neither main character is overly likeable, in fact, Charlie is down right mean at times. I didn't feel any chemistry between them, hence wasn't rooting for them to end up together.
I would have preferred more of a focus on Emma with her family - the caretaking, the grief, their relationship dynamics, the history. It was the scenes that included her father that really hooked my attention. Otherwise, I was overly invested in the story.
My main issue is how the whole cancer aspect was handled. It definitely knocked it down another rung. The book would have been fine without this plotline and I am not even sure what compelled the author to include it here. This whole part left an ick feeling, and was just a solid no from me.
The audiobook narrated by Patti Murin was fine. Nothing really stood out and I would have expected a different tone for Charlie's voice, but it read mostly in the same voice. I didn't necessairly notice as I was also reading with my eyeballs, but I can see how it would be an issue for someone solely listening. The bonus content and the author's note are a nice addition at the end.
There is no doubt in my mind The Rom-Commers will be one of the most popular titles this summer. However, it will not be a favourite of mine. It's evident to me Center has taken a more comedic approach to her writing than focusing on depth and development, which is what originally drew me to her books. This is the third straight release that wasn't for me, and so it's officially time for me to break up Katherine Center as a favourite author. Maybe I will still read more in the future, but they won't be on my most anticipated lists nor will they be a priority.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• The Bodyguard and/or Hello Stranger
• banter
• closed door romance
⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, grief, cancer, injury/injury detail, traumatic brain injury, medical content, medical trauma, chronic illness, car accident, cursing, alcohol, panic attacks/disorders
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"You had to maximize joy when it fluttered into your life. You had to honor it. And savor it. And not stomp it to death by reminding everyone of everything you'd lost."
"I had a theory that we gravitate toward the stories we need in life. Whatever we are looking for- adventure, excitement, emotion, connection-we turn to stories that help us find it."
"Tragedy really is a given. There are endless human stories, but they all end the same way. So it can't be where you're going that matters. It have to be how you get there."
Author: Katherine Center
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.00
Pub Date: June 11, 2024
I received complimentary eARC and ALC copies from St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted
T H R E E • W O R D S
Brisk • Entertaining • Cliché
📖 S Y N O P S I S
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.
Emma’s younger sister steps in for caretaking duties, and Emma moves to L.A. for six weeks for the writing gig of a lifetime. But what is it they say? Don’t meet your heroes? Charlie Yates doesn’t want to write with anyone—much less “a failed, nobody screenwriter.” Worse, the romantic comedy he’s written is so terrible it might actually bring on the apocalypse. Plus! He doesn’t even care about the script—it’s just a means to get a different one green-lit. Oh, and he thinks love is an emotional Ponzi scheme.
But Emma’s not going down without a fight. She will stand up for herself, and for rom-coms, and for love itself.
💭 T H O U G H T S
After not absolutely adoring The Bodyguard and Hello Stranger over the past two summers, I was determined to give Katherine Center one more shot. I was hoping for a return to her earlier writing style, unfortunately that didn't happen.
There is no denying Katherine Center knows how to write banter. However, the banter overtakes the narrative entirely. Neither main character is overly likeable, in fact, Charlie is down right mean at times. I didn't feel any chemistry between them, hence wasn't rooting for them to end up together.
I would have preferred more of a focus on Emma with her family - the caretaking, the grief, their relationship dynamics, the history. It was the scenes that included her father that really hooked my attention. Otherwise, I was overly invested in the story.
My main issue is how the whole cancer aspect was handled. It definitely knocked it down another rung. The book would have been fine without this plotline and I am not even sure what compelled the author to include it here. This whole part left an ick feeling, and was just a solid no from me.
The audiobook narrated by Patti Murin was fine. Nothing really stood out and I would have expected a different tone for Charlie's voice, but it read mostly in the same voice. I didn't necessairly notice as I was also reading with my eyeballs, but I can see how it would be an issue for someone solely listening. The bonus content and the author's note are a nice addition at the end.
There is no doubt in my mind The Rom-Commers will be one of the most popular titles this summer. However, it will not be a favourite of mine. It's evident to me Center has taken a more comedic approach to her writing than focusing on depth and development, which is what originally drew me to her books. This is the third straight release that wasn't for me, and so it's officially time for me to break up Katherine Center as a favourite author. Maybe I will still read more in the future, but they won't be on my most anticipated lists nor will they be a priority.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• The Bodyguard and/or Hello Stranger
• banter
• closed door romance
⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, grief, cancer, injury/injury detail, traumatic brain injury, medical content, medical trauma, chronic illness, car accident, cursing, alcohol, panic attacks/disorders
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"You had to maximize joy when it fluttered into your life. You had to honor it. And savor it. And not stomp it to death by reminding everyone of everything you'd lost."
"I had a theory that we gravitate toward the stories we need in life. Whatever we are looking for- adventure, excitement, emotion, connection-we turn to stories that help us find it."
"Tragedy really is a given. There are endless human stories, but they all end the same way. So it can't be where you're going that matters. It have to be how you get there."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, and Alcohol
divorce, traumatic brain injurymeggiemeggie52's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I read The Rom-Commers front to back in less than 24 hours, so if that doesn't tell you how much I enjoyed it, I don't know what will.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Blood and Medical content
Minor: Cursing and Panic attacks/disorders
bookrecsbyjess's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center. All opinions are my own.
I’ve read a few books by Katherine Center, but this is definitely my favorite book of hers! It’s so good! I ended up staying up way too late just so that I could finish reading it.
The Rom-Commers is about forgiveness, growing, not giving up on your dreams, and making the most of the life you have. It was such a beautiful story.
I loved the characters in this story. While Charlie Yates started off a bit rude and arrogant, he quickly became such a sweetheart who’s thoughtful and maybe not as confident as you’d expect him to be with the fame and awards he had.
Emma was an absolute delight and so funny and charming without even trying to be. She was constantly putting others first, which was lovely, but I also liked the moments when she did things that she enjoyed. She learned to let others help even when it’s hard to give up that control.
The friendship that formed between Charlie and Emma was so wholesome. They got along so well and really complemented each other. Their conversations were entertaining, and I just loved how quickly they became comfortable with each other.
Emma’s family was really sweet, but I loved that they weren’t perfect. They didn’t always say or do the right things, but it was clear how much they loved each other. Emma’s dad was a total sweetheart, and I loved that he didn’t let grief and his health hold him back from life.
The premise of this book was also so interesting and unique. I haven’t read any other books about screenwriters, and I thought it was fun to learn more about that. It was also adorable to see Emma teach Charlie all about rom coms (especially the kissing!).
Also, I read this book as an audiobook, and it was fantastic! Patti Murin did an amazing job with her character and with her dialogue with Charlie. She fit Emma perfectly, and I definitely need to read more audiobooks that she narrates.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone! It was an easy five star read for me, and I can see myself re-reading this book many times in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Blood, Death of parent, and Alcohol
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
michbrito's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I read The Bodyguard as my first Katherine Center book and thoroughly enjoyed it. When I saw the opportunity to request an ARC of The Rom-Commers I jumped at the opportunity... and I think I am on the minority side of not liking it.
The premise of the book was the perfect plot for the topic of the book: two screenwriters being paired together to write a rom-com. One of them was never successful in getting their career started and the other is a staple name in the film industry. Emma is the unsuccessful writer who is a teacher and does any writing job her manager sends her in order to stay afloat with her father (who was in a terrible access 10 years ago and has led her to become his caretaker). Charlie is the successful one who writes a script and it becomes gold. He's behind many successful films and doesn't believe in love due to his own failed marriage.
I really wanted to enjoy this but could not get over the main characters, primarily Charlie. Charlie was overly rude towards and behind Emma's back it was concerning. The amount of times that Emma overheard him say she was an unsuccessful screenwriter nobody to literally anyone that would listen was upsetting and yet she never stood up for herself. I get that she's a big fan of his and an admirer but I really wish she would've confronted him about the things he was saying. Also, the third-act breakup was done in such a way that could've been done with communication! These two are well into their late 20s and could've solved everything by simply talking.
With Emma, I felt for her due to the circumstances she was under and the disaster that happened 10 years ago that completely changed the trajectory of her family's lives, however, it was very hot and cold with her. I saw someone pointed out that she witnesses the accident of her parents and then later making a joke about dying on a cliff, and then again with her at the pool and injuring her organs. The incident with her at the pool in the slinky dress was very toxic and I felt like that could've been omitted from the book. And the things she said to her sister were very harsh and I'm kind of glad her sister said what she said.I read The Bodyguard as my first Katherine Center book and thoroughly enjoyed it. When I saw the opportunity to request an ARC of The Rom-Commers I jumped at the opportunity... and I think I am on the minority side of not liking it.
The premise of the book was the perfect plot for the topic of the book: two screenwriters being paired together to write a rom-com. One of them was never successful in getting their career started and the other is a staple name in the film industry. Emma is the unsuccessful writer who is a teacher and does any writing job her manager sends her in order to stay afloat with her father (who was in a terrible access 10 years ago and has led her to become his caretaker). Charlie is the successful one who writes a script and it becomes gold. He's behind many successful films and doesn't believe in love due to his own failed marriage.
I really wanted to enjoy this but could not get over the main characters, primarily Charlie. Charlie was overly rude towards and behind Emma's back it was concerning. The amount of times that Emma overheard him say she was an unsuccessful screenwriter nobody to literally anyone that would listen was upsetting and yet she never stood up for herself. I get that she's a big fan of his and an admirer but I really wish she would've confronted him about the things he was saying. Also, the third-act breakup was done in such a way that could've been done with communication! These two are well into their late 20s and could've solved everything by simply talking.
With Emma, I felt for her due to the circumstances she was under and the disaster that happened 10 years ago that completely changed the trajectory of her family's lives, however, it was very hot and cold with her. I saw someone pointed out that she witnesses the accident of her parents and then later making a joke about dying on a cliff, and then again with her at the pool and injuring her organs. The incident with her at the pool in the slinky dress was very toxic and I felt like that could've been omitted from the book. And the things she said to her sister were very harsh and I'm kind of glad her sister said what she said. I also wish more was done with her hair instead of constantly being negative about it and keeping in a "pom pom" at the nape of her neck or a top knot.
The ending was not my favorite and wish it was different but again, could be for other people! I can say that there were funny moments as well as sweet moments between her and her father. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The ending was not my favorite and wish it was different but again, could be for other people! I can say that there were funny moments as well as sweet moments between her and her father, and it was a quick read. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The premise of the book was the perfect plot for the topic of the book: two screenwriters being paired together to write a rom-com. One of them was never successful in getting their career started and the other is a staple name in the film industry. Emma is the unsuccessful writer who is a teacher and does any writing job her manager sends her in order to stay afloat with her father (who was in a terrible access 10 years ago and has led her to become his caretaker). Charlie is the successful one who writes a script and it becomes gold. He's behind many successful films and doesn't believe in love due to his own failed marriage.
I really wanted to enjoy this but could not get over the main characters, primarily Charlie. Charlie was overly rude towards and behind Emma's back it was concerning. The amount of times that Emma overheard him say she was an unsuccessful screenwriter nobody to literally anyone that would listen was upsetting and yet she never stood up for herself. I get that she's a big fan of his and an admirer but I really wish she would've confronted him about the things he was saying. Also, the third-act breakup was done in such a way that could've been done with communication! These two are well into their late 20s and could've solved everything by simply talking.
With Emma, I felt for her due to the circumstances she was under and the disaster that happened 10 years ago that completely changed the trajectory of her family's lives, however, it was very hot and cold with her. I saw someone pointed out that she witnesses the accident of her parents and then later making a joke about dying on a cliff, and then again with her at the pool and injuring her organs. The incident with her at the pool in the slinky dress was very toxic and I felt like that could've been omitted from the book. And the things she said to her sister were very harsh and I'm kind of glad her sister said what she said.I read The Bodyguard as my first Katherine Center book and thoroughly enjoyed it. When I saw the opportunity to request an ARC of The Rom-Commers I jumped at the opportunity... and I think I am on the minority side of not liking it.
The premise of the book was the perfect plot for the topic of the book: two screenwriters being paired together to write a rom-com. One of them was never successful in getting their career started and the other is a staple name in the film industry. Emma is the unsuccessful writer who is a teacher and does any writing job her manager sends her in order to stay afloat with her father (who was in a terrible access 10 years ago and has led her to become his caretaker). Charlie is the successful one who writes a script and it becomes gold. He's behind many successful films and doesn't believe in love due to his own failed marriage.
I really wanted to enjoy this but could not get over the main characters, primarily Charlie. Charlie was overly rude towards and behind Emma's back it was concerning. The amount of times that Emma overheard him say she was an unsuccessful screenwriter nobody to literally anyone that would listen was upsetting and yet she never stood up for herself. I get that she's a big fan of his and an admirer but I really wish she would've confronted him about the things he was saying. Also, the third-act breakup was done in such a way that could've been done with communication! These two are well into their late 20s and could've solved everything by simply talking.
With Emma, I felt for her due to the circumstances she was under and the disaster that happened 10 years ago that completely changed the trajectory of her family's lives, however, it was very hot and cold with her. I saw someone pointed out that she witnesses the accident of her parents and then later making a joke about dying on a cliff, and then again with her at the pool and injuring her organs. The incident with her at the pool in the slinky dress was very toxic and I felt like that could've been omitted from the book. And the things she said to her sister were very harsh and I'm kind of glad her sister said what she said. I also wish more was done with her hair instead of constantly being negative about it and keeping in a "pom pom" at the nape of her neck or a top knot.
The ending was not my favorite and wish it was different but again, could be for other people! I can say that there were funny moments as well as sweet moments between her and her father. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The ending was not my favorite and wish it was different but again, could be for other people! I can say that there were funny moments as well as sweet moments between her and her father, and it was a quick read. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Medical trauma
Moderate: Car accident and Death of parent
Minor: Toxic relationship and Blood