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jadehusdanhicks's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was my second read by this author and I certainly enjoyed it more than the first. This author lives featuring Jewish protagonists, and I love that this diversity is being included in such mainstream romance novels.
I love how this follows Cal, Katherine and Harriet from meeting at theatre camp to accomplishing their biggest dreams, all interconnected by music.
It deals with rocky relationships (of all types), heartbreak, trauma at the hands of the media and more. Although this made for an interesting plot, and was certainly more engaging than Elissa’s other book, it still left me in a slump.
The theatre and musical background was preferable to the enemies to lovers interviewer and washed up actor of Elissas other book.
I love how this follows Cal, Katherine and Harriet from meeting at theatre camp to accomplishing their biggest dreams, all interconnected by music.
It deals with rocky relationships (of all types), heartbreak, trauma at the hands of the media and more. Although this made for an interesting plot, and was certainly more engaging than Elissa’s other book, it still left me in a slump.
The theatre and musical background was preferable to the enemies to lovers interviewer and washed up actor of Elissas other book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Sexual content, Medical content, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Drug use, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
amberinpieces's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Bullying, Cursing, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Body shaming, Sexism, Drug use, and Toxic relationship
caitlinjadams's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fun read and I continue to really like Sussman’s writing. And the Broadway setting played to my tastes! I did find myself wishing for more of Harriett. She was a more fully formed best friend character than in many romcoms, but not as fully developed as the leads and it left me wanting more because there was clearly more to give.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Bullying, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol, Sexual content, Child abuse, Fatphobia, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
wildflowerleahg's review
4.5
Utterly charming and perfect for musical theater kids and 90’s babies alike. 4.5/5
As someone born right in the middle of the transition of the millennial to gen z, I was aware of the fascination of 90’s boy bands such as *NSYNC, the rise of bubble pop singers such as Brittany, and the incredible denim on denim look but was only looking in the review. With this book being an absolute delight.
In the present we have a washed up pop star hoping to make her Broadway debut and the man directing her just might be the guy that helped her ruin her career. Kathleen was both relatable and unlikable at the same time. Trapped at the age she became famous and slow starting to reintroduce herself. Cal was an total dreamboat. Like Hugh Jackman, they both long to dance on stage and I want nothing less for them.
Quippy dialogue, referencing musicals in chapter and just being a fun summer read, I enjoyed every minute of this!
*thank you PRH and goodreads for sending me a copy. My opinions are all my own*
As someone born right in the middle of the transition of the millennial to gen z, I was aware of the fascination of 90’s boy bands such as *NSYNC, the rise of bubble pop singers such as Brittany, and the incredible denim on denim look but was only looking in the review. With this book being an absolute delight.
In the present we have a washed up pop star hoping to make her Broadway debut and the man directing her just might be the guy that helped her ruin her career. Kathleen was both relatable and unlikable at the same time. Trapped at the age she became famous and slow starting to reintroduce herself. Cal was an total dreamboat. Like Hugh Jackman, they both long to dance on stage and I want nothing less for them.
Quippy dialogue, referencing musicals in chapter and just being a fun summer read, I enjoyed every minute of this!
*thank you PRH and goodreads for sending me a copy. My opinions are all my own*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
booksalacarte's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Once More With Feeling- 3.75⭐️ 3🌶️
A former pop star finds herself back in the spotlight —along with an old flame from her past—in this friends-to-lovers meets enemies-to-lovers story from the bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask, the sensational TikTok romance!
Then. Katee Rose is living the dream as America's number one pop star, caught in a whirlwind of sold-out concerts, screaming fans, and constant tabloid coverage. Everyone wants to know everything about her and her boyfriend, Ryan LaNeve, the hottest member of adored boy band CrushZone. Katee loves to perform but hates the impossible demands of stardom. Maybe that's why she finds herself in the arms of another CrushZone member, Cal Kirby. Quiet, serious Cal, who's always been a good friend to Katee, is suddenly Cal with the smoldering eyes and very good hands. One unforgettable night is all it takes to blow up Katee's relationship with Ryan, her career, her whole life...
Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence, and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal Kirby shows up with the opportunity of her dreams—a starring role in the Broadway show he’s directing and a chance to perform the way she’s always wanted. The two haven’t spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other, making their reunion a tense battle of wits and egos. Kathleen reluctantly agrees to the musical, as long as she keeps her guard up around Cal. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smolder, and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Kathleen can’t deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you’ve been burned in the past?
✨My Opinion✨
Well, if it isn’t Britney and Justin… as a second chance romance. Only neither of them are as likable as I would want. Their individual personalities aren’t as flushed out as they could have been. Having more than one example of a character trait, like being a people pleaser or great director, is helpful.
I wish there had been more MC interactions with their cast members. One side character is nicely established, then disappears until the end of the book?
As a musical theatre kid, I loved all the Sondheim references!
It was still a cute book. The tension was great. The plot was good. I adored the reveal at the end!
Thank you Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Cursing, Abandonment, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Body shaming, Injury/Injury detail, and Misogyny
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