Book Smart Kate

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

By Elissa Susan

Set in the world of pop music and Broadway, this book is big and bold while also being thoughtful and emotionally driven. It is both a second-chance romance and a striking commentary on the unequal expectations of male and female celebrities. Why must women be sexy but not sexual? Why are men much more easily forgiven for missteps (see: Britney + Justin, Janet + Justin)?

Before her career imploded, Kathleen used to be pop star Katee Rose. Everyone knew Katie Rose but more for cheating on her boyfriend Ryan with his bandmate Cal – both members of the mega boyband CrushZone. Over a decade later, living a much simpler life, Kathleen has the chance to achieve her lifelong Broadway goals. But Cal will be her director. So can she put the hurt, pain, love, and longing of the past behind her and get a second chance in both her career and love?

As I started reading this book, I thought Kathleen was overly harsh and unforgiving, but as the dual timeline unfolded, you understood what she lost relative to Ryan and Cal. You also gained a deeper insight into how deeply Kathleen continued to blame herself, manifesting in both anger and shame. Ultimately, I loved the message of forgiving yourself and finally fighting for what you want. Also, I think Kathleen and her best friend Harriet are friendship goals – painfully honest but always in each other’s corner.

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and Elissa Sussman for the opportunity to read before publication in exchange for my honest review.