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The Romance Revival
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The instant New York Times bestselling authors of The Paradise Problem and The Unhoneymooners return with an unforgettable novel in which one fateful accident erases a troubled marriage from memory—and love gets one extraordinary do-over.
Three years ago, Emery Finch did something completely out of character: She got married. To Luca—the impossibly charming landscaper she met on one blistering night in Vegas who made her laugh, made her dance, made her feel.
But now, Emery is consumed by her top-secret job, missing dinners, forgetting anniversaries, and promising herself Luca will understand once her cutting-edge research comes to light. Until the unthinkable happens: A tragic accident takes Luca from her.
Desperate not to lose him, Emery breaks every rule to bring him back. And Luca would probably thank her for it, if only he could remember her. Their first kiss, their Sunny Sundays at the beach, the life they built together...all of it is gone.
It may be a miracle of science, but for Emery it’s her one shot at a second chance. And this time, she won’t waste it—because true love is always worth reviving.
Three years ago, Emery Finch did something completely out of character: She got married. To Luca—the impossibly charming landscaper she met on one blistering night in Vegas who made her laugh, made her dance, made her feel.
But now, Emery is consumed by her top-secret job, missing dinners, forgetting anniversaries, and promising herself Luca will understand once her cutting-edge research comes to light. Until the unthinkable happens: A tragic accident takes Luca from her.
Desperate not to lose him, Emery breaks every rule to bring him back. And Luca would probably thank her for it, if only he could remember her. Their first kiss, their Sunny Sundays at the beach, the life they built together...all of it is gone.
It may be a miracle of science, but for Emery it’s her one shot at a second chance. And this time, she won’t waste it—because true love is always worth reviving.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 14, 2026
77471 people want to read
About the author
Christina Lauren
95 books100k followersChristina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/best friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced twenty New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 30+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Want to read
January 30, 2026Where is my early copyyyyy, I NEED this!!! 😭
Want to read
December 12, 2025☆彡13 dec, pre-release:
i am BEYOND excited for this one. saw it pop up on my insta feed seconds after waking up and NOW I’M WIDE AWAKE. 🤭🫶🏻
i am BEYOND excited for this one. saw it pop up on my insta feed seconds after waking up and NOW I’M WIDE AWAKE. 🤭🫶🏻
Want to read
December 13, 2025#NEED #THAT
Want to read
December 12, 2025I NEED THIS SO BAD!! 😭😭😭
CHRISTINA (&) LAUREN are one of the main reasons I’m so obsessed with the romance genre - the Unhoneymooners was pretty much the start of this journey! 🏝
CHRISTINA (&) LAUREN are one of the main reasons I’m so obsessed with the romance genre - the Unhoneymooners was pretty much the start of this journey! 🏝
February 10, 2026
I love this STEM-y romance from Christina Lauren! They have written some of my favorite romances, and this books feels very fresh from them. It’s a little science-fiction-y in the best way possible and has a central mystery I really enjoyed. It was so fun to read them taking their classic stellar romance writing and putting a new twist on it. Somehow, I wanted even more science? I would have loved to see the book a bit longer and for it to expand on some of the core struggles/relationship dynamics with side characters, but I was so satisfied with this book as is as well.
Want to read
January 5, 2026A memory loss trope!? Yes
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I LOVE C.Lo, but this was a miss for me. It started strong, but ultimately fell flat. This was a very different book for them IMO, and while I was intrigued, the overall execution didn't work. This was not a swoony, flirty romance typical of C.Lo - the stakes were higher, and towards the end this felt a bit.... over the top in a whodunit popcorn thriller kind of way? The bulk of the story (i.e. them trying to fall back in love) happened too quickly and honestly didn't seem realistic given all the issues they had prior to his death. I realize he had amnesia but it felt like he forgave too quickly, and just as quickly, she all of a sudden wasn't an enormous workaholic anymore?! I wasn't giddy reading this, like I normally am when I'm watching 2 main characters fall in love. Cool concept and the science stuff was interesting to read about, but this was not just what I was expecting from them. Rounding up to 3 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2025
Thank you to Gallery Books and Net Galley for the advance copy!
This book has one of the wildest premises I’ve read in a long time and somehow Christina Lauren makes it feel totally believable. Our heroine is a super driven scientist working on top-secret projects… including a resurrection compound that’s only ever been tested on dogs. Then her husband dies right in front of her and she actually uses it on him. I sat up straight in bed because I couldn’t believe the chaos.
She’s got a great work bestie backing her up while she tries to save him, but the first 25% is pure for the characters. At this point I was like, who’s the villian? Am I being gaslighted? I immediately had a million theories and the rest of the book didn’t disappoint.
It has that emotional, nostalgic vibe of Love & Other Words but with a thriller twist. It’s romantic, suspenseful, and slightly unhinged. I could not put it down. I absolutely loved it.
This book has one of the wildest premises I’ve read in a long time and somehow Christina Lauren makes it feel totally believable. Our heroine is a super driven scientist working on top-secret projects… including a resurrection compound that’s only ever been tested on dogs. Then her husband dies right in front of her and she actually uses it on him. I sat up straight in bed because I couldn’t believe the chaos.
She’s got a great work bestie backing her up while she tries to save him, but the first 25% is pure for the characters. At this point I was like, who’s the villian? Am I being gaslighted? I immediately had a million theories and the rest of the book didn’t disappoint.
It has that emotional, nostalgic vibe of Love & Other Words but with a thriller twist. It’s romantic, suspenseful, and slightly unhinged. I could not put it down. I absolutely loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a fun read! I loved the premise and totally expected it to be predictable—but it wasn’t at all. I flew through this in just two days. I always enjoy this author's books, and this one was no exception. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy to read and review. If you’re looking for a rom-com with a little bit of mystery mixed in, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up! 📚
January 26, 2026
This feels like classic CLo while also feeling completely fresh and new. It was a crazy ride in the best possible way.
Want to read
December 29, 2025Sounds totally dishy and delish 🌼🌼🌼
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book really surprised me!!
At its core, The Romance Revival is about second chances, regret, and choosing your partner again even when everything familiar has been stripped away. Watching Emery and Luca slowly find their way back to each other was genuinely sweet, and I loved seeing Luca fall in love with her all over again while rediscovering who he is
The plot itself is definitely a little bizarre at times :p The science leans more “suspension of disbelief” than realism, and I went back and forth early on trying to decide how I felt about it. But as the story went on, I found myself caring less about plausibility and more about the characters. The mystery element ended up being engaging, and the final twist worked for me. I genuinely didn’t see it coming!
What really stood out were the lighter moments! The humor landed consistently, and the nosy neighbor ended up being an unexpected highlight 😀 The laugh-out-loud scenes hit harder for me than the emotional ones, which is probably why this didn’t quite tip into five-star territory. While I enjoyed the romance and the healing arc, some of the emotional beats didn’t hit as deeply as I wanted them to
The ending, though, was incredibly satisfying. After everything they went through, seeing Emery and Luca genuinely happy and grounded made my heart soar 💕
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
At its core, The Romance Revival is about second chances, regret, and choosing your partner again even when everything familiar has been stripped away. Watching Emery and Luca slowly find their way back to each other was genuinely sweet, and I loved seeing Luca fall in love with her all over again while rediscovering who he is
The plot itself is definitely a little bizarre at times :p The science leans more “suspension of disbelief” than realism, and I went back and forth early on trying to decide how I felt about it. But as the story went on, I found myself caring less about plausibility and more about the characters. The mystery element ended up being engaging, and the final twist worked for me. I genuinely didn’t see it coming!
What really stood out were the lighter moments! The humor landed consistently, and the nosy neighbor ended up being an unexpected highlight 😀 The laugh-out-loud scenes hit harder for me than the emotional ones, which is probably why this didn’t quite tip into five-star territory. While I enjoyed the romance and the healing arc, some of the emotional beats didn’t hit as deeply as I wanted them to
The ending, though, was incredibly satisfying. After everything they went through, seeing Emery and Luca genuinely happy and grounded made my heart soar 💕
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2026
3.5 🌟 different vibes from the usual Christina Lauren, it was giving a lot of Ali Hazelwood moments. It was a really creative plot, I just wanted a little more of something to make it 4 stars. I see sci-fi type writing working for them in the future! (I want a Crash and Annie story).
They write it, I read it.
(Thank you Netgalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this book)
They write it, I read it.
(Thank you Netgalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this book)
January 30, 2026
Smart and sexy and vulnerable and everything I love about Christina Lauren
February 11, 2026
Crazy concept but it works so well! Loved it!
Read
February 15, 2026No rating or review yet as I read an advance reader's edition. ☺️
December 28, 2025
Emery and Luca’s love story has been a whirlwind from the start. Three years into their marriage, the passion is still going strong, but cracks are starting to show around Emery’s lack of work-life balance. Everything is coming to a head when Emery’s secret career literally saves Luca’s life. In the aftermath, they work to find a way back to each other. This is a unique take on a second-chance love story with hints of suspense and danger.
Thank you to Christina Lauren, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
Thank you to Christina Lauren, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
January 6, 2026
This book reminded me too much of The Vow by Nicholas Sparks except more scientific/fantasy. Also the ending doesn’t make sense and was really rushed.
future-releases
December 12, 2025Another summery romance from our iconic duo - count me in!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m a huge fan of this writer duo—so much so that I can honestly say I could read anything they create for years and never get bored. Their brand-new book comes with a wildly unique concept centered on resuscitation, and it asks a haunting, romantic question: What if your vows say “till death do us part”… but even death can’t keep you apart?
Emery and Luca meet in a Vegas wedding chapel, where Emery quite literally falls in love with Luca’s laugh. (Yes—literally.) She hears this lyrical, irresistible laugh from a distance and immediately wants to know who it belongs to. Cue fate doing its thing. They’re instantly drawn to each other like magnets—sharing dances, sparks, and eventually a one-night heat-filled escapade… or rather, a full-on sexcapade.
Only two months later, they decide to tie the knot—even though they couldn’t be more different. Luca is the embodiment of his Italian genes: extroverted, charming, endlessly patient, a social butterfly adored by everyone, and a laid-back landscaper. Emery, on the other hand, is an introverted, anxious, workaholic scientist who lives in her head and her lab. Opposites in every way… yet somehow perfect together.
Three years into their marriage, the attraction is still top-notch, even though their time together is painfully limited to Sunny Sundays. Emery spends far too many hours locked away in her lab, secretly working on a top-secret scientific project—so secret that she’s been lying to her husband about her true profession. As their anniversary approaches, she finally decides it’s time to come clean during their special night.
But everything goes wrong.
Her nemesis, Vince, sabotages her latest presentation to a board of financiers and drops a bombshell—exposing her illegal, boundary-crossing resuscitation project. On the very same night, Emery is late for their anniversary dinner. She’s driving to meet Luca when tragedy strikes in the most brutal, cinematic way—straight out of Meet Joe Black. Someone hits her husband right in front of her eyes.
Panic. Chaos. Horror.
Emery rushes to Luca, cradling him in her arms… and then she feels it. A pulse. A freaking pulse. There’s no time to call 911. No time to think. By sheer luck (or fate), she has a component of her experiment with her. Acting purely on instinct and love, she injects him.
With the help of Annie—her veterinarian best friend, colleague, and partner in crime—they secretly transport Luca to the lab. They cover up the crime scene. And then, in true Dr. Frankenstein fashion, they attempt something they’ve only ever tried on animals before.
A miracle happens.
Luca survives—but wakes up with no memory. His entire life is a blank slate.
Now Emery has to do the impossible: teach her husband who he is, help him rediscover their life together, and somehow make him fall in love with her all over again. It’s a second chance—one that forces her to confront her mistakes, her secrets, and her priorities. But danger still looms. The resuscitation project crosses too many legal, ethical, and moral lines, and someone is always watching, waiting to destroy everything.
In the end, Emery must make an impossible choice: the project of her life… or the love of her husband.
Overall thoughts:
The chemistry between Emery and Luca is absolutely top-notch, and I loved the second-chance romance and the rediscovery of each other. While I wasn’t entirely sold on the thriller elements—especially in the last third of the book, where some action sequences felt a bit forced and predictable—I truly appreciate the authors’ attempt to blend romance with suspense.
For me, the strongest parts were the emotional core: Luca navigating memory loss and Emery rediscovering the more relaxed, easygoing version of herself she had lost along the way. That emotional development is where this book really shines.
I’m rounding my rating up from 3.5 to a solid 4 stars. Even though the suspense didn’t fully work for me, I adored the main characters—and the supporting cast was fantastic. Nosey neighbor Betty, best friends Annie and Crash? Absolute gems. I would love to read Annie and Crash’s book next—especially with Annie’s legendary “ick list.”
And I have to admit: the steam level was perfect.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing one of the most anticipated romances of 2026 with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Emery and Luca meet in a Vegas wedding chapel, where Emery quite literally falls in love with Luca’s laugh. (Yes—literally.) She hears this lyrical, irresistible laugh from a distance and immediately wants to know who it belongs to. Cue fate doing its thing. They’re instantly drawn to each other like magnets—sharing dances, sparks, and eventually a one-night heat-filled escapade… or rather, a full-on sexcapade.
Only two months later, they decide to tie the knot—even though they couldn’t be more different. Luca is the embodiment of his Italian genes: extroverted, charming, endlessly patient, a social butterfly adored by everyone, and a laid-back landscaper. Emery, on the other hand, is an introverted, anxious, workaholic scientist who lives in her head and her lab. Opposites in every way… yet somehow perfect together.
Three years into their marriage, the attraction is still top-notch, even though their time together is painfully limited to Sunny Sundays. Emery spends far too many hours locked away in her lab, secretly working on a top-secret scientific project—so secret that she’s been lying to her husband about her true profession. As their anniversary approaches, she finally decides it’s time to come clean during their special night.
But everything goes wrong.
Her nemesis, Vince, sabotages her latest presentation to a board of financiers and drops a bombshell—exposing her illegal, boundary-crossing resuscitation project. On the very same night, Emery is late for their anniversary dinner. She’s driving to meet Luca when tragedy strikes in the most brutal, cinematic way—straight out of Meet Joe Black. Someone hits her husband right in front of her eyes.
Panic. Chaos. Horror.
Emery rushes to Luca, cradling him in her arms… and then she feels it. A pulse. A freaking pulse. There’s no time to call 911. No time to think. By sheer luck (or fate), she has a component of her experiment with her. Acting purely on instinct and love, she injects him.
With the help of Annie—her veterinarian best friend, colleague, and partner in crime—they secretly transport Luca to the lab. They cover up the crime scene. And then, in true Dr. Frankenstein fashion, they attempt something they’ve only ever tried on animals before.
A miracle happens.
Luca survives—but wakes up with no memory. His entire life is a blank slate.
Now Emery has to do the impossible: teach her husband who he is, help him rediscover their life together, and somehow make him fall in love with her all over again. It’s a second chance—one that forces her to confront her mistakes, her secrets, and her priorities. But danger still looms. The resuscitation project crosses too many legal, ethical, and moral lines, and someone is always watching, waiting to destroy everything.
In the end, Emery must make an impossible choice: the project of her life… or the love of her husband.
Overall thoughts:
The chemistry between Emery and Luca is absolutely top-notch, and I loved the second-chance romance and the rediscovery of each other. While I wasn’t entirely sold on the thriller elements—especially in the last third of the book, where some action sequences felt a bit forced and predictable—I truly appreciate the authors’ attempt to blend romance with suspense.
For me, the strongest parts were the emotional core: Luca navigating memory loss and Emery rediscovering the more relaxed, easygoing version of herself she had lost along the way. That emotional development is where this book really shines.
I’m rounding my rating up from 3.5 to a solid 4 stars. Even though the suspense didn’t fully work for me, I adored the main characters—and the supporting cast was fantastic. Nosey neighbor Betty, best friends Annie and Crash? Absolute gems. I would love to read Annie and Crash’s book next—especially with Annie’s legendary “ick list.”
And I have to admit: the steam level was perfect.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing one of the most anticipated romances of 2026 with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
February 15, 2026
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the Advanced Readers Copy! As this was my 7th Christina Lauren read, I went into it with high expectations and a good sense of their signature style.
The Verdict
This was a solid 3.5-star read for me. It’s classic C.L. in many ways—steamy, engaging, and impossible to put down—but it didn't quite hit the heights of some of their previous work. While I managed to fly through the entire book in 24 hours, my experience was a bit of a mixed bag.
What Worked
• The "Unputdownable" Factor: Even when I had critiques, the writing kept me hooked. Reading a book in a single day is a testament to the authors' ability to craft a compelling narrative voice.
• The Chemistry: If you’re here for the "spice" and the immediate physical draw between leads, this book delivers. The sexual chemistry is the driving force of the relationship and is handled with the duo's usual flair.
What Fell Short
• The Pacing: The story felt a bit "sandwich-shaped." The beginning and the end moved at a breakneck speed, but the middle section really started to drag.
• Depth vs. Plot: Paradoxically, while the middle felt slow, I still found myself wishing certain plot points were more fleshed out. The story stayed very heavily focused on the physical attraction, often at the expense of deeper storyline development or character growth outside of the bedroom.
• The "Hook" vs. The Payoff: I found myself reading quickly more out of a hope that the plot would expand, rather than being fully satisfied with the direction it took.
Final Thoughts
I’m glad I read Romance Revival, and it certainly kept my attention for a full day, but it’s not one I’ll be adding to my "re-read" shelf. It’s a great pick for fans who prioritize high-heat chemistry and a fast-paced opening, but those looking for a more balanced plot-to-romance ratio might find it a little thin.
The Verdict
This was a solid 3.5-star read for me. It’s classic C.L. in many ways—steamy, engaging, and impossible to put down—but it didn't quite hit the heights of some of their previous work. While I managed to fly through the entire book in 24 hours, my experience was a bit of a mixed bag.
What Worked
• The "Unputdownable" Factor: Even when I had critiques, the writing kept me hooked. Reading a book in a single day is a testament to the authors' ability to craft a compelling narrative voice.
• The Chemistry: If you’re here for the "spice" and the immediate physical draw between leads, this book delivers. The sexual chemistry is the driving force of the relationship and is handled with the duo's usual flair.
What Fell Short
• The Pacing: The story felt a bit "sandwich-shaped." The beginning and the end moved at a breakneck speed, but the middle section really started to drag.
• Depth vs. Plot: Paradoxically, while the middle felt slow, I still found myself wishing certain plot points were more fleshed out. The story stayed very heavily focused on the physical attraction, often at the expense of deeper storyline development or character growth outside of the bedroom.
• The "Hook" vs. The Payoff: I found myself reading quickly more out of a hope that the plot would expand, rather than being fully satisfied with the direction it took.
Final Thoughts
I’m glad I read Romance Revival, and it certainly kept my attention for a full day, but it’s not one I’ll be adding to my "re-read" shelf. It’s a great pick for fans who prioritize high-heat chemistry and a fast-paced opening, but those looking for a more balanced plot-to-romance ratio might find it a little thin.
February 17, 2026
I am a sucker for any book by the writing duo Christina Lauren. So when I got an opportunity to read an early copy of this I immediately ditched all other books. Who needs sleep, I needed to consume this romcom immediately. And I’m happy to report that Christina Lauren didn’t disappoint! This is hands down going to be one of my favorites right up there with The Paradise Problem.
My first initial thoughts is this is of the most unique books I’ve ever read especially by Christina Lauren. They typically don’t deal with STEM romance. Plus the concept of our FMC using her science background to create a drug to bring someone back from the dead. Was just wild for me in terms of a book by this duo. But don’t get me wrong I was all here for it.
For those of you who didn’t read the synopsis. Essentially our FMC is a workaholic and has been basically taking her husband for granted. Her husband gets into an accident and our FMC decides to use her untested drug to revive her husband. Our FMC gets a second shot at being a better wife and partner.
Next thoughts, the chemistry between Emery and Luca is absolutely top-notch. I’m usually not a fan of second chance romances but for this dynamic it just worked. I loved watching them going on this journey of rediscovering why they fell in love in the first place. It was emotional and heartwarming. You can’t help but fall in love again with them.
Overall, I loved this book and I can’t stop recommending it. Plus I can’t wait to pick up a trophy copy when it releases later this year. Lastly A huge thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
My first initial thoughts is this is of the most unique books I’ve ever read especially by Christina Lauren. They typically don’t deal with STEM romance. Plus the concept of our FMC using her science background to create a drug to bring someone back from the dead. Was just wild for me in terms of a book by this duo. But don’t get me wrong I was all here for it.
For those of you who didn’t read the synopsis. Essentially our FMC is a workaholic and has been basically taking her husband for granted. Her husband gets into an accident and our FMC decides to use her untested drug to revive her husband. Our FMC gets a second shot at being a better wife and partner.
Next thoughts, the chemistry between Emery and Luca is absolutely top-notch. I’m usually not a fan of second chance romances but for this dynamic it just worked. I loved watching them going on this journey of rediscovering why they fell in love in the first place. It was emotional and heartwarming. You can’t help but fall in love again with them.
Overall, I loved this book and I can’t stop recommending it. Plus I can’t wait to pick up a trophy copy when it releases later this year. Lastly A huge thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free early copy in exchange for an honest review!
This book *feels* like a Christina Lauren book. The world building, the romance, the characters... it's all well-crafted and developed just deeply enough to feel real.
I went into this book without having read anything about it! Which is rare for me nowadays. So, it was somewhat shocking to see that the title "The Romance Revival" was literal. Since it has a similar art style to "The Paradise Problem" I was expecting a rom-com(ish?) story. However, this book falls within Christina Lauren's speculative romances (i.e. there's some element of the world that is fantastical/science fiction) like "The Soulmate Equation," or "In a Holidaze".
Of course, "The Romance Revival" is a second-chance romance! After three years of marriage, Luca and Emery's relationship is strained after Emery continually prioritizes work and misses dates. So... it turns out that Emery has been lying about her job and covering up about it because she's the head scientist of a technology that can revive people shortly after they pass. And she ends up using it to revive Luca, who loses his memories. Throughout the book they are working to "revive" their romance, comb through their history, and relive their memories.
This story is really sweet (and at times angsty) and I would say focuses more on the characters and plot. It wasn't really that romantic to me but I liked it that way, I would classify it's genre as 75% fiction 25% romance (if that even makes sense??).
Overall it was a really pleasing read, though it felt a little slow!
This book *feels* like a Christina Lauren book. The world building, the romance, the characters... it's all well-crafted and developed just deeply enough to feel real.
I went into this book without having read anything about it! Which is rare for me nowadays. So, it was somewhat shocking to see that the title "The Romance Revival" was literal. Since it has a similar art style to "The Paradise Problem" I was expecting a rom-com(ish?) story. However, this book falls within Christina Lauren's speculative romances (i.e. there's some element of the world that is fantastical/science fiction) like "The Soulmate Equation," or "In a Holidaze".
Of course, "The Romance Revival" is a second-chance romance! After three years of marriage, Luca and Emery's relationship is strained after Emery continually prioritizes work and misses dates. So... it turns out that Emery has been lying about her job and covering up about it because she's the head scientist of a technology that can revive people shortly after they pass. And she ends up using it to revive Luca, who loses his memories. Throughout the book they are working to "revive" their romance, comb through their history, and relive their memories.
This story is really sweet (and at times angsty) and I would say focuses more on the characters and plot. It wasn't really that romantic to me but I liked it that way, I would classify it's genre as 75% fiction 25% romance (if that even makes sense??).
Overall it was a really pleasing read, though it felt a little slow!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Christina Lauren is an automatic must-read for me, so when this ARC landed in my inbox, I genuinely did a little happy dance. The Romance Revival surprised me in all the best ways. It’s wildly inventive and emotionally rich, and what could have felt outlandish—a sci-fi twist on a second-chance romance—was actually handled incredibly well. It never felt gimmicky, just refreshing and smart. I couldn’t put the book down and devoured it in less than a day.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Emery and Luca’s world. The writing is sharp, witty, and completely engaging, and the characters feel like real people you immediately want to root for. Christina Lauren does such a great job building the emotional core of this story, from the regrets to the reconnection to the chemistry that still sizzles even when memory is lost. And the fact that Emery is in STEM was an instant win for me.
This story is fun, wild, heartfelt, and so satisfying. Yes, it gets a little wacky at times, but it still delivers all the classic elements that make Christina Lauren books so addictive. Luca is swoony, the chemistry is sizzling, the banter is laugh-out-loud good, and the emotional stakes truly matter.
While the ending felt a bit over-the-top for me personally, and this isn’t my all-time favorite from this duo, The Romance Revival is undeniably a great read and a reminder of why Christina Lauren remains one of my go-to authors. I’ll absolutely pick up whatever they write next.
Thank you to Gallery and NetGalley for the early copy.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Emery and Luca’s world. The writing is sharp, witty, and completely engaging, and the characters feel like real people you immediately want to root for. Christina Lauren does such a great job building the emotional core of this story, from the regrets to the reconnection to the chemistry that still sizzles even when memory is lost. And the fact that Emery is in STEM was an instant win for me.
This story is fun, wild, heartfelt, and so satisfying. Yes, it gets a little wacky at times, but it still delivers all the classic elements that make Christina Lauren books so addictive. Luca is swoony, the chemistry is sizzling, the banter is laugh-out-loud good, and the emotional stakes truly matter.
While the ending felt a bit over-the-top for me personally, and this isn’t my all-time favorite from this duo, The Romance Revival is undeniably a great read and a reminder of why Christina Lauren remains one of my go-to authors. I’ll absolutely pick up whatever they write next.
Thank you to Gallery and NetGalley for the early copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm always excited when I see that Christina Lauren, the bestselling romance author duo, has released another book. So when I came across "The Romance Revival", I quickly requested an ARC! This book has a very original premise and it made for a unique novel. Emery and Luca have been married for a couple of years. While their marriage is good, Emery works many late hours and her husband doesn't really know the full extent of what she does for work. While her husband is a happy go lucky landscaper, Emery is a medical research scientist who has secretly created a way to restore injured or near-death patients back to full health. When her husband is injured in a hit-and-run, Emery has to break several laws to heal him and even then, he doesn't remember her. While this is the worst thing to ever happy to them, this gives Emery a second chance to bring back the love and romance to their marriage. While they are getting closer, there are secret forces eager to expose their secrets.
I enjoyed the romance in this book and my only complaint is that I wish that was more of the focus instead of the mystery. However, it was still a good book and I look forward to Christina Lauren's next book! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the romance in this book and my only complaint is that I wish that was more of the focus instead of the mystery. However, it was still a good book and I look forward to Christina Lauren's next book! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Luca is Emery’s charming husband. They meet at a wedding, lock eyes, and never leave each other’s side. After a few years of marriage, things are strained: Luca and Emery still have their insane connection, but Emery’s job has taken over her entire life. It doesn’t help that she’s hiding something, something top-secret and life-changing, when Luca is hit by a car.
I mean, I had no idea we were going there. I still don’t quite know what I read. A mystery? An espionage thriller? A sci-fi-leaning romance? It’s definitely a different take on the HEA, but one told deftly, with Christina Lauren spice. I think this book will take people by surprise, but they’ll ultimately enjoy the main characters’ chemistry and the fast-paced nature of the plot. It’s definitely different. I did feel like there were a few (fairly obvious) plot holes with the science angle of it, and I’m not a scientist by any stretch, but if you can suspend disbelief enough to accept that you’re reading a genre-bending romance with some unlikely scenarios, you’ll be just fine.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title.
I mean, I had no idea we were going there. I still don’t quite know what I read. A mystery? An espionage thriller? A sci-fi-leaning romance? It’s definitely a different take on the HEA, but one told deftly, with Christina Lauren spice. I think this book will take people by surprise, but they’ll ultimately enjoy the main characters’ chemistry and the fast-paced nature of the plot. It’s definitely different. I did feel like there were a few (fairly obvious) plot holes with the science angle of it, and I’m not a scientist by any stretch, but if you can suspend disbelief enough to accept that you’re reading a genre-bending romance with some unlikely scenarios, you’ll be just fine.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Part mystery. Part sci fi. Part romance. All fun!
Emery works at a top-secret lab developing a compound that can resurrect someone after their death. So intensely focused on her career, she neglects Luca, her husband of three years. When he gets hit by a car (was it an accident or something more nefarious?), she uses the secret compound to keep him alive but at the cost of his memory.
Now she vows to change her workaholic ways for a second chance with him. Can he trust her after all her secrets are revealed? Can she overcome the guilt she feels for neglecting him the first time around? What happens when powerful people discover their use of this secret compound?
The sci fi elements and mystery/adventure component make this a unique spin on the second chance romance trope.
Much like the movie, The Vow, it was heartbreaking to witness Emery’s regret as she helps her husband recover his memory, fall in love with her all over again, and stay in love with her once he remembers his past.
Overall, a fun and entertaining story with the deeply emotional and sexually charged scenes that we’ve come to expect (and love) from this writing duo.
Emery works at a top-secret lab developing a compound that can resurrect someone after their death. So intensely focused on her career, she neglects Luca, her husband of three years. When he gets hit by a car (was it an accident or something more nefarious?), she uses the secret compound to keep him alive but at the cost of his memory.
Now she vows to change her workaholic ways for a second chance with him. Can he trust her after all her secrets are revealed? Can she overcome the guilt she feels for neglecting him the first time around? What happens when powerful people discover their use of this secret compound?
The sci fi elements and mystery/adventure component make this a unique spin on the second chance romance trope.
Much like the movie, The Vow, it was heartbreaking to witness Emery’s regret as she helps her husband recover his memory, fall in love with her all over again, and stay in love with her once he remembers his past.
Overall, a fun and entertaining story with the deeply emotional and sexually charged scenes that we’ve come to expect (and love) from this writing duo.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Romance Revival is a delightful and heartfelt celebration of love, second chances, and the stories that shape us. Christina Lauren delivers a warm, character‑driven romance that feels both nostalgic and fresh, striking a lovely balance between sweet sentiment and emotional depth.
The story centers on characters who’ve been burned by love and life, only to find themselves challenged — and changed — by unexpected connection. What makes this novel stand out is its emotional honesty: the leads aren’t perfect, but their vulnerabilities and growth make their journey toward each other feel meaningful and earned. The slow‑burn chemistry builds beautifully, with plenty of laugh‑out‑loud moments and tender spaces where the heart really opens up.
Christina Lauren’s writing is sharp, witty, and deeply human; she infuses even the quieter scenes with warmth and insight. If there’s one small critique, it’s that some plot beats follow familiar romance tropes — but they’re executed with such charm and authenticity that it never feels tired or derivative.
The story centers on characters who’ve been burned by love and life, only to find themselves challenged — and changed — by unexpected connection. What makes this novel stand out is its emotional honesty: the leads aren’t perfect, but their vulnerabilities and growth make their journey toward each other feel meaningful and earned. The slow‑burn chemistry builds beautifully, with plenty of laugh‑out‑loud moments and tender spaces where the heart really opens up.
Christina Lauren’s writing is sharp, witty, and deeply human; she infuses even the quieter scenes with warmth and insight. If there’s one small critique, it’s that some plot beats follow familiar romance tropes — but they’re executed with such charm and authenticity that it never feels tired or derivative.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a bit of a departure from Christina + Lauren’s other works, its genre-bending. I predict this is going to be either your favorite CL title or your least favorite.
It’s my favorite!
The second chance romance in this novel is the best I’ve read, a couple with 10/10 chemistry, wonderful back story and I am rooting for Luca and Emery all the way.
Our minor characters- Annie and Crash- need a book of their own. I love it when the “best friend” characters are so well developed that you love them as characters instead of merely background noise.
I don’t think I’m going to write a summary for this review, which is off-brand for me- but I think it’s best to go into as blind as possible.
So it’s the top tier romcom we know and love, but this is also cozy mystery, speculative fiction. I would LOVE to see these authors explore this genre more.
This is a risk that pays off big time! Infinity stars!
**a best romance of 2026**
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC. Book to be published July 14, 2026.
It’s my favorite!
The second chance romance in this novel is the best I’ve read, a couple with 10/10 chemistry, wonderful back story and I am rooting for Luca and Emery all the way.
Our minor characters- Annie and Crash- need a book of their own. I love it when the “best friend” characters are so well developed that you love them as characters instead of merely background noise.
I don’t think I’m going to write a summary for this review, which is off-brand for me- but I think it’s best to go into as blind as possible.
So it’s the top tier romcom we know and love, but this is also cozy mystery, speculative fiction. I would LOVE to see these authors explore this genre more.
This is a risk that pays off big time! Infinity stars!
**a best romance of 2026**
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC. Book to be published July 14, 2026.
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