Member Reviews

So I may have said it once or twice, I’ve been struggling with reading—which explains why the majority of my recent reviews are for audiobooks. My focus has been all over the place for months now. However, I got into this book right away (even though I had to stop for a few days because of the Olympics and work). I don’t know if the timing was finally favourable or if this was the right book, but I believe it’s the book. It’s the way Ashley Bartlett writes characters. The banter. The tenderness.

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. 4.5⭐️

Was this review helpful?

Revisiting Summer Nights by Ashley Bartlett is a cute celebrity second chance romance between two actors that originally met on set years prior . I liked that the plot of the movie played a large role and moved the story along. However overall I felt that for a romance the chemistry was weak and I also had a hard time keeping track of all the secondary characters. I probably wouldn’t recommend this book to others but I’d give the author a second chance.

Was this review helpful?

This story was a little confusing to me, it didn't really interest me, maybe because of that, because my head was thinking too much trying to understand the things that were not said clearly, also to discern if it was the characters or the people who were talking, It was all quite disconcerting.

The plot itself seemed quite interesting a priori, in fact it was for me, so I feel bad having to give a not entirely positive evaluation. Even the protagonists are fickle and inconsistent in my opinion. But I see that other readers have rated it better than me, so don't take my comments into account.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books, Inc. | BSB genre and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This story was challenging and required some patience because there’s several characters to keep track of. PJ and Wylie (main characters) have a history and reunite a decade later for a show. This a second chance romance with some angst.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

This book has all the bits jam packed into 30plus 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. I haven't read a book that has so many character intros at once so the first couple chapters made my eye twitch a bit. 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.

Was this review helpful?

Throughly enjoyed this book. The characters, every single one of the good guys, are great. Even the sleaze guy is perfectly pitched, and spot on sidelined to be in the book for a plot line, but not dwelled on. The dialogue is witty and fun and made me laugh. I liked it so much that I’m going to read it again. Definitely one to buy. The mum might need her own book at some point.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

Good start but many names to grapple with. Confused with who was who and had been with whom at first. Apart from the mains, everyone remained confused in my head. However I enjoyed all the scenes between the mains. The chemistry was there, the banter, the knowledge and the affection.
There isn’t really much happening plot wise but I am finding the romance arc compelling. It’s odd because it’s not exactly slow burn, and 50% in, not really second chance, although it is slow burn and this is their second chance.
Then a back burner plot takes a bit more centre stage and I am gripped about the ramifications. Funnily enough this has put the romance plot a bit on the back burner. I’m as gripped as before but by a different plot strand.
I liked the ending for both the romance and the comeuppance plot. I was still a bit not sure about the large cast but for the ending I knew who I needed to know.
I really enjoyed this book! There were several lines I thought were well crafted….” Dawn took forever and somehow still came too soon.”
I did get a bit confused with some non binary pronouns, not with they/them but when she seemed to be slipped in about the same person. There is a pretty diverse cast.

Was this review helpful?

I found it quite challenging to finish reading the book as I failed to establish any connection with the characters. Additionally, the excessive use of the term 'babe' throughout the book became quite irritating and made it difficult to like the story. also, it was hard to visualize the characters' physical appearances. However, since the author kindly provided me with a free copy, I felt obligated to finish it. The middle part of the book was pleasant and enjoyable, although I felt that the relationship between Wylie and Pj lacked depth and could have been developed further.

Was this review helpful?

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

ohhh this book was just a bit exciting ...to get behind the scenes whilst they were filming a movie which had featured the actors back in their younger days and now it comes full circle with those same actors but now one of them is the producer of this new movie

its not without its stumbling blocks, as yes it touches on sexual assault back in the day but its relevant today as the said person still haunts the film sets as a big wig producer....

but its the story behind pj and wylie the two actors that starred in the original film years ago and where they are today though they arent together filming could bring them together plus the very ugly character of the sexual assault looms again on set

though there are loads of characters to get your head around its quite an interesting read and you soon get use to the hollywood lifestyle and fall for all the characters

Was this review helpful?

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.

Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley for this ARC copy.

Was this review helpful?

Two actresses went on to become stars after breakthrough roles in a B rate slasher movie. It inspired a successful franchises and the pair are back together ten years later to be a part of the latest film. There fell in love at the time but their careers took them to different opportunities. One has been married multiple times and the other can’t seem to sustain a relationship.

The story jumps off to a quick start with the pair glad to be reunited again. They already know each other and act in familiar ways. (They are new to the reader,, not each other.). There isn’t bad feelings regarding their past which is a nice change. Drama in the story comes from a producer who is old school Hollywood but he gets what he deserves. I enjoy second chance romances. I was less interested in the details of filming the movie but it gives the setting for characters to interact.
(3.5 Stars)

Was this review helpful?

This was a cute celebrity second chance romance between two actors that originally met on set years prior. This story was a lot more than a traditional romance as the plot of the movie played a large role in the storyline. I do need to mention the tw of sexual assault/rape. They aren’t detailed by any means but it is included as part of the story. Overall, I enjoyed this book but did feel like I expected more of the romance aspect between the two mcs.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

PJ was a child star now is a movie director. In her first movie that will become a successful franchise she meets Wylie and she fall hard for her as their relationship heats up so does the movies . When Wylie breaks her heart to live Hollywood life she never let anyone else in despite that they been friends ever since. Wylie is a cliche doesn’t mind it being married three times thinking she find happiness that way. PJ is ask to direct the final film when the original director is finally on trial for assaulting one of the co-stars. While trying to direct the film and also act in it she tries to create a safe place for everyone while trying not to fall back in love with Wylie which she never really stop as they try to create chemistry onscreen while it’s there off screen and will they both realize what’s been there all along. I like how we got to see how the production of movies gets made the side characters were great being supportive of each other. Overall good read.

Was this review helpful?

Old flames rekindle on the set of a slasher movie franchise. Can love still win after a decade of being apart? Trigger warning: there are a lot of references to sexual assault although none of it is described in detail.

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

PJ Addison, is a child star turned movie director. She has been part of a successful slasher movie franchise. The first movie she fell hard for her co-star Wylie but was left broken hearted after Wylie chose to set out for the typical Hollywood lifestyle. They have been friends ever since, but PJ never put her heart on the line after that. The young women bonded on set with the rest of the cast after their director assaulted one of their co-stars. Now a decade later, the guy is finally put on trial. PJ is reluctantly hired to direct the last installment of the franchise. That also means directing herself while resuming the on screen romance between hers Wylie’s characters. The Wylie that is now on marriage number three after ditching PJ ten years ago. The cast and crew rally to create the best movie they can and cleanse the franchise of the reputation of the creepy first director. All the while PJ’s and Wylies connection grows stronger, but can they really overcome a decade of being apart?

The story is told through PJ’s point of view. There are two main storylines: her relationship with Wylie and dealing with the aftermath of assault on set. PJ’s strong convictions to build a set family and get the whole cast and crew to lean on each other is awe inspiring. She is a beacon in this ‘Me Too’-era and shows exactly how people should treat each other. All the while she has to navigate the movie studio’s ridiculous demands.

PJ’s and Wylie’s chemistry jumps off the page from the moment they are on the page together. While Wylie chose to chase happiness by marrying three times, PJ retracted into a life of solitude. She only ever loved Wylie and it’s challenging to rekindle their on screen relationship while she yearns to do the same in real life. All the while the hurt of the end of their relationship ten years ago makes her weary and reluctant. But Wylie is Wylie. There’s never been anyone else.

I loved getting a peek behind the scenes of a Hollywood production. The side characters in this story make it very interesting. Although the current cast wasn’t part of the earlier movies, except PJ and Wylie, the new actors are all committed to protecting them, their reputations and the other cast members. The details of the sexual assaults are kept vague, but it does create an atmosphere of us against him. Especially when the creeper turns up on set. The cast and crew rally around PJ to protect her. It’s really awesome and heartwarming.

I’m not a fan of slasher movies myself, but I’d definitely want to see this one. Only because of the love and dedication that the characters making it inspired. It’s a story that says the good people will win, eventually. Sometimes that is exactly what we need to hear.

Was this review helpful?

Found this an entertaining story. Was a bit intrigued by the summary which is why I requested it but wasn't sure how much I would like it. I liked it a lot. PJ and Wylie's interactions were both humourous and sad. The regret they both had for their lost years as a couple. A bit of tension introduced when Sean returned to the set after being let off on rape charges. The only real criticism of the story is that it didn't take the situation with Sean further.

Was this review helpful?

If you enjoy horror/slasher movies, you will enjoy this book. The book focuses mainly on PJ and Wylie. They are the two stars and final girls of the slasher series Dangerous Summer Nights. The two were a couple until Wylie broke it off.
Now it is a decade later and PJ is the director of the new Dangerous Nights movie. PJ's & Wylie's characters are again in the film and still a couple. PJ and Wylie are together all the time because of the film and have to pretend on screen that they are together. Of course, there is still feelings there and they continue to grow the longer they are together .
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I knew this wasn't the book for me when I started counting the number of times "babe" was used by more than one character.

Nice premise, but I couldn't find my groove in the writing itself which was ALL dialogue. There were not descriptions that pulled me into the scene and allowed me to see what the characters saw. I may as well have been reading a script. It was literally one character saying something and another responding throughout.

Was this review helpful?

I liked the story within a story or rather movie set, I would have loved more from the book I feel like something was missing.

Was this review helpful?