A swoony Hollywood style romance, perfect for your summer TBR!

This was a super fast read for me. I was invested in these characters from the very start and eager to see where their story went! I thought the backstory was believable and set up nicely for this time in their lives. The time jumps did feel a little off at times, just when I was getting absorbed into the one time frame it would swap to the other, but overall a great read.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC

First off, a HUGE thank you to NetGalley, Atria, and Laura Wood  for this amazing book!  It made me feel all the feels and I absolutely loved it!

Fake dating, rivals to lover, second chance, he falls first…the list goes on! There are so many amazing things in this book!

I think the dual timeline paired with the dual POV was so smart on Laura’s part. Not only do we get to see them fall in love the first time, but we get to see them fall back in love 13 years later. It just added another layer to this book and gave so much life to the story.

Cynthie and Jack are AMAZING characters! I love when the MMC falls first and man oh man does Jack fall hard for Cynthie! He is constantly showing up for her and showing her that she can trust him. Gah and the letter! Seriously, so many amazing things in this book.

I loved the back drop of this book taking place on/off a movie set. And Cynthia’s tribe of friends were great side characters. This story flowed so well and kept you wanting more with every chapter. I just loved it.

Thank you again to NetGalley, the publishers and Laura for the opportunity to read it. I really adored this story.

I wanted to like this one, but the multiple pop culture references throughout the book made it hard for me to get into the book and I ended up DNFing it at around 20%. I did enjoy the writing style, but when a book has multiple real life references, it pulls me out of the story a lot of the time.

This is my first book by Laura Wood and I was not disappointed. This was a fun story! I enjoyed how it went back and forth from the past to the present so we could see the tension these two had from the start. I loved the dual POV so we could get both sides. I love this romance wrapped up at the end. It was a fun, sweet, enjoyable read!

I loved this book! It's about two actors who had a falling out years ago, having to come back together to do a movie 13 years later. It's rival to lovers fake dating, and second chance romance and it was just such a good time. Cynthie Taylor and Jack Turner-Jones worked together on their first major film, which launched both their careers, but they really disliked each other throughout most of that process. Thirteen years later, Cynthie has found herself involved in a scandal and they're brought back together for a sequel to that blockbuster first film, but they need to pretend they're in a relationship. There is also a documentary happening concurrently, which makes everything more difficult. Neither Cynthie nor Jack know what is real and what is not in regards to their relationship.

The book is told in dual timelines and dual POV's where we get the story of what happened to cause the huge rift in the past, and then the current timeline. I thought this was well done, as we really get a look at their thoughts and motivations in the past and the present. I loved both of the main characters, even if I did want to shake Cynthie quite a few times in the past timeline.

The development of their relationship from fake to real was fantastic, it was the perfect amount of slow-burn without it getting stale or boring. I was invested in them and their lives and their relationship before we got to the payoff. I also loved the side characters. Sometimes side characters are just filler and serve no actual purpose, but they were utilized really well in the storytelling.

I think I read this in one-sitting. It's an almost perfect romance book, that would have been 5 stars if not for some ridiculous misunderstandings. But no third-act breakup, so that mostly made up for it. 4.5 stars rounded down because come on guys, just communicate! But still. definitely read this! Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Second chance romance, fake dating, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, flashbacks, actor main characters, dual pov

I have not been in the mood to read much lately, but I read this book in like two days. This book had everything I need in a book. It starts page one scene one, there’s not a slow introduction to the plot. It has fake dating, flashbacks, dual pov, literally all things that make a fantastic book for me.

Seeing the flashbacks of Cynthia and Jack and how they acted when they first met and how to interact thirteen years later was such a great way to get to know the characters and see the evolution. Both characters went through a lot in thirteen years and then realizing that they both needed to “grow up” in a way for them to work in an actual relationship. As much as I love fake dating, I love when they realize they were stupid and are actually in love.

The only reason I am giving this book four stars is because I feel like we had a lot of set up for the ending, and then the ending didn’t live up to it. This is solely my opinion on how it happened, while I can appreciate the ending in the book I do wish it had been more.

Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for an early read of this book. All thoughts are my own, I do not accept money for reviews.

Let's Make a Scene is set on the backdrop of Hollywood film sets that combines the fake dating and second chance romance tropes to create a very fun story. It follows actors Cynthie and Jack, whose paths cross two times in 13 years, both on the set of a movie. The book alternates between both of their POVs, and between the past and the present, which allows the reader to really gain a full picture of the story and dynamic between these characters.

In both situations, Cynthie and Jack find themselves in a fake relationship for PR purposes. This sparks a good conversation on what is real vs staged in the lives of celebrities without letting that take over the romance, because, as in any good fake dating story, the feelings that Cynthie and Jack pretend to have for each other become real. This is amplified by them starring opposite each other in a regency period drama. The book also has descriptions of the filming of these movies, as well as both Cynthie and Jack's relationships with other people working with them, which was a nice touch. It felt a bit like a tabloid celebrity story, but with only the juicy parts and a lot less manufactured drama (and that's saying something given the premise here).

This was funny, tender, touching, and emotional. I loved Cynthie and Jack and was sad when this one came to an end. Going into it, I was worried that the dual POV and dual timeline was going to be tricky to keep straight, but it was handled so well, and I found the flashbacks to filming 13 years ago to be helpful in creating a well rounded view of the characters and their relationship to each other and with themselves. The side characters were also fun, and it truly felt like you were behind the scenes of filming a movie. Definitely recommend!

Cynthie is a total unknown when she lands her breakout role opposite Jack, a rising star from a Hollywood dynasty. Their on-screen chemistry made the film a hit but off-screen, things are not as they seem. Thirteen years later, both of them are now well-known successful celebrities who haven't seen eachother in 13 years until they are brought back for a sequel of their hit movie, with a behind-the-scenes documentary chronicling their reunion. As the book continues, you learn a bit more about what happened 13 years ago

This story explores fame, vulnerability, and the tension that lingers between people with unfinished history. It took a little time to pull me in, but once it did, I couldn’t put it down. Great book for those who love the enemies to lovers trope and Cynthie and Jack are layered, flawed, and yet deeply compelling and lovely.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy!

4.25⭐️. A swoon-worthy, enemies to lovers romcom!

I loved this one! I listened to Under Your Spell earlier this year and was completely enchanted with Wood’s writing. Her characters are so charming and likable. I think I like Let’s Make A Scene even more and really hope she continues on with this series (please give Nico and Lee their own story … Hannah too!).

This one is a dual timeline, dual POV with hilarious banter, crazy chemistry between the FMC and MMC and the most lovable found family. I breezed through this book and was sad when it ended.

FYI: You don’t have to read Under Your Spell before this one but it’s great too so you should. :)

Thank you to Atria Books for inviting me to read this and to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Atria for the ARC.

Good grief did I love this book. I read Under Your Spell first since this is the second book in the series (I HOPE it's a series and Lee and Nico are next!). UYS was good, but this one knocked my socks off.

This has some of my favorite tropes: dual POV, slow burn, dual timelines/flashbacks, fake dating... Jack and Cynthie made a cult favorite film together 13 years in the past, and had a lust/hate relationship with each other. Now doing a follow up movie at a moment where both need it for their careers, along with a documentary about how they're dating in real life... except they hate each other. Or do they? You know how this goes...

And it was a delight to go on the journey with Jack and Cynthie, and their family and friends. I loved the family and friends in a way that is pretty rare for me. The jokes actually made me laugh out loud. The tension, my god. There was some spice (and I could have frankly gone for more), but WHATEVER, JUST GIVE ME MORE OF THE LONGING AND TENDERNESS AND CONNECTION.

This book was exactly what I wanted in this moment, it REALLY delivered, and I can't wait to read more by Laura Wood. (But, really, plz give us Lee and Nico).

This one was a treat, filled with witty banter, fake dating fun, and just the right amount of slow-burn tension. If you're a fan of second chances and that electric enemies-to-lovers energy, this one will have you smiling the whole way through.

Cynthie is bold, chaotic, and impossible not to root for. Jack is her grumpy, annoyingly handsome ex-costar who she never planned on seeing again, until a sequel to the movie that started it all brings them back together… along with a fake romance and a camera crew capturing every moment.

Their chemistry is off the charts, both on and off screen, and watching them navigate the blurred lines between fake and real feelings is such a ride. Laura Wood brings so much heart and humor to this story, you’ll swoon, laugh, and maybe even tear up a little.

fun and well-written second-chance actress and actor romance where these two actors get together long after their movie together came out. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

Cynthie Taylor and Jack Turner-Jones are back together to star in the sequel to their classic acting debut film A Lady of Quality. Both apprehensive to agree because of their rocky history, yet a boost for one’s career and a Hollywood scandal have them signing the dotted line. They also have to pretend to be dating, which isn’t a first for them. Will Cynthie and Jack be able to work together and revive the chemistry they had the first time filming? Or will this prove they really can’t stand each other and ruin the production of their much anticipated sequel?

Enemies to Lovers, Co-Workers, Fake Relationship, & a bit of a Second Chance romance make up this fun and sweet novel. It would be so difficult to pick a favorite character in this novel! This story had a found family vibe. The concept of cast and crew back together for the sequel gave us a sweet insight to how they were doing after being a part for 13 years. The author did a great job weaving the past and present chapters. It helped build the momentum of Cynthie and Jack’s feelings towards each other. I was rooting for them the whole time and I hope you read this novel to find out if they end up together! Pick up Let’s Make a Scene on July 1, 2025.

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Review: Just Not the One for Me

This one has all the ingredients I usually love—celebrity drama, fake dating, a touch of enemies to lovers—but for whatever reason, it just didn’t quite land for me. I liked the setup and the idea of revisiting a cult classic with a PR romance twist, but I struggled to stay invested in the characters or feel that spark between them.

That said, I think Let’s Make a Scene will absolutely work for readers who enjoy slower burn tension and a bit of nostalgia in their romance. It’s well-written and the concept is really fun—I just didn’t connect with it the way I hoped I would.

Still, I’d definitely be open to reading more from Laura Wood. Sometimes it’s just a matter of taste and timing.

Thank you to Atria for the advanced E-ARC of this title.

Calling all 90's romcom fans, this book is for you!! If you swooned over 'While You Were Sleeping', dreamed of a Notebook-esque rain kiss, or watched 'Notting Hill' on repeat, this book is a must read.

With the dual timelines, dual POV, this book had the best of everything. The characters had depth, they had growth, they had sexual tension for days.

The moment Jack and Cynthie step foot onto the set of their first film together, the guns are blazing, insults are hurled, and the claws are out. The line between hate, lust, and love gets blurred and these two become like a volcano of vitriol and passion. Fast forward to 13 years later and they find themselves in the exact same position working on the sequel to the film that started it all. Years have passed, but feelings remain and they both find they need each other in unexpected ways. Fake dating, found family, and scandal awaits.

This book swept me off my feet, made me clutch my heart, and has two off the most romantic, epic moments that will make you slap your partner for never being romantic enough.

Let’s make a scene follows Cynthie and Jack as they find themselves back in each others lives after many years. They originally met and made a movie together. Now after not talking for years, they must make a movie and pretend to have a relationship for the reality tv cameras. While it was entertaining I felt like this book could have been a bit better

4.75 ⭐️
ARC // Releases July 1, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for an advance copy.

———— All thoughts are my own.

This book gave me nostalgic feelings; It took me back to when I was obsessing over TV characters and their actor counterparts.

Let’s Make A Scene takes two fresh actors who have insane on-screen chemistry, but not so much when the cameras stop rolling. Then we fast forward 13 years so these two can make a sequel of their hit movie and documents a somewhat believable behind the scenes story and I loved it. It’s dual time lines and dual POV, which I thought worked well for this second chance romance. Jack and Cynthie’s animosity towards each other created some great tension and when the bubble burst it was explosive. I loved them and loved the friend group. Though it took 13 years, I really enjoyed how our characters grew and changed and ultimately shared their feelings.

I’ve had Under Your Spell for an embarrassing amount of time, but I’m going to try and pick it up soon, because I loved the small snippet of Theo and Clementine and I want to read their book. I’m also hoping for Nico and Lee, I’m ready for brother’s best friend!

I absolutely loved Let’s Make a Scene by Laura Wood! It was the perfect summer rom-com—funny, emotional, and full of heart. From the very first page, I was hooked and didn’t want to put it down.

The story follows Cynthie and Jack, two actors who once starred in a beloved romantic film. On screen, their chemistry was electric—but behind the scenes, they couldn’t stand each other. Now, thirteen years later, they’re unexpectedly brought back together with the chance to film a sequel. As they reconnect, they’re forced to confront their shared past, unresolved tension, and the possibility that maybe—just maybe—they misread each other all those years ago.

I absolutely adored the dynamic between Cynthie and Jack. Their banter, vulnerability, and emotional growth made their relationship feel authentic and earned. Laura Wood did a fantastic job balancing humor and heartache, giving us a story that feels like the perfect blend of second-chance romance and enemies-to-lovers.

Beyond the love story, I also loved the strong friendships in the book. Wood beautifully captures the idea that friends can be the family we choose, and those relationships added so much warmth and depth to the story.

This book had everything I want in a summer read—wit, chemistry, character development, and a swoon-worthy ending. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good romance with a bit of bite.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this delightful, heartfelt story!

I LOVED the dedication from Laura Wood. I appreciate the acknowledgment that life is a bit hard for everyone nowadays, and that books are an escape for many of us. I think most of us have been in Cynthie's shoes, where we live off ice cream and junk food while curled up under blankets in our "cozy little depression-themed, trash-panda nest".

The premise of this book was interesting, and actually seemed like something that could be possible in read life (compared to many of the other romance book storylines). Not knowing a lot about film making, the added explanations about show biz terminology and practices was really helpful.

I like how the flashbacks were interspersed where we needed additional background information on their "current" situation. Having the "real" version of what happened and not just the memories of what the characters remembered happening was really fun. As we all know, the real version of events and what we remember as having occurred are rarely ever the same.

This was a fun read, and kept me entertained throughout. I think Petra was my favorite character, except for maybe Reckless Ed. If you like feel good rom coms, this one is definitely for you!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this e-arc!