Once More with Feeling was one of my absolute favorites of the year, being given the opportunity to read it before it was released was amazing.

Review
The chemistry, the love/hate but really the deep missing of one another. This book brought my soul back to life after being in a reading slump, and never will I regret reading this book. The self growth from Kate Rose to Kathleen Rosenberg, the realization that who she is will never be who she once was and that is more than growth, it's beauty. I love that Cal sees her for who is is as she grows and it makes him want her more. But they bicker like they want one another and the fact that they do, makes this book so much more magical. The theatre has always been a hidden love of mine. The thought of being on stage was deep to me and to see Kathleen get something new made me cry a little ( don't tell anyone) because it shows that no matter when you were or are you can always have a new dream. I plan to read this book at least once a year just so that I can experience it all over again. Elissa Sussman knows how to make one feel as if they are in the book, a thought that a woman can grow and change and create something they want.

This is told in alternating timelines between the past and present. Kathleen and Cal met when they were younger, and they went their separate ways. When they met again, she was using a new name, Katee Rose, and dating the lead singer, Ryan, of a boy band. She and Cal still had feelings for each other, and Ryan wasn’t a very attentive boyfriend – he just wanted all the attention – so a scandal broke out, tarnishing Katee Rose’s name.

Now, Kathleen is herself once more, and her best friend, Harriett, has written a play that’s being directed by Cal. Harriett encourages her to try out for the play, and thus, she and Cal meet once more.

I really struggled to like the characters, and in the end, I only tolerated them. First, the whole reason Katee Rose’s name was blacklisted was because Ryan accused her of cheating. Um, well she did cheat with Cal. Ryan may not have been the best boyfriend, and sure, he made it a whole thing to get empathy, but still, he wasn’t horrible. Yes, she had her whole popstar image to maintain, but she didn’t even like Ryan all that much.

In present day, they still don’t communicate all that well. However, there were some cute moments. And the characters did have to work on themselves before they could truly be together.

Hmm I had a little bit of a hard time with this one but overall I still enjoyed it! I just wish I could feel they’re longing for each other more as a second chance romance. Very excited for her next one though!

I loved this book! Honestly though it was like it was written for me. Musical theater, awkward teens, and as woman scorned? All my favorite things!

I will say that the framing was hit or miss, because there are two pasts on the timeline, but I loved the way it was told and I give it a bit of a pass. I loved the writing, the characterization, and the conflict. Strong recommend to anyone who liked her other book, or fans of the celeb rom-com.

I just think Elissa's books aren't for me. I didn't love Funny You Should Ask, I found it such an eye-roll and the main character very unlikeable and annoying. But I liked this one slightly more. 3 stars.

This was ok. Interesting but not quite compelling enough. Hardly any detail outside of the romance so it didn’t quite fill like a full story.

something about this book just bothered me. like i'm sure it's lovely once you get more than 20% in, but i just...cannot. this is very much a Book About People Who Are Famous and that's just not for me.

Once More with Feeling is a celebrity/second chance romance between Cal and Kathleen. This books takes you through their lives, growing up, rising to fame, one of their “falls to fame”, and their public fallout.

The storytelling is magnificent. The switch between timelines is seamless. The only thing I would’ve preferred or what would have made this book even better is if we got Cal’s pov. Kathleen could be a bit unreliable at times and it would’ve been nice to see Cal’s side of the story as well. Maybe we could get a Cal POV in the future ;)

Sussman does it again! Following the success of her debut novel, which set the bar high for exceptional storytelling, 'Once More with Feeling' proves to be yet another captivating masterpiece. Elisa Sussman's ability to weave intricate narratives and delve into the complexities of human relationships shines through once more, leaving readers enthralled from the very first page.

At the heart of the novel is the beautifully explored relationship between Cal and Kathleen. Sussman's nuanced approach to character development allows their connection to unfold organically, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonates with authenticity. The small hints sprinkled throughout the narrative offer a tantalizing glimpse into the intricacies of their bond, keeping the reader engaged and eager to uncover the depths of their connection.

What sets 'Once More with Feeling' apart is Sussman's masterful balance between providing subtle clues and maintaining an air of mystery. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the revelations about Cal and Kathleen's relationship are neither rushed nor overdone. Instead, the author skillfully guides the reader through a journey of discovery, allowing the characters' perspectives and feelings to unfold with a natural cadence.

The exploration of both characters' inner worlds adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making them feel remarkably real and relatable. As the reader gains insight into Cal and Kathleen's thoughts, fears, and desires, a profound connection is forged, deepening the emotional impact of their story. Sussman's ability to capture the intricacies of human emotion is nothing short of remarkable, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart.

'Once More with Feeling' is a testament to Elisa Sussman's prowess as a storyteller. Her ability to craft engaging narratives, coupled with her skillful exploration of relationships, makes this novel a must-read. It not only lives up to the high expectations set by her debut work but surpasses them, solidifying Sussman's place among the literary elite. This book is a triumph of storytelling, leaving readers eagerly anticipating whatever narrative magic Sussman weaves next.

I loved her last book but I wasn't feeling the chemistry on this one - I will definitely try this author again though.

Super cute. This author really gets me feeling things when I read her books. I like the first one better, but I blew through this one too.

Elissa Sussman knows how to write characters that will suck you in. Once More with Feeling is one of those books that once you pick up you can’t put down. This is an easy romance read for all and I highly recommend.

This Justin and Britney romance was just not my cup of tea. This story follow Katee Rose who once was a pop icon who blew up her career when she cheated on her boy and boyfriend. In this book we follow Katee as a young girl while becoming a pop star and her relationship with Ryan the face of the boyband.we also follow as she has a one night stand causing the whole relationship breakup to become front page news. We also follow her many years later when she gave up a flashy life to pursue Broadway as Kathleen Rosenberg. When her dream broadway show is casting and she finds out about Cal directing she think she doesn’t stand a chance since both their careers fell after the cheating scandals wrath. Kathleen is surprised to get the call saying she got the job.

I think I am just done reading second chance romances it something with this trope that is just a miss for me. That being said I have heard good things about this book from people who like that trope so please understand I am just giving my feelings. I really really could not stand the characters in this one and again I think it was just a personal thing. I did enjoy the writing style and pacing and hope to pick another book up by this author soon just not a second chance romance one :) I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

A new one from one of my insta buy authors! If you’re looking for a perfect second chance romance, this is the one. Perfect amount of angst and pining.

Kathleen and Cal, childhood sweethearts, who met at theater camp. I went to theater camp at their age as well so this was even more special for me. Their shared moment on the roof was my favorite.

There’s so much wit and sarcasm in this book you can’t not enjoy it.

I also always love a book that gives us glimpses into the characters past. Watching them navigate through their issues to find each other again is incredibly heartwarming. I was rooting for them from the beginning

This book was a delight! I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Kathrine is a deeply flawed character, but you believe her as a former pop star. I also loved how Sussman pulls out the love story as we go, finding this couple at different moments in their life. I thought it was fun and engaging, and overall super cute. It made me understand all of Kathrine's motivations, even if I didn't always agree.

The one thing I thought cold be improved on was the relationships. I really liked her friendship and the complexities that come out with friends who both wanted fame. But a lot of it happened in a rush with a lot of silent treatment and a fight at the end. I thought there could be more push and pull. And for the romance, I really liked that Sussman gives you a relationship that seems deeply complex. But I did wish we showed off more of the WHY these two felt drawn to each other.

Overall, I really liked this one, and I can't wait to read more of Sussman! She has lots of musical theater fun, lots of pop star fame, and a lot of cute moments!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman.

This is the first book I'm reading from this author and I wasn't disappointed. It was a cute read, I enjoyed the dialogue and the romance tropes that were used but I wasn't completely sucked into the characters for this one.

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

I have to be honest, my hopes for Once More with Feeling were not very high after seeing many lackluster reviews for it, however, once I read it, I was pleasantly surprised! I enjoyed the overall storyline. Although I have read romance books with the celebrity trope, none of them had to do with on stage theater which I thought was a nice spin to the usual trope. I recommend this to thespian romance readers, and anyone looking for a quick, lighthearted romcom featuring rivals to lovers and second chance.

This book gives Glee energy. This is a romance that has a really interesting plot. My only complaint is that the cover looks too YA, and the sex makes this NOT YA.

Oh my gosh my inner theater kids is going crazy!!!!!! Such a fun love letter to broadway!!!!! The book is a reimagining of camp rock and keep the story going….. I couldn’t put it down and it will be a re read very soon !!!! To all the broadway, musical and theater geeks this book is for us!!!!