Genres: Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance
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Katherine Center’s The Rom-Commers is a charming and witty celebration of love, ambition, and the magic of romantic comedies. The novel follows Emma Wheeler, a passionate screenwriter with dreams of creating the perfect rom-com. Emma’s life is upended when she’s given a rare opportunity to rewrite a script for the legendary screenwriter Charlie Yates—an opportunity that promises to be her big break. However, her excitement quickly turns to disillusionment as she encounters the reality of working with her idol.
Emma’s journey to Los Angeles is fraught with challenges. Her personal life, marked by her role as the primary caretaker for her ailing father, has always taken precedence over her career. With her younger sister stepping in to help, Emma seizes the chance to immerse herself in the world of Hollywood. But Charlie Yates is nothing like she imagined. Dismissive and cynical, Charlie views the romantic comedy genre as frivolous and his latest script as a mere stepping stone for his true ambitions.
Center’s writing shines through Emma’s vibrant and relatable voice. Emma’s determination and love for the genre are infectious, and her struggles with Charlie’s dismissive attitude provide both humor and heart. The dynamic between Emma and Charlie is electric, filled with snarky banter and undeniable chemistry. Their interactions are a highlight, as Emma’s passion for love and rom-coms slowly chips away at Charlie’s hardened exterior.
The story’s strength lies in its ability to balance humor with genuine emotional depth. As Emma battles to prove the value of love stories, she also confronts her own fears and desires. The evolution of her relationship with Charlie is both sweet and unexpected, culminating in a romance that is as satisfying as any well-crafted screenplay.
The Rom-Commers also provides a delightful behind-the-scenes look at the world of screenwriting, adding an extra layer of authenticity to Emma’s journey. The novel playfully deconstructs and celebrates the tropes of romantic comedies, while also offering a fresh perspective on why these stories resonate so deeply.
In summary, Katherine Center’s The Rom-Commers is a delightful read for fans of romantic comedies and anyone who enjoys a feel-good story with a touch of Hollywood magic. It’s a testament to the power of love, the importance of following one’s dreams, and the joy of finding romance where you least expect it. Emma’s journey is both heartwarming and humorous, making this novel a perfect escape for anyone in need of a dose of romantic charm.
About Katherine Center
BookPage calls Katherine Center “the reigning queen of comfort reads.” She’s the New York Times bestselling author of ten novels, including How to Walk Away, Things You Save in a Fire, The Bodyguard, and her newest, Hello Stranger. Katherine writes laugh-and-cry books about how life knocks us down—and how we get back up. She’s been compared to both Jane Austen and Nora Ephron, and the Dallas Morning News calls her stories, “satisfying in the most soul-nourishing way.” The movie adaptation of her novel The Lost Husband (starring Josh Duhamel) hit #1 on Netflix, and the movie of her novel Happiness for Beginners, starring Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes, opens July 27 on Netflix. Katherine’s summer 2022 book, The Bodyguard, was an instant New York Times bestseller, a People Best New Books pick, and nominated for Book of the Year by Book of the Month Club. Bestselling author Emily Henry calls The Bodyguard “a shot of pure joy,” and bestselling author Helen Hoang calls it “a perfect feel-good rom-com.” Katherine lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas, with her husband, two kids, and their fluffy-but-fierce dog.