Dawson’s Creek was literally my guilty pleasure growing up! That, Saved By The Bell, and Gilmore Girls! I am a sucker for magical realism and this book did not disappoint! I connected with Brynn in so many levels and that’s something I search for in a book right off rip! Carson’s Cove filled me with the best nostalgia! I read This Spells Love by the same author last year and loved it so I went into this with such high expectations and it definitely pulled through for me! Any 90’s kid would love this book! If I could wake up in Dawson’s Creek, Saved By The Bell, or Gilmore Girls I would have a stroke! I definitely recommend this to all my girls! You’re in for a treat!

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is honest, unbiased, and completely my own.

i loved this so much. it’s like reading your fav 90s/2000s sitcom and being in it just like you probably always wished. i got so many vibes from dawsons creek, the OC and i loved the reality spin on it - i LOVED the ending and brynn so much. she made a little home in my heart, and i absolutely adore her and josh’s growth/ relationship.

This probably won’t be a popular opinion out there - but I did not enjoy this one at all, and it took me a lot of putting it down and picking it up again to eventually get through it… yes, it’s compaired to the beloved classic movie pleasantville, but I’d also say some awful, cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, where characters make a wish and wind up inside, either the show, snowglobe, etc.

The storyline has been done before, and done much better (pleasantville, most definitely, did it the best)… and while the plot tries to mimic what would happen when a superfan is trapped inside a show that was suddenly ended on a cliffhanger, and how she, the fan, might end it on a better note, 10+ years later (a la a reboot or similar), it just wasn’t executed very well.

Characters had very little depth, there was zero chemistry, across the board, and it wasn’t interesting or exciting or giving much to hold onto to get to the end. I had a hard time finding a reason to finish, other than it was an arc. If it wasn’t, I would have returned it. If you desperately still want to read this one, skip the $16 Zon price tag (it’s not even KU!), and get it from the library! I give it 2.5-stars, generously rounded up to 3… and I was looking forward to it, with this blurb!!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, and this is my honest feedback.

3.5 rounded up

This was a pretty cute read. I love magical realism and the idea of the MCs being trapped in an old teenage drama show setting essentially because of an obsessed extra from the show was pretty humorous.

I liked the separate growth that each MC went through, but when it came to the romance it didn't so much hit the spot for me. They basically went from strangers who were roommates who never talked, to professing their love after spending just a little bit of time together in Carson's Cove - the relationship development just wasn't there for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Rating: 4/5
Spice Level: 3/5

Brynn is not doing well as an almost 30 divorcee who has selfish superficial friends and spends most of her time watching reruns of her favorite show. So when a cake is delivered on the eve of her birthday, she makes a wish for everything to be perfect, to live in a world where everything works out eventually and true love really exists. And bam, she wakes up inside her favorite tv show Carson's Cove. But Josh, her roommate, is also there and they are told they must play their parts as Sloan (the girl next door main character in love with her best friend Spencer) and Fletcher (the lovable screw up bad boy) and give the show a happy ending where Sloan and Spencer finally end up together. Only slowly Brynn realizes that this perfect world isn't so great.

This is a fun book where the two main characters both have their own stuff to work through but support each other along the way. I wish the book was longer because their romance did feel kinda rushed and there weren't as many relationship building scenes so it was a lil abrupt. However, the ending was super satisfying for all parties which is rare. I think this book demostrated that people aren't always as we remember and that can be good or bad.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this arc! All thoughts in this review are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Prime Time Romance" is a delightful blend of cozy magical realism and nostalgic nods to the teen dramas that shaped our youth—hello, Joshua Jackson! Kate Robb's concept is fun and engaging, celebrating the TV romances we all swooned over. However, the inclusion of multiple teen dramas ultimately overshadows the main premise and leads to some plot inconsistencies.

Focusing on just one of the shows would have created a more immersive experience, allowing readers to fully dive into the world of "Carson's Cove," which pays homage to "Dawson's Creek." It would have been wonderful to truly feel the nostalgia of Capeside.

The conflicts presented are very much in line with classic teen drama tropes, prompting readers to wonder, "Is this really a conflict?" This playful approach adds a nice touch. Interestingly, there are some spicy scenes that occur about three-quarters through the novel. While they seem aimed at shock value, they ultimately come off as rather mediocre—though I suspect this may have been an intentional choice by the author.

Overall, I’d rate this around 2.5 to 2.75, rounding up to a 3. The premise sparked great conversations and was genuinely enjoyable, but it fell a bit short of its potential.

Brynn thought she had found her happily ever after, but as she nears 30 and finds herself divorced and living with a roommate to make ends meet, Brynn realizes she’s only really happy these days when she’s binging her favorite 2000s teen drama series, Carson’s Cove. Even though a lot of fans are frustrated that the series ended on a cliffhanger, Brynn still loves it. When a birthday cake unexpectedly shows up at her door, Brynn wishes for a happily ever after of her own and is beyond shocked when she wakes up the next morning in the world of Carson’s Cove. Not only is she there, but her roommate Josh is there as well, and even stranger, they aren’t just themselves. Instead, they’re also Sloan and Fletch, two of the leads in Carson’s Cove, and they are tasked with giving the show its long awaited happily ever after.

I thought the premise of this book was so fun and unique, and it was very entertaining to follow Brynn and Josh as they try to make sense of this fictional world they have been plopped into, while at the same time, trying to figure out why both of them were sent to Carson’s Cove. I really enjoyed their chemistry and seeing them work through their own feelings (including feelings for one another) against this Dawson’s Creek-like fictional backdrop.

I loved all of the nostalgic vibes of this story, especially the 90s and 2000s pop culture references. I would have liked a little more spice in the romance, but that’s just personal preference, and I still really enjoyed the story as is.

If you like magical realism, teen drama shows like Dawson’s Creek, and small town romances, I think you’ll enjoy Prime Time Romance.

Okay.. I loved this book. This was so incredibly cute and heartwarming. Such a fun and unique premise, Kate Robb really outdid herself on this one! I loved the characters and the magical realism elements of going to your favorite tv show "set." I found the small town and 2000s references to be very whimsical. I do feel like this one fell a little short of 5 stars for me because I just wasn't invested in Brynn and Josh's love story. I see them as great friends but their love came second to the magical realism plot of the book. But, overall I really liked this one! I'll be posting my longer/full review on my instagram: WhenStephanieReads

This was a cute and fun story. I think it would be so fun to be transported into the TV show that formed and guided my teenage years. Overall the story was unique, entertaining and fun. A 4 star experience for me. Thank you to Netgalley and Randomhouse for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb started with a unique and intriguing premise that initially drew me in. Brynn, who seeks comfort in her favorite show, finds herself and her roommate Josh waking up as characters within that show, tasked with giving the series the ending fans wanted. The idea of revisiting and "fixing" a nostalgic TV show was something I was excited about, especially with nods to 90s/00s teen dramas.

However, the execution fell flat. While the book had potential, I found myself struggling to stay engaged. Brynn and Josh, the main characters, lacked depth and failed to elicit any emotional attachment. Their journey felt more like going through the motions, and I didn’t feel invested in their story or relationship. The romance was unremarkable, and the characters themselves were one-dimensional.

I did enjoy the references to past TV shows, but at times they felt more like rip-offs than clever nods, and too much of the book was dedicated to explaining a fictional show that doesn’t exist. The commentary on problematic aspects of the show’s world was interesting and relatable, especially for someone who has revisited old favorites and noticed things that didn’t age well. Unfortunately, this theme wasn’t explored enough and could have been the most compelling aspect of the book.

Overall, Prime Time Romance had a great concept but ultimately left me underwhelmed due to a messy plot and lackluster characters.

I loved the premise of this book — down-on-her-luck young divorcee obsessed with a Dawson’s Creek-esque show from the early 2000s makes a wish on her birthday and is transported to the town of Carson’s Cove (with her hot bartender roommate in tow) to give the main characters the happy ending they never received after the show’s abrupt cancellation. Brynn, our main character, soon finds that the life may not be as rosy in Carson’s Cove, as she once thought.

Prime Time Romance held my interest, and like Robb’s previous book, had just the right amount of magical realism. I didn’t love the antagonist and felt like he shifted too quickly at the end of the book, but all-in-all I enjoyed Brynn’s story.

4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb is a charming and witty contemporary romance that dives into the world of reality television. The story follows Tessa, a talented but overlooked producer, who finds herself thrust into the spotlight when she’s tasked with creating a new dating show. As she navigates the chaos of filming, Tessa also grapples with her feelings for the show's charismatic host, Ethan, who has a reputation for being a heartthrob but is much more complex than he appears. Robb's writing is engaging and filled with humor, making it easy to get lost in the ups and downs of Tessa's journey both on and off the screen.

What I loved most about this book is how it balances the glitz and glamour of reality TV with genuine emotional depth. Tessa is relatable as she navigates her insecurities and ambitions while trying to maintain her integrity in an industry known for its drama. The chemistry between Tessa and Ethan is palpable, filled with flirty banter and sweet moments that keep you rooting for their romance. While some plot points may feel predictable, the delightful character development and witty dialogue make Prime Time Romance a fun read that will leave you smiling. If you're looking for a lighthearted escape filled with love and laughter, this book is definitely worth checking out!

Romances/Romcoms have really been hit-or-miss for me this year and, unfortunately, PRIME TIME ROMANCE falls moreso into the latter category this time around, which is disappointing for me given that I enjoyed Robb's previous/debut novel a lot. While the premise for PTR sounded super compelling, and admittedly the first..... 40-50% of the book, I'd say, was engaging, it kinda fell apart for me in the back half and just felt like a slog to get through/finish. I think the concepts were definitely there, but the execution was simply lacking. Like I said, I enjoy Robb's work and style of writing (extra points being given for writing her characters as actual ADULTS who think logically and [mostly] act their given age), so while this was a miss for me now, I'll always be open to checking out her work in the future!

OOH I love a comeback story! Young divorcee Brynn just wants a happily- ever- after. Maybe wishes a LITTLE too hard. When she blows the candle off a cake delivered to her and her (sexy) roommate, she finds herself transported back into her perfect comfort show- Carson's Cove.

This was cute-but also like a bad trip from too much sugary foods at a carnival. Josh and Brynn's relationship was sweet, albeit felt VERY fast. I kind of wished they had a bit of an established friendship before to make it feel believable..... but then again she gets magically transported into her favorite show's setting with all the characters. Some of the plot points felt a little rushed and the romance definitely took a hit for it.
Also, really appreciated the theme that things do not have to be perfect to be loved and worthy- OOF message received and felt. Kate Robb delivers on the early-200s nostalgia shows and the theme of having a "comfort show" to pull you through hard times. I really liked the subplot of Josh and his father's bar.

Overall, this book feels like it would be a really fun fluffy Hallmark Movie if the leads were cast perfectly. I didn't kick my feet and squeal (literally or internally) but I smiled and felt soft fuzzies a handful of times.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House /Dial Press for the ARC! I will definitely read more from this author.

I absolutely adored this one! I really like the magical elements of this one and who wouldn’t love being transported into their favorite teen drama?! I think this was a really fun story with twists and turns built in because of the magical quest aspect. I also thought the characters were written well and I enjoyed both of their own journeys of self discovery. The one aspect I didn’t love was I didn’t feel like the magic was completely explained. But I also think it wasn’t entirely necessary to be explained, so I still really loved this one. I think the themes of breaking out of expectations and finding out what really makes you happy was really well done

4 stars!!

If I had a dollar for every time I ever thought, "I wish that was my life," while reading a good book or watching a great, nostalgic TV show, I would probably be rich enough to move to that coastal town and try it out for real.

Brynn doesn't need dollars, though! Just one wish on a magical birthday cupcake sends her and her roommate into the fictional world of Carson's Cove, backdrop to Brynn's favorite teenage t.v. show and the "perfect" life she's been wishing for.

I love how Kate Robb writes magical realism into her stories in a way that is so relatable to anyone that has ever wished for something different, and I love how her characters grow and evolve throughout the book. While this didn't top her debut (This Spells Love) for me, it was a great follow up and has me officially on board the Kate Robb train!! This is a great story for anyone that wants a lil spicy friends-to-lovers adventure, with nostalgic characters, a scenic small town, and a little comedy, too.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a DRC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Kate Robb for this ARC!

This book was so fun! I had a great time in this world. I am so surprised I haven’t heard many people talk about this book! The premise is so intriguing to me. The fact that she ends up in the small town from her favorite tv show is just genius. I adored it. The setting was lovely (as all small towns are). It felt so cozy and comforting to read.

The characters were so sweet together and I loved seeing them grow closer together. It was very cheesy in some parts but I’m gonna be honest, some of my favorite books are! I would recommend this to my romance girlies who love a cozy small town romance with a twist.

Kate Robb’s This Spells Love was one of my favorite reads from last year, so this one was highly anticipated for me. While I loved the premise and Robb’s use of magical realism, I didn’t love this one quite as much.

On 30th birthday, Brynn makes a wish that transports herself and her roommate Josh, into the world of her favorite TV show, Carson’s Cove - where they are forced to step into roles to make sure the characters get the happy ending they deserve.

The story was a quick lighthearted read, and while I loved the nostalgia of the teen drama 90’s/2000’s vibes, I found that it made it hard to connect with the characters. Since they were playing the roles of the TV show cast, I felt their own character traits and storylines weren’t fully developed. The romance between Brynn and Josh was overall very sweet and there were certain moments where I felt like I could really buy into their romance, but in other moments I felt letdown and wanted more from them.

⭐️ If you are a fan of Dawson’s Creek, Laguna Beach, One Tree Hill and many other classics - there are great Easter eggs and tie-ins and Robb does a great job with this ⭐️

**Thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press for the ARC and the chance to read and review. All opinions are my own**

Thank you to the publisher for the free copy of this book! Unfortunately, I chose to DNF this one around 20% as I found it hard to connect with the story. It felt a little too cheesy for me and so it just wasn't a great fit for me to want to keep reading.

This is such a fun novel! Perfect for fans of Dawson's Creek, and individuals who wish they could hangout at the Bronze from Buffy.

Brynn is dissatisfied with her life, but loves snuggling up and watching her favourite show from her teenage years, Carson's Cove. When a delivery person shows up at her door with a birthday cake she wishes that her life was more predictable and romantic like Carson's Cove. When she wakes up she's confused, as she appears to be living in Carson's Cove and her current roommate Josh is there too.
The only way back to their real lives is to give the characters of Carson's Cove their perfect ending. Brynn and Josh learn more about themselves and their connection to each other as time goes on. They are ultimately faced with doing what's right for the character and doing what's right for themselves.

I really enjoyed this magic realism romance reminiscent of 90's tv hits.

Another hit from Kate Robb
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Thanks to NetGalley and The Dial Press for an advanced review copy.