What a well written book! This book takes you on a journey that spans 13 years with alternating points of view that do a fantastic job at furthering the plot line and keeping the reader interested in what happens as well as what caused the hurdles for the couple to overcome. The banter between characters, including supporting characters was spot on and believable. I could completely imagine this book turning into a movie because the heroes’ journey was relatable, fulfilling, and brought all the feels. Even though I would say this book is lighthearted, it definitely touched on some core psychological impacts from how the characters grew up, to how the industry grows professionals within the field. I do not give five star reviews very often, but I truly believe that this book was a great read.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.

This was such a fun book! I haven't read the first one in the series yet, but I was able to enjoy Let's Make a Scene. I loved the second chance romance, dual time lines and POVs. Cynthie and Jack are fun characters and I enjoyed their story.

Thanks to NET GALLEY and publisher for the ARC.

I struggled with Let’s Make a Scene due to its alternating timelines and shifting points of view. I typically prefer a more linear narrative, and the constant back-and-forth made it difficult to stay engaged with the storyline. While some readers may enjoy the layered approach, I found it distracting and hard to follow. If you like books that seamlessly weave multiple perspectives and timelines, this might work for you—but it wasn’t the right fit for me.

I was lucky enough to get a digital ARC of Let’s Make a Scene from Atria Books and Netgalley. I DEVOURED this book. I didn’t discover Laura Wood’s previous book Under Your Spell until January so it was still fresh in my mind when I dove into this one.

If you are a fan of the fake dating trope, allow me to introduce you to the DOUBLE fake dating trope. Cynthie and Jack are actors and star together on her first film. They sizzle at first sight, but the flame doesn’t catch, even though they have to pretend to be a real life couple for the production. Thirteen years later, and they have to pretend again, with the stakes even higher.

Wood put so much care into the writing of every single character. I thought for sure that one of Clemmie’s sisters from Under Your Spell, would be featured in this book, but we get Cynthie’s story AND Jack (from everyone’s favorite show Blood/Lust) is the MMC. Plus, there is an entirely amazing cast of new supporting characters introduced and I want to know all of their stories. Hannah, obviously. Lee! Jasmine. Brooke! I mean, seriously I don’t remember when I have loved so many characters in a romance novel. Laura Wood is officially on my “must buy” list now.

And the book is funny. Really funny. The dialogue is clever, and Jack. JACK. I just can’t even. Laura Wood had me sending my husband a photo of a page with a quote circled, and the word PLEASE written on it in all caps. There is also a great appearance from Leo and Clemmie.

Look, do I give out five star reviews just because the vibes are immaculate? YES, I do, and I won’t apologize for it. But don’t let the five stars trick you-this is a really, really good romance. So sweet, so entertaining. The only problem I have with the book is that it hasn’t even come out yet and I can’t wait to find out whose story is next!!

I'm rounding up from 4.5, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cynthie and Jack met while working on her first film. They immediately get off to the wrong foot with each other, but somehow fall in love with each other art the same time. Being young and stubborn, they fight the love part. They are coerced into a PR relationship which doesn't go well. Fast forward 13 years later, Cynthie is reeling from a failed "relationship" and is dropped by her next project. An opportunity arises to make a sequel to her first film with the caveat that they are also making a documentary and the PR relationship resurfaces. Jack needs this for his own reasons, but also realizes his true feelings for Cynthie. Along the way, they slowly figure it out. The dual timeline is a nice touch, I honestly wouldn't have minded if it had gone chronologically as well. Jack is charming, relatable and has character growth. Cynthie is likeable, relatable and with the help of her found family, heals from the things holding her back from her true happiness. This slow burn, second chance romance is pretty special. The loveable cast of side characters is an added bonus. I didn't want this to end and truly wanted more of their HEA.

Hear me loud and clear: how a female character reacts to criticism determines if I stay reading a book, because it’s completely in the hands of an author. It’s an author’s choice of how they want the character to act/react. In ‘Let’s Make a Scene’ I felt my annoyance grow…but I stuck through this book for Logan but I later gave up and just read the final chapter. If I can read a final chapter and understand the entirety of the book...that's a huge problem. I know many of you will likely hang on for him and kudos to you.

There’s a definite struggle with the timelines in this book. The author really needed to commit to one. For me the dual timelines felt like two entirely different books, but they were smushed together. It feels scattered and unfinished. The timelines meandered for way too long. I think having little snapshots at the beginning of each chapter of the past would've worked extremely better. I had such high hopes for this book, but so many things need work: character choices/arcs, story set up, execution of vision. I was so excited to read Let’s Make a Scene, but honey, I’m flabbergasted and I feel bamboozled. My thanks to Atria Books for the digital arc!

Unfortunately this doesn’t seem to the book for me and that’s okay! While the plot of this story immediately sucked me in, and the writing was easy to follow along. I found the dual timeline to be a bit confusing. It was hard to follow along both the presents and the past with the way the chapters were structured and I found myself having a hard time connecting to who they were in the present.

Cynthie and Jack, once enemies and reluctant costars in a regency romance film, have been reunited thirteen years later to help Cynthie repair her damaged reputation by faking a “second-chance romance” relationship and to act in the movie’s sequel. Despite their history of antagonism and hate, much has changed between the pair. This book jumps back and forth between the past and present to weave a story of growth and redemption.

Dang, I loved this. Ugh. Everything that is wonderful about the romance genre is in this book:

- Witty humor and great writing
- Emotional angst that turns into emotional growth
- Charming, relatable main characters
- Hilarious, found family side characters
- Meaningful big-picture obstacles (sexual misconduct toward female actors, overbearing parents, anxiety/panic attacks) handled with care
- MULTIPLE mic-drop, heart stopping moments
- A sparkly grand gesture at the finale

This is the best book I have read in a minute. It really did hit me just right. Five stars. I loved it.

"What you all saw on-screen doesn't hold a candle to what happened in real life. The story of me and Cynthie? That's the real love story."

A huge thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the early copy to review.

It's the oddest thing, despite the book trading off perspectives throughout the different chapters, I never felt as if I really knew Jack. I certainly knew Cynthie! And understood her and her motivations, moves, wonders, and worries. On its own, that's a great thing, but compared to the lack of Jack-knowing, underscored my general feeling that I just couldn't quite get into this one.

I think the story itself is solid, the set-ups are smart, and the insights in Hollywood and moviemaking are spot-on. But... for a story so rooted in the fact that these people are unable to get away from each other and their passion, no matter everything else stacked against them, I couldn't quite buy it. Still, a sweet book with some good spice. I look forward to more of Wood's work!

This was very cute! I love a celeb couple and a second-chance romance so this was a great combo. Loved seeing the flashbacks from when they first met and present day. Their journey was so cute and the found family element was super sweet!

Dual POV, first person
Spice: 2 🌶️
Tropes: dual timeline, second chance, fake dating, “it’s always been you”, enemies to lovers

I am completely obsessed with this book! Literally my brain is just screaming to me in excitement about how much this story warmed my heart.

Cynthie and Jack’s love story had me ready to make a scene of my own because WOW they are so good together. I know a lot of people don’t care for the second chance trope (I’m personally a goner every time for it), but I’m begging everyone to give this one a chance. Because the second chance is a second shot at fake dating and how they let their strong feelings muddle the situation the first time 13 years prior, when they were in their early 20s. Baby actors in their first major movie roles.
I loved the dual timeline so you could see the changes in both our MCs, especially the growth in Jack. But also how much it paralleled their story as adults.
The chemistry had me fanning myself in both timelines, too. Because good gosh they almost set my kindle on fire with the passion between them.

Aside from the romance, this book also deals with heavy themes we see a lot in the tabloids about positions of power in Hollywood and the author writes it so well. It’s tasteful and sheds light on how wrong things can get.
The anxiety rep was wonderful as well. I am just in awe over Laura’s writing and how real it felt.

The family issues added another layer of real to these characters and I found myself falling deeper for them as they navigate the unfortunate family situations they were dealt in life.
But in the end it was the found family that really sealed the deal for how much I enjoyed this book. I would give anything to be welcomed into their fold. Especially with that ending. I was smiling like a fool through the tears streaking down my face.

This book will have you laughing out loud, clutching your chest in heartache, and swooning over how perfect these characters are together.

Thank you Atria for an early copy and for allowing me the chance to find a top contender for favorite book of 2025.

Cynthie Taylor has been Hollywood’s good girl since her debut as an actress. But that image is crumbling in the wake of her recent breakup with her very married (she thought they were legally separated) ex. After loosing out on a huge movie deal, she’s offered an opportunity to go back to her roots. She’s offered a sequel deal of her first movie. Problem is she has to work with Jack again. Douchey nepo baby whose career hasn’t taken off like he wanted. Oh and they have to fake date, again. But maybe the dating might not be as fake as Cynthie anticipated.

I want to start by saying I absolutely adore Laura Wood’s debut, and I think she is a fantastic author. Her style is captivating and it sucks you right in. That being said this plot wasn’t for me. I’m not the biggest fan of dual timeline and unfortunately I just think this was poorly done. I would’ve rather them stay in the present with snip-bits of the past. But this book just kind of does it in chunks… I think if you love dual timelines though you’ll probably love this one! The writing is good, the characters are fun! Though Jack is a bit rough around the edges he is lovable.

Second chance romance
Dual-timeline
Dual POV
Famous Peeps!

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

First half was good, second half was great. Lots of laughs, lighthearted and fun, swoony tension. This book is the definition of “there’s a fine line between love and hate” Great second chance enemies to lovers with the added fun of a dual celebrity romance. Mild spice but tension was tensioning. Fun.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thirteen years ago, Cynthie Taylor landed the role of her dreams, but when she meets costar Jack Turner-Jones there are fireworks, and not the good kind. Despite their animosity, the film goes on to be a huge success, catapulting Cynthie into a successful career. Now when news comes out that Cynthie’s ex was in fact married the entire time of their relationship she needs to salvage her reputation. What better way than filming the sequel and pretending to fake date her costar, who happens to be Jack. The two must work together to successfully pull it off. But what happens when fake feelings turn all too real?

This was a cute and quirky book! The characters are likable and their rivalry is fun to watch. Each has a vested interest in making this film work: Cynthie to rehabilitate her image and Jack to give him a new project as his current contract may be ending.

The plot is divided into present day and thirteen years earlier. I felt like quite a bit of time was spent in the past that wasn’t necessary. One chapter showing the start of their animosity would’ve been enough. I would’ve much rather have seen more scenes of them in present day. I did enjoy the behind the scenes look at shooting the film and the onset pranks were a lot of fun. But because of the amount of time spent in the past, I felt that the present day action seemed a bit rushed. At times it felt as if I were reading two different books.

I really loved Cynthie and Jack’s relationship in the present. It was loving and supportive. And his love letter!! Be still my heart! Both Cynthie and Jack had major growth in the thirteen years they were apart, and I do see the contrast the author was trying to show between the flashbacks and the present time, I just think the flashbacks could’ve been condensed and still have had the same effect. I also loved Cynthie’s group of friends. Oh they were so much fun and hilarious. I always love a found family trope, and they were incredibly supportive and protective of her. And the way they helped Jack with his grand gesture was so heartwarming!

This was a really lovely book. Perfect for a cozy read with a cup of tea.

Sorry, just couldn't connect to these characters, Cynthie and Jack.

In 2024, read author's "Under Your Spell". Liked that. This one, not so much. There are slight parallels like some characters in both novels are in the entertainment industry. Both books have delightful supporting characters (liked the final scene where friends rally in support of Jack and Cynthie) and the sisters/mom bond showcased in the other book.

While understand Jack lashing out to Cynthie during their initial encounter, just didn't care for his criticism in both words and deed. Felt he was very judgy and you could psychoanalyze that points you to his parents, but still. As for Cynthie's story , the reader will recognize whiffs of a real scandal ripped from the headlines (think Kristin Stewart and her director in that movie so long ago).

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Atria Books, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book takes you on a journey, filled with a lot of emotions! Some of these emotions include love, humor, happiness, sadness, and feelings of hope! This book does have a slow start to it, but it does pick up! When it starts to get interesting, it gets really good! I love the dual point of views and found this book to be beautifully written. Furthermore, the characters are well developed and it is an easy read.

Let’s Make A Scene takes you on a journey about a woman named Cynthie Taylor and a man named Jack Turner Jones. Cynthie gets her first acting job and is overly ecstatic about it. However, she finds out that her co-star, which happens to be Jack, cannot stands her. Behind the scenes of this film, they do not get along at all, but in the film they are in love with one another. They stay away from each other for a while, until another acting opportunity pops up that they can’t say no to. Do they end up falling in love or will their trust issues that they have between one another break them apart?

Be sure to read the content warnings before reading the book. Overall, I rate this incredible book a high 4 out of 5 stars! It was enjoyable, entertaining, and full of love! This book is one of a kind to me!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Laura Wood, and Atria Books Publicity Department for providing me with this digital arc in exchange for my honest review!

Let’s Make A Scene is expected to be released on July 3, 2025!

Laura Wood has done it again in Let’s Make a Scene. She takes tropes that many of us love: enemies to lovers: fake relationships, and second chances, and makes them completely fresh. I loved this story of actress Cynthie facing a PR nightmare who, with the help of friends, steers her personal and professional life back on track. And, I was immediately hooked from the first pages as Cynthie hilariously bickers with her personal trainer. I think that trainer, Petra, deserves a sequel of her own.

The main characters are very likable because we get a dual POV. So, if our hero seems to be behaving poorly to our heroine, we understand why. Cynthia’s best friend since childhood, Hannah, works as her assistant. We see that Cynthie is kind to everyone, even those not in her megastar orbit.

I also loved this story for the homage to romcoms from the past, both in film and print. Hannah and Cynthie’s discussions of hot moments in films was usually laugh out loud funny as was the bickering between the two love interests.

This was such a satisfying read, I was sorry when it ended.

This one was so amazing. Funny, fast pace. The characters were amazing! I couldn’t stop laughing while reading. So glad I had the opportunity to read this.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let’s Make a Scene by Laura Wood is a delightful and charming novel that explores the world of theater and the magic of performance. The story follows a young woman, Isabelle, who lands a role in a prestigious play and finds herself caught up in the excitement and drama of the theater world. As she navigates her new life, Isabelle learns about friendship, love, and finding her own voice.

Wood’s writing is witty and engaging, with a wonderful sense of atmosphere that brings the theater to life. The characters are endearing, and the emotional depth of their journeys adds warmth and relatability to the story. The plot is lighthearted yet meaningful, with themes of self-discovery and personal growth woven throughout.

Overall, Let’s Make a Scene is a delightful read for fans of contemporary fiction with a touch of romance and a love for the arts. It’s an uplifting and engaging story about following your dreams and finding your place in the world.

I had no idea what to expect from Let's Make a Scene but I absolutely loved it. The story is simultaneously deeply touching and laugh-out-loud witty. I was especially impressed by how the author wove the two timelines seamlessly together. Will definitely be reading more from Laura Wood!