The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center is a romantic comedy about two screenwriters writing a romantic comedy that gives us a few classic tropes in a single POV, non-spicy, and entertaining novel.

Emma, our main protagonist, has given up her dreams of becoming a famous screenwriter in order to be the primary caregiver for her father. She teaches and takes small part-time writing gigs to make ends meet but mainly focuses on her father. She gets the opportunity of a lifetime - rewrite a romantic comedy with her favorite screenwriter of all time.

Charlie Yates, the aforementioned screenwriter, is Hollywood’s most famous and beloved screenwriter, responsible for all of Hollywood’s favorite movies, but can’t write a romantic comedy to save his life. However, he’s only entertaining the idea so he can have his true passion project approved for filming. Emma comes crashing into Charlie’s life to save his utterly terrible rom-com and maybe his heart along the way.

The Rom-Commers gives us all of the classic romantic comedy tropes. First we have our introduction between our two main characters that doesn’t go according to plan - you know we love a good enemies-to-lovers moment. Emma perseveres and finally triumphs by getting Charlie to agree to re-write the rom-com. There’s palpable tension as we see our two main characters grow closer through writing, mundane tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, and a random line dancing class (he even tied her shoelaces during it!). Of course we have the famous will they, won’t they moment with a sprinkling of drama/fighting/hurt because no main character or story is perfect; there needs to be some conflict that culminates in a grand gesture.

The Rom-Commers gives us enemies-to-lovers and grumpy-sunshine tropes without being overdone or super cliche. There’s funny banter and heart warming moments between Emma and Charlie. But I love that it’s not all sunshine, rainbows, and so perfect it’s easy. There’s also some miscommunication and stubbornness from both characters that helps this story feel more realistic and helps us feel the pain and frustration between characters.

If you’re looking for a fun, wholesome, non-spicy, yet entertaining and slightly meta romantic comedy, this is worth a read.

The Rom-Commers - Likewise Book Reviews

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