When I Think of You by Myah Ariel

e-Audio,10:48:24
Narrated by: DeWanda Wise 
Release Date: April 16, 2024
Published by: Books on Tape (Berkley)
Read from: April 25-27, 2024
Stand-alone
Source: PRH App (I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher and the app in exchange for a just and honest review. This did nothing to influence my review.)
Content Warning: Grief, Death of parent, Racism, Misogyny, Classism, Sexism, Sexual harassment
For Readers Interested In: Romance, Movies, Second Chance Romance, Realistic Fiction, Adult

      In this sweeping second chance romance from debut author Myah Ariel, the unexpected spark of two former flames may force them to choose between their dreams and each other.
     Kaliya Wilson has paid her dues. But all the years behind the reception desk at a flashy film studio have only pushed her movie-making dreams further out of reach. That is, until a surprise reunion presents an opportunity that could make her career, or break her heart…a second time.
     It’s been seven years since Kaliya’s whirlwind college romance with Danny Prescott went up in flames. While her passions have stalled, his career is taking off. So when the hot shot director reappears to offer her a job on his next production, it’s a shock to the system. Working with Danny may recapture the intensity of their film school days, but trusting him again won’t come as easily.
     As the pair allows themselves the openness and vulnerability to entrust their deepest truths to each other, the possibility of a true connection draws ever closer. But when Hollywood politics and scandal threaten to sink the production and her career, Kaliya may have to risk everything to do what’s right—even if it means letting go of the second chance love of a lifetime.

*MY THOUGHTS*

Although I thought this book was going to be a favorite of mine, I spent a lot of my time yelling at her. She was set on her not having a relationship with that man I’m convinced. But even tho I was yelling at her, I still thought it was ok.

It’s been a minute since I didn’t necessarily like a character, but I still liked the book. But this is the one that did it. She was so annoying lol She didn’t know what it was she wanted. Idk if there was no other way to make it so they had a third act break up or what, but this one was completely unnecessary. She kept saying yes she wanted to be with him but when they got together she said no she didn’t? Idk it was so weird lol I DO get having to find yourself first and wanting to get to know the other person, but the whole like wanting to be with him all the time, and finally realizing that she wanted him, just to say she wasn’t ready? I didn’t get that she didn’t get it until after she had already said she wanted to be with him again?

The movie aspect of this tho was so cool! I loved everything about that part. From her finding the industry terrible, to the way she started from the bottom and rose all the way to the awards! And I loved seeing Danny make his own name in the industry and fighting tooth and nail to overcome the racists and those in the industry trying to do him dirty. Because every industry is just like that, but I never thought what it would be like for those in the movies.

The romance was also pretty cute too. I loved the way he like rescued her without making her feel like he did. No one deserved to be in the hell hole that was that receptionist desk. And the way he loved her and let her go all those times but still held out for her. I loved that. He was intentional and already knew that hw was going to be with her. But the whole scene when they went to see his mama and she sent them breakfast because she knew too?! Wooo chile! I love a support system and he had a goodt one.

This was cute even though I had some choice words for her. It wasn’t what I was expecting from a second chance romance, but I was okay with that. Definitely gave me a couple things to think about.

Overall, I give this