I went into this book not sure what to expect. I generally really enjoy Katherine Center but I had heard that this wasn't her best work. With that in mind I read it and found myself enjoying it. It was a quick read. The main characters were likable and the storyline kept things moving. Having said that, when writing this review a couple of days after finishing I had to go back and reread the synopsis to recall the story. So while this book is an entertaining way to spend a few hours, the story is unlikely to be one that sticks with you for very long.

This was my first book by Katherine Center, and it will definitely not be my last. I was hooked from the first page and voraciously devoured Emma & Charlie’s story. I was pleasantly surprised how Center effortlessly spun a fun and epic love story but managed to sprinkle in bits of tragedy, hardship, and perseverance. The more somber moments didn’t detract from the levity of the story. They, in fact, made it better; more believable & real. Just two wonderfully flawed characters, trying their best to deal with the tragedies of their past. All while hoping for a better future. Emma Wheeler is a talented screenwriter. Well, sort of. She was on the path to realizing her screenwriting dreams when a tragic climbing accident left her father partially paralyzed. With a traumatic brain injury to boot. Guilt and a strong sense of responsibility made Emma abandon her prestigious Warner Bros. screenwriting internship to stay in Texas and care for her disabled father 24-7. Charlie Yates is a screenwriting legend. He can do no wrong and everything he pens is sought-after. That is until he tries to write a romantic comedy and fails. Miserably. I mean it’s bad. Like, "We’re going to need a better word for terrible." bad. He only wrote it because he needed to get one of his other screenplays green-lit. He doesn’t even believe in love. He doesn’t really believe in anything anymore. Charlie’s agent, Logan, who also just happens to be Emma’s ex-boyfriend from high school, has been throwing Emma work any time he’s able. When The Charlie Yates needs help rewriting his script, Logan jumps at the chance to give Emma the job. She is the best romantic comedy writer he knows, and Charlie Yate’s biggest fan. Two birds, one stone. Except Charlie doesn’t know Emma is coming to help him, and he absolutely does NOT want to write with anyone, especially a nobody like Emma Wheeler. That is until Emma rips Charlie’s script to pieces and impresses the hell out of him, all at the same time. Charlie and Emma are polar opposites that complement each other perfectly. I love the kick-ass writing team they make, the close bond they form, and the deep love they share. From the way they navigate their working relationship, to the tension-filled "research"that leads to them falling in love, Charlie & Emma kept me laughing, crying, and turning pages at a rapid pace. Their character growth was immense, and their happily ever after was well deserved. Because Emma & Charlie are sheer perfection together. And it’s high time they both managed to be ok and write the very best story of their lives. Also, more books should have an adorable pet guinea pig named Cuthbert. Just saying

This is the first book I have read by Katherine Center. I loved it. It was thoughtful and amusing and I really got into the characters. I will be reading everything she has written.

Katherine Center is one of my all-time favorites and this book is a prime example of why. At its core, it's a love letter to rom-coms and writers who create them - and it's also much deeper than that. Katherine has a unique ability to take very deep and heavy topics (tw: death of a parent, cancer diagnosis) and work through them in a very bright and heartwarming way. This book made me laugh-out-loud and tear up at various times and really evoked a whole range of emotions. Read this book if you enjoy: > Forced proximity > Grumpy/sunshine > Writer MCs (screenplay writers) > Hollywood > Slow burn/closed-door romance > Banter and humor I loved both of these MCs. While I usually enjoy dual-POV stories, this one didn't feel lacking because we got such a well-rounded view of the MMC through his dialogue and other sources. His gruff/grumpy demeanor was well done - with enough breadcrumbs to see how he was starting to feel about the FMC without it seeming abrupt or disjointed. The FMC had a lot going on! And all of her backstory was treated with care and really made sense to highlight the character she was and her growth throughout the story. The banter between the two was fun and I definitely had some laugh out loud moments with the FMC. And I loved that this was a strong FMC who didn't take any crap from the MMC. There were some really great side characters in the FMCs story - her family and extended network in Texas was such a crucial part of who she was and her journey. The different Hollywood cameos and network that the MMC had made it very interesting to show the difference in their two experiences. And I adored the Jack Stapleton (The Bodyguard) cameo at different points in the story. I was so excited to get a chance to read this book early - thank you so much to NetGalley, KC and St Martin's Press for the eARC to read and review. All (very enthusiastic!) thoughts are my own.

4.5 stars - Katherine center has a way of telling unique stories that add so much interest, I love how different this story was, similar to others she's written, it drew me in and kept me interested. I love the real life aspects and obstacles she adds in. I enjoyed the romance between the two main characters, I do wish Charlie was a little kinder but I get it's part of his broody writer personality. I also appreciate that there's no raunchy bedroom scenes. Great read.

The perfect romcom about two people writing a romcom movie script. This was my first Katherine Center book and I was charmed, delighted, and totally hooked. The dialogue was snappy, the characters were rife with troubles and angst, and the plot ended with me smiling and wanting more. I don't think you could ask much more from an author.