I love the way Tia Williams writes romance. Can we say tension?!?! That being said, I just wanted more of that. The magical realism bit was a surprise but not an unhappy one. A major plot point seemed really easy to see coming so alot of the emotional turmoil felt contrived but I would still read anything Tia Williams wrote.

Thanks to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had a feeling that Tia Williams’ A LOVE SONG FOR RICKI WILDE would be an absolute dazzler.

SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE, her most recent release, is one of those romances truly lives in my head rent-free (seriously, take a gander at all of the times I’ve posted about it recently). Not only does Williams deliver a swoon-worthy romance following two novelists (!!!), but she deftly covers heavier topics in a thoughtful way.

While A LOVE SONG FOR RICKI WILDE is very different than her other work, it’s just as good. In fact, it’s my fourth 5 ⭐️ read of the year so far!

Ricki Wilde, the youngest daughter in a line of funeral home socialites, impulsively decides to follow her dreams of owning a flower shop and flees her native Atlanta to settle down in Harlem. As she builds her shop in the bottom floor of a brownstone owned by Miss Della, she explores Harlem’s rich culture. On a February night, Ricki, always a flower lover, is drawn to a neighborhood garden, where she meets a mysterious man named Ezra. As the two continue to cross paths, she learns that Ezra is going to knock her entire life off balance as she learns that they’re irrevocably linked.

I ADORED this book. I tried to savor it, but I could have easily blazed through the whole thing in a single sitting because I was THAT engrossed. This is such a genre-bender — it doesn’t just come complete with a stunning romance, but elements of historical fiction and magical realism. We even get some shocking twists in here that make the storytelling absolutely SING.

Let’s talk historical fiction first. We know I’m often iffy on the genre, but I adored the flashback chapters in this novel. Williams infuses so many historical tidbits from the Harlem Renaissance and I adored these lush details.

Onto the magical realism, shall we? It works SO well in here. If you loved THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE, then you’ll likely enjoy the use of magical realism in here as well. Without spoiling anything, the magical elements all made sense and truly boosted the romance. The use of Leap Year was incredibly creative and the exploration of fate was fascinating.

QUICK TAKE: I don’t always read romance, but when I do, I read Tia Williams. If you haven’t read Tia before, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book, or her SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE. Both are excellent. Her latest follows a 20something who moves to NYC to open her own floral business, much to the dismay of her wealthy southern family. Oh yeah, and said 20something falls for an immortal jazz musician, cursed to live forever until he finds his one true love (I think you get the idea). Perfect for fans of ADDIE LARUE, this book is sexy and romantic and funny and very voice-driven. I loved the pop culture references and the character dynamics (not to mention a scene involving a piano that had me sweating!!). With JUNE and now this book, Tia Williams is for sure an auto-buy author for me!

There was something about the vibe of this book that I enjoyed. I don’t love boring romances and while the paranormal is not really my thing, I was able to stomach its interplay in “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde.” There is a charm and cool to this creative romance. The couple’s initial interactions was a little confusing, but overall I enjoyed. 3.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up to 4 stars ⭐️. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy for review.

What beautiful writing and storytelling all the way through. This novel bends many genres to weave together a love story for the ages. Tia Williams captures experiences and periods of time so well. I was immersed in this story. This book is a slow burn. You will get enveloped in the Harlem/Jazz era of NYC! Since it is genre-bending, it may not be for everyone. While it is a romance, it also includes magical realism.

Ricki the creative in a family of traditionals works the family funeral business but really wants to branch off and do her own thing. As a vintage wearing slight delusional romantic, Ricky begins exploring her passion. While working the family business she meets a lady that becomes her fairy grandmother that changes the trajectory of her life.
I loved this story of Ricki Wilde finding her way while distancing herself far from her family while also realizing exactly the type of love she wants. This is a love story that made me smile and get teary eyed. Tia Williams did it again.

This is such a delightful, steamy book! I think it would make a great movie because of the combination of magical elements and atmospheric settings.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
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Ricki Wilde is used to her family not expecting much from her. Yet she is determined to go after her dreams of opening her own floral shop in Harlem. One night she runs into a mysterious man who has a passion for music and is determined to avoid her.
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What I liked:
-This book was a whole vibe. I loved how it built on this mysteriousness of the leap year.
-Ricki’s desire to build something herself was something I liked. I love a book about women who aren’t afraid to work hard for their dreams.
-I loved Miss Della. 🥰
-This book was beautiful and also a little heartbreaking. I teared up a bit.
-Also the cover 😍 aaaaaaand, this quote:
“To look your best, don’t lead with breasts.” 😳😂😂😂
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was not what I was expecting and I love when books do that. Definitely genre-bending.

This is my third book by mother Tia, so I wasn’t expecting anything less than greatness! From the first chapter, I felt mystified by Ricki 😵‍💫. Her character truly feels larger than life, which juxtaposes how she actually felt in her family. I loved how Williams portrayed the importance of remaining true to self in a family that encourages living to a certain standard! Ricki’s flower shop, sense of style, and humor were some of my favorite parts!!!! She seemed so down to Earth; I wanna be her friend so bad 😩🩵💜

I also loved the aspects of magic realism (Tiana loving some fantasy elements?! 😱) The incorporation of Black history (both musical and literary included) was a treat. I have an affinity for the Harlem Renaissance, so getting a taste of that era through Tia Williams’ pen was so delicious. Ezra and Della were SO excellent as “secondary” characters, but TUESDAY?! One chapter of her has me demanding more about her in any form. Please don’t make me beg 🧎🏾‍♀️

In the end, I just felt like I wanted more! (I think I may be greedy 🌝) More about Ezra’s story, more romance, more of an ending (the epilogue fulfilled me, but it was still missing a lil sum for what I was looking for). I loved the premise of the leap year, but I also think it limited some details I was craving. I want the epilogue tattooed on my forehead 😭 Also, I NEED to smell some night-blooming jasmine!

Slow to start and then hurdles to the finish, this is an overall satisfying romance with a unique time travel twist. Recommend to fans of Tia Williams' other works and romance readers. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

OH MY GOD. (the best kind of response to a book)

Okay, so I'll be the first to admit that this book was HARD for me to get into. About 43% of the way in, it picked up in a HUGE WAY and I'm so glad I stuck with it! I almost don't want to talk about any elements of the story, because the magic was partly in the surprise/reveal. So here are some gushy thoughts!

- The timeline. This book has flashbacks and memories as a central theme, but primarily takes place in February 2024.
- The rich history of the Harlem community. If not for the spicy scenes, I'd be encouraging everyone to read this book! With the spice, it's not appropriate for everyone, but I'm so grateful for the glimpse into the rich history of this neighborhood in the black community, along with rich (albeit troubling) traditions of the south. While the community isn't mine, I'm forever grateful to authors that open up the world to someone like me, a white girl for the pnw, to see just a small part of the world that history and actions have created for this specific community of people. It allowed me to "walk a mile" so to speak in Ricki Wilde's shoes (and Ezra's, Tuesday's, Ms. Della's, etc.).
- The STORYTELLING! Tia Williams connects old and new, tradition with modernization, tragedy with hope. The moment the story picked up, I saw the slow world building and the foundation Tia laid for us, and I just enjoyed the rest of the ride!
- The historic pop culture references intertwined with modern day celebrities... this was particularly fun! To look throughout all the decades since the 1920s and see movers and shakers who made such an impact on culture.
- The multiple POVs! I was so surprised to get more than just dual POV in this one. I haven't read anything else by this author, but I don't see this type of story often in the romance world and I'm HERE FOR IT.

I ALMOST recommend going in blind to this story, and make sure you give yourself 50% before you decide ANYTHING about the story. I can also 100% recommend the audiobook! I loved both narrators!

5 giant stars all around!

HUGE thank you to Grand Central Publishing for access to the ARC of this one via NetGalley! These are my honest thoughts!

3.5/5 stars.

I enjoyed this book! I had very high hopes after adoring Seven Days in June, and while this one didn't meet those expectations, I enjoyed it and was curious to see where the story went! I liked the different POVs and how the characters' stories wove together. I have to admit that "instant love" is one of my least favorite romance tropes, and it's hard to get past that in a story that hinges on love at first sight! I also could not get on board with the Ricki's family. They were awful and I don't think they added to the story that much. Williams' descriptions are lush and bring this to life, and I think it would make an EXCELLENT adaptation to the screen. The last chapter was amazing and moving!

A beautiful story. I was a little unsure about a romance story tying in magical realism but Tia does this well. Mrs. Della and Tuesday were great secondary characters and added so much to the storyline. I would recommend this book.

I am fully obsessed with this cover. I loved Tia's previous book so I had high expectations for this one and it fell a little short. I did not fully believe the romance aspect which is a hard thing when reading a romance. The female relationships were more compelling but I still really enjoyed the book.

I loved the magic and curse and all the flower talk and the history. Ms. Della and Tuesday were lovely. I just wanted so much more about Ezra’s background. The man has been around how long and we only got a handful of chapters in the beginning?!? And then once we learned how to break the curse, I knew how it was going to happen, which is fine. The fated soulmate concept was fun but something was missing in the romance? PS Ricki’s sisters are awful.

I really, really loved Seven Days in June, but something about the magical realism aspect in this one just didn’t do it for me? I’m not a huge fan of magical realism romances in general—I feel like I’m the only person in the world who didn’t like the Seven Year Slip. So still 4 stars because Tia Williams is a queen, but not my favorite of hers.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde

This was such an unexpected read for me. It’s very different from Seven Days in June and The Perfect Find so please don’t go in with those expectations. I loved both of those books and I loved this one equally. Tia Williams is such a unique writer because it’s impossible to place her in a box, you really never know what you’re gonna get.

The story starts off as a slow burn which I love. You recognize pretty quickly that something mystical is happening. I love the way the story weaves between time periods. The Harlem Renaissance is one of my favorite time periods to read about and theres a lot of history within these pages. The romance is subtle and intense simultaneously. There are definitely some swoon-worthy moments. I found myself really getting lost in this world. It made me want to take a trip to Harlem and experience some of this community in person.

In my opinion, it’s best to let this story unfold naturally.

Read this if you love:
💙 Magical Realism
💙 Romance
💙 Found Family
💙 Harlem Renaissance




Other spoiler-ish musings:

💐The bouquets that Ricki placed around historic landmarks. This was such a beautiful work touch and I love the idea of giving these history makers their literal flowers.

💐 Ezra 😍 Tia knows how to write a man. I feel like his story could have been a book on its own.

💐Tuesday and Ms. Della - This is how you write a found family.

💐Ms. Della’s bucket list - Random but I love when stories include a bucket list side plot. It’s a great way to create character depth but it’s also so fun to read the different types of activities that can be included.

I highly recommend. This was a story I could definitely get lost in again 💙

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#tiawilliams #alovesongforrickiwilde #harlem #fatedlove #blackromance
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"A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" by Tia Williams is an absolute gem of a novel that shines with its vibrant characters, evocative atmosphere, and captivating storytelling. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant New York City music scene of the 1980s, Williams immerses readers in a world of glamour, passion, and heartache. The characters in the novel, particularly the titular Ricki Wilde, are deeply nuanced and compelling, each grappling with their own dreams, demons, and desires. Williams's writing style is lyrical and immersive, effortlessly capturing the essence of the era and the pulse of the city.

The plot of "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" unfolds with a perfect blend of intrigue and emotion, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end. From the highs of Ricki's rise to stardom to the lows of her personal struggles and heartbreaks, the novel is a rollercoaster ride of drama and romance that never fails to captivate. The logic behind the characters' relationships feels authentic and well-developed, adding depth and resonance to the narrative. Overall, "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" is a sheer delight to read, offering a perfect balance of nostalgia, heart, and sheer entertainment.

Readers will find themselves fully swept away by the magic of "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde," losing themselves in its irresistible blend of music, romance, and nostalgia. Williams's masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters make for an immensely enjoyable reading experience that lingers long after the final chords have faded. Whether you're a fan of music, romance, or simply a well-crafted story, "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" is sure to hit all the right notes and leave you craving an encore.

A beautiful, unique love story full of wonder and magic. Tia Wiiliams takes you on a historic tour of Harlem in this love adventure I was so invested in Ricki’s and Ezra’s relationship,
and rooting fir their success. Intriguing from begiining to end.

Thank you so much for this ARC! I loved this story so much (seven days in June was one of my favorites and I was eagerly anticipating this one. I ended up also buying a hardcover copy for my shelves because it was just too gorgeous not to own!”

Copy from review on IG:

a love song for ricki wilde by tia williams || i ate this one up in just two days. this is one of those books that is just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside - a timeless love story a century in the making, infused with a pinch of magic and a trip back in time to the harlem renaissance. enjoyed this just as much as seven days in june (one of my favorite reads in 2022). tia williams knows what the people want and she gives it to us every time.