Scan barcode
A review by savvyrosereads
Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.5
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Katee Rose was a pop sensation—but then a mistake imploded her career. Now, she’s Kathleen Rosenberg, and she finally has the chance to achieve her Broadway dreams…if she can work with the man who once blew up her whole life.
This book just GOT ME. Elissa Sussman’s writing is absolutely gorgeous, and the way she used all of the tropes and themes in this one was so captivating and fun. I laughed, I teared up, I swooned, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself the entire time. In particular, I LOVE how Kathleen is unapologetic about how much she wants the spotlight—a refreshing change of pace from the usual pop star narrative we see in fiction. Also, I’m obsessed with the camp flashback scenes and honestly need someone to write an entire YA theater camp romance right now because, yes. (This probably already exists…if it does and you know about it PLEASE TELL ME.)
I’m frankly not usually a huge second chance romance girlie, but this one handled the trope SO WELL—the characters actually had the chance to really develop their relationship in the “first” timeline, there were legitimate reasons it didn’t/couldn’t work (i.e. not just a frustrating miscommunication), and their reunion felt believable and demonstrated real growth. I want all second chance romances to be like this!
Also, there’s a cat named Gefilte Fish, and honestly that alone should be enough to get you to pick up this book.
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: second chance/sort-of-childhood-friends-to-lovers; Broadway/musical theater; plot-and-character-driven hybrids
CW: Misogyny/sexism/body shaming; infidelity
Katee Rose was a pop sensation—but then a mistake imploded her career. Now, she’s Kathleen Rosenberg, and she finally has the chance to achieve her Broadway dreams…if she can work with the man who once blew up her whole life.
This book just GOT ME. Elissa Sussman’s writing is absolutely gorgeous, and the way she used all of the tropes and themes in this one was so captivating and fun. I laughed, I teared up, I swooned, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself the entire time. In particular, I LOVE how Kathleen is unapologetic about how much she wants the spotlight—a refreshing change of pace from the usual pop star narrative we see in fiction. Also, I’m obsessed with the camp flashback scenes and honestly need someone to write an entire YA theater camp romance right now because, yes. (This probably already exists…if it does and you know about it PLEASE TELL ME.)
I’m frankly not usually a huge second chance romance girlie, but this one handled the trope SO WELL—the characters actually had the chance to really develop their relationship in the “first” timeline, there were legitimate reasons it didn’t/couldn’t work (i.e. not just a frustrating miscommunication), and their reunion felt believable and demonstrated real growth. I want all second chance romances to be like this!
Also, there’s a cat named Gefilte Fish, and honestly that alone should be enough to get you to pick up this book.
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: second chance/sort-of-childhood-friends-to-lovers; Broadway/musical theater; plot-and-character-driven hybrids
CW: Misogyny/sexism/body shaming; infidelity
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Sexism, Misogyny, and Infidelity