Let's Make a Scene by Laura Wood

Ugh. I generally liked this story but might not have picked it up if I had known that the book would be switching from past to present. I am not sure that the book needed to be structured that way and it took away from the contemporary story that I really did enjoy. 

Thirteen years ago, Cynthie starred in the film that catapulted her to stardom. It's too bad that her costar was such an unbearable jerk. Jack may have been Hollywood royalty but was also an ass and a half. And now they're starring in a sequel and they need each other. Cynthie has been embroiled in a scandal caused by her last director (who also tore down her self-esteem) and Jack needs to not be killed off the the vampire television show where he is a Giles-type character. 

Once again, sparks fly and the two make the front page. But is this fake romance in danger of turning real (hint: this is a romance novel so... probably.)

Three and a half stars

This book came out July 1, 2025

ARC kindly provided by Atria Books and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Under Your Spell by Laura Wood

Clementine Monroe is infamous, but not of her own volition. She is the daughter of a rock god and is one of three girls born within four months, all his daughters. Now she's all grown up and finding out her job has not been renewed and was just dumped by her boyfriend and, yeah, he took her cat. The trifecta of suckitude that starts many a romance novel. But this book is nice in that it's first person and we really get to see how Clementine and Theo Elliott fall in love. 

After she and her sisters cast a spell, it seems like things might be perking up. Clemmie is looking for a job and Theo needs someone to hang out with him while he finishes up an album that he was supposed to deliver two years ago. See, he was a boy band god but Clemmie never really paid attention because she was really into old rock. Also, I'm not remembering why Theo's assistant couldn't just... come with him. So there might be some points where disbelief suspension might be a little harder but I really did enjoy the relationship building

Four stars

This book comes out June 25, 2024

ARC kindly provided by Atria Books and NetGalley

Opinions are my own