Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman
Publisher: Random House
Pub Date: 5/30/2023

Thank you to PRH Audio for the free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: 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?

Review: Once More With Feeling is the second book I’ve read from Elissa Sussman. Former pop star Katee Rose, now living an ordinary life as Kathleen Rosenberg, has her world upended when Cal Kirby, her ex-lover and former bandmate, offers her a starring role in a Broadway show he’s directing. As they work together, the two struggle with unresolved tension and undeniable chemistry, forcing them to confront their past and decide if reigniting old flames is worth the risk. I found the premise of this book quite intriguing and full of potential, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was lacking in its execution. The story is told from the perspective of Kathleen Rosenberg, both in the past and present. Kathleen’s character was very well-developed and I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the story. However, I was disappointed with Cal’s character which I found to be underdeveloped. It was hard for me to see how he had changed from the past to the present. When Kathleen and Cal reunited as adults, their chemistry felt forced and I didn’t feel like they resolved any of their issues. I wasn’t a fan of the subplot involving Kathleen and her best friend, Harriet, having an underlying fight that’s only explained later in the book. On the other hand, I appreciated that the infidelity in the past was presented upfront and not treated as a surprise reveal. Overall, I had mixed feelings about this book. I preferred her first book, Funny You Should Ask.