5/5 Stars

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is just as the title describes. We follow Richard Wilde, Jr, Ricki, who is unlike any of her family. Her parents and sisters appear exactly as the socialite family of Atlanta should be and Ricki is everything but what she should be. Described as a dandelion compared to her sister's "long-stemmed roses", Ricki doesn't want to work at the family funeral home. She wants to get out and run a flower shop so she does. As Ricki spends more time away from her family, she begins to grow more comfortable with herself and discover exactly what she wants in life.

This was such an unusual, genre-bending romance and I had the best time reading it! To be honest, the romance was there, but it wasn't earth shattering and I think that makes sense. With so many genres in the book, something had to give. Honestly, my favorite thing about this book was watching Ricki become more comfortable with who she is and how she exists in this world.

I would highly recommend this book if you're looking for something different in the romance space. Check your trigger warnings and be prepared for the emotional wreck you may be while reading this.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, for an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.

This is a beautiful and immersive story that pulled at my heart strings. Not only did it include a timeless romance, but the friendships that Ricki formed were wonderful.

Riki was the star of this story, and I really liked her arc, which involved the challenges she faced with the dynamics in her family.

Williams is a talented author who writes a love story like you have never seen before. I highly recommend this book and her novel, Seven Days in June.

4.5✨'s

Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for the opportunity to respond to this book with my honest opinions.

Sweet time travel-ish love story set in Harlem during the 1920s and 2020s. This was one of those for me where you kind of just have to let yourself get swept along - don’t think too hard about it, don’t worry about it if you’re pretty sure you know what happens next, just go with it!

It felt fairly predictable and a little over-the-top to my jaded brain, but honestly, so be it - the Harlem setting in both centuries was a pleasure to visualize, and the characters were spirited and fun.

I was such a huge fan of Seven Days in June and those characters are still imprinted on my heart. I was very excited for Williams's follow up, A Love Song For Ricki Wilde, and I could see the appeal for some readers, but unfortunately, that reader isn't me. I had a hard time buying the set up- why did this woman give her apt away so swiftly? And I am generally not a fan of magical realism. I knew it would be a part of it going in but I still tried with the hopes I could suspend disbelief, but in this case, I could not. I'll still try this author's books, so long as they're firmly set in today's world (personal preference).

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC! Tia Williams is a masterful writer of love, connection, and romance and this book is no different. I found the magical realism to be a welcome addition to this story and the historical context on Harlem and Black culture was interesting. Great read!

Tia Williams can do no wrong in my book! I absolutely loved SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE when I first read it, so I was very excited to pick up A LOVE SONG FOR RICKI WILDE...and it did not disappoint in the slightest! Packed with the same gorgeous prose and emotional arcs as SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE, this is not a book you'll want yo miss!

I loved the genre-mixing in this book -- it's definitely a romance but add in some magical realism/fantasy as well. Main character Ricki Wilde is forging her own path in Harlem, opening a flower shop and breaking away from her family expectations. There's flashbacks in time to the Harlem Renaissance, and also the Harlem of today. I liked the found family element in Ricki's neighbor Della, and how she was linked in with the main characters in the end. For me I find Tia Williams's romance writing a little sappy (personal taste!) so as romance goes I have to role my eyes at some of the cheesy lines. If I can see past those cheesier moments it's a heart-warming story of venturing out on ones own, finding family, finding love and success.

Tia Williams is one of my absolute favorite authors and I adored everything about A Love Song For Ricki Wilde. The magic, the history, the romance, everything about this book was so perfect and captivating. Tia always writes the most romantic, raw, and emotional love and Ricki and Ezra's love story was beautiful. Allll the stars.

I love Tia Williams but I wasn't a fan of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. This could certainly have been me as I don't typically like books that go back and forth in time and also include time travel. It just felt so unrealistic to me and I couldn't get into the story. The couple also didn't seem like a great fit to me and I couldn't always justify them being together but oh well!

Tia Williams doesn't miss—her latest is just as wildly romantic and lush as ever, and the speculative twists makes it especially magical. A true delight.

this book was magical, lyrical, romantic, poetic, and beautifully crafted. I love tia william's writing and it didnt disapoint me.

This was a fun book, and I really appreciated the opportunity to read it! I will recommend this book.

Tia Williams writes poignant tales, weaving deeply rooted pain into beautiful romance stories. A Love Song is no exception...it is beautifully written, fluid and completely captures the magic and essence of Harlem and the power of love.

I was completely engrossed by her story.

Great love story. Unique and a fun read. I love when I find a love story that isn’t a typical trope. Definitely would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read.

I loved Seven Days in June by Tia Williams so I was so excited to pick this one up.

I loved Ricki- she is messy and flawed. It was so rewarding to see her achieve her dreams because she has a big heart. I loved how the side characters.
The setting — Tia Williams really makes Harlem feel like a character and interwove history and historical figures in such a lovely way.

This was not what I expected and I loved it. I loved the magical realism and fantasy elements.


Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde was a different type of love story. The magic realism elements added so much richness story to the storyline and history of the characters. Ezra Walker is the perfect book boyfriend. The way he stood up for Ricki and supported her was top tier. If you want a story that will have you on the verge of tears this is it. It did not take me long to fall in love with the characters in this novel. I loved the dual timeframes, Harlem renaissance background, magical realism, fated lovers, and just the overall writing style of this story. As a fan of fantasy novels I should have known the dash of magical realism would have me swooning. ✨

I loved this story so much. Tia Williams creates these characters that you so easily fall for, and it makes the story that much more magical. I loved the touches of history and the obvious love for Harlem throughout the story. The main character's shine, but so do your secondary characters. I loved Tuesday and Ms. Della with her list and her pink hair. The voodoo aspects of this story are well executed and add so much to the storyline.

Full Disclosure: This is an amazing story, but go into knowing that it IS NOT Seven Days in June and just enjoy the ride. It's a beautiful story with loveable characters, a touch of spice, and all the feels that you expect from Tia Williams. A great read! Will definitely read again.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley, who sent me this ARC. Ricki, the youngest Wilde daughter, wants nothing to do with the family business and moves to Harlem to open up a flower boutique, her dream job. She meets many characters who become friends including the delightful Ms Della, who rents her the space for her shop/home. Ricki also meets Ezra, a mystery man, she feels inexplicably drawn to but there are reasons why they cannot be together. Full of terrific historical references from the Harlem Renaissance, and some magical realism, this sweet story of found family and romance will leave you rooting for Ricki.

As a huge fan of "Seven Days in June," I was eagerly anticipating "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde," and Tia Williams did not disappoint! 🎶❤️

Ricki Wilde is a character that instantly grabs your heart with her raw, unfiltered personality and deep emotional layers. 🌟 Her journey of self-discovery, love, and redemption is beautifully woven, much like the intricate storytelling that made "Seven Days in June" a favorite. 📚✨

The chemistry between Ricki and her love interest is electric. Every interaction is charged with intensity and emotion, reminiscent of the undeniable connection between Eva and Shane. 💕🔥

Williams excels in creating complex, relatable characters and wrapping them in a narrative that feels both fresh and deeply resonant. Her ability to blend humor, heartache, and hope makes this book an absolute page-turner. 🌈💔😂

"A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" is a symphony of love, growth, and second chances. It's a must-read for anyone who cherished the emotional depth and compelling storytelling of "Seven Days in June." 🎤💖

Highly recommended for those who crave stories that touch the soul and leave a lasting impression. 📖🌹

Tia Williams knows how to write incredible stories and this was another prime example! Really really enjoyed.