Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman

Ok, I admit it. The title of Once More With Feeling was more than enough to get me to read this book. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, this book shares it’s title with the season 6 musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Because of the title I requested a review copy of this book immediately. While there are no vampires, it did not disappoint.

*I received a free copy of this book for reviewing purposes.*

Initial Thoughts

The Beginning

When I began reading the book, the alternation between past and present moments was a lot to take in. The chapters were only a few pages long, and it was hard to even remember the names and keep the characters straight in my head. As I read on, that did lessen so that it was not a change in the timeline every other chapter. Once you read main highlights of their history, it becomes much easier to follow and to stay engaged with the story.

But I will say, those first 20 pages or so did have me seriously considering not finishing a book for the first time in my life. I’m so glad that I pushed through it. I’ll describe this like the first chapter of the first Harry Potter book. It’s rough when you read it for the first time. But, push through it and it will get so much better.

The Characters

Kathleen Rosenberg is about to make her broadway debut. Formally known as pop singer Katee Rose, she left the public eye after a relationship scandal of her own making. Now, her best friend’s musical is being turned into a broadway show. Her ex, Cal Kirby is directing it. Despite knowing the inevitable awkwardness that will occur from working with Cal, she doesn’t want to let her friend down. Besides, the role was written with Kathleen in mind for the lead. So, she takes a leap of faith and gets the the role.

Cal Kirby was a member of a boy band, CrushZone, a group that Kathleen’s ex, Ryan was also a member of. When word got out that Katee Rose and Cal Kirby kissed, Cal let Kathleen take all the blame for what happened. He didn’t try to defend her. Even when as he sat next to his Ryan in interviews, he kept silent while Katee was dragged through the mud.

Final Thoughts on Once More With Feeling

If you’re looking for a good slow-burn, second-chance, friends to lovers and now enemies to lovers book, Once More With Feeling is for you.

When the story begins, you know that Kathleen is no longer in the spotlight making music – because of her own actions. It makes rooting for her not easy to do. Once you learn more about her backstory, Cal, their relationship, and their friend group, it’s not a challenge to want her to live out her dreams.

There’s just something about the way the characters are written. On paper, Kathleen is the bad guy and Cal is the disloyal friend. Yet Elissa Sussman makes you only want the best things for the two of them.

What books written by Elissa Sussman should I read next?