I loved Laura Wood's previous YA novels; her historical settings were wonderfully cozy and escapist, yet realistic, and her romantic plotlines were also dreamy but very real. This adult romance novel fits all the same criteria. Yes, it's set in the present, but our two heroes are making a Regency-set film, so plenty of historical details and scenes for period drama lovers. The romance between Jack and Cynthie is also wonderful: dreamy, spicy, but full of realistic communication and emotional awareness. The film gives very sensitive insight into being a working actor while still feeling like an escape. As per your epigram, Laura, you did give sensitive dreamers a place to escape when "the world is too much with us". Thank you.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, fake dating
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥

“When the cameras roll, will their scripted love scene ignite a real-life romance?”

Cynthie Taylor’s acting career takes off with a role in a small British film, but there’s a catch—her co-star, Jack Turner-Jones, is as infuriating as he is handsome. Their off-screen animosity contrasts sharply with their on-screen chemistry, leading the studio to orchestrate a fake romance to boost publicity. Fast forward thirteen years, and the duo is offered a sequel to their cult classic, requiring them to rekindle their pretend relationship under the watchful eyes of a documentary crew. As they navigate this complex dynamic, Cynthie and Jack must confront their past and the undeniable spark that still lingers between them.

The book jumps between now and thirteen years ago. As the story proceeds we get glimpses of Cynthia and Jack and the push and pull between them. The evolution of Cynthie and Jack’s relationship—from adversaries to reluctant partners to something more—is sweet and heartfelt. The behind-the-scenes glimpse into the film industry adds depth, while the friend group characters provides humor and warmth.

This books packs in the tropes: enemies to lovers, fake dating (twice), and second chance romance. That sounds like a lot of tropes in one book, but it was seamless.

Overall, this is a delightful and entertaining read. Fans of enemies-to-lovers and second-chance narratives will find much to enjoy in this charming tale of love both on and off the screen.

I normally don’t like second chance romance, this one did it very well specially with flashbacks. The idea of them filming a period piece was fun and it helped to see them interacting with a wide range of characters.

I think the best chapters were the flashbacks, because the tension was great. The present felt a little flat.
Thank Netgalley for the arc
4⭐️

This book had a really cute story line and nicely fleshed out characters. However, I had a hard time seeing/feeling any chemistry between the main characters which took me out of the whole romance aspect.

Swoon! That’s the main word I’d use to describe this book. I loved Laura’s last one and was excited that we were getting a love story for Cynthie. She and Jack had amazing chemistry and I enjoyed the chapters of them from 13 years prior the most. Anyone who shipped Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as much as I did would like this book, cuz that one scene? Yes ma’am!

Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.

4.75 🌟

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for my ARC in exchange for an honest review

SWOON. That is my summary of this book. What a delicious love story and Jack couldn’t be more perfect. The “past” chapters were helpful context but I could have done with more present and less of those, because the present content was SO 👏🏻FREAKING 👏🏻 GOOD 👏🏻

Under Your Spell was spectacular and this followup didn’t disappoint. Do we get someone next? Lee and Nico??

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital ARC of Let's Make a Scene.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me at 16%. The writing was fine, but I couldn't connect with the characters and found myself not caring.

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria for the ARC! I really enjoyed the premise (I can never get enough of fake dating!) and the earlier dynamic between the main characters was interesting. Ultimately the chemistry between our main characters fell a little flat for me and I got frustrated by the “interruption” of the current timeline with the flash backs.

4.5 Stars! I really enjoyed reading about Cynthie and Jack! Normally I'm not a big fan of flashback-style books where we find out about past events a bit at a time, but I found myself looking forward to both the current-time and 13-years-ago-time stories of Cynthie and Jack. There was a lot of character growth and depth throughout the book that I wasn't expecting which was a pleasant surprise. Cynthie and Jack had such explosive chemistry that I was rooting for them the entire way. My one gripe with the book is that the falling-out from 13 years ago was made out to be an absolute disaster, but it didn't seem that disastrous to me as an outsider looking in (though I am not an actress, so I couldn't fully relate).

I will post this review online closer to the publication date!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC provided by Atria Books in exchange for an honest review!

Let’s Make a Scene follows Cynthie Taylor as she stars in her first-ever film and meets Jack Turner-Jones, her fellow co-star, who does not hide his anxieties about having an inexperienced actor on set. Their chemistry shines on camera as their animosity rises behind the scenes of this Regency romance film. While doing press for the movie, they are pushed into a fake PR relationship and do not speak to each other for 13 years, where they reunite for the sequel of the beloved film. Again, they are asked to put on a show for the audience and act as though they are a couple. Will they be able to work together once again and convince the public of their love?

I will admit, this book took me a while to get into, but once I got past the quarter mark, I was engrossed in the story and the characters. This book was not at all what I thought it was going to be. I did not expect to be reading two romances at once following the same characters, and it is something that took me some getting used to. I was having trouble with the back and forth between their relationship 13 years ago and the present one as I was getting attached to the story I was reading only to be thrown back into another one. I thought the book was only about their relationship 13 years later, but throughout, you see both stories.

At first, I didn’t understand why it was necessary to read about the past, but as I read along, I started to really enjoy this original way of storytelling. It made me connect more to the characters and their stories, although some parts could have been shortened or cut at the very start. Laura Wood did a great job at portraying the different ages/times, how the characters act and think, and how they evolved in 13 years. Though, I did think their arguments were quite petty sometimes and did not deserve a 13-year-long hatred. I did like that they didn’t linger on the hatred in their thirties; it felt realistic.

Writing-wise, I didn’t think this book would be for me, but I started really liking it around the 14% mark. I had trouble with the way things were described, and I thought there was a lot of telling rather than showing, but as I said, around the 14% mark, it all greatly improved, and I started absolutely loving the descriptions. They were very vivid, and I felt as though I was right there with the characters. I feel like the spicy scenes could have been a bit longer or more descriptive because they felt a bit rushed. I rated this book 3,25/5.

I absolutely fell in love with our two main characters, Cynthie and Jack, and their relationship. The tension growing between them was very well written, and I couldn’t help rooting for them as their friends were doing. The grand gesture was also a very nice and original touch; I had goosebumps. As I was reading this book, I was writing down notes of how I was feeling, and I wrote, word for word, “OMG IM OBSESSED AAAAH;” if that doesn’t tell you enough, I don’t know what will. It was really fun to read about the process of making a movie and being on set! I hadn't read anything like it before.

This book is perfect for those who love a man who secretly wears glasses, who would like to read a second chance romance where you read about both times, and who love some good tension between “enemies.”

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, and I recommend it!

Let's Make a Scene

"I know you said life isn't a fairy tale, and that's true. But it can still be magic."

OH MY HEART THIS BOOK!!!! Cynthie and Jack are my GOALS. The humor. The banter. The chemistry. THE LEAN. NO NOTES. SO GOOD.

Cynthie and Jack are lined up to work together on a sequel of the movie that launched their careers 13 years ago. During the original press tour, they engaged in some light fake dating to help sell the movie. Now, 13 years of haven't seen you since later, they're being asked to rekindle the fake romance on set even when the cameras aren't rolling to help sell the sequel. Only chemistry this sizzling really can't be faked.

HIGHLY recommend this adorable, laugh out loud romcom, especially if you're looking for:
- Fake dating
- Hollywood romance
- English setting / characters
- Hilarious banter
- Amazing chemistry
- HE LEANS (... do I need to say it again??)

Don't sleep on this one, y'all!!!

This follows Under Your Spell, and the characters make a delightful cameo in this book. While you don't explicitly need to read Under Your Spell first, I highly recommend it for more of Wood's banter, chemistry and the backstory of Clemmie and Theo.

Thank you to Atria books for this ARC! My opinions are my own. Let's Make a Scene is on shelves July 1, 2025.

Readers, don’t worry! If you missed Under Your Spell by Laura Wood last year, there’s still time to catch up before her next gem hits the shelves.

Let's Make a Scene follows Cynthie—whom we first met in Under Your Spell—and Jack in a heartfelt second-chance romance, one of my favorite tropes! This time, instead of the stage, the story unfolds on a movie set, offering an immersive behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking. Told across two timelines, 13 years apart, the book explores the journey of two ultra-famous main characters whose personal growth and emotional depth make them incredibly relatable.

Beyond romance, this is also a beautiful story about found family. The ending even brought me to happy tears—something that rarely happens with the books I read! While Let's Make a Scene isn’t a direct sequel to Under Your Spell, I’d recommend reading that one first for extra depth.

With compelling characters, a captivating story, and just the right amount of spice, this book is a must-read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy of Let's Make a Scene!

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A well written and exciting romance read!!! I thoroughly enjoy when a book transports me to another place and I’m able to forget my reality and just enjoy a great story. I would definitely recommend as a light romance read, great for traveling. Keeps the interest but not overpowering in a series type of way. If you want that then this story is for you! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This companion novel delves into the world of fame, rivalries, and the tangled web of fake relationships. Cynthie Taylor’s journey from a struggling actress to a successful star takes a surprising turn when she is forced to reunite with Jack Turner-Jones, the one actor she swore she'd never work with again. Their initial animosity on set is palpable, yet the chemistry between them is undeniable, leading the studio to capitalize on their tension by creating a fake romance to boost their image.

Fast forward thirteen years, and both Cynthie and Jack have moved on, each with their own lives and careers. However, when the opportunity to make a sequel to the movie that launched their careers presents itself, the pair must put aside their differences for the sake of the project—this time under the scrutiny of a documentary crew. The mix of past resentment and the pressure of rekindling their pretend relationship adds layers of intrigue and tension to the plot.

The book excels in its exploration of complicated friendships, professional rivalries, and the fine line between fiction and reality in the entertainment industry. The dynamics between Cynthie and Jack are both hilarious and heartfelt, as they navigate the challenges of working together once again. The banter between them is sharp and witty, but there's an underlying sense of vulnerability as both characters confront their pasts and the unresolved feelings they still harbor.

With a clever narrative, relatable characters, and a compelling premise, this novel is a must-read for fans of romance, behind-the-scenes drama, and character-driven stories. It's a delightful and often humorous exploration of second chances, both professionally and personally.

I'm not even sure how to begin this review other than this story was pure perfection. I don't say that lightly. I'll admit that I tend to give out five stars to books if they hit the right notes and make me feel something. But Let's Make a Scene was... an absolute masterpiece.

I went into this book blind, not having read Wood's first adult romance (Under Your Spell)--a mistake a clearly need to rectify--and am so glad I did. The characters were so well-developed and their arcs were masterfully executed. There was true growth in a realistic timeline (it helps that the story was set over 13 years). The banter and bickering was so believable and so raw. I found myself smiling from ear to ear because of the pure joy I got from reading this story. Even the miscommunication, a trope that I LOATHE, was flawlessly done. I truly have no notes, zero. This book was an absolute delight and am so sad it's now over. Laura Wood - you have a forever reader in me.

You'll love this book if you like:
- second chance romance
- he falls first
- banter and bickering
- found family
- fake dating
- great side characters
- dual POV
- time jumps

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Let's Make a Scene" by Laura Wood is a delightful young adult novel that will capture your heart with its witty banter, relatable characters, and poignant exploration of identity and love. Liz, the protagonist, is a lovably awkward and creative teenager who will resonate with anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. Her struggles to find her place in the world, navigate complex relationships, and assert her individuality are deeply relatable. The romance between Liz nd Jamie is sweet, tender, and laugh-out-loud funny. Their chemistry is palpable, and their conversations are filled with clever wordplay and humorous misunderstandings.

"Let's Make a Scene" is a joyous, uplifting novel that will leave you smiling, laughing, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. If you're looking for a heartwarming romance with a strong, relatable heroine, this book is an absolute must-read.

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

I need this book IV'd into my bloodstream. I finished it WEEKS ago and am still constantly thinking about it. At first, I was afraid since it was a dual timeline, and those always stress me out, but Wood did a phenomenal job that didn't bother me as I could follow easily. Cindy and Jack have remarkable chemistry, and this was just a perfect rom-com, like the embodiment of cozying up with my favorite sweater. I'm also such a sucker for an enemies to lovers with dual POV since you get to step in both characters shoes and read how they're feeling. This book was flawlessly well done with the tropes, especially the fake dating. The witty banter between the two had me cackling to the point where I sometimes cried from how much I was laughing while also rooting for these two. I started this book late at night, thinking I'd put it down and pick it up the next day, but I stayed up until about 5 am to finish it because I needed to know what happened, and the writing was just that addicting. I loved watching the characters grow and fall into each other.

Read if you like:
- Enemies to lovers
- Fake dating
- Dual timeline
- Second chance
- Found family
- Dual POV

I absolutely loved, adored, and devoured LET'S MAKE A SCENE! I appreciated and admired how fun yet totally believable and grounded the plot and characters were. How two rival/enemy actors find themselves in front of a camera thirteen years later... and not only do they have to act along side each other on-screen, but also off-screen as couple (though completely fake to them) to each help their careers and reputations. The hilarious bickering and pranks only makes their undeniable chemistry that much sweeter and more tense. Who knew being each other's bane of existences and at each other throats could be so hot?! Agreeing to this charade of theirs, they find themselves wanting to prove to the world, to each other and to themselves that they have what it takes and also deserve to, and find themselves getting so much more in the end. I love Cynthie and Jack so much and feel so privileged to have read their story. After finishing this review, I'm going straight to reading the author's other book UNDER YOUR SPELL. And after that will be wondering what to do with time until I get my hands on whatever the author decides to grant us with next!!

Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I really loved Laura Wood’s other adult romance, Under Your Spell. So you can imagine how excited I was when Let’s Make a Scene was announced! This was such a cute romance. I loved the characters and use of tropes. Hats off to Laura Wood!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🎧Song Pairing: Black Velvet - Alannah Myles

💭What I thought would happen:

It has to be celeb romance right? Doesn’t even matter, it could be Laura’s chore wheel and I’d absolutely read it 😂

📖What actually happens:

🎥Celebrity romance
✌🏻Dual POV & timelines
😈Fake dating
😭Recovery from scandal
🩷Anxiety rep

🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:

The moment this hit my NetGalley I threw all of my other books to the side (hardly sorry). I have priorities! And those priorities paid off because this was DELIGHTFUL! 🫶🏼

The ending had me in an emotional puddle (think The Ex Vows😉). Then I made it to the acknowledgments where I got a shoutout, at that point I was a sloppy inconsolable mess 😂

This isn’t a sequel but I would strongly recommend you read Under Your Spell (because it’s amazing) there are characters that resurface and you don’t want to miss out! Theo + Clemmie 4eva