I loved this novel so much. It was my first book by Laura Wood and i absolutely adored it. Normally flashback scenes are not my favorite to read, but in this it was so well written and didn’t disturb my reading flow at all.
Also Jacks character development was 10/10. We love a man who is able to see and admit his past flaws.

Can only recommend!

3.5⭐️

thank you Atria books for the eARC via netgalley! all thoughts are my own.

while I did enjoy this book, the pacing was on the slower side. which I feel like is pretty common (at least for me) when you have a dual timeline story. also, because of the pacing, I felt it difficult to care for the characters until about halfway through the book.

I did, however, love the side characters and the silly goofy found family relationship everyone had. I loved the talks about anxiety and panic attacks. and the ending was a very satisfying conclusion to the story. 😌

if you are looking for a book with 2 MCs that are both actors who can't stand each other that have to fake date in order to build excitement for a movie they did together, not once, but twice! this is the book for you!

publishes on July 1st!

Thank you to Atria for the review copy of Let’s Make a Scene!

I love a Hollywood behind-the-scenes fake dating story, and this one delivers with a blend of second-chance and enemies-to-lovers tropes—and it skips the dreaded third-act breakup, which made it all the more enjoyable.

That said, it was a bit of a slow start for me. I found myself really getting into the story around the 25–30% mark, when the present-day timeline took more of the spotlight and the chemistry between the leads started to really shine. The back-and-forth timelines and emphasis on backstory made it a little harder to settle in at first, but the payoff was worth it.

Once the pace picked up, I appreciated the depth the secondary characters brought and the themes woven throughout: the experience of women in Hollywood, the subtle and not-so-subtle forms of gaslighting and emotional abuse, and the pressures of parental expectations on career choices. These themes were handled thoughtfully, leaning into self-growth and healing rather than trauma. I also loved the hint at a budding romance between two secondary characters—I'd absolutely read a follow-up!

Read this if you enjoy:

🎬 Behind-the-scenes Hollywood romances

💕 A mashup of fake dating, second chance, and enemies-to-lovers

🌈 Inclusive found family dynamics

🌱 Self-growth arcs with emotional depth

second chance, enemies to lovers MOVIE STARS was a fun time. it felt like if rachel mcadams and ryan gosling filmed a sequel to The Notebook 10 yrs later and had a HEA. we jumped between two different timelines and it was fun to see how much each of the characters had matured.

Very cute/easy beach read. I love rivals-to-lovers tropes and both of these characters were likable *and* layered. Even if it was predictable, it was still quite enjoyable. I read this in literally one day.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Second chance romance? Check. Rivals to lovers? Absolutely. Thirteen years ago, Cynthie and Jack had electric chemistry—but they were too young, too proud, and too caught up in their rising careers to make it work. Forced into a fake relationship for the cameras, they barely held it together behind the scenes. Their dynamic was tense, their attraction undeniable, and their timing all wrong.

Now, more than a decade later, Cynthie’s career is reeling after being tangled up with a predatory director. She’s hesitant—but determined—to return to where it all began: filming the sequel to her breakout movie. Working with Jack again feels risky, especially when the studio wants them to play the PR couple game once more.

But Jack isn’t the same man he was. He’s grown, softened, and he knows now that Cynthie isn’t just part of his past—she’s essential to his future. His quiet patience, willingness to go slow, and protectiveness made me fall for him completely.

The supporting cast (especially the film crew turned found family) added humor, heart, and a whole lot of meddling in the best way. And the Me Too subplot was thoughtfully woven in—important, timely, and handled with care.

This was an easy 5-star read for me. If you love Hollywood stories, second chances, and emotionally satisfying slow burns, don’t miss this one. I loved Under Your Spell by Laura Wood, and while this companion novel stands alone, I highly recommend reading Under Your Spell first—it’s just that good.

Thank you to Atria Books, Laura Wood, and Netgalley for the eARC of Let's Make a Scene in exchange for my honest review. I honestly loved it.

“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 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. 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.

Let's Make a Scene is an excellent book. Laura Wood has done it again. It is a dual point of view, second-chance novel, with chapters from today and 13 years ago. Cynthie was an aspiring actor that got selected from an open audition to lead in a movie. Jack's family is film royalty and he is not excited about staring in a movie with an untrained actress. They instantly hate each other. Ms. Wood does an excellent job of setting the scene for why they hate each other. In so many books we are asked to accept that the two characters are enemies, but that part of the story is underdeveloped. The problem is that to develop this back story, you spend most of the first half of the book in the past and I was ready to see how these two overcame their differences.

While we get to see Jack's point of view, I wish we got to know him better. All of the characters from 13 years ago stay friends with Cynthie, why not Jack? Why does he get into TV dramas instead of more movies? How did he grow and become the emotionally brilliant man that he is currently?

The book is a fun read. I couldn't put it down. I'm a huge fan of Laura Woods work. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

I feel it was a great book with amazing tropes such as I HATE YOU TO I LOVE YOU VIBES with Fake Dating, but I feel this one was just not for me. I am a sucker of dual timelines but here, I just could not connect with it. The book was a great attempt and maybe with fresh mind I would have loved it more but the fmc just didnt speak to me.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this eArc.

3.5 ⭐

This was a nice little second chance romance. I enjoyed the dual timelines and dual POVs. it is always refreshing to get a peek into the MMC's thoughts to see what actually went down in certain situations. I did get kind of annoyed with the miscommunication and 'enemies' part of the story- a simple conversation goes a long way! There was a little issue with pacing, where the middle of the book dragged a bitch too much for my liking, but otherwise, this was a delight.

This was a quick, easy read that kept me interested throughout the whole story. You find yourself rooting for the MCs by the end and just want them to work it out.

***spoiler free*** I honestly loved this book, just the whole dynamic of how it was written and how the characters acted in the book. I would definitely read another of her books and am looking forward to. Anyone who is looking to get out of a reading slump should read this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone though!

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.