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 Full of terrific historical references from the Harlem Renaissance, and some magical realism, this sweet story of found family and romance will leave you rooting for Ricki.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.

I had high hopes because I loved Seven Days in June, but this was just fine. Some of the story came across as flat, some of the characters felt like caricatures. I didn't dislike it by any stretch, but I'm not excited to get it into readers' hands either.

This book was such an incredibly happy surprise! After reading her previous novel, I was eager to read this one and I was not disappointed! I loved the plot and the love story. It was such a beautiful book to read and her writing is some of my favorite. This is one of my favorite romances of the year.

What a fun read! Tia Williams has created a compelling story with lovable, quirky characters all set against the backdrop of a bustling Harlem. It's an ode to Harlem's glorious past, while still being firmly rooted in the present. The dialogue sings and the romance is magic!

3.5 stars

I will preface this by saying I may be in a reading slump and have not been wowed by many books lately!

Tia Williams impressed me with Seven Days in June and I was so excited to pick up A Love Song for Ricki Wilde! I greatly enjoyed the premise and Ricki was a phenomenal lead. I loved her flower shop and desire to make it on her own, without the support of her well-to-do family. I almost put the book down at first...the first half of the book felt choppy and didn't flow well. It took too long to reveal Ezra's "secret" and the way Ricki processed it was slightly unbelievable. Though I liked the characters, some of the dialogue felt forced or too trendy. However, once I hit about 60%, I couldn't put it down. I did predict the big event towards the end, although the details were more creative than I imagined. The romance was very steamy but well done. Overall enjoyable, but I wish it had drawn me in faster!

I think I am in the minority on this one, as others seemed to adore it!

I'll forever read that everything Tia Williams writes. After reading Seven Days In June, I've been itching for a new release from her and A Love Song For Ricki Wilde didn't disappoint. While I found this one a little slow to start with the back and forth between present day and the past, once I got the gist of what was going on I was hooked. And the fact that we got a little cameo from my SDIJ faves? Icing on the cake. I already can't wait for Tia Williams' next project!

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Lovely romance, with some really cool magical realism added. Ricki and Ezra are wonderful fully-developed likable characters. You root for them through the whole novel. I would love to have Della as a grandmother and Tuesday as a best friend. It was really enjoyable to read about Harlem's history. Highly recommend t his unique and magical books.

I am such a fan of Tia Williams (as a person and an author!) but unfortunately this one didn't work for me. I really loved the Harlem setting and how it felt like a character in its own, and the strong female characters in the story. However, it just felt slow and the pacing was generally inconsistent, it was hard to want to pick this up for some reason. I think she took a big swing here and I commend her for it, I'll be interested to see what she does in the future!

This was a love story for the ages (literally!)

I was not expecting a genre bending romance when I began reading, but Tia Williams had me enthralled from the first page. Told through Williams’ beautiful prose, I enjoyed watching the beautiful love story between Ricki and Ezra unfold. Everything felt magical, which was fitting for this novel, and I could feel the undying chemistry between the two.

She also excels at bringing her characters to life and making them jump off the page. I enjoyed Ms. Della and Tuesday and the relationships that Ricki had with them.

This was a 5/5 and I can’t wait to see what Williams writes next.

If you love magical realism, great love story AND historical fiction -this book does it all so well!!

What I loved:
1. The beautiful, lush descriptions of Harlem - the music, the energy popped off the page.
2. The chemistry between the characters - humor, passion, secrets....and then there is Della - one of my favorite characters ever!!
3. So easy to read - and so sad to get to the end of the book. This is one to take to the pool or beach and lose yourself in the pages! 

Thank you to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for the advanced copy!

Ricki Wilde, against the expectations of her family, sets off to start up a floral shop of her own. Ms. Della befriends her and offers her the ability to rent the lower level of her Harlem brownstone. One night, she meets a handsome stranger who sets her world off kilter and the connection is instant. Although I was not expecting the magical realism presented in this romance, I adored it. I enjoyed following along with Ricki and Ezra's story and their lives in Harlem New York.

Oh my heart! I loved this story. Great character development. Great storyline. Overall a great read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the E-ARC.

All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Absolutely stunning! The writing is beautiful. It’s hilarious, heartbreaking, and joyful. I loved this story so very much. Tia Williams is brilliant.

This was just not my jam. I loved Seven Days in June so much - but this one just felt jilted and forced. I'll be sure to look for next one based on how much I enjoyed Seven Days but this one wasn't for me.

I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed the magical realism. This is my first book by Tia Williams and I’m excited to read her back list !

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.