Hello Cozy Bookworms,
If you’ve ever been captivated by a 2000s teenage drama, Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb is going to hit you right in the feels. As a lifelong fan of shows like Dawson’s Creek, this book completely transported me back to those emotional, binge-worthy days of epic cliffhangers, love triangles, and swoon-worthy moments. In fact, it made me want to rewatch Dawson's Creek just to relive that delicious nostalgia!
The premise is irresistible. Brynn, freshly divorced and struggling to find her footing in her new single life, finds solace in her favorite TV show, Carson’s Cove. Like many of us, she’s turned to TV to escape her own real-life drama, and the show’s unresolved romance between Sloan and Spencer becomes her ultimate “what if.” But when Brynn makes a birthday wish for her own happily-ever-after, she’s unexpectedly thrust into the very world of Carson’s Cove alongside her roommate, Josh. Suddenly, they aren’t just roommates anymore—they’re Sloan and Fletch, and they have one mission: make sure Sloan ends up with Spencer.
The magical realism that sweeps Brynn and Josh into this fictional world is so much fun, and the way it unfolds feels like a love letter to all of us who’ve ever wished we could step into our favorite shows. The book’s seamless blend of romance and nostalgia creates a world that feels both familiar and exciting.
Brynn’s emotional journey is beautifully written. While she’s grappling with her own heartbreak and adjusting to life post-divorce, her unexpected romance with Josh becomes the perfect slow burn. What starts as a mission to fulfill her birthday wish turns into something deeper as the two find themselves falling for each other in a way neither expected. It’s romantic, emotional, and filled with that delicious tension of “will they or won’t they.”
What I loved most was the book’s ability to poke fun at the predictability of TV show plotlines while still delivering a story full of genuine emotion and surprises. Watching Brynn and Josh navigate Carson’s Cove, a world where everything is scripted to work out, only to realize real-life love is much more complicated, was such a clever twist. It brings both humor and heart to the story.
The characters are well-rounded and relatable, and I found myself rooting for Brynn and Josh, both in Carson’s Coveand in the real world. The setting of Carson’s Cove is the perfect, comforting escape—it’s the kind of fictional small town that feels as cozy as it is dramatic, like the TV shows we all grew up loving.
Overall, Prime Time Romance is a feel-good, escapist read for anyone who loves romance and a dose of TV nostalgia. It’s sweet, clever, and full of heart, with just the right amount of drama. If you’re a fan of shows like Dawson’s Creek or Gilmore Girls, this book is a must-read!