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jessicastorer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, and Death of parent
kafarm6's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Death
nailartklaudia's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Medical content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Blood and Alcohol
jennergyy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 ⭐️ rated down
It took me a while to get into this book, but I found it entertaining once I found my groove. I didn’t find Charlie to be a likeable character and I feel like that ruined their love story for me. Definitely not my favorite from Katherine Center.
It took me a while to get into this book, but I found it entertaining once I found my groove. I didn’t find Charlie to be a likeable character and I feel like that ruined their love story for me. Definitely not my favorite from Katherine Center.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer
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 injurybooksalacarte's review against another edition
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
5.0
The Rom-Commers 4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
Contemporary Romance
Hollywood/celebrity romance
Workplace romance
Unwilling allies to lovers
Grumpy sunshine
Grief
Strong family
🏳️🌈Side Character
Injury disability rep
This was a very cute rom-com about a pair of screenplay writers writing a rom-com. It was cliche in the best ways, but also packed a punch when it came to a dressing trauma and serious topics.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were complicated and dynamic. I found my self wishing that there was a little bit more vulnerability from the MMC for the big gesture, but he was also a silent but strong type... so, I don’t know. I’m conflicted. I was absolutely charmed by the epilogue.
The plot was a fun spin on a Hollywood insider’s romance. I appreciated that the boom wasn’t over-run by pop culture and real celebrity references. The pacing was perfect.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
rachrreads's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this one— it was a ton of fun! I honestly wish this would’ve been a dual POV but overall it was a fun ride.
Emma Wheeler has spent the first part of her adult life taking care of everyone around her. She let her sister go off to college so she could pursue her dreams and stayed back to take care of their father full time. When the opportunity of a life time comes up, her family will not let her turn it down. Charlie Yates, Emma’s favorite screenwriter, is in need of a ghostwriter for one of his upcoming films. He wrote a romantic comedy script and it was… not good.
We love a rom-com about writing a rom-com!
Read if you like:
• fantastic banter
• workplace romance
• movies
• he falls harder
• celebrity (famous screenwriter) romance
I really enjoyed this one— it was a ton of fun! I honestly wish this would’ve been a dual POV but overall it was a fun ride.
Emma Wheeler has spent the first part of her adult life taking care of everyone around her. She let her sister go off to college so she could pursue her dreams and stayed back to take care of their father full time. When the opportunity of a life time comes up, her family will not let her turn it down. Charlie Yates, Emma’s favorite screenwriter, is in need of a ghostwriter for one of his upcoming films. He wrote a romantic comedy script and it was… not good.
We love a rom-com about writing a rom-com!
Read if you like:
• fantastic banter
• workplace romance
• movies
• he falls harder
• celebrity (famous screenwriter) romance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Car accident, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer
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