Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley, for an advanced review copy of Myah Ariel's debut novel!

Although this is marketed as a romance, "When I Think of You" almost borders on Women's Lit because it's told entirely from Kaliya's POV, and while her second-chance romance with Danny is central, there's more going on here. It's about being in your 20s and struggling between where you want to be in your career and where you are. There are also narratives about privilege and power in Hollywood (especially concerning Black movie makers telling Black stories). At the same time, it's a wonderful ode to how we love movies (and 90s music, which gets plenty of references). All of these subplots, seen through Kaliya's eyes, affected my focus on the romance. I found myself more interested in Kaliya getting her happy ending as a producer than her and Danny's relationship. When the third-act conflict happens and Kaliya has some hard choices, I found myself saying, "Good for you. Finally putting yourself first."

What's cool is that this book knows exactly what it's doing. Every questionable decision by a character that had me shaking my head throughout the early and middle chapters is addressed by the end. Moments of miscommunication are called out, and everyone's aware of how flawed and human they are. Kaliya's growth by the end is standing-ovation-worthy.

Definitely looking out for more of Myah's novels in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: death of a parent (past), grief, chronically ill parent (MS, past), racism, parental abandonment (past, briefly mentionted), cheating (emotional)

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance
-second chance
-hollywood romance
-workplace romance
-two movie dorks in love

I have been so hyped for Myah's debut, and gosh that cover and this was such an absorbing read. Kaliya is not at all where she wants to be, and is struggling as a person of color and as a woman in Hollywood. But in walks her ex, her first love, Danny and we are off on a wild ride as we get glimpses of their past, their adorable college days as film students and their undeniable chemsitry as adults.

I adored Kaliya. She was strong, independent, a fierce friend, but also incredibly vulnerable about her dreams and desires. I loved that her connection with Danny was just their passion for movies. This book is such a statement on being a woman in a male dominated industry, and also the racism she experiences as well as the story Danny's movies about his parents biracial relationship was just so beautiful and aching in its honest portryal. Danny's grief too over his dad, that loss, reckoning with his paretns' relationship, the way Myah expertely wove the telling of the movie storyline through out this book was just beautiful. A searing critique on the stories society wants to tell.

But watching Kaliya and Danny fall back in love, trust each other with their hearts, make mistakes, and trust each other with their dreams. This slow burn ached in the best ways and you just can't not cheer these two on. An amazing romance, and just a touching second chance about timing, about finding your person and standing up in this world.

Steam: 3

Firstly, I’m overjoyed that I got to read a book from a Black author . Sometimes , I feel that authors of color and Black authors don’t get that much buzz on social media. Next , this book warmed my heart . I usually don’t read too many second chance romance books, but this one takes the cake.

I loved all of the characters whether they were good or the antagonists. Bella made me crack up. She was my favorite character . What I can say is that I was so impatient to find out exactly WHY they broke up! I just wanted to jump in the book and ask Kaliya . This book did so well in tackling the issues within the industry for a Black woman.

I also felt like a fly on the wall , because the setting of the book is where I reside so that was a fun plus .

I say, read this book. It’s a feel good book with a good amount of drama to it.

This book blew me away! It was a beautiful story! I truly loved the movie within the story, I wish it was an actual movie! I'll be reading more of Ms. Ariel for sure!

Oh. This was the SWEETEST second chance romance.
I will eat up a book that reads like a film.
When I Think of You is the book that you won’t want to stop reading. It’s an absolutely stunning debut!

Kaliya Wilson arrived in Hollywood with big dreams of making movies, starting as a receptionist at a production company, with her sights set on climbing the industry ladder. However, her job seemed to be leading her down a dead-end path. That is until the day her old flame from film school, Danny, reappeared as the director for the company's next major production.

I've always had a soft spot for the "second chance" trope, and this book executed it brilliantly. It's a story where you truly understand why Danny and Kaliya didn't work out the first time and can appreciate the growth they've undergone since then. The book excels in providing a deep dive into their characters, striking a perfect balance between rekindling their relationship and advancing the plot.

The central plot revolves around the movie project, which is a profound passion endeavor for Danny, as it tells his parents' love story. This narrative thread beautifully mirrors his own journey in finding his own soulmate.

Now, I must admit, the ending ties up all the loose ends perfectly, leaving Kaliya and Danny in a place that's incredibly satisfying. Knowing that this is a debut book from the author only heightens my excitement for more of their work. Trust me, this is a book you won't want to miss, and it concludes on a truly gratifying note!

OH MY GOD THIS WAS SO GOOD?!!!!
Was completely hooked on the first page and could not put it down.
I absolutely loved the writing style, the characters were so charming, and the mix between flashback and present was PERFECT
i was invested in both the book, and the movie within it (v sad i can’t watch it) and i loved how much growth and power the mc was able to get through the book

Thank you to @netgalley, @berkley, and @myah for allowing me to read same review this arc!

Myah’s debut novel constantly reminded me of Kennedy Ryan‘s ‘Reel’. I kept referring to it being like Reel’s little sister lol

She did an amazing job of intertwining Kaliya and Danny’s past stories with their current one. She’s did that while also incorporating Danny’s parent’s interracial love story through a movie script. It all flowed so, so well.

This book highlighted discrimination in Hollywood, and was a great second chance at first love romance 🥰 Danny Prescott was such a Cinnamon roll, and sometimes I was to shake the naivety out of him, but I loved his patience, protectiveness, and love for his family. I swooned over the fact that after so many years, they still remembered the small details of their past relationship, and when they referred back to those nostalgic moments, it drew them closer together!!

The movie references were everything, and I loved the friendship between Kaliya and Neha. AND Danny’s mama was the sweetest 🥰

Thank you to Berkley for an arc in exchange for my honest review!

I’ve been dying for this book since it was announced, and it didn’t disappoint! One of my favorites of the year, WHEN I THINK OF YOU by Myah Ariel follows Kaliya, a brilliant and capable woman who has been consistently overlooked, knocked down, and straight up discriminated against by the Hollywood elite she serves as a studio receptionist. Her dreams of making movie magic herself finally come in reach when her college ex, Danny, a man who wrecked her heart seven years ago and is now a big shot director, offers her a spot working on his new film. But when their connection reappears in full technicolor, Kaliya will have to decide if Danny is worth the risk.

Every aspect of this book was compelling! Kaliya’s journey to finding her happiness (in and outside of her relationship) was complex and stunning. Danny is top tier book boyfriend without being one dimensional. They have challenges and aren’t always perfect, but the way they compliment and build each other up feels natural and inspiring. The supporting cast of characters range from hilarious (the friends) to heartwarming (Danny’s family 😭😭😭) to fury-inducing (the villains), but always interesting!

Myah also gives us unique insight into working in Hollywood as a Black woman. She shows us the poor treatment Kaliya faces without ever letting it overshadow the romance, which is so hard to do (cut to me on my soapbox screaming about justice for Kaliya!)

I adored every second spent in this world and will be itching to get Myah’s next story!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I clicked ‘request’ on this one solely due to the gorgeous, romantic cover and it did not disappoint.

Kaliya Wilson came to Hollywood to make movies, starting as a receptionist at a production company determined to work her way up. Unfortunately her job has turned out to be a dead-end, until years later she’s shocked out of complacency when her old film school flame Danny shows up to direct the company’s next big production.

I love the second chance trope when it’s done well - meaning that you understand why the characters didn’t work out the first time, and they’ve genuinely grown enough to do better. Both were true for Danny and Kaliya, I enjoyed the deep dive into each of their characters and the book’s balance between exploring their renewed relationship and moving the plot along.

The primary plot revolved around the movie, which was a meaningful passion project for Danny telling his own parents’ love story. It made a lovely story as well, and mirrored him finding his own soulmate.

The ending had a bit too much drama for my taste, but everything worked out and I was thrilled by where Kaliya and Danny ended. I’m so excited that this is a debut book, I can’t wait to read more from this author!

WOOW I really like this!!! Kaliya and Danny are so freaking cute and this story had great humor. The book also touched on Black women in Hollywood facing discrimination which is always such an important topic to cover. Overall this book was filled with love and growth!! It was great!

I stopped after chapter 2 (6%). I like the theory, but I’m disappointed we are starting out the book “owing” Danny with the handout for the job. Kaliya points it out herself. That’s just an awkward spot to be in for a second chance romance. I get starting in a bad place and it going up from there, but this doesn't feel like a healthy set up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

I am completely shocked to my core that this is a debut novel. It's a damn masterpiece. Kaliya and Danny are amazing and this book made me laugh so hard. This book also touches on the discriminiation in Hollywood especially for black women. This was just pure perfection and I cannot love this book more!