Reel Love

by Addie Woolridge

Two teens must keep their working--and romantic-- relationship a secret from their grandmas, who are longtime social media rivals, in this hilariously sweet rom com from the author of The Homecoming War.

Jamie Webb is happy to be the camera-shy brains behind her grandmother BamBam’s social media stardom—especially if it makes college admissions officers notice her. But with BamBam’s antics, creating content isn’t easy. Going to an influencers convention in Las Vegas is just what Jamie needs to relax and get inspired.

Well, it is before BamBam learns that Buzzy Timmons, her archnemesis and fellow granfluencer, is also attending—along with her influencer grandson, Ethan. No matter how cute Ethan is, Jamie refuses to hang out with the enemy . . . until she learns about a cash prize for best tourism video. A prize Ethan can help her win.

Exploring Vegas with Ethan turns out to be more fun and flirty than Jamie expects. But without BamBam’s blessing, can they ever have anything real?

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Young Adult Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Forbidden Romance

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2025

About the author

Born and raised outside Seattle, Washington, Addie Woolridge is a classically trained opera singer with a degree in music from the University of Southern California, and she holds a master's degree in public administration from Indiana University. Woolridge's well-developed characters are a result of her love for diverse people, cultures, and experiences.

Woolridge currently lives in Northern California. When she isn't writing or singing, Woolridge can be found baking; training for her sixth race in the Seven Continents Marathon Challenge; or taking advantage of the region's signature beverage, wine.

Reviews

[Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Webb is great behind the camera, and has a steady hand in making her grandmother, BamBam, quite the influencer. Jamie is excited to join her grandmother on a trip to Las Vegas for an influencer convention (#TrendCon)--that is, until she boards the plane and sees that her grandmother’s influencer nemesis is also there accompanied by her grandson, Ethan. Jamie tries to avoid them at all costs, but when a contest with a cash prize is announced at the convention, Jamie has to team up with Ethan to improve her odds. Jamie adopts the ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ mantra, but that’s impossible to hide from her grandmother who’s in Vegas with her!

I’ve read several of Addie Woolridge’s adult RomComs, and I have to say that her #YA romcoms are just as adorable! I came for the author, but stayed for the sweet love story between Jamie and Ethan - Vegas style! Having grandmother influencers is such a cute concept, and this story is just as much a tale of family acceptance as it is a romance novel. It was heartfelt and vulnerable despite it being YA, or actually, probably precisely because it was YA. Addie Woolridge knows how to capture both the anxiety and the rhapsody of a blossoming relationship, and that mixed with her main characters always embodying #BlackGirlMagic provides a recipe for romcom success!

Reviewed as part of #ARC from #NetGalley. Many thanks to Delacorte Romance / Random House Kids for the opportunity to read and review.

Read this book if you:
👵 have a soft spot in your heart for your grandmother
🎰 love a love story in Las Vegas without the “The Hangover” of it all
🤳 wonder what a convention full of influencers would be like

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[Karin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, clean YA romance.

[CoCo · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things to love about Reel Love, but top of mind for me are 1) dueling influencer grannies (BamBam is hilarious); 2) infinitely lovable side characters (can I follow Cricket?!); and 3) the genuine self discovery of our heroine throughout the sweet romance. This book gave me so many warm fuzzy feelings and genuine belly laughs.

[Kate Lyn Broom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riotously funny and surprisingly deep. Jamie and Ethan tag along with their influencer grandmas to a social media convention in Vegas. Important to know: their grandmas are sworn nemeses. This young adult book had me literally laughing out loud as well as awwwww-ing at the sweet baby romance.

Jamie’s struggle to balance her passions with her parents’ expectations adds dimension and relatability to this story, and Ethan’s supportiveness sets such a great example for young readers about what love can look like. The romance was great yes, but honestly, I kept reading for the grandmas (BamBam my beloved), who were absolutely hilarious. More granny influencers in life and in literature, please! This is such a charming little read full of heart and relatable themes.

Recommended for fans of Emma Lord and Sarah Adams.

Thank you to Delacorte Romance, and Random House Children's Books for the ARC, which I used to voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts are my own. Reel Love releases October 21, 2025.

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With rival social media darling grandmothers, Jamie and Ethan know to stay clear of each other. But a trip to Vegas and a contest provoke a partnership they're determined to keep hidden.
Jamie and Ethan are the star crossed teens that are adorable on page. Their initial negativity turned to cautious interest is endearing. Jamie's self-pressure to be perfect and fulfill her parents dreams is completely understandable and made me want to give her a hug... Or twelve. I really enjoyed how Addie looped in friends and family to give this coming of age story a full and heartfelt journey.
I was able to tandem read and enjoy the inflections of Keylor Leigh, who has a great youthful voice translating perfectly for YA.
Thank you PRHA & Get Underlined for the gifted copies. All thoughts are my own.

[Hannah King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Delacorte Romance, and Addie Woolridge for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

5/5 Stars

Reel Love by Addie Woolridge is a lighthearted romcom that tackles some heavy subjects in a way that is appropriate for it's audience. Granny influencers is a unique concept that turned out to be really fun to read about! The romance was believable and very cute. I read this book in one sitting because it was so enjoyable. I will definitely be recommending this book through readers' advisory at my library branch!

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Random House, Addie Woolridge, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book in exchange for my honest review!

This was such a cute and easy read, and I had so much fun with it. The concept felt really fresh and unique, not something I’ve read before, which made it such an enjoyable story to dive into. The writing was smooth, the pacing was great, and it kept me smiling from start to finish.

Ethan and Jamie were absolutely adorable together. Their chemistry felt so natural, and their banter was hilarious—it honestly reminded me a lot of my husband and me, which made it even more fun to read. Jamie especially had some great character growth throughout the story, and I loved seeing her journey unfold.

Both grannies were total baddies, and their feud was one of my favorite parts. It added so much personality and humor to the story, and I couldn’t get enough of their scenes.

Overall, Reel Love is such a sweet, funny, and charming read. It’s the perfect pick when you’re in the mood for something lighthearted with plenty of humor and heart.

[Lanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great YA story that was on trend, full of self discovery, first love and the kind of self consciousness that is sadly so prevalent in this age of social media.
Jamie and Ethan are the grandchildren of two rival social media grandma gurus. Their falling for each other was a cute story that tackled real issues like the future and parental expectations. Bam Bam was a great character although I wish Buzzy was featured a bit more. Rival social media grannies made for a hilarious story. Was I the only one hoping Bam Bam and Buzzy would play up the feud to submit a join entry to the contest and win the whole thing?!
I thought the book was great and I love seeing the representation of POC in a context where it was descriptive rather than preachy, micro aggressive or misconstrued.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of NetGalley.

[McKaylee Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Granfluencer enemies.
Secret romance.
VEGAS.

Say less, this book had me hooked.

Jamie and Ethan had the CUTEST chemistry and their whole “we can’t be seen together bc of our grandmas” dilemma made it even more entertaining. Like, imagine trying to fall for someone while your grandma is beefing with theirs on social media?? The drama. The tension. I was here for all of it.

This was fast-paced, fun, and honestly gave me a little case of wanderlust for Vegas. Loved seeing Jamie come out of her shell and figure out what she actually wants, not just what looks good for college apps.

Would’ve loved a few more swoony moments at the end, but overall such a fun ride. Def recommend if you want a feel-good read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Thank you NetGalley and Publishers for this ARC

[Genoveva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute read. Two young adults that are each helping their grandmothers who also happen to be a bit of rivals. Jaime is happy to be behind the camera while helping her grandmother in Vegas. But when the chance comes up to win a contest that might just help jump start her dream Ethan convinces her to partner up even if their grandmothers are rivals. Enjoyed reading how Jaime learned to step into herself.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5? a bit instalove-y, and i didn’t get into much of the internet stakes, but the build-up of their romance was v good — and even though i’m not usually a fan of the lying or of the 3rd act break-up, the resolutions were well done. and most importantly: these two kids are really freaking cute together

[Steph Halligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute love story for the content creators out there! Having met my now husband in a similar setting, this was a sweet read. It felt like equal parts whirlwind tour of Vegas and equal parts teenage romance in the age of social media branding. Can’t wait to read future books by Addie Woolridge!

[Sarahjini Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute YA novel! Many times I grow impatient reading YA novels for a number of reasons, but Reel Love held my attention and had me giggling throughout. I love the concept of graninfluencer (Is this a real thing? If not, it should be!). The energy and personalities of these rival Grandmas reminded me that “age ain’t nothing but a number” and how much influence our grandparents actually do have on our lives. I really loved how Jamie and Ethan support their grandmothers and have a healthy respect for them - enough to want to hide a romance with someone from the other camp. I loved the energy of the rival grandmas (even though they were doing to much at times), they were serious about their craft. They were cute.

I also really loved the cutesy love story between Jamie and Ethan. Ahh… A young and innocent love. Their ventures in Vegas —both on and off the strip- was fun! I felt like I was right there with them as they navigated Sin City, the one place where love IS NOT supposed to flourish. After all, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas… Right?? Sometimes.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's Books. Again, I really enjoyed this book and its refreshing theme. I’d certainly recommend it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mallory Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a NetGalley Review-

When I first started high school, I got to go on a summer roadtrip with my grandparents. We went through NorCal and also visited Reno. In Reno, our hotel had a go kart track across the street. There was this really cute guy who worked there. We would flirt and I’d have butterflies. It was adorable, but my grandparents saw and said they thought he liked me. It was so embarrassing to have it pointed out, but also so cute.

This book made me feel like that again. The story is so cute. The relationship the characters build is adorable and gives you butterflies. I had so much fun reading the cute interactions and I was impressed by the growth of the main character. She really grapples with the expectations others have for her and how to honor herself. She’s got so much anxiety about disappointing other people so she doesn’t fight for what she wants. This was a great story. It’s a quick and easy read that leaves you kicking your feet.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Webb is the teenage granddaughter behind her grandma BamBam's influencer channel. With an eye for film Jamie enjoys testing out new techniques and working on getting the right shots. When she goes to a #TrendCon event in Las Vegas with BamBam, Jamie finds herself face to face with Ethan; the grandson of a rival granny influencer BamBam hates. Determined to avoid Ethan at all costs, Jamie tries to avoid him but he keeps popping up in her space. When a film competition is announced Jamie sees it as her way to prove to herself, and her parents, that she should be focusing on film and not accounting, economics or architecture. With the idea that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, Jamie turns her eyes to Ethan for help; but is that saying true? Or, will everything crash and burn when the secret of them hanging out becomes public knowledge.

Focusing Reel Love around granny influencing is a really unique concept that I thought added quite a bit of humor throughout the book. Jamie's character felt really authentic and many of the challenges she faced are relatable to teen girls. I loved the undertone of the book was that social media is a double edged sword especially if you struggle with perfectionism. Seeing Jamie's growth, especially in how she handled the conversation with her parents about college, was enjoying to read.

The romance between Jamie and Ethan was well written, I loved their banter and how well they worked together. I really liked how supportive Ethan was of Jamie and her goals, while also having clear boundaries for what he was and wasn't willing to accept.

Thank you to GetUnderlined for the gifted ARC.

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

💛🩵 Reel Love Review 🩵💛

Thank you so much to Addie Woolridge and Delacorte Romance for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Reel Love is a contemporary YA romance. Jamie is the shy support behind her internet famous grandmother. When they are invited to an influencer’s convention, she realizes that Buzzy, their social media rival is there. When she sparks an unexpected friendship with Ethan, Buzzy’s grandson, can they keep things professional? Or will their feuding grandmothers end everything before it can start?

This was a cute YA read. I enjoyed Jaime and Ethan, and the growth of their relationship in this book. I did struggle a little bit with the fact that the grown adults acted very childish and were very manipulative towards the MCs throughout the book - but that’s more of a “me” issue than a book issue

Overall this was a cute three star read! I enjoyed the characters and the story overall, even if i didn’t agree with the behavior of some of the side characters. This book does have some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. Though this was a romance, it had YA levels of on-page spice so one flame for spice

If you’re a fan of contemporary YA with rivals to lovers, social media buzz and Vegas vibes then absolutely pick this one up!

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romeo and Juliet for the digital age. Fate brings Jamie and Ethan together when they attend a social media influencer conference. Oddly, they are both there because their grandmothers are well-known influencers who are also each other’s competitors. Jamie (described as “half-Black, half-white”) is a behind-the-scenes part of her grandmother BamBam’s stardom, which she hopes will look good on her college resume. Ethan (cues as white), on the other hand, is an influencer himself and is helping his grandmother, Buzzy Timmons, make her way to stardom. A contest at the conference sparks Jamie’s interest as the $1,000 prize would go a long way toward college costs. Ethan would be the perfect person to help her win, but he is off-limits. Could deceiving her grandmother be worth it in the end? Ethan turns out to be witty and fun. Is he her Romeo?

The book is lighthearted and fun. It will be accessible to teens because of the social media-based plot. The characters are well-developed with diverse backgrounds. The author’s decision to center the story on an interracial couple also brings an interesting element to the book. A great new entry in Addie Woolridge’s growing collection. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[M Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children’s Books and Delacorte Romance for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Reel Love delivers on the funniest premise and brings some surprising depth to a romance novel focused on teen and young adults which can be just as entertaining for those of us who are a bit older than that. Jamie and Ethan are Chicago seniors who accompany their grandmas to a social media convention in Vegas. That sounds like a dream except their grandmas are sworn enemies while these two have a budding friendship and romance develop during the convention - to some hilarity and a lot of touching moments.

The action is furthered by Jamie’s struggle to reconcile her passions and her parent’s expectations alongside and Ethan’s support of her. The grandmas, especially Jamie’s Bam Bam, were the comedic foil most of the time but also brought the grandmotherly heart I would want. I can’t wait to recommend this to readers who love romances and may be struggling with their own ideas of how to make their parents proud while being true to themselves!

[Horizon Littéraire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll admit it… I didn’t expect to be this charmed by this story. Reel Love is a sweet, funny and comforting YA romance, with just the right amount of sparkle, heart and “aww” moments to make you smile from start to finish.

We follow Jamie, a talented but quiet teen who accompanies her grandmother (an absolute icon, by the way) to an influencer convention in Las Vegas. Between family rivalries, pressure to meet expectations and unexpected encounters, she ends up having to work with Ethan… and of course, nothing goes as planned.

What I loved:
✨ the humor (I actually laughed out loud)
✨ the soft, awkward and sincere romance
✨ Jamie’s growth, so relatable in her fear of disappointing others
✨ the Vegas + social media + family vibe = winning combo
✨ and most of all… the grandmothers. Unforgettable.

It’s a feel-good read about identity, self-confidence, first crushes and the courage to be yourself, without ever becoming heavy or overly dramatic. A true breath of fresh air.

In short, if you love bright YA romances, strong family dynamics and stories that leave you smiling… go for it.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens in Vegas…doesn’t always stay in Vegas. Jamie Webb and Ethan Wyatt are the grandchildren of two of the internet’s biggest social media rivals. So when an influencer convention brings them all together, the young duo is forced to put aside their familial differences for a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The stakes are high in this sweet and flirty read, but will sparks fly, or are all bets off between the pair?

THIS WAS SO CUTE! A modern day Romeo and Juliet, with a dash of ‘00s high school rom-com vibes thrown in. Reading this made me feel just like a teenager again; with all of the angst and excitement of first love that adolescence entails. I smiled and giggled the whole way through 🤭. I really loved how natural the diversity felt with all of the characters. And as someone super close with my own grandmother, BamBam and Jamie’s relationship felt real and authentic.

Thanks to Delacorte Romance and NetGalley for this ARC. Catch the release on October 21!

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a fun book! I went in a little skeptical because the premise, while fun, sounded a little silly to me. But it ended up working really well.

Jamie and Ethan are both in Las Vegas accompanying their grandmas to an influencer convention. Because both their grannies are influencers. At first when I read that I thought it was just gonna be like the old people on tiktok who get popular for just being cute old people and I was like why even go to a convention for that. But it turns out both the grandmas were fashion/beauty influencers just for an older demographic which made a lot more sense. Anyways, the two grandparents are rivals and hate each other but their grandkids work together on a project and end up falling in love. That's the gist of it.

I had a fun time reading this book. I haven't really too many romcoms about influencers, but I'm sure there's many more to come!

thanks to penguin Teen Canada for the advanced copy

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reel Love.. what a sweet YA rom-com! If you're looking for a quick, and quirky read this is a good pick! Jamie is such a likable and relatable character, especially if you grew up feeling the pressure to be perfect for your parents.

Jamie and her glam-maw, Minnie go to Las Vegas to an influencer convention. Jamie is the young tech savvy person behind her grandma's successful makeup content on social media. As she and her grandma are headed to Las Vegas, they bump into Minnie's archenemy, Buzzy Timmons, whose grandson, Ethan, happens to be along for the ride.

Despite the feud between the two grandmas, Ethan and Jamie team-up to create a video advertising for the influencer convention. Between the many great people in Jamie's corner, she is able to breakout of her shell and open-up about the fear that comes with chasing her dreams, which don't seem to align with her parent's expectations.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Homecoming War, so I was thrilled to hear that Addie Woolridge had a new release—Reel Love—and she did not disappoint. From the hilarious social media influencer grandmas to the supportive friends, Las Vegas backdrop, and fierce grandma rivalry, this book is impossible to put down.

An unexpected partnership pushes Jamie to reflect on who she is, what she truly wants, and how she wants to show up—on camera and in life. Woolridge has a real gift for writing emotions in a way that feels instantly relatable.

Reel Love is fun and flirty, but it also dives into deeper themes of family, identity, and staying true to yourself. I highly recommend this book—and honestly, anything Addie Woolridge writes.

Thank you to Random House Children's Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Rebecca Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic YA romance set at a Las Vegas influencer con takes full advantage of the outrageous fun the setting invites! I laughed aloud too many times to count, but I was also very moved by Jamie's struggle to both please her judgmental parents and also to break free. Just loved the emotional depth.

For readers who love...
- golden retriever heroes
- feuding grandma influencers
- top-notch, laugh-aloud dialogue
- glitter
- nuanced all-is-lost moment
- perfect grand gesture
- so many romantic scenes!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read! Jamie and Ethan's grandmothers are social media rivals. When Jamie and Ethan meet on a plane to their influencer convention in Las Vegas, Jamie knows she must avoid Ethan and keep her grandma, BamBam, from engaging in another public fight with Ethan's grandmother. When a video-making contest is announced, Jamie realizes her best opportunity is to pair up with Ethan, but can she keep her grandma from finding out? And can she stop herself from falling for Ethan?

I can see students in 6th or 7th grade and up enjoying this book. It's a fun, witty romance. Throw in some spunky influencer grandmas and a great cover, and you have an easy book to recommend to readers. It features high school characters, but only has a kiss or two and a few curse words.

[Jane litherland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reel love by Addie Woolridge . I read this book on Netgalley not realising it had an expiry date, I didn’t read the whole book . But what I read I can certainly rate . And it’s this it’s bliss! It was an enjoyable story and it’s immersing too . I will get to read to conclusion and soon because it has great banter and more . I will come back and add to this but what I read it’s a winner .

[Jacqueline Cortez Arellano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A YA that really just made me feel like I was back in high school but with a cute uniquely modern dueling social media influencer glam-ma twist. So enjoyable! I love the sweet, shy romance between Ethan and Jamie but I really wish Buzzy and BamBam had actual social media presences for me to follow!

Thank you Radom House Children’s Books and NetGalley for the arc!

[Markita_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
🌟🌟🌟.5
Reel Love by Addje Woolridge is a cute Las Vegas romance, with little to no spice! Definitely in the YA category, but it worked so well for this story. Great for a palate cleanser.

Thank you, NetGalley, and Random House Children's for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Influencers, Las Vegas, and enemies to lovers trope made this book such an enjoyable read! I really liked how the grandmothers in the story were influencers. It was a quick, easy read that will have you rooting for the main character to realize how limited her viewpoint is.

[Capers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a happy, light read. I thought the story was interesting. It was fun as I haven’t read a book like this before.