Review published today on Goodreads. Overall, fun romcom with an interesting and somewhat fresh plot!

Thanks to Random House for the ARC copy.

Overall a 3.8.

What might start a little slow in a Dawson’s Creek style show town, turns into a genuine, heartfelt story of finding your footing and loving an imperfect, but interesting, life. There are aspects of this story that remind me of other media (the mystery spot episode of supernatural lol, Dawson’s creek, riverdale, etc.), it became fresh toward the latter half.

I appreciated both of these main characters. Josh - heartfelt, sad, and lost - is a leading man that will remind you of an Emily Henry story.

Brynn started out a little stuck and admittedly annoying to me, lost in her idea of idealism, but quickly developed as a kind, interesting character. I do think Brynn’s backstory could have been better developed, or the relationship with her “friends” could have been wrapped up in a more conclusive way, but such is life. We don’t always get the closure ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

Overall, would recommend for a fun romcom!

It was a fun read. I read it in one go. I would love to be transported into my favorite television shows. 3.5 stars!!!

DNF @ 46%

After reading and loving THIS SPELLS LOVE last year, I wanted to love this one SO MUCH. But there was just something about the magical realism AND romantic elements that did not work for me. I wasn't rooting for either character, it seemed weird that they were the romantic duo...and that really shouldn't be the case when you're almost halfway through the book.

Read if you like:
- Laguna Beach
- The OC / Dawson's Creek
- Magical Realism
- Roommates to Lovers

I did enjoy the overall storyline but felt like living out their lives in a. tv show was a bit too silly for me. I did love the chemistry between the two main characters as well as the ending .

Kate Robb, I’m adding you to my auto-buy authors list! I wanted to read this book because I’m a sucker for a magical, romantic read. It was hard for me to put this book down once I started it, and I’m so sad that it’s over already.

This book follows Brynn and her roommate Josh as they find themselves in Carson’s Cove, the fictional city of Brynn’s favorite teen drama. Brynn has the chance to give the show the ending she’s always wanted, and to spend her days among her favorite comfort characters. What could be better?

The premise drew me in with its whimsy and originality, and Robb delivered on all of her promises.

LOVED:
* 90s/00s nostalgia
* the feeling of rewatching your favorite comfort show
* the highs and lows of a small town community
* sweet, believable chemistry between the FMC and her romantic interest
•
📚 Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Kate Robb for the ARC of Prime Time Romance in exchange for my honest review!

This was a cute romance. I've never watched Dawson's Creek but I assume Carson's Cove is loosely based on it. I do kinda wish there was more pining or tension between Brynn and Josh. They went from roommates that barely knew each other so being in love as soon as they were transported. But Brynn was pretty relatable. A 30yr old divorcee who wishes her life was like the perfect lives in her favorite comfort show

I absolutely fell in love with the premise of this book. Homage to early 2000s angsty teen tv shows? yes please. 10000 stars for the creativity of the plot and the Easter eggs to all the shows.
I also liked and appreciated the message of the main characters’ growth and development—it’s expected that you will change and you CAN change. You can appreciate something for what it did for you but acknowledge that it just doesn’t serve you anymore or that you realize and understand the flaws of it now…because everything has flaws, from humans to towns.

Where this fell a little flat and wasn’t a 5 star was in the romance. it felt very rushed and sudden. I would’ve liked to have more tension building and scenes between the two main characters (both in the beginning when they were platonic roommates and in the alternate universe TV show world). What was there felt a bit shallow and then all of a sudden they loved each other. There is a bit of a love triangle that had a lot dedicated to it too so I understand you can only do so much in so many pages. But I would’ve read 50-100 more pages if it was more Josh and Brynn.

It's like Kate Robb went inside my brain and found out I wished I lived in One Tree Hill. I LOVED 'PRIME TIME ROMANCE'! If you grew up watching One Tree Hill or Dawson's Creek, you will love it! Also, kudos to paying homage to not only our favorite 90s teen dramas BUT also one of my all-time favorite films Pleasantville. I honestly feel like this book is everything I have always wanted. It's got second chance romance, found family, friends to lovers, slow burn. Also, a respectful amount of spice! I enjoyed watching Brynn and Josh navigate Cozy Cove and realize their feelings for each other. It wasn't forced. It wasn't too slow or too fast. Just right!

It's funny, heart-warming, and fulfills the question all of us millennials had of what it would be like if we could jump into the 90s teen drama world.

If you love 2000's style hit TV shows this is the book for you!! This was SO cute. A little magic + a perfect (or is it) dream world and you have Prime Time Romance!

I think the author did a really great job showing the conflicting emotions that come with doing what people tell you to do vs what you ACTUALLY want to do. I loved it. I think the character building in both the Carson's Cove world and Josh/Brynn were done really well. I loved Josh and Brynn and the ending was CHEFS KISS.

I'd like to express my gratitude to NetGalley. I had the opportunity to peruse an initial version of this book, and more recently, I revisited it thanks to NetGalley granting me renewed access.

Kate Robb's "Prime Time Romance" whisked me away on a journey reminiscent of 2000s teen dramas, infused with a touch of enchanting alternate reality. It was an absolute delight!

Let's start with Brynn, our protagonist. Recently single and navigating the complexities of post-divorce adulthood, she epitomizes relatability. Who hasn't sought solace in the comforting embrace of their favorite television series during life's tumultuous moments? And speaking of TV shows, Carson's Cove serves as a sanctuary, offering Brynn a glimmer of hope amidst life's chaos.

The narrative takes a surprising turn when Brynn and her roommate Josh find themselves inexplicably transported into the heart of Carson's Cove. Suddenly, they're not just Brynn and Josh; they've become Sloan and Fletch, integral characters within this televised world.

What ensues is a delightful exploration of familiar tropes and heartwarming moments as Brynn and Josh navigate this new reality, striving to fulfill Brynn's desire for a fairy-tale ending. Sparks ignite, emotions run high, and soon you find yourself cheering for these characters as if they were your closest confidants.

While I adored the romance in this tale, I yearned for additional heart-fluttering moments between Brynn and Josh to truly intensify the emotional connection. Yet, what truly elevated this book were the myriad pop culture references that had me positively giddy! From subtle nods to beloved TV classics to nostalgic Easter eggs sprinkled throughout, "Prime Time Romance" serves as a heartfelt homage to the teen dramas that left an indelible mark on a generation.

If you're seeking a feel-good read that seamlessly merges romcom allure with a healthy dose of nostalgia, "Prime Time Romance" is the perfect choice. Kate Robb has masterfully crafted a narrative as addictive as your favorite binge-worthy TV series, complete with characters you'll champion until the very last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Robb for sending me an ARC of “Prime Time Romance.” I enjoyed the overall idea behind this book. I think it would be rare to find a person that didn’t want to insert themselves into their guilty pleasure teen romance show. I know I did for The Vampire Diaries so I could be with Stefan Salvatore. Poor Brynn is trying to find some good in the world, but her real life loved ones aren’t pulling their weight for her. After her stranger of a roommate gets her back home and helps her celebrate her birthday with a last minute wish, they are transported to her guilty pleasure teen romance show- “Carson’s Cove” several years into the future. Brynn has the task of making sure the two main love interests fall in love and have their happily ever after. However, her stranger roommate was brought with her and has to watch her go through the process.
The first few chapters really gripped my attention because it reminded me of classic early 2000’s movies. However, when we jump into Carson’s Cove it was hard to follow along with the “love” Brynn was supposed to have towards her new love interest from the show. It felt very surface level for trying to sell the given love interest rather than the true love interest of her stranger roommate. Which brings me to my next point, the love plot for the stranger roommate (Josh) and Brynn felt like Sleeping Beauty in a way. Their work schedules were opposite so their only interaction was passing by each other to go to sleep. They are then transported to Carson’s Cove and Josh has to just wing it while Brynn gets her happily ever. Besides Josh having his realization moment of “hey, that’s my girl” there isn’t exactly much tension to build up the fight from readers to root for Josh and Brynn together over her Carson’s Cove “soulmate.”
It was a cute, refreshing read. I would recommend this book for that purpose. If you’re looking for a more emotionally connected romance, I would not recommend.

A new divorcee finds herself in the ideal world of her favorite 2000s teen soap and a second-chance romance?

Hmmmm... maybe I should have read the full description before snagging the latest book from author Kate Robb when it was "Read Now" on NetGalley. It was totally not for me. First 20% was lots of fun and I liked where it was going until Brynn woke up in a fictional town from her favorite 2000's teen soap opera (which gave me major Gilmore Girls or maybe Dawson's Creek vibes)? I can't quite put my finger on what it was, but something in the story just didn't work for me and I felt there was very little romantic chemistry between Brynn and Josh. The TV show aspect was written in a way that the reader was supposed to know the in's and out's of a fictional soap opera, and I just felt lost. Overall, it all felt very juvenile for two 30 year olds and much too juvenile for me as a reader (and I love romance!)

This book was an easy read. I feel in love with the characters quickly and embrace the storyline. Josh and Brynn build that sweet, easy, nice relationship after knowing each other as only acquaintances/roomies for a while, but that is what it made it easy and sweet because there was trust, the trust of living together even if they never really socialized a lot before the series of event happened.
I had a tiny squeak scape me when the gave the GOT references, that was the crazy fan in me.
Being fair, this felt like reading an adult version of Debby Ryan "16 Wishes" movie, and I really liked it, if you liked this movie, you'll like the book, I am not saying that, science is. I also liked the movie when it came out so that makes it proof.
This is a romcom that I can probably read and reread because it has all the little details of a romcom, plus the most corny and cliche actions that makes me excited but not overdoing them. It just felt like they were trying to do an specific ending for Sheldon but Sheldon lowkey was pushing them together is the greatest romcom, falling into your arms way. Most important though, those cliche and corny moments weren't overdone to make it annoying.
Is important to mention that there are never enough forehead kisses. That is a micro trope that is right on the top of my list along side taking care of her when she's sick (vice versa )
I can't finish this review without saying that Spences is an asshole without meaning to be, he's just stupid but is fine, cause she was always meant to be with Josh.
Josh is the papi of the papis, sweetest man, gentleman and funny with some sarcasm.
And the cake recipe at the end made the whole book come full circle in my opinion.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book before the publishing date. It is an honor.

A very cute story! Readers will escape into another world (impossible yet familiar) and enjoy spotting trademark elements of the teen soap opera. A tad predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. 3 stars.

This book was such a fun read! Prime Time Romance is an engaging romp through the world of 1990s and 2000s young adult television programing and the idealistic communities we saw in shows such as Dawson's Creek, Gilmore Girls, and One Tree Hill.

On the eve of her 30th birthday, fresh from a divorce and living with a roommate, Brynn wishes for a happily ever after in the vein of her favorite television show, Carson's Cove. From there, she and her roommate, Josh, are transported to Carson's Cove as two of the main characters of the show, including the town sweetheart, Sloan, and the resident bad boy, Fletcher. From there, they have to figure out the character's happily ever afters and how to get home.

This book was really engaging and whimsical - I read the whole thing in less than 24 hours. I enjoyed the premise immensely, and laughed at all of the obvious references to some of my favorite television shows of the 90s and 2000s. This book became highly introspective halfway through as Brynn and Josh discover more about Carson's Cove and the people who reside there and provides an interesting and thoughtful commentary about the fictitious and seemingly perfect communities many of us grew up with while watching television.

Brynn and Josh were highly charming and likeable as characters. I felt for them as I read their backstories and how they got to where they are. Their pasts definitely define some of their current quirks and personality traits. It was so refreshing to see them as the flawed humans they are from early in the book rather than painting either character as perfect like some books attempt. I enjoyed the dual POV of the book and it provided a lot of detail and inner thoughts from both characters in a way that single POV would not have been able to accomplish. I think this was doubly important as Brynn and Josh become the two characters from Carson's Cove - it was really integral to see and hear their individual experiences in addition to their shared experience.

If you enjoy books with spice, this book had some spice (maybe 1.5 chili peppers worth) and two intimate scenes that were detailed, but not graphic. The build up to the moments was really well done and I enjoyed seeing the relationship play out throughout the book.

I definitely recommend this book for a fun and nostalgic read!

Actual Rating: 3.5 Rounded Up

I read Kate Robb’s first book as well and I can safely say that I enjoyed this one way more. I think what helped this story over This Spells Love is that it is actually Josh and Brynn falling in love and not the MFC and an alternative universe version of the MMC. The concept is very fanfiction, which is frankly a good thing from my POV, it’s what drew me to Robb’s first book and I requested an ARC of this one. The concept of being sucked into a version of your favorite TV show to fix the cliff hanger ending is fun and silly and exactly what I look for in lighthearted and quick romance reads.

What I enjoyed most of this book was Josh as a character learning to accept his mistakes and grow as a person. The dual POV really help to grow the characters and flush them out much more then was achieved in This Spells Love. I didn’t enjoy some of the dialogue choices (however I did unexpectedly really like the replacement of curse words with PG alternatives) and how rushed the ending felt. I had the same complaint with This Spells Love too.

Overall, I would definitely recommend if your looking for a silly goofy time, and I look forward to seeing what Robb does next!

DNF @ 55%

I tried so hard because I actually really like Katie Robb’s writing, but there was something about the plot and tropes that just weren’t working for me.

I loved the Pleasantville nod and was curious to see where it went, but the main character’s obsessed with being the ‘good girl’ was killing me (even though she was playing a character).

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for honest review.

Not your average romcom but it was amazing I loved it. It kinda gives me Teen Beach vibes in the best way. Josh and Brynn have my heart 💕💕

3..5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4 📖 The last 25% of this book saved it for me.

I found the majority of this book pretty cringy honestly. I know Brynn experienced major heartbreak and devastation, but I found the premise of pining for this fictional world/show/teenage love kind of gross as a woman in her 30s. I understand what she was pining for was the happy ending and a place where everything works out the way it’s supposed to, but the romance side of that was weird.

Let’s get to the positive, Josh was 10/10 all the way through this book. I loved him and the way he supported Brynn even when he didn’t agree (same here, bud). I enjoyed watching their romance take shape and grow.

The last 25% where Brynn had a wake-up call about what she really wanted out of life was a breath of fresh air.

Ultimately, I really did enjoy this book and it is a quick read. I would recommend!

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing and Kate Robb for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Brynn Smothers, a freshly divorced and financially strapped woman, finds solace in the quaint town of Carson's Cove, aka her own personal favorite 2000s teen soap sanctuary. But when her beloved show leaves her hanging with an unresolved cliffhanger, Brynn's frustration hits an all-time high. With the delivery of an unexpected birthday cake and a wish for a happily ever after on the eve of her 30th birthday, Brynn wakes up in an alternate reality where she becomes Sloane, the girl next door, living in the very universe of her favorite series. But there's a catch—her roommate Josh stars as Fletch, the town's enigmatic bad boy. As Brynn begins to navigate this channel, sparks fly, chemistry sizzles, and she's left questioning whether her newfound happiness is just a fleeting fantasy or something more, taking Main Character Energy to a whole new level 📺

There are a couple of things that stand out in Kate Robb’s writing: her characters only move forward, she creates bonds between women, and she is incredibly adept at blending fantasy with reality ✨ Prime Time Romance was uniquely familiar (ik - a total oxymoron, but hear me out). The same way that Robb can map out Capeside, MA, my Prime Time Romance took place in Stars Hollow, CT 🍂 That’s where Kate Robb struck gold: she took a vast concept outside of books with its own formula and weaved it into her own idea. Every reader has the opportunity to shift the landscape into their own 2000s teen-angst comfort show. With a gazebo, a local [bar] owned by the grumpy [aunt] of the local bad boy, and even a literal tOWN TROUBADOUR, it wasn’t hard to imagine the Gilmore Girls theme song playing softly in the background. More so, Brynn and Josh were able to illuminate plot armor, overused tropes, and outdated storylines. So, pick your poison (Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, Gilmore Girls, Pretty Little Liars, Buffy, Gossip Girl, etc.) and find closure in how the story ended 📖

Kate Robb - your only flaw is that you are a Logan girlie 💔