Brynn is divorced and wants to find a new HEA. She lives with Josh to help pay the rent but doesn’t know him well. He bartends at night and their paths don’t cross much. Her escape is her beloved teen tv series Carson’s Cove from the 90s. Think Dawson’s Creek, 90210, Gilmore Girls or whatever pops into your mind. When she makes a birthday wish somehow she and Josh wake up the next morning in Carson’s Cove. The series was canceled without having a good finale. It is up to Brynn and Josh to figure out an ending or some way for them to get back to their own lives.

The premise is clever. And I love the vibe of familiar tv tropes. The author even lists many of the shows that inspired parts of the story. Overall it is a feel good story and includes some heat. I would have liked to have more scenes of Josh and Brynn together developing their romance. But they do share their backgrounds so I feel I know them. And there are some genuinely funny moments along with the tv nostalgia. This fits the definition of a rom-com and it is easy to recommend.

Prime Time Romance was everything you could want in a rom com. If you’re like me, you’ve watched all of the teen heartthrob shows more than once, and always wanted that sparks-flying meant to be romance on the screen. Especially if the show ended differently than you wanted.

Well, Brynn gets to give one of her favorite prime time characters the happily ever after she always deserved 15 years after the show stopped airing. Aka the coolest birthday wish a girl could ask for, right?

With homage to Dawson Creek, One Tree Hill, and even a quote from my favorite show: Greys Anatomy, Prime Time Romance wraps nostalgia up in a perfect bow. I will read this again and again.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Kate, and the publishers for an early read of this book. General warning: If you don't like reality TV/teen reality TV shows like 90210, Degrassi, etc., I'd scroll by and this won't be your cup of tea. BUT if you loved 90210, Degrassi, etc, stick around!!

General Description: Brynn spends the beginning of the 30th birthday with her roommate Josh, who she's barely spoken to in the 6 months he's been her roommate after her divorce, when she was left with a mortgage on her own. When a birthday cake shows up via an app delivery service, Brynn happily blows out the candles to wake up in her favorite TV show: Carson's Cove. However, Josh is there too. Josh has absolutely no idea what is going on. But together, Brynn and Josh have to play their parts in order to get home, But can they play their parts or will they be stuck in Carson's Cove forever?

All the goods:
- Brynn's arc throughout this book was fantastic. I feel like it was paced perfectly and I really loved her!
- Josh is the most down to earth MMC I've read in a while and it was truly refreshing.
- The entire idea of Carson's Cove had me dialed into the book the entire time.
- I felt the explanation to why we ended up in Carson's Cove and how we left Carson's Cove left be satisfied, but...

The loss of half a star:
- ...a bit of the magic to me remains unexplained that keeps bugging me related to one particular person.

Overall, if you like 90210 and Degrassi and want a book that brings you back there but focused on romance, this is your next read!

Prime Time Romance is a cute, feel good romance at the core.

Brynn and her roommate Josh get transported into her favourite tv show to fix the ending. While trying to figure out what magical circumstances brought them into a tv show, they end up fixing the town and falling for each other.

Brynn and Josh were very cute and I liked the magical element but there was a weird vibe the whole time. There was really no logical explanation and the whole cast of characters kind of seemed creepy? Like being in a run down theme park and all the workers are suspiciously happy.

Prime Time Romance is a charming and unique rom-com following Brynn and her roommate Josh who are transported into a world based on her favorite teenage drama show, Carson's Cove. Unable to leave until the two give the main characters the happily ever after they deserve, Brynn and Josh are forced to stick to their roles. However, as Brynn gets close to her love match, she finds that all she wants is to stick by Josh's side instead.

I wanted to love this as much as I loved Kate Robb's first book, but I just couldn't feel the romance! I think the main issue I had with this rom-com was the pacing, everything in the plot and story flowed well except for the romance between Brynn and Josh. To me, their relationship fell second to the magical realism plot and Brynn spent most of her time trying to play out her favorite show. While I found the small town and 2000s references to be very whimsical and entertaining, as a romance book, I don't think Josh and Brynn had enough standing to fall in love the way they did. I swear Brynn spent way more time with side characters than she did with Josh, and even though they had some swoony and deep moments, I couldn't feel their connection at all. Even though this wasn't for me, I think Kate Robb's stellar writing and storyline have the potential to work for so many other people and I will be on the lookout for her next book!

Prime Time Romance took me back to the nostalgia of 2000s teen dramas and I didn’t realize how badly I needed to go back there at age 31.

First, it was the pop culture references for me. I’m simple in the sense that if you add some well placed pop culture references, I’ll be in. The fact that they were all nods to amazing TV shows that fit right into the book was even better.
The magic realism aspect was really well done and I enjoyed that the main characters stayed themselves while being others.
I also appreciated that the storyline turned out to be the perfect reminder that the things we think we want the most, aren’t what they seem, especially in fiction.
Josh was absolutely swoon worthy and I loved that Brynn was able to break out of her post divorce fear bubble and find that he’s actually the man of her dreams.

I fully binged this book just like the 2000s series it’s reminiscent of and fully enjoyed it. It was the greatest trip down memory lane, and after also loving the author’s debut novel, I’m incredibly excited to see what she does next.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group for the gifted ARC from NetGalley.
Publication date 9/3/24

The book had such an interesting premise! Brynn and Josh get transported into Brynn's all-time favorite TV show to fix the ending. And let's be real, if I could do this, I would (*cough* Gilmore Girls *cough*). Of course, once they go through the plan of "fixing" the plot, Brynn and Josh fall in love, and it's all cute and transformative for both of them. The problem I had, though, was that I couldn't get past the fact that all the cast were the same except the two of them replaced two of the cast members. Immediately, I thought of the logistical plot holes, which took me out of the story, lol. That's a personal thing, though! It was still so cute, and Brynn and Josh are the perfect roommates to lovers, forced proximity trope, and I love that they go through it together. Spice was good, but not very much of it. Overall, it is a fun and cute read, not too long either!

Oooookay well this was ADORABLE. As a 90s kid who grew up watching Dawsons Creek when I was definitely too young to be watching Dawsons Creek, Prime Time Romance was an absolute delight to read. Brynn is recently divorced and living with a roommate, Josh. After a disastrous night out with “friends”, which includes losing her purse at the bar where Josh bartends they end up watching an episode of Brynn’s favorite comfort show Carson’s Cove. A midnight knock on the door and a wish on a birthday cake sends them both into the fictional town to give the main character of the show, Sloan, her happily ever after.

This was a great, light hearted read about the changes you can go through in 15 years. The characters were delightful and I found myself laughing out loud at parts. I highly recommend getting yourself a copy when Prime Time Romance publishes on September 3, 2024!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Prime Time Romance takes us on a magical journey.
What can happen when a wish is made when blowing out candles on a 30th birthday cake?
A quirky and witty story with perfect main characters.
Are you ready to read a sweet fantasy romance book? This is the book you should pick up!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really, really enjoyed this Pleasantville remix that's perfect for all the millennials who were fans of Dawson's Creek!! Brynn is a recently divorced woman who just celebrated her 30th birthday and while the day was a dud, she always can find joy watching re-runs of her favorite show, Carson's Cove.

While watching an episode with her bartender roommate, Josh, a mysterious cake delivery arrives and when Brynn makes a wish for her own happily ever after, her and Josh get sucked into an alternate universe where they are characters in the actual world of Carson's Cove.

This was funny, full of heart and had lots of character growth. I loved the message that life doesn't always turn out the way you want it to and that's okay. Josh and Brynn have great chemistry and this was a delightful magical realism roommate romp perfect for fans of authors like Holly James or Lauren Kate.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! Canadian romance author, Kate Robb is quickly becoming an auto-buy, favorite of mine!!

This book is perfect if you love 90s teen drama shows such as Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, The OC, etc. There’s a character named Chad Michael! Lots of Easter eggs and nods to things in those tv shows. Prime Time Romance is fun, light hearted, magical. Brynn is struggling after divorce loves her favorite show “Carson’s Cove” which ended after a few seasons never giving much closure to the characters. She thinks she knows what should happen if the show continued. That’s where this book went- Brynn is transported into that tv show to figure out how the ending happens. It’s fun and I loved it with the nostalgic vibe to those teen drama shows we all loved.

If you are wanting a book that is going to capture your attention from the beginning, this one is for you! Have you ever been so in-love with your comfort show that you wish you could live in it? Brynn spends her days watching reruns of Carson's Cove and wishing for the relationships and friendships that her favorite character has. On the night before her thirtieth birthday when she blows out her birthday candles she makes a wish that will change her life forever, not knowing that her roommate Josh will be affected too. This was very cute and I loved Josh and Brynn's relationship. The only thing that would've made this a five-star read for me would've been a more explosive ending.

I want to thank Netgalley, Dial Press, and Kate Robb for allowing me the privilege to read this release early.

If you’re a 90s teen drama loving girlie at heart, you need to read this. It’s like a warm hug transporting you back in time. And it’s filled with so much delicious nostalgia.

Read this if you like
🎬 90s teen dramas
🎬 he falls first, and hard
🎬 the girl next door, the bad boy, and the childhood best friend
🎬 laughing and swooning your ass off
🎬 boys who would do anything for the girl they love

This was so 👏🏼 dang 👏🏼 cute. The love that grows between Brynn and Josh is so natural and organic, starting as friends on a mission to unraveling who the other is and loving them for everything they are. And the nods to our favorite actors, characters, and places from real 90s shows? They’re what millennial dreams are made of.

I felt really mixed about this book. The two main characters were fairly forgettable, and their quick attraction didn’t quite land for me. The small town vibes were spot on though. The town was very Capeside meets Stars Hollow.

But the writing wasn’t my favorite and felt pretty skimmable, and the plot had an odd mix of lightheartedness and something sinister that didn’t mesh well for me. Not a hit, but it had its moments.

Synopsis: Recently divorced and forced to live with a roommate, Brynn’s only happy place is rewatching episodes of her favorite 90’s teen drama, Carson’s Cove. When Brynn makes a wish on a mysterious birthday cake, she and her roommate, Josh, wake up IN Carson’s Cove.

Thoughts: Was this far fetched? Was this cheesy? Was Carson’s Cove a little on the nose for Dawson’s Creek? Was there literally a character named Chad Michael? Did I absolutely love it? Yes, yes, yes, yes and YES. I’m definitely the target audience for this one, and I ate it up. Give me all the nostalgic angsty teen drama vibes. The storyline was binge able, the chemistry and banter between Josh and Brynn was excellent, and the side characters were fun. It’s a light-hearted, heartwarming book that just genuinely made me smile.

Read this if you like:
📺 Dawson’s Creek (or any teen drama really)
📺 forced proximity
📺 roommates
📺 rom coms
📺 magical realism
📺 dual POV

3 Stars I was really excited for Prime Time Romance for multiple reasons. First, the cute cover immediately drew me in. Second, I enjoyed the previous Kate Robb romance I read. Third, the premise seemed pretty interesting! Sadly, it did not live up to my expectations. It failed to hold my attention well enough for me to really understand what was happening. Also, the main characters were just okay and I felt no real attachment to them. I also didn't really get the romance between them.

This was such a fun concept for a romance!! I grew up watching Dawson's Creek and all the other teen dramas, so of course I wanted to read a book where the main characters end up in a tv show like it. SO nostalgic! I love the little bit of magical realism. Brynn and Josh are such a great couple, and I love their story. And Carson's Cove is the perfect tv town.

Thanks to Dial Press & NetGalley for my ARC!

The book started off with such promise. Roomates potentially becoming lovers, based on the vibes. Then, at 15%, this book went off the rails. It’s like Pleasantville but more nuts.
Poppy sucks, and Brynn is so determined that this Carson’s Cove is perfect, she ignores all the signs that it’s just a facade.
Brynn is pretty unlikable. Josh is funny and entertaining. The “tv characters” are all awful.
Sheldon forcing certain “storylines” is just dumb and annoying.
The ending was nice but the whole magical realism was just not my thing.

Kate has become one of my favorite authors! I really loved the premise of this story. Who wouldn’t want a chance at living in their favorite tv show but also trying to be with the main lead you had a crush on. This story has our main character do just that but finds out that everything that seems good isn’t the right choice in the end. I really enjoyed the love story that happened between Brynn and Josh. More importantly I really like how Josh was able to figure out his spark again. I can’t wait to add this story to my collection when it comes out! Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for this opportunity.

A fun Nostalgic read where recently divorced Brynn and her roommate Josh are magically transported into Brynn's favorite 90's show, Carson's Cove.
For fans of Dawson's creek and all the 90's sitcoms.
It was cute and entertaining.
3.5 rounded up
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher!