Reviews

honestly i don't know how to quite rate this book, i was anticipating this book so much and i just kinda fell flat. a lot of time blurs and jumps and that made it hard to connect with them (and the 're both annoying) it felt rushed so many times, didn't feel like the characters had much chemistry more like lust, also not a fan of the cheating trope sooo :/ still better than her debut novel I just think the characters need more development

literaryintersections's review

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emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

My theatre loving heart absolutely adored this book. It was so close to a 5 star (and I might changed my mind and round up). I love anything MT and this was a legit ODE to everything musicals - from the movie musical date nights to the performances to the rocky horror of it all. Just a CLASSIC for anyone who nerds out on all things Broadway.

“Musicals were just so big. Big and bold and fun and yes, a little nuts too. And I loved it.”

Cal was so swoony. Kathleen was so stubborn and honestly a bit of a mess the entire book. I liked that their age was somewhat ambiguous - just like a mid to late 30s vibe which, FAB. I wish the musical Harriett writes was real and that I could see it.

I also loved the way this takes on the entertainment industry. It has some The Daydreams vibes (which I peeped Laura’s name in the acknowledgements!) in the way it talks about how young women in particular are just at the whim of nasty execs and horrible fans.

“Then again, that was showbiz. There was nothing fair about this industry.”

I think the first 70% of this is much stronger than the ending. I also felt like harriett was just there - and as the only Black and gay string secondary character, I wish her story was more fleshed out. Also it seems like box braids are going to be the one indicator that a side character is Black moving forward and I hate it (Emily Henry did it in HP too). I also didn’t love the 3rd act breakup but Atleast it was short.

Overall, if you love MT, this is a must read. And if you love a swoony man with a sensitive and prickly woman who takes a while to get her head on straight, dive in.

Content Warnings