Prime Time Romance is a fast-paced and fun read that brought the nostalgia with a dash of magic. I was quickly hooked and found Brynn to be a likable and relatable main character. The dual POV chapters were well-timed and both characters had distinctive voices. I loved the Easter Eggs from the 90’s teen dramas and it was the icing on the cake for me! I haven’t read This Spells Love yet, but now I’m excited to go read another book by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dial Press, and Random House Publishing Group for the eARC!

"Prime Time Romance" is like a cozy blanket made of all your favorite 2000s teen dramas, with a sprinkle of magical realism to keep things interesting. Brynn, fresh out of a divorce and clinging to her beloved TV show, Carson's Cove, suddenly finds herself living the soap opera dream alongside her roommate Josh. It's like Pleasantville meets Dawson's Creek, and I was here for every nostalgic moment.

Robb nails the vibe of those classic teen dramas, from the angsty romance to the quirky small-town charm. Brynn and Josh's journey into the world of Carson's Cove is a wild ride, filled with drama, humor, and, of course, unexpected feelings for each other. Forced into the roles of beloved characters, they stumble through their scripted adventure, discovering more about themselves and each other along the way.

While "Prime Time Romance" doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, it's a fun and lighthearted read that hits all the right notes. The banter between Brynn and Josh is top-notch, and their evolving relationship feels both genuine and swoon-worthy. My only complaint? I could have used a bit more closure at the end. But hey, life's not always neatly wrapped up with a bow, right? Overall, if you're in the mood for a charming rom-com with a nostalgic twist, this book is a perfect pick-me-up.

Overall rating: 4.25 stars, 1.5 chili peppers.

Big thanks to Random House Publishing Group for providing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and freely given.

thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I made it halfway and everything still feels so flat to me which makes me so sad!! I don’t feel connected to any of these characters whatsoever.. I felt no emotion behind any of the words that were said.. everything moved at such a slow pace that i was getting bored.. i really wanted to like this one!

Prime Time Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️

Thank you to @NetGalley & @randomhouse for giving me the opportunity to read & review Prime Time Romance before its release on September 3, 2024.

Have you ever wished you could take the place of the leading lady in your favorite tv show? Do you find yourself envious of onscreen love triangles? Were you a Dean girlie until you realized how much more fun (& hotter 🥵) Gilmore Girls’ resident bad boy Jess was? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you’ll fit right in with Brynn.

After an abrupt divorce from the man Brynn thought she’d spend the rest of her life with, she finds her life has become a bit lack luster. Online dating has proved to be a hopeless romantics nightmare and to top it off, Brynn’s gal pals invite her out for a night of partying only for them to forget it’s her birthday. The only thing holding Brynn together is the date she has with a bottle of wine and her favorite comfort show, Carson’s Cove. After the day she’s had nothing can ruin her cozy evening, not even her bartender roommate crashing her solo binge of 90’s sitcom goodness. But little do they know, Brynn’s birthday wish will soon transport them into said 90’s sitcom where they will be tasked with playing out the shows finale that previously ended in the biggest cliff hanger in tv history.

If you have a rotation of 90’s sitcoms as your comfort shows, Prime Time Romance was written for you.

What you can expect from Prime Time Romance:
-dual pov
-MC’s are roommates
-he falls first
-divorced FMC
-reformed party boy bartender MMC
-brothers friend

A delightful romance. I loved Brynn and Josh and the depth that both of them had as they confronted their past and moving forward from the circumstances they were dealt. On the surface, it was a charming story of a charming story both uncovering more that was really going on and learning from mistakes and regaining/taking control of life. (It may have struck close to home for me at the moment.) I really enjoyed the journey of landing in an unexpected place and things working out how they are meant to be.

If you have a comfort show that you love based in the late 90's to the early 2000's (shows like Dawson's Creek and the like) and wish you were a character in one of said shows then I think you will absolutely adore this book. Since I was never really into any of those type of shows (sad for me) I didn't really find myself as drawn to this story. I will say it is well written and many readers will love it and it was entertaining and sweet with a touch of spice. I am torn between 3 and 4 stars with this one but ultimately I did enjoy it so I'm going with 4 stars.

I really loved Kate's other novel, This Spells Love and was hoping for that same feeling here but I didn't quite get it.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Random House, Dial Press Trade Paperback and Kate Robb for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb
Overall: 3.5/5, Fluff: 4/5, Spice: 3/5, Predictability: 3/5

There’s nothing better than cozying up with your favorite comfort show from your youth, am I right? Brynn feels the same way, frequently turning to the idyllic world of Carson’s Cove when things in the real world get to be too much for her. In Carson’s Cove, the sun is always shining, the grass is always green, and everything always works out for the main characters. Brynn makes a wish on her birthday to <i>be</i> in Carson’s Cove, and as a result, she and her roommate, Josh, become trapped in a parallel Carson’s Cove universe. The only way to get back to the proper timeline is for Brynn to give Carson’s Cove’s female main character the happy ending she deserves… except Brynn isn’t so sure that’s the ending <i>she</i> wants.

Of course, this book requires a <i>large</i> suspension of reality. It got confusing at times because in Carson’s Cove world, Brynn was Sloan and Josh was Fletch, and I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t make my head spin a bit. Still, I couldn’t put the book down. I do think that a plot like this works better on the screen than on the page, but maybe I’m too unimaginative and being trapped in parallel tv universes are the line in the sand for me.

The book itself reminded me of <i>Pleasantville</i>, right down to the fact that Brynn and Josh couldn’t cuss in Carson’s Cove. I also loved the little bits of nostalgia Robb sprinkled throughout the book. I saw plenty of nods to some of my favorite shows like Dawson’s Creek, Buffy, Gilmore Girls, Vampire Diaries, and even Riverdale.

I don’t want to say that this was a case of sophomore slump because there is plenty to enjoy about this book; as expected, Robb creates lovable characters and steamy scenes, but I didn’t love it as much as I was expecting.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Robb, and Dial Press for a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. It has been an honor and a privilege to read your work!

I absolutely loved everything about this book. The main characters were relatable and their banter and romance was perfectly executed for a light romantic comedy. I loved the minor characters as well including all friends, family and enemies. Can Luce get like a short novella or something? I’m desperate for more from her.

The plot really flowed, from the conflicts to the resolutions, I couldn’t stop reading and I couldn’t get enough of everything in this book.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love a high concept romance and this one did not disappoint. Floundering after her recent divorce, Brynn seeks comfort in binge watching her favorite tv show, Carson’s Cove, a sort of Dawson’s Creek-Gilmore Girls mash-up. After a disastrous night out, a mysterious midnight delivery of a birthday cake leads to a wish that transports both Brynn and her roommate Josh into the world of the teen soap. Now they both have to step-in to fictional roles to give the characters the happy ending they never received if they want to make it back to the real world. Or at least this is what they have been told by an increasingly menacing Kirk Gleason-like spirit guide.

Somehow this all works (really it does!) and I really loved this funny and nostalgic romance. You get to know both Brynn and Josh well as they find parallels to their own lives in the fictional tv characters they inhabit. My only slight complaint is that this could have been a bit longer to allow for more development of the main romance. Overall, this takes a big swing and is an enjoyable and fresh take on a contemporary romance.

Many thanks to Dial Press and NetGalley for sending over this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book follows Brynn, newly divorced who is on the brisk of her thirtieth birthday. She is tired of heartbreak in her life but at least she is able to binge watch her favorite comfort show, Carson's Cove. She lives with her roommate, Josh who is a bartender and mostly keeps to himself until he's dragged into a wish that Brynn makes on her birthday eve to ensure a happily-ever-after. But little does she think that she would end up in her own rom-com within Carson's Cove.

I thought this was such a cute lighthearted romance. It truly felt like I was apart of a rom-com movie of some sort. It gave me Teen Beach Movie vibes, especially with the female main character getting stuck in her favorite teen show. This book felt very nostalgic in a way, for that reason.

There was comedic timing and slight banter between the 2 main characters and I loved seeing their romance blossom and develop. I loved that the book was dual perspective as well because I love seeing the points of view from the guy and the girl, especially in a romance novel.

Once I picked up this book to start reading, I truly could not put it down. There were twists and conflicts but also so much love and swooning that it made it all that much more enjoyable.

Tropes:
- Dual POV
- Small Town Romance
- 90s/2000s Nostalgia

Newly divorced on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Brynn is sick of heartbreak. She thought she had found her happy ending, but now she’s now living with a roommate, Josh, to afford her mortgage and trying to adjust to her new single life. At least she’s got Carson’s Cove to binge, her beloved 2000s teenage soap. The show ended unexpectantly on a cliffhanger after five seasons, and the two main characters, Sloan and Spencer, never got to declare their love for one another. The show is still perfect in Brynn's eyes; despite all the drama that goes down, things always have a way of working out in Carson's Cove . . . unlike her own life.

So when a birthday cake surprisingly shows up on her and Josh’s doorstep, Brynn makes a wish for the one thing she always wanted (but failed to achieve herself): a happily-ever-after.

The next morning, she doesn't wake up in her apartment. She's in Carson's Cove . . . and Josh is there too. Everyone seems to know them, except they're not Brynn and Josh; they're Sloan, the sweetheart of Carson's Cove, and Fletch, the town's bad boy. And to get home, they have to make Brynn's wish come true by ensuring Sloan and Spencer, the hometown heartthrob, end up together at last. But as they spend more time together, Brynn and Josh realize that Carson's Cove might not be as perfect as seen on tv . . . especially when they start developing feelings for each other in a plot twist nobody expected. Will they stick to the script, or will real love change the story forever?


if you want a sweet and spicy romance, here you go. I simply can't express how much this book means to me. It is so good

When an unhappy divorcee is transported back into her favorite television show, what more can go wrong?

It's Brynn's 30th birthday, and she's at a bachelorette party. She's not even super close with the bride. Her connection to the bartender (her roommate Josh) thrust her into this event.

The one thing that calms her down and gives her sanity is the show Carson’s Cove. A 2000s teenage dream, this is full of likable characters, predictable plotlines, and happily ever afters. The only two not together are Sloan and Spencer, the ones that got away. Even though the show has ended, it still brings comfort in times of hardship.

When a mysterious birthday cake shows up after a horrible night, Brynn makes a wish for a happy ending and ends up in a place she'd never expect. With some magical realism mixed with a realistic plot, Kate Robb always creates a delightful story!

This was not my usual genre of choice but I ended up loving the time/dimension travel. It was great to see her character transform from wanting what looked like a perfect life to realizing what is perfect for her. Loved it, and highly recommend to anyone wanting a book to escape into!

A solid 4.5 star rating!! I really really enjoyed the concept and originality of this book. A lot of people said Gilmore girls and other shows but I would say it’s the perfect blend of Once Upon a Time meets One Tree Hill. The character development was so perfect and watching the FMC continue to grow and learn was amazing. The MMC was so 🤪 I loved him. Need more men like him in my books I think lol. If you’re into magical realism, comfort shows from the early 2000s and slow burn romance then this is a book for you!!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Prime Time Romance is, at its core, a love letter to Pacey and Joey from Dawson’s Creek. Robb makes readers question if their favorite idyllic teen drama from the 2000’s is a life to envy. Brynn and Josh’s chemistry is really palpable from the start, even in reality before their space time continuum adventure, which I liked. I loved Josh’s character development with his dad’s bar and wish Brynn had similar palpable development with her ex or new friends coming back to the real world.
Overall, this book was a very fast, cute read reminiscent of teen dramas with small towns. As a lover of Pacey Witter, I enjoyed Josh’s character immensely.

If you love a cheesy rom-com that takes you back to the glory days of Dawson’s Creek this book is for you… had an arc of this book and happy to say it’s a fun read! Gave some strong Pleasantville vibes if anyone remembers that movie!

3.5 stars
thank you to netgalley for a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
what a delightful and charming book! cute, quirky without being obnoxious, and a fun way to pay homage to the rom-com tropes we all know and love. I enjoy Kate robb's writing and even though this felt a little similar to her other book, this spells love, I still enjoyed. i mean why fix what's not broken? I loved the movie Pleasantville as a kid and as it turns out i still enjoy that kinda story as an adult too

I absolutely loved "This Spells Love" so was super excited when I got approved for this arc. This is also a second chance romance which is one of my favorite romance tropes.

This definitely reminded me of the Disney movie, "16 Wishes" and also of course, "13 going on 30" Our main character gets to enter her favorite prime time show and try to find her happy ever after. It made me think of what tv show world I'd like to live in, and I think it's a toss up between One Tree Hill and New Girl.

This also contains an element of magical realism which some might not love, but I absolutely love! I think it adds to the overall romance of this book, but of course, reading is subjective and it might not work for everyone.

Kate Robb has easily become an auto-read author for me!

Thank you netgalley, Kate Robb and the publisher for the arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

4⭐️
2🌶️

✨small town
✨roommates
✨90s/00s nostalgia
✨whimsy
✨dual POV

Oh my, this book was adorable. Brynn and her roommate Josh wake up in Carson’s Cove, the scene of Brynn’s favorite, binge-able 2000’s teen drama. The only way to return to their real lives is by giving the characters the ending they deserved before the show was cancelled after 5 seasons. It’s fun, quirky and a bit whimsical. It’s also very clearly inspired by One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek and The O.C. (seriously, Chad Michael, Spencer, Seth), and as a millennial, I ATE IT UP.

I also love how Kate Robb always puts a magical twist on her books. It may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely for me!

📚Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group and Kate Robb for the ARC of Prime Time Romance.

I loved Kate Robb’s debut romance, This Spells Love. Unfortunately, Prime Time Romance fell flat for me. While I thought the premise of the book was intriguing and there seemed to be the potential for a swoony romance when Josh left his shift at the bar to make sure Brynn got home safely, once the two of them were transported to Carson’s Cove, I found the story to be far less interesting. Magical realism is typically an element I enjoy, but I found myself not caring about anything to do with the Carson’s Cove aspect of the story. I didn’t feel invested in the main characters because it didn’t feel like there was much of a love story building, even halfway through the novel. I never got that butterfly feeling you hope to get while reading a romance book. The side characters seemed unlikeable instead of endearing. I wanted so badly to like this book, but sadly it just didn’t make me feel much of anything.