Love a Comeback

A TV Detectives #2

by Ruthie Knox, Annie Mare

The latest novel in this sharply witty new Hollywood mystery series delivers behind-the-scenes dish, clever intrigue, and maybe even true love between actresses Bexley Simon and Sam Farmer . . .

Since the hugely successful reunion special for their hit show Craven’s Daughter, TV detectives Bex and Sam find themselves busier than ever—but, unfortunately, two thousand miles apart for long months. So much for quickly coaxing the long-simmering spark between them into flame. Finally back in L.A., though, all bets are off, and Bex and Sam are looking forward to some IRL time by the pool—at least until Bex’s sister Vic brings home a truly juicy bit of gossip garnered from her nepo baby girl squad . . .

Ramona Watts was once the Gen X It Girl—Hollywood darling, household name, muse, and coolest of the cool, until the “Icon with Issues” spectacularly crashed and burned. But now she has a new hit horror series, The Howling, and she’s bringing all her charm and 90s nostalgia to the role. Suddenly, Ramona Watts is a Name again—which makes it surprising when she fails to show up on set.

It's none of their business, of course, but Bex and Sam are curious. And they both have Hollywood connections left, right, and center stage, some of whom would love to see them sleuthing again. Plus, spending that kind of time together means another chance at a real romance. So what if they’re not actual detectives? In Los Angeles, isn’t everyone playing a role?

Genres: Mystery, Lesbian, Romance, Adult, LGBT, Queer, Contemporary

288 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 24, 2026

About the author

Ruthie Knox is the critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels. She writes both mystery and romance, usually with co-author Annie Mare. You can find Ruthie's books under the pen names Ruthie Knox (mystery and het romance), Mae Marvel (queer romance), and Robin York (New Adult romance). Ruthie and Annie are married and live with two teenagers, two dogs, multiple fish, two glorious cats, four hermit crabs, and a bazillion plants in a very old house with a garden.

Reviews

[Sam]

I struggled, I struggled so much with this one it isn’t even funny.
For about the first half of the book I was just waiting for the story to really start and develop, but no. It was just same, same, same. Page after page, after page. It was so damn boring.
On the plus side, this book helped me fall asleep on many a night.

This was the second instalment in a series and you definitely need to have read the first book, which I had. Still… it wasn’t great for me. The first is much better and even that one wasn’t a great one.

I think about the last quarter of the book of being ok enough, if only that pace and story development was the same throughout the entire book. Oh well, on to another one as this seemingly wasn’t one for me…

[peckidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so incredibly much to NetGalley and the publisher for gracing my virtual shelves with an e-ARC for an honest review.

Gosh can I even contain myself enough to rave about books in this series (can I even call it that???) like a normal person??? We’ll see!!

I almost screamed when I saw I got approved for this, and I swear I didn’t get my hopes up because let’s be honest, why would I get books I want, I barely review things well enough as it is. I have way too many things to say at once and end up saying nothing of substance at all usually so receiving an ARC for this was such a pinch me moment!! I’ll never shut up about this I’m so sorry!

But anyway, let’s pretend for a second that I’m normal and I’m doing a good job of this.

So! To the surprise of basically no one I adored this book. It felt like home to revisit the universe of Bex and Sam, this time from Sam’s perspective, and I honestly was pleasantly surprised to see things from her point of view seeing as the first book introduced us to Bexley’s little universe, if I can call it that.

Upon starting the book, and basically throughout the first chapters you can already tell that Sam is the narrator in this one, and if that realization doesn’t come easy, both the writing and narration style help guide you pretty quick to that realization. Her voice is different to that of Bex, and what a delight that is to step into her psyche for a bit and see what makes her tick, what principles she has, how unwilling she is to let them go or go soft on her convictions merely for personal gain. I adored that she never was the one to dive in a situation recklessly, that every decision she made together with Bex (and everyone that supported them for that matter) was taken with safety in mind. They never just plunged in headfirst into danger and that is so refreshing from a detective novel if I’m honest.

I also loved the addition of Sam’s brother in the mix of characters and that we got to know her family situation a bit more than what we got told in the first book, and I adored him and what he brought to the table in this volume. I got attached to him and honestly to every single one of this characters more than I did when I read the first book and I cannot wait for the third one to be published!

Unfortunately for me, the mystery this time around did not grip me as much as it did in the first book, mostly because the first one gripped at the part of my heart that is fandom related and every single fxf ship I’ve ever had as a teen got vindicated through it. Throughout this one though, I just let the story carry me and I was excited for the ending, no matter where it would’ve taken me.

I have no idea if any of this made any sense but gosh I would recommend these books to every single person I come across because I love them so much!!!

[Laura (crofteereader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first in the series. It feels like the two MCs don’t actually interact very much? The focus is so much on the mystery that all of Sam and Bex’s chemistry is just gone and most of the scenes they share could have been replaced with one person asking questions or getting into trouble. That’s what made the podcast such a great forum for the first book; it was so much about these characters’ shared history and their chemistry together. I did, however, like seeing just how whipped Sam was, since she was a bit enigmatic in book one.

The mystery aspect was also a little overwrought, but I liked the focus on bringing up a new generation in Hollywood who doesn’t fall into the darkness and toxicity of ages past

{Thank you Kensington for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Love a Comeback
✍🏻Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare
Blurb:
The latest novel in this sharply witty new Hollywood mystery series delivers behind-the-scenes dish, clever intrigue, and maybe even true love between actresses Bexley Simon and Sam Farmer . . .

Since the hugely successful reunion special for their hit show Craven’s Daughter, TV detectives Bex and Sam find themselves busier than ever—but, unfortunately, two thousand miles apart for long months. So much for quickly coaxing the long-simmering spark between them into flame. Finally back in L.A., though, all bets are off, and Bex and Sam are looking forward to some IRL time by the pool—at least until Bex’s sister Vic brings home a truly juicy bit of gossip garnered from her nepo baby girl squad . . .

Ramona Watts was once the Gen X It Girl—Hollywood darling, household name, muse, and coolest of the cool, until the “Icon with Issues” spectacularly crashed and burned. But now she has a new hit horror series, The Howling, and she’s bringing all her charm and 90s nostalgia to the role. Suddenly, Ramona Watts is a Name again—which makes it surprising when she fails to show up on set.

It's none of their business, of course, but Bex and Sam are curious. And they both have Hollywood connections left, right, and center stage, some of whom would love to see them sleuthing again. Plus, spending that kind of time together means another chance at a real romance. So what if they’re not actual detectives? In Los Angeles, isn’t everyone playing a role?
My Thoughts:
"Big Name Fanrelationship between Bex and Sam, culminating in the satisfying conclusion hinted at in the first book.. Love a Comeback this one was a little easier to follow; there were fewer side characters/business relationships, and it was to the book's benefit. It was easier to care about the side characters in this novel because they all seemed to offer something particular and useful to the plot.
Thanks NetGalley, Kensington Books and Author Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare for the advanced copy of "Love a Comeback" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks
#RuthieKnow
#AnnieMare
#LoveaComeback
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[boogleloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars: This is Knox & Mare's second entry in the TV Detectives which is a 2SLGBTQIA+ Cozy-ish Mystery set in Los Angeles, California. Following two former co-stars on a hit procedural TV show, as they find themselves turning sleuth for real after a Gen X It Girl fails to show up to film her hit horror series. While it may be none of their business they're both insatiably curious and they have Hollywood connections left, right and center stage. Plus, spending this kind of time together, after six months on separate coasts for work, means they'll have time to explore their relationship. So what if they’re not actual detectives? In Los Angeles, isn’t everyone playing a role?

With plenty of twists and turns, Knox & Mare has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Knox & Mare's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable with a great secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. Also includes light romantic elements but no OPS.

Knox & Mare take on some sensitive issues; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Big Name Fan.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Amanda Lovette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read Big Name Fan, I enjoyed it enough to give Bex and Sam a second chance at where their love story would go. Unfortunately I was once again disappointed in the lack of romance and time they actually got to spend with just the two of them. Yes I know it is a mystery based story, but like, I still wanted to see if their love had a chance outside of the entertainment and mystery business. Especially since they aren't even real detectives!!!

Even though I enjoy all the side family characters, I still think they took too much away from the main couple as they were constantly inserting themselves into every situation and interrupting what little alone time Sam and Bex did manage. I wish there had been more banter and humorous moments rather than feeling so bored by the dialogue. You keep hoping that something mind blowing or exciting will happen, but I just never felt on the edge of my seat, especially being able to predict the mystery about 65% of the way through. There was no change of pace or character development, and there were a lot of characters to keep track of.

I thought Romona’s character was very interesting, but it would have been nice to have heard a little bit about her life and struggles from her at the end rather than everyone’s perceptions of her. The mystery and plot were again entertaining enough, but could have had even more suspense or twists to make it not so boring and predictable. So overall, I think the story had a lot of potential, but never quite delivered, and I was left still wondering if Sam and Bex are ever going to give up the life of entertainment and actually commit to being with just each other.

2.5 Stars

[Mari · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is very suitable for people under the age of 16-17. Granted, I did know that it was a little bit too young for me, so I won’t knock any points for that. It was a bit slow and juvenile, but there are some very good parts of the book that I still enjoyed!

Firstly, I enjoyed the romance. I have always been excited about teenage queer romances in mystery, because it is a very uncommon trio in the publishing world. Books like this open up that possibility every time they are released! I liked the angst about being apart, I liked the frustration about having history together, the waiting period, and the sweet scenes in between the lines.

The mystery aspect reminded me a bit like an old Olsen Twins mystery, but for high schoolers. I loved those books when I was younger, The Great Adventures. This book isn’t a morbid or psychologically thrilling mystery, so it’s easy to speed through it and it’s suitable for literally all ages of chapter book readers. It isn’t very long, and it’s very direct.

It does have a lot of informal language and sometimes it’s pretty cringe, and it’s kind of predictable. But for middle schoolers and high schoolers, this can easily be a favorite novel. For that age, I recommend it!

[Heather Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, Big Name Fan was one of my surprise favorite books last year. What Ruthie Knox and Annie Marie accomplished in that book was incredible. It's like a love letter to fandoms that have been queer-baited, wrapped inside about two queer actors who fall in love alongside there character counterparts, tucked underneath a mystery. I didn't really know what to expect with a sequel because the first book seemed like a great ending. I should've known they were just going to go ahead and write their own dang mystery series! Love a Comeback is actually much heavier on the mystery than the first book. We still get Bex and Sam living their Hollywood lives and trying to figure out what they're going to be to one another. And we still get the excellent supporting cast of Bex's sisters, and now Sam's brother. It's lighter on the romance this time around, though. I blitzed through this book, and would eagerly read a third one in this TV Detectives series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review.

[Autumn Aria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pair of former TV detectives stars become real amateur detectives in this fun and entertaining mystery novel that is somewhat similar to an adult version of Nancy Drew or Riverdale with a PG rated sapphic romance thrown in.

But it's a very slow read though, there's a lot of details sometimes unnecessary but mostly to build up the tension (really tense) and a detailed picture of the situation and location. And a lot of investigative leg work in the process. So if you're not the patient type then this is not going to be enjoyable.

As for the romance, I'm guessing it started from the first book which I did not read and this, the second book, the pair are still on very new ground so they're being very delicate and careful around each other.

Besides the pair, they have their siblings helping out in their sleuthing efforts which consists of a messy mix of found and natal family all thrown in together.

So, If you've ever read Nancy Drew and loved it then you should definitely give this book a try.

I received a free ARC from Netgalley for review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thank you to Kensington Publishing for the e-ARC. As someone who didn’t read the first book in this series, I still found this one quite enjoyable. The characters were interesting and dynamic, and I especially loved the found family element. The chemistry between Bex and Sam really shines—this book had me rooting for them from the very beginning.

The part of the novel I struggled with most was the mystery surrounding Ramona Watts’s disappearance. While I enjoyed digging into her background with the Ice crew, the storyline felt fairly predictable. There weren’t many surprises, and it felt like some of the middle chapters could have been condensed without changing the ultimate conclusion. I would have loved more twists or red herrings to keep the reader second-guessing both the culprit and their motive.

That said, I really enjoyed the ending. Overall, this was a fun, low-stakes mystery with a strong sapphic romance at its core.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This medium-stakes mystery book was a cute read. Bex and Sam’s journey through their second real crime was fun to follow, and I loved Fergus as a side character. The theme of family throughout the book was really well done.

While it technically counts as a sapphic read, I was disappointed that this book was bell-pepper rated spice. Most of the sapphic reads I enjoy are adult romances, not mysteries, and this definitely falls more into the mystery category. Additionally, I think this book would be appropriately classified as an “upper YA” book with the spice level.
I struggled to keep track of the “who was who” of Hollywood for about the first half of this book, but this may have been my fault for not reading the first book.
I think this personally wasn’t my cup of tea, but for those loving sapphic mysteries, it’s worth a shot!

Thanks for NetGalley and Kensington for the e-ARC!

[SusieQ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love: A Comeback is the second installment in its series, and while it stands well on its own, readers who have read the first book will likely appreciate the returning characters and their shared history even more. The author provides enough context to follow the story without feeling lost, yet the emotional nuances and references resonate more strongly if you’re familiar with the earlier events.

The novel reads quickly thanks to its smooth writing style and steady pacing. One of its highlights is the dynamic between the main characters, which feels warm, natural, and engaging. Their chemistry adds energy to the story and keeps the narrative enjoyable throughout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Thank you #NetGalley #LoveaComeback.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. I like this one so much better than I did the first. I almost didn't read this book because I really struggled to get through the first book. But I'm thrilled that I did. In this book, Bex and Sam are reunited after months apart on different filming sites, and they've been asked to help find an actress who has gone missing. Everything seems to keep circling back to something that happened decades earlier. I really enjoyed the pace of this book and how it unfolded. I would definitely recommend reading this one and you don't really need to have read the first book to be able to read this book.


I received an arc

[Raluca Matara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tv Detectives turned real.

In a world where everyone is acting a role, Sam and Bex turn their TV experience into reality. Famous actress Ramona Watts goes missing and no one bats an eye. Except for her good friend Macie who turns to Sam and Bex for help, the only people they trust to find their friend.

Sam and Bex have unbelievable chemistry. The twists and turns of this delicious whodunnit story is mingled perfectly with the mature love these two share for each other.

I loved the emotional maturity, the family the two build together, and the purr badassery they portray when dealing with the pompous, narcissistic villains of this story.

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I found this to be a nice light read but definitely geared towards younger years. While this was a second in a series it still worked as a standalone but readers might appreciate more background knowledge that they got from book one.
I enjoyed this book but it didn’t really grip me. The mystery they were involved it didn’t feel that high stakes but I was intrigued to find out what had happened to Juliette all those years ago.

[Shannon bagnall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard one, I enjoyed the plot but the pacing felt off and something just didn’t click right with the story.

The actual plot though was good, it was interesting and it kept you guessing for awhile, I can’t say too much without spoiling it

* full disclosure I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley*

[Rainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I found this to be a nice and light sapphic mystery read. Perfect to enjoy curled up in your favorite chair or while soaking up the sun in a hammock.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic mystery with some excellent plotting and great characters. the twists and turns worked well and the ending is dramatic. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[brogay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Beth Gerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/4

While not strictly necessary, I read "Big Name Fan" before diving into this ARC to get a feel for the characters, and I was glad that I did. This story continues to flesh out the relationship between Bex and Sam, culminating in the satisfying conclusion hinted at in the first book. I thought this one was a little easier to follow; there were fewer side characters/business relationships, and it was to the book's benefit. It was easier to care about the side characters in this novel because they all seemed to offer something particular and useful to the plot.

I would read more of these and would explore the other books by this author. Having already read the Prairie Nightingale books and enjoyed those, I am looking forward to following the author and seeing what comes next.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for this review.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ate the first book in this series up and I was so excited to see that there was going to be a sequel. Sometimes you don't know how these are going to go, but I loved this one just as much!

I'll start with the mystery first. I think it was just as engaging and I was excited to see how it would end. I think it was written in such a great way that even though they weren't directly connected to Ramona like they were Jen in the first book, it still had that pull and kept you wanting to turn the page.

Now, for their love story, I really liked how real it actually felt. As two people who have responsibilities and outside lives that make it so they can't just drop everything and be together immediately, their struggle and fight to finally, truly be together was something you couldn't help but root for. You could feel the love that these two share for each other and I love that their story felt more real in how the world actually works and the hurdles that they had to go through together.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy! I would definitely recommend anyone give this a read!