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.

i wish i saw the premise before requesting this book - i didn't see any tags for paranormal/fantasy etc and if i had i probably wouldn't have requested it. the prose of this book was lovely, it was easy to read and relatively enjoyable. i didn't enjoy the insta-love or the immortality aspect of this book (or any book w this trope tbh). but another overall lovely write by tia Williams!

i loved all the nods to historic harlem, not only did i learn a lot but the way the information was presented wasn't cringe, which i think is a challenging feat. williams does a great job of making history real and palpable.

basically it was giving addie larue and i hate addie larue

"A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" by Tia Williams promises a delightful and enchanting story set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and the timeless allure of the Harlem Renaissance. This tale introduces readers to Ricki Wilde, an artistic and spirited individual who seeks to break free from the confines of her powerful Atlanta family and follow her own dreams.

The story's premise, with Ricki relocating to Harlem to open a flower shop in a brownstone owned by a regal nonagenarian named Ms. Della, sets the stage for a fresh start and a world of possibilities. The rich historical and cultural tapestry of Harlem, including its vibrant music and stories, provides a captivating backdrop for the narrative.

As Ricki's journey unfolds, a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger in February, amidst the night-blooming jasmine, promises to ignite a passionate and unexpected romance. The novel seems to blend the charm of classic romance with contemporary storytelling, making it an appealing read for those who enjoy love stories with depth and heart.

"A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" appears to be a celebration of personal growth, artistic exploration, and the enduring magic of love. Readers can anticipate a heartwarming and soul-stirring tale that pays homage to Harlem's cultural heritage while delivering a compelling and memorable love story.

First, thank-you Grand Central Publishing (both hands up for Andy!) and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review the book.

A Love Song For Ricki Wilde is a Harlem love story filled with magic realism and fashionista-inspired writing. Ricki Wilde, the flighty daughter of a wealthy conservative Southern family falls in love with Breeze Walker, a ‘perennial’ (read: immortal) jazz musician from the 1920s, who -unbeknownst to 27 year-old Ricki- is eternally 28. Their chance meeting in a community garden sets in motion a series of events that could bind their destinies if they can fix themselves in time. Ricki has to prove to herself and the world that she is a strong independent woman without her family. Breeze has been searching for nearly a century for the elusive notes to an inspired love song that he needs to finish. Since Ricki and Breeze meet in a leap year, ‘the veil between this world and the other is gossamer thin,’ which lets A Love Song For Ricki Wilde weave surreally through the Jazz Age and the present. Other delights that are sprinkled throughout the book include a cameo by Eva Mercy from Seven Days In June; the interesting true factoids of black history; and the wonderful use of little used words such as gossamer, psychopomp (Japanese Breakfast, anyone?), stan, etc. Have a dictionary close by...

Tia Williams uses her best storytelling methods to show how this love story is possible through timely use of flashbacks and quirky secondary characters. Unlike many authors who have been writing for a minute, Tia Williams’ books get better with time. Like fine wine. The richness and texture of her prose is a far cry from her debut novel, The Accidental Diva. In Ricki Wilde, Tia Williams describes in detail the trendy fashions of the eras yet avoids the danger of trite beauty magazine writing and the we-don’t-say-chicklit pitfall. The rich prose also forgives the Hallmark Channel-like simplicity of plot conveniences the author takes. Whenever a character is in a bind, voila the solution pops right up. For example, when Ricki needs to escape her family, the wealthy Ms. Della conveniently shows up right after Ricki’s father gives her an ultimatum.

And yet, A Love Song For Ricki Wilde is a sultry romantic page-turner that keeps a quick pace and every chapter is a very engaging tidbit that builds Ricki's world without unnecessary details. All loose ends are neatly wrapped up at the very end of the story. With A Love Song For Ricki Wilde, Tia Williams is at the peak of her writing.