This was a great story of teen stars turned to adult who use to date, you get everything all in one in this story. The longing the want, the humor it was one of my favorite new reads of this year.

🎬 A Hollywood second-chance romance that lights up both the screen and the heart. 🎬

When Wilhelmina Chase and Daxon Avery ruled the small screen in their hit kids’ TV show, they were more than co-stars—they were childhood sweethearts. But after the show’s cancellation, real life came crashing in. Dax moved across the country, and Wil watched her star dim as the years wore on. Now in their twenties, each faces a different Hollywood reality: Dax is on the cusp of A-list stardom, while Wil’s tabloid troubles have her calling the only number she can remember—Dax’s.

A desperate phone call leads to a surprising chance at redemption: Wil earns a last-chance audition for Dax’s upcoming film. On set, the undeniable chemistry that once lit up living rooms everywhere roars back to life, igniting the scenes they share and leaving everyone buzzing. But for Wil, this is more than a love story. It’s a shot at reclaiming her career. For Dax, it’s a reminder that the person who knew him best never really left his heart.

The question is: can they navigate the shaky ground between past resentments and future dreams without letting their newfound spark go up in flames? In the whirlwind of Hollywood hype, the glare of paparazzi lenses, and the gravity of their own complicated history, they must decide if this second shot at stardom comes with a happily ever after attached.

✨ Why You’ll Love It:
• A sizzling second-chance romance that proves the chemistry isn’t just scripted.
• An inside look at Hollywood’s ups and downs, from faded fame to star-making roles.
• Dynamic characters whose shared past makes their reunion all the more meaningful.
• Perfect for readers who love heartfelt angst, witty banter, and a slow-burn that pays off on and off the screen.

On Screen & Off Again is the kind of behind-the-scenes love story that reminds us: sometimes, the best comeback is a shared spotlight—and a happy ending written just for two.

📖 #BookReview #CaitlinCross #OnScreenAndOffAgain #SecondChanceRomance #HollywoodLoveStory #ActorsInLove #MustReadRomance #BookWorm #BookTok #Bookstagram #BooksToRead

It's been seven years since Wilhelmina 'Wil' Chase and her childhood sweetheart/former co-star Daxon 'Dax' Avery have seen each other. After the cancellation of their show, 'Marnie, Maybe' that made them stars, Dax's career took off, but Wil's didn't. So when Dax shows up and offers Wil the role of a lifetime, she's not sure if it's the break she needs to get back into Hollywood or if it will be a disaster reconnecting with Dax. Told in a dual point of view and a past/present timeline, we follow Wil and Dax as they go down memory lane and become reacquainted on and off the screen in this Hollywood second-chance romance.

I enjoyed the past/present timeline of this book, especially because it helps show a lot of character development for both Wil and Dax as they try to move on from their former children's show personas. However, I did feel like the story behind what ended the show and why they were no longer together was a bit lacking. I really would have enjoyed a more in-depth look into the past show and how it shaped Wil and Dax originally. I felt like I was missing something and didn't have the whole picture whenever 'Marnie, Maybe' was mentioned.

I've loved Hollywood and film for as long as I can remember, so when I saw this co-star second chance romance, I jumped at the opportunity to read it! I loved that scripted scenes from the movie they were filming were added to the story. It made me want to watch the movie they filmed too! This book was a great read and a book I'd recommend to a friend! I give it three stars!

Thank you to Caitlin Cross and NetGalley for a free ARC copy of this book!

DNF. On Screen & Off Again wasn't for me. I wasn't the biggest fan of Dax and Wil. I didn't feel connected to them. I didn't like how Wil treated Dax after he bailed her out and I wasn't a fan of how hung-up Dax was on Wil. I thought the writing felt choppy. I felt like this book could have been developed into something more! I did like the set-up of two ex co-workers (and lovers) working together again. I also liked the Hannah Montana vibes at the beginning. Overall, I just didn't feel motivated to continue on with this one. Thank you to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for the ARC.

Wonderful Coming of age story, this book captures messy, beautiful chaos of finding yourself and love when everything is still up in the air.

Wilhelmina Chase is the child actress everyone wishes they could be. She's the leading lady on the hit show "Marnie, Maybe" and her Co star, Daxon Avery, is her best friend and partner in crime.
Except everything comes to an abrupt end. Wil has to navigate the loss of her job, her best friend/ costar and the boy she loves going off to college, and the fact that her dad is moving on with the wicked witch of Hollywood.

Seven years later Dax's number is the only one she could remember when she gets caught breaking and entering. Dax not only picks up the call, he offers her an audition on his next project. Can they reunite and keep it professional while working together again?

I ABSOLUTELY love the dynamic of this book! The script reading while reading the actual story was a wonderful touch.
Originally I thought wow this is a "Hannah Montana' fan fiction or something, but this book is nothing like that!

These two characters Dax and Wil are clearly beloved by the author. The depth to their characters was so heartwarming. Not only the struggles of growing up and apart but that moment when Life hits. The choices needed to be made. I loved the layers and complexity of these two characters.

"You left me drowning. And you hid behind Yale and never thought for a minute that maybe I deserved the truth about why"

Dax seemed like this very patient does no wrong character but then you see he makes mistakes just like everyone else. Wil starts of this shy but explosive personality, and you really see her grow and her humor is great!

"Come on, come over to my place. Dry off your spaceship"

Would recommend this book to all! It was a great read!

Obsessed is an understatement! I finished this book about a week ago and still can’t get Wil & Dax out of my head (in the best way). This book was everything I wanted from a second chance Hollywood romance. The contrast of enjoying a mostly light story between the leads while also getting the heartbreaking story of their movie added an extra layer of enjoyment to the book. I laughed out loud, I shed real tears, and when I finished I was sad to say goodbye. Caitlin has immediately earned herself a spot on my auto buy authors list and I cannot wait for this book to come out so everyone can read it!!

4.25⭐️ as many people know, i am a second chance romance HATER. there have been few books with this trope that i actually enjoy and this is one of them.

first of all… COSTARS?? one of my favorite micro tropes is actor x actor and this delivered. as for the second chance, i enjoyed that the reason for their original breakup wasn’t this huge horrible event like it usually is. it was just life taking its course and this is so much more realistic to me so the second chance didn’t bother me.

wil…she’s a queen. I loved how perfectly she was written into the “slightly immature and chaotic but also lovable child star” role because, let’s be real, that’s most child stars. even though she could be irrational and impulsive i loved her character and her growth from the then and now POVS.

dax…i LOVED the way this man was written. he was a calm and funny character who perfectly contrasted will’s chaos and they were so perfect together. also I love me some “I never stopped loving you” moments and this man DELIVERED. he was fully IN love and i love him.

also finally this GORGEOUS cover!! thanks to NetGalley for this arc

I loved this book. The movie-set backdrop provides a rich environment for their reconnection, and the chemistry between the characters is electric, both on-screen and off. Wil’s determination to reclaim her career and Dax’s own struggles with success add layers to the narrative, making their romance not just about passion, but about two people trying to find their way in the world after years of uncertainty. It’s the perfect mix of heart, heat, and drama that will keep you turning pages and rooting for the characters every step of the way.

Two actors in a fast-paced second-chance romance. This book is for you if you enjoy light, quick reads with a Hollywood feel!

On Screen & Off Again is a delightful rom-com brimming with tension, nostalgia, and second-chance romance. Wil and Dax’s love story is the perfect blend of unresolved feelings and Hollywood drama. What I loved most about this debut was how real and relatable the characters felt, despite the glitter of the industry. Wil’s struggle to reclaim her career after a fall from grace and Dax’s fight to stay grounded amidst fame created a perfect storm of chemistry and conflict. The back-and-forth between them was a delicious will-they-won’t-they, with stakes that felt high both on-screen and off. The setting, the heat, and the emotional depth made it a fun, fast-paced read that kept me hooked until the very end. It’s the kind of story that reminds you of the complexities of love, timing, and chasing your dreams.

This book is a delightful rollercoaster of emotions! Caitlin Cross has a knack for blending humor, heart, and a touch of Hollywood magic. The protagonist's journey from the glitzy world of TV to the raw reality of everyday life is both hilarious and deeply touching. I found myself laughing out loud at her on-screen antics and rooting for her as she navigated the off-screen drama.

The characters are so vividly drawn that they practically leap off the page. The protagonist's wit and resilience are truly inspiring, and her chemistry with the love interest is electric. Their banter had me grinning from ear to ear, and the romantic moments were swoon-worthy without being over the top.

What really stood out to me was the behind-the-scenes glimpse into the entertainment industry. Cross captures the highs and lows of fame with such authenticity that I felt like I was right there, experiencing it all. The glamorous settings, the intense pressures, and the unexpected friendships all added layers to this fantastic story.

*On Screen & Off Again* by Caitlin Cross is a fun, heartfelt second-chance romance that hits all the right notes. Wilhelmina and Dax, former childhood sweethearts and co-stars of a beloved kids’ show, find themselves thrown back together years after their breakup—this time, as leads in a major Hollywood movie. Their reunion is messy, emotional, and brimming with chemistry, both on and off the screen.

What makes this story so engaging is the mix of Hollywood glamour and raw vulnerability. Wil’s struggles to reclaim her career and self-worth feel authentic and relatable, while Dax’s journey to balance his rising stardom with his unresolved feelings for Wil adds a layer of depth. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry undeniable, and the slow unraveling of their shared history makes it impossible to put the book down. This isn’t just a love story; it’s about finding yourself, confronting the past, and learning to trust again. With plenty of swoon-worthy moments, behind-the-scenes drama, and a cast of colorful secondary characters, *On Screen & Off Again* is a must-read for anyone who loves second-chance romance with a touch of Hollywood magic.

Thank you so much for the ARC!

I enjoyed the first half of this book, but the second half fell through for me. I could definitely feel the angst in the beginning when these two characters met again after so long apart. I enjoyed both of them on their own, but by the end I wasn’t sure if I like them together. The male mc seemed to continue to do things that hurt the heroine knowingly. It didn’t seem like he growled as much in their time apart as he continued to hurt her for the betterment of his career. And his apology wasn’t enough to convince me on a reconciliation between them. I also don’t think the female mc held him accountable enough. It was a great story in second chance and reinventing yourself, but the romance wasn’t enough for me.

A fast-paced second chance romance featuring two actors. Wil and Dax were teen co-stars and first loves but have had a seven-year estrangement after Dax decides to go to university, resulting in the cancellation of their show.

This was a promising debut with an author's own proximity to Hollywood helping leanding some authenticity. However I think this book needed more development. There were so many fantastic story threads dangled but not fully fleshed out, though some should've been scrapped entirely. For instance, the community service was just resolved quickly to move it to filming, so why not just find a different dramatic reason for Wil to contaxt Dax?

I'd loved to have seen more of how the combination of the predatory producer, Wil's grief and katirna all led her to drifting for the past seven years and to see Wil finally take action to dig herself out of everything given how Dax's career flourished. Also, Dax's relationship with his dads also seemed too quick for resolution. I am really puzzled that as the star of the show, Wil's agent didn't inform her why her show was cancelled (and also why would they've cancelled because of Dax when he was the sidekick?).

All that said, I am a sucker for celebrity romance and this hit the spot (even if I felt more needed to be fleshed out). I will read this author again as I am keen to see how her writing career develops.

Thanks to 8th Note Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

🎬✨ On Screen & Off Again ✨🎬

I really wanted to love this book—it has such a cute cover and the Hollywood romance premise was everything I hoped for. Childhood sweethearts turned co-stars? Yes, please! But sadly, this one missed the mark for me.

The characters? Immature. The writing? Just not it. 😔 The pacing felt totally off, and while I was rooting for Wil and Dax to have their moment, their storylines weren’t fleshed out enough to pull me in. It’s a second chance romance with so much potential, but it needed deeper character development and stronger execution to really shine.

That said, if you’re into light, fast reads with a Hollywood vibe and don’t mind a bit of chaos, it might still be worth a shot. Not every book lands perfectly, but hey, sometimes we stay for the drama, right? 🎥💔

⭐ 2.5/5 (rounded up to 3 stars)

👀📚

Thank you to NetGalley, Caitlin Cross, and 8th Note Press for the eARC of this book.

Did I read a different book than most of the people on Goodreads?

Because while I love the description (which is why I requested this on NetGalley), the actual writing was...not good? There were so many threads that were mentioned and never explored fully. The story could have been so much richer if it took a closer look at the predatory behavior of Wil's executive producer, showed more of the toxic relationship with Katrina, spent more time looking at Wil's bling-ring type of crimes and the retribution for it. Seriously, the girl had 100 hours of community service, and she did it in a chapter. That was a HUGE part of the description, and it was so short. In favor of...another chapter in the past that did nothing to further the story? Other elements glosssed over include the trauma of Wil losing her mom, the fact that both Wil and Dax were nepo babies, and Dax's neglect from his dads. Not to mention their whole "pact" lasted about two seconds; the pining was never there.

The characters themselves were written in a super flat way. Again, the description of them sounds AMAZING on paper, but the book itself did not do the idea of them justice. Everything was told and not shown, and we are just supposed to believe the author when she says they have chemistry and connection and all that jazz.

Giving it two stars because at least it was a quick read.

Thank you to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed the Hollywood element to this novel, it had that romance element that I wanted and was engaged with everything that was going on. The characters worked overall and was enjoying the feel of this. Caitlin Cross has a strong writing style and was glad it was everything that I wanted in a romance novel.

I had a difficult time getting into this book. I understand what Cross was going for with the plot and characters, but I wasn't connecting with them. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Wil y Daxton trabajaban juntos en un programa juvenil, que fue muy exitoso hasta que se canceló. Semanas antes de enterarse de la cancelación, habían llevado su relación de amistad al siguiente nivel; eran felices, pero todo cambió cuando recibieron la noticia. Su futuro, que parecía prometedor, quedó en el aire, aunque para ella fue diferente, pues él ya tenía planes que no la incluían. Al descubrir lo que Daxton pensaba hacer, Wil lo percibió como una traición y decidió terminar la relación para enfocarse en su carrera.

Años después, Daxton gana cada vez más fama como actor, mientras que Wil se siente derrotada tras no haber sido seleccionada para ningún proyecto. Sin embargo, cuando él la llama para informarle que ha encontrado una película en la que sería perfecta para el papel protagónico, ella lo ve como una gran oportunidad y decide no permitir que su pasado interfiera con su carrera.

La historia alterna entre capítulos del pasado y el presente. Sin embargo, me dio la sensación de que no hubo un cambio significativo en las actitudes o el pensamiento de los personajes; ambos seguían siendo inmaduros.

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