"Let's Make Scene" is an enchanting second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance.

Two actors, Cynthie Taylor and Jack Turner-Jones, couldn't be more different from one another when they are cast as co-stars of a regency romance. Cynthie has no real training or experience, just a deep desire to perform well. And Jack is the scion of acting royalty. So, he's been trained from birth on all the skills his parents felt were necessary for him to have.

From Day One, they are unable to stand each other. Jack is afraid that starring opposite Cynthie will torpedo his career since she's a novice with no real training. And she thinks he's arrogant and unsupportive. But with all that tension in the air, they also find it hard not to notice the other.

Thirteen years later, both Jack and Cynthie have been asked to do a sequel to their first film, which turned out to be a blockbuster. And they both have professional reasons for needing the boost this opportunity can give them, complete with pretending (again) to be in a real relationship in addition to being co-stars.

The dual timeline of the story allows us to see what's going on thirteen years ago between them, as well as in the present day, and how misunderstandings and assumptions have gotten in their way time and again.

There are enjoyable elements of found family in the story as well as the second-chance romance, and the pacing of the story worked well throughout.

Thank you to Laura Wood, Atria Books, and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Laura Woods for the ARC of Let’s Make a Scene. This is the second book in the series, but I don’t think you’ll miss too much if you jump straight into this one. I personally didn’t read the first book, but now I’m definitely interested!

This was a cute second-chance romance. I enjoyed the dual timelines and getting both POVs, which added depth to the story. At a few points I found myself a little confused, but overall I really enjoyed the read!

4.25 Stars!

This heartfelt story follows two actors from very different beginnings. Jack, the son of famous actors, has been professionally trained for years, while Cyn is a newcomer to the industry, relying on her raw, undeniable talent. They meet on the set of their first film—and the chemistry is instant. But between youthful missteps, family expectations, and personal struggles, their connection slips through the cracks.

Thirteen years later, fate gives them a second chance.

I absolutely loved these characters! The author does a beautiful job of weaving in rich backstories and showing the love of found family.. The emotional depth really pulled me in, and the ending had me teary-eyed in the best way. If you're looking for a quick, sweet, second-chance romance, this one is definitely worth picking up.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a free arc in exchange for an honest review! this was a charming story, sweet and fun but the writing was a little off to me. sometimes confusing when switching between past and present so it took me out of the story sometimes but overall fun

This was DELIGHTFUL and I adored every damn second of it!!

I was a big, big fan of Laura Wood’s debut rom-com, but this was somehow a level up. Celebrity romance, a second chance of sorts, with some fun historical vibes from the film they work on together, and some really entertaining and laugh out loud funny rivalry antics, and a dual timeline. I really need my rom-coms to actually make me laugh, and quite literally laughed out loud REPEATEDLY with this gem. But beyond this, let’s talk about what we’re really here for: one heck of a swoon worthy romance.

Cynthie and Jack couldn’t come from more different lives: he was born to acting royalty, and she works her way to being a household name with nothing but raw talent and determination. She gets her big break on a whim playing opposite Jack, and the two are getting under eachothers skin quickly and… in more ways than one. The chemistry between these two truly jumps off the page, and I actually FELT the mixture of disdain and unwanted, overwhelming attraction. All of this being set against a backdrop of a historical romance film set only made the antics, tension, banter and humor a million times better. I LOVED the dual timelines giving the reader such a back to back look at just how much these two have changed and grown, but also how they’ve always felt about it eachother underneath it all, dven when they were fighting it tooth and nail. I just… adored this. I couldn’t put it down once I started, and I didn’t want it to end once it ended.

On top of all of that, this book managed to tackle some more difficult themes as well, without becoming too heavy or changing the tone, but rather leaving the reader feeling a combination of moved and vindicated. I’m so excited to see what Laura Wood does next, as it seems she only gets better with each release. Thank you to Atria books and NetGalley for this eArc!

This is the second book in the series, but I dont think you miss too much or will be too confused if you just read this one.

It was a cute second chance romance. I liked the 2 time lines as well as having both POVs. Overall enjoyed the story!

Let’s Make a Scene by Laura Wood is a light, enjoyable read with a simple and charming plot. The story delivers on its promise of romance and self-discovery, and Wood’s signature warmth comes through in her characters and settings. However, one of the book’s notable weaknesses is the transition between past and present, which often feels abrupt and unpolished. These shifts occasionally disrupt the flow, making it harder to stay fully immersed in the narrative. While the book doesn’t break new ground, it's a cozy choice for readers looking for a breezy escape

Thank you NetGalley and Laura Wood for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Laura Wood’s work is the most underrated authors I’ve come across! Her work is witty and compelling. She’s writes characters you yearn and root for. Her plots are creative and always a lot of fun to follow along with! Her deput last year had me following her and this second book is not different.

I LOVED “Let’s Make a Scene.” I loved the dual timeline, loved the growth of the characters. The ending had me crying!

Wood is becoming a favorite and you guys better keep your eye out for her!

I just finished reading this book, and I’m struck by its portrayal of true love. It’s outstanding and the kind of book that comes along out of the blue, the kind of book that you’re happy to have been able to read and enjoy so thoroughly.

It’s the story of two actors making an emotional film and a sequel 13 years later. I love all the details of movie making behind the scenes, and how their real life feelings for each other make it into the fictional story they’re filming.

If you haven’t read this romance yet, I highly recommend it!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received at a complimentary Dr copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was overall a sweet story. The last 15% was my favorite and would have gotten more stars from me if the rest of the book had been just like it!
I really struggled to connect with the past + present storyline being told the way it was. I found myself often getting confused about which time we were in because so many of the details were the same in both. I think I'm used to past flashbacks in books being shorter but this felt like we spent as much time in the past as we did in the present. So I wish the story would have just been told in a linear way instead of back and forth. It would have helped me really get into the story and get to know the characters so much better.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the free arc of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Atria Books, NetGalley, and Laura Wood for the arc copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Movie stars Cynthie and Jack are thrown back together to make a sequel of a movie they acted in 13 years prior. During production of the first movie, the pair had a very tense and bitter relationship, which resulted in them not speaking for those 13 years. This time around, the pair find themselves questioning why they hated each other to begin with and even form a real friendship. In at attempt to smooth over a recent media frenzy involving Cynthie, the duo pretends to be dating as long lost lovers.

Perfect for fans of second chance romance and fake dating, this book gives an ideal mix of angst and passion. The characters are fun and witty. The love story that unfolds is beautiful, made even more sweet with the flashback chapters. I laughed and cried, which is a big indicator of a 5 star read for me. I absolutely adore Laura's writing and the universe she has created with this series, I cannot wait to see what couple is next.

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC. This was my first novel by Laura Wood, and i dont think it will be my last. I enjoyed this book and really liked that we got the current and past timeliines from both characters perspectives. It was interesting hearing about the movie scenes/set and all the "behind the scenes" aspect of making the movie. Overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Laura Wood.

Under Your Spell was truly one of my top romance reads of 2024, so I was so excited to jump into this book and it did not disappoint! I thought this was such a fun second chance, fake dating, celebrity romance. It sounds like it had a lot of tropes going on, but I promise they all blended together so nicely. Cynthie and Jack are costars in a film that becomes a smash hit. This is Cynthie’s first major movie whereas Jack has years of expertise provided to him by his acting royalty parents. They clash throughout the entire movie but their on-screen chemistry heats up the carts- so much so that they strike up a deal to fake date in an effort to bring more publicity to the movie. Flash forward 13 years later, when Cynthie is experiencing a bit of drama and possible cancellation after becoming an insanely successful actress and Jack takes his acting to the small screen when the opportunity of a sequel to their first hit comes up. Can these two repair some of the past damage that they have and make another fake dating plot line work for them?

I thought this was so fun. I don’t know that I have read a lot of romances where both the main characters were celebrities, so that was a new twist for me. I thought the time jumps between the first film and the second were fun and kept the story a bit interesting. I did leave wanting just a bit more of the magic from Laura Wood’s first book, but maybe I am biased because I loved those characters so much. I did appreciate that they did make an appearance in this book as well but this can certainly be read standalone. Overall, it was a cute story and I had a fun and charming time reading it. Jack can certainly get it, if you know what I mean :)

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced reader’s copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

This is my first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it! Rivals to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I feel like I don't really see a lot of books where the characters are actress/actors and Ioved the tension it brought. Now I want to go and read the first book in the series!

Delayed on writing this review so had to read it on Amazon since the link expired (sorry!) but Let’s Make a Scene was such a joy to read. I found it was funny, swoony, and surprisingly heartfelt. I liked the dual timelines that showed Cynthie and Jack as messy, insecure teens and then as adults who’ve grown into themselves, making their second-chance romance feel so earned. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is electric and the Hollywood backdrop gives it that fun rom-com sparkle. It’s everything I want in a romance: smart, heartfelt, and some LOL moments. Planning to recommend to friends!

Let’s Make a Scene is a fake relationship, Hollywood second chance romance that had me hooked from page one. Cynthie and Jack’s chemistry is electric, both in their old flashbacks and in the present day, and I loved seeing how much they had grown. Jack completely stole my heart. He was steady, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent, and he balanced Cynthie’s fire perfectly. The tension, the banter, the “are we acting or is this real?” moments all made this an addictive read. I devoured it in a single day and did not want to put it down. A fun, heartfelt summer romance that is equal parts swoony and entertaining.
4.5⭐

Maybe my favourite romances I've read this year. I didn't want this story to end.

Another true "stand alone" in a series. Didn't feel any loss for not having read the first novel.

A Romance novel master class in flashbacks between present and past, and true character growth and accountability from both parties to establish a healthy relationship. (I always love characters who go to therapy, and champion the benefits of therapy)

The enemies portion being their much younger, naive, start of their careers selves felt right and not forced compared to many other enemies to lovers tropes. The fact that there was always chemistry and sexual tension but just a juvenile insecurity and inability to communicate also makes the trope and enemies dynamic dramatic without feeling unbelievable.

The friendships were also beautiful, and the side characters had adequate depth and unique characteristics while supporting their storyline propulsion purpose.

A great balance of Cute and funny, steamy & sexy, and appropriately serious when addressing the serious topics of industry and family trauma.

GIVE US JACK's SISTER & JACK's BFF's love story next !!!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria gifts for the wonderful gift of reading Cynthie & Jack's love story.

Short synopsis: After some bad publicity, Hollywood starlet Cynthie Taylor decides to make a sequel to the movie that skyrocketed her career. And have a fake relationship (again) with her costar Jack.

My thoughts: If it’s a celebrity romance, I will read it! This one is especially fun because we get to see Cynthia’s rise to fame. She gets her first acting job alongside Jack whose parents are famous, and was destined for stardom his whole life.

I loved the flashback scenes (especially the prank war with laugh out loud moments), we really got to see the undeniable chemistry between the characters even when they “hated” each other. The current day times had so many complicated dynamics including mental health issues, family and society expectations, and other career challenges.

Read if you love:
* Celebrity romance
* Second chance
* Fake dating
* Rivals to lovers
* Dual timelines and POV

Thanks Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of Let’s Make a Scene by Laura Wood.

I enjoyed this book and the enemies to lovers/ it’s always been you/ fake dating trope. Cynthie and Jack’s banter is great! They really know how to push each others buttons and pull some great pranks on each other. Be prepared for some laughs. They also show how they are able to work with each other professionally, even though they “hate” each other. This was a fun read. You get to experience two timelines through two perspectives. We get to hear from both Jack and Cynthie’s POV and we get to experience both characters at the beginning of their acting career and then a 13 year jump to present day.

You can read this as a standalone, but you do run into characters from Wood’s previous book, Under Your Spell, so beware some spoilers from that book!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel. I did not read the companion book to this but I also did not need to - the blurb was enough to give any needed context. Cynthie and Jack were actually quite well rounded characters and I enjoyed seeing exactly what occurred 13 years before and then where they were now with making a sequel to the story. They did both grow from who they were as young adults and could actually have a relationship after the drama because they did need to have more life experience before committing to each other. This actually was a longer book than I originally expected which was good because I got more time with these characters. 4.5 stars.