Thank you to Dell Publishing for allowing me an eARC of this book!

I want to start by saying that this was most definitely as fun and engaging overall as I expected from Elissa Sussman's second novel. With a story following an ex pop star who fell from grace after a public cheating scandal now trying to make a comeback on Broadway, the concept is undeniably excellent. That said, I had a few issues this time around.

So. Here's the thing. This was definitely fun, and definitely engaging, and I don't doubt many people who loved Funny You Should Ask will love it. Elissa Sussman definitely has a specific vibe to her books, and this one stays consistent to the formula—second chance romance, multiple timelines, celebrity characters (except this time, they're all celebrities instead of just the MMC!), and overall, just a good time. You know you're going to have fun reading her books.

Something I don't remember thinking so often in Funny You Should Ask, however, was the amount of drama for the sake of it. A lot of the more climactic scenes felt over the top, for lack of a better phrase, but then again, I doubt anyone's really reading these for the realism? Some miscommunications end up largely unnecessary, and I had a hard time feeling like some of the character's reactions to big moments felt like the behavior of a real human.

Secondly, Kathleen, our main character, is honestly just a pretty terrible friend. Some of it is central to the plot, but it's a tough watch when we don't see much of any consequences for that in the grand scheme. Her best friend, for reasons perhaps prompted by Kathleen's bouts of forgetting her best friend exists, is also solely there to advance the plot. It was tough to see a character that could've been given some depth pop up only a few times at length throughout, and only when we needed a catalyst for a main character realization. In fact, I found most characters aside from Kathleen to be pretty underdeveloped, and I think that the issue I had as a whole while trying to buy into the story.

I really DID have fun and eat it up just as much as I did her first, but I think this one just wasn't for me. I'd be willing to bet that there's plenty who will disagree with me, though, and I'm sincerely still excited to see what Elissa Sussman comes up with for her next.

This book was a joy to read! The storyline centered on a second chance at love/enemy to lover trope that I could not put down.

Kathleen, a former pop princess, is still paying for mistakes from her adolescence. After admitting to an affair, her ex used Kathleen’s mistakes to bolster his own fame, which resulted in a quick end to her music career. She has spent the last decade avoiding the public and living a silent, but lonely life. When Kathleen is suddenly offered an opportunity of her dreams—to star on broadway, she jumps at the chance to rewrite her own narrative. The only catch, she has to work with a former friend, Cal, who betrayed her after her fall from grace. The story focuses on the broadway play and Kathleen and Cal’s relationship as they advance from hate to something else. I loved that this story focused on a women who wasn’t a hero..it reminds me of Taylor Swift’s song Anti Hero. Kathleen’s resilience and grit are to be admired. The book is written with a dual timeline, which I think flowed perfectly. Just like Sussman’s book, ‘Funny You Should Ask,” this is a must read!

I throughly enjoyed ONCE MORE WITH FEELING. An engaging, charming, second chance love story of Kathleen/Katee, a former popstar not only finding her spark again, but reconnecting with her match, Cal. Knowing that both Kathleen and Cal have hurt each other in the past, it was engrossing to see what it took for them to be able to trust again.

I fell in love with Kathleen and Cal's personalities right away and their genuine love for each other. Cool as a cucumber, Cal knows how to handle Kathleen's bristly and defensive side, softening her. It was fun to see Kathleen battle her feelings of either wanting to be angry with him or to start kissing him. Even despite their history, their belief in each other and their talent never waned. Together, I feel there is nothing they couldn't do that they have their hearts set on.

The ending was perfect, definitely a book that makes you feel so good after reading.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Dell and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

I absolutely loved Funny You Should Ask and Once More with Feeling was one of my most anticipated books of 2023, so thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

It has been years since Kathleen Rosenberg, formerly known as major pop star Katee Rose, has been in the spotlight. Her career blew up partly due to Cal Kirby, and she’s apprehensive when he now shows up with the job of her dreams- starring in a Broadway musical that he is directing. While their reunion starts out tense, the connection between them is strong.

I really enjoyed the Broadway/musical theatre and summer camp references throughout the book, as well as the flashbacks which built up Kathleen and Cal’s past. This was a really fun read and I recommend picking it up when it publishes on May 30, 2023.

A peppy romance featuring two former pop singers and current frenemies collaborating on a musical. Cal is the director and Kathleen (aka Katee Rose) is the show’s star - will they be able to put their dramatic past aside and make it to Broadway?!

Once More with Feeling is told from Kathleen’s perspective and there are flashbacks. At times, her present day inner monologues seemed more like something a teenager would write in their diary than the musings of an adult woman. There was a lot of telling and not necessarily showing. And yet…(as Kathleen says/thinks numerous times) it is still a fun and entertaining read!

Cal seems like a sweetheart and I was rooting for him to find happiness and for Kathleen to figure out what she wants and who she has grown into.

Recommended to fans of (former) celebrity romance, second chance/friends-to-lovers, (sort of) enemies-to-lovers plots. Bonus points if you also enjoy musical theatre. Give this a chance if you’re in the mood for a quick, lighthearted read. 3.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Random House Ballantine for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

This is a heartfelt, poignant, genuine, and engaging romance novel that skillfully weaves together the "enemies to lovers" and "second chance" tropes. It tells the story of Kathleen and Cal as they navigate their relationship through time.

The two first met at a summer theater camp when they were teenagers, where they were both selected to perform solos. Kathleen aspired to perform on Broadway, while Cal shone with his dancing skills. They shared an innocent and unforgettable moment on the roof and teased each other during rehearsals. But after the summer ended, they went their separate ways.

The next time they met, Kathleen had become a pop singer named Katee Rose and was dating the lead singer of a popular boy band, Ryan, who was self-absorbed and loved being in the spotlight. Cal joined Ryan's boy band, bringing back memories of their shared past. Things escalated quickly, and Kathleen found herself in the middle of a love triangle. In the end, she lost both guys and her entire career as she was shunned by the press, fans, and agents.

I n the present day, Kathleen's best friend and partner in crime, Harriett, has written a play with a lead character inspired by Kathleen. The two of them find themselves working with Cal, who is interested in directing the play for Broadway. Although Kathleen must bury the hatchet and be professional, her resentment towards Cal for not supporting her in the past still simmers.

Their forced professionalism is soon tested as old feelings resurface, leading to witty and sarcastic banter. Both Kathleen and Cal still blame each other for the events of the past, and they must decide if they are willing to risk their careers for a second chance at love.

Overall, I found Kathleen and Cal's story to be more sincere and heartwarming than the author's previous characters, Chani and Gabe (who had a Chris Evans vibe). This is a beautifully written and emotional story about childhood sweethearts that I highly recommend you don't miss.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Ballantine/Dell for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.



Regenerate response