I wanted to read this right away when I read about the tropes. I can’t help, but be a sucker for a fun little
romcom! I love finding new authors and looking forward to reading more books by this author!

Loved this follow up from Laura Wood. I am a sucker for a hollywood romance and second chance and this was exactly what I needed. I really enjoyed the past scenes and the second chance they got. He ended up being so sweet. their chemistry was great!

I was not surprised at all that I loved this! Laura Wood's Under Your Spell was one of the best rom com books I read this year, and I was over the top thrilled to receive an advance copy of this companion novel. This book follows Theo from the first book's best friend Cynthie Taylor. It was fun to see Theo and Clemmie again in this book, but they are truly standalone novels and can be read together or on their own.

Years ago, Cynthie and Jack were costars together on their first big film. Jack is movie star royalty. His parents are both accomplished actors and he grew up trained to fill the role. Cynthie is an unknown, with no acting training or background to speak of. Cynthie immediately sees Jack as arrogant and the two bristle with animosity, but also with an undeniable attraction and chemistry that likely got them cast in the roles in the first place! Now, thirteen years later, they are both successful actors with a lot of experience under their belt. When they are offered the chance to make a sequel to their cult classic film, it comes with the stipulation that they must pretend to be a relationship for PR reasons.

I loved that Wood chose to make her leads actors. The chapters of the book when the pair is in period costume filming on location, hate lusting after each other but denying their true feelings vehemently, gave me serious Julia Quinn/Bridgerton Season Two/Anthony and Kate vibes! It was absolutely irresistible to see them detest each other while also being forced to film intimate scenes that force the issue of their attraction. Their acting careers made the forced proximity/fake dating seem plausible and it worked SO well. And it presented the opportunity for some absolutely epic scenes, like a dramatic kissing in the rain scene from their period film. And later a grand scene on stage at an awards show that reminded me of the great Ryan Gosling/Rachel McAdams award show case after filming The Notebook together. I was here for all of it!!!

This was also very funny! Cynthie delivers some absolutely devastating verbal blows while filming with Jack, such as when she finds him working out in front of a mirror and says he is like a "parakeet with its favorite toy." And I loved all the pop culture references! At one point, the two discuss the "Bill-Pullman-Leaning scene in While You Were Sleeping" and that everyone knows it "is the hottest thing to ever happen." I love that Jack is caught reading Persuasion! I love that Cynthie and Jack are turned into a bookstagram meme: "Me looking at the new Emily Henry novel, one Instagram account I follow had written over a picture of Jack gazing down adoringly at my face." The characters also had a lot of depth - issues with their family, their mental health, concerns with their careers - that gave the book some weight and gravity.

I did think the grand gesture plotline was a bit cheesy at the end. But I did love that because they were actors, there would have been a lot of footage of them together that would make the scene possible. I was also sort of pained that the two timelines were THIRTEEN years apart. That is so long to keep a flame alive for someone else! I understand that they needed to find their own way, but somehow, it would have felt more believable that they had never stopped thinking about each other if it hadn't been over a decade apart. These were truly my only quibbles with this book. It was otherwise a five-star read for me.

*actual rating 4.5 stars*

I loved this book! It felt really different from Under Your Spell but still had a lot of the same things I loved about that one, if that makes any sense! While this one wasn't quite as humorous as Under Your Spell (to me), it still had some incredible laugh out loud moments, like the amazing prank wars. I also felt that this book was much more heartfelt and had a lot more exploration of emotions etc, which I loved.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the flashbacks/ dual timelines. I loved seeing Jack and Cynthie's beginnings while we got to see what they were up to in the present, which made for an incredibly rich love story.

The found family trope in this book is excellent--I loved that both Jack and Cynthie had built in best friends as their base support systems, and then found more family from there. While we got a lot about Jack;s family, I feel like Cynthie's were much more of an afterthought. I wish we had delved more into how her parents affected her life instead of just getting a couple brief stories about them.

Slight spoilers here. but I LOVED that this book didn't have any third act breakup/ miscommunication. While the entire book is basically a miscommunication, it was done really well and I think it was a great call for the characters not to break up dramatically right before the end. I also personally enjoyed the lack of an epilogue baby.

Overall, this was a delightful romance that ticked all the boxes for me. Between this book and Under Your Spell, I'm a HUGE fan of this author now!

Thank you to the publisher for the early copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

y'all do not understand how much I LOVED this book. I was giggling and kicking my feet from start to finish. 🥰 Laura Wood wrote a second chance/enemies to lovers romance the way it was meant to be written and gave us all the best parts of pop culture and a period piece all at once. I don't know how she did it but she did.
And Jack and Cynthie's chemistry was just a delight to read. Jack (present day) is a little patient angel of a man and I love how carefully he repairs his relationship with Cynthie without every excusing the part he played in wrecking it in the first place. He allows her to take the lead while also being crystal clear about what he wants and it was HOT. And Cynthie had so much heart and love for those in her orbit. I loved watching her regain her footing and belief in good things (and the way she never let Jack get away with anything too lol). 🥹 I truly am obsessed with them and their entire group of friends.
I loved every second of this book and I cannot wait to read more from Laura. 💛

This was such a fun read. lots of good mental health bits. A really good storyline and some awesome chemistry. These two really knew how to do the enemies and then later the lovers in the story.
Will be reading more by this author
This is an adult read. Some sex scenes. Drinking. Talk of mental abuse.

Thank you to NetGallery for the early access to this ARC. As someone who hadn't read the previous book in the series, I was easily able to hop right into this story and was immediately drawn to the characters. The entire character cast, including side characters, were lovable, funny, and had a sense of community that made me want to be part of the friend group, even Reckless Ed. Though I could tell that this group of characters had interacted before, I didn't feel left out in regards to information. I was easily able to connect with this group and was rooting for all their side conquests throughout the story.

My only objection to this story is the Enemies to Lovers Trope. I felt like the initial reason Cynthie and Jack became enemies wasn't enough to sustain the hate throughout the years. It felt a bit juvenile and at times, not truly believable. I think what saved this trope was the flasbacks and then flipping to the present, so as a reader, I was able to find investment in the characters and wanted to cheer on their character growth. Their "present" story arc was much more believable, mature, and honestly, a beautiful take on a modern day love story. I was always eager to get to the "present" chapters to see the stark differences in how the relationship and characters had evolved. I'm a sucker for a good character arc and this book did not disappoint.

Overall, this book was sweet, heartwarming, a little bit of spice, and kept me wanting to know what happened next. I had a hard time putting this book down and was thinking about it constantly when I wasn't reading.

Cynthie and Jack starred in a cult favorite Regency movie 13 years ago. This was Cynthie’s first professional acting job…she answered an open casting call in London. She was 20, very determined and very talented but unschooled. Cynthie’s mother had abandoned the family when she was a little girl and her father was detached and had no idea what to do with is firecracker daughter. Jack was 24, scion of two famous, classical actors who were not loving and demanded that Jack also become a classical actors as a reflection for them. Nothing was ever enough for them and they constantly managed, bullied and berated him. This film was the next step in a carefully planned rise to the heights of classical acting…Shakespeare…regardless of what Jack wanted. There was huge chemistry between them that made their performances electric…but they both had so much personal baggage that they constantly bickered and misconstrued each other’s words and deeds. Now, Jack is in a much-loved TV show that he enjoys acting but isn’t sure if his contract will be renewed of if his character will be killed off. Cynthie is an award winning actress who’s barely surviving a scandal involving an affair with the married (he told her he was getting a divorce) director of her last film. She’s raw and toxic in Hollywood and has just been dropped from her next film. The writer and director of the original Regency movie want to make a sequel with all the original cast. Jack and Cynthie both need some good publicity…him to be resined and her to have her battered reputation rehabilitated. They reluctantly agree to “fake date” before and during the film shoot. They must come to terms with their feeling for each other…13 years ago, the intervening years and now. I could not put this book down. The feeling between them, their personal growth during their years apart, and the people who are part of their lives is charming and hopeful and addictive.

5 Stars!

My first 5 star read of 2025! I loved this book! Enemies-to-lover, second-chance romance with some Hollywood razzle dazzle! Cynthie and Jack met on a film set 13 years ago and it was hate at first sight. But, as they say, there's a thin line between love and hate! It just takes Cynthie and Jack 13 years to cross that line!

So much great banter! Reckless Ed, the lovesick horse! Historical sheep! Fun pop-culture references - Emily Henry, Twilight, Princess Diaries and more. I can't remember the last book that made me smile like this one!

I've already put the companion book on hold at the library. I love Laura Wood's writing! Thank you Atria and NetGalley for the chance to read the digital ARC in return for an honest review.

This is the companion novel to one of my all time favorite romance books, Under Your Spell, and once again Laura Wood absolutely delivers. Let’s Make a Scene brings an incredible celebrity romance filled with beloved tropes, dual timelines, unforgettable chemistry, and another swoon worthy hero to fall for. Wood’s ability to balance humor with emotional depth is truly unmatched. I was laughing out loud at so many lines, while also feeling deeply for Cynthie as she navigated her career challenges and for Jack as he faced complicated family dynamics. Second chance romances can be emotionally intense, but Wood handles it perfectly, showing how the characters matured over time and why their reconnection feels so real and satisfying. The behind the scenes glimpse into the film industry was also such a fun and fascinating bonus. I absolutely adored this book.

Read if you like:
-Second chances
-Celebrity romance (two actors)
-Slow burn tension
-Laugh out loud humor
-Fake dating
-Dual POVs and timelines

Thank you so much for the ARC of this book!!! Jack and Cynthie’s story was captivating. I typically don’t love flashback novels, but this was so clear and structured that it was easy to follow. The build up to the culmination of the crux of their issues felt more substantial than the issues themselves, but I really enjoyed it otherwise!

Laura Wood does it again with Let’s Make a Scene, the sparkling companion to her adult debut Under Your Spell! This one follows Cynthie Taylor—Theo’s quick-witted, emotionally guarded best friend—as she’s thrown back into the limelight (and fake romance) with the one man she vowed to avoid forever: her frustratingly handsome former co-star Jack Turner-Jones.

Thirteen years ago, Cynthie and Jack shared a career-launching film and a fabricated PR relationship that was equal parts electric and chaotic. Now, a sequel is on the table—with a documentary crew to boot—and the fake dating playbook is dusted off once again. What unfolds is a delicious slow-burn enemies-to-lovers reunion brimming with tension, vulnerability, and just the right dash of scandal.

Wood has a gift for dialogue that crackles with wit and emotion. Cynthie’s sharp internal monologue paired with Jack’s surprising tenderness had me flipping pages late into the night. Fans of the “second chance with a twist” trope will eat this up. There’s something so satisfying about watching two people with history find their way back to something real, especially under the microscope of fame.

This is more than a rom-com. It’s a story about trust, image vs. identity, and how time doesn’t always heal all wounds—sometimes, you have to face them head-on… preferably with cameras rolling.

Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Sophie Cousens, or anyone who loves a love story with bite and backbone. If Under Your Spell made you swoon, Let’s Make a Scene will make your heart race.

I loved this book! I love a good romcom, and I LOVE movies! I thought this was a super cute costar, enemies to lovers romance that didn't veer too far into cliche territory. As someone who spends their free time watching replays of the MTV Best Kiss awards and is fully invested in Tomdaya and thinks the love story of Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. is so sweet, this book appealed to ALL of that! It had almost all of my favorite tropes (included some EXCELLENT kissing in the rain scenes, which until I read this, I didn't know they could be as magical on the page as on the screen). The dialogue was great, and I laughed A LOT. All of the supporting cast was phenomenal. I even learned a lot, especially about intimacy coordination and how publicists work. It made me wonder how many of my favorite actor moments have been contrived. Also, no 3rd act breakup! Normally, I find grand gestures to be gross and embarrassing, but the end of this one was sweet.

My main drawback was that the MeToo storyline felt tired, and the FMC's anxiety seemed forced, This was a super lighthearted book except for those things, and I almost wish they hadn't been there. I'd be super lighthearted and happy, and then BAM! the FMC would have a panic attack. I guess that's how things in the real world work, but I was hoping for a little more escapism. If it's about relatability, I already don't relate to being an Oscar nominated actress falling in love with her super hot costar, It's okay. I read Deuxmoi because it's so out of touch. I don't need to relate.

Overall, this was very funny, sweet, a little bit spicy, and a very satisfying read, I would absolutely purchase this for someone as a gift.

I liked the author's previous book Under Your Spell and so I was very excited to check this one out!

The writing is phenomenal and my most favorite scenes are with Cynthie and her trainer ;) They are downright hilarious!! The period setting in the flashback was done very well and I enjoyed all the descriptions.

While I liked both characters Cynthie and Jack individually, I am sorry but I fail to see what made them rivals in the first place! I kept waiting for the aha moment, a compelling reason for why they despised each other but that never came. Some of the reunion scenes (the ice cream one:)) was done well, but mostly I didn't feel the connection between them.. Also, since it has been 13 years since their break up it was hard to picture that they'd pine for each other that long. That being said, this helped set the stage for a second chance romance.. I just wish the reason for their arch rivalry was not inconsequential, as this made it challenging to picture their reunion in the current setting.

I do like the author's writing style and hope to connect with her future books!

#Let'sMakeaScene, #NetGalley


Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

let’s make a scene arc review!!
@lauracwood - i am so overwhelmed w/ the amount of LOVE i have for this book & these characters. i am a BIG fan of this story- i honestly couldn’t put it down. you’ve EXCEEDED my expectations & i am like HOPING Nico gets a story so we can keep living in this world???
i’m also a sucker for the enemies to lovers, movie star, fake dating, prank war VIBES- like every trope i love, this book had it.
i cannot wait for you guys to get your hands on this one 🤍🎥🎞️

i will say- i was hesitant about the dual timelines in the beginning. I am a BIG fan of when authors do dual POVs but I swear i was tortured by the suspense at some points- or it just felt like an abrupt change from one timeline to the other. on the other hand, i loved that it added a depth to their relationship and that’s overall why i gave this 5 stars, because either way, i was enamored the entire time by this story.

This was a great enemies to lovers romance. Watching Cynthie and Jack evolve as individuals really made their romance even sweeter. There was a lot of depth to each of the main characters that made me love them even more. The author did a really good job of building on their past, but not letting it overshadow their present. I really liked the supporting characters and they made me love the book even more. The pacing of the book was a bit of a slow at times, but it didn’t stop me from wanting to see the ending. Thank you NetGalley for my advanced eARC.

Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed Laura Wood's work. Can't wait for whatever book she writes next!

Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5. (open door/explicit)

Pros
- Love this author plus the plot and cover drew me in
- The flashback chapters had me laughing out loud
- Really liked their characterization
- Great chemistry!
- Liked how some scenes would transition from one character to another between chapters
- Loved the ending, so sweet

Cons
- Slow at beginning

A fun rom com for smutty readers. This book follows two celebrities who both need a boost in their careers. what's better for a boost than a fake relationship with someone you used to have a fake relationship with. but can lightning strike twice, especially if they are your best frenemie. I liked the tension between the characters and the cast of side characters.

This was a cute story! 3.5 stars

Overall, I wish the flashbacks of 13 years ago lined up more with what was happening at present, or 13 years later to keep the flow going and connect what was happening during both times. It took me a while at the beginning to realize we were still in the past. I'd flip make to make sure I didn't accidentally skip a page that said we were back to the present. Since both times are about making a movie, about the same thing, it was weird at first to figure out where we were at. Because the flashbacks and present didn't connect/ flow together, it felt choppy at times. Towards the beginning it felt like we spent almost too much time in the past, because I was left wondering where we were at at present.

This was a cute story and Jasmine was probably my favorite character. I would love to see a story about Lee and Nico in the future.

I received an eARC from Atria via emial/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As I was reading this book, I literally saw Kiera Knightley watching her love walk across the foggy meadow and imagined that as the first kiss in the rain scene. The kiss between Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling was the clear inspiration for the scene where they kiss at the movie awards. Those details made this a fun read with lots of pop culture hints. I tried to imagine which hot star was being hinted at as the story processed. My money is on James Franco for Shawn. It is quite a slow burn at the start, which lost my interest initially, but I really liked the way they came together. By the time they connected in person in present day, I was hooked. It sort of gives Notting Hill vibes at time, which I adored.