I absolutely loved Sussman's debut (it was one of my favorite reads of last year), so I've been eagerly anticipating this one! I was not let down -- while I didn't love it quite as much as Funny You Should Ask, it still scratched the itch I'd had for a year.

One of my favorite things about Sussman's writing is her pacing -- it's fast and keeps you absolutely absorbed from start to finish. Her quick wit and humour were evident yet again in this book, and while it's not as "spicy" romantic as some books, I still absolutely adored the dynamic between Kathleen and Cal.

Can't wait to see what she writes next!

I love a fictional peak into the what it might feel like to see into the lives of celebrities.
The advanced copy formatting was a little problematic and needed some fixing before making its way to an ebook.
The dual timeline was a little wonky at times but eventually made sense. Either way, I loved the the story once it came full circle and am excited to read more from this author. Def a fun and easy read!

I tried to give this one a chance since i didn't really enjoy Sussmans' debut novel but this was the same. Characters were lacking for me and just simply not enjoyable

I hate to say it but I was a tad disappointed in this one. The characters were a bit more boring and whiny, and I found myself skimming to just get on with it. Overall not one I will be coming back to

Love a good pop star romance. Thought the chemistry in this one was special and heated. I love Sussman's male protagonists.

As a music major/ musical theater nerd for the majority of my life, I was pleasantly surprised that this didn't make me cringe every few minutes. The uses of the different timelines with the creation of this Broadway show in current time was really interesting.
Just overall had some small issues with pacing and the way the love story developed finding it repetitive at parts.

Thank you to netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC. I love a good second chance romance with some humor! This was a fun and easy read.

I read Elissa Sussman's first book "Funny You Should Ask," and while I loved that one, I was a tad disappointed with this one. I wanted more from the story. It was an average read and I did enjoy parts of it.

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley!

everything i love about elissa sussman in one beautiful amazing masterpiece. i LOVED the alternating timelines. no one does those better than sussman. Also the depth in which we get to know these characters is truly phenomenal.

I loved Funny You Should Ask, so I was excited to get my hands on Elissa Sussman's newest book. This one had very similar celebrity romance vibes -- I just didn't love the characters quite as much and felt it was more surface-level. Kathleen and Cal meet each other in childhood at a theater camp and become friends. Eventually, they both become famous pop stars that continuously cross paths as Kathleen is dating one of Cal's bandmates. Drama pursues (no spoilers here) and years later they are reconnected as Cal is directing Kathleen's best friend Harriet's new musical, Riveter. Together they navigate their past, forgive childhood mistakes, and grow/grow up. Overall, this was a fun and speedy read that certainly didn't feel like 416 pages. Made me want a cat named Fish.

Elissa is the queen of celeb romances - in my opinion. This was a great follow up novel to Once More With Feeling and it was probably the first book that involved a Broadway Play that I've read. It was a great underused concept. Nice humor and a good light read for a nice rainy day in.

Second chance romance is my jammmmmm. Love the trope and the author does it justice! Will continue to read more from her.

Once More with Feeling
by Elissa Sussman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

I went into this book somewhat blind and with zero expectations, and I couldn’t be happier. This book was an absolute delight. It was so genuinely easy to read, and I didn’t want to put it down.

Once More with Feeling is about Kathleen Rosenberg, aka Katee Rose. Once upon a time she was a pop star riding the high of insane stardom and a tour with hot boy band CrushZone. Katee’s boyfriend Ryan is in the band, along with Cal, the man she ruins her popularity and career for.

Fast forward to now when Kathleen’s best friend convinces her to perform in the hit musical she just wrote, except there is one hitch to the plan. Cal is the director.

This book just worked for me in every way. I enjoyed both timelines, and was constantly intrigued by what would happen next. There was insane chemistry and the side characters kept things really interesting! I could not recommend this book enough if you’re looking for a light, fun read.

Thank you to Elissa Sussman and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for allowing me to read an ARC of this lovely book!

A pitch-perfect second-chance romance! This fun book the story takes us from auditions to workshop to out-of-town tryouts to the opening night and beyond of the musical. The romance is sincere and heartwarming. Enjoyed this book!

"Once More With Feeling" by Elissa Sussman is an absolute gem of a book, deserving of every one of its 5 stars. This novel is a beautifully crafted story that combines romance, music, and second chances into a compelling narrative that will captivate readers from start to finish.

The book brilliantly weaves together two timelines, taking readers on a journey from the dizzying heights of pop stardom with Katee Rose to the more grounded and relatable life of Kathleen Rosenberg. Sussman's writing effortlessly transports readers into the world of music, fame, and Broadway, creating an immersive experience that is both heartwarming and emotionally resonant.

What sets "Once More With Feeling" apart is its well-drawn and complex characters. Katee/Kathleen and Cal are incredibly relatable, flawed, and genuine individuals who have made mistakes in the past but are striving to find their way back to each other and to their dreams. Their chemistry is palpable, and the tension between them is electric, making their rekindled romance a joy to root for.

Sussman expertly explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the pursuit of one's passions. The character development and growth throughout the story are beautifully executed, leaving readers with a deep sense of satisfaction and connection to the characters.

Additionally, the book's portrayal of the entertainment industry, with its highs and lows, is both realistic and intriguing. It offers a glimpse into the sacrifices and challenges faced by those in the spotlight while also celebrating the power of music and theater to heal and inspire.

In summary, "Once More With Feeling" is a must-read for anyone who loves a heartwarming, second-chance romance with depth and substance. It's a book that will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling, and it deserves every bit of its 5-star rating. Elissa Sussman has crafted a truly unforgettable tale that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page.

Check out what 'What Did I Just Read?' podcast for more of mine and LA's thoughts on this book! Episode streaming now!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-did-i-just-read/id1688795567?i=1000625707857

Spoiler Alert! I freaking loved it. If you're a self proclaimed musical nerd / second chance romance / enemies to lovers / childhood friends to lovers fan than look no further. This book will fill your very specific niche. It has angst, sexual tension, and drama. So much love for this book and this author!

Thank you Net Galley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Side Note: This was not given to me in advance - rather the day it was published. I had already bought my own copy via pre-order. If that means anything to anyone out there in the internet aether.

I was a theatre kid in high school, on the periphery of the acting scene in college, and spent a season or two with a community theatre workshop. I was never one of the popular kids, and I don’t think I ever even had a line (except in my friend Marc’s senior project, Godspell, where I had a solo!), but I pulled curtain, ran lights, designed and built sets, and sang in the chorus. I played a bush in Tom Jones, a townsperson in A Christmas Carol, and a soldier in Cyrano de Bergerac… because as a freshman, I was skinny and flat-chested enough to pull it off. I truly thought I’d grow up to be an adult who had season tickets to a local theatre and went to Boston or Broadway for shows a few times a year, but alas, I’m paying for a car, rent, and groceries, instead, while watching Hamilton on repeat on Disney+ (at least when it premiered, we dressed up, printed programs, and ate a fancy dinner while we streamed)!

All that to say, this second-chance romance about a former pop star who lands her first Broadway role rings true to the stage and show details I remember, and while I never made it to “the Broad Way” (except to see Phantom of the Opera that one time in 12 grade), the pressure, perfectionism, the way a show comes together right at the end, the personalities involved, and the love of the craft that Sussman incorporates are vivid and real.

Katee Rose was at the height of her fame when she fell for another member of her boyfriend’s band, and has been lying low ever since that teenage scandal… but now Kathleen Rosenberg has an opportunity to perform in a Broadway musical, in the role of a lifetime… being directed by none other than the guy who is both the one that got away and the (unintentional) ruiner of her career. Their chemistry is intense, the drama high, and the narrative of flashbacks and present day keep a pendulum like momentum going through this novel for theatre geeks.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #OnceMoreWithFeeling from #NetGalley.

I was sold at the first mention of Newsies.

Once More with Feeling is a second-chance romance with high kicks and jazz hands.

Kathleen and Cal met when they were kids at camp and later reconnected when they were both on top of the pop world. Things happened that ended Kathleen's career, where Cal walked away clean.

Years later, they are working together again, and it is not going well. The past is still very much in the present, making it hard to forgive each other.

I enjoyed the story. There were parts where I felt Kathleen really got the raw deal from Cal and her friend Harriet. We won't even bring up Ryan. I don't think anyone gave her a chance to make things right before they made her out to be the bad guy. I also think Kathleen should have stood up for herself more. I don't know if her character developed enough throughout the book for this to happen.

I wanted more romance. While I didn't mind the dual timeline, I think it took away from the current. I wanted to see Cal and Kathleen fall in love, and I don't know if we got that.

The book was fun and light. It was an easy read, but I wanted more from the characters. Can we thwack them and request more feeling??.

I really enjoy a good second chance romance, and after reading and loving Elissa Sussman’s Funny You Should Ask, I had to get my hands on this one.
Katee Rose seemingly had it all - she was a famous pop star, whose boyfriend was the hottest member of a boy band. So when she finds herself falling for another member of said boy band, and it gets out, her career goes up in flames.
It’s many years later, and Katee - now Kathleen - is forced to work with the “other” boy band member, Cal. Neither can deny their mutual dislike that’s really just a front for some extreme feelings.
This one has friends to lovers, to rivals to lovers vibes and I was definitely here for it. I’d definitely recommend it for those who enjoy those themes along with second chance and celebrity romance,

I'm so sad I didn't love this as much as Funny You Should Ask! It was still a worthwhile read. I was rooting for Katee and Cal to work out whatever in the past and at least be okay with each other. I think I cared more about Katee's friendship with Harriett than I did about the romance.