Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review. Very light and enjoyable book, especially for fans of musical theater.

I was absolutely captivated by this book from the start. It was finished in less than 12 hours total with sleeping in the middle of that.

Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and this book did not disappoint on this front. Or any front.

When former pop stars Cal and Kathleen find themselves thrown back together after their previous actions had blown up Kathleen’s life, there is so hesitancy involved. However, as they start to work together in this new capacity, they realize how talented and how in love they are with each other.

I somewhat enjoyed reading Once More with Feeling, but I wouldn’t say it was my favorite book or a standout in its genre. It definitely took a while for me to get into the story. I also didn’t feel like the characters were developed that well, so by the end of the story I still felt like I didn’t know them that well, and considering it follows the same few people over three different timeliness that’s pretty strange. I’m just a sucker for a love story, so that’s the main reason I found it enjoyable. I would say I almost DNF’d it since it was taking so long to get going, but I stuck with it and honestly I don’t think I would’ve missed that much if I had decided to quit reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Full disclosure, contemporary romance has not historically been my favorite genre. I would often find myself thinking that the characters were paper thin, the romance unbelievable and the spice a little cringy. That was until I read FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK by @elissasussman, which changed my opinion about contemporary romance and opened my eyes to other books that are warm and funny and thoroughly enjoyable.

Such as her latest book, THIS TIME WITH FEELING:
“A former pop star finds herself back in the spotlight—along with an old flame from her past—in this friends-to-lovers meets enemies-to-lovers story from the bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask, the sensational TikTok romance!”

I devoured this second-chance romance in a day and a half, which was disappointing because it ended too soon. I wanted to spend more time with Kathleen Rosenberg and Cal Kirby and the story of their romance from then to now. First meeting as teenagers in theater camp with an undeniable spark, they cross paths again years later, when Kathleen has become superstar “Katee Rose” and Cal is the best dancer in the hot boy band CrushZone, in which Katee’s boyfriend, heartthrob, Ryan LaNeve, is also a member. With so much in common, including a giant attraction for each other, Katee and Cal can’t help falling for each other. But when the word gets out that she’s a cheater who has broken her popular boyfriend’s heart, the press and public opinion turn against her. The scandal ruins Katee Rose and ends her career. Years later, their paths cross again when she is set to play the lead in the stage musical written by her best friend Harriet and directed by none other than Cal Kirby. This show is meant to be her comeback and she’s not about to let her feelings of hurt and anger and mistrust for this man she once thought she cared about, but who left her high and dry when the shit hit the fan, get in her way. She is determined to show the world what she can do; Kathleen Rosenberg is even better than Katee Rose was!), but old feelings between her and Cal rear up and threaten the production.

The story toggles back and forth between then and now, and in each timeline, the drama intensifies as the couple hurdle towards each other and away. I was rooting for them the whole time!

This story is for you if you like musical theater, which this book is a love letter to. This book is also for you if you enjoy a fun and funny contemporary romance that won’t make you throw up in your mouth. Thank you to #NetGalley and #RandomHouse and #ElissaSussman for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. #OnceMorewithFeeling #NetGalley.

Ugh, this one was a bummer. I was expecting funny and whitiness just like funny you should ask. But I didn’t find that here. It’s hard to follow up a debut that does so well and goes viral on tiktok but this one let me down.

I am a huge fan of second chance romances and this was no exception. Fans of Sussman's Funny You Should Ask will also love Once More with Feeling. I read this book in one sitting and was absolutely captivated by Kathleen and Cal's story.

Sussman masterfully uses a dual timeline to give the reader the full backstory between Kathleen and Cal and you really feel for both characters throughout the story. Millennials who grew up on the Mickey Mouse club, Britney Spears and boy bands will love this story! It was also a really fun glimpse into the world of theatre and how Broadway shows come to life.

Thank you to Random House - Ballatine and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

I loved this book! Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC. I really enjoyed Funny You Should Ask, but honestly, I think this book was even better. I loved all the musical theatre references and the dual timeline. The book is so well-paced, and I could put it down. Finished it in <24 hours, which is rare for me! Will definitely be recommending this one and keeping an eye out for Elissa Sussman’s next book!

Elissa Sussman did it again, friends, to lovers, to enemies, to lovers? Sign me up!! As someone who enjoys a good second change romance I couldn't get enough of Cal's and Kathleen's banter, it had me giggling and kicking my feet throughout the whole story, I can't wait for this one to be out in the world.

What a delightful read! Great premise, great dual timeline, great dialogue, great subplots, great references. Nothing felt forced or unnecessary. An ode to theatre kids everywhere. Well done and worth a binge read!

This was a fun follow-up to last year's smash hit Funny You Should Ask. I loved the Broadway setting and the second chance love story. There were a few things that got a little repetitive, but I flew through this book and had a good time with it.

Kathleen Rosenberg (formerly known as Katee Rose) is a retired pop star. Her fall from pop royalty was epic and crushing, but she's ready to put herself back out there with a Broadway production written by her best friend. The only issue is that it is also directed by her former love who let her go down in flames by herself. Can they make it through this play without killing each other? Will sparks fly again and will they be able to sustain a relationship this time?

This story was told in two parts, similar to Sussman's previous book. She really does a great job with building tension in the present and finding out what happened in the past. Kathleen was a bit of a diva, but definitely in a fun, semi-awkward way. I loved her comeback story! Cal was sweet, but I could have used a bit more groveling for his past actions. I'm vicious that way. They both felt like likable, sometimes flawed, well-rounded characters. They had great chemistry and banter together. They did have a lot of angst that felt a little repetitive at times. The Broadway production setting was fun and different than a typical celebrity romance.

This was just an entertaining book to lose a day in. It's a perfect summer read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the e-book in exchange for my honest review!

📞calling all followers of the Justin Timberlake + Britney Spears saga this is the book for you!!

I loved FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK so I was SO excited to get my hands on this one but it didn’t pack the same oooomph for me 🤷🏻‍♀️ but still an overall good book!!

✨second chance romance
✨childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers
✨former pop stars turned broadway stars
✨past + present timelines

It felt a bit too surface level for me it could’ve used “more feeling” ya get it? 🥲😅

This was a great second-chance romance novel. With multiple timelines that tell the beginning, middle, and end of Cal and Kathleen's love journey, Sussman makes their love story believable. Each timeline has a unique tone that fits with Kathleen's age during that part of the story, which gives the reader the feeling of getting to grow up with Kathleen. Set against the backdrops of drama camp, pop star fame, and the road to Broadway, I felt immersed in each stage of Kathleen's life. Admittedly, it took a while to sympathize with Kathleen, which was hard for me, but it was worth sticking it out. Kathleen and Cal are both flawed characters who made mistakes, but that just makes their second chance so much more worth it! And, as a fan of musicals, the Broadway backdrop was a lot of fun!

Once More With Feeling- ⭐️🌶️

A former pop star finds herself back in the spotlight —along with an old flame from her past—in this friends-to-lovers meets enemies-to-lovers story from the bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask, the sensational TikTok romance!  

Then. Katee Rose is living the dream as America's number one pop star, caught in a whirlwind of sold-out concerts, screaming fans, and constant tabloid coverage. Everyone wants to know everything about her and her boyfriend, Ryan LaNeve, the hottest member of adored boy band CrushZone. Katee loves to perform but hates the impossible demands of stardom. Maybe that's why she finds herself in the arms of another CrushZone member, Cal Kirby. Quiet, serious Cal, who's always been a good friend to Katee, is suddenly Cal with the smoldering eyes and very good hands. One unforgettable night is all it takes to blow up Katee's relationship with Ryan, her career, her whole life... 

Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence, and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal Kirby shows up with the opportunity of her dreams—a starring role in the Broadway show he’s directing and a chance to perform the way she’s always wanted. The two haven’t spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other, making their reunion a tense battle of wits and egos. Kathleen reluctantly agrees to the musical, as long as she keeps her guard up around Cal. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smolder, and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Kathleen can’t deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you’ve been burned in the past?

✨My Opinion✨
Well, if it isn’t Britney and Justin… as a second chance romance. Only neither of them are as likable as I would want. Their individual personalities aren’t as flushed out as they could have been. Having more than one example of a character trait, like being a people pleaser or great director, is helpful.

I wish there had been more MC interactions with their cast members. One side character is nicely established, then disappears until the end of the book?

As a musical theatre kid, I loved all the Sondheim references!

It was still a cute book. The tension was great. The plot was good. I adored the reveal at the end!

Thank you Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I love books from Ms. Sussman, and this one did not disappoint! Kathleen and Cal are totally swoonworthy, and it was so fun to hear the story of these two former pop stars. I'll continue to grab Ms. Sussman books as soon as they hit the shelves!

Elissa Sussman writes a good second chance/enemies-to-lovers romance, and I’m a sucker for it! Once More with Feeling brought me back to my childhood of boy bander/pop star relationships with a side of broadway! The life-long friendship Kathleen has with Harriet is the kind that every woman desires, the brutally honest but still have your back kind. The flash-backs to theater camp and Kathleen’s pop star days as Katee and Cal’s time in a boy band provided great context and depth to their characters. It made you root for them more! I do wish we would have gotten Cal’s point of view to flesh out his character a little more to understand more of his backstory. If you loved Funny You Should Ask, then you should definitely pick up Once More with Feeling (you even get a couple of tiny Easter eggs from FYSA!)

Thank you to Random House Publishing, Ballentine, Dell and NetGalley for providing an ARC for review. Once More with Feeling will be released May 30,2023.

This is a great book! Elissa Sussman is a fabulous author. I loved her last book, “Funny You Should Ask” and I was excited to pick this one up. It did not disappoint. It is a second chance love story with a side of child fame, broadway, friendships and enemies to lovers. It had history, passion and depth. I love the way Sussman writes & really draws you into the emotions of a story without it being too cheesy. My only complaint is I wish it was a bit longer with a bit more time spent on the present. That’s probably just because I didn’t want it to end!

This book was just pure fun! I reviewed Sussman’s other book last year, and while I enjoyed it, I didn’t love it because of the insta-love quality. One chapter into this book and I knew it was way more up my alley! Once More with Feeling was just that… another Sussman book, but once more, with feeling! I loved it!

Why 4 stars:
- A duel timeline always keeps things interesting (this one almost had a triple timeline thanks to the childhood summer camp flashbacks!)
- I’m a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers romance. Idk something about them are just so satisfying and sexy!
- The perfect romance for all the wannabe theater kids out there (like me)! All the musical references made me pause my favorite summer playlist and crank up the showtunes!
- Kathleen and Harriet’s friendship was realistic and relatable. Having a best friend that knows you better than your family isn’t always movie marathons and fun travel. It’s hard, sometimes harsh, but always 100% worth it.
- Boybands used to be (maybe still are) my kryptonite. N*SYNC or Backstreet Boys?
- Ending felt too soon! I wish the book was longer so I could spend more time with Kathleen and Cal

“You don’t forget your first duet partner”

Once More with Feeling is the perfect, quick angsty romance to get you ready for summer (and showtunes)! I highly recommend it! Thanks SO much NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC!

This was fun! I’m a big Broadway fan so a story that takes place in that world was definitely a fun read. Perfect Summer read.

If you love the theater, especially musicals, then this book is for you. Sussman weaves Kathleen’s story through the continual back and forth between then and now as you slowly discover how Kathleen went from Pop Princess to has been. The amazing friendship between Kathleen and Harriet, plus the rocky romance between Kathleen, Ryan and Cal give you plenty of characters to root for or despise as they all do whatever it takes to achieve and keep their success. Once More With Feeling, shows us the road to Broadway is paved with luck, drama and jazz hands!

I sadly just couldn’t get into it. Life to short to commit to an okay book when you could find one that provides a fantastic escape! I tried to as keep going and ultimately I know other will enjoy it more for books appeal to everyone in a different way! Thank you for providing this ARC for me to try reading.