Revisiting Summer Nights

...PJ Addison and Wylie Parsons fell in love in their twenties, on the set of the first movie of a new slasher franchise. Life, Hollywood, and their own screw-ups put an end to their relationship, but when they’re reunited a decade later for a sequel PJ is directing, it’s obvious they haven’t moved on with their lives as much as they thought they had.

Revisiting Summer Nights is a first for Bartlett in that the MC isn’t a criminal. I’m not huge on morally grey characters, but who could resist Cash Braddock? Definitely not me. PJ and Wylie are an interesting departure from what Bartlett has written so far. They’re adults (as in, not as endearingly immature as her previous protagonists), they’re professionally successful, they’re wealthy, which gives them another degree of agency. And yet they face extremely relatable challenges. Their feelings for each other—despite Wylie being on her third marriage—but also the patriarchy and the old boys’ club—it’s Hollywood here, but it could just as well be any other work environment.

As usual when I love a book, I love it for many reasons, some big, some small. I enjoyed the way Bartlett paints the atmosphere on set and in the wings, the camaraderie between younger actors and their willingness to “adopt” Wylie and PJ, the team spirit, the solidarity against despicable men.

I love a second-chance trope, and I rooted so hard for PJ and Wylie to see the error of their ways. I know it’s a romance and there was always going to be a happy ending, but I live for the angst and doubts on the way, the bumpy journey to that happiness. And I already mentioned above how much I like the way Bartlett writes flawed but ultimately very human characters. Speaking of which, there’s one I wish I’d seen more of: PJ’s mom. Who knows, maybe she’ll get her own book someday...

Jude Silberfeld for Jude in the Stars via NetGalley

Super sexy second chance celebrity romance. Found myself completing ignoring the world while reading this delightful cinematic tale. A truly entertaining behind the scenes look at the blooming of love during the filming experience. My first Ashley Bartlett book, but certainly not my last.

Sam Brooks via NetGalley

This book has all the bits jam packed into 30 plus chapters. When I say bits, I mean- steamy scenes, #metoo, horror movie set shenanigans, famous couple, fourth chances, finding self, and a hilarious set of supporting characters that will make you laugh at their antics.

It's a well written book as long as the many sets of dialogues don't weigh you down...Once I was halfway through, I had gained my footing and could arrange my thoughts when characters were popping in and out of chats. The writer does a great job establishing characters with their unique personalities and watching them flood the set of a horror movie was fantastic.

Fun piece of fiction, just the right length, just enough love and drama, just the right book for a quick holiday.

Alice Glass via NetGalley

I love Ashley Bartlett's writing, especially the Cash series, so I jumped at the chance to read this! On a remake of an old slasher movie, stars PJ and Wylie get to reenact their teenage love affair, told in first person from PJ's point of view. There are a lot of characters to keep up, but be patient, it pays off in the end. I'm a chronic reader of Author Notes, so I was sad that this is a stand-alone. A very different second chance romance!

Karen Cobb via NetGalley

A second chance romance between two actresses who met as teens and fell in love, broke up but remained friends. It was very enjoyable, and I loved how they handle themselves in a mature manner.

BONNIE KAY via NetGalley