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A TV Detectives #2

Love a Comeback

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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?

288 pages, Hardcover

Published February 24, 2026

4 people are currently reading
3410 people want to read

About the author

Ruthie Knox

46 books1,418 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Sam.
850 reviews113 followers
Read
December 13, 2025
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…
Profile Image for Laura (crofteereader).
1,369 reviews69 followers
February 8, 2026
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}
Profile Image for peckidge.
72 reviews14 followers
November 13, 2025
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!!!



Profile Image for Ash.
230 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2026
I think I probably should have read the first in the series before I picked this one up… but thankfully the story was self-contained and gave enough background information that I felt like I knew the characters well enough anyway. The focus of this story was a little less on relationship dynamics and more on the mystery at hand, so I think that helped as well. Loved the found family aspects! I need to go back and read the first book ASAP 😅

ARC provided by Dreamscape Media, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Faiza BEGUM.
630 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 21, 2026
Coming back to this series felt like walking into a familiar living room and sinking into your favorite chair. This installment shifts the lens to Samantha Farmer, and experiencing the story through her perspective adds a richness I didn’t even realize I was missing before. The earlier book centered more on Bexley Simon’s orbit; here, Sam’s inner world takes the spotlight, and it’s a fascinating place to be.

Her narrative voice is distinct—measured, principled, and quietly intense. She’s not impulsive, not reckless, and that restraint gives the story a grounded quality that stands out in a genre often driven by dramatic leaps into danger. Every move she makes alongside Bex is calculated, thoughtful, and rooted in protecting the people around her. Watching how firmly she clings to her values, even when it would be easier not to, made me admire her all the more.

We’re also given a deeper glimpse into her personal life, especially through the introduction of her brother. That addition broadens the emotional landscape and adds warmth and dimension to Sam’s character. By the end, I felt more connected to the entire cast than I did in the previous book. Their dynamics feel lived-in and layered, and I’m already counting the days until the next chapter of their story arrives.

The central mystery—this time involving a missing actress after a snowy day of filming—didn’t quite captivate me the way the first case did. That initial story had a certain spark that resonated with my love for fandom culture and long-simmering on-screen chemistry. Even so, I found myself happily swept along for the ride here, invested less in the puzzle itself and more in where it would carry Sam and Bex emotionally.

At its heart, this is a slow-burn, second-chance romance wrapped inside a Hollywood-tinged whodunit. Samantha and Bex, once co-stars on a hit female buddy-cop show, are reunited years later—successful, guarded, and still dancing around feelings neither dared to name before. Their shared history crackles beneath every conversation. The banter is razor-sharp and effortlessly clever, and the insider details about the entertainment world add authenticity without ever overwhelming the story. Even small touches—like the way Los Angeles freeways are referenced—give the setting a lived-in credibility.

More than anything, it’s the dialogue that shines. It’s quick, polished, and emotionally loaded in all the best ways. The authors clearly know how to balance glamour, humor, longing, and suspense into something that feels both cozy and electric.

If you’re drawn to unresolved tension, smart women solving problems they probably shouldn’t be qualified to solve (but absolutely are), and a backdrop filled with industry intrigue, this series delivers. I’d press these books into the hands of just about anyone. They’re clever, heartfelt, and impossible not to root for.
Profile Image for Tammy.
896 reviews12 followers
December 8, 2025
📚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
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Ellen.
472 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 21, 2026
A will-they-or-won’t-they-romance, a healthy dollop of Hollywood tea, all wrapped up in a cozy mystery….who could ask for anything more? Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare return to their almost but not quite lovers, Samantha Farmer and Bexley Simon, actresses who starred together in a popular TV female buddy cop series but went their separate ways without telling each other how they felt. As romance novel luck would have it, their paths cross again after each of them has become famous, wealthy, and still afraid to commit to each other. Fortunately for them (and for us), they get a chance to work together to solve another mystery, this time one in which a fellow actress goes missing after a day of filming on a snowy mountain.

Why should TV actresses who played detectives be the ones to solve another real mystery? It doesn’t make a lot of sense, unless you understand that they are whip-smart and know all of the important players in Hollywood. My favorite part of this book (and all of Ruthie and Annie’s books, to be honest), is the dialogue. It is smart, witty and sophisticated. The research that provides context is impeccable. Since Ruthie and Annie are Midwest ladies, I can only imagine the fun they had putting this one together, learning the advantages of taking Mulholland Drive instead of the 101 (a minor point, but significant in the believability of the setting, is the use of “the 101” to describe the north/south highway. Here in the Midwest we would just use the highway number with no preposition).

But I digress. I’ve read so many of Ruthie and Annie’s books (I still get the sweats when I think about the steamy dialogue about salsa in Ruthie’s first book) that it’s hard to find new expletives. All I can say is, read this book. And all the others. You won’t be sorry.

Many thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC, All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for boogleloo.
780 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 6, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Kaye.
4,445 reviews72 followers
February 26, 2026
Bexley Simon and Sam Farmer are back together again. This is the second book featuring the two actresses who once played detectives on a hit tv show. The first book, “Big Name Fan” (Feb 2025), solved a mystery and got the two women, one who is closeted, to admit their attraction. (It didn’t take the romance further.) This book starts about six months after the previous one. The two have been working on opposite coasts and now are finally both back in Los Angeles. From Bex’s sister they learn that a former actress, Romona Watts, has agreed to join a hit horror tv series in the next season. But now she is missing.

The pair have connections to get into locations and ask questions as they investigate. Siblings are added to the cast of characters. They add some humor and often block and interrupt Sam and Bex when they think they may have a moment alone to share a kiss. I was frustrated in the first book that the romance didn’t move along. It was promoted as a romance and now they are clearly labeled as mysteries and the series is referred to as TV Detectives. I still am rooting for the romance to be more on the page in the future but if it settles into a cozy mystery series that is fine too.

The mystery itself is fine. There is the basic ask questions and piecing information together. And there are a lot of names and characters to follow. I also liked that the story is primarily told through Sam’s perspective where Bex's view was in the first book. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Amanda Lovette.
226 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 5, 2026
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
Profile Image for SullenSapphic.
124 reviews7 followers
February 26, 2026
Spice Level: 0/5 Sweet / Kissing

Bexley Simon and Sam Farmer are currently in a long distance relationship due to their demanding shooting schedules. Finally after 6 months away from each other, they’re looking forward to some alone time with each other. However, that time alone gets pushed to the side when an actor goes missing and they want to relive their days as television sleuths to find out what happened to Ramona Watts. Are they able to locate Ramona before her time runs out or was their sleuthing best left for their characters?

I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the author in return for my honest review. I feel like this book had a lot of potential but just didn’t hit the mark. There was a premise in the story where one of the characters was supposed to go out of town shortly after the other had returned. There was a lot of build-up and anxiety leading towards that but it was as quickly forgotten as it was brought up. For a mystery / thriller, this was very anti-climatic for me. It felt like the story was all one flat tone and there wasn’t much build-up to an ending and the ending just fell really flat. In my opinion, I feel a lot of the disconnect might come from two authors' points of views not really meshing well together.

This audiobook was narrated by Hayden Bishop. I feel like the narrator did a really good job at narrating the characters.

🎬 Sapphic Romance
🎬 Mystery
🎬 Hollywood Setting
🎬 Amateur Sleuths
Profile Image for Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews.
1,652 reviews19 followers
March 15, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Kensington Publishing for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I’ve been on a kick to support more Wisconsin authors, and last month I got to meet local-to-me authors Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare, who were just a delightful couple to talk to. I had read one of their other books set in Green Bay and Door County. They introduced me to the first TV Detective mystery and mentioned the second was coming out soon. I was able to get the ARC and ALC, and after finishing them, I went to my local indie bookstore and bought the physical copy because I love this series so much, and after only two volumes!

This book can be read as a standalone, so you don’t necessarily have to have read the first volume. What you should expect with Love a Comeback is a light-hearted and witty Sapphic cozy mystery set in modern-day Hollywood. I just loved the story because there was an equal balance of intrigue and the personal relationship between Sam and Bex. You really have to pay attention because the story progresses at a brisk pace, which I find so much better than a long and slow build-up.

Hayden Bishop was an excellent narrator of the audiobook. I was drawn into the story with their expert style and inflections.

Pick this book up if you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, LGBTQIA+ relationships, want to support Wisconsin authors, or a love of a Hollywood setting

Profile Image for Sude.
13 reviews
March 17, 2026
I really love this series. As someone who is really into fame and celebrity culture, it can be hard to read fiction about it. Usually it’s one of two cases: either the people writing aren’t very involved with pop culture, and it reads as distant, off, and made up, or they really are involved and can’t separate their viewpoint from the other side of the industry, which makes it just as weird. However, this book strikes that balance perfectly, and it’s something I really admire about it. All the references they make are simply entertaining, which is an incredibly hard thing to achieve.

At this point, the characters feel like home and reading about them feels like spending time with friends. Throughout my reading, I constantly found myself excited to come back to them. I loved meeting Sam’s brother and getting more of Bex’s sisters. I wasn’t as invested in the outcome of the mystery as I was in the first book, but that didn’t bother me as I was still having the time of my life following it.

My only issues are that the main characters definitely don’t feel like they’re in their late 30s, they feel more like they’re in their mid 20s. The dialogue also comes off as a little overly preachy at times.

I can’t wait to read more from the authors, I adore them. I’m definitely a fan of this small series.
Profile Image for Mari.
90 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 16, 2025
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!
Profile Image for Heather Hogan.
181 reviews155 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 18, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Autumn Aria.
225 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy
January 28, 2026
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.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 25, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Madison.
181 reviews1 follower
Did not finish
February 18, 2026
I waited a long time for something to happen… and by the time I gave up, nothing really had.

We follow Sam and Bex—two co-stars turned girlfriends (in theory)—as they search for a missing celebrity, Ramona. But by 40%, there was still no real plot movement, no meaningful clues, and no romantic connection between the leads. Despite being an established couple, there were virtually no romantic interactions, chemistry, or emotional depth to their relationship.

I went in excited for a cozy sapphic romance with a mystery element, but instead found long stretches of dialogue, constant running around, and pages of backstory for many minor characters that made the story hard to follow and hard to stay engaged with. I tried both the physical ARC and the audiobook, hoping one format would click—it didn’t.

I truly appreciate the opportunity to ARC read, but this one just wasn’t for me.
Profile Image for DJ .
1,169 reviews8 followers
March 1, 2026
Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Love a Comeback is mysterious romance novel. Bex and Sam are trying to make long distance work but with both of their entertainment careers are booming they are having a hard time. They have been looking forward to being in LA at the same time for a while. Things get a little crazy when they find out Romona Watts has gone missing. Bex and Sam have a hard time believing she would just no show to set and fear the worst. They decide that are going to take the investigation into their own hands which gives them lots of time for romance right? Maybe, not what they were expecting. Love a Comeback was interesting but the romance between Bex and Sam just felt fake and forced. I loved the mystery part of it but this book was just kinda blah for me.


13 reviews
November 9, 2025
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!
65 reviews
November 26, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,778 reviews52 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 22, 2026
Sam gets the spotlight this time as she and Bex are attempting to locate a missing actress. The previous book followed Bex and her sister, getting their backstory and understanding Bex, now we get Sam and Fergus, one of her brothers. The Hollywood crowd thinks they’ve started a private detective agency because they trust one of their own to get behind the secrets. While the investigation is more interesting and more evolved than previous the characters still lack a little punch. Bex and Sam seem younger than their late thirties, this sexual chemistry is almost nonexistent and I enjoy their siblings more than them. It’s a great mystery adventure but it took me longer to finish than the average book. I received an advanced copy through NetGalley and wrote my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Betsy.
184 reviews
November 24, 2025
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
Profile Image for Raluca Matara.
Author 8 books24 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 1, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 18 books123 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 24, 2026
We get to rejoin our favorite TV detectives turned girlfriends turned maybe real life detectives? Along with the help of Bex's siblings that we met in the first book and the appearance of Sam's hot brother Fergus, the duo gets asked to find a missing actress because they are believed to have skills, but also have discretion.

The missing actress, Ramona, was part of a Brat Pack-esque group of actors who disbanded after the very Natalie Wood adjacent death of one of their members, Juliette, the innocent ingenue pulled between two of the men in the group. Bex and Sam quickly realize that Ramona missing in the present is tied to the past, and get to walk through pop culture history and mine the gossip to hopefully save a missing actress that Sam greatly admires.

The mystery felt classic and cool, and it was a good distraction from being mad at Bex and Sam for not talking about their feelings or how they want the future to work. Don't worry, eventually they do, and I hope they are back for more detective work soon!

Profile Image for Cat Lady Reads.
138 reviews
March 18, 2026
I enjoyed this one! I listened to the audiobook as an Advance Listener Copy that I received through NetGalley.

This is the second book in a duet by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare. It could technically be read as a standalone if you don’t mind missing the backstory and are willing to just accept that the couple is already together at the start. I, however, went back and read the first so I knew I wasn't missing anything. The first book tells the story of how Sam and Bex got together from Bex’s POV, while this one is told from Sam’s POV.

The audiobook had a single narrator (since it’s single POV) and she did a good job. Much better than the narration in the first book.

This book leans much more toward the mystery than the romcom side. When their friend and fellow star Ramona disappears, her closest friend asks the TV sleuth duo to help figure out what happened to her. The mystery was fun and kept me interested, and the ending was cute and satisfying.

If you’re looking for spice, there’s very little here - maybe a 1.5–2 on the spice scale. It’s pretty tame aside from a few vaguely worded urges.

Overall, this was an enjoyable follow-up with a fun mystery and a sweet relationship at the center.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advance listening copy I received in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Nadine.
54 reviews
December 24, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Rara.
34 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 23, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Netgally and Ruthie Knox. I am leaving this review completely voluntarily and 100% honestly.


This is a cozy mystery, with holiday drama and dynamics. This was a very back and forth will they won't they, paining for them with all the wants and needs they had. You could feel the sense of care but also the difficulty they seem to have to have time together. I like a nice cozy mystery every now and then!
Profile Image for Shannon.
8,757 reviews438 followers
February 27, 2026
The second book in this Sapphic cozy mystery series featuring two Hollywood actresses struggling to find time to be together who get roped into a missing persons case that goes deeper than anyone realized. Fun, romantic and suspenseful. This is a light-hearted series that was good on audio. Looking forward to more if there will be any. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Shannon bagnall.
186 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2026
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*
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