Thank you to @netgalley, @berkley, and @myah for allowing me to read same review this arc!

Myah’s debut novel constantly reminded me of Kennedy Ryan‘s ‘Reel’. I kept referring to it being like Reel’s little sister lol

She did an amazing job of intertwining Kaliya and Danny’s past stories with their current one. She’s did that while also incorporating Danny’s parent’s interracial love story through a movie script. It all flowed so, so well.

This book highlighted discrimination in Hollywood, and was a great second chance at first love romance 🥰 Danny Prescott was such a Cinnamon roll, and sometimes I was to shake the naivety out of him, but I loved his patience, protectiveness, and love for his family. I swooned over the fact that after so many years, they still remembered the small details of their past relationship, and when they referred back to those nostalgic moments, it drew them closer together!!

The movie references were everything, and I loved the friendship between Kaliya and Neha. AND Danny’s mama was the sweetest 🥰

Thank you to Berkley for an arc in exchange for my honest review!

I’ve been dying for this book since it was announced, and it didn’t disappoint! One of my favorites of the year, WHEN I THINK OF YOU by Myah Ariel follows Kaliya, a brilliant and capable woman who has been consistently overlooked, knocked down, and straight up discriminated against by the Hollywood elite she serves as a studio receptionist. Her dreams of making movie magic herself finally come in reach when her college ex, Danny, a man who wrecked her heart seven years ago and is now a big shot director, offers her a spot working on his new film. But when their connection reappears in full technicolor, Kaliya will have to decide if Danny is worth the risk.

Every aspect of this book was compelling! Kaliya’s journey to finding her happiness (in and outside of her relationship) was complex and stunning. Danny is top tier book boyfriend without being one dimensional. They have challenges and aren’t always perfect, but the way they compliment and build each other up feels natural and inspiring. The supporting cast of characters range from hilarious (the friends) to heartwarming (Danny’s family 😭😭😭) to fury-inducing (the villains), but always interesting!

Myah also gives us unique insight into working in Hollywood as a Black woman. She shows us the poor treatment Kaliya faces without ever letting it overshadow the romance, which is so hard to do (cut to me on my soapbox screaming about justice for Kaliya!)

I adored every second spent in this world and will be itching to get Myah’s next story!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I clicked ‘request’ on this one solely due to the gorgeous, romantic cover and it did not disappoint.

Kaliya Wilson came to Hollywood to make movies, starting as a receptionist at a production company determined to work her way up. Unfortunately her job has turned out to be a dead-end, until years later she’s shocked out of complacency when her old film school flame Danny shows up to direct the company’s next big production.

I love the second chance trope when it’s done well - meaning that you understand why the characters didn’t work out the first time, and they’ve genuinely grown enough to do better. Both were true for Danny and Kaliya, I enjoyed the deep dive into each of their characters and the book’s balance between exploring their renewed relationship and moving the plot along.

The primary plot revolved around the movie, which was a meaningful passion project for Danny telling his own parents’ love story. It made a lovely story as well, and mirrored him finding his own soulmate.

The ending had a bit too much drama for my taste, but everything worked out and I was thrilled by where Kaliya and Danny ended. I’m so excited that this is a debut book, I can’t wait to read more from this author!

WOOW I really like this!!! Kaliya and Danny are so freaking cute and this story had great humor. The book also touched on Black women in Hollywood facing discrimination which is always such an important topic to cover. Overall this book was filled with love and growth!! It was great!

I stopped after chapter 2 (6%). I like the theory, but I’m disappointed we are starting out the book “owing” Danny with the handout for the job. Kaliya points it out herself. That’s just an awkward spot to be in for a second chance romance. I get starting in a bad place and it going up from there, but this doesn't feel like a healthy set up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

I am completely shocked to my core that this is a debut novel. It's a damn masterpiece. Kaliya and Danny are amazing and this book made me laugh so hard. This book also touches on the discriminiation in Hollywood especially for black women. This was just pure perfection and I cannot love this book more!