Review posted to Goodreads and StoryGraph on 8/15/24. Review will be posted to Amazon on release day.

After a few set backs over the last few years all Brynn wants after a bad night out is to watch her favorite comfort show and relax. When a stranger knocks on her door with a birthday cake that she makes a wish on, Brynn and her roommate Josh find themselves in the world of her favorite TV show with the mission to give it a proper ending. It soon becomes soon that maybe this perfect happily ever after isn’t everything it cracked up to be.

Oh my goodness. I loved Brynn and Josh. I liked that both of them had their own issues that they needed to work through while in Carson’s Cove. Josh was the right amount of broody but also an ultimate gentleman. It would have been easy to write this with Brynn loving every moment of her time in the town of her favorite TV show but it was refreshing to see her fighting against it and coming into her own truth. I enjoyed alll the 90s/early 2000s teen TV show Easter eggs and vibes. This was a fun read and I’m excited to see what Kate does next!

At almost thirty, Brynn feels as if her life has already tanked. Stunned by a divorce she had no idea that was coming, Brynn has tried the dating Apps with little to no luck. She would rather be home, snuggled up on her couch binging her favorite teenage soap opera where life was perfect, or was it? Along with her roommate, Josh, whom Brynn barely knows, she is thrust into the bizarre world of that very soap opera with its panoply of perfect pretty girls and handsome men. Two main characters, Sloan and Spencer, seemed fated to be together until the show ended abruptly on a cliffhanger to everyone’s dismay. This story is set fifteen years later with Sloan(Brynn) and Spencer returning to the quaint Carson’s Cove village.

Once Brynn and Josh, who has assumed to roll of the local bad boy, Fletch, are living this strange reality, she begins to see that what her teenage heart deemed as perfect is something else entirely. Brynn thought Spencer was the perfect boy, now a man, until she gets to know him. Josh has been dealing with his own issues after a series of losses, both personal and professional.

The idea that you cannot go home again is true for this fictional setting as well. The story has some interesting meta aspects especially with the popularity of the Barbie movie; however, it does seem to drag at times while Brynn tries to recreate things that happened to high school kids on an adult level. While Brynn is role playing, she begins to realize that a lot of injustices and sexism existed in the fictional town. The dark side becomes more evident especially with the creepy character who was responsible for Brynn and Josh ending up in this alternate reality in the first place. Readers who enjoyed shows of that ilk such as Dawson’s Creek may find this story to their liking.

The premise sounds interesting but honestly the fact that they get pulled into the show with the character names had me honestly confused. I also felt like neither MC had any personality or development. They felt way too surface level which made reading this feel a bit slow.

Overall I felt this was too cutesy and boring instead of standing out and delivering a romance I felt I could actually care about.

I loved it! It was very nostalgic. Who wouldn't want to be transported into their favorite show! But I love that even though Brynn got what she thought she always wanted she was able to see what was in front of her. Josh was swoon worthy and just so sweet. I ARC read this authors last book This Spells Love and I would have to say I loved this one even more. A sweet comfy romance with a magical twist!

Oh this book was so so cute, I devoured it because of the nostalgic feeling it gave me. It’s giving 90’s/ early 2000’s tv show vibes, think The O.C. Or Dawson’s Creek. It was something I didn’t know I needed in my life, I LOVED it!

Brynn and her roommate Josh, wake up in Carson’s Cove. This is the town where Brynn’s favorite show as a teen was filmed, Brynn knows the characters didn’t get the ending they wanted. In order to get back to their normal lives, Brynn and Josh need to give the characters the ending to the show that they deserved. The question is, is the happy ending the way Brynn always pictured it?

I absolutely love how Kate Robb puts magical realism in her books, it ups the cuteness factor for me. I was team Josh through the whole book, I absolutely adore that man. Brynn was adorable, I loved their relationship with each other.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!

I gave this one 5 stars. This was so cute! I absolutely loved this. I will be recommending! This book gave me everything that I need in that moment. I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy for my book collection.

As someone who has watched my fair share of teen shows (Chuck x Blair for life!!) I was so excited to receive an ARC of Prime Time Romance. When it comes to being immersed in an adorable small town setting right out of your favorite the WB show, look no farther! The Carson’s Cove setting was so much fun and its colorful cast of characters felt as if they’d walked right off my TV. The dual POV enriches the narrative and I loved getting to read about Brynn and Josh falling in love!

HIGHLIGHTS:

🎂 Magical Realism
🦞Dual POV
🎂 Slow Burn
🦞Roommates to Lovers
🎂 Birthday Wish Gone Wrong
🦞 Dawson’s Creek inspired world

While blowing out the candles on her 30th birthday, Brynn wishes her life could be just like her favourite small town teen drama, Carson’s Cove. The phrase “Be careful what you wish for” gets a whole new meaning when her and her roommate Josh wake up in said small (fictional) costal town and are tasked with giving the character’s of Carson’s Cove the ending they deserve. To earn their way back home to Toronto, Brynn and Josh have to play the roles of the show’s leads. What could possibly go wrong?

I had so much fun with this book. I could have easily finished it in one sitting. I thought both main characters were well developed. They grew both individually and as a pair through the course of the story.

I enjoyed how the magical element was incorporated into the story. It wasn’t over complicated or explained in a weird tangent. As a reader, I was able to suspend my disbelief and enjoy the ride without trying to figure out what the rules were and how the magic worked.

I think the level of spice was appropriate to the story. Though it’s very popular now, it didn’t feel thrown in for no reason. It aligned with where the characters were emotionally.

The pace of the book was on the slow side but then dramatically sped up towards the end.

Overall, I think this was a very fun read and I look forward to reading what’s next from this author.

Kate Robb has such a fun way of blending romance with some speculative elements. This book was super enjoyable and I loved the romance!

I really REALLY loved this book. Kate never disappoints. I always love the magical twist to her stories. Josh was so sweet and real and was willing to help Brynn with whatever she needed. Brynn was sweet and honest and down to earth. She was also just super relatable. I also liked the different twist and turns this book took. Overall really loved the vibe of this book and definitely will be reading again.

You’re down on your luck and you and your cute roommate get sucked into your favorite cancelled prime time soap. It’s up to you to make sure the characters get a happy ending and maybe even you yourself.

This book was cute if not wacky. The real feelings and relationships grounded it making it a solid read. Thank you Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a really sweet rom com. If you loved Dawson’s Creek, it definitely has some of those vibes but with a twist. Brynn and Josh’s slow chemistry was well played.

But I must say the friendship between Brynn and Luce won me over! I love it when frenemies become besties!

And Sheldon was definitely the creepy side character that i did not expect at all! Which was nice to have a bit of a villain at play in the book and made it more fun.

All in all i enjoyed this book and would recommend you read it!

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸…
🩵Magical Realism
🩵He Falls First
🩵Small Town Romance
🩵Roomies to Lovers
🩵Dual POV
🩵Open Door

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

"Sometimes in life, the universe kicks us in the ass, and there's not a whole lot we can do to stop it. But it's only a loss if we don't learn something from it. "

Prime Time Romance was such a fun read, with nostalgia and rom-coms vibes. I'm a sucker for romance books with a touch of magical realism.

Brynn's life hasn't gone exactly as planned. She is newly divorced, living with a roommate, and spends her days binge watching her comfort show Carson's Cove.

After wishing on her birthday cake, Brynn and her roommate Josh are transported into her favorite TV show. Now she must live as the main character, Sloane, to act out the happily ever she deserved.

I loved watching Brynn rediscover herself and her happiness.The two main characters had great growth throughout the story, both together and separately, overcoming their hardships and learning that it's okay when life doesn't always go as planned.

highlights:
magical realism
roommates
main characters are in their 30s
second chance romance
dual POV

This is the author's sophomore book, I would like to check out her previous one This Spells Love. I think this would be a perfect read for anyone who likes magical realism, rom-coms, and books by Ashley Poston (the vibes are similar).

Thank you Random House, The Dial Press, and Netgalley for the eArc.

Such a fun read! Thank you so much for this arc. It was like I ventured inside one of my favorite reality tv shows!

I had a hard time connecting with this book. I tried reading it twice and both times I just did not feel engaged with the story. The premise is interesting and it’s unique, but it just didn’t quite work for me.

Prime Time Romance-a standalone

By Kate Robb- I read This Spells Love and gave it 4⭐

Genre ~ contemporary romance/rom-com, fantasy, magical realism

Setting ~ Toronto and "Carson Cove"

Publication date ~ 9-3-24, Read 8-8-24

Est Page Count ~ 336

POV ~ dual

Featuring ~90's/00's nostalgia, alternate universe, small-town, open-door sex, teen vibes.

Summary: Brynn is trying to date post-divorce but would rather stay home watching Carson Cove where everyone is happy. Josh is her bartender roommate she thinks is hot, but

My thoughts: I loved the movie Pleasantville, which this story reminds me of except this was 90's/00's nostalgia instead of the 1950's. The drama in CC gave me YA vibes with the love triangle between Brynn/Sloane, Spencer, and bad boy Fletch. I was a faithful watcher of all teen dramas since Beverly Hills 90210 and remember the Dylan/Kelly/Brenda saga, so I was glued to see who Brynn/Sloane would end up with. I'd recommend to those looking for a lighthearted, alternate universe, friends to lover's romance.


Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and The Dial Press for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rating: 3.5/5⭐⭐⭐.5

Magical realism vibes combined with teen shows of the early 2000s? Sign me up for that fun premise!

I thought the plot was such a fun idea and enjoyed seeing our main characters all into the faux world of Carson’s Cove. The town is described in a way that made me feel like I was right there with them, and small details in the story gave me flashbacks to my favorite teen shows like Buffy and Dawson’s Creek and The OC.

Unfortunately, the story fell flat for me in the middle, when the main characters started to annoy me and the storyline hit epic levels of cringe. I struggled with caring about most of the characters in the book and was wishing for something more.

I did love Robb’s prior book and look forward to more from her in the future. 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Dial Press for the ARC! Brynn is dealing with the difficulties of starting over after a divorce, she has a roommate to help with expenses, but most days Brynn is on her own, escaping into the world of her favorite comfort show: Carson's Cove. After a rough night out (it's her birthday, but her supposed friend only wanted her come out in order to get her into the bar), Brynn and roommate Josh are surprised by a knock at the door and a special birthday cake delivery and told to make a wish.
The next morning Brynn wakes up in Carson's Cove. She is now the main character and must give her favorite show the ending it was always meant to have, but when she discovers that Josh has also traveled with her, Brynn must find a way to navigate this strange new life in order to get her own life back. Perfect for fans of teen romance dramas (especially Dawson's Creek) will get a kick out of this book! The relationship that blossoms between Brynn and Josh is heartwarming and character evolution is a joy.

4.5/5

If I'm being totally honest, I didn't intend to read any more Kate Robb books after This Spells Love. It wasn't a bad book, I just didn't love it. However, after receiving the Prime Time Romance ARC from Netgalley (thanks!), I decided to give her another try. And I'm glad I did! I adored Prime Time Romance. The premise of being thrown into your favorite TV show for a pseudo reboot was so fun, and I loved the twists and turns Brynn took to not only find her own happily ever after after her tough divorce but realize what her show's true conclusion was meant to be all along, too.

I also loved the bonus section at the end where Robb mentioned all the TV Easter eggs she threw into the story, her top teen drama boyfriends, and more. As someone who can't get enough of TV shows myself, it was such a nice touch and the perfect way to show readers just how much Robb connected to this story and the inspiration behind her words.

Overall, I really enjoyed Prime Time Romance. It gave me all the good feelings I get when watching some of my own favorite TV shows along with a unique and interesting story. Plus, you can't deny Brynn and Josh's chemistry, so seeing that grow from little more than acquaintances to true partners just felt right.

Prime Time Romance was such a different romcom read. The idea of the book was so interesting. I’ve never read anything like it. However I couldn’t connect with the characters. It felt like something was missing. I do like tv sitcom vibes. The book read like something you would watch on the Lifetime channel.