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bibliomich's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde was my first ever Tia Williams read, and wow, what a fantastic introduction to this author! I often struggle with books that lean heavily into historical fiction or magical realism, and this story had a healthy dose of both, but I was still able to get completely swept up in the narrative. While it took me a little while to settle in to the story and get used to the switching perspectives (as well as the switching timelines), all of the exposition really paid off once everything started coming together and clicking into place.
What I loved:
- The "fated mates" element of the story: I've been really loving this trope lately, and Tia Williams writes it so, so well.
- The supporting characters: Tuesday and Della add so much to the story, and I love the way their relationships with Ricki evolve over the course of the book.
- The setting: I loved reading about Harlem, both in present day, as well as during the Harlem Renaissance. It was the perfect setting for this story, particularly since the location played such an integral role in both of the protagonists' stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for my advanced copy!
What I loved:
- The "fated mates" element of the story: I've been really loving this trope lately, and Tia Williams writes it so, so well.
- The supporting characters: Tuesday and Della add so much to the story, and I love the way their relationships with Ricki evolve over the course of the book.
- The setting: I loved reading about Harlem, both in present day, as well as during the Harlem Renaissance. It was the perfect setting for this story, particularly since the location played such an integral role in both of the protagonists' stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for my advanced copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Racism
Moderate: Miscarriage, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Alcoholism and Death of parent
literaryintersections's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“that Blackness wasn’t a concept, an idea for sale. There is no correlation between our value and white people buying in”
Finishing this book while watching the Grammy’s was something. A book that at its heart is about love, grief, not fitting in and being too much, but also is about our societies ability to forget about Black people and Black music. Black folks changed the game in music - jazz, blues, swing, country. Always at the forefront but always last to be recognized. I loved how Tia immerses the reader in Harlem, the Harlem Renaissance and Black excellence, while also reminding you that the very places where Black excellence shone are now condos, Starbucks, parking lots.
This book was so emotional to me. I was on a journey where I truly didn’t think it was going to end happy. You have to go into this book without knowing anything because the joy of trying to figure out wtf is going ok is so fun but also mildly anxiety inducing lol.
Ricki and Ezra were beautiful together. “Promise me that you’ll choose to love each other hard.” Every moment, every word, every touch was gorgeously rendered on the page. You feel everything. And Williams created wonderful side characters: particularly Tuesday (the hilarious best friend everyone wants) and Ms. Della (the spunky old lady everyone wants to be).
This review is a mess because I am a mess. Y’all have to get this book now. And thank you to Grand Central Pub for my digital copy to review.
Finishing this book while watching the Grammy’s was something. A book that at its heart is about love, grief, not fitting in and being too much, but also is about our societies ability to forget about Black people and Black music. Black folks changed the game in music - jazz, blues, swing, country. Always at the forefront but always last to be recognized. I loved how Tia immerses the reader in Harlem, the Harlem Renaissance and Black excellence, while also reminding you that the very places where Black excellence shone are now condos, Starbucks, parking lots.
This book was so emotional to me. I was on a journey where I truly didn’t think it was going to end happy. You have to go into this book without knowing anything because the joy of trying to figure out wtf is going ok is so fun but also mildly anxiety inducing lol.
Ricki and Ezra were beautiful together. “Promise me that you’ll choose to love each other hard.” Every moment, every word, every touch was gorgeously rendered on the page. You feel everything. And Williams created wonderful side characters: particularly Tuesday (the hilarious best friend everyone wants) and Ms. Della (the spunky old lady everyone wants to be).
This review is a mess because I am a mess. Y’all have to get this book now. And thank you to Grand Central Pub for my digital copy to review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Suicide
Moderate: Drug abuse and Miscarriage
bookishkellyn's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After Ricki moves to Harlem, she literally keeps running into a mysterious gentleman (Ezra) everywhere–almost like they’re pulled to one another. Is he a stalker or is it fate? The magical realism elements are sprinkled throughout the book, but the big reveal isn’t until the last ⅓ of the book. This had all the quirkiness of Seven Days in June without the slow start. I guessed quite a few of the plot points early on, but it was still an easy read with cinematic potential.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Death, Drug use, Miscarriage, Racism, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
belreadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
A Love Song For Ricki Wilde is a heart wrenching romance spanning 100 years with a focus on found family, curses, soulmates, and a little history too.
I found the story to be quite slow to start. Also, I wasn’t surprised at all by anything in this story? I felt like everything was very easy to predict, but surprisingly that didn’t affect my enjoyment. I went into this story knowing nothing (outside of the title and the stunning cover), and I wasn’t disappointed. Overall, A Love Song For Ricki Wilde was a sweet, heartwarming tale that had me rooting for everyone in the story. If you’ve read from Williams before, or simply crave or want to try reading a magical realism romance, this is for you!
I am so grateful I got to read this early. This is available now - out today, Feb 6!!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Suicide
Moderate: Cancer, Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Self harm, Terminal illness, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Infertility, and Pandemic/Epidemic
cristinaaa's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Hate crime, Miscarriage, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
babeinlibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Suicide
Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Cursing, Drug abuse, Hate crime, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Abandonment
30something_reads's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Happy Pub Day!
"For a long time, I thought I knew what my calling was. My Grand Purpose. But when I met Ricki, I knew I was wrong. I was a fool, thinking I was born to do anything grander than loving her."
This is the story of Ricki Wilde and Ezra Walker - two creative souls brought together by fate at the beginning of February in Harlem, NY.
Ricki Wilde is the free-spirited, youngest daughter of the Wilde Funeral Empire. Expected to dutifully carry on with the family business, Ricki makes the choice to leave her home in GA and follow her dreams of opening a flower shop in NY. It’s there that she meets the mysterious Ezra Walker. They are instantly drawn to one another, but Ezra tells her it would be best if they never see one another again. But fate has other plans in store for Ricki Wilde.
This book is such a refreshing blend of romance, history, music, & friendship with the perfect magical twist. I think that if you’re a fan of Ashley Poston’s romances, this is definitely a book you need to pick up.
Not only is this a beautiful love story between two remarkable people, but it is also a love letter to Black creatives and the Harlem Renaissance.
I absolutely adored all these characters and the way their stories were woven together. This is a story that made me feel everything- I laughed along with all the funny circumstances they found themselves in. I was so angry at Ricki’s family & how they treated her. My heart swelled for the family Ricki built for herself in NY. I swooned right along with Ricki and Ezra as they fell in love. And I WEPT happy tears during the epilogue. (Which is my favorite thing to do while reading romance.)
*Thank you so much to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Hachette for the early review copy*
"For a long time, I thought I knew what my calling was. My Grand Purpose. But when I met Ricki, I knew I was wrong. I was a fool, thinking I was born to do anything grander than loving her."
This is the story of Ricki Wilde and Ezra Walker - two creative souls brought together by fate at the beginning of February in Harlem, NY.
Ricki Wilde is the free-spirited, youngest daughter of the Wilde Funeral Empire. Expected to dutifully carry on with the family business, Ricki makes the choice to leave her home in GA and follow her dreams of opening a flower shop in NY. It’s there that she meets the mysterious Ezra Walker. They are instantly drawn to one another, but Ezra tells her it would be best if they never see one another again. But fate has other plans in store for Ricki Wilde.
This book is such a refreshing blend of romance, history, music, & friendship with the perfect magical twist. I think that if you’re a fan of Ashley Poston’s romances, this is definitely a book you need to pick up.
Not only is this a beautiful love story between two remarkable people, but it is also a love letter to Black creatives and the Harlem Renaissance.
I absolutely adored all these characters and the way their stories were woven together. This is a story that made me feel everything- I laughed along with all the funny circumstances they found themselves in. I was so angry at Ricki’s family & how they treated her. My heart swelled for the family Ricki built for herself in NY. I swooned right along with Ricki and Ezra as they fell in love. And I WEPT happy tears during the epilogue. (Which is my favorite thing to do while reading romance.)
*Thank you so much to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Hachette for the early review copy*
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Racism, Self harm, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and War
daniellereadslikealot_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Oh wow, this book. I knew I’d enjoy it after loving Seven Days in June, but it blew me away. This was such an incredible story of love, history, culture and a little bit of magic. I absolutely loved Ricki and Ezra. Both were such well developed characters and I’m so glad we got both of their POVs. Also, Tuesday and Della were such fantastic supporting characters who always made me smile. I also loved the flashbacks of the Harlem Renaissance and reading about all the amazing music. The romance was absolutely beautiful as well. I cried several times, especially towards the end. Honestly, top to bottom, a perfect book in my eyes. I’m so happy I read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Hate crime, and Racism
Minor: Miscarriage
caseythereader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the free copy of this book.
- Tia Williams does it again with A LOVE SONG FOR RICKI WILDE. Drama, snark, two people drawn toward each other in a way they’ve never felt before.
- Even if the plot is easy enough to predict, I loved being with Ricki and Ezra as they unraveled their story and fell hard for each other.
- Somehow, amid the over the top ridiculous family members and the paranormal elements, Williams gives us a fated mates story for the ages, filled with intensity and longing and love.
- Tia Williams does it again with A LOVE SONG FOR RICKI WILDE. Drama, snark, two people drawn toward each other in a way they’ve never felt before.
- Even if the plot is easy enough to predict, I loved being with Ricki and Ezra as they unraveled their story and fell hard for each other.
- Somehow, amid the over the top ridiculous family members and the paranormal elements, Williams gives us a fated mates story for the ages, filled with intensity and longing and love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Cursing, Death, Racism, Sexual content, Suicide, Medical content, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
Moderate: Addiction and Hate crime
Minor: Miscarriage
jaz_gets_literary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc of this book These are my 100% honest opinions.
I honestly went into this book with no thoughts at all. I had read another book from this author and I didn’t really enjoy it. When I saw the cover of this, something just pulled me to it. (If you’ve read the book, that’s some crazy symbolism) I’m really glad that I chose to read it because I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the magical realism in the romance story between Ricki and Ezra. The beginning of the book switches between the 1920s and modern day 2023. Sometimes large time gaps are hard to keep up with in books but not this one. I was in love with the majority of the characters. Sometimes side characters get lost or seem unnecessary but not Tuesday and Ms. Della. I could read a spin off on the back story of both of them.
While I did guess part of what happened at the end, it didn’t damper my enjoyment of the story. I enjoyed this book a lot and it had put this author’s work back on the radar for me.
I honestly went into this book with no thoughts at all. I had read another book from this author and I didn’t really enjoy it. When I saw the cover of this, something just pulled me to it. (If you’ve read the book, that’s some crazy symbolism) I’m really glad that I chose to read it because I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the magical realism in the romance story between Ricki and Ezra. The beginning of the book switches between the 1920s and modern day 2023. Sometimes large time gaps are hard to keep up with in books but not this one. I was in love with the majority of the characters. Sometimes side characters get lost or seem unnecessary but not Tuesday and Ms. Della. I could read a spin off on the back story of both of them.
While I did guess part of what happened at the end, it didn’t damper my enjoyment of the story. I enjoyed this book a lot and it had put this author’s work back on the radar for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Suicide, and Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Death, and Racism
Minor: Body shaming
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