Skip to main content

Member Reviews

With the same vibes as Robb's first book, This Spells Love, I found Prime Time Romance spoke to the millennial in me! Robb writes for the people who used to watch CW shows for sure. Brynn is relatable, single, and wants more out of life. She wants to feel what all those shows and movies promise we'll feel. And the plot did something I haven't read before, and as a diehard fan of Dawson's Creek, it spoke to me. And can we talk about the cover? Gorgeous. I am eagerly awaiting her next book!

Was this review helpful?

In "Prime Time Romance," Kate Robb introduces us to Brynn, a newly single woman wading through the challenges of adult life post-divorce. Brynn's relatable love for binging TV shows and opting for takeout over socializing resonates with readers who seek solace in familiar comforts during life's ups and downs.
When Brynn's friends forget her birthday, her birthday wish magically transports her and her roommate Josh to the set of her favorite teen drama, "Carson's Cove." As they assume the roles of the show's leading stars, Brynn and Josh embark on a delightful journey filled with familiar tropes and heartwarming moments, all while chasing Brynn's desire for a fairy-tale ending.
The chemistry between Brynn and Josh sparks emotions and creates a compelling narrative where readers find themselves cheering for these characters as if they were lifelong friends. Brynn's immersion in Carson's Cove allows her to experience her ideal life and confronts her perceptions of perfection and love, especially concerning her teen heartthrob crush, Spencer.
One of the book's highlights is its incorporation of pop culture references, adding layers of nostalgia that readers will adore. From subtle nods to beloved TV shows to nostalgic Easter eggs, "Prime Time Romance" pays homage to the teen dramas that shaped a generation.
Kate Robb's storytelling is addictive, making this novel a page-turner reminiscent of binge-worthy TV shows. With its seamless blend of romcom charm and nostalgic elements, "Prime Time Romance" offers a comforting and captivating read. Fans of dual point of view narratives, magical realism, small-town romance, friends-to-lovers dynamics, and 90s/2000s nostalgia will find this book a delightful addition to their reading list. Overall, "Prime Time Romance" delivers on its promise of being a feel-good read that leaves readers rooting for its characters until the very end.

Was this review helpful?

I will admit I was hesitant to choose this one, because I didn't love This Spells Love. However, I wanted to give Kate Robb another chance...and chalk it up to being in a reading slump. Prime Time Romance was fantastic! I loved the premise, the characters and the fact that there was a little bit of a darkness to it. Sheldon truly brought the creepy vibes. I feel like you're cheering for Josh and Brynn from the beginning. The Carson's Cove gave me a "cleaner" version of One Tree Hill vibes, but then with Pop's and Sheldon's presence it gave me Riverdale vibes too. I feel like this book encompassed emotion, drama, fun, and empowerment. I am really trying to think of a negative to the story, but I am coming up short. I will definitely be buying this one!

Was this review helpful?

Primetime Romance has such a unique and intriguing premise that drew me in from the start.
The idea of two roommates waking up inside a nostalgic TV show is both charming and original.
As the story unfolds, the characters navigate their own personal issues while grappling with their growing romantic interest in each other. Really unique premise!

While I enjoyed the concept immensely, I couldn’t help but feel that the execution fell slightly short. The story needed a bit more depth and development to fully immerse readers in the romance developing between the characters.
Despite this, I believe that with the right adaptation, this story could captivate audiences if it was made into a movie or series, with its blend of romance, humor, and nostalgic charm.

Thank you to author Kate Robb, Dial Press Trade Paperback publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Charlene 📚🤗🌸 @lastnownext

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! It’s my favorite book I have read so far in 2024, I even managed to finish it in just under 24 hours (which I haven’t done in ages). The world building was amazing, and I could just imagine myself in this picture perfect island town. It reminded me of a mixture of Dawnson’s Creek, Riverdale, and maybe even a splash of Gossip Girl.

My heart felt so happy, seeing Brynn and Josh fall for the genuine version of each other. They bring out to the best in each other, and seeing them get their happily ever after makes my soul feel all warm inside!

Thank you to Net Gallery for the early read. I can’t wait to suggest this book to all my romance loving girlies!

Was this review helpful?

Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb had all the makings of a great book for me: ‘90s/‘00s nostalgia, teen TV drama and small town romance. Unfortunately, magical realism just isn’t for me.

It was an original concept and well written, but I didn’t get drawn in. Brynn and Josh are likable characters, though.

Read if you like:
🩵 Roommates to lovers
🩵 Small town romance
🩵 The O.C. or Dawson’s Creek

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the eARC!

Was this review helpful?

A refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, blending nostalgia with a modern twist. The protagonist, Brynn, finds herself transported into the world of her favorite 2000s teen soap, providing a unique opportunity for self-discovery and second chances. The novel’s whimsical approach to the concept of “what if” is really engaging and thought-provoking. I do wish the author would have explored more the emotional depth of secondary characters for an overall more immersive experience. Overall, a super delightful read!

Was this review helpful?

This book satisfied my craving for a cute romance with a hint of some magical happenings that sucked me in from the very beginning! It reminds me of the TV series Extraordinary You—if you’ve watched and enjoyed that show, I definitely recommend this book!

I wish we got to see more development between Brynn and Josh and also wish the book was longer, but I still really enjoyed this read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC!

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book but I wanted more romance. I was craving a captivating romance novel to binge read over the long weekend and this one left me wanting more. However I did love the quirkiness and all the nostalgia it brought me!

Was this review helpful?

This book was so fun! Such an interesting concept and I loved the characters! This was such a fun and nostalgic romance story and I was here for it! The spice was great and overall highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?

Poor Brynn has been through it. She is still raw from her divorce and she feels used by her friends who forget her birthday. All she wants to do is curl up and rot in front of the tv watching her favorite teen soap opera Carson’s Cove. Josh is her new roommate that she hasn’t really spoken to because he at a bar so they are on different schedules. And of course he has some baggage of his own. Brynn makes a birthday wish, and magically is sucked into Carson’s Cove where she and Josh both step into the rolls of characters in show.

This book brought out all the 90’s teen drama nostalgia (it gives all the Dawson Creek feels). The Cove characters were so cliché and fun and I loved that some characters had a great arc and were someone totally different that they portrayed on television. I would call Brynn and Josh a friends and lovers relationship and while it was good, it did fall a little flat. There wasn’t much fighting for the relationship. The spice is low and a little fade to black. If you’re looking for a feel good romance with a twist this is for sure for you!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for providing me with this ARC!

Was this review helpful?

Have you ever wanted to live a day in the life of your favorite tv show? Well then do I have a book for you! This made my millennial heart so happy and felt so nostalgic. We follow Brynne and Josh who are transported into Brynne's favorite teen drama after she makes a wish on a magic cake. After the show ended on a major cliffhanger - Brynne finally gets the opportunity to give her favorite characters the ending they all deserved. However, she soon realizes teen her and 30 year old her are in very different places of life and that sometimes you have to move on and embrace change.

This book was everything I thought it would be. It gave me all the feels and I loved all the easter eggs to the shows I grew up watching. I enjoyed that Josh had depth to him and wasn't just there to be a love interest. His POVs were enjoyable to read and I thought he had an interesting backstory. Brynne was a very solid FMC, but I felt I mostly saw her as Salone and not Brynne. It was mentioned several times that she was "divorced and broken" but had a hard time feeling it. Her character development and realization of needing to move on with her life makes up for this though.

My critiques are I felt like the ending was a little rushed and tied up in a nice little bow a little too quickly. There was almost no angst and build up! I also wish we had a little more time with Brynne and Josh.

Overall, a solid 3.5 from me! Kate Robb has definitely become and auto read author.

Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book!

Was this review helpful?

If you loved the teen drama shows from the 90s you'll love this book! Brynn makes a late night birthday wish & awakens to find herself cast as the girl next door from her favorite teen show 15 years ago, can she give her favorite character the happy ending she missed when the show was cancelled early? That is the premise for Kate Robb's new book & the story did not disappoint, even better is seeing if you spotted all the easter eggs sprinkled throughout the book. A solid 4 star romance with plenty of spice, avoid if that's not your thing.

Was this review helpful?

Recently divorced, Brynn's life is a complete and utter disaster. Her so called friends forgot her birthday and she is desperate for a break. She makes a birthday wish that becomes a reality. Well sort of... She ends up inside her favorite tv show!

This novel reminds me a lot of the old movie called Pleasantville except in color. :P

Pros:
The ending is good
Quick and lighthearted read
Dual POV
Magical

Cons:
Romance wasn't as intense as I would have prefered. Spice level was around 3 out of 5

Was this review helpful?

4.75 stars!!!

Kate Robb is SO GOOD at magical rom-come that feel like your favorite movie!!!! absolutely adored this one!

I was kicking and giggling my feet the whole time. I love Josh 💞🫠 & Brynn is so unique and fun. Somehow this book felt so nostalgic but also fresh and new at the same time! it gave me all the good feelings & I truly couldn’t stop smiling as I read it. Loved all the references to TV shows & how quirky the town was.

I was invested!!! I also really liked how Kate wrapped everything up. It was sweet & unique. I need it as a movie…please 🥹🙏🏼

Thank you NetGalley & Dial Press for this eARC! This is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️

This is a fun, quick romance read for lovers of typical young adult rom com. When the main character is feeling discontent in her own life, wakes up as a character in her favorite show, she realizes that the grass isn't always greener. From the moment she arrives she is trying to find her way back to reality. Cute story with likeable characters. Great pallette cleanser!

Was this review helpful?

A cute romance set in a picture perfect town similar to what you find in the TV show Gilmore girls. I enjoyed the main characters and their journey together. I felt their romance story was rushed a bit but overall I enjoyed the novel

Was this review helpful?

3.5/5 Stars - Rounded up to 4. This book was such a cute premise and very unique. I loved the town of Carson's Cove and felt myself pulled into the unique nostalgia that only a 90's teen drama can provide. Josh was also such a great love interest and one that you grew to love more and more with each page. I think the book could have been about 50 pages shorter as at times it felt a little repetitive but overall this was a great follow up to This Spells Love and I can't wait to read what this author comes out with next!

Was this review helpful?

I found Prime time romance to be a brilliant story that captivated my heart from the beginning! This for sure is a story that would enthrall you and is guaranteed to pierce you deeply with impactful emotion, and all romantic elements.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars!This book!!! I did not know what to expect for the plot, so was a bit thrown off at first but quickly fell in love. Brynn is post breakup and struggling to find her path in life and is searching for what she thinks should be her happily ever after. She watches her favorite comfort show on repeat (very relatable as someone who has rewatched vampire diaries at least 20+ times…which speaking of..the Ms. Mystic falls reference…chefs kiss) and fantasizes about her dream life. But is the perfect HEA she’s envisioning actually what she wants?

Josh was so swoon-worthy…“Her hair is wild and she smells a little like barf. And fuck, I think I really like her” I laughed out loud at his character’s lines, and also got goosebumps at his sweetness.

This was such a fun read and definitely one to add to your TBR’s! Very different from the traditional rom-com book format and I really enjoyed it. Comes out on September 3, 2024.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?