This was interesting. I did not feel like it was a sequel to the first one. Theo was barely in it. However, it was nice to think about healing after horrible things happen. I am single and divorced. I'm terrified someone could tell me they are available when they are not. Plus it is unfair that the women usually take the fall for this. I do wish we saw more about what happened to stupid face when the documentary came out.

I plan to share this title on my instagram on 6/30/25

Actors pretending to be in a relationship to help sell their movie. Doesn’t end well. They don’t speak until they are asked for a repeat performance 13 years later. Jack and Cynthie’s story was an excellent example of characters growing and maturing. I was worried that the second chance romance would follow the arc of their first chance, but the author does such a great job of growing the characters up and it was well worth the read. It didn’t grip me the way some stories do and at times, I struggled with the pacing. In the end, I’m glad I stuck with it. It really is a gem of a book. Their friend group was also fantastic and they were featured just enough to know they have the best interests of Cynthie and Jack in mind, without pulling the focus away from them.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. A solid second chance romance.

Enemies to lovers with second-chance romance and fake dating. An entertaining story that kept me engaged the whole way through. Thanks to NetGalley and AtriaBooks for an advanced copy.

No notes.

Just thoroughly enjoyed the characters, their growth, their love. It was such a good realistic story of growth and love.

I personally loved the dual timelines but for some people that prefer one timeline without constant jumping timelines just a warning - there’s a lot of that. :)

Highly recommend this read!!

I loved this book! It was almost a 5 star for me but the first 1/4 of the book is slow. Once you get past that, it is a wonderful rom com story. It kept me so interested and I loved how it went back and forth throughout time. Usually that can be hard to follow but the author did an amazing job with this.

I look forward to hopefully reading more from this author.

probably 3.75 stars!

did end up liking this one!! it probably could have been 50 pages shorter, but it does get extra points for no third act break up thank GOD! biggest thing is that while i understand the decision to go back and forth between the past and present, there was simply too much past when the most interesting timeline (for me) was the present. that's what the blurb promised me! highlight was definitely the tension, so well written and was practically oozing off the page - but again, mostly in the present timeline. the past timeline kinda ended up annoying me after a certain point because they were so unable to communicate and it was kinda the same thing over and over again - also they "hated" each other way too quickly, but i guess it did fit in with their characters so i got over it. would definitely read this author again!

I feel so lucky to have received an ARC of Let's Make a Scene. This book was an absolute treasure from start to finish! I can't wait to buy a copy and share it with my friends once it’s published. The storyline captivated me with its twists and emotional depth, while the characters leapt off the page, full of life and complexity. It truly was the perfect romance, leaving me with a warm heart and a smile on my face. I would love to watch this movie!

Right after finishing “Let’s Make a Scene,” I had to watch “Pride & Prejudice” and any other RomCom or regency movie I could find! This dual timeline, second-chance romance delivers all the angst. Cynthie and Jack were cast in their breakout roles in a romantic Regency movie. They quickly become enemies while also harboring developing feelings for eachother. And years later, Cynthie is wrapped up in a scandal and must rejoin with Jack to film the sequel. The chemistry between these two was electric.

For those who love:
🎬 Hollywood Romance
🎬 Fake Dating
🎬 Regency
🎬 Dual Timeline
🎬 Dual POV
🎬 Second Chance Romance
🎬 Prank War
🎬 “While You Were Sleeping” references
🎬 Found Family

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the ARC of this beautiful book!

Okay, so this was totally unexpected. I was addicted to this book, so invested that I didn’t want to put it down for even a second. This is definitely going into my list of all-time favourites.

The setup of this book was so good. Laura Woods has written Cynthie and Jack’s love story beautifully. The way the story jumps between the present and 13 years ago was really well done. It gave the perfect perspective and showed the depth of their relationship. Now this is what I call a well written second chance romance. The Hollywood backdrop and the behind-the-scenes details were spot on and the way the author described it all felt so real, like I was watching a movie while reading. It was smooth, emotional and kept me hooked.

In the beginning, Cynthie and Jack were the right people but met at the wrong time. I loved how the author made it clear that if they had gotten together back then, it wouldn’t have worked. They were still growing up at the ages of 20 and 24. Their banter, pranks and the tension between them in the past timeline were my favourite parts. I had so much fun reading those chapters. And the way they found their way back to each other after 13 years? It felt so real and meaningful. They had both grown up and you could feel that they were finally ready to be together - especially Jack. Cynthie just needed a little nudge, and that moment was written so beautifully.

I also appreciated how the book handled serious topics like panic attacks, fear of abandonment, toxic work environments, harassment and difficult parents. Those parts hurt to read, but they were handled with care. Even the reason behind them losing contact for 13 years made sense. It wasn’t overdramatic and I appreciated that.

Now let’s talk about the characters.

Cynthie Taylor completely won me over. She’s a strong, kind, and fearless woman who stands up for herself and I loved her for it. I connected with her emotions so much, I felt everything she felt. Everyone around her loved her and honestly, it made sense. She was just that lovable. Seeing her nervous and scared in the past, and then so confident and in control in the present, was amazing. Her trauma and healing were portrayed so well, and I loved how the people around her supported her through it.

As for Jack - he seriously annoyed me in the past timeline (even though I got where he was coming from), but I completely fell for him in the present timeline. He had grown so much emotionally and really turned into a better person. His struggles with his family were written thoughtfully and watching him overcome them felt satisfying. I especially loved how Jack and Cynthie started as friends, slowly fell in love through fake dating and then ended up together for real - it was heartwarming. The way Jack loved her? Pure joy to read.

And I can’t forget the side characters - I LOVED them. They added so much warmth and heart to the story, and I know I’m going to miss their moments with Cynthie and Jack. I also can’t wait to pick up the first book in the series now!

If you’re into Hollywood settings, fake dating and second chances, then this book is for you. You’ll fall in love with every character, I promise. ♥

5 ⭐️’s. I loved Under Your Spell and was so excited to read Laura Wood’s new book! Immediately after starting Let’s Make a Scene, I felt so happy to be back with her writing.

The book follows Cynthie and Jack who were co-stars in a debut film 13 years ago. Tensions ran high as they had to fake a romance on and off screen. After lots of success and 13 years of not speaking to one another, they are thrown back together to film a sequel to their debut film. Cynthie’s public image is suffering so they agree to fake date once again. We know why Cynthie agrees, but why does Jack?

The story flips back and forth between present and past to give context to Cynthie and Jack’s history and how it got them to where they are today.

I was surprised with how much time was spent 13 years ago. The pranking felt a little childish to me for 20 and 24 year olds but I understand that it was building the enemies to lovers trope and the community/friendships on set. At the beginning I found myself only wanting to be in the present, but eventually I enjoyed the dual timeline story.

What I so enjoy about Laura’s writing is the fact that you get fully immersed in it. I don’t know how to explain it but it almost feels as if you aren’t even reading. I can perfectly visualize every scene without her being overly descriptive with her words. It’s what you want from every book!

I loved both of these characters. I loved how dynamic Cynthie’s character was - 13 years ago she was feisty and a little unsure of herself and in the present she’s full of self doubt and anxiety, seems to have lost some of her sass and bite. Younger Jack was full of anxiety and relying on sass to build a wall between him and his actual feelings while present day Jack is confident in himself, more at ease, and softer. It was so sweet watching these characters change and grow over time.

Although the end was kind of cheesy, I still ate it up because I was invested in the characters and their love for each other! I already want Laura’s next book!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review 🥰

This book was not on my radar and then this beauty was ready for me to read. I am so glad it did. This book is so fun and emotional!! I loved the dual timeline and POV!
Officially a Laura Wood fan!

Great second chance, enemies-to-lovers, fake dating romance. I’m a sucker for any sweet MMC, and Jack fits the bill! Loved the behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, too! Side characters added to the plot positively without being distracting. Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via NetGalley! I didn’t realize this was the second in a series, so now it’s time to go back and read “Under Your Spell!”

Cute romance , however I didn’t realize this was part of a series. I wish I would have read book one before diving into this one. Overall, it was cute

Let's Make a Scene Book Review 🦇

What's your favorite enemies to lovers book?❓

When Cynthie Taylor gets her first real acting job, she's over the moon. There is only one problem…Cynthie’s arrogant and annoyingly handsome co-star Jack hates her, and the feeling is definitely mutual. While they may be at war behind the scenes, their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and the studio sees an opportunity—have the two young stars fake a romance that will charm fans and draw crowds. Thirteen years later, Cynthie and Jack have successfully kept their promise to stay far away from one another, until a surprising offer comes to make a sequel to the cult classic that launched their careers. But there’s a catch: they must also rekindle their pretend relationship…and this time there’s a documentary crew following their every move. Can two ex-rivals ever really trust each other? And what happens when the roles they’re playing start to feel all too real? 🦇

Honestly, I did NOT expect this one to get me all misty, but SA-WOON. You know I love a grand romantic gesture AND enemies-to-lovers AND banter. Let's break it down. 💜

Characters (4/5) Thank goodness this was dual POV. We fully take in all that is Cynthie (self-doubt, self-confidence, adorable eagerness) and Jack (self-doubt shielded by self-confidence with a side of secretive sappiness), but it's their observations of EACH OTHER that make the characterization so natural, so strong. Loved watching Cynthie heal, adored the found family aspect, RAVED over the women supporting women. ✨

Plot and Pacing (4/5) I was worried that the dual timeline and dual POV would cause the pacing to waver, but it's steady and strong all the way through. ✨

Worldbuilding (4/5) I always appreciate a book that uses the proper language for life on-set (a world I hear about NONSTOP irl). ✨

Romance (5/5) Jack falling first, and SO damn hard, is EVERYTHING. You see it under the surface the entire time, masked by nerves. You even see it when he and Cynthie antagonize one another, because getting a rise out of her is so thrilling. Though it's not written as a slow burn, because of the dual timeline, it FEELS like one. Truly, this is such a well-executed romance; one of the best I've read in a while. ✨

Tone/Prose (3/5) I did need a bit more from the prose, but that's alright. ✨

Recommended for fans of Will They or Won't They, First Time Caller, and Celebrity Crush. 🦇

The Vibes ✨
Workplace Romance 🎟
Hollywood Romance 🎟
Enemies to Lovers 🎟
Forced Proximity 🎟
Dual POV 🎟
Banter 🎟
Mental Health / Panic Attacks 🎟
Second in a Duo 🎟
Found Family 🎟
Dual Timeline 🎟
Fake Dating 🎟
Second Chance Romance 🎟

Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #LetsMakeaScene 🦇

Quotes 💬
Sure, she looks delicate, but I know the truth: she’s not delicate like a flower; she’s delicate like a scalpel— and twice as sharp.

Hot librarians are my thing. (Formative crushes on Giles in Buffy and Rachel Weisz in The Mummy made this inevitable.)

There’s no shame in having a brain that works a little differently.

“I think I’ve been in love with you for thirteen years—from the moment you stormed into my life and I felt like I’d been struck by lightning.

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.”

“Leave the glasses on.”

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book!

This book was super cute! I enjoyed both main characters and all the side characters were fantastic. This is a second-chance romance with a duel POV, as well as dual timelines. This story has all the things I really like in a romance--great banter, feelings that deepen and develop over time, and obstacles that feel realistic, not contrived. Definitely pick this up for a cute summer read!

I received an ARC of this book through Atria through NetGalley! Lets Make a Scene was so cute!! Jack and Cynthie’s story was like an fake dating, second chance, and miscommunication (bleh!) trope all in one. They’re banter was awesome and the slow burn was so good!!

I loved everything about this book! It has single-handedly sold me on the second chance trope because of how beautifully it was done. The fake dating and enemies to lovers were also done perfectly. I love the way it flashed from past to present. I adored the way we got to see behind the scenes of filming a regency romance movie. And I loved the characters! Jack Turner-Jones is THE ultimate love interest. Cynthie Taylor is a remarkable woman. The found family in this book is top notch. I cannot recommend this book enough, and I will be thinking about it for years to come.

Review posted on:
Goodreads (06/17/2025)
Storygraph (06/17/2025)
Instagram (coming soon, link will be provided once posted)

This was such a cute read for me. I absolutely adored this author’s first book, Under Your Spell, which is on the same universe as this one. I loved getting glances to the future of Clemmie and Theo.

This is fake dating story with a mix of second- chance, enemies to lovers that after 13 years of filming a movie together they will have to reunite and film the second part and fake date again.

This story was dual timeline, dual pov, which it didnt quite was for me, as I felt the pacing was slow, but I really enjoyed how we get their character development and how they grew as individuals over the years spanning both movies. This love feels easy and that's the best kind of love.

Let’s Make A Scene by Laura Wood
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub date: 7/1

Thank you so much to Atria for my advanced copy!

I absolutely loved this author’s first book, Under Your Spell, and I screamed about it so loudly that Laura Wood took notice and added me to her acknowledgements! To say that I am star struck and appreciative is an understatement.

In Let’s Make A Scene, Cynthie Taylor is an award-winning actress who finds herself in the midst of a scandal that might ruin her career. But then she lands her dream, only to realize she’ll be working alongside Jack Turner-Jones, her old co-star and the last person she wanted to see again. Years ago, Cynthie and Jack had to fake a relationship to promote their first movie together, but they couldn’t stand each other off-screen. Now, thirteen years later, they’re both older, a little wiser, and trying not to let the past get in the way.

I adored this book! It’s one of those stories that pulls you in right away and keeps you hooked until the very last page. I loved the dual timelines in this one. Seeing them as young, stubborn actors who didn’t know how to handle their feelings, and then watching them reconnect as adults who’ve learned a thing or two just worked so well. Jack, in particular, really stood out to me. He’s mature, thoughtful, and clearly ready to put in the effort.

There’s so much tension, banter, and slow-burn goodness here, and the steam is top-tier! If you’re into fake dating, second chance romance, or behind-the-scenes Hollywood drama, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

This was great!!! So fun and who doesn’t want the fav actors to get together in real life! I loved the fact that they are making a sequel of after a resurgence of their beloved movie!