This was a very different and engrossing read for me. I loved learning about the history of the Harlem Renaissance and the magical realism was great in here too.

5/5⭐️. This book was everything and more. It was my most anticipated book of 2024 and it did not disappoint. There was such depth in these characters. Ricki Wilde is like no other. Ezra Walker is the man in any era. I will give more thoughts when it’s closer to the release data.

Arc provided by the publisher for an honest review.

This book was beautiful. It’s a romance, but it’s also a love letter to Black Excellence. The author works in pop culture references and real-world issues without it coming across as preachy or corny. The prose is beautiful, and I loved reading about the Harlem Renaissance. 10 stars. Fantastic book.

I love this book. Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central for the opportunity to read Tia Williams' A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. I adore Ricki and Ezra, and Della, and Tuesday.. Loved the Harlem history. Loved the magic. I was sad when I finished the book.

I am so glad I snagged this while it was “read now” on NetGalley - thanks NG, Tia Williams, and Grand Central for this gem in exchange for my honest review.

I hail from a family that owns a funeral home (kind of weird, I know), so I was drawn in from the start just by the pure thrilling detail that Ricki is a member of an elite funerary family. Things move on quickly from the family biz and I was drawn even deeper into the magic realism and richly interwoven characters.

As a history major, I also loved learning more about the Harlem Renaissance. Even before Ricki learns about her connection to Ezra, she goes on her own historical journey and pays tribute to landmarks long forgotten. I don’t think Ezra could have ended up with someone who didn’t appreciate and understand the world that helped form him.

CW/TW: toxic relationships, gaslighting, racism, lynching, mass murder, fire, addiction, suicide, terminal illness, infidelity, infertility

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy in return for an honest review.
I loved Seven Days in June so I was so excited to read this book and it didn’t disappoint! The concept is a little bizarre but I loved the Harlem renaissance aspect of it. Obviously it is an amazing love story because Tia Williams can do no wrong. I also loved that she wrote Eva and Shane into it! 🥹

Tia Williams never lets me down!! This was a such a gripping story that Thad me through and through. It was enthralling, emotional, intense and at times relatable. I laughed. I cried. I read it all in one day. I could not have written a book that I more wanted to read. Absolutely adored it.

I am so glad I snagged this while it was “read now” on NetGalley - thanks NG, Tia Williams, and Grand Central for this gem in exchange for my honest review.

I hail from a family that owns a funeral home (kind of weird, I know), so I was drawn in from the start just by the pure thrilling detail that Ricki is a member of an elite funerary fam. Things move on quickly from the family biz and I was drawn even deeper into the magic realism and richly interwoven characters.

As a history major, I also loved learning more about the Harlem Renaissance. Even before Ricki learns about her connection to Ezra, she goes on her own historical journey and pays tribute to landmarks long forgotten. I don’t think Ezra could have ended up with someone who didn’t appreciate and understand the world that helped form him.

CW/TW: toxic relationships, gaslighting, racism, lynching, mass murder, fire, addiction, suicide, terminal illness, infidelity, infertility

Fanciful tale filled with very likable characters.
Unexpected element of magical realism added a whole other layer to the story.
Have been a fan of the author's--so enjoy her writing style.
Luv the Harlem setting/history.
Not a fan of the cover--could be much more in keeping with the story.

With thanks to NetGalley & Grand Central Publishing for this e-ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The descriptions were so vivid that it felt like I was a part of the story. It was like these things were happening to me. The way she described this gravitational pull and intense connection resonated with me. I’m a romantic through and through but this book put into words why I am that way. I just felt a lot of things reading this book. I’m inspired to live a bit bolder, brighter, and on my own terms. I came out of this book with a better appreciation for flowers, history, intuition, and soulmates. I plan on reading it again.

This was so fun. And fresh. And unexpected.
Tia Williams’ words are like water flowing down a river. I went into it expecting a love story, but I came out of it with so much more!

I loved this book by Tia Williams! I hadn't read any of her work before and I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the prose and everything that went into it. I definitely would recommend this book to friends and family members!

I loved The Perfect Find and Seven Days in June by Tia Williams so I was so excited that she had a new book out. All I can say is wow!!! A love story with a twist I was definitely not expecting. A man who has been waiting for the love of his life for years but there is one catch that has him avoiding this woman which he fails at because he is so drawn to her. This is a story of about love, loss, pain, grief and sacrifice. The story of Ezra and Ricki was beautifully written and I also loved that Eva Mercy made an appearance from Seven Days in June.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde was a very beautiful and unique read. I appreciated that African American spiritual practices were in included a way that addressed the stigmas associated with them, while also explaining the history of why, and debunking common misconceptions. As a lover of Seven Days in June I also enjoyed the Easter egg references and cameo. Ezra and Ricki's sorry is one that I will come back to for comfort. Tia has a way of writing characters so beautifully flawed and lovable. I enjoyed the character development of not only the main characters, but the supporting ones as well. An overall good read.

This novel evokes the essence of Tia Williams' romance novels while adding a unique twist with its integration of immortality and the Harlem Renaissance. It captivates readers with suspense and, although initially puzzling, the seamless integration of stories makes it impossible to set aside. The book delivers beautiful messages, with a central theme of love breathing life into its narrative. Notably, the inclusion of characters from "Seven Days in June" adds depth to the story. Overall, this book is a captivating blend of romance, adventure, creativity, and science fiction with a distinct black cultural perspective.

I preface this review by saying that Tia Williams is become an automatic purchase for me. Although I have downloaded the ARC, after reading this book, I will certainly pre-order the hardcover and am planning on making this a Winter book club pick.
For those of you who are curious if you should read the book, here are a few random non-spoiler thoughts that might assist you:
1. This is a steamy, but not overly spicy romance.
2. The description is accurate.
3. If you've invested in the Tia Williams universe, there is a fun cameo and easter eggs. However, you do not need to have read the past books to fully understand them.
4. Williams has been criticized for having an abundance of current pop culture references, you will find them tempered here.
5. I recommend this book without reservation.

"A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" is a captivating and enchanting tale that sweeps readers into the heart of Harlem. The story revolves around Ricki Wilde, an impulsive and artistic individual who feels like the odd one out in her powerful Atlanta dynasty family. Her decision to break away from her familial ties and follow her dreams leads her to Harlem and a life-changing adventure.

The novel beautifully captures the essence of Harlem, both in its modern setting and through the lens of the Harlem Renaissance. The rich tapestry of music, stories, and dazzling drama from the past that still simmers beneath the surface of the neighborhood adds depth and resonance to the narrative.

Overall, "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" is a story of self-discovery, passion, and the enduring power of love. If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another time and place while tugging at your heartstrings, this one is a must-read.

A LOVE SONG FOR RICKI WILDE includes all the things I love about the author's writing such as the humor and the deep intensity between the two love interests, but with the added twist of fantasy. I appreciated and enjoyed the theme of having the courage to go after what it is you want in life, whether it's a dream career of owning a floral shop or a mysterious stranger you gravitate towards. I really liked how "deja vu" was explained in this book's world. I enjoyed the Harlem and music history which added more culture and richness to the story. I also thought the author did a great job of making the magic realism grounded to make the unimaginable still feel real.

After Ezra has been waiting countless years wondering what year will be the year he would finally find his love, only to then have the clock ticking until his time with Ricki ended. I think I held my breath the entire time Ricki and Ezra were counting down their time together, not wanting to miss a single moment.

Out of everything I enjoyed about this book, there's one beautiful sentence that has stayed with me since finishing the book that I can't stop thinking about, which is "there's a few more 'yous' you haven't met yet." I love this author so much and can't wait to read whatever she grants us with next.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy in exchange of my honest review.

4.5/5 stars :This story blew me away. I read A Perfect Find and Seven Days in June but this one knocked it out of the park. Well written story with a twist.

I wasn't able to get too far in this book because I was just not meshing with the the writing. It feels as if this book was written to be turned into a film and I really do not like when writers write like that. The story feels less lived in because I feel like this is how it was written. The dialogue feels stiff and it lacks any type of flow. I wish I could say I felt that I was going to enjoy this at any point but it just didn't happen.