This book was cute and refreshing. Rom-coms will always have my heart and this one was no different. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed their writing and am looking forward to reading more by them.

Cynthie Taylor made her big break in a British movie, but her costar hated her. The situation was worse when the studio asked them to fake a romance for publicity based on their chemistry. After the movie's success, she and Jack agreed to keep far away from each other. Thirteen years later, a sequel to the cult classic is being made. The studio again asks them to fake a relationship, but this time, there's a documentary team following their every move. Both need this movie to succeed, and maybe the faking doesn't feel so fake this time...

Cynthie and Jack were both young when the first movie was made, and wanted the movie to succeed. Of course they'd clash due their different backgrounds and attitudes, and it becomes worse with the fake dating request. In the present timeline, Cynthie is far more popular but now in the middle of a scandal. She needs the sequel movie to work out, and isn't in a position to refuse the studio or push back on the request for fake dating again. With the documentary outlining the making of the movie, the fake dating has to be more convincing. Miscommunication had driven the two further apart when they were younger, and the current proximity gives them a chance to explain themselves and correct those past mistakes.

There are lots of fun romance tropes here: fake dating, forced proximity, found family, enemies to lovers, second chance romance, grumpy/sunshine. It's told both with dual POV and a dual timeline. We see both what happened with the filming of the first movie thirteen years ago, as well as the current filming. The first half to the book is mostly what had happened in the past, with a lot of detail. It explains the situation that both actors are going through in the present day timeline, and shows how much they've grown since the initial filming. I'm not usually a fan of the miscommunication trope, though it works in this situation. We're also dealing with the topics of mental health, anxiety, sexual harassment and metal abuse, but it doesn't overshadow the romance.

A rivals to lovers story about ACTORS? Be still my theater loving heart. I was hooked immediately and this book didn't disappoint.

Cynthie and Jack's humor was absolutely top tier and I had so many 'smile at the page' moments throughout this book. The pacing was absolutely delightful and I ate it up. The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the way it told us their two stories in the dual timeline. It's one of my favorite things in books and it was so nice to see our characters grow and change.

Honestly, I REALLY liked this story and I can confidently say that I am going to pick up more of Laura Wood's stories in the future. Thank you for letting me read about Cynthie and Jack :,) 4 stars for Let's Make a Scene!

Thank you Atria Books and Netgally for the early digital copy!

Thank you to Laura Wood, Atria and NetGalley for this ARC!

This book was seriously the cutest ever. I LOVE when a book has a dual timeline. I’m such a sucker for it and the fact that it was enemies to lovers/fake dating?? The best combination out there honestly.

Cynthie and Jack were everything I could’ve wanted out of this book. It was the perfect amount of enemies to lovers, fake dating, pining and their chemistry was off the charts.

I loved that we got little glimpses of Theo and Clemmie too!! One of my favorite things from Under Your Spell was the friendship between Theo and Cynthie so I’m glad that I got to see a bit more of that in this book.

Absolutely LOVED this book. Fake dating, forced proximity, found family, enemies to lovers, 2nd chance, grumpy/sunshine, dual POV, dual timeline… all your favorite tropes are here. Cynthie and Jack are two young actors about to star in their first big role. Jack is the pedigreed son of two highly-acclaimed actors and feels the entire weight of their legacy on his performance. Cynthie is seemingly plucked from obscurity and over-the-moon about her big break and just happy to be there. Both desparately want the movie to be a success for their own reasons, but their difference in backgrounds and attitudes causes a pretty instantaneous rivalry. Despite an attraction to each other, they become the bane of each other’s existence. And what’s more, they are asked to fake a relationship for publicity. Fast forward 13 years later and Cythie is a huge actress who has found herself in the midst of a scandal and in need of some good PR. When she’s approached about a sequel, she’s not exactly in a place to say no. Things get complicated further when the studio decides, in addition to making the movie, they want to do a documentary on the making of it. All well and good, except the world believes Cynthie and Jack used to date so now they must fake a return to their fake relationship. The book is written in a dual timeline, showing what happened with the making of the movie 13 years ago and current time. The first half to the book is definitely past-timeline heavy, and the dual timeline goes on probably a bit longer than it should, but it really does serve a great purpose in the book. It really highlights the growth in the characters. We’re able to see how our young main characters handled situations before and how, with the natural wisdom that comes with time, they are able to make different choices as real adults. There is a lot of miscommunication in the earlier timeline. As a miscommunication trope hater, normally it would detract from the book, but here it makes complete sense, as these are the typical mistakes of youth. The book also manages to deal with some heavier themes in mental health, anxiety, and both sexual harassment and metal abuse without feeling heavy-handed. Somehow I managed to ARC read 4 books in row with an actress main character and this was absolutely my favorite of them all! (Also, this book is the 2nd in an interconnected standalone series, but I read it without reading the previous book and didn’t feel it hurt the reading experience in any way) Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

Let’s Make a Scene is a very sweet second chance romance with just the right amount of depth. It tells the story of two actors, Cynthie and Jack, making a sequel to their first movie together after thirteen years. The book is told in two interweaving plot lines, the present and thirteen years in the past. I enjoyed both timelines and how they informed each other and I found it very satisfying to see how both Cynthie and Jack had grown and developed as people over the intervening years.
Laura Wood writes great romances (this is the second book surrounding loosely related characters) and I will definitely read the next book she writes.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for an advanced copy of this book.

I loved this romance! I found the dual timelines to be super compelling. I found both of main characters to be well developed and their struggles relatable even though they are celebrities. The Hollywood and England setting was delightful. The spice was really good and overall I just found this book to be well rounded and a great time.

"Let's Make a Scene" by Laura Wood is an absolute triumph of a romance novel, earning every single one of its five stars with its captivating characters, sparkling chemistry, and brilliantly executed dual timelines. This book is a masterclass in the fake-romance trope, delivering a story so engaging and heartfelt that I devoured it in one sitting!

From the moment Cynthie Taylor and Jack Turner-Jones clash, their initial dislike crackles with an undeniable tension that promises an incredible journey. Laura Wood's genius lies in her masterful use of dual timelines, seamlessly weaving between their contentious past and their forced-proximity present. This narrative choice doesn't just add depth; it creates a rich tapestry of their evolving relationship, allowing us to witness every nuanced shift from animosity to undeniable affection. It makes their eventual connection feel incredibly earned and deeply satisfying.

The characters are simply phenomenal. Cynthie's resilience and wit make her an instantly lovable protagonist, and watching Jack's transformation from a seemingly arrogant actor to a genuinely endearing leading man is a pure delight. Their banter is sharp, witty, and laugh-out-loud funny, perfectly showcasing their electric chemistry. Beyond the main couple, the supporting characters are vibrant and add wonderful layers to the story, and the glimpse into the entertainment industry feels authentic and intriguing.

What truly elevates "Let's Make a Scene" to a definitive 5-star read is its ability to blend humor, genuine emotion, and irresistible romance. The tension between Cynthie and Jack is palpable, and the payoff is incredibly rewarding. Laura Wood's unique writing style is a breath of fresh air, making this a standout in the romance genre. This book isn't just a romance; it's an experience that leaves you grinning, swooning, and completely satisfied. If you're looking for a show-stopping, unforgettable love story, you absolutely need to pick up "Let's Make a Scene"!

I am a sucker for enemies to lovers stories. This one about up and coming actress, Cynthie Taylor and Jack Turner-Jones, son of show business royalty does not disappoint. Cynthie and Jack meet on the set of their new film, where she has been cast at the last minute. Insults (and sparks) fly when Jack makes it crystal clear that he does not think she is up to the task.
This novel, set in alternating timelines and perspective, gives a front seat show to the sizzle these two provide. I am here for it- hand me the popcorn, please.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books. All opinions are my own.

The enemies/rivals to lovers trope doesn't alway excite me, but man I LOVE LOVE LOVED this book. Cynthie and Jack filming a sequel to their movie filmed 13 years prior, forcing them to work together again. The book is filled with a great balance of tension and humor. This whole book kept me captivated, I finished it in a few hours.

If you're a fan of fake dating, enemies-to-lovers and second chance romance, you would love this book as much as I do.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an eARC of this book, in exchange for my honest review!

I loved Laura Wood's Under Your Spell so I was thrilled to see that she had written another book. The subtle inclusion of Thea and Clemmie throughout the story was so fun.

Let's Make a Scene follows two actors, Jack and Cynthie, as they star in their first film together only to become huge stars there-after. Different backgrounds, and a competitive edge, pin Jack and Cyn against each other from the start but as their story unravels over the span of 13 years, you learn they have more in common than they thought. An adorable story with some laugh-out-loud commentary from the best friends and some awesome references to classic movies like While You Were Sleeping and Dirty Dancing. I loved this story and would recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good romantic comedy with mild spice.

4.25⭐
Enemies to lovers and second chance romance woven together into this smart and engaging behind the scenes look at the film industry. Once they started in a Regency film. Now it's thirteen years later and they have to do it all over over again. Both their careers need a shot of positive PR, so they agree to co-star and have a fake romance. Well-written with realistic, and thoughtfully realized, characters with the found family aspect of their friend groups.

Let’s Make A Scene is the story of rival actors Cynthie and Jack. Their first meeting is told through flashbacks, with scenes interspersed from thirteen years later. Jack is acting royalty, with parents who have high expectations of him. Newcomer Cynthie is starstruck to have been picked for a role that could jumpstart her career. While Jack and Cynthie clash behind the scenes, their romance onscreen is captivating. Thirteen years later, can they reunite to make a sequel to the movie that started it all?

I really enjoyed Let’s Make A Scene! It took me a bit to get into it, but then I was hooked! Cynthie and Jack misunderstand each other from the beginning and I appreciated how this was explained in present day. Jack turns out to be incredibly sweet and is gone for Cynthie even when he doesn’t realize it. I loved the scenes of them filming and working together! The present day scenes were excellent and filled with delightful tropes. I also enjoyed the found family that Cynthie creates among her friends. Readers who love rivals-to-lovers, sweet characters, and the acting business will enjoy Let’s Make A Scene.

Thank you to Laura Wood, Atria Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc.

I really loved this one! I loved the dual timelines and dual POV, those are my favorites and I was happy to see them incorporated in this book. I really liked the storyline and genuinely likes both characters, wanting them to get together. This was my first book by Laura Wood but after reading this I immediately bought Under Your Spell because I really enjoyed her writing.

It took me awhile to get into this book, but once it got going I really liked it. Cynthie and Jack met when she was filming her first movie and he, being the son two elite actors, made it known that he did not think she belonged there from day one. They did everything they could to make each other lives miserable. They got the entire cast involved in epic pranks to sabotage each other. Until one night at a party and bonfire. Then 13 years later, Cynthie is caught up in a scandal, the movie is being remade, and a they are forced together again to fake a relationship for the press.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Atria for the E-ARC. Cynthie (FMC) and Jack (MMC) made a movie 13 years ago and now are to make the sequel of it a second chance romance but they also have to be in a 'fake relationship" because they will be doing a documentary. The book goes between present and 13 years ago and I really enjoyed that sometimes it hard when its past and present but this one had the perfect past that made the present all the more to enjoy.

Told through a dual timeline and alternating perspectives, this fun, fast-paced rom-com serves up all the glitz, gossip, and chaos of Hollywood life. At its heart, it's about two famous actors who agree to fake date in order to revive their public images—but things don’t stay fake for long.

What really made this story interesting for me was the authentic behind-the-scenes look at the film industry. From the nitty-gritty of movie production to the emotional toll of life in the spotlight, the story gives readers a glimpse into a world that is unfamiliar to probably many of us. These details made the characters’ motivations feel grounded and made the fake dating setup feel not only plausible but inevitable.

Cynthie and Jack were both well-developed, multidimensional characters who grew in meaningful ways. I appreciated how their flaws and pasts were explored with care—making them feel human despite their celebrity status. It was a second-chance romance, so there really was much to explore. The dual timeline fleshed out what happened to them filming their first movie together while slowly building to the grand finale of the current movie. Their dynamic had just the right blend of tension, wit, and vulnerability, which kept me rooting for them from start to finish.

If you enjoy rom-coms that balance humor with heart and give you a front-row seat to a slow-burn celebrity love story, this one’s worth the read!

Let’s Make a Scene is a dual POV, second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance with a delightful fake dating twist. If those tropes aren’t enough to hook you, this story also centers on two actors whose complicated past resurfaces when their careers bring them back together. The narrative moves between the present and their experience from 13 years ago, giving readers a full view of how their dynamic began and how it has shifted over time.

Cynthie and Jack first met as young actors and instantly clashed. The connection between them was intense, though it walked a fine line between loathing and attraction. As they reconnect in the present, those unresolved feelings begin to resurface. The narrative switches between past and present, deepening the emotional stakes and giving us a satisfying blend of romantic angst and humor.

I read this book in less than a day because I couldn’t put it down. There were some genuinely funny moments, and I found the characters to be likable and well-drawn. I had previously read Under Your Spell and enjoyed it, but I liked this one even more. It was also a fun bonus to see a cameo from familiar characters from Laura Wood’s first adult novel. Seeing how their lives have continued added another layer of enjoyment.

This was a solid 3.25 stars for me. If you enjoy romance, especially stories with second chances, fake dating, or enemies learning to see each other differently, this one is worth your time.

All opinions are my own, and I’m grateful to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early copy.

I loooove an enemy/rivals to lovers story! Soemthing about all the angst turned to love gets me everytime !! Dual timelines, good humor and roughness between characters to keep you hanging on til the end! Super cute. Would definitely recommend

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great and believable. It had a good pace.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.