“Let’s Make a Scene” is a second chance romance focused on two film actors who couldn’t make their relationship work while filming their first movie together. Reunited for the sequel 13 years later, sparks fly.

I was a huge fan of Laura Wood’s “Under Your Spell” and therefore very excited to receive an e-ARC of “Let’s Make a Scene.” I enjoyed Wood’s second novel but not as much as her adult debut “Under Your Spell.”

What the first book had that the second didn’t was a more compelling male lead as well as developed relationships with secondary characters.

While the book’s premise was enjoyable enough, and I appreciated the dual POV, I would have liked more detail as to the male protagonist’s evolution between the two films. In the author’s own words, “It’s tough to find a romance where the male lead isn’t just a prop but a well-drawn, interesting character in his own right.” The male lead here was interesting but not sufficiently drawn/fleshed out. Is a coffee habit really an interesting quirk?

I was also not convinced by how quickly the protagonists forgave one another nor how easily they overcame the emotional damage of their respective childhoods.

The representation of anxiety was well done though I questioned why two people suffering from panic attacks would consume so much caffeine.

Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the advanced review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

"I love arguing with you, just as much as I love not arguing with you. So yes, I think you're worth the effort--whatever the fuck that means--because despite what you seem to think, it's not hard to love you, Cynthie; it's easy. It's the easiest thing I've ever done."

3.75 stars

Great writing but with jarring layout.

Much like its predecessor, this was an easy read with great characters and a good story to tell. But my biggest take away is the two timelines and just how different they were. I really liked both main characters, but the MMC was essentially two different people in each timeline, so it was difficult to really feel attached to the relationship.

I think I'm determining that dual timelines are not my thing. I think they can be done well, but it's just not something I truly enjoy. I like staying in the present and watching that progression. Every time the story goes back to the past, it takes away from the current development, and in this instance, I think too much time was given to the past. We don't get to see nearly enough of Jack being the much better version he turns into, and we don't get to see him make those changes. He just goes from being a arrogant dickhead to this big cinnamon roll just like that.

So still enjoyable and I would absolutely recommend as I think the issues I had were subjective and not necessarily reflective of the story or the writing. I think Laura Wood might be a new favorite of mine, so I'm excited to see what she does next 🩷

I received Let's Make a Scene by Laura Wood for free in exchange for my honest review. I was lucky enough to read her previous book about Clem and Theo and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I was very much looking forward to read this book as well. There were a few appearance of Clem and Theo in the story, which was nice to see how they are doing. I honestly think that I enjoyed this book even better than her last book. It was a well written story where two people start out not really liking each other (it appears), and have to "fake it" for work, but end up falling for each other. This one was a little different as it was a second time that they have to come together like this (as they work in show biz.) I was both in a hurry to see what happened next and to continue reading the words on the page, but also not wanting to as I didn't want the story to end. This is a great story! Give it a chance!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if: you like second chance romances, actor/actress, books with found family, fake dating

Trigger Warnings: workplace abuse, past abusive relationship

Cynthie Taylor & Jack Turner-Jones should have been together 13 years ago!

I really enjoyed the story of Cynthie and Jack in this book! Their second chance romance was a beautiful story that was unfortunately hindered with a few miscommunications from their past. It was lovely to see them rediscover one another and establish a healthy communication-based relationship. You can tell for Jack that Cynthie really was the one that got away and he’d do anything to get her to see it too!

This book was a dual timeline in which you explore their relationship 13 years in the past & present day. It integrated all aspects of their complicated relationship in a fluid way.

Thank you NetGalley & Atria for gifting me an advanced reading copy of this book!

I absolutely loved Laura Wood’s Under Your Spell when I read it last year, and I was so excited to get my hands on its companion novel, Let’s Make a Scene! This story has rivals-to-lovers, second chance, and fake dating; all while our two main characters are forced into the spotlight of working in the film industry.

Jackie and Cynthie’s chemistry was palpable (which tracks, since their relationship was 13 years in the making). The dual timelines had me fully invested in their love story. Their past really gave ‘right person, wrong time’. I enjoyed watching them grow and mature both individually and together.

I think many readers will enjoy this story when it comes out at the end of the summer. I can’t wait for others to experience Theo and Cynthie’s love story! The expected publication date for Let’s Make a Scene is July 1, 2025. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

With a one-of-a-kind path towards happily ever after, this couple had me absolutely HOOKED. They were fire together, with chemistry and angst that lit up the pages. I actually loved the dual timelines, which showcased just how much they grew and matured in their time apart. At 20 and 24, they didn’t know what to do with their intense feelings, too stubborn and proud to admit they didn’t know if what they felt was hate or love. At 33 and 37, they understand that what they feel for each other is special, and they’re willing to put in the work. Add in a second round of fake dating and the tension of being filmed, and this was an unpredictable, devourable read. I was eager to see this couple find their way together, and there were some seriously compelling moments along the way. A fantastic read - I adored it!

The story follows Cynthie and Jack, two actors who met when they were just starting out. As costars in a romantic film, Cynthie and Jack clashed in real life while finding love on the screen. Their real life conflicts were intense and fraught with tension, which made filming - and faking a relationship - exceptionally complicated. Now older and wiser, thirteen years have passed since Cynthie and Jack’s fake relationship ended, and they’re both established in their careers. When faking a relationship while filming the movie’s sequel makes the most sense, they find themselves with a second chance to get it right.

I love a fake relationship romance with Hollywood elements, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about Wood’s work, so I was excited to dig into this. It quickly became clear that the second chance vibes were stronger than I anticipated, but I actually really liked the scenario. Yes, both Cynthie and Jack knew there was something sparking between them in the past, but neither one ever really knew if it was love or hate. They clashed at every opportunity, and they were in such different places that it never would’ve worked. I loved the contrasts between the flashback scenes and the present day, which showed that they truly are different people now. They can look back at that time through a different lens, and make sure they don’t make the same mistakes again. I loved Jack and how steady he was; he has put in the WORK, and he was such a good, emotionally intelligent man. I was rooting for them to make it work, and every layer that was peeled back just made me love the story more. I binged it in a single day, and was immersed the entire time.

I hadn't heard of Laura Wood before reading Let's Make a Scene, and I was hugely impressed! I've already gotten ahold of Under Your Spell to read next. Let's Make a Scene is an enemies-to-lovers tale about two British actors who starred in a hit romance more than a decade ago and are asked to film a sequel... and stage a fake romance for PR. Let's Make a Scene is clever, witty, and sweet - the sort of modern romance that is extremely well written. I can't wait to read more from Laura Wood!

"Let's Make a Scene" was the classic enemies to lovers trope with lots of chemistry. but it missed the mark in a few areas. Cynthie is a big actress who has recently been involved in a scandal. To save her reputation and her acting career she agrees to make a sequel of her first big break, A Lady of Quality. The problem is she will be working with her former co-star, Jack, a man she can't stand. From there the two reconnect and sparks begin to fly.

I really liked both characters. Cynthie and Jack were both likable and I enjoyed reading about Jack's family. The book was light and there was solid romance. The premise of them both being actors was an interesting premise for a book. One thing that I did not love was that it alternated between the present and 13 years ago. It was clearly marked but sometimes I would put the book down and then forget whether I was in the present or thirteen years in the past when I picked the book up again. There were also times when the book dragged for me. There just wasn't enough action at times to keep me focused on the page. In fairness I did not read the first book in the series so I might have enjoyed it a little more if I had. Overall, this is a solid romance but it just needs a touch more action for my taste.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

⭐️: 4.5
🌶️: 2

Favorite Quote (aka Dedication Page):

“For my fellow tender-hearted introverts who are feeling sad and overwhelmed. I hope this book is the friend to you that it has been to me. I hope in these pages
you find joy and escapism and a safe space to feel all your feelings. I hope you know that we like you very much, just
as you are.”

First, a big thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books & Laura Wood for sending me an ARC copy of this book. I am so grateful for the opportunity to discover this world and meet these characters before everyone else falls in love with them.

I have so many conflicting emotions about this book. I’ve been in such a weird place mentally and emotionally that I kept putting off reading this book because I didn’t think I could do it justice when not in the right headspace. And it was hard to get through at times but not because of the writing or the story. Mainly because I just wasn’t ready for a HEA or for a MMC this emotionally intelligent. Good lord.

As a side note before I get into this review fully, as someone who has worked in the film industry the representation of not only the behind the scenes coordination, hurry up and wait moments and especially the struggles women had and continue to have in front of/behind the camera I found to be incredibly accurate. Particularly the parts of being warned against certain males on set and how that behavior was just the “norm” and no one thought to question it. This additional commentary was beautifully weaved through out the main story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Our FMC has had a rough go of things. Cynthie Taylor desperately needs to save her reputation and the best way to do that is to shoot the sequel to the film that started her career. Enter the MMC Jack Turner-Jones. Her nemesis love interest on set during the first movie that she unfortunately has sizzling chemistry with both on and off screen. Too bad they hate each other. Or do they?

I loved that this book was dual POV. That was one of the things I felt was missing from Under Your Spell. And I really enjoyed the flashbacks from the original film to the here and now. I feel like it gave way more depth to the characters and showed the growth that can happen over 13 years.

My only complaints were about Jack’s story. And this is part of why I slightly struggled with the book. He was kind of too emotionally evolved in the current time. He felt so zen, centered. Like he had just come off a week long “find yourself” retreat with a guru psychologist. I waned him to be a bit more of a mess. A bit less put together. Also trying to center himself when faced with triggers.

I also wanted a little more drama. I find the irony in saying this about a book about shooting a movie but still. I wanted slightly higher stakes. Maybe some kind of press leak that forced them to have a big blow up. Something similar to what happened in the first book. This one was really lovely but I just needed a little more conflict or emotional investment.

I truly loved this book and hope she comes out with another one in the series. Maybe something to do with Nico and his not so secret admirer? I can’t wait to read what Laura Woods writes next!

I loved Laura’s first book in this series, Under Your Spell, so I was delighted to see there was a second one. And it did not disappoint! I loved this book so much. It was heart-warming, engaging, had an interesting plot and perspective, and was laugh out loud funny.

The author did an excellent job of alternating between two timelines (the main characters in current time and 13 years prior), and dual POV. The fake dating trope had many layers, which gave it depth and made it more realistic. And Jack and Cynthie had such chemistry! I adored all the side characters; they were so fun, I just want to hang out with them. Great Clemmie and Theo cameo from the previous book!

This book was a delight to read and I’m bummed it’s over! And while it’s the second in a series, they are standalone.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Quick Take:
A deliciously slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers fake dating romance with rich character development, dual POVs, and enough chemistry to light up the screen (and the page).

What It’s About:
Cynthie Taylor is living her dream as an actress—until she finds herself in a fake PR romance with her insufferable (but undeniably attractive) co-star Jack Turner-Jones. Thirteen years later, the two are reunited to film a sequel to the cult classic that made them famous… and the fake romance is back on, with a documentary crew capturing every second. What starts as a PR stunt slowly blurs the line between acting and reality—and forces Cynthie and Jack to confront what might’ve been real all along.

What I Liked:
The tension and chemistry were chef’s kiss—perfectly drawn and never rushed.
I adored the dual POVs, which added so much depth and insight into both characters.
The story was layered with emotional stakes, believable growth, and just enough snark to make it fun.
Honestly? This one hit all the right notes for me—smart, funny, and full of heart.

Fans of The Love Hypothesis, Beach Read, or anyone who lives for fake dating, second chances, and enemies-to-lovers with depth. A perfect pick for readers who love character-driven romance with behind-the-scenes Hollywood vibes.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

“Let’s Make a Scene” is a rom-com (second chance) by Laura Wood. This is technically a sequel, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. I have to say that I much preferred the storyline and overall pacing of this book to the first one in this series, which was a very nice surprise. There is one part where the story seems to stop and focus on two things which were previously mentioned, but other than that disruption of the overall flow, this book went along at a pretty good pace. I liked both Jack and Cynthie - both their younger versions (13 years previously) and their more mature and more realistic and more self-aware selves. This was a fast and easy read.

Did not read. Have way too many books on my shelf - need to cut back. Hoping to get to it in the future though.

This book is clever, fun, and addicting! It is a rivals to lovers romance with the perfect blend of witty banter and yearning. The main characters are raw and complex and the side characters are lovable and help create the best found family. I really enjoyed the dual POVs and the flashbacks between past and present. It not only highlighted the growth of the characters but allowed you to truly see the evolution of their relationship. I also loved the early 2000s pop culture vibe and the cameos from Under Your Spell which is also an amazing book and should be read first for full effect! To say I’m a huge fan of this author’s writing is an understatement…Laura Wood is now an auto read author for me.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria and Books for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for the ARC! I can always expect a hit when it comes to Atria books.

Let's Make a Scene is for the girlies who loved Pride and Prejudice 2005 and thought "What if Kiera Knightley and Matthew Mayfadyen fell in love irl?". It has a split timeline POV, present day and 13 years ago. This is a second chance romance, and I wouldn't necessarily say it's enemies to lovers. In the 13 years ago sections, they're absolutely enemies. Present day, they're more like aloof coworkers with a shared past. Which honestly, I respect that. Being upset about slights against you from thirteen years ago would be extremely childish imo.

Overall I enjoyed the read! Very cute universe, would love a Hannah novel next!!

Okay, I loved Under Your Spell by Laura Wood, but I think I loved this one even more! Jack and Cynthie are adorable! I really enjoyed the then/now timeline to see how their relationship was compared to how it is now. Loved the found family dynamic and the banter between all the characters. Very creative story and one I will definitely reread!

This was such a feel good book. I enjoyed reading this so much. Cynthia and Jack are such great well drawn out characters that I really felt so good. I really felt for Cynthia she was such a great character who I really rooted for her. The rest of the characters were quirky and so much fun to watch them change and grow throughout the book.

This was a fun read and I will recommend this again and again.

I want to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for this advanced reader copy and this is my honest review of this book.

I loved Laura Wood’s first adult novel, Under Your Spell, and was so excited to get an ARC of her next, Let’s Make a Scene.

The book follows Cynthie, an actress who dated Theo from Under Your Spell and they remained friends. She’s currently trying to rehab her image after a scandalous relationship with a predatory married director. The book flip-flops between past and present, when Cynthie made her first movie 13 years ago with Jack, the son of acting legends. There was an insane attraction between the two but lots of animosity as well and they haven’t seen each other in years until a sequel to the movie they starred in together is proposed as well as a suggestion that they let the public think they’re together for the good publicity it will bring. The problem is, they like each other a lot and it never stopped even if they haven’t seen each other in years and didn’t part on good terms but Cynthie has a lot of baggage from the relationship with the director.

I thought this book was so entertaining and I spent half of it laughing and half of it lost in the emotion of it. An excellent balance and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

I didn’t even realize there was a first book about another character but I fully plan to go read it. I’m now a huge fan of Laura Wood’s writing. I didn’t want to put this one down, it instantly had my attention and I loved Cynthie and Jacks story. Thank you NetGalley for this arc.

My absolute favorite trope is enemies to lovers/rivals to lovers. And this book had that down perfectly. I absolutely loved that Jack and Cynthie had history, that they were reprising their roles as on screen lovers. Their relationship development is wonderful, although I could do without the flashbacks and past issues. The tension, the chemistry, all of it was an A+ for me.

Jack was definitely the highlight of the book for me. Some things with Cynthie bothered me a bit, but she cannot be perfect so I will forgive her past indiscretions. Jack though, absolutely passionate and amazing and I need to meet him hahaha

I am so glad I got the chance to read this amazing book, and I HIGHLY recommend to everyone else.