The description of this was everything I love in a contemporary romance - second chance love, fake dating, enemies to lovers. But unfortunately it did not work for me. I found the characters to be flat, their romance was very forced. I did not feel the chemistry or banter. They seemed very stuck in the past and not as focused on the future. It just did not feel natural to me. I thought the two POV and timelines worked well - I was never confused and it was always clear who was speaking and during which timeline. I just did not love the slow burn in this book, it just felt too slow and unrealistic. There were cute parts to the book and some positive characters and interactions, I just felt that overall the romance felt very forced and fake.
Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

Let’s Make A Scene takes place over 13 years following English actors, Jack Turner- Jones and Cynthie Taylor. Cynthie is plucked from obscurity from an open casting to star in a regency romance movie alongside Jack who is following in his famous parents’ footsteps. The differences in their experience and upbringing, along with pressure to perform, cause lots of hostility between the stars. I appreciated reading their origin story to better understand the anger and hurt feelings they have been carrying into the present.

I think Wood did a great job building the tension in this book. The fake dating for good PR part allows them to be affectionate with no emotional investment (or so they think). I felt for Cynthie and all she had been through having just come out of a toxic relationship with an ex-director/ lover. She is skittish and shy to try again after being hurt so publicly by her ex. Jack shows his maturity and understanding by offering her friendship while he patiently waits for her to be ready for a relationship with him. Overall a wonderful second-chance romance, with touches of found family and celebrity. The flirting is such fun, and the open door scenes are well-done. Part of a series, and while I interested in reading the first book had no trouble reading this as a stand-alone.

One of my book clubs read "Under Your Spell" for our selection in January. This book is a companion novel that could be enjoyed on its own, but was also a delightful follow up. Cynthie and Jack's story - enemies to lovers and fake dating? A great combination. Cute, cozy, and funny, this book was a perfect read.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

Theo and Cynthie knew one another, better than they are willing to admit, 13 years ago and have successfully avoided one another until they are forced to interact while filming a sequel to their hit movie.

You would think this would be enjoyable for them. But, as they want nothing to do with each other, it's not as great as one would think. As a premise for a book, I was interested. And, for the most part it works, although I found that the story seemed a little too focused on them in the past and what happened, and it ended up feeling a little unbalanced with the past and the present.

That said, I really liked the characters and I enjoyed the author's writing style.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

Enemies to lovers, second chance, coworkers, and fake dating. This definitely gave me The Notebook sort of vibes, and I was here for every second of it. I think the dual POVs, and the dual timelines worked perfectly to really tie in the key elements of this story. I’ve already added the other book in this series to my TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this ARC!

I loved Under Your Spell so much. It was in my top 10 last year and I loved it just as much when I relistened before starting Let’s Make a Scene. I was excited to listen to Cynthie’s story! The narration was inconsistent, giving Clemmie and Teddy American accents. Also, the female narrator was much better than the male narrator. Listening affected my enjoyment of the story and it might have been better for me to read. Also, this book went back and forth constantly for the before/now storyline, which also detracted over time. That said, I did enjoy how it all wrapped up in the end!

Okay if you know me, you know I'm not one that gravitates towards a second chance romance .... I think Laura has officially made me obsessed with second chance romances because these two had me laughing and crying, but also wanting to pull my hair out in the best ways possible.

Yall the yearning??? The secret glancing at one another??? These two were destined from the start and I cannot believe I'm saying this but im so happy it was a wrong time right person scenario because I don't think Cynthie is meant for anyone but Jack in this lifetime or the next.

Speaking of Jack... MY GOD THE MAN YOU ARE 😭😭 you make all the men from Austens books be lackluster with the way you had me swooning.

I thought this was a super fun and easy read. When I pick up a book and especially a romance book it has to hit certain beats for me to enjoy it. I have to have some sort of tension, a dash of spice and also a HEA... this gave everything I was wanting in a fun and different way.

I absolutely LOVEDD the first book in this series (Under Your Spell), so was hugely excited to read this one. Though I liked the hook, unfortunately the execution wasn't totally there for me. Particularly when it came to how long it takes Jack and (mostly) Cynthie to accept their feelings, but I also had a hard time connecting with Cynthie and her character arc. That being said... if there's a third book (as I hope & suspect!) for Jack's sister and best friend, then I would definitely read it!

Diving into Laura Wood's writing is always enjoyable; her wit is simply delightful! *Let's Make a Scene* is an absolute joyride filled with tension, laughter, and a cast of characters who, despite their Hollywood royalty status, feel refreshingly real with relatable struggles. The friendships woven throughout the story resonate deeply, almost like family, and as a millennial, I can't get enough of the clever pop culture references sprinkled throughout. At the heart of the narrative is the charming second-chance romance between Cynthie Taylor and Jack Turner-Jones. These two actors had a fiery chemistry 13 years ago, filled with playful banter and the occasional argument, but now they find themselves working together again, this time pretending to be a couple. Talk about a recipe for drama! The main tropes are an enticing blend: Second Chance, Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, Hollywood Romance, and the transition from Nemesis to Friends to Lovers. Intrigued yet? If not, this one is refreshingly light and fun. Set against the backdrop of a Regency film, we get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of movie-making magic—complete with an epic kiss-in-the-rain scene #swoon
The story is told from dual perspectives, which I absolutely love—getting into the mind of the male lead adds such depth! Plus, the dual timeline lets us explore their initial meeting and the root of their past misunderstandings. Back when they were young and fiery, communication was their downfall, but now, in their 30s, they’ve evolved. Cynthie is navigating the aftermath of a challenging relationship that has left her vulnerable, but as they delve into their past errors and present feelings, they discover a path toward a healthy, communicative relationship. It’s a slow-burn romance with Jack embodying the patience and charm reminiscent of the leading men from 80s and 90s rom-coms, infused with a touch of Jane Austen's timeless appeal.

Huge thanks to Atria Books for the wonderful copy!

Epic love stories are why we go to the theater. That doesn't happen in reality life, does it?
Cythie Taylor, aspiring actress, gets her big break on Regency Romance film. Although not formally trained, she gets the lead opposite, life-long actor, son of famous industry parents, Jack Turner-Jones. Problem in this love story? The leads can't stand one another!
At the conclusion of filming, the agencies believe a "real-life romance" between Cynthie and Jack is just what will get more interest for its release. Reluctantly, the two agree but can't wait to "break up" after the premiere.
Thirteen years later, Cythie is a film star with a wholesome reputation. Until her latest relationship is gossip, deeming her a homewrecker getting between her producer and his pregnant wife! (He's a liar). The first film has had a resurgence, and she's asked to star in the sequal, Jack as the co-star. Side-note... they need to pretend once again to be in a relationship. AND, they will be followed around on set my a documentary crew!
Can Jack and Cythie make it through this filming as mature friends rather than rivals? Can this be another beautiful love story on film? Real life?

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC! What an amazing follow up to Under Your Spell. This story follows Cynthie as she is dealing with the fallout after she finds out she’s been involved in an affair instead of dating someone who is separated. Her former costar Jack is in contract negotiations for his TV show and needing some publicity. Cut to the plan to reunite not only for the sequel to the movie where they met but also to give fake dating a chance to help both of their images. I loved these two and the dual timelines! Add to your TBR now.

I devoured Let’s Make a Scene by Laura Wood—it was pure joy from start to finish! With dual POVs and two timelines, this book delivered everything I love in a romance and then some. It’s sharp, emotional, and seriously fun, with a structure that keeps you flipping pages long after you meant to stop.

The tropes? Chef’s kiss. Second chance romance, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and fake dating—Laura Wood serves them all up in the most delicious way. Cynthie is such a lovable, fiery heroine, and Jack Turner-Jones? Equal parts grumpy, swoony, and emotionally layered. Their chemistry jumps off the page, both in the past and present timelines, and the tension between them is so satisfying to watch unravel.

If you loved Set It Up, The Idea of You, or any messy, slow-burn Hollywood romance with heart and heat, Let’s Make a Scene is an absolute must-read.

Read if you like:
🎬 Second Chance Romance
🎬 Forced Proximity
🎬 Enemies to Lovers
🎬 Found Family
🎬 Fake Dating

A really warm and fuzzy “it’s always been you”. I smiled, laughed, had tears in my eyes during this book! It was super cute and I loved the enemies-to-lovers and co-workers trope in this. Cynthi and Jack are really cute names as well for this couple and matched their vibe perfectly. Jack goes through such a great character arc from being dark and broody to a caring gentleman who would do anything for Cynthi!

Rating: 4.5⭐️/5

🎥 Book Review 🎥

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Publication: July 1, 2025

Rating: it was okay/not for me

I wanted to love this one so much more than I did. The writing style was great but the plot frustrated me. We spent a lot of time in flashbacks but the immaturity of Cynthie stayed the same. Meanwhile, Jack was a completely different character plus the whole not fully communicating is one of my least favorite tropes. Overall, I want to try some of her other books but this one was a miss for me.

For fans of:
🎥 First person POV
🍿 Dual POV
🎥 Dual timelines
🍿 Celebrity romance
🎥 Fake dating
🍿 Forced proximity
🎥 Enemies to lovers
🍿 Miscommunication/ not communicating fully

🌟 What to Read Next 🌟
⭐️ On the Plus Side by Jennifer Howe
⭐️ Right on Cue by Fallon Ballard

Ooooh I looooooved this one!! Obviously couldn’t put it down I read it so fast! SO cute SO swoony and I absolutely loved every second of it!! Second chance +it was always you + enemies to lovers + fake dating are u KIDDING !!!?? So perfect obsessed love love loved this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for this ARC :) all opinions are my own

Overall I thought this was a pretty cute rom com- though it didn't really stand out to me. I liked the fake dating aspect, but I'm not really a fan of the second chance trope in general so that's probably why I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I was going to. I liked the celebrity romance aspect- I think it's cool to get a glimpse of their different lives.

4/5 - I'm not going to lie I really liked this one!

This story follows Cynthie and Jack in an enemies to lovers, slow burn romance. I am usually not a fan of alternating time lines but in this book, it really worked. I also loved that we got to see all the characters as they grow in their personal and professional lives. There was a lot of good representation in this book without bringing the story down and making it depressing. We get a glimpse into the post #metoo movement in Hollywood. Its no surprise that harassment, abuse and gaslighting of women is still happening. There is also great mental health representation.

Something about Laura Wood's imagery really does it for me. I am able to visualize everything so clearly. I do agree with other readers, I needed a little bit more action in some parts of the book where it lulled a little bit but I overall really liked the story!

Thank you to Netgalley, Atria Books and Laura Wood for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

“Put it this way, I can’t listen to ‘Black Velvet’ without getting painfully aroused”

Let’s Make a Scene was a beautiful book!

I loved Cynthie, Jack and who whole cast of characters they found themselves surrounded by. I loved the dual timeline and dual POV. I loved the pining, the slow burn, the “it’s always been you” of it all! 😍

I can’t wait to read Laura’s other book, Under Your Spell, and to see what she’ll come out with next.

If you love these things, then this book is for you!
- Dual timeline
- Fake dating
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Lots on pining
- Found family

This was a really fun read. I liked the history between the two romantic leads. The flashbacks were enjoyable and the banter was very entertaining. Really cute rom com