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Once More with Feeling
Then. Katee Rose is living the dream as America's number one pop star, caught in a whirlwind of sold-out concerts, screaming fans, and constant tabloid coverage. Everyone wants to know everything about her and her boyfriend, Ryan LaNeve, the hottest member of adored boy band CrushZone. Katee loves to perform but hates the impossible demands of stardom. Maybe that's why she finds herself in the arms of another CrushZone member, Cal Kirby. Quiet, serious Cal, who's always been a good friend to Katee, is suddenly Cal with the smoldering eyes and very good hands. One unforgettable night is all it takes to blow up Katee's relationship with Ryan, her career, her whole life...
Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence, and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal Kirby shows up with the opportunity of her dreams--a starring role in the Broadway show he's directing and a chance to perform the way she's always wanted. The two haven't spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other, making their reunion a tense battle of wits and egos. Katee reluctantly agrees to the musical, as long as she keeps her guard up around Cal. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smolder, and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Katee can't deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you've been burned in the past?
A former pop star finds herself back in the spotlight--along with an old flame from her past--in this "friends to lovers" meets "enemies to lovers" romance from the bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask, the sensational Tik Tok romance!
Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence, and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal Kirby shows up with the opportunity of her dreams--a starring role in the Broadway show he's directing and a chance to perform the way she's always wanted. The two haven't spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other, making their reunion a tense battle of wits and egos. Katee reluctantly agrees to the musical, as long as she keeps her guard up around Cal. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smolder, and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Katee can't deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you've been burned in the past?
A former pop star finds herself back in the spotlight--along with an old flame from her past--in this "friends to lovers" meets "enemies to lovers" romance from the bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask, the sensational Tik Tok romance!
416 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2023
About the author
Elissa Sussman
6 books1,917 followersWriter, reader, pumpkin pie eater.
I'm not very active on Goodreads, but I love hearing from readers. Visit my website to see how you can contact or connect with me!
Elissa Sussman is the author of the novel FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK, as well as the young adult novels, DRAWN THAT WAY, STRAY, and BURN.
She has a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, an MFA from Pacific University, and in a previous life managed animators and organized spreadsheets at some of the best animation studios in the world, including Nickelodeon, Disney, Dreamworks, and Sony Imageworks. You can see her name in the credits of THE CROODS, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, and TANGLED.
She lives in her hometown of Los Angeles with her husband and their two dogs, Basil and Mozzarella.
I'm not very active on Goodreads, but I love hearing from readers. Visit my website to see how you can contact or connect with me!
Elissa Sussman is the author of the novel FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK, as well as the young adult novels, DRAWN THAT WAY, STRAY, and BURN.
She has a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, an MFA from Pacific University, and in a previous life managed animators and organized spreadsheets at some of the best animation studios in the world, including Nickelodeon, Disney, Dreamworks, and Sony Imageworks. You can see her name in the credits of THE CROODS, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, and TANGLED.
She lives in her hometown of Los Angeles with her husband and their two dogs, Basil and Mozzarella.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,918 reviews
July 8, 2023
not to spoil sunday's vlog but this was not it
and i think this is the last time i'm going to read a book from this author. clearly her stuff works for so many, and i love that! but it seems unfair to continue to pick up stuff that is just not meant for me. but let me tell you why real quick:
a dual timeline story is meant for impact, typically to elicit emotion. i'm supposed to understand why two characters liked each other in the past and why they should get a second chance in the future. i should feel that sense of longing. that did not happen here. and it didn't happen in the last, similarly formatted, book by this author. instead i get linear but also meaningless flashback scenes devoid of emotional connection. and a heroine in the present who is immature and hard to root for. oh and also no emotional connection between love interests.
it's baffling honestly. the premise was interesting and the dual timeline format could have REALLY worked but it's like all of the important bits were left out. because you could have the COOLEST premise in the world but if you have flat characters and aren't going to flesh out the relationship what's the point?
also i don't like musicals but even if i was wondering why more details weren't included.
also using the word breast in the heat of passion? i should be entitled to compensation for having to read that with my eyes. i'm a lady not a chicken dinner.
and i think this is the last time i'm going to read a book from this author. clearly her stuff works for so many, and i love that! but it seems unfair to continue to pick up stuff that is just not meant for me. but let me tell you why real quick:
a dual timeline story is meant for impact, typically to elicit emotion. i'm supposed to understand why two characters liked each other in the past and why they should get a second chance in the future. i should feel that sense of longing. that did not happen here. and it didn't happen in the last, similarly formatted, book by this author. instead i get linear but also meaningless flashback scenes devoid of emotional connection. and a heroine in the present who is immature and hard to root for. oh and also no emotional connection between love interests.
it's baffling honestly. the premise was interesting and the dual timeline format could have REALLY worked but it's like all of the important bits were left out. because you could have the COOLEST premise in the world but if you have flat characters and aren't going to flesh out the relationship what's the point?
also i don't like musicals but even if i was wondering why more details weren't included.
also using the word breast in the heat of passion? i should be entitled to compensation for having to read that with my eyes. i'm a lady not a chicken dinner.
February 24, 2023
i am loving that ES is becoming a ‘second chance’ romance author. its one of my favourite tropes and she is 2 for 2 so far on delivering a story that brings all the pining and pent up emotions. adding in a slight ‘childhood sweethearts’ past just seals the deal for me. i really enjoyed the connection and history between kathleen and cal and was totally rooting for them.
and the only reason this isnt getting rated higher is because kathleen herself isnt really likeable. shes not terrible, but theres nothing that draws me to her character or makes me want to care about her.
but the plot, tropes, and writing do make up for that. because this is a very charming story that easily entertains.
thank you for the ARC, random house/dell!
↠ 4 stars
and the only reason this isnt getting rated higher is because kathleen herself isnt really likeable. shes not terrible, but theres nothing that draws me to her character or makes me want to care about her.
but the plot, tropes, and writing do make up for that. because this is a very charming story that easily entertains.
thank you for the ARC, random house/dell!
↠ 4 stars
September 20, 2023
i feel like this could have been so much better. cute overall, but a bit disappointed at how the plot/characters fell flat. funny you should ask was better.
full review to come.
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pre-read
i love it when authors find a formula that works and run with it because sometimes familiarity is so nice
full review to come.
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pre-read
i love it when authors find a formula that works and run with it because sometimes familiarity is so nice
June 5, 2023
This is a heartfelt, poignant, genuine, and engaging romance novel that skillfully weaves together the "enemies to lovers" and "second chance" tropes. It tells the story of Kathleen and Cal as they navigate their relationship through time.
The two first met at a summer theater camp when they were teenagers, where they were both selected to perform solos. Kathleen aspired to perform on Broadway, while Cal shone with his dancing skills. They shared an innocent and unforgettable moment on the roof and teased each other during rehearsals. But after the summer ended, they went their separate ways.
The next time they met, Kathleen had become a pop singer named Katee Rose and was dating the lead singer of a popular boy band, Ryan, who was self-absorbed and loved being in the spotlight. Cal joined Ryan's boy band, bringing back memories of their shared past. Things escalated quickly, and Kathleen found herself in the middle of a love triangle. In the end, she lost both guys and her entire career as she was shunned by the press, fans, and agents.
In the present day, Kathleen's best friend and partner in crime, Harriett, has written a play with a lead character inspired by Kathleen. The two of them find themselves working with Cal, who is interested in directing the play for Broadway. Although Kathleen must bury the hatchet and be professional, her resentment towards Cal for not supporting her in the past still simmers.
Their forced professionalism is soon tested as old feelings resurface, leading to witty and sarcastic banter. Both Kathleen and Cal still blame each other for the events of the past, and they must decide if they are willing to risk their careers for a second chance at love.
Overall, I found Kathleen and Cal's story to be more sincere and heartwarming than the author's previous characters, Chani and Gabe (who had a Chris Evans vibe). This is a beautifully written and emotional story about childhood sweethearts that I highly recommend you don't miss.
A big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Ballantine/Dell for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
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The two first met at a summer theater camp when they were teenagers, where they were both selected to perform solos. Kathleen aspired to perform on Broadway, while Cal shone with his dancing skills. They shared an innocent and unforgettable moment on the roof and teased each other during rehearsals. But after the summer ended, they went their separate ways.
The next time they met, Kathleen had become a pop singer named Katee Rose and was dating the lead singer of a popular boy band, Ryan, who was self-absorbed and loved being in the spotlight. Cal joined Ryan's boy band, bringing back memories of their shared past. Things escalated quickly, and Kathleen found herself in the middle of a love triangle. In the end, she lost both guys and her entire career as she was shunned by the press, fans, and agents.
In the present day, Kathleen's best friend and partner in crime, Harriett, has written a play with a lead character inspired by Kathleen. The two of them find themselves working with Cal, who is interested in directing the play for Broadway. Although Kathleen must bury the hatchet and be professional, her resentment towards Cal for not supporting her in the past still simmers.
Their forced professionalism is soon tested as old feelings resurface, leading to witty and sarcastic banter. Both Kathleen and Cal still blame each other for the events of the past, and they must decide if they are willing to risk their careers for a second chance at love.
Overall, I found Kathleen and Cal's story to be more sincere and heartwarming than the author's previous characters, Chani and Gabe (who had a Chris Evans vibe). This is a beautifully written and emotional story about childhood sweethearts that I highly recommend you don't miss.
A big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Ballantine/Dell for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
medium.com
July 21, 2023
this book might have flaws…🤔 but if it does that’s literally none of my business.
elissa sussman has the rare power of completely captivating me to the point where i don’t nitpick critiques, and i enjoyed the hell out of myself with this one.
elissa sussman has the rare power of completely captivating me to the point where i don’t nitpick critiques, and i enjoyed the hell out of myself with this one.
August 10, 2023
just a no.
Want to read
October 23, 2022Anybody else think about Buffy The Vampire Slayer whenever you see “Once more with feeling”?
“They got… The mustard…. OOOOOOOUT!”
No? Yes? No?
“They got… The mustard…. OOOOOOOUT!”
No? Yes? No?
Want to read
July 23, 2022FRIENDS TO LOVERS TO ENEMIES TO LOVERS.. excuse me give it to me!!!! now!!!
April 20, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is described as being a “friends-to-lovers meets enemies-to-lovers story,” and that is the perfect way to define the relationship between Kathleen and Cal. The spark from when they were kids has since dissolved, and now the two can’t even stand to be in the same room. When their mutual friend writes a Broadway play, the two find themselves in forced proximity.
What would I say to the author after finishing this book? Why, once more with feeling, of course. The characters were extremely flat, and I did not notice a lot of development or growth in their relationships overall. While I wasn’t necessarily bored and it turned out to be a quick read, there was nothing to this story. Fights and kisses popped up out of nowhere, and I didn’t really care if Kathleen and Cal ended up together or not. In short, I would compare this book to trying to make tacos without any seasoning. Huh? Who wants that? #blandAF
This book is described as being a “friends-to-lovers meets enemies-to-lovers story,” and that is the perfect way to define the relationship between Kathleen and Cal. The spark from when they were kids has since dissolved, and now the two can’t even stand to be in the same room. When their mutual friend writes a Broadway play, the two find themselves in forced proximity.
What would I say to the author after finishing this book? Why, once more with feeling, of course. The characters were extremely flat, and I did not notice a lot of development or growth in their relationships overall. While I wasn’t necessarily bored and it turned out to be a quick read, there was nothing to this story. Fights and kisses popped up out of nowhere, and I didn’t really care if Kathleen and Cal ended up together or not. In short, I would compare this book to trying to make tacos without any seasoning. Huh? Who wants that? #blandAF
September 13, 2023
3.5 stars
A second chance romance between two former pop stars Cal and Kathleen. Years ago a scandal ruined Kathleen's career and now ten years later Cal is directing her in the Broadway play that will revive her career.
I enjoyed this book a lot, I really liked the character of Kathleen. Where this book was weak for me was the flashbacks and jumps in time. They really hindered the story and made listening to this book jarring, instead of enhancing it. I really like Elissa Sussman and would happy read more books by her, I just didn't LOVE love this one.
A second chance romance between two former pop stars Cal and Kathleen. Years ago a scandal ruined Kathleen's career and now ten years later Cal is directing her in the Broadway play that will revive her career.
I enjoyed this book a lot, I really liked the character of Kathleen. Where this book was weak for me was the flashbacks and jumps in time. They really hindered the story and made listening to this book jarring, instead of enhancing it. I really like Elissa Sussman and would happy read more books by her, I just didn't LOVE love this one.
March 10, 2024
An adult romance that feels like it could easily be mistaken as a YA book with insufferable characters and a plot that drags on far too long. ALBEIT, it was still hella addicting and I ate up all the drama.
June 5, 2023
"Abuse is not the best way to build calluses."
°•*⁀➷
I sort of love when a plot calls me out in the way this one did. Subtly, but in a very real way on how we perceive celebrity and take in information from the press. As much as we try to say we give people a chance to tell their story, we rarely do, and this book really threw that in my face. We don't see them as people, but consumption. We don't give them the same rules that we apply to ourselves.
But they're as human as we are, and they deserve a chance to learn from their mistakes. Once More With Feeling was so very clear on that point, and I loved it. Because I know I've fallen into the category of hearing something about someone I don't truly know anything about, and holding that against them for... well, as long as I can. It's easy to blame people you don't know for things that don't affect you, but that's the thing: it does affect them.
Kathleen makes a mistake when she is old enough to know better. She never denies that, nor does she hide from the fact that it was her mistake. I love that she owned that the entire story and never pushed it to the side as someone else's. I love that she held those accountable in her life that should've been there, and I loved the honesty of her feelings towards Cal. I love that her forgiveness of him was earned, rather than just given. The plot felt completely realistic. If it were about anything other than cheating, I probably would have given it five stars.
I just can't, in good conscience, give a book about cheating five stars.
But I can tell you that it's worthy of them. The plot revolves around Kathleen constantly putting herself down, feeling like she hasn't earned her spot in this new life she's created for herself. She's still beating herself up for decisions she made when she was anything but herself. Mistakes that allowed her to figure out who she is, and who she wants to be. She holds them over herself like a bomb, just waiting for the chance to use them to ruin this second chance she's been given by the one person she feels she doesn't deserve one from.
I loved watching her realize that the only forgiveness she needed the entire time was her own. That making mistakes is human, and it doesn't mean she was a bad person, or didn't deserve to be happy. It was a story about healing, and I really enjoyed watching it come to fruition.
- Paige
°•*⁀➷
I sort of love when a plot calls me out in the way this one did. Subtly, but in a very real way on how we perceive celebrity and take in information from the press. As much as we try to say we give people a chance to tell their story, we rarely do, and this book really threw that in my face. We don't see them as people, but consumption. We don't give them the same rules that we apply to ourselves.
But they're as human as we are, and they deserve a chance to learn from their mistakes. Once More With Feeling was so very clear on that point, and I loved it. Because I know I've fallen into the category of hearing something about someone I don't truly know anything about, and holding that against them for... well, as long as I can. It's easy to blame people you don't know for things that don't affect you, but that's the thing: it does affect them.
Kathleen makes a mistake when she is old enough to know better. She never denies that, nor does she hide from the fact that it was her mistake. I love that she owned that the entire story and never pushed it to the side as someone else's. I love that she held those accountable in her life that should've been there, and I loved the honesty of her feelings towards Cal. I love that her forgiveness of him was earned, rather than just given. The plot felt completely realistic. If it were about anything other than cheating, I probably would have given it five stars.
I just can't, in good conscience, give a book about cheating five stars.
But I can tell you that it's worthy of them. The plot revolves around Kathleen constantly putting herself down, feeling like she hasn't earned her spot in this new life she's created for herself. She's still beating herself up for decisions she made when she was anything but herself. Mistakes that allowed her to figure out who she is, and who she wants to be. She holds them over herself like a bomb, just waiting for the chance to use them to ruin this second chance she's been given by the one person she feels she doesn't deserve one from.
I loved watching her realize that the only forgiveness she needed the entire time was her own. That making mistakes is human, and it doesn't mean she was a bad person, or didn't deserve to be happy. It was a story about healing, and I really enjoyed watching it come to fruition.
- Paige
March 9, 2023
what in the megan hilty smash self insert
June 28, 2023
A perfectly fine book. More contemporary fiction than romance.
March 7, 2023
4.25/5 I am an absolute sucker for a celebrity romance and this one definitely filled the hole in my heart that only celebrity romances can fill.
Once More With Feeling is a celebrity, popstar, broadway romance that shows Cal and Kathleen’s lives as they are growing up, rising to fame, and then later dealing with the aftermath of their public fall out (and Kathleen’s fall from fame). It is also second chance and childhood friends to lovers, which are some of my favorite romantic tropes. The “now and then” timelines flowed together seamlessly and I was dying to know what was going to happen in each one - I could not put the book down!
What I loved most about Cal and Kathleen is that they were both flawed characters but it was so easy to root for them because they had been through so much together and were trying to grow from their past mistakes. Their relationship dynamic was so special because they had known each other for most of their lives and could see each other’s true selves despite the negative effects of being in the public eye. It was evident how much they loved one another even though they refused to admit it.
I highly recommend to anyone who loved “Funny You Should Ask,” wants a fast-paced, drama-filled romance, and enjoys a celebrity comeback story!
Thank you Ballantine Random House and NetGalley for the ARC.
Once More With Feeling is a celebrity, popstar, broadway romance that shows Cal and Kathleen’s lives as they are growing up, rising to fame, and then later dealing with the aftermath of their public fall out (and Kathleen’s fall from fame). It is also second chance and childhood friends to lovers, which are some of my favorite romantic tropes. The “now and then” timelines flowed together seamlessly and I was dying to know what was going to happen in each one - I could not put the book down!
What I loved most about Cal and Kathleen is that they were both flawed characters but it was so easy to root for them because they had been through so much together and were trying to grow from their past mistakes. Their relationship dynamic was so special because they had known each other for most of their lives and could see each other’s true selves despite the negative effects of being in the public eye. It was evident how much they loved one another even though they refused to admit it.
I highly recommend to anyone who loved “Funny You Should Ask,” wants a fast-paced, drama-filled romance, and enjoys a celebrity comeback story!
Thank you Ballantine Random House and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 15, 2023
Unfortunately, this book did not do it for me - the entire time, I felt like Sussman was TELLING us about the tension between these two than actually SHOWING me anything. The story felt like it had forced chemistry that truly wasn’t there at all.
I think as a result, as a reader you’re not invested enough in the first half of their “present” relationship because you’re not clear on what even happened between them in the past. I get that it’s supposed to be like that, but it wasn’t written compelling enough for me to CARE to find out. Because Cal is painted in the present day as a douchebag who somehow wronged Katee, it’s subsequently very hard to root for them as a couple, emotionally and logically. The present timeline also presents them as… oddly horny for one another LOL, and their relationship evolves completely out of the blue! Does not feel like tension building or progression at all.
I also did not feel like I could root for Katee as a main character - she consistently acted against her own personal train of thought, and then questions what when wrong or why she is perceived the way she is. **SPOILER AHEAD** Like Katee girl, you’re going to jeopardize your best friend’s literal lifelong dream because of an old flame, blatantly lie to her (since you admitted to US AS READERS THROUGH YOUR THOUGHTS), and instead of reassure her or explain your side, you just lie and then get upset with HER? Please GROW UP. Similarly to her other novel Funny You Should Ask, I feel like Sussman’s characters are too caught up in the past and it reflects as weaknesses in the present timeline.
I think as a result, as a reader you’re not invested enough in the first half of their “present” relationship because you’re not clear on what even happened between them in the past. I get that it’s supposed to be like that, but it wasn’t written compelling enough for me to CARE to find out. Because Cal is painted in the present day as a douchebag who somehow wronged Katee, it’s subsequently very hard to root for them as a couple, emotionally and logically. The present timeline also presents them as… oddly horny for one another LOL, and their relationship evolves completely out of the blue! Does not feel like tension building or progression at all.
I also did not feel like I could root for Katee as a main character - she consistently acted against her own personal train of thought, and then questions what when wrong or why she is perceived the way she is. **SPOILER AHEAD** Like Katee girl, you’re going to jeopardize your best friend’s literal lifelong dream because of an old flame, blatantly lie to her (since you admitted to US AS READERS THROUGH YOUR THOUGHTS), and instead of reassure her or explain your side, you just lie and then get upset with HER? Please GROW UP. Similarly to her other novel Funny You Should Ask, I feel like Sussman’s characters are too caught up in the past and it reflects as weaknesses in the present timeline.
July 21, 2023
katee rose was america’s number-one pop star, adored by fans who sold out her concerts and paid vast attention to the constant tabloid coverage surrounding her. it all comes to an end through a misogynistic campaign led by the media and laneve alike when she cheats on her boyfriend ryan laneve, a member of a popular boyband, with his fellow bandmate, the quiet cal kirby, with whom she is in love with.
kathleen rosenberg is ordinary and happy to leave her short-lived pop career in the past. that is until her best friend’s broadway musical sees director cal re-emerge in her life with an offer she cannot refuse: she will have the titular role so long as she auditions in front of the producers. whilst the pair have not spoken since their downfall, their feelings remain and tensions rise - is it a good idea to reignite an old flame? can they resist temptation?
at its core once more with feeling is a story of healing. the story of a woman who made a mistake, who owned and owns up to that mistake, who learns to forgive herself to be present in the life she has fought hard to create off of the learning done from her past. cheating stories are nothing new, but here, for me, there was a lesson to be learnt. whilst this does not apply to every situation - it is easy to pass judgement and to involve yourself in situations that do not concern you, it is easy to write off an individual or individuals because of their behaviour. that behaviour can be learnt from and sometimes we should give people a second chance because people like kathleen? they deserve it.
beyond its core, this book is also a second-chance romance between two people that have loved each other for a very long time. the kind of love you dream about with no complications. this book, like real life, has complications. complications i think i would struggle to come back from, much like the characters, which made it all the more fun to root for them. i loved this. truly loved it.
- 4.5 stars.
kathleen rosenberg is ordinary and happy to leave her short-lived pop career in the past. that is until her best friend’s broadway musical sees director cal re-emerge in her life with an offer she cannot refuse: she will have the titular role so long as she auditions in front of the producers. whilst the pair have not spoken since their downfall, their feelings remain and tensions rise - is it a good idea to reignite an old flame? can they resist temptation?
at its core once more with feeling is a story of healing. the story of a woman who made a mistake, who owned and owns up to that mistake, who learns to forgive herself to be present in the life she has fought hard to create off of the learning done from her past. cheating stories are nothing new, but here, for me, there was a lesson to be learnt. whilst this does not apply to every situation - it is easy to pass judgement and to involve yourself in situations that do not concern you, it is easy to write off an individual or individuals because of their behaviour. that behaviour can be learnt from and sometimes we should give people a second chance because people like kathleen? they deserve it.
beyond its core, this book is also a second-chance romance between two people that have loved each other for a very long time. the kind of love you dream about with no complications. this book, like real life, has complications. complications i think i would struggle to come back from, much like the characters, which made it all the more fun to root for them. i loved this. truly loved it.
- 4.5 stars.
June 6, 2023
this was a hot steaming pile of doodoo, pardon my french
March 10, 2023
A huge fan of Sussman's previous work Funny You Should Ask, Once More With Feeling is just okay.
A decade after losing her popstar career, Kathleen Rosenburg is done with being Katee Rose, but she is forced to face the past when former fling, boy band member, and reason she lost it all Cal Kirby is her new Broadway director
I struggled with this book. Although the premise is interesting (a kind of callback to Britney/Justin) and the pure drama and mess of it all held my attention, I can't say I loved the reading experience.
I'm not a fan of second chance romance especially given the circumstances of Cal and Kathleen's relationship. Too much baggage. Too much hurt. I truly didn't feel invested in them getting back together. I felt like this was a case of been there, done that, learned from my mistakes, and now it's time to put my big girl panties on, hire a therapist, and MOVE ON.
The characters also just fell flat. There wasn't much growth or accountability in any of them. The miscommunication between all the characters felt juvenile and frustrating, especially given how much time had passed. And maybe this could've help with Dual POVs?? Or a better view of what happened in the years between Then/Now versus just going between Then/Now.
Although fast paced and bingeable, the plot also didn't feel quite right with events and moments that felt more cringe than realistic.
I was missing that extra oomph and self awareness that Funny You Should Ask had in this one. Once More With Feeling is an easy, messy read, but with a little less heart and realism than what I come to expect from Sussman.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for an advance reader's e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
A decade after losing her popstar career, Kathleen Rosenburg is done with being Katee Rose, but she is forced to face the past when former fling, boy band member, and reason she lost it all Cal Kirby is her new Broadway director
I struggled with this book. Although the premise is interesting (a kind of callback to Britney/Justin) and the pure drama and mess of it all held my attention, I can't say I loved the reading experience.
I'm not a fan of second chance romance especially given the circumstances of Cal and Kathleen's relationship. Too much baggage. Too much hurt. I truly didn't feel invested in them getting back together. I felt like this was a case of been there, done that, learned from my mistakes, and now it's time to put my big girl panties on, hire a therapist, and MOVE ON.
The characters also just fell flat. There wasn't much growth or accountability in any of them. The miscommunication between all the characters felt juvenile and frustrating, especially given how much time had passed. And maybe this could've help with Dual POVs?? Or a better view of what happened in the years between Then/Now versus just going between Then/Now.
Although fast paced and bingeable, the plot also didn't feel quite right with events and moments that felt more cringe than realistic.
I was missing that extra oomph and self awareness that Funny You Should Ask had in this one. Once More With Feeling is an easy, messy read, but with a little less heart and realism than what I come to expect from Sussman.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for an advance reader's e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 5, 2023
four stars! ʚïɞ
elissa sussman is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors bc she does second chance romance sooooo well. i love the fact that this book is reminiscent to funny you should ask in the sense that both novels are second chance and centered around celebrities/former celebrities. the hollywood/famous aspect in these books makes them soo much better imo, and i live for all the drama and everything that comes with it!
i was so stoked for this book, and i’m so happy that it did not disappoint!! unfortunately, i am not a music theater person (although lowkey sometimes i wish i were) so i feel like personally i didn’t connect to this as much, especially with all of the show references and whatnot, but honestly i still really enjoyed it! seeing the work that goes on behind the scenes of shows like that was really interesting and definitely brought a level of entertainment i wasn’t expecting!
as for the characters, i adored kathleen sooo much! i loved that this book had a lot of past chapters, so we got to see her as a teen (and as katee rose, aka the world’s biggest popstar) and how that affected her as a grown up. the transition from pop star to broadway star was really interesting, and i loved that she did the transition with the people she started her journey with; harriet and cal. their friendships were so sweet, even if strained at points, but the feelings and history was definitely there and they were quite meaningful.
the romance was also genuinely so sweet. cal and kathleen first met when they were teenagers at a summer camp that resembled ‘camp rock’ in a lot of ways. after that summer, they wouldn’t see each other again for a few years, when kathleen transforms into katee and cal himself is a member of a high rising boy band. and the present focuses on cal directing the play that kathleen is in, so we get to experience their relationship from all angles and ages, and they were a really cute example of the childhood friends to lovers to rivals to lovers again trope, if that even is one lol. there was so much drama and so much angst and tension between the two, and the chapters from the past really added to the emotional connection between the two.
this was such an amazing and lovely read, and i’m so glad i got to experience it before it hits the shelves! i loved every page of this, and i can’t wait to add a physical addition to my shelves, bc i’m obsessed with this cover scheme sussman has going on! ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
thank you so much to netgalley and random house publishing for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
elissa sussman is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors bc she does second chance romance sooooo well. i love the fact that this book is reminiscent to funny you should ask in the sense that both novels are second chance and centered around celebrities/former celebrities. the hollywood/famous aspect in these books makes them soo much better imo, and i live for all the drama and everything that comes with it!
i was so stoked for this book, and i’m so happy that it did not disappoint!! unfortunately, i am not a music theater person (although lowkey sometimes i wish i were) so i feel like personally i didn’t connect to this as much, especially with all of the show references and whatnot, but honestly i still really enjoyed it! seeing the work that goes on behind the scenes of shows like that was really interesting and definitely brought a level of entertainment i wasn’t expecting!
as for the characters, i adored kathleen sooo much! i loved that this book had a lot of past chapters, so we got to see her as a teen (and as katee rose, aka the world’s biggest popstar) and how that affected her as a grown up. the transition from pop star to broadway star was really interesting, and i loved that she did the transition with the people she started her journey with; harriet and cal. their friendships were so sweet, even if strained at points, but the feelings and history was definitely there and they were quite meaningful.
the romance was also genuinely so sweet. cal and kathleen first met when they were teenagers at a summer camp that resembled ‘camp rock’ in a lot of ways. after that summer, they wouldn’t see each other again for a few years, when kathleen transforms into katee and cal himself is a member of a high rising boy band. and the present focuses on cal directing the play that kathleen is in, so we get to experience their relationship from all angles and ages, and they were a really cute example of the childhood friends to lovers to rivals to lovers again trope, if that even is one lol. there was so much drama and so much angst and tension between the two, and the chapters from the past really added to the emotional connection between the two.
this was such an amazing and lovely read, and i’m so glad i got to experience it before it hits the shelves! i loved every page of this, and i can’t wait to add a physical addition to my shelves, bc i’m obsessed with this cover scheme sussman has going on! ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
thank you so much to netgalley and random house publishing for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
August 15, 2023
2.5 stars probably — this was a bit bland. i was entertained enough to finish but the characters fell flat for me, and i hateeeee the cheating trope.
August 22, 2024
when you’re reading a romance, but the mc and supposed love interest have less than 0% chemistry:
August 31, 2024
I wish they wrote this book 𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘍𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨.
We start off with a tabloid headlining Katee Rose's epic break-up more than ten years in the past. Cut to the present, Kathleen Rosenberg has been casted as the lead for a Broadway show alongside Cal - the director and her old flame. But as the couple are given a second chance, their mistakes of the past still haunts them.
- ~ -
To be fair, it's not a bad book.
Just very immature?
I'd accept half the stuff that went down if it was for the greater good considering the current situation then but it was mainly due to dumb decisions.
Don't get me wrong, the plot has potential but the execution was all shades of wrong. It only led to the characters being drawn in a negative light when they could've created a more emotional impact.
On the bright side, though, I liked Kathleen and Cal's banter and confessions. Their energy was easy going and I liked Fish - Kathleen's cat.
- ~ -
3.71 / 5✩
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
We start off with a tabloid headlining Katee Rose's epic break-up more than ten years in the past. Cut to the present, Kathleen Rosenberg has been casted as the lead for a Broadway show alongside Cal - the director and her old flame. But as the couple are given a second chance, their mistakes of the past still haunts them.
- ~ -
To be fair, it's not a bad book.
Just very immature?
I'd accept half the stuff that went down if it was for the greater good considering the current situation then but it was mainly due to dumb decisions.
Don't get me wrong, the plot has potential but the execution was all shades of wrong. It only led to the characters being drawn in a negative light when they could've created a more emotional impact.
On the bright side, though, I liked Kathleen and Cal's banter and confessions. Their energy was easy going and I liked Fish - Kathleen's cat.
- ~ -
3.71 / 5✩
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
June 12, 2023
3 stars.
This was good. A very in the middle type of book that didn't wow me, but kept me entertained. I didn't enjoy this book as much as FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK, but I will definitely still read Elissa Sussman's next book.
Thanks to @prhaudio for the gifted audiobook.
This was good. A very in the middle type of book that didn't wow me, but kept me entertained. I didn't enjoy this book as much as FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK, but I will definitely still read Elissa Sussman's next book.
Thanks to @prhaudio for the gifted audiobook.
June 1, 2023
Elissa Sussman is now two for two on delivering lighthearted yet emotional celebrity romances. It says a lot that I really love her books because second chance is one of my least favorite tropes. But I love how Sussman doesn’t bog down her stories by rehashing the past too much and making it as painful as possible. She keeps the ‘Then’ chapters short and sweet and focuses on the present and untangling the character’s histories with each other.
The romance was sweet and the friendships were awesome. I’m only dropping one star because I wanted Cal to fight for her more. Yes, most of what happened between them was Kathleen’s fault but he was just a little too passive for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC of this book!
The romance was sweet and the friendships were awesome. I’m only dropping one star because I wanted Cal to fight for her more. Yes, most of what happened between them was Kathleen’s fault but he was just a little too passive for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC of this book!
June 20, 2023
The characters felt so flat and there was no growth or development
October 2, 2023
i've been reading this since may that's all u need to know about this book
Want to read
November 12, 2022THE COVER
June 6, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up only because I didn’t love it quite as much as Funny You Should Ask…BUT wow Elissa Sussman is giving Emily Henry a run for her money!
July 11, 2023
I was so excited to read this because Elissa Sussman quickly became one of my favourite authors after Funny You Should Ask and wow was this everything I ever wanted and more. It also helps that she hands down has the most beautiful book covers in the entire world. I picked this book up blindly based on all of that and honestly I was terrified when I read the synopsis because musical theatre and second chance romance are two of my least favourite things in books but I loved it. So much.
I just love how Sussman writes her relationships, it is just everything to me. It really works well and compliments the dual timeline and multimedia formatting she seems to favour in her books, and it just makes the ending all the more juicy for me. I really enjoy her writing style and think she’s really talented at coming up with ideas for plots, and executing them in a really engaging way. She literally has me wanting to devour her books in a single sitting every time and I would honestly read her shopping lists at this point.
Her characters just feel so raw and realistic to me, I think that’s what draws me to them and helps the eventual romance and other side relationships feel so authentic. They’re very messy and flawed, and have a lot of history and things in their past to work through that really bulks up the story and turns the emotion up high. I just find it so easy to root for these characters despite everything, and throw myself into investing my heart and energy into their stories. It was no exception here. They had such intense chemistry immediately, and right from the beginning of the book I could feel how well they fit together. They just made sense, they were written like soulmates. And it was helped by the slow burn nature of the narrative to really build on that tension and show us why these characters are so obsessed with each other.
Even though I hate musical theatre and wasn’t sure how she could make me fall in love with these people that didn’t work the first time around, she pulled it off so easily. This book was just a whole load of emotional, heartfelt fun and I loved it. If I’m being picky this was maybe a 4.5 and I loved FYSA a smidge more but I’m rounding it up because it deserves it.
I just love how Sussman writes her relationships, it is just everything to me. It really works well and compliments the dual timeline and multimedia formatting she seems to favour in her books, and it just makes the ending all the more juicy for me. I really enjoy her writing style and think she’s really talented at coming up with ideas for plots, and executing them in a really engaging way. She literally has me wanting to devour her books in a single sitting every time and I would honestly read her shopping lists at this point.
Her characters just feel so raw and realistic to me, I think that’s what draws me to them and helps the eventual romance and other side relationships feel so authentic. They’re very messy and flawed, and have a lot of history and things in their past to work through that really bulks up the story and turns the emotion up high. I just find it so easy to root for these characters despite everything, and throw myself into investing my heart and energy into their stories. It was no exception here. They had such intense chemistry immediately, and right from the beginning of the book I could feel how well they fit together. They just made sense, they were written like soulmates. And it was helped by the slow burn nature of the narrative to really build on that tension and show us why these characters are so obsessed with each other.
Even though I hate musical theatre and wasn’t sure how she could make me fall in love with these people that didn’t work the first time around, she pulled it off so easily. This book was just a whole load of emotional, heartfelt fun and I loved it. If I’m being picky this was maybe a 4.5 and I loved FYSA a smidge more but I’m rounding it up because it deserves it.
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