Review: Prime Time Romance

Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Remember that time as a teenager when you discovered that one show that resonated with you on a cellular level? You adored everything about it! There was that one character you just knew you'd have an instant, raw connection with if you met them in real life. You were certain that if you lived in that universe, all your problems would melt away. What if you actually got that chance? Would you take it? And more importantly, would everything turn out as perfectly as you envisioned?

Prime Time Romance explores this tantalising premise. It follows the story of Brynn, a newly divorced 29-year-old struggling with the social isolation that stems from losing the communal friend pool post-divorce, and Josh the roommate Brynn had to take on to afford the mortgage on her now single wage. Finding life and the merry-go-round of building a friend circle too trying, Brynn slips back into the comfort of her favourite teen soap Carson’s Cove. Its endless reruns bring solace in the way that everything always works out and people always get exactly what they deserve. So, when Brynn made a wish for her 30th birthday thinking that’s what she wanted for herself…. She wished for exactly that.

Thrown into this new reality, both Brynn and Josh get the chance to explore their true desires, ones they've been too afraid to pursue in real life. Watching their personal growth gives both characters a very satisfying character arc. The romance unfolds in multiple layers, echoing themes of "be careful what you wish for" and "don't overlook what's right in front of you." Yes, the story can be predictable, but in the best way possible. It's not overly dramatic and may be a touch subtle for some, but fans of slow-burn romance will find it utterly charming.

Author Kate Robb clearly had a love of 2000s soaps and this shines shines through in the multitude of Easter eggs scattered throughout the book, offering a delightful nostalgia trip for anyone who fondly remembers their own teen-soap obsessions. It’s a smart move as readers become engaged with the story filled with their own feelings from the same period in their life. It really helps with deepening their connection to Brynn's story.

I love how the book challenges the simplistic views we often hold about our favourite shows. It reinforces the idea that people are multidimensional, not just defined by a single characteristic. It gives you the same feeling as the first time that you watched Dirty Dancing and realised that Baby’s dad was actually quite reasonable.

Overall, Prime Time Romance is an easy, enjoyable read. The characters' growth is satisfying, the romance is sweet and subtle, and the backdrop of teen drama nostalgia makes it the perfect holiday escape.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing for providing me with this eARC. All opinions are my own.</i>