Unfortunately, this cute story didn't live up to its potential.

Lauren Prescott is a stage manager at the McAllister Theatre in Minneapolis. Ever since she was little, she has always wanted to be an actress, but she never made it. That's why Lauren discovered her passion for stage management. She has made an excellent name for herself through her neat and conscientious work at the "McAllister Theatre".

And then there is Carly Daniel, a starlet from California who became famous through her appearances in well-known blockbusters. Because of her egotistical behaviour and perpetual tardiness on set, she was blacklisted in Hollywood. She no longer receives audition dates and is forced to take a role in a theatre to save her reputation. This leads her to the "McAllister Theatre", where she meets Lauren.

Carly's name or her stardom does not impress Lauren. On the contrary, the actress's behaviour quite annoys the stage manager. This does not bother Carly, and she continues trying to get friends with Lauren.

The first half of the book felt very dull and too drawn out. The second half was much better and more exciting. Still, the ending felt too short and rushed to me. The characters could have used a lot more depth too. Nevertheless, I found Lauren and Carly very likeable.

I want to add that the insight into the theatre world was very precise and exciting. I enjoyed this part of the book a lot and felt like I understood the whole process of planning a play.

If you are into a light read with a predictable plot, this is the book for you. Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate the book - I actually liked the second half a lot. But it didn't leave me satisfied. ( )

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 rounded up to 3 because drama at 80/85% of the book was unnecessary. I really enjoyed most of this book, even though some parts were dragged too much for my liking. The chemistry was so on point and the sexual tension was chef's kiss.
It was my first book from this author but I'll check for sure her other works. ( )

This novel was about Lauren and Carly. Lauren is a stage manager at the McAllister Theater, which is a big thing in the theater world. She, once upon a time, wanted to be an actress, but, it did not work out, and she is happy being an amazing stage manager on the theater's shows.

Carly is a Hollywood actress who had a humongous career, but mostly ruined it by misbehaving in her twenties. So, when a play is offered to her, even though she's never done one, and thinks that it's going to be, well, not amazing for her, she does it anywhere. It's her last chance to revive her career.

She and Lauren don't get off to a great start. But, as the story goes on, they get closer. And then Lauren's orderly life gets rocked too as she gets a chance at something that she never thought she'd ever have again.

There's a lot of back and forth between the two women in this story. And, I have to say, that the conflict seemed very balanced when it came to their issues. This story didn't choose a side and have one woman be entirely to blame, one woman 'right', while the other is 'wrong'. It was well written.

It was a fun read, not to mention, there were some cool Brayden Universe name drops too.

I was given this ARC by Netgalley on behalf of Bold Strokes Books. ( )