Review: ‘When I Think of You’ by Myah Ariel
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When I Think of You
by Myah ArielPublished by Berkley on April 16, 2024
SubGenres: Contemporary Romance
Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
Source: the publisher
Audience: 18+/Adult
Add to Goodreads
Purchase at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
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.
Myah Ariel’s debut novel, When I Think of You, and if you enjoy reading second-chance romance stories, then this book may be for you. This is one of the reasons why I picked up this book due to the Second Chance Romance trope. Plus, look at the cover; isn’t it gorgeous?
I’m going to admit right away and say that I loved Kaliya, the heroine in When I Think of You. Her character was beautifully written, and I found myself more invested in her personal growth and strength than in the romantic storyline with Danny.
I wasn’t fully invested in the romance because I didn’t feel connected to Danny’s character. I think if Myah had written his POV, maybe I would have liked him more, but the book is told solely from Kaliya’s POV. Additionally, the frequent OW drama overshadowed the second-chance romance between Kaliya and Danny. I really wish Danny had just been forthcoming to Kaliya and stopped stringing her on the whole time; then, maybe their romance would have been believable.
I did enjoy the flashbacks of Kaliya, how they initially met each other, and what happened between them, but I wish I had a better connection to their romance in the present. The frequent miscommunication that happened drove me crazy, too.
The book was beautifully written when it came to Kaliya’s character and story, but overall, the romance between Danny and Kaliya fell short for me. I was actually rooting for Kaliya not to end up with Danny, and that isn’t very nice to say, especially when it’s a romance that requires a happily ever after. He didn’t deserve her, not even a second chance.
I may have given this book only three stars, but I’m still going to recommend it to romance readers who love second-chance stories between two characters who end up back together after going their separate ways after college. I’m glad I read Myah Ariel’s debut novel. This author is one to watch, and I can’t wait to read what she writes next.
This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. It will help sponsor future giveaways but costs you nothing extra. You can read the full disclosure underneath the Privacy Policy.
About Myah Ariel
Myah Ariel is the author of debut contemporary romance WHEN I THINK OF YOU (Berkley '24). With degrees in film and journalism, she loves all things pop culture and entertainment. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband and son.
Related Posts
My obsession with reading started over 30+ years ago when I went to my first Scholastic Book Fair and found R.L. Stine's Fear Street series. Later, I came across Anne Rice's novels at my public library when I was fourteen when my obsession with vampires started. I was the girl who preferred to be a vampire over a princess any day. My husband says I would leave him a heartbeat for a vampire that looked like Spike or Angel (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) or Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. (It's true, though, and he's accepted it.)
- Review: ‘Keep Me’ by Sara Cate - December 19, 2024
- Review: ‘You Can Run’ by Rebecca Zanetti - December 17, 2024
- Review: ‘Love Kills’ by Lisa Renee Jones - December 16, 2024