A Love Song for Ricki Wilde ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Leap years are a strange, enchanted time. And for some, even a single February can be life-changing.

When regal nonagenarian Ms. Della invites Ricki to rent the bottom floor of her Harlem brownstone, she jumps at the chance for a fresh beginning. She leaves behind her family, wealth, and chaotic romantic decisions to realize her dream of opening a flower shop.

One evening in February, Ricki encounters a handsome, deeply mysterious stranger who knocks her world off balance in the most unexpected way.

Set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and Renaissance glamour, this is a swoon-worthy love story of two passionate artists drawn to the magic, romance, and opportunity of New York, and whose lives are uniquely and irreversibly linked."

My first 5⭐️ read of the year ❤️ I loved #sevendaysinjune and was over the moon when I got a copy of #tiawilliams new book #alovesongforrickiwilde

The writing is so gorgeous I found myself rewinding the audio just to hear lines like "he was a song I could listen to forever" over and over again. There are so many great love stories in this book: Ricki and Ezra, Ricki and Ms. Della, Ricki and Harlem, Ezra and music ... and most importantly, Ricki and herself.

In addition to gorgeous characters, exceptional writing and deeply satisfying plot lines, Williams writes her characters rooted in black families, communities and histories - with affection and nuance and specificity.

Reminder to review the trigger and content warnings in advance.

Thank you to @hachetteaudio and @grandcentralpublishing for the advance audiobook.

#romancenovels #romance #historicalfiction #booksinnewyork #Harlem #readinginstead

This was a fine book. A Love Song of Ricki Wilde is a mix of fantasy and romance. The instalove, star-crossed lovers' angle didn't connect with me. I wish there were more moments with Ricki and Ezra because I didn't feel like they had enough interactions for them to have such a strong pull on each other. The secondary characters felt a bit flat without much depth and cartoonish in how they interact with each other. The three sisters have no redeeming qualities and the conflict was resolved so quickly. This was not the book for me.


Thank you for granting this book for review.

When Ricki Wilde moves to Harlem to fulfill her dream of owning a flower shop, she meets Ezra "Breeze" Walker, a charismatic musician whom she is immediately drawn to but whose presence will change her life forever. Set within a single month, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde captivates the reader and let’s us fall in love with Ricki and Ezra, NYC, and the Harlem Renaissance.

When I tell you that I closed the last page and gave this book a big hug I would not be exaggerating. This is a beautiful, magical, one-of-a-kind love story. You could feel the chemistry between Ricki and Ezra from their first meeting and the story was definitely enhanced with supporting characters like Tuesday and Ms. Della. This is a beautiful blend of historical fiction and magical realism and I loved hearing stories about old Harlem and music legends from past eras. Just read it friends - you won't be disappointed.

If you want a treat, listen to this one on audio, Mela Lee (who gives voice to Seven Days in June) and Preston Butler narrate this story to perfection.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is a highly anticipated romance for 2024
*I received an audiobook copy for my honest review.*

If you like to read
Romance
fated mates
dual timelines
historical magic realism
slow burns

After having read Tia Williams’ Seven Days in June with a book club last year and loved it, I have been excited to read A Love Song for Ricki Wilde.
I give it a 4 stars
I love the narrators for Ricki and Ezra.
It was slower than I like which is why I give it 4 of 5 stars, topically don’t like slow burns they feel a bit longer than necessary for my taste.
Ricki the rebels against the family business and notion to do what is expected of her and dares to make her love of flowers into her own empire. A chance encounter with Ms. Della (a favorite) sparks the final nudge Ricki needs to leave ATL and start over in Harlem.

Thank you to Netgalley & Hachette Audio for an honest review.

Oh @tiawilliamswrites ! You sure know how to keep a gal on her toes!

This leap year, get ready to be absolutely drawn in by Ricki and Ezra. I went into this book blind and truly had no idea what a beautiful story I was getting myself into. I don’t want to spoil or give too much away so here are some of my thoughts as I read through this one:

•A leap year themed book!
•Ugh Ricki’s family is the worst 😒
•Love the old and new setting of Harlem
•Wait, what’s going on?! 😕
•Girl, it’s a piano!!
•Okay it’s all coming together 😊
•😱
•awwwwwww 🥰
•🥲🥲🥲🥲

If you couldn’t tell, I loved it! It’s magical and a bit out there but somehow just fully worked for me. I definitely recommend you check this one out!

A Love Song For Ricki Wilde comes out Feb. 6th! Thank you @hachetteaudio and @grandcentralpub for my advanced copy!

I love Tia Williams writing style! Her descriptions are so vivid and I can see the story unfolding in my head. However, I felt this book started off really slow and I didn’t feel like the plot had any direction until about half way through. Additionally, there was a magical realism/time travel aspect to the story (being intentionally vague so as to not spoil it) and unfortunately it’s just not for me… but again it is a me thing, I am sure others will love it! All in all I have it 3.5/5 stars and would recommend for a fans of Tia Williams!!

𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐈 𝗪𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐄 (Pub tomorrow: 02.06) is a lush, stunning, utterly engrossing love story. (Thank you #partners @grandcentralpub and @hachetteaudio for my gifted copies.)

Wow!

𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒:
Cover: Beautiful.
Audio narration: Impeccable
Setting: NYC and the Harlem Renaissance
Themes: Magical realism with a curse
Timing: Leap Year
Feelings: Warm, rich, sensual and soulful.
Romance: With heft and depth. Open door
Structure: A bit of past/present timeline with multiple voices
Request: Give the story a beat and you won't be disappointed.
Writing: Williams' writing is vivid, palpable and captivating. So good.

My print copy should be available for pick up from the library tomorrow and I can't wait to dive in again.

I usually run far away from any magical type of story but I love this author's writing so much that I took a chance on this one. With just the right amount of spice, a lovable main character and the beautiful florals, this book was a total winner for me !

Thank you, NetGalley, for an advance audio copy of “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” in exchange for my review.

I felt early on this was going to be a winner, and I was right! I didn’t know what to expect really, since the summary of the book left a lot to the imagination, and I’m actually glad I didn’t have many preconceived notions. The story flowed beautifully, and while cheesy at time, boasted authentic characters and a convincing love story.

For those curious, I’d give this a mild/medium spice level.

It’s an excellent February read and I’d highly recommend it for those who prioritize romance reads during February.

Every single time I thought I had this book figured out, I was wrong. IN A FUN WAY. I did have to go back and listen o the first 20% of this book because I was lost.

The plot, the characters, the story, all of it is amazing. You know I loved Ricki and Ricki's growth. I liked to see her knowing what she wanted even when her family didn't support her. Life isn't easy, it isn't perfect and it's all about finding yourself and your happiness.

The story is beautiful, and I loved every second of this.

I got an audio-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tia Williams is absolutely stunning in her ability to weave together time lines and hearts in A Love Song for Ricki Wilde! With Valentine's Day and this being a Leap Year, trust me that you need to read this book as soon as you can.
Prepare to fall in love with Ricki and Ezra, NYC, and the Harlem Renaissance.

Here's a bit of the synopsis:
Ricki Wilde is the artistic daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty and knows that joining the family business isn't for her. Once she makes that difficult decision, her life unfolds for her. With the help of a gracious benefactor, she is able to follow her passion and open Wilde Things, an unconventional flower shop in the heart of modern Harlem. Soon after, she encounters a mysterious stranger that knocks her world out of balance in all the most unexpected ways.
You'll switch time periods between contemporary Harlem and the decadence of the 1920's. I have to stop there. Don't read too much into this story - let it take for the ride it took me!

I went into reading A Love Story for Ricki Wilde blind and I suggest you do the same too! This book truly has every element we read for - a bit of magic, love/romance, mystery, a stunning setting, found family, witty dialogue, and so much more. I enjoyed every character and their individuality. This is a tope five read of this year for me!

If you want an extra special treat, listen to this on audio. Mela Lee and Preston Butler narrate this story with heart, affection, and perfection.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and BookSparks for the chance to listen and read this book before its releases on 2/6/24. Run to get your copy soon and fall in love in so many ways with Ricki and her magical world!

A Love song for Ricki Wilde
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed the book, but at first it started off pretty slow for me. It turned out to be a neat love story. It had romance & great descriptions through out the book. You will love the characters. It felt like you really knew them. They felt like an old friend.
Thank you NetGallery!

”Ricki felt a punch of emotion in her chest almost knocking her off her feet. This moment was important. She didn’t know why, but it was. She didn’t know him, but she did.”

A beautiful and magical story about destined soulmates and the happening of leap year and what it can bring. THE AUDIOBOOK WAS PHENOMENAL. I loved the narrators! Amazing storytelling. So uncanny reading a book in February 2024, just as in the book with a leap year, but with beautiful historic times added in for the characters for their past and present.

This story was plot focused with romance, but gave a mystery allure of magic with twists I did not see coming. Once I followed the pace and path of this story (or maybe I’ll even say rhythm), I knew where we were going. It was a love story weaved with these elements between Ricki and Ezra, and all the wonderful side characters that came along. Tia writes atmospherically and passionately for her stories, it’s always evident. It was not just a love song for Ricki Wilde, but a love song to Black love, Harlem, Black artists, music, and culture.

I immediately closed the book and wanted to get my ass to Harlem and experience what that part of NYC has to offer.

”You know when you’re up late at night, reading, and the lines between reality and the book get fuzzy, time becomes elastic, and you fade into the story?”

“Some people don’t, you know. Some people go before they’re loved correctly, or even at all.”

I really liked the premise of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, but I found myself less interested as the story went. There are two reasons for this, both of which are specific to me: the development of the fantastical elements of this story was outside my wheelhouse of interest, and I got sick while reading this one, which often doesn’t bode well for my reading experience. Tia Williams crafts interesting, deep love stories that are unique and engrossing, and I think her fans will love this one. I loved the Harlem Renaissance elements, even though this book wasn’t totally to my taste.

What an incredible love story and a wildly twisty journey! Even though I went in with some idea of the magical nuances of this story, it went in directions I didn’t expect and kept peeling back fascinating new layers. This genre-bending romance felt epic in scope and was unputdownable from start to finish. Though the character development was solid - even for the side characters, whom I adored! - this romance felt very plot-driven, and had an element of mystery that had me eagerly reading to find out what would happen next and how it would resolve. The imagery and settings painted vivid pictures for me, and I loved visualizing Ricki’s floral bouquets and outfits, the little pockets of the city she explored, and different spaces in Harlem across all of the moments in the book. A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is in itself an ode — to Harlem, the history of Black arts and their influence on culture in America, and to creativity and beauty of all kinds. The dual narration was also impeccable, and gave added nuance and vibrancy to my experience of the story. I loved it.

Omg!!!! I loved this book!! What a whimsical, unique, and enchantingly beautiful love story. It is a Harlem Renaissance, fated love, intergenerational story, wrapped in the fabrics of found family, follow your heart, and your tribe will find you. The characters are interesting and so lovable. You will root for Ricki (the FMC) from the time you meet her until the very end. Is was so proud of her for taking a leap of faith out on her own, creating her own path, and finally standing up for herself. She was so quirky and cute with all her botanical facts and entirely relatable social awkwardness. Erza (the MMC) is such a gentleman and caring soul despite having a heartbreaking story.

These two main characters came from very different worlds of experience and priviledge but were able to connect so well. Ms Della is the grandma everyone needs with her hip sense of style, and the wisdom gained from living a full life. This is the perfect book to read in the season of love and re-read in future years.

Once again, the Hachette audio theme has hit the ball out of the park! The narrator's, Mela Lee and Preston Butler did an excellent job conveying the vibe and personality of all the characters this book. I felt like I was right there living the story as it unfolded. All the side characters were entertaining, distinguishable, and added value to the story.

Thank you Netgalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Hachette Audio for providing me an arc of the audio book!

A Love Song For Ricki Wilde was excellent. Tia Williams really knows how to write a love story that consumes you. I laughed and I cried. I was possibly sobbing a little at the end. Fantastic book, can’t wait for everyone to get to read this!

The narrator was great!

when i got approved for ‘a love song for ricki wilde by tia williams’ audio arc i was over the moon excited because i absolutely loved ‘seven days in june’. this is one of those books that grips you from the very first sentence (which was “leap years are strange”…. isn’t that so fitting for this year???). tia williams has a way of creating those soul-mate kinda love stories but this one was on a whole other level. the magical realism and extremely romantic nature of this great
love story had me grasping for more and more. i truly never wanted this book to end. i was feeling all the swoon worthy emotions and found myself wiping my tear-filled eyes after multiple tender
moments. this book had a historical aspect that had me learning so much pivotal and important history as well which i deeply appreciated. this is a story that needs to be high up in your tbr! i truly can’t recommend this beautifully unique romance enough especially for lovers of addie larue and the seven year slip.
if you are an audiobook girlie, this audio has got to be one of the most phenomenal audios i’ve ever read! you can just hear the attention to detail and the amount of time and effort that went into the creation of this audio. these narrators were incredible!
can we also just take a second (or longer) to appreciate the magic that is this cover 🤩
thank you so so much hachette audio, grand central pub & tia williams for the audio arc!!! this book will be available february 6th!!!

OVERALL: 4.5⭐
NARRATION: 5⭐

WHAT I LIKED & DISLIKED ABOUT IT:
There wasn't much I disliked about the book. I felt the story was slow at times in the beginning but came together in the end. I was a little thrown off about the literal magical storyline but it fits! Ricki is a relatable character. Who hasn't dreamed of having a character like Ms. Della in their lives?

The narration was great. I felt drawn in by the dual narrators and immersed in the story. They made the characters feel real and like a movie playing in my mind.

All in all, as someone who doesn't generally like contemporary romance, this book has me sold on the genre. I can't wait to explore more books by Tia Williams and others.

RECOMMENDATION:
This book is perfect for anyone who's in the mood for a magical, romantic tale with fated mates, self-discovery, and some historical elements. Also a great read for any leap year. This is a feel-good book.

A beautifully written romance that features themes of mental health, Black history, elitism and complicated family dynamics.
I was obsessed with this book for the first half but found myself getting kind of bored towards the end of the book because the ending and the love story between Ricki and Breeze felt very predictable to me. Overall, it was a really good read though and I loved all of our main characters so much.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an advanced audio copy of the book.