When I Think Of You by Myah Ariel is a second chance romance between two former college flames who have not seen or spoken to each other for seven years. Kaliya Wilson has been working reception at a big film studio, though she has “paid her dues” to move on to something more directly related to movie making (which is her dream since studying at NYU) rather than making coffee and copies. Danny Prescott, her former college lover, is a director who reappears in her life and offers her a job on his newest production. It’s an opportunity for Kaliya to finally get from behind the reception desk, but it requires trusting Danny again. Allowing herself to leap out on faith, she agrees to the job. Yet “Hollywood politics and scandal” could damage both Kaliya’s career and the production, so she has to decide if she’s going to do what’s right — even if it means she’ll miss out on this second chance at love.

I am well aware that this is a romance novel, and I know that romance is the focus of this book. However, I cared about nearly everything else in this story way more than the romance. This is not to say that I do not believe this book should be classified as a romance novel because it is. Rather, I just think the story was so rich with other elements outside of the romance that it really didn’t matter to me whether Kaliya ended up with Danny. I may be in the minority on that thought, but the excitement of Kaliya finally getting her chance to work on a film and advancing her career was the more compelling storyline for me. I wanted to see her win professionally. If she also won romantically that was just an added bonus.

The book is an easy read and I did not feel at any point I was laboring to finish. I was engaged from beginning to end, even without caring about the romance. In other romance books I’ve read, I was deeply bothered by not being invested in the romance plot of the book because oftentimes, it is the only part of the book that has substance. With When I Think Of You, this was not the case because all of the other subplots were so richly detailed, interesting, and compelling. This is a testament to Myah Ariel intimately knowing the backdrop of her novel, movie production in Hollywood.

My favorite thing about this book is that Kaliya was very aware of her own feelings and when she realized what she needed, took the time to take care of herself. It was very empowering to read about a woman who understands that taking care of yourself is just as important as being in and having love.

This is likely just a thing that happens in a lot of romance stories, but the end portion of the book felt like it flew by. The last 20% of the book advanced a lot timewise and things I wish I could have seen the character go through would have made the ending more satisfying for me. I felt I was not given enough time to see how the FMC and MMC were dealing with the things before I was getting to the end of the book. It felt like a summary of things that happened in an “in-between” time. In particular, I would have loved to see more on the process of Kaliya creating the professional life she wanted for herself. Having said this, the ending was also somewhat satisfying for me because of getting some closure for the other subplots of the book that I felt more connected to than the romance.

People who enjoy medium-burn (is that even a thing?) second chance workplace romance would love this book. I’d gladly read other works by Myah Ariel in the future.

When I Think of You is a phenomenal debut from Myah Ariel. This story is a second chance romance between Kaliyah and Danny who grew to share a strong bond during their time in film school at NYU, but due to misunderstanding this led to them losing contact with each other for seven years. Their love for filmmaking brings them back together and even have to work together.

I enjoyed this story a lot. Though the two protagonist had a lot to work through together, I enjoyed seeing them grow together during their time a part even as friends and have the chance to work through their feelings and have each others back when no one else would. One of my favorite parts of the book even outside of the romance was the conversation on the film industry in general and how often times black creatives can be overlooked and ideas can be put on the back burners because the men at the top don't deem it as good enough. Even when you have the privilege of nepotism like Danny, you will still be pushed to the side and walked all over if they believe your story is not palatable.

I did feel slightly underwhelmed by the big reveal of Danny's explanation behind what Kaliyah saw the day she chose to end things on her own, but at the same time it felt very realistic. Even though what Kaliyah saw was somewhat exactly what it looked like, it would've been resolved sooner had she given Danny the chance to explain. I felt that despite this fact Kaliyah's reaction was normal especially for her age and her experience or lack during this time. I guess I just wanted more after being on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened, but it still felt natural and realistic.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am excited to get my copy of the official release in April.

Thank you to Myah Ariel and Berkley Romance for allowing me the opportunity to read the e-ARC of When I Think of You!

Thank you Berkley Publishing for the free book! #BerkleyPartner

As I always say, I am not a huge second-chance romance person and by that I mean I don’t typically gravitate towards it or seek it out. When I do read it I always end up enjoying the book. This one wasn’t any different, it was a good read! I also really love a Hollywood story because I’m a huge fangirl and so I am familiar with a lot of it.

Danny is grieving his late father and plans to make a movie about his parent’s beautiful forbidden love. Now that part I loved so much… the way his parents' love was talked about, how they met as children in the Jim Crow South. His mother being the only Black girl to attend his father’s all-white school. And how from then they faced challenges but their love always held them through. Kaliya is the down-on-her-luck receptionist in the industry that she wants to move up in. She met Danny on her first day of film school in NYC and sadly was not the nepo-baby that Danny was so she could not move as quickly in the industry as he was. Both were good characters who were heartbroken over each other and the hands they were dealt. It was a great piece on how the film industry treats Black artists, especially those who are women, as less or unworthy of telling their stories.

Sometimes I felt like the book was a little over the place. It had beautiful lines here and there but other times I felt the writing or dialogue was a little cringy. In the end, it felt rushed. When they broke up for the second time they needed time apart to find themselves without each other at the center and then the next chapter all of a sudden Kaliya had it all figured out and she was moving up in the world. The build-up was there and we spent so much time making this movie but then we moved on and fast forward in just a few pages. This can be done in books and often is but it didn’t translate well in this one. There were also times that made me question if they should even be together. They talked about loving each other but sometimes I wasn’t sure …

Overall, it was a great story with good characters.

(This is more of a 3.75 star rating for me). I really loved the insight into Hollywood and working for a movie studio. It was clear that Myah Ariel was speaking for experience (even before reading the author's note). and it was so compelling. However, the romance fell really flat. Honestly, if this was just about Kaliya's experience in the industry, it probably would have been a 5 star reading. Unfortunately, I just didn't see the couple lasting forever, considering it took them forever to get together and then they broke up like 2 more times after they got together.

I could not finish this due to the trigger warning of parental death/grief.

Thank you for the opportunity to read early.

Solid 4 ⭐️

I was so excited to read this and it did not disappoint. Some of the things I adored were Kal and Neha’s sisterhood, their ability to keep each other accountable and honest. The lack of competitiveness and true ride or die spirit between Bella and Kal was refreshing to see. Minnie was an absolute gem and her words really touched my heart. Kal’s road to self discovery and sitting in her worth and finding her own healing was beautiful to read on page.

I wish we were able to see more of Danny and his POV. Due to it being a second chance romance, I think it’s important for the reader to be able to see and hear his side of the story in real time. We learned of his feelings and his actions through the lens of Kal, when I feel like it should’ve been his story to tell. The thing that made me the most angry was the lack of real consequences for Celine and Jim. I also understand that that’s our reality, people in positions of power and privilege getting let off easy but I would’ve really loved to see them burn.

All in all, an amazing debut novel and I’m so grateful to have been gifted with this ARC by Myah Ariel.

This was such a fun and cute second chance romance!

Danny works in the film space and wants to produce a movie based off of his parent’s love story and reaches out to Kaliya (the prev love of his life from seven years ago) who also works in the film industry to help create his dream movie and honor his father who passed away.

This book had some funny parts where I found myself laughing at the FMC dialogue because her inner monologues were so witty. I loved her relationship with her friend too they were funny without being too cheesy!

Seeing the couple come together after so many years was interesting to read because you don’t really know why they truly broke up in the first place. So you’re just rooting for them to be together!!

I wasn’t a huge fan of the 3rd act break up and didn’t like some of the choices some characters made in the relationship but overall I had such a fun time reading this!

There’s a scene of the manuscript of Danny’s parents from the movie he’s filming where Nathan (Danny’s father who is white) defends Minnie (Danny’s mom) by getting into a fight because of someone at work being racist towards her and there’s a part where she tells him what if something happens to him and says:
“and then where does that leave me?”
“It leaves me without you”.
And Danny’s father responds saying he’s her husband he should be defending her and she says,

“But where does that leave us if I don’t have you?”

AND I WANTED TO SOB MY GUTS OUT????

Def check TWs there are topics of racism discussed in the book that are central to the plot.

Thank you Berkley for the ARC!!

Good debut novel. It was a little wordy at times. Loved how the author incorporated inner dialogue and flashbacks to give more insight into the FMC. It also showed how miscommunication and grief affects relationships. I really wanted to see the characters marry and/have children. I also wouldn’t mind a story about Nathan and Minnie.

Overall: 4
Spicy Level 2 - Closed door

This was story about two people finding their way back to each other after seven years of miscommunication. FMC and MMC met when during her first year of college. Unfortunately poor timing and the death of his father lead them to loose touch with each other. Seven years later they meet again while FMC is working as a receptionist at a local company. MMC tries to set things straight and offer FMC a position as his assistant. Continued miscommunication leads to additional complicated situation which causes the MMC new film his new film project at risk and testing the strengthen of their new relationship.

This a great book about trying to live up to your family expectations and still living your own life. The importance of being open and honest in communication even when you think so will cause additional harm. This was a slow burn, with dual point of views about finding self love and self acceptance.

3.5 stars rounded up.

This is a really solid debut. Strong characters, incorporating themes beyond the romance (privilege, class, race, grief) and handling those well, some swoony and steamy moments that mostly move the plot forward. It's flaws are pretty typical for a debut: overstuffed plot that causes pacing issues (it drags a bit in parts), over-reliance on tropes, clumsy writing (especially at the beginning) as the scenes and characters are being set. I always wanted to know how it would end, though. I'm excited to see what Ariel works on next.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

I really wanted to like this one! Unfortunately, I couldn't get past the MMC. Danny's hot and cold behavior towards Kaliya was frustrating to read. I also didn't like how he was acting with Kaliya while he was still in a relationship. That didn't sit well with me. Overall, I just wasn't captivated by this one. Thank you to Berkley for the ARC.

Thank you netGalley and Berkely for the Arc

First, the cover. I saw the cover and had to get the Arc. Im a sucker for a colorful cover with melanated faces.

Next the story. It was adorable. For a debut author I am impressed. Second chance romance is one of my least favorite tropes. but I was intrigued from the beginning. In fact, if this becomes a series, I'm ready to read. Selfish request: Erik & Neha each need books!

Both MCs were likable despite the 3rd act break (that 3rd act always puts me through it). The passion between the two was unmatched. The plot was funny, bittersweet, drama, a little messy, and ends with a HEA. I enjoyed every moment.

I can't wait for more from this author.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel via Netgalley.
An excellent debut novel about second chance romance that wove together Hollywood scandal, racism, prejudice, misogyny, and grief amidst a very slow burn romance. I appreciated that the timeline jumps forwards in a few places which helps make their relationship more believable. There were a few times I raised an eyebrow, but overall, a great first book and I am hoping a couple of the characters introduced in this novel end up being characters in her next book!

I wanted to love this title but it simply wasn't for me. Second Chance romance is one of my favorite tropes but it was done a disservice here. There wasn't enough tension at the beginning to solidify this as a great second-chance romance. You haven't seen this guy who "broke your heart" in seven years??? I wanted my heart to hurt from the jump but the FMC was so quick to fall for the MMC's charm again. Also didn't love that the MMC had a girlfriend from the jump and he was not the best at communicating. This book could've benefited from past and present chapters to show both relationship timelines. Didn't enjoy the MMCs skin tone being compared to "aged parchment". It was such an odd way to describe a biracial Black man's light brown skin tone.

Also, it was obvious that the author had never written an actual script before because the snippets of the MMC's script throughout the book were poorly formatted (colons after the characters' names, actions within parentheses, etc).

However, the cover for this book is STUNNING!!!

I really enjoyed the build up of this book and couple. I loved the stolen glances, and nerves and heat. But I really didn’t get the Kaliyah’s reason for breaking up and staying away for so long. Glad she found herself but just seemed off to break it up so fast because of something beyond Danny’s control. Loved her friendships with both Bella and Neha deeply as well as the love letter to film. Would definitely like to see more from the author!

Superb book. I really enjoyed this second chance romance beyond more than the romance. It has strong feminism, insights into the film industry, and veeery slow burns. It captivated me from start to finish and I was just spending my time rooting for Danny and Kaliya that the one gripe if I had to give this book one is that I hated Danny's girlfriend-turned-ex for how much of a meddler she is. Guess makes for good drama though! Absolute stunner of a debut though from Myah Ariel and I think that this book offers a lot of discussion points.

This amazing story had me hooked! I couldn't stop reading even if i tired. I was kicking and giggling the entire time. A hollywood second-chance romance might one of my favorite tropes and this book didn't disappoint.

When I Think of You is a second chance romance that focuses on Kaliya and Danny, who met in film school and had a brief yet intense romance that left both of them broken when it ended. Seven years later Danny’s career as a director, following in his father’s footsteps, has taken off, while Kaliya’s dreams of producing a masterpiece have sputtered out. They end up back in each other’s lives by chance and embark on a journey to make the movie that Danny has been dreaming of, while also reconnecting in ways they didn’t think possible.

Let’s just say I barely came up for air reading this book. I was immediately drawn in by the passion the characters had for film making. I found that so interesting and a beautiful way to frame the plot. The writing and descriptions in this book, along with the setting and plot, made the book FEEL cinematic too which was so intriguing. I also really thought the flashbacks were done well. In second chance romance, flashbacks are tricky to balance. It can be too much or not enough, I thought the balance was great to give you context without dragging you down.

Character and plot wise, I was so spooked at first because Danny had a girlfriend when the events of the book pick up. I was side eyeing hard at the tension and connection between Danny and Kaliya because I don’t mess with the cheating trope. But it was resolved and discussed perfectly that made me like the characters more. The side characters, decisions and dialogue were all great and flowed very smoothly. Kal was my girl. She was so relatable and I was rooting for her. The way she describes her first breakup with Danny perfectly encapsulates that first heartbreak and how visceral it can feel.

Read if you want:
-Second chance
-Celebrity romance
-Discussions of grief
-Navigating racism, sexism and misogyny in the workplace

When I Think of You is out April 16th. Thank you Berkely for the ARC!

✨ARC REVIEW ✨

When I Think of You by Myah Ariel

Synopsis: Kaliya Wilson has been working for years behind the reception desk at a flashy film studio have only pushed her movie-making dreams further out of reach. A surprise reunion presents an opportunity that could make her career, an opportunity given by none other than her ex boyfriend Danny Prescott. As they grow closer and entrust their truths to each other, the possibility of a connection draws them closer. But, of course, Hollywood politics and a scandal threaten to sink their production and Kaliya’s career, she may have to risk everything to do what’s right-even if it means letting go of the second chance love of a lifetime.

This was a solid debut novel! Loved seeing a second chance romance when both characters just needed to grow apart first, only to come back together better than ever. I thought the writing was good. & how grief was dealt with, classy. All the ins and outs of drama in Hollywood that you’d expect but also it shows a twist of highlighting the negative narratives of privilege and lack of diversity in some spaces in media. I loved the supporting characters. Just an overall good read. I can’t wait for more people to discover Kaliya & Danny & their Hollywood love story.

You’ll LOVE when you read this book:
* Debut Author ✍🏽
* Second Chance Romance 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨
* Black Girl Movie MAGIC 🪄
* Hot Shot Director 🎬
* Hollywood Romance 🎥
* Scandal vibes 😱
* HEA 🤍🥹

I’m looking forward to more work by this author.

Thank you to @netgalley & @berkleypub for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date: 4•16•2024

#WhenIThinkofYou #NetGalley #BookReview #MyahAriel

A stellar debut that is in turns funny and sweet, the best part of this book is how it approaches the topic of grief and the different ways it impacts our lives—and loves. This is a must-watch author! Can't wait for her next release.