Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for an ARC of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am a complete sucker for famous person/famous person romances (of which there are far too few!), so when I saw Kayla Olson’s THE REUNION, I immediately hit that request button and then celebrated when I was approved.

After finishing it in a day, with a break for, you know, sleeping, my pop culture-loving heart is full of warm fuzzies because THE REUNION was everything you want in a friends to lovers/second-chance(ish?) romance between two celebrities.

After starring in smaller, but critically acclaimed roles, Liv Latimer is set to film a twentieth reunion episode of the show that made her a household name along with the entire original cast, including the boy, now man, who played her love interest (and captured Liv’s heart, even if he didn’t know it back then), Ransom Joel. The two quickly slip back into not only their roles, but their places in each other’s lives, even as drama on and off set threaten their personal reunion.

One of my favorite parts about THE REUNION is that it includes many aspects that really play up the celebrity aspect of the book, like articles about the cast members, social media posts, and portions of the script, which only made the narrative feel juicier and more exciting. And though I definitely would have loved the inclusion of some spicier scenes, I didn’t miss them too much because Olson writes in such a way that you can really feel the connection and attraction between Liv and Ransom.

I loved THE REUNION and have my fingers crossed that Kayla Olson continues writing these beautiful love stories that are so easy to get lost in.

A solid four star novel leaving me with all the nostalgic Dawson’s Creek vibes. Liv Latimer and Ransom Joel played opposite each other in the teen drama Girl on the Verge. Now, fourteen years after the show wrapped, they’re back to play Honor and Duke. Will their relationship pick up where it left off or will Ransom insist on keeping his distance— again?

I really enjoyed this one. It was a fun and easy read. I do think that a dual POV from Ransom’s perspective would’ve added a much-needed break in the text from Liv’s one-sided affections. I liked the use of media to impart another side of the fame aspect, but I really wanted to be in Ransom’s head!

This book was a quick, lovely read. If you like the hollywood romance trope or second chance romance then you'll enjoy this. I love teen dramas and this book was all about an old famous teen drama and the reunion show they have 20 years later. The two leads were love interests on screen and best friends off.

I wished they held out on the tension longer instead of things progressing quickly. it had a lot of potential but started to fall flat towards the end for me. I did love the two main characters and how the shows reunion episode paralleled the characters journeys.

Kayla Olson's romcom debut is a quick, beachy second-chance romance between co-stars Liv and Ransom, who headlined a Gilmore Girls-type show when they were teens before becoming estranged for twenty years. Now their show is back--a reunion episode is set to film with all the stars returning for final bows, which means Liv and Ransom are forced to face each other again and grapple with why everything fell apart in the first place.

The set up here is everything I want in a romcom, but I found myself mostly skimming this one. The plot hinges on the miscommunication trope, and the characters still feel like teenagers (especially Ransom, whose problems and character development make him seem more like a young adult trying in vain to free himself from an overbearing parent). All of that pulled me out of the narrative. I also found myself less interested in all the Hollywood glitz (red carpets, promo shoots, etc, sound interesting in theory but they just couldn't grab my attention here), including the gossip news interludes, but that's just me.

I do still love the concept, because this is fan service at its finest and there's something super appealing about what's going on here, so I'm sure this will appeal to plenty of others.

Liv Latimer and Ransom Joel are no longer the teenage starlets who first met on set over a decade ago. Thrown back together for a one-hour reunion episode, the two quickly find that sparks are still flying. Is it possible Liv's love is no longer as unrequited she perceived it was years ago?

When the tensions of fame and Hollywood paparazzi threaten to destroy what almost-is, Liv and Ransom find a way back to one another.

A heartwarming tale of realized love and second chances. This is a story I can't wait to recommend to my high school students.

**I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review

This book was really fun, if a lot tamer than I thought it would be. I liked the characters relationships and the central conflict was interesting but it felt like the main characters were still acting like 16 year olds and not adults.

Best friends to strangers to lovers in this second chance romance. It was very well written and had great imagery.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5

i liked the reunion setting, and the use of the second chance trope. the story has just the right amount of background and context to key you into the characters and their history as a cast. honor and duke were likable, but i didn’t love them, like i do some leading couples.

#netgalley

Oh boy! Child stars, once upon a time thick as thieves, best friends turn into estranged adult stars to join the reunion of their highly appraised, extremely popular TV series after 20 years later! Thankfully it’s plot line is more promising than Beverly Hills 90210!

“Girl on the verge” is hailed by critics as iconic and trailblazing, a breakthrough hit shattered records after records for six complete season! It ended with a cliffhanger. Will the heroine live the town to chase her dreams or will she stays with hero to ride into the sunset?

Two main stars Liv Latimer and Ransom Joel were close friends during the filming but after the wrapping up the last episode they parted their ways. Ransom was headlined many box office smash hits as Liv chose a quieter route, pivoting to the world of low budget indie movies.

But now entire cast are scheduled to gather for a reunion episode including Sasha-Kate Kilpatrick who acts like rival of Liv, playing her sister, Ford Brooks who is dating with another popular A-list star and Millie Matson who is also aspiring, highly praised pop star, playing other sister of Liv!

Liv has unresolved feelings for Ransom. They were close friends but Ransom ended their friendship to freely date with other people without public intrusion and attracting attention of gossip columns.

This decision broke Liv’s heart. After losing her father and ending of the series she left to live in a island for a secluded life till she comes back for memorable indie projects.

But now Liv and Ransom will share intimate scenes on set just like the old days. Ransom acts like he misses her so much, giving her mixed signals. Could they build a new friendship or something more than that?

Liv pushes herself so hard to stay professional, restraining her feelings when she’s around Ransom but their attraction is palpable and undeniable. On the other hand, the writers think for reboot of the show with radical changes which probably affect Liv’s decisions to be part of the show!

Will she be brave enough this time to listen to what her heart is telling her? Will she be brave enough to make decisions which are best for her happiness and her riding career?

What if Ransom may break her heart again?

I loved this second chance romance so much! The gossip columns between the chapters were so entertaining! The character building was great. You easily resonate with Liv and Ransom!

Giving my 4 adorable Tv series, praying for Firefly’s reboot decision stars!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

This book was so fun to read!! I read the whole book in one day, I would definitely recommend this book!!