Laura Wood’s Let’s Make a Scene delivers a brilliantly crafted sequel to Under Your Spell, diving deep into the emotional complexities of former co-stars Cynthie Taylor and Jack Turner-Jones as they navigate the treacherous waters of fake romance that might just become gloriously real. This companion novel in the Theo & Cynthie series stands as a testament to Wood’s evolving prowess as a contemporary romance writer, though it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambitions.
Following the first book’s exploration of Theo Eliott’s journey with rock star fame and healing, Let’s Make a Scene shifts focus to Cynthie, Theo’s best friend and assistant who has been nursing her own secret heartbreak for over a decade. When opportunity knocks for a sequel to A Lady of Quality—the cult classic film that launched both her and Jack’s careers—Cynthie finds herself reluctantly agreeing to resurrect their fake relationship for publicity purposes, complete with a documentary crew capturing every moment.
The Evolution of Characters and Craft
Wood demonstrates remarkable character development skills, particularly in her portrayal of Cynthie’s emotional journey. Thirteen years have transformed the uncertain young actress into a woman grappling with recent trauma from an abusive relationship with director Shawn Hardy. Wood handles this sensitive subject matter with nuance, never exploiting Cynthie’s vulnerability for dramatic effect but instead using it as a foundation for genuine character growth.
The author’s depiction of Jack’s transformation proves equally compelling. No longer the privileged, emotionally stunted young man from their first encounter, he has evolved into someone capable of patience, emotional intelligence, and genuine care. Wood skillfully reveals his thirteen-year journey of self-discovery through subtle character moments rather than heavy-handed exposition.
A Documentary Within a Romance
The meta-narrative structure—featuring a documentary crew filming the making of their sequel while documenting their relationship—creates fascinating layers of performance and authenticity. Wood uses this device cleverly to explore themes of public versus private identity, though the execution sometimes feels overly complicated. The constant awareness of being watched adds tension, but occasionally the multiple layers of pretense become exhausting rather than intriguing.
The inclusion of footage from their original chemistry read, where Jack’s unguarded longing is captured on camera, provides one of the novel’s most emotionally resonant moments. Wood’s ability to convey the weight of thirteen years of suppressed feelings through this revelation demonstrates her growing sophistication as a storyteller.
Strengths That Sparkle
Wood excels at crafting dialogue that crackles with wit and tension. The banter between Cynthie and Jack feels natural and lived-in, whether they’re trading barbs or sharing vulnerable moments. Their prank war during filming provides genuine humor while serving the larger narrative purpose of showing their growing comfort with each other.
The supporting cast shines brilliantly, particularly Hannah, Cynthie’s assistant whose own character arc toward becoming a producer feels organic and well-developed. The connection to Under Your Spell through Theo and Clemmie’s appearances adds depth without overwhelming the central story.
Wood’s handling of the film industry setting demonstrates impressive research and authenticity. From the behind-the-scenes logistics of filming to the complex negotiations of publicity relationships, every detail feels grounded in reality.
Areas Where the Magic Falters
Despite its many strengths, Let’s Make a Scene suffers from pacing issues that occasionally derail the romantic momentum. The middle section, where Cynthie and Jack navigate their fake relationship while filming, sometimes feels repetitive as they cycle through the same emotional beats without significant progression.
The resolution, while emotionally satisfying, arrives with perhaps too much convenience. Jack’s elaborate gesture involving the documentary footage and outdoor screening feels slightly overwrought compared to the more intimate moments that preceded it. Wood’s tendency toward grand romantic gestures sometimes overshadows the quieter, more genuine moments of connection.
The exploration of Cynthie’s trauma from her relationship with Shawn Hardy, while important and sensitively handled, occasionally feels disconnected from the main romance plot. The integration of her healing journey with her growing trust in Jack could have been more seamlessly woven throughout the narrative.
Literary Merit and Emotional Depth
Wood’s writing demonstrates significant growth from her earlier works. Her prose has developed a more sophisticated rhythm, particularly in emotional scenes where she allows silence and subtext to carry weight. The love letter sequence, where Jack channels Captain Wentworth from Persuasion, showcases Wood’s ability to pay homage to classic romance while creating something entirely contemporary.
The novel’s exploration of how past trauma affects present relationships adds psychological depth that elevates it above typical romantic comedy fare. Cynthie’s journey from a woman who believes she’s “too much work” to someone capable of accepting love feels earned rather than mandated by genre conventions.
Comparisons and Context
Let’s Make a Scene invites comparison to Emily Henry’s work, particularly in its blend of Hollywood glamour with genuine emotional stakes. However, Wood brings a distinctly British sensibility to the material, with sharper wit and more restrained emotional expression that distinguishes her voice in the crowded contemporary romance field.
The novel also echoes themes from Christina Lauren’s collaborations, particularly in its exploration of professional relationships evolving into personal ones. Wood’s handling of the fake relationship trope feels fresh despite the familiar framework, largely due to her focus on the characters’ internal journeys rather than external obstacles.
The Verdict on This Romantic Drama
Let’s Make a Scene succeeds as both a standalone romance and a worthy companion to Under Your Spell. While it doesn’t quite achieve the effortless charm of Wood’s debut adult romance, it demonstrates her growing confidence in handling complex emotional terrain. The novel’s exploration of trust, healing, and the possibility of second chances resonates long after the final page.
Wood’s ability to balance humor with genuine emotion, combined with her sophisticated understanding of both the romance genre and the entertainment industry, makes this a compelling read despite its occasional stumbles. The chemistry between Cynthie and Jack carries the novel through its weaker moments, reminding readers why they fell in love with these characters in the first place.
For readers seeking a romance that balances escapist fantasy with real emotional weight, Let’s Make a Scene delivers. Wood has crafted a love story that understands both the power of grand gestures and the importance of quiet moments of connection.
Similar Reads to Consider
For fans of Let’s Make a Scene, consider these similar contemporary romances:
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – For its blend of emotional depth with romantic comedy
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – For its Hollywood setting and complex female protagonist
- The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas – For its fake relationship dynamics and emotional development
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry – For its second-chance romance elements
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang – For its sensitive handling of personal trauma within romance
Let’s Make a Scene proves that Wood is a romance novelist worth watching, capable of delivering both the swoony moments readers crave and the emotional complexity that transforms good romance into something truly memorable.
