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beanie_bob's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This was on the cusp of 3.5/5⭐️ but I don’t believe I was the most compatible reader for this book. I like some musicals, but it’s not one of my passions. I think theater fans would be more likely to enjoy! It was just okay for me.
The thing that worked best for me in Once More with Feeling was the tension and slow(ish) burn between Kathleen and Cal throughout their lives. I think the author did a great job establishing a very specific but believable enemies to lovers scenario. I understand that Kathleen holds resentment from how the media, and everyone, including Cal, treated her when her career blew up. At the same time, I see how Cal’s been harboring heartache all the while, and covering it up with frustration when they have to work together. Nicely done.
The next best element was the backstory of Cal and Kathleen (or Katee Rose) as teen pop idols. Honestly, so much more my thing. There are some interesting thoughts lightly touched upon here about child stardom, double standards, and the fake-ness of fame. Their initial interactions in this time are also very sweet.
Actually, after the 50% mark I was feeling hopeful for a 3.5⭐️, maybe even leaning towards a 4⭐️. But a few things held me back, especially in the third act. Mainly with how Harriet and Kathleen’s friendship is handled, but there is a particular Romance Book Thing that stuck out to me as well and some issues with the ‘antagonists’ (if you can call them that) in this book. Spoilers below!
The thing that worked best for me in Once More with Feeling was the tension and slow(ish) burn between Kathleen and Cal throughout their lives. I think the author did a great job establishing a very specific but believable enemies to lovers scenario. I understand that Kathleen holds resentment from how the media, and everyone, including Cal, treated her when her career blew up. At the same time, I see how Cal’s been harboring heartache all the while, and covering it up with frustration when they have to work together. Nicely done.
The next best element was the backstory of Cal and Kathleen (or Katee Rose) as teen pop idols. Honestly, so much more my thing. There are some interesting thoughts lightly touched upon here about child stardom, double standards, and the fake-ness of fame. Their initial interactions in this time are also very sweet.
Actually, after the 50% mark I was feeling hopeful for a 3.5⭐️, maybe even leaning towards a 4⭐️. But a few things held me back, especially in the third act. Mainly with how Harriet and Kathleen’s friendship is handled, but there is a particular Romance Book Thing that stuck out to me as well and some issues with the ‘antagonists’ (if you can call them that) in this book. Spoilers below!
There’s a third act break up. Which isn’t a hard no for me, but it really made me feel like Kathleen hadn’t learned her lesson at all? I understand it’s to protect Harriet (who will reappear on this list) but it all seems like too much of a repeat of the past. She’s in therapy, she’s an adult, she has literally been there done that. So…why break up when you can just talk like grown ups? The fight between Kathleen and Harriet needed to happen much earlier, if it was going to happen at all. Instead Kathleen just keeps telling herself ‘I need to value my friendship with Harriet more’ while doing nothing. Then, in the fight they say some really terrible things to each other. I understand why Harriet was upset (Kathleen lied and broke a promise) but she really went for the old wounds and slut shamed Kathleen. Then Kathleen doubled down and implied that Harriet was nothing without her. They were intentionally hurting each other. Both these ladies are supposedly in therapy... Rachel, the mean girl from camp, drops off in the middle of the book, never to be seen from again. Even though she’s sleeping with the producer and actively trying to steal Kathleen’s role. Imagine her as a less developed version of the mean girl from Camp Rock. Ex-boyfriend Ryan comes back into the story in the present for almost no reason? I don’t know, I guess to give Kathleen closure via the satisfaction of turning him down. I feel like Harriet’s characterization overall was off. I started out really liking her, then I something about the gumbo+movie night scene pulled me out of the story. The only black character is from Harlem and cooks gumbo. On the one hand, good for her - Harlem is historically black, and gumbo is divine (sincerely, one of my favorite foods). On the other hand…this feels cliche? Stereotypical? I dunno, just made me question some things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse and Antisemitism
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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