Prompt #19 A highly anticipated read of 2025

I have loved everything I have read by Laura Wood so was absolutely thrilled to receive a digital ARC of her new book Let’s Make a Scene.

What it’s about?

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’s 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 I think:

I loved Under Your Spell which was a five star read for me, so I was very excited to revisit some of the characters and dive into Cynthie’s story.

This is a enemies to lovers/second chance/fake dating masterpiece. There is so much chemistry between Cynthie and Jack.

Cynthie and Jack starred in a film together 13 years ago. A series of misunderstandings and nerves mistaken for arrogance meant that they ended up hating each other. Despite their on-screen chemistry, they have avoided each other ever since.

But now they might need each other. With both of them needing some positive press, when the chance to make a long awaited sequel comes up, they have to rekindle their on screen magic. But they are both older and wiser, and who knows, maybe their fake dating could become something more.

I loved the split timelines – you can see the mistakes that Jack and Cynthie made in the past and how they have grown as both people and actors. They have both been successful in different ways since they worked together so the dynamic between them have shifted since they first worked together.

I love the chemistry between them – lots of fizzy flirting and sparkling dialogue that makes you smile. It’s clear that they belong together – the fun is waiting to see how long it takes them to realise it!

I also love the cameo’s from Theo and Clemmie, the protagonists from Under Your Spell. Theo and Cynthie have previously dated and remained friends and it was so lovely seeing what they did next.

This was one of my most anticipated books of 2025 and it did not disappoint. Another 5 star read for me!

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for my gifted digital ARC. This is perfect summer reading – preorder it now; it won’t disappoint!