I have some history with teen dramas. One Tree Hill is one of my favorite shows of all time (I quite literally squealed when I saw One Tree Hill is coming out with a spin-off), Gossip Girl was an obsession, I watched Degrassi every week, and my friends and I pretended we were the characters from Pretty Little Liars for like two years. I haven’t seen Dawson’s Creek, which the TV show in Prime Time Romance is heavily inspired by, but I understand how a TV show can impact someone.
My history with dramas is one of the reasons Prime Time Romance initially stood out to me. I thought the concept was unique and interested in seeing where Robb would take it.
Prime Time Romance is now available for purchase.
Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb
Published on September 3, 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 336
Format: ARC
Is love on the small screen better than the real thing?
A young divorcée finds herself in the ideal world of her favorite 2000s teen soap in this “gleefully nostalgic and completely fresh”* romance from the author of This Spells Love.
*Jessica Joyce, bestselling author of You, with a ViewNewly divorced on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Brynn is sick of heartbreak. She thought she had found her happy ending, but now she’s living with a roommate, Josh, to afford her mortgage, and she’s trying to adjust to her new single life. At least she’s got Carson’s Cove to binge, her beloved 2000s teenage soap. The show ended unexpectantly on a cliffhanger after five seasons, and the two main characters, Sloan and Spencer, never got to declare their love for each other. The show is still perfect in Brynn’s eyes; despite all the drama that goes down, things always have a way of working out in Carson’s Cove . . . unlike her own life.
So when a birthday cake surprisingly shows up on her and Josh’s doorstep, Brynn makes a wish for the one thing she’s always wanted (but has failed to achieve herself): a happily-ever-after.
The next morning, she doesn’t wake up in her apartment. She’s in Carson’s Cove . . . and Josh is there too. Everyone seems to know them, except they’re not Brynn and Josh; they’re Sloan, the sweetheart of Carson’s Cove, and Fletch, the town’s bad boy. And to get home, they have to make Brynn’s wish come true by ensuring Sloan and Spencer, the hometown heartthrob, end up together at last. But as they spend more time together, Brynn and Josh realize that Carson’s Cove might not be as perfect as seen on television . . . especially when they start developing feelings for each other in a plot twist no one has expected. Will they stick to the script, or will real love change the story forever?
Spicy rating: 🌶🌶
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Tropes
- Roommates to Lovers
- Slow burn
- No 3rd Act Breakup
The Review
In the beginning, I was really enjoying myself! During the introductions of the two characters, I found both to be relatable in their own ways. I could see where romance could be in the cards for them–their chemistry was so strong! I thought this was going to be a major win of a book for me. Sadly, things took a slight turn.
“You can’t start the next episode of your life if you keep rewatching the old one.”
To me, the pacing was the biggest issue. All of the information about the TV show bogged down the storyline. I took a break from reading this at around the 45% mark, and I almost called it quits then. It was hard to feel anything for the characters when the story was so focused on building the background for Carson’s Cove. Every time I had to read more about the show, I felt more disconnected from the two main characters. It also caused the side characters to be very one-dimensional (which I understand was the point, but it took away any of the tension).
A few weeks later, I decided to continue. I am glad I didn’t give up on the book because I enjoyed it more than I initially thought I would. The story improved for me, and I ended up giving it three stars. I still have issues with the story, but as the characters started to grow beyond the TV show, it became a little more interesting. Josh was by far my favorite character in the book. I related to his fear of failure, and the connection to his real life and TV show life was well done.
“Spencer is perfect.” The words hit hard. Her gaze drops to her hands. “But I don’t know if I want perfect anymore.”
Overall feels
I am glad I decided to read this one. While it wasn’t a total win, I thought the premise was fun. I also thought the takeaway in the end was worth it, and I can see how other people will adore this one.
Final Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? Let me know in the comments!!