The Stage Kiss

Things heat up backstage in Jones’s slow-burning enemies-to-lovers debut. When the lead for the national tour of Liz and Darcy: The Musical gets sick, understudy Eden Blake is thrilled to jump into the spotlight, despite having to play opposite pompous Tony Award winner Brennon Thorne, who drunkenly embarrasses Eden the first night they meet, enhancing her insecurities. Brennon always gets the girl—onstage, that is. His own romantic life is in shambles, as failing to prioritize his relationships over his work has left him lonely. Getting to kiss his beautiful and talented new leading lady eight shows a week revitalizes Brennon, but offstage she makes him so nervous that he routinely sounds like an ass. When they both fall victim to backstage gossip and jealousy, they learn to see the good in each other, sparking a romance that may be doomed to fail if Eden can’t accept that she’s worthy of being a leading lady both on and off the stage. Echoes of Pride and Prejudice add even more fun to the undeniable pull between Eden and Brennon and the juicy sex scenes. This is a treat. Agent: Eva Scalzo, Speilburg Literary. (Dec.)