Member Reviews
Such a creative plot - I love the idea of going back into a favorite 90s drama to change the ending. The ending of this book was great! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Prime Time Romance is a delightful read! Brynn is an almost 30 year old divorcee who is having trouble enjoying life post divorce. Josh is Brynn's bartender roommate who has also had heartbreak with the death of his father and the loss of his father's bar during the pandemic. Josh and Brynn don't usually interact much as roommates, but after a night out at the bar Josh is tending they bond eating popcorn and watching Brynn's comfort show, Carson's Cove, the night before her 30th birthday. Brynn gets a cake delivered and makes a wish, propelling them to the world of Carson's Cove. As Brynn and Josh work together to get back to their world, they find themselves falling for each other. How can they be together if Brynn is destined to be with someone else in Carson's Cove?
I really enjoyed this book! I liked This Spells Love, but Prime Time Romance is my favorite novel of Kate Robb's. Brynn and Josh's romance felt very genuine. The way they cared for one another and respected each other was so refreshing! It was also fun to see the different viewpoints that Brynn had of Carson's Cove and how her views changed once she was there! An enjoyable read with a fun paranormal spin! Highly recommend!
As a fan of romcom and sitcom, this seems the perfect book for me. I surprisingly love this.
One, I didn't realize this got a bit of some kind of magical realism. We have a Brynn and Josh, room mate and not really friends as they transported to the world of Carson's Cove. Two, yes, I did google Carson's Cove because I thought it was a real sitcom show lol.
It's very entertaining, and fast-paced. As both main characters were forced to take on the role of Sloan (the next-door charming woman) and Fletcher (the bad boy bartender), we still saw their real personality throughout the book. I love that we have characters with so much depth and how their relationship was very organic.
Carson's Cove is this small town where everyone knew each other and seems perfect and full of sunshine but as we follow along the characters, we saw that not everything is what it seems to be. Both characters/roles are inside the box of what people thought about them, and they did break their barriers, as the characters and as a person.
It's very light-hearted and overall fun, and there's still a lesson behind it all.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed Kate Robb's first book, This Spells Love, so I was honored to be given this ARC! As with This Spells Love, there's a magical/whimsical aspect to this book. Brynn, the FMC, is a recent divorcee who is trying to find her footing in life again. Josh is Brynn's roommate who prefers noncommittal relationships and also has his own regrets/struggles in his life. After a mysterious delivery and a birthday wish, Brynn and Josh are transported into Brynn's favorite teen soap show, Carson's Cove, as characters in the show. In the beginning, it seems like this would be a cute plot, but it actually takes an unexpected creepy turn as it becomes apparent that they were placed in the show for more sinister/CREEPY reasons. So the question is, how will Josh and Brynn get back to reality? Along the way, Josh and Brynn find themselves and Brynn finds out that the place she thought was perfect is not what it seems.
The writing was hilarious - I liked Brynn's character and I loved the banter and chemistry between Josh and Brynn. There's also a nod to Dawson's Creek in this book that made me fangirl a little bit. It was interesting to see how Brynn idolized Carson's Cove, but over time, her perceptions on the town and the people in it changed. Even though for most of the book, Brynn and Josh are playing characters in a teen soap, these characters somewhat resemble who they are in real life and the struggles that they are going through, so we are still able to see a lot of personal growth for both characters.
I liked this book even better than This Spells Love. It incorporated a lot more magical aspects and I enjoyed experiencing the alternate world that the author created.
In a world where TV reboots reign supreme, what if you could dive back into your favorite teen drama and carry on the story right from where it ended? Only this time, you're not just a viewer – you're the star of the show. Allow me to introduce you to Prime Time Romance.
Synopsis:
Newly divorced Brynn has one simple wish– happily ever after, duh. Everything in her life feels superficial, from her string of bad dates to her shallow circle of friends. After a lame night out where literally none of her “Brunch Bitches” remember her birthday, she retreats home to watch her favorite comfort show, Carson’s Cove, a la Dawson’s Creek. Only difference from this night and any other is she’s joined by her bartender roomie, Josh. When a mysterious Uber Eats delivery arrives bearing a birthday cake with a single candle, Josh insists Brynn make a wish. Flash forward to the next morning, Brynn and Josh awaken to find themselves thrust into a literal reboot of Carson’s Cove, set 15 years after the show originally ended. They only have one task– give the characters the happily ever after they deserved when the show was abruptly canceled. What could go wrong?
What to expect:
✨He falls first
✨Rom-com
✨Forced proximity
✨Dual POV
✨Personal growth
✨Scripted reality
Review:
Prime Time Romance was a teen drama fantasy. Every reference to all my old favorite shows, and hilarious classic TV moments were such a vibe. I found myself laughing out loud within the first chapter! Admittedly, I was initially bummed when Brynn and Josh got whisked away from their present timeline and dumped into Carson’s Cove because I was so invested in their current story. However, I have to hand it to Kate Robb – she wrote this ingeniously. The book was witty, hilarious, and it was evident that Robb truly knows her stuff, crafting characters in Carson’s Cove that were delightfully cliché. It was giving a Rory/Dean/Jess storyline there for a while, but the Jess we were always rooting for. While I adored the nostalgic, giddy feeling this book gave me, I was left wanting a little more depth to Brynn and Josh’s relationship development. Nevertheless, Prime Time Romance remains an incredibly fun, lighthearted read that you can easily binge in one sitting, just like your favorite show.
Thank you NetGalley and Dial Press for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be live on Goodreads immediately, and shared on Instagram the week prior to release.
I'm a sucker for nostalgia and if there's another facet of my personality that I'm most proud of, it's my love for 90's-2010's television. This book was a love note for the girlies who used to grow up with Peyton/Lucas/Brooke in One Tree Hill or Summer/Seth (The O.C) or Dawson/Joey/Pacey, etc etc. I can go on and on. 😂 I 1000% relate to going back to my comfort show, like Carson's Cove was for our main character, years after the show's series finale. I can rewatch some of the same episodes/seasons and never get tired or bored. Brynn described it as being a comfort to know how a show pans out sometimes, while real life is crazy and unpredictable.
I love the dash of magical realism, nostalgia, and romance. I couldn't put this one down.
Thank you to Maddie at Dial Press & Netgalley for the early copy! All thoughts are my own 🫶🏼
I have been Kate Robb's biggest fan since I've read her debut novel, This Spells Love, so getting to read her latest release had me thrilled to the very marrow of my bone! And all this excitement wasn't for nothing because the moment I started reading this book I was hooked! And I was kept being reminded throughout the story and the author's writing style why I love her books and characters so much!
This book, "Prime Time Romance" surely has taken my world by storm with its captivating storytelling and clever, witty dialogue. The novel follows the journey of Brynn, a hopeless romantic who finds solace in her favorite television show, Carson's Cove, after going through a painful divorce. Little does she know that her life is about to take an unexpected turn when she and her roommate Josh are mysteriously transported into the world of Carson's Cove.
As Brynn and Josh navigate through the challenges of this alternate universe, they must find a way to unravel the secrets of Carson's Cove and ultimately discover the perfect ending that will allow them to return home. Along the way, the book delves into themes of perfection, reality, and the sweetness that can be found in life's challenges. I undoubtedly found myself relating to the characters and their personal journeys, making it a truly captivating read that left a lasting impact
on me.
One of the standout aspects this book has is its ability to offer a fun and nostalgic experience, reminiscent of my beloved teen shows. The author skillfully weaves together elements of alternate universe romances and magical realism, creating a unique and enchanting reading experience. Fans of shows like Dawson's Creek and Gilmore Girls will particularly appreciate the nostalgic vibes and the exploration of personal growth and redemption.
While I kind of wanted a longer story with more depth in certain character relationships, the overall consensus is that Kate Robb's sophomore book is a delightful read that surpasses expectations. The author's ability to create well-developed characters and a heartwarming story is truly commendable, leaving readers eagerly awaiting her next work. So, I feel so grateful to be able to read this book, considering how much this author's works I feel connected to!
In conclusion, if you are a fan of magical realism, and shows like Dawson's Creek, Kate Robb's latest book is an absolute must-read. With its gripping storytelling, clever dialogue, and relatable characters, this book offers a captivating and heartwarming experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating the author's next literary endeavor.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
One of my favorite storylines I’ve read so far! I’ve always imagined myself being transported into a different universe and this book does that. You can see the way the story unfolds and it shows that no one can’t control your future or feelings but oneself.
I’ll be posting this on goodreads, instagram and TikTok a week before publication
I’m a sucker for Dawson’s Creek type of narrative and dual POV - how lucky that this book has both! I always enjoy a short romcom but I think there needed to be more time spent with the main characters in order to believe they fell in love as quickly as they did. Overall it was a cute light read.
This review will be published on Goodreads a week before release.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publishers for this ARC in exchange for a honest review. Kate Robb is an author who just has a writing style I absolutely devour. I knew when receiving this ARC, after absolutely loving This Spells Love, that this book would be no different. Prime Time Romance had such a cool and unique storyline to anything I’ve read lately - I love romances, so combine that with the concept of entering your favorite TV show - where everything is amazing and anything that goes wrong always has a way of fixing itself - only to find out things aren’t always as perfect as they seem… and you’ve got me hooked. I think this story at the surface is something sooooo many people can relate to and was so fun to read. I love how Kate Robb developed both Brynn and Josh’s character to not only realize the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but also have so much growth and push past their insecurities too. I also love that with each the authors stories so far - there’s a little bit of paranormal activity going on, there’s a slow burn with delicious tension building, and there are lessons to be taken away from the story. I would rate this story 3.75 stars and absolutely recommend reading it when published! I definitely will be reading all of Kate Robb’s work in the future ◡̈
I finished this book in less than 72 hours. Just like her last book, I felt the premise of this story was quite original and the characters well written. The main character, Brynn binges Carson’s Cove (a fictional Dawson’s Creek) and wishes herself a real life happy ending and ends up trapped in Carson’s Cove with her roommate Josh. I think the story line will appeal most to people who enjoyed Dawson’s Creek growing up but definitely not necessary. It definitely added to the enjoyment though. The story follows the roommates trying to give the main characters of Carson’s Cove their happy ending in order to return home while also facing their issues from the real world. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys feel good books but is tired of the same old story lines used
Thank you so much Netgally for the opportunity to read and review this book. After reading Kate Robb’s debut novel This spells love, I was excited to see what the author brought next. It was a quick fun and entertaining book with a touch of magical realism, cute characters and endearing moments. I enjoyed the writing and found the plot nostalgic and cozy. I recommend.
If you are a fan of 90’s teen dramas run out and read this book. You’ll notice lots of Easter eggs. Josh is a swoony Paceylike hero. (Pacey Forever!) Brynn gives off later season Joey vibes. It’s a cute read. I do wish the characters were fleshed out a little more. They went from 0 to in love very quickly. But overall it was an enjoyable read.
loved this room mates to lovers in wish book. she has a birthday and wants to go to her favorite tv show because its perfect but she ends up changing the story and falling in love with her room mate/fletcher character. loved that she moved on and made a new friend.
I’m a sucker for an alternate reality book, and I’m also a sucker for TV so I knew this book would be a great read for me! I really liked both of our main characters a ton! I would say I wish I could visit Carson’s Cove, but I’m a little afraid to say that 😂 my only reasoning for it not being 5 stars is I wanted more closure with the secondary characters, but I’m also happy with the ending!
This reminded me a lot of the Disney Channel movie Teen Beach Movie but the adult version.
I really liked the concept. It’s fun, different and kept me guessing as to what would happen.
The romance has its ups and downs but overall I liked it. I think a few more scenes were needed between the characters to build up the romance more.
Also if you enjoy Gilmore Girls/Dawson Creek type dramas, you’ll probably enjoy this since the show the main character is in resembles them.
A unique book that will entertain readers.
This book started so cute and I adored the first bit. After about 40% in I was a little zoned out by the story and I felt like it dragged a bit. The last 10% is cute and made my heart warm. I like the style of writing, and could easily picture the characters by the rich descriptions from the author.
I enjoy how this novel brings romcom and nostalgia together. I could easily pick out which show the characters most resemble, which made me happy and comforted.
This book is quick witted and very entertaining! I love how it brings back all my 90's TV obsessions, think Bev Hills 90210, Buffy & Dawson's Creek all mixed together and i could hear the music of my teen years!
This book is a roommate's to so much more than lovers storyline and is everything you want in-between. Friendships, family and some spice.
Brynn and Josh made ne think of Joey and Dylan more than Joey and Pacey but I think that's more my love of Dylan. Their chemistry and spice scenes made me smile and blush just enough.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC. I loved This Spells Love, I thought it was clever and fun and funny. This is also clever and fun and funny, but not as much. It is very much a rewrite of Pleasentville, with a little bit of steam. I liked the wink wink nods to Dawson Creek, and it really seemed to pick up in the end. 3.5 stars.
The biggest THANK YOU to the Kate Robb, Netgalley, and Penguin Randomhouse for this book.
5 stars. Loved every nostalgic minute of this. I’m pretty sure Kate Robb and I would have been bestie TV watching buddies in middle/high school.
I like romance books, but I really adore the ones that dabble in magic, and this one was hit for me.
As much as I enjoyed the walk down memory lane, the core of this novel - a FMC getting out of a divorce and learning about what it means to really have a perfect relationship and an MMC who is dealing with loss in his life is what connected with me the most.
A must buy auto read author for me for sure now.
See more of my review in the link.