Their story might be scripted, but the chemistry is real...
When Cynthie Taylor gets her first real acting job, starring in a small British movie, she is over the moon. There is only one problem... Cynthie's arrogant and annoyingly handsome co-star Jack hates her, and the feeling is definitely mutual. While they may be at war behind the scenes, their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and the studio sees an opportunity – have the two young stars fake a romance that will charm fans and draw crowds.
Thirteen years later, Cynthie and Jack have successfully kept their promise to stay far away from one another, until a surprising offer comes to make a sequel to the cult classic that launched their careers. But there's a catch: they must also rekindle their pretend relationship...and this time there's a documentary crew following their every move.
Cynthie and Jack both desperately need this film to work, but can two ex-rivals ever really trust each other? And what happens when the roles they're playing start to feel all too real?
What did I think?
Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVED Let's Make a Scene! Although it is linked to Under Your Spell (that I haven't read yet), it is a completely standalone story and it's one that gets your pulse racing, your breath catching and (in my case) the tears falling.
I applaud Laura Wood for writing a dual timeline and dual point of view novel as it is flawlessly written. It is told from the points of view of Cythie and Jack who met 13 years ago on the set of Cynthie's first film. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since and Cynthie's career took off at lightening speed but as the saying goes: "the higher you climb, the harder you fall" and a scandal sees Cynthie returning back to where it all began.
It is clear that Cynthie and Jack have History (with an intentional capital H) and I couldn't read fast enough to discover what went on 13 years ago that drove this clearly meant-to-be couple apart. To save Cynthie's career she agrees to a fake relationship with Jack but the line between real and fake is very blurred. There are so many heartbreaking misunderstandings and guarded feelings as the will they/won't they storyline plays out.
As it's set in the film industry, Laura Wood touches on the #MeToo movement in a sensitive, respectful and powerful way. Friendship is another strong theme as Cynthie has an amazing friend support network. The romance is exquisite though and if you thought The Notebook was a tearjerker, be prepared to reach for the tissues when reading Let's Make a Scene!
Bursting with romance and sizzling with sexual tension, Let's Make a Scene is a compelling page-turner that had me on the edge of my seat as I prayed for a happily ever after for Cynthie and Jack. You'll just have to read the book to find out whether I got my wish or not.
I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
My rating:
Buy it from:
Follow the tour:
