Book Review: The Rom-Commers By Katherine Center
Book Synopsys:
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. She will convince him that love stories matter―even if she has to kiss him senseless to do it. But . . . what if that kiss is accidentally amazing? What if real life turns out to be so much . . . more real than fiction? What if the love story they’re writing breaks all Emma’s rules―and comes true?
Book Review: The Rom-Commers By Katherine Center
Romance | 336 pages | 2024 | St. Martin’s Press
I recently had the pleasure of listening to “The Rom-Com Agenda” by Katherine Center on Audible, and let me tell you, this book had me hooked from the very first five minutes! So much so that I ended up finishing it in just one day. I found myself purposefully doing tasks that allowed me to keep listening, captivated by the story unfolding in my ears. If you’re a fan of romance novels, this one is a must-read.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around the delightful dynamic between our main characters, set against the glamorous backdrop of Hollywood. It cleverly utilizes the “forced proximity” trope, bringing together two characters who initially seem worlds apart. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic between the protagonists adds layers of charm and humor to their interactions, making their journey together incredibly engaging.
Key Highlights
1. Forced Proximity
The narrative’s forced proximity setup is executed flawlessly. It’s the kind of situation that fans of this trope will find irresistibly entertaining. Watching the characters navigate their closeness, often against their will, creates plenty of opportunities for tension and growth.
2. Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic
One of the standout features of the book is the grumpy/sunshine pairing of the main characters. The contrast between their personalities not only provides ample humor but also showcases their individual growth as they influence each other in unexpected ways.
3. Writer Main Characters (Screenplay Writers)
As a writer myself, I found the screenplay writer protagonists particularly intriguing. Their struggles, creative processes, and the unique challenges of writing for Hollywood are portrayed with authenticity and depth, making their professional journey as compelling as their personal one.
4. Hollywood Setting
The Hollywood setting adds an extra layer of glamour and intrigue to the story. The behind-the-scenes glimpses into the movie-making industry are fascinating, adding a unique context to the romance.
5. Slow Burn/Closed-Door Romance
For those who enjoy a slow burn, “The Rom-Com Agenda” delivers beautifully. The romance develops gradually, with plenty of delicious tension and anticipation. Additionally, the closed-door approach to intimate scenes keeps the focus on emotional and character development, which I found refreshing.
6. Banter and Humor
The banter between the characters is sharp, witty, and genuinely funny. The humor lightens the narrative, balancing out the more serious moments and making the characters even more endearing.
Why You Should Read This Book
If you’re a fan of romance novels that combine humor, depth, and delightful character dynamics, “The Rom-Com Agenda” is a perfect pick. Katherine Center’s writing is engaging and well-crafted, drawing you into the story and keeping you invested until the very end. The combination of classic romance tropes, well-developed characters, and a fascinating setting makes this book an absolute joy to read (or listen to).
Final Thoughts
“The Rom-Com Agenda” by Katherine Center is a charming, fun, and heartwarming read that I highly recommend. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted escape or a romance that will keep you hooked from start to finish, this book has it all. Do yourself a favor and dive into this delightful rom-com – you won’t regret it!
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