If you look for second chance romances specifically for the angst this one is for you. Honestly the first 30% I was reading with my figurative eyes between my fingers because with the time these two had between them once they are reunited it is so tense and somehow sad and steamy at the same time?? Also, this is a book full of suppressed feminine rage. I wanted to yell at how frustrating these (very real) moments were when Kaliya was passed over for nepo babies, when her trust was broken. But more importantly I wanted Kaliya to have the chance to just scream it all out but of course that is impossible when you have to accept things out of your control with grace when others aren't required to do the same.

I loved the movie set and producing behind the scenes side plots and aspects of this book. I was able to see a conversation with the author and it makes total sense that this is based on her lived experience because it felt so real AND was genuinely interesting.

One thing I will say about the angsty romance is that the tension did break earlier than I expected, in a good way. You only have one POV, Kaliya's. And I was nervous what the MMC's true thoughts and intentions would be and this really did give the chance for him to share them, to clear up any miscommunications. This is also one of those second chance romances where it makes sense why they did need time apart. I loved the little vignettes to the past and at times they did feel like a punch to the gut with how good it once was, but who they both grew into it makes sense the kind of power imbalance they initially had to balance that out. I loved how in present time Kaliya had experience and education to share instead.

Thank you to Berkley for the eARC, this was really good!

This was a pretty good debut release. I liked the second-chance romance and the way the characters rekindled their love. I appreciated the way the author intertwined references on the film industry, the politics and culture that men and women of color face. I think it was clear early on that Danny wanted more for Kaliyah, including having her as his own. I look forward to reading more of this authors work.

A modern romance that takes me back to those 90's- early 2000's black romance movies. All the feels of Love and Basketball, Love Jones and Brown Sugar, and the short-lived TV Show Love Is! I would love this to be a movie/streamer, and if done right, could hold its own with those romantic classics!

I thoroughly enjoyed this slow-burn, second-chance romance! It has just the right of spice and passion! This romance is intelligent and does not include any frivolous fluff. Instead, there is an interesting storyline, which is modern and supports themes of love, family, friendship, finding yourself, second chances, and starting anew.

Kayla had a beautiful college romance with Danny, that was cut short, but had a long-lasting impact. Years later he walks back into her life, with a beautiful girlfriend in tow. He invites her to work with him on his new film. Can she work with him, knowing the past, without thinking of a future with him? Interweaved into the tension of their past, is the story of Hollywood politics, and scandal.
A great read, that will touch your heart. Make your 90s R&B playlist to go with this fun read!
4.5 Stars!

What a second chance romance this is! Kaliya living her life as a receptionist but has dreams of making movies one day. Then her old flame Danny who is a big film director resurfaces right in her workplace. He’s there to work on a film which is near and dear to his heart as it is about how his parents’ meeting and love story and struggles as an interracial couple. With Danny and Kaliya now being back in each other’s space, it brings up their past with one another and how their miscommunication was the breakdown of their relationship.

This one was cute and had a real life feel to it. While Danny and Kaliya have to rehash what happened between them seven years ago, they also decide to give love a chance again when those flames start to rekindle. Their story shows how sometimes right now may not be the time. It seemed they both had some growing up to do to understand one another better. Sometimes a relationship may need some time apart. I loved how we see Kaliya find herself at the same time and make decisions for herself after being lost.

This debut novel was a great read! It's a heartwarming second-chance romance with characters who grow apart before finding their way back to each other. The supporting characters are fantastic too. Overall, I really enjoyed it!

4.5 stars!

I loved it! I usually enjoy dual POV in romances, but Ariel did a fantastic job with just our FMC POV. The premise was intriguing and, overall, a bingable story that had me smiling so hard at the end.

I also enjoyed the themes that were discussed throughout the story.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC.

Thanks to Berkley for an advanced copy of When I Think of You by Myah Ariel.

I really enjoyed this second-chance romance set in Hollywood. Kaliya dreams of being a producer but she's been stuck working in reception for a film studio when a surprise reunion with her college sweetheart who is the biggest name in directing offers her a chance to work on his next project. As they work together, they start to break down the wall they each put up after their relationship went up in flames 7 years earlier.

I loved the behind-the-scenes of film making and I feel like the author shared a lot of her personal life experiences for this story! I was rooting for Kaliya and Danny, especially as we find out more about what's happened to them in the last few years and how real their relationship felt. The background of the film being about Danny's parents helped add to why I really enjoyed this book. I loved Bella and while I'm not a third-act breakup fan, I thought this one was handled well.

When I Think of You comes out Tuesday - April 16th!

Thanks so much to Berkley for the ARC! I really loved this one. I love reading a debut author, especially when it's a diverse voice. I also love a Hollywood romance, especially when one person is more famous than the other! While I'm not usually a big second chance girl, this worked for me. Looking forward to reading more by Myah Ariel in the future!

This is my most anticipated book of 2024. When I saw Myah Ariel post her book on Twitter last year, I thought the cover was so stunning. And I'm so happy I was able to read it and see that my love for the cover matches the story. I really enjoyed this book. I loved the unique perspective of the movie industry and attending film school and having dreams realized and crushed and redeemed. I think Myah Ariel is a great writer. She took me on a ride and I feel like she told a relatable story even if you're not in the movie industry. I related so much to Kaliya and how much she just wanted something for herself and how tiresome it is to be disappointed time and again. This is a book for the ambitious girl, I feel. Or anyone with big dreams waiting for their moment. I loved seeing that the author has a similar background to Kaliya and that she shared her motivations and inspirations for the book after experiencing her own loss. The conversation on grief in this book was so beautiful and real. Danny, at the beginning, as a love interest was 1000% dreamy but I worried for Kaliya and then went through typical romance rollercoaster ride that was satisfyingly tied with a bow in the end.

When I Think of You is a spectacular debut full of emotional depth and searing romance from author Myah Ariel. Fans of Kennedy Ryan will adore Ariel’s slow burn love story between college exes who reunite on a film set seven years after they last saw each other.

Kaliya Wilson has always dreamed of working in film production, but at 26 her career as a receptionist at a major film studio has stalled. Enter, Danny Prescott. A hotshot young director, hailing from Hollywood royalty, and Kaliya’s first love from film school. Danny offers Kaliya a position to join his new film and she jumps at the opportunity, ready to prove herself in the industry. As the pair begins working together, Kaliya and Danny must navigate their unresolved feelings while dodging jealous starlets, meddling friends, and dreadful execs in order to reach the coveted happily ever after.

I don’t know the ins and outs of film production, but the plot of this book delves deep into the behind the scenes of moviemaking which I thoroughly enjoyed. It provided a practical backdrop for the novel’s difficult conversations around grief, misogyny, nepotism, and racism both in and out of the industry. The emotion swirling amidst these pages is raw and relatable. I loved how Ariel was able to layer these poignant themes within such a heartfelt love story.

Highlights:
Second chance college sweethearts
Black filmmakers
Workplace romance
Grief representation
Slow burn
Hollywood drama

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the digital ARC and free copy in exchange for my honest review

Kaliya and Danny met in college and even though their whirlwind romance came to an end, it still stands out in Kaliya’s mind. When Danny shows up and offers her a job on his new movie, she isn’t sure how to react. She takes the job and immediately the intense connection they had in college comes back. But Hollywood is filled with politics and scandal and those things threaten to get in between them and potentially even ruin the movie.

I really enjoyed this second chance romance! I’ve read a few romances featuring a screenplay recently, and I am here for this trend. Seeing some of the behind the scenes of what goes into making a movie/TV show is fascinating! One thing that stands out about this book in particular is the discussion of sexism and racism within the entertainment industry. Kaliya, was such an inspiring character for many reasons, but in particular the way she handled the awful situations she was put in with class and strength. Her journey to finding her voice and passion was incredible and she really stole the show. Danny was the perfect match for her, they brought out the best in each other and really encouraged each other to fight for their dreams. His parents’ love story was beautiful and I loved how he wanted that for himself.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Thank you Berkley Pub for the free book!

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐌𝐲𝐚𝐡 𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

4.5★

Oh my heart! This book was so good!! I knew when I heard author Myah Ariel describe this one during the Spring Booked with Berkley event, I was going to love it, and it exceeded my expectations!

Kaliya has been behind the scenes working the reception desk for years at a flashy film studio. When the famous Danny Prescott walks in and offers her a job on his next production, she is in shock. Working with Danny would take her career to the next level. The only problem is, Kaliya and Danny had a whirlwind romance in college, and trusting him won’t come easy. As the two begin to work together again, they begin to feel a connection with each other again. But with Hollywood politics and a scandal at play, how much will Kaliya risk for her career? And what about for a second chance at love?

This book had some of my favorite elements and I could not get enough! I love a strong female character and I could not get enough of Kaliya. I just loved everything about her character and her vulnerabilities. As far as Danny, I literally just pictured Jesse Williams from Grey’s Anatomy in my mind the entire time!

💜Second Chance
💜Hollywood
💜Grief
💜Slow Burn
💜Self-Discovery
💜Workplace Romance
💜Scandal

Posted on Goodreads on April 15, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around April 16, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on April 16, 2024
**-will post on designated date

Spectacular debut.

This book gives all the emotions I need for a second chance romance.
All the cultural aspects and especially historical shout outs were amazing.

Exploring aspects of grief also emotionally hooked me as well!

Great for fans of Kennedy Ryan.

What a beautiful second chance & Black romance book. This is perfect if you’re a fan of books like Reel/Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan or books by Tia Williams. Thankfully, I love both so I was right at home. Although this has elements of a celebrity romance, taking place in the world of movie making & film, it also felt very relatable. The romance itself was “right person, wrong time” and there were themes of grief and self worth being explored. I loved all the references to Black culture and artwork.
Thank you Berkley romance for an e-ARC of Myah’s debut & one of my most anticipated reads of the year.

3.5⭐

26 year old Kaliya's career in the Hollywood industry, isn't taking off as she would hope. Until after 7 year's, her college love, Danny; is thrust into her office and offer's her a job as his assistant director for his newest film. At first being conflicted, the answer seemed to be obvious. Stay a receptionist with little hope in moving up in the company or finally living out her hope's for the career she's worked hard towards.

But quickly she realizes, maybe her love and chemistry for Danny never went away. She soon gets a wake-up call that Danny is not single and she has to work alongside his current girlfriend, who has a big role in making this movie a success. Right away, Celine is extremely controlling and manipulative towards Kaliya no matter how respectful and professional she is.

There are many challenges for Kaliya professional but also romantically between her and Danny. Will they have a second chance? Will Kaliya be able to succeed in the industry that has racially discriminated against her?

There is so much to unpack with this story. First off, I think the author writes beautifully, especially when it came to the emotions Kaliya was going through.

This romance had a lot of tropes that weren't for me, and that's a personal issue on my part. I tried really hard to push my trouble with the tropes aside.

I felt it got a little excessive how many times Danny and Kaliya had challenges. Kaliya felt like she had a lot of insecurities and I wished she would have stood up for herself more, especially when it came to the way Celine treated her.
I loved the chemistry between Danny and Kaliya, but wished we got more scenes with them together.
I love spice in my romance's, so I wished there was more than one spicy scene in the story.
I'm not a fan of what felt like a cheating trope, made me uncomfortable.
I didn't like that when they finally gave their relationship a chance, that Kaliya ran off. I didn't feel that was necessary and for that long.
I felt the storyline with Eric either could have been cut or could have been ridden out a little longer. I felt like Eric didn't feel complete.

I did love the friendship with Kaliya, Neha and Bella. Go Bella!! Proud of her, her storyline was written perfectly! And Neha, loved her support too.

I also loved that racial inequalities, Jim Crow era and misogyny were highlighted. I think it was awesome the way Kaliya's career success took off.

So overall I did enjoy this beautiful black romance story, but I also feel like this one might not be for everyone when it comes to the tropes. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to an early review.

Short synopsis: Kaliya has always dreamed of making movies, when she’s given the chance to help make a major motion picture with Nathan Prescott her college sweetheart.

My thoughts: I don’t know much about the production of movies, this one gave us a great inside look to the ins and outs (and behind the scenes drama) that could unfold during the filmmaking process.

Being woman of color shut a lot of doors for for Kaliya, but I loved her drive to prove her story is important. She wasn’t raised with a silver spoon, she fought her way up the corporate Hollywood ladder despite racism and sexism to find her place.

Both Kaliya and Nathan were pretty flawed characters. Kaliya’s insecurities got the best of her through the majority of the book, and Nathan had a hard time seeing through the his privilege but ultimately they grew through these flaws and grew together.

Read if you love:
- Striving for more
- Hollywood setting
- Workplace/second chance romance
- Great best friend
- Then and now flashbacks

When I Think of You was a solid debut romance. 3.5 ⭐️. There were a few things about it that I didn’t really vibe with but they were my personal preferences really. The book is well written and the pace of the story is good. I love the Hollywood / film setting. I think people will really enjoy this!

The thing I didn’t like was that while technically no cheating took place, it was a little too close for comfort to at least emotional cheating for me. Danny is in another relationship at the start of the book. They break up before anything happens.

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance, NetGalley, and the author for the chance to read and review this book!

A few years after completing a degree in film studies, Kaliya Wilson is still stuck in a job as a receptionist with no prospects for truly breaking into the film industry. Even working for a flashy production company it feels like her shot will never come, until an unlikely reunion with her college romance, Danny. He is the next great director with Oscar buzz surrounding his new film. When he asks Kaliya to work with him it is the chance she has been waiting for, but she is weary to be so close to the man who broke her heart so many years ago.

I am always impressed when a debut novel brings so much heart! This story tackles many of the contemporary issues in Hollywood (#MeToo, white-washing, nepotism, etc.) with an entertaining plot and a tension filled romance. Told exclusively from Kaliya’s perspective, the mystery of their college days is given occasionally through our protagonist’s memories, and blends very well with their present-day interactions. The ending felt slightly rushed and a little too convenient, but the friendships and romance in this book are top tier!

"When I Think of You" can easily be pre-judged as a steamy romantic drama with lots of angst and turmoil, which is correct, but only scratches the surface of what Ariel has managed to accomplish in her debut. This story balances themes of healing from trauma, learning to regain trust in oneself, and even tackles the consequences and pitfalls of modern media consumption. All of this does not, however, push the underlying issues of racial tension to the background, but rather the main protagonist and her friend are shining examples of girls writing their own stories in their 20s and figuring out love, career, friendship, and everything in between. The last quarter of the book can tend toward feeling slightly rushed, but that may just be because after a point I was unable to put it down!

Awwww this was such a cute second chance romance 🥰 ! I really look forward to reading more from this author ❤️