Elissa is the queen of celeb romances - in my opinion. This was a great follow up novel to Once More With Feeling and it was probably the first book that involved a Broadway Play that I've read. It was a great underused concept. Nice humor and a good light read for a nice rainy day in.

Second chance romance is my jammmmmm. Love the trope and the author does it justice! Will continue to read more from her.

Once More with Feeling
by Elissa Sussman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

I went into this book somewhat blind and with zero expectations, and I couldn’t be happier. This book was an absolute delight. It was so genuinely easy to read, and I didn’t want to put it down.

Once More with Feeling is about Kathleen Rosenberg, aka Katee Rose. Once upon a time she was a pop star riding the high of insane stardom and a tour with hot boy band CrushZone. Katee’s boyfriend Ryan is in the band, along with Cal, the man she ruins her popularity and career for.

Fast forward to now when Kathleen’s best friend convinces her to perform in the hit musical she just wrote, except there is one hitch to the plan. Cal is the director.

This book just worked for me in every way. I enjoyed both timelines, and was constantly intrigued by what would happen next. There was insane chemistry and the side characters kept things really interesting! I could not recommend this book enough if you’re looking for a light, fun read.

Thank you to Elissa Sussman and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for allowing me to read an ARC of this lovely book!

A pitch-perfect second-chance romance! This fun book the story takes us from auditions to workshop to out-of-town tryouts to the opening night and beyond of the musical. The romance is sincere and heartwarming. Enjoyed this book!

"Once More With Feeling" by Elissa Sussman is an absolute gem of a book, deserving of every one of its 5 stars. This novel is a beautifully crafted story that combines romance, music, and second chances into a compelling narrative that will captivate readers from start to finish.

The book brilliantly weaves together two timelines, taking readers on a journey from the dizzying heights of pop stardom with Katee Rose to the more grounded and relatable life of Kathleen Rosenberg. Sussman's writing effortlessly transports readers into the world of music, fame, and Broadway, creating an immersive experience that is both heartwarming and emotionally resonant.

What sets "Once More With Feeling" apart is its well-drawn and complex characters. Katee/Kathleen and Cal are incredibly relatable, flawed, and genuine individuals who have made mistakes in the past but are striving to find their way back to each other and to their dreams. Their chemistry is palpable, and the tension between them is electric, making their rekindled romance a joy to root for.

Sussman expertly explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the pursuit of one's passions. The character development and growth throughout the story are beautifully executed, leaving readers with a deep sense of satisfaction and connection to the characters.

Additionally, the book's portrayal of the entertainment industry, with its highs and lows, is both realistic and intriguing. It offers a glimpse into the sacrifices and challenges faced by those in the spotlight while also celebrating the power of music and theater to heal and inspire.

In summary, "Once More With Feeling" is a must-read for anyone who loves a heartwarming, second-chance romance with depth and substance. It's a book that will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling, and it deserves every bit of its 5-star rating. Elissa Sussman has crafted a truly unforgettable tale that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page.

Check out what 'What Did I Just Read?' podcast for more of mine and LA's thoughts on this book! Episode streaming now!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-did-i-just-read/id1688795567?i=1000625707857

Spoiler Alert! I freaking loved it. If you're a self proclaimed musical nerd / second chance romance / enemies to lovers / childhood friends to lovers fan than look no further. This book will fill your very specific niche. It has angst, sexual tension, and drama. So much love for this book and this author!

Thank you Net Galley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Side Note: This was not given to me in advance - rather the day it was published. I had already bought my own copy via pre-order. If that means anything to anyone out there in the internet aether.

I was a theatre kid in high school, on the periphery of the acting scene in college, and spent a season or two with a community theatre workshop. I was never one of the popular kids, and I don’t think I ever even had a line (except in my friend Marc’s senior project, Godspell, where I had a solo!), but I pulled curtain, ran lights, designed and built sets, and sang in the chorus. I played a bush in Tom Jones, a townsperson in A Christmas Carol, and a soldier in Cyrano de Bergerac… because as a freshman, I was skinny and flat-chested enough to pull it off. I truly thought I’d grow up to be an adult who had season tickets to a local theatre and went to Boston or Broadway for shows a few times a year, but alas, I’m paying for a car, rent, and groceries, instead, while watching Hamilton on repeat on Disney+ (at least when it premiered, we dressed up, printed programs, and ate a fancy dinner while we streamed)!

All that to say, this second-chance romance about a former pop star who lands her first Broadway role rings true to the stage and show details I remember, and while I never made it to “the Broad Way” (except to see Phantom of the Opera that one time in 12 grade), the pressure, perfectionism, the way a show comes together right at the end, the personalities involved, and the love of the craft that Sussman incorporates are vivid and real.

Katee Rose was at the height of her fame when she fell for another member of her boyfriend’s band, and has been lying low ever since that teenage scandal… but now Kathleen Rosenberg has an opportunity to perform in a Broadway musical, in the role of a lifetime… being directed by none other than the guy who is both the one that got away and the (unintentional) ruiner of her career. Their chemistry is intense, the drama high, and the narrative of flashbacks and present day keep a pendulum like momentum going through this novel for theatre geeks.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #OnceMoreWithFeeling from #NetGalley.

I was sold at the first mention of Newsies.

Once More with Feeling is a second-chance romance with high kicks and jazz hands.

Kathleen and Cal met when they were kids at camp and later reconnected when they were both on top of the pop world. Things happened that ended Kathleen's career, where Cal walked away clean.

Years later, they are working together again, and it is not going well. The past is still very much in the present, making it hard to forgive each other.

I enjoyed the story. There were parts where I felt Kathleen really got the raw deal from Cal and her friend Harriet. We won't even bring up Ryan. I don't think anyone gave her a chance to make things right before they made her out to be the bad guy. I also think Kathleen should have stood up for herself more. I don't know if her character developed enough throughout the book for this to happen.

I wanted more romance. While I didn't mind the dual timeline, I think it took away from the current. I wanted to see Cal and Kathleen fall in love, and I don't know if we got that.

The book was fun and light. It was an easy read, but I wanted more from the characters. Can we thwack them and request more feeling??.

I really enjoy a good second chance romance, and after reading and loving Elissa Sussman’s Funny You Should Ask, I had to get my hands on this one.
Katee Rose seemingly had it all - she was a famous pop star, whose boyfriend was the hottest member of a boy band. So when she finds herself falling for another member of said boy band, and it gets out, her career goes up in flames.
It’s many years later, and Katee - now Kathleen - is forced to work with the “other” boy band member, Cal. Neither can deny their mutual dislike that’s really just a front for some extreme feelings.
This one has friends to lovers, to rivals to lovers vibes and I was definitely here for it. I’d definitely recommend it for those who enjoy those themes along with second chance and celebrity romance,

I'm so sad I didn't love this as much as Funny You Should Ask! It was still a worthwhile read. I was rooting for Katee and Cal to work out whatever in the past and at least be okay with each other. I think I cared more about Katee's friendship with Harriett than I did about the romance.

I was laughing and crying multiple times during this book! The story line is perfect and the characters are so loveable. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I will definitely pick up another one!

Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman is a heart-stirring tale that expertly weaves the magic of fame, shattered dreams, and the chance to reclaim what was lost. This friends-to-lovers and enemies-to-lovers romance had me captivated from start to finish, from the real emotions to the steamy chemistry between the leads.

Sussman crafts a narrative that effortlessly transports readers into the tumultuous world of stardom. Through the eyes of Katee Rose, America's pop sensation, we experience the glitz and glamour, the relentless paparazzi, and the suffocating pressures of fame. Katee's yearning for authenticity and freedom tugs at your heartstrings, making her instantly relatable despite her larger-than-life persona.

The story seamlessly shifts between past and present, providing a fascinating glimpse into Katee's journey. From her passionate yet forbidden connection with Cal Kirby, a member of the CrushZone boy band, to her bittersweet fall from grace, the emotions run deep. Sussman's writing effortlessly captures the complexities of love, guilt, and the weight of past mistakes.

The characters in Once More With Feeling are beautifully layered and flawed, adding depth and authenticity to the story. Katee's transformation into Kathleen Rosenberg, an ordinary woman seeking redemption, is a testament to Sussman's skill in portraying the intricate nuances of growth and self-discovery. The tension between Katee and Cal is palpable, and their tempestuous reunion ignites a fire that sizzles off the pages.

What sets this book apart is the author's ability to infuse humor and wit amidst the emotional turmoil. The dialogue sparkles with banter and playful exchanges that had me grinning like a fool. The Broadway setting adds an extra layer of magic, as Sussman effortlessly captures the vibrancy and energy of the theater world.

Once More With Feeling is a tale of second chances, forgiveness, and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. Sussman's masterful storytelling will leave you with a renewed belief in the resilience of the human spirit. Loved it.

I am such a sucker for a celeb romance and FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK was a big hit for me last year! I couldn't wait to request ONCE MORE WITH FEELING, but I am so bummed to report that it didn't work out for me.

I usually love dual timelines in a romcom, but for some reason, it just didn't work for me here. I didn't feel the emotional connection to these characters or their relationship and I SO wanted to. I also wanted a lot more musical details in this book!

I think this book had a lot of potential but unfortunately, this was just a miss for me. However, I still want to give Elissa's work another chance, and hope she comes out with new work soon!

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. As a thespian, I was obsessed with the Broadway performance storyline. The characters were frustrating in the best way and I loved watching their personal development and growth in self-awareness. This book was un-putdownable and I was anxious to see how the two main characters would grow through their increasingly close contact.

Something that I know will be undervalued was the dynamic and growth in the female friendships in the book. Helen was such a wonderful character and ultimately kind of an unsung hero in this novel and I loved watching her grow in confidence and finally be herself and ask for what she wants!

I have and will continue to recommend this one to everyone I know. Never met an Elissa Susan novel I didn't love!

Once More with Feeling takes you inside the life of a former bubblegum pop princess (think Britney Spears circa 2001) who has fallen from grace after a scandal involving her boy band frontman boyfriend (think Justin Timberlake circa 2001). Katee (nee Kathleen) is bruised from her fall but determined to make her comeback to her first love, theater, with the help of her first love (and Other Man in her career-ending scandal), Cal. I thought these two made for interesting, complex characters who show the journey of being sucked into the cyclone of noughties fame and spit out decades later. This novel is compelling, juicy, and of course gives Kathleen the happy ending that was stolen from her by that y2k staple, misogyny.

Elissa is truly amazing at writing slow burn and amazing chemistry between two characters. It was truly crackling between Kathleen and Cal. I loved the back and forth on the timelines and how it helped build the current day story. It was very heartfelt and the theater background was fun. Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC.

3.5 Stars

I was excited for this one after reading and loving Elissa Sussman's last book, Funny You Should Ask.

Once More with Feeling is a charming second chance romance that captured my interest very quickly. However, I didn't feel quite as attached to the characters in this story as I did with Funny You Should Ask, though I can't point to exactly why.

⭐️multiple timelines
⭐️second chance romance
⭐️friends to lovers to enemies to lovers

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Ballantine/Dell for the ARC!

This book was so cute! I love that the characters were a little bit more adult than typical romance, but it still held all of the charm of a mainstream romance book.

This was such a cute second chance romance. It was adorable, heartwarming, slightly cringe at times, and all around just perfect. I’m so glad to have read this book!

Honestly, I was scared to pick up this book and kept putting it off because I kept seeing not stellar reviews. I am so glad I decided to take a chance on this book. Kathleen Rosenberg used to be THE pop star when she was young, selling out concerts, having many adoring fans, the perfect boy band boyfriend until it all fell apart. In a matter of moments, she lost it all. Now several years later, her best friend, Harriet, writes the perfect part for her in a hopeful Broadway show. Unfortunately, she is thrown together with the reason it all went downhill and she lost her career, Cal Kirby. Can she work with him to achieve her dreams or is there too much history there?

As I said, I was scared to pick up this book because of all the not-so-great things I was hearing about it, but I am so glad I did. I loved this story and ate it up. I loved the then and now timelines, seeing how her life fell apart and how she was slowly trying to regain herself and her self-confidence. I would have liked it more if we had a dual-pov and got to see what Cal was thinking, but I still enjoyed the story. I would recommend Once More with Feeling to anyone who likes a slow-burn romance, especially if you like ones that revolve around celebrity life.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this! 3.5 stars — 2 for the romance, 5 for the musical theatre love.

Sussman has clearly grown and improved as a writer since “Funny.” The dialogue in this one was so much more realistic, and the story as a whole felt more … developed. More complete and rounded out.

I do wish there’d been more explanation of some of the Broadway bits. Like what is an out of state tryout? Why were they in Rhode Island? Why were there so many different opening nights? Just a sentence of brief explanation would’ve helped me feel more in the know on what was happening, so I could be excited for the characters.

The slow burn romance was a veerrryyy slow burn. Not much happens until 75% in, then they break up quickly and get back together with a few pages left. So if you’re here for the romance, I’d suggest finding something else to read. If you’re here for the ode to musical theatre, you’re in the right place!