ARC Review: The Stage Kiss/Enemies to Lovers by Amelia Jones
10:00
Series: None
Author: Amelia Jones
Published December 12th 2023 by Alcove Press
Goodreads Synopsis
In this slow-burn yet highly combustible enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon and Abby Jimenez, two stage actors find themselves falling for each other with each onstage kiss...against their better judgment.
Actress Eden Blake’s biggest claim to fame is a mortifying pharmaceutical commercial for male enhancement pills. That is until the female lead on the nationwide tour of Broadway’s hit Pride & Prejudice musical abruptly quits and Eden is called up to fill the role.
The cast of Liz and Darcy: The Musical has just settled into a three-week run in Washington, DC, and Broadway royalty Brennon Thorne is set to play Darcy. Despite Brennon’s reputation as being “a dream to work with,” Eden’s first impression of him is more like a nightmare. Now, she’ll have to kiss the pompous jerk eight shows per week.
Brennon can’t disguise his disdain for understudies like Eden. But New York is filled with reminders of his most recent failed relationship, and this American tour is a much-needed distraction from his loneliness. As Eden and Brennon take the stage playing Jane Austen’s most memorable characters, their reality begins to mirror Elizabeth and Darcy’s—explosive chemistry and all. Together, they power through press performances and curtain calls, even as rumors of Brennon’s checkered romantic past resurface and prove to Eden that he can’t be trusted.
But with each choreographed stage kiss, Eden and Brennon’s passion for the stage—and each other—ignites. Maybe, just maybe, not all rumors are to be believed—and not all showmances are doomed to fail.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Joining the cast of Liz and Darcy: The Musical was a dream come true for Eden Blake, but she never expected that she would soon become the principal lead for the part of Lizzie as it makes it's debut American tour. And the fact that Broadway royalty, Brennon Thorne is set to play Darcy is a set too far. But where Eden thought she would be having the time of her life, it's clear that Brennon would rather act alongside any one other than herself. However, soon it seems as if the parts they are playing are coming reality, and the chemistry between the two could rival even that of Lizzie and Darcy.
I simply adore anything and everything Pride and Prejudice related, so as soon as I saw the cover and synopsis of this book, I immediately requested it, and dove right in! This was such a great P&P inspired book, and the premise of having a stage show where the cast are starting to embody the characters of Lizzie, Darcy, and all the others, was wonderful. Eden was such a great main character, who felt so real in her vulnerabilities that I wanted to reach into the book and give her a big hug at times. Her and Brennon's chemistry was electric, and they gave as good as they got. Brennon was so rude and grumpy to begin with, but as any P&P lover will know, he was hiding his shyness behind that gruff exterior, which Eden managed to break through. There were so many moments in the book which were the epitome of Lizzie and Darcy's interactions in the original material, but also so new and fresh that it wasn't a clear copy from Austen. I found myself unable to put this book down at all, and needed to see if Eden and Brennon would be able to overcome all of their miscommunication to find their happiness, but it was all worth it in the end. A fantastic Pride & Prejudice inspired contemporary romance!
Dates Read:
June 24, 2023
Rating
4 Stars
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