I really enjoyed this one! I think I might be a second-chance romance fan now. Cynthie and Jack were SO well developed, and I didn't feel like they had a lot of excess character traits to make them needlessly complicated like a lot of romance books seem to nowadays. Instead, I thought the development between where they were 13 years ago to the present fit both of them really well and seemed very realistic. Their story was very sweet, and I wish I could have seen the original movie (I love a rain and wet shirt regency moment). I also felt like this was an easy read because there were a lot of small lines that made me laugh! I will definitely be picking up books by this author in the future, and was a little sad to finish this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🎬

- Second chance, celebrity romance
- Cynthie Truner, 33 and Jack Turner Jones, 37 - both actors
- Cynthie and Jack met on the set of her first film 13 years ago, and it was an instant enemies to... something. In the current day, they reunite to film the sequel to their original film
- Dual timeline, dual POV
🌶️: yes

Let’s Make a Scene by Laura Wood is a delightful enemies-to-lovers second-chance romance. Well-written, it’s my first book by this author, but I’ll read more. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter between Cynthie and Jack. I’m not usually a fan of second-chance romance, but this book is a great way to fall in love.

This was such a fun read!
It was cute, and I really enjoyed the banter between the main characters. The plot kept me engaged, and the romance was sweet. While it’s not a new favorite, I definitely liked it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me an arc copy of this book with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I really like Rivals to Lovers themed romances and throw in fake dating and enemies to lovers ( which in the Rom-Com world is more rivals to lovers) so I thought that thos book had the perfect Tribeca of tropes.

I had a hard time warming up to the fmc at first, she had just gotten out of a relationship as the other woman when she was asked to audition for a leading lady role oppisiote her rival, the MMC. They had a fake relationship offscreen/ real relationship onscreen years ago and the producers wanted to replicate that chemistry ( on and off screen ) again.

The problem is the MCs never got along and thought all that chemistry was phoney in the first place. This second chance at being thrust together and having to pretend to be a couple both on and off screen tests them to see if the spark they had can turn into a flame.

I don't know if I entirely warmed up to the fmcs personality but I did think that the story was well written and cute.

Tropes:
*enemies to lovers
*second chance romance
*fake dating

Cynthie is a new actress excited about her first big role, except her costar Jack gets under her skin with his strong opinions and arrogance. The studio asks them to pretend to date for publicity but behind the scenes is animosity mixed with undeniable chemistry. After their press tour, they part ways and leave it all behind. Fast forward 13 years, and the studio would like to make the sequel, with the same fake dating scheme for the press. Cynthie is hesitant because of how it went the first time, but her career could use a boost, and Jack doesn't seem to be the person he used to be. Time and life lessons have changed them both and this time their relationship is better, but it is hard to tell what is for the cameras and what is coming from the heart when it was all supposed to be for the cameras from the start.

Although this was supposed to be the companion novel for Under Your Spell, I didn't feel lost reading this first at all. But now I am going back to read that one as well since Theo shows up briefly in this book and I would love to know his story! I am new to Laura Wood and I gotta say I really enjoyed her writing. This story takes place over two time periods: Cynthie and Jack's first movie and then their second. I loved Cynthie and Jack. I think it was really honest to show how insecurities and emotions can come out differently when someone is younger and later on when they mature, they can look at them differently and gain perspective. Even when they were arguing, Cynthie and Jack's chemistry and tension were undeniable to everyone around, but their transition from enemies to friends and eventually a relationship was beautiful. Slowly building trust and getting to know each other beyond the surface. I loved that for both of them! And their group of friends was the best. I thoroughly enjoyed each of them (and would love a mini story about Arjun and Patty!!). This story was fun, playful, vulnerable, sad, and full of hope. It was a great read and I can't wait to dive into her next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for a chance to read this ARC. All opinions are my own!

I love Under Your Spell so looking forward to reading about Theo's bf Cyntie- a famous actress. Cynthie has to fake a relationship again with her costar Jack even though they hate each other evver since 13 yrs ago.

Love the chemistry and the banter. Really enjoy the fun and the joy. Love the romance too.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

WOW!! This book was so incredibly fun and addicting to read. The ~TENSION~ between Cynthie and Jack was *palpable*. I felt so many butterflies while reading this book. I highlighted and bookmarked so many pages. The chemistry between Cynthie and Jack was so good, it was insane.

I cannot wait to add it to my bookshelf because this book deserves the book trophy! Some of my favorite tropes are in this book and I thought it was done SO WELL. I mean fake dating, forced proximity, hate-to-love, and second chance?!? Ugh, can’t wait to listen to the audiobook! I’m definitely going to read Under Your Spell now.

Also, this book needs to take off!! It deserves to be read because I love Cynthie and Jack and all the side characters so much. No lie, I even teared up (happy tears)! I don’t often tear up reading romance novels!!

Definitely recommend!!

Tropes: fake dating, forced proximity, hate-to-love, second chance, workplace romance

Book: 4.8
Spice: 3

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC! I always appreciate it!!

Enemies to lovers and it was done so well. Cynthie and Jack both work in the movie industry and we see how they first meet, battle each other and lots of miscommunication while also you can see them falling in love. Thirteen years later they come back together as more mature and different people and watch them fall in love. I loved all the references to other great movies including the whole Dirty Dancing scene, my favorite movie. And if you don’t swoon a little when she references the ‘lean’ from While You Were Sleeping, go watch that movie again! Fantastic book by the author!

INT. COZY LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
A reader (that’s YOU) flops down on the couch, clutching a book, eyes wide with the rush of finishing a perfect fake-dating romance.
YOU
(half in disbelief)
Okay, okay… I didn’t read the first book—I know—but after this? I’m sprinting back to page one of that one. No question.
You stare at the ceiling, overwhelmed—in the best way.
YOU
This was cinematic. Dual POVs. Fake dating. A swoony, satisfying HEA.
(pause)
Honestly, the movie setting? The flashbacks? Chef’s kiss. And the prank war hysterical and inspiration to use against siblings (glitter balloons anyone)?!
(beat)
That might’ve been my favorite part. Or maybe the banter. Or... ugh, it’s impossible to pick.
You grab your phone, start typing furiously into the Notes app, clearly on a mission.
YOU (V.O.)
Even the side characters—assistants, friends, rivals—were so well fleshed out. I just wanted more of them. Spin-off novelles? Yes, please.
You pause, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
YOU
And don’t get me started on the dynamic duos. The friendships? Top tier. The found family vibes? Strong. The slow burn tension? Electric.
YOU (V.O.)
And if you don’t catch the fanfic energy inspired by Colin Firth and Keira Knightley’s Pride and Prejudice...
(smirks)
You’re reading it wrong.
You hug the book to your chest, grinning.
YOU
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a first book to inhale. And maybe a fan cast to build.
FADE OUT.

I read and fell in love with Laura Wood's Under Your Spell last year. Let's Make a Scene is a very similar vibe, but presented differently. Instead of a unique blended family, there's a lovable found one, the characters are in the movie business (not music), but the bones are the same: the FMC has deep-seated reasons for being the way she is and the MMC is understanding, thoughtful, and has his own (mostly corralled) demons.

The similarities are by no means negatives though. I ate this book up in two days, only because sleep is a necessity, sometimes. I had so much fun being in this world ping ponging between LA and Cornwall, England (I think). Surprisingly, I even liked the dual timelines because it gave context to the current-day characters that I don't think would have been as effective if done by exposition or flashbacks. I liked the behind the scenes view into how movies are made.

My favorite part, and what makes Laura Wood an auto-buy author for me, is the humor. This book is legitimately funny, even when dealing with heavy topics such as workplace misogyny, emotional abuse, trauma, and anxiety. Laura brings a dry levity that balances the complexity of these topics perfectly.

I know this one hasn't even come out yet, but I'm already looking forward to Laura's next one.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

Let's Make a Scene was a fun, tension-filled second-chance romance packed with sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and just the right amount of behind-the-scenes Hollywood drama. Cynthie and Jack’s history gave their dynamic plenty of bite, making every interaction a delicious mix of old grudges, unresolved tension, and undeniable attraction. Their fake relationship (round two) felt like the perfect stage for sparks to fly, and watching them navigate their complicated past while putting on a show for the cameras made for an addictive read.
The author’s writing was witty and engaging, capturing the chaos of fame and the emotional depth beneath the characters’ carefully curated facades. While the slow-burn romance was satisfying, the pacing occasionally dragged in the middle, and some of the external conflicts felt a little underdeveloped. That said, the payoff was worth it—full of heart, humor, and just the right amount of drama.
For fans of Hollywood enemies-to-lovers and fake dating with a side of emotional growth, this book delivered in spades.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Our story begins as Cynthie is hiding from the world. She’s just been caught in somewhat of a scandal, as this actress slept with her married director. He told her they were separated, and on the way to divorce, but you know how that story goes.

Her agent tells her that unfortunately, she has been removed from the newest Marvel film, but there’s a good opportunity here. She can star in a sequel to a film that she was the romantic lead in 13 years ago. The only problem is, her costar Jack is going to be reprising his role as well. Back then, they put together a fake dating publicity relationship. And the studio would like them to repeat this and do fake dating again. And he is her sworn enemy!

I like this book, I didn’t love it. Your tropes here are enemies to lovers, Second Chance, romance, and fake dating. All of those things have all of the little subtleties that they imply. This book takes place in the same universe as the authors former novel, and those characters have supporting roles in this novel as well. It’s fun to catch up with Theo and Clemmie.

There is no shortage of references to Jane Austin, pride and prejudice – the original enemies to lovers romance. I counted 12 in total. I love it when an author pays homage to the classics.

The book also has good pacing, but some of the characters motivations were a little bit confusing. I can’t honestly understand why they didn’t like each other, except that they did? There are a few cute scenes, one involving ice cream and the other involving Steve Carell. There was a lot of yearning in this novel, which is always good. It was a cute relationship with cute side characters. I’m just not sure it was necessary for them to not speak for 13 years. Except that it created a second chance romance situation

Thanks to NetGalley and atria books for the ARC. Book to be published July 1, 2025.

Cynthie was so excited to start her first acting gig until she met her co-star. On camera their chemistry is electric but behind the scenes they despise each other. Thirteen years later Cynthie and Jack are back together to film the sequel. And that means also rekindling their fake romance. Will they be able to stay in character or will the lines get blurred?

I adore Laura Wood and was so excited when I received this arc. Everything about it sounds great. Enemies to lovers, fake dating and a long history between the characters.

The dual timeline was a great choice by the author. Getting parts of their history throughout the production of the sequel instead of a flashback or two. Genius!

The characters are likable and have great chemistry. It’s a good book but it misses that special something too put it over the edge.

Read this if you like
💫Enemies to lovers
🩷Fake dating
📖Dual timeline
🎬Hollywood setting

I was into the story , I always love good flashback moments. At times it felt like it too much and took away from the present and all the drama that I loved. It was a lovely story and I enjoyed the characters.

4.5 stars 🌟 I loved it! The chemistry was there. I love a dual POV and fake dating trope. This was just my cup of tea all the way around!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

An incredibly romantic and heartfelt romance, to the point that for once I didn't actually despise a dual timeline. I cannot recommend this enough for romance lovers, and hope that others will love it as much as I did

So I started by absolutely loving this story! I loved the main characters and the dramatic side of Hollywood and tabloids. Obviously I knew there was going to be flashbacks between what happened then that brought us to where we are now however; I didn’t expect the past to become its own story.

Unfortunately that really lost me and became quite boring in my opinion. I think either timeline could have been a great story but trying to mesh them lost me.

I made it to 40% before I had to DNF

This was such a fun romance book. The story was a lot of fun and their banter was so entertaining. The plot was well thought out as well.

Cynthie and Jack met 13 years ago on the set of a romantic regency era movie. Jack, who has famous actor parents, took a dislike to Cynthie as she was brand new and this was her first movie. This book is a second chance romance told from dual POV and dual timelines. I found it easy to read as it bounced into the past and the present. The relationship between Jack and Cynthie begins as an enemies to lovers with some fake dating and a little bit of grumpy sunshine but it all works. I enjoyed the story and the romance. I was definitely rooting for them as a couple!