Our story begins as Cynthie is hiding from the world. She’s just been caught in somewhat of a scandal, as this actress slept with her married director. He told her they were separated, and on the way to divorce, but you know how that story goes.
Her agent tells her that unfortunately, she has been removed from the newest Marvel film, but there’s a good opportunity here. She can star in a sequel to a film that she was the romantic lead in 13 years ago. The only problem is, her costar Jack is going to be reprising his role as well. Back then, they put together a fake dating publicity relationship. And the studio would like them to repeat this and do fake dating again. And he is her sworn enemy!
I like this book, I didn’t love it. Your tropes here are enemies to lovers, Second Chance, romance, and fake dating. All of those things have all of the little subtleties that they imply. This book takes place in the same universe as the authors former novel, and those characters have supporting roles in this novel as well. It’s fun to catch up with Theo and Clemmie.
There is no shortage of references to Jane Austin, pride and prejudice – the original enemies to lovers romance. I counted 12 in total. I love it when an author pays homage to the classics.
The book also has good pacing, but some of the characters motivations were a little bit confusing. I can’t honestly understand why they didn’t like each other, except that they did? There are a few cute scenes, one involving ice cream and the other involving Steve Carell. There was a lot of yearning in this novel, which is always good. It was a cute relationship with cute side characters. I’m just not sure it was necessary for them to not speak for 13 years. Except that it created the plot.
Thanks to NetGalley and atria books for the ARC. Book to be published July 1, 2025.
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