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Stepmother #2
The Show Must Go On
Just when you think you’ve made peace with the past, it comes back with a vengeance.
Some might say Diane took a big risk, gambling her heart on a much younger woman. But now that she’s living her most authentic life in Ibiza with her adoring Hayley, Diane feels like she’s finally won big.
For a while, Diane simply enjoys every intimate moment—strolls on the hot Ibizan sand, sipping cool drinks, and losing herself in every inch of Hayley’s sun-bronzed skin. But when they discover a young woman injured on the street, complications soon follow—and start piling up.
As more and more of Hayley’s past comes back to pour emotional salt water on old wounds, the pain tests their relationship. Will the stress tear them apart? Or uncover a side of Diane that surprises them both—a fierce instinct to protect the woman she adores?
The Show Must Go On continues Diane and Hayley’s story from The Stepmother.
Some might say Diane took a big risk, gambling her heart on a much younger woman. But now that she’s living her most authentic life in Ibiza with her adoring Hayley, Diane feels like she’s finally won big.
For a while, Diane simply enjoys every intimate moment—strolls on the hot Ibizan sand, sipping cool drinks, and losing herself in every inch of Hayley’s sun-bronzed skin. But when they discover a young woman injured on the street, complications soon follow—and start piling up.
As more and more of Hayley’s past comes back to pour emotional salt water on old wounds, the pain tests their relationship. Will the stress tear them apart? Or uncover a side of Diane that surprises them both—a fierce instinct to protect the woman she adores?
The Show Must Go On continues Diane and Hayley’s story from The Stepmother.
308 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2023
4 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tereze
40 books755 followersMelissa Tereze is a best-selling author living in Liverpool, UK, with her fiancée and Golden Retriever. She holds a degree in Sports Development, and when she’s not writing, she can be found at a local bar singing one of her favourite tracks.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 18, 2023
In this sequel to "The Stepmother" we find Haley and Diane settled and living happily in Ibiza. Sun, sea and the summer season and night life when Haley's DJ gigs take off. Diane is mulling over setting up an accounting business. All is well until a chance meeting with and aiding an injured tourist brings turmoil to their peaceful life. Haley's emotional hurt and issues from the past come to the fore once again.
I felt Haley's pain, the resurrected feelings regarding her mother. The lack of trust while fighting the pull of family. Lies and shaded memories are laid bare. Diane has her own doubts to battle - is she really what Haley wants? A reconciliation and removal of devious characters from the lovers lives should bring peace along with new family. Together as written, these two women need to stand united and strong before a HEA is possible.
A hot romance interwoven with angst and lies then exposure, trust and best of all love - just what I expect from the author.
I felt Haley's pain, the resurrected feelings regarding her mother. The lack of trust while fighting the pull of family. Lies and shaded memories are laid bare. Diane has her own doubts to battle - is she really what Haley wants? A reconciliation and removal of devious characters from the lovers lives should bring peace along with new family. Together as written, these two women need to stand united and strong before a HEA is possible.
A hot romance interwoven with angst and lies then exposure, trust and best of all love - just what I expect from the author.
July 12, 2023
First of all if you haven’t read The Stepmother I totally recommend to read it before you get to this sequel. This will give you all the background you need to have for this second book. Even if I have to say that Melissa was able to wove a lot of what happened before in several scenes. And this not in a way that you felt interrupted by going back in time.
I loved Hayley and Diane and how they have overcome all the hurdles on their way to their happy ever after. Living their best life on Ibiza they are just happy. Hayley doing what she loves as a DJ and Diane building her own, new business. They couldn’t be more happy and I just loved to see them together being happy. But of course it wouldn’t be a Melissa Tereze book with some more bumps on the road.
One thing we know from the first book are Hayley’s abandoning issues. This is something someone probably will never lose and it’s not any different for her. Two events and people (or maybe more people than only two) shake her in her core. From one second to the other her carefully new built life seems to be in danger. But it’s not only the events that shake her, it‘s her trust in herself that seems to be even a bigger challenge.
It’s in these moments I felt like there couldn’t be a better person for her than Diane. Diane struggles with her own insecurities (I mean who doesn’t have them), but one thing she is totally certain and that is Hayley being the one for her.
I don’t wanna say much more about the story or give away any spoilers. Read and enjoy for yourself. Personally I was totally engrossed in the story and had to know what happens next. Which means it was a fast read for me. And well whoever knows Melissa Tereze also knows that there will be many scenes where the heat is turned up. I mean as if the heat we have here right now isn’t already enough. But I definitely won’t ever complain. ☺️ For me Melissa just knows how to write chemistry and how to add it to a perfectly written and captivating story. I can’t say more than you rock and compliment you on another amazing story.
So if you have read The Stepmother and loved it you better run to grab this book. And if you haven’t you better run for that one and then get right to this one. 😊
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I loved Hayley and Diane and how they have overcome all the hurdles on their way to their happy ever after. Living their best life on Ibiza they are just happy. Hayley doing what she loves as a DJ and Diane building her own, new business. They couldn’t be more happy and I just loved to see them together being happy. But of course it wouldn’t be a Melissa Tereze book with some more bumps on the road.
One thing we know from the first book are Hayley’s abandoning issues. This is something someone probably will never lose and it’s not any different for her. Two events and people (or maybe more people than only two) shake her in her core. From one second to the other her carefully new built life seems to be in danger. But it’s not only the events that shake her, it‘s her trust in herself that seems to be even a bigger challenge.
It’s in these moments I felt like there couldn’t be a better person for her than Diane. Diane struggles with her own insecurities (I mean who doesn’t have them), but one thing she is totally certain and that is Hayley being the one for her.
I don’t wanna say much more about the story or give away any spoilers. Read and enjoy for yourself. Personally I was totally engrossed in the story and had to know what happens next. Which means it was a fast read for me. And well whoever knows Melissa Tereze also knows that there will be many scenes where the heat is turned up. I mean as if the heat we have here right now isn’t already enough. But I definitely won’t ever complain. ☺️ For me Melissa just knows how to write chemistry and how to add it to a perfectly written and captivating story. I can’t say more than you rock and compliment you on another amazing story.
So if you have read The Stepmother and loved it you better run to grab this book. And if you haven’t you better run for that one and then get right to this one. 😊
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
July 7, 2023
We meet with Haley and Diane again living together in Ibiza. Haley is in the middle of her busy season and Diane is looking to start her own accounting business. One night while out, they meet a young woman in distress, she broke her ankle and her "friends" abandoned her. Haley and Diane take her to the hospital where Haley waits until the girls mother comes. When Haley sees her, she goes white, it's her long lost mother!
This is such a good book, with Haley's emotions all over. But her love for Diane, and Diane's for her never waver. Very HOT!! Definitely worth 5 stars!!
This is such a good book, with Haley's emotions all over. But her love for Diane, and Diane's for her never waver. Very HOT!! Definitely worth 5 stars!!
June 19, 2024
Fantastic!
Hayley and Diane are enjoying their life together in Ibiza. Everything is perfect until they help an injured girl in the street. But suddenly Hayley’s past is creeping up on her and with everything going on, Hayley gets to experience a different side of Diane. Now they just have to make sure everything doesn’t rip their relationship apart!
An amazing sequel to The Stepmother! What was so wonderful about this story was that even though it is part of a series, and I recommend reading The Stepmother first because it’s equally as amazing, you can read this story standalone and still get enough to understand Hayley and Diane’s story. The tropical setting of Ibiza added an edge of luxury to the story, and a longing for such a chilled way of life that Diane and Hayley had. It lulled you into a tranquil and relaxed feeling for the story, so when the drama started it did so with a woah moment.
I love Hayley and Diane, their passion and love for one another was genuine and strong and I believed they’d survive even the hardest of times. But some of the things Hayley and Diane were dealing with were not little bumps, and I had moments where I really did worry. More so for Hayley because the emotional turmoil of each and every revelation would have destroyed most people. Then again, Hayley isn’t most people and with Diane being so supportive and amazing, she had everything she needed to survive it all and just add to the richness of her life.
Just fantastic and I loved every second of it. There was not a dull moment and by the end I was so happy for Hayley and Dianne and know they have an amazing future awaiting!
Hayley and Diane are enjoying their life together in Ibiza. Everything is perfect until they help an injured girl in the street. But suddenly Hayley’s past is creeping up on her and with everything going on, Hayley gets to experience a different side of Diane. Now they just have to make sure everything doesn’t rip their relationship apart!
An amazing sequel to The Stepmother! What was so wonderful about this story was that even though it is part of a series, and I recommend reading The Stepmother first because it’s equally as amazing, you can read this story standalone and still get enough to understand Hayley and Diane’s story. The tropical setting of Ibiza added an edge of luxury to the story, and a longing for such a chilled way of life that Diane and Hayley had. It lulled you into a tranquil and relaxed feeling for the story, so when the drama started it did so with a woah moment.
I love Hayley and Diane, their passion and love for one another was genuine and strong and I believed they’d survive even the hardest of times. But some of the things Hayley and Diane were dealing with were not little bumps, and I had moments where I really did worry. More so for Hayley because the emotional turmoil of each and every revelation would have destroyed most people. Then again, Hayley isn’t most people and with Diane being so supportive and amazing, she had everything she needed to survive it all and just add to the richness of her life.
Just fantastic and I loved every second of it. There was not a dull moment and by the end I was so happy for Hayley and Dianne and know they have an amazing future awaiting!
August 23, 2023
Oh how I missed Haley and Diane! This book was definitely a roller coaster of emotions and I loved it!!
July 20, 2023
By far my favorite book written by Melissa!!!
I have to be honest and say that I wasn't very excited about this book, I enjoyed the plot of The Stepmother more than the book itself, mainly because I felt that the book got dragged by a conflict that could have been resolved with a simple conversation.
Fortunately, I was happily surprised while reading this sequel! Despite the book being 90% drama it doesn't evolve around their relationship, honestly, my favorite thing about the story is the healthy and loving relationship between Hayley and Diane and how far they have grown as a couple. I was happy to see that despite everything they always faced the situations as a couple and there was barely any drama between them.
Diane was such a good and supportive partner, never making decisions for Hayle but always leading her toward her happiness and supporting her in her choices while Hayley made sure to be more open about her feelings and working to move on from her traumas and seek her happiness.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this and seeing them on a deeper level, would 100% recommend it!
I have to be honest and say that I wasn't very excited about this book, I enjoyed the plot of The Stepmother more than the book itself, mainly because I felt that the book got dragged by a conflict that could have been resolved with a simple conversation.
Fortunately, I was happily surprised while reading this sequel! Despite the book being 90% drama it doesn't evolve around their relationship, honestly, my favorite thing about the story is the healthy and loving relationship between Hayley and Diane and how far they have grown as a couple. I was happy to see that despite everything they always faced the situations as a couple and there was barely any drama between them.
Diane was such a good and supportive partner, never making decisions for Hayle but always leading her toward her happiness and supporting her in her choices while Hayley made sure to be more open about her feelings and working to move on from her traumas and seek her happiness.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this and seeing them on a deeper level, would 100% recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2023
I needed this book! I couldn't say goodbye to my favourite couple just yet, and this book gave me exactly what I needed.
Before you read this book, you have to read The Stepmother; the show must go on is the sequel to The Stepmother.
The Show Must Go On is one powerful book that has overtaken my entire brain. I missed my favourite girls (Diane and Hayley). It completely breaks my heart that this may be the last book.
I've got to be authentic. Melissa Tereze has become one of my favourite sapphic authors, which says a lot as I can be very picky on who I call my favourite.
Go and read this book now. Believe me, you won't regret it!
Rating:
5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Before you read this book, you have to read The Stepmother; the show must go on is the sequel to The Stepmother.
The Show Must Go On is one powerful book that has overtaken my entire brain. I missed my favourite girls (Diane and Hayley). It completely breaks my heart that this may be the last book.
I've got to be authentic. Melissa Tereze has become one of my favourite sapphic authors, which says a lot as I can be very picky on who I call my favourite.
Go and read this book now. Believe me, you won't regret it!
Rating:
5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 19, 2025
Amazing follow-up to The Stepmother!! 👏👏👏
The first book is about how Hayley and Diane met and fell in love. This book is about how they make a life together. The couple is so in love and living the life they dreamed. However, Hayley's past comes around and forces her to deal with old wounds. Which I actually was super happy about. My heart ached for Hayley and what she went through. She has such a heart of gold - I really wanted her to be happy. Diane is the perfect partner for her - supportive, loving, encouraging, and protective. She is everything Hayley was missing in her life.
It was such a beautiful story with the Happy Ending they both deserved.🥰
The first book is about how Hayley and Diane met and fell in love. This book is about how they make a life together. The couple is so in love and living the life they dreamed. However, Hayley's past comes around and forces her to deal with old wounds. Which I actually was super happy about. My heart ached for Hayley and what she went through. She has such a heart of gold - I really wanted her to be happy. Diane is the perfect partner for her - supportive, loving, encouraging, and protective. She is everything Hayley was missing in her life.
It was such a beautiful story with the Happy Ending they both deserved.🥰
May 11, 2025
I was really looking forward to this one after reading and enjoying The Stepmother. I tandem read with audio, KA Walsh did an amazing job! The whispering?? 🫠 and the emotions! My god, it had me sobbing at one point! I feel so sorry for how broken Hayley still is but Diane is her sunshine! Loved this second book to get more of Diane and Hayley’s story.
Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by KA Walsh. Age gap, 11 years. Living abroad. Ibiza DJ. Book two in the series. 5x spicy scenes.
Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by KA Walsh. Age gap, 11 years. Living abroad. Ibiza DJ. Book two in the series. 5x spicy scenes.
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February 20, 2025I enjoyed this more than the first book
July 13, 2023
Ok wow, this book is fan-bloody-tastic… if you thought book one was good you ain’t seen/read nothing yet. I’m not sure my heart rate dropped below 150 for 80% of this. I kept reading a chapter and stopping to breathe. Now, I’ve read reviews that say this is a really angsty book…and while I agree it is , it’s also really gripping! And the good kind of angst if that’s possible. I absolutely loved these two characters from book one, and to continue the story just makes me happy. Seriously one of the best books I’ve read in a while.
I’ve said it many times before…you cannot go wrong with this authors books. Not only is she a fantastic storyteller she’s also amazing at getting you to connect with the characters and want more more more. I definitely want more from this couple! But if that’s not on the cards I just know I’m gonna love whoever comes next.
So grab a drink, a pair of shades and some SPF and enjoy your time in Ibiza…and the rainy uk for like, 5 minutes.
I’ve said it many times before…you cannot go wrong with this authors books. Not only is she a fantastic storyteller she’s also amazing at getting you to connect with the characters and want more more more. I definitely want more from this couple! But if that’s not on the cards I just know I’m gonna love whoever comes next.
So grab a drink, a pair of shades and some SPF and enjoy your time in Ibiza…and the rainy uk for like, 5 minutes.
October 6, 2023
If there are awards for sequels out there, The Show Must Go On could be a top runner. There was much drama to unfold, but Tereze did so seamlessly tying up loose ends in a beautiful, satisfying bow by the story's conclusion. I loved delving back into Hayley and Diane's world, and I'm a sucker for a strong, protective woman. Diane is everything and more, such a well rounded, captivating and sexy character. Also, Hayley showed so much growth in this book. I wouldn't mind a third installment of these two, or maybe even a book starring Mila with Hayley and Diane as strong side characters. Fab sequel!
July 19, 2023
The Stepmother was one of my favorites and I was ridiculously excited when I heard a sequel was coming! Diane and Hayley are fantastic!! I can’t say that I saw this coming…. But this definitely solidifies why hate Saz and Steph. It also showed me how sorry I feel for Angie and that she couldn’t stand up to her mother.
This was a beautiful story and I’m so happy these two women got their happy ending!!
This was a beautiful story and I’m so happy these two women got their happy ending!!
July 11, 2023
It was announced and delivered by the Queen of Angst.
„The Show Must Go On“ is full of it, but also full of precious moments between our beloved couple, Diane and Haley.
Actually, things are going well for the two, since they cleared the first hurdle and slowly build a life together in Ibiza.
However, Diane is so often confronted with the flirty world of hot DJ Hayley McAllister and has to remind herself over and over, how much Haley loves her.
It’s difficult when the temptation comes not only from the young and already hot women on the island in the high season, but also from Hayley's past.
The Ex! Saz, drove me insane!
I will not say any more about it! You have to read it!
Hayley is happy. More than she can put into words. Diane is with her.
She chose her and it should all be just wonderful days filled with love, sun and endless hot nights and days with Diane. However, life is rarely easy for Hayley when she wants it to be. A ghost from her past that she never expected shows up and her world crumbles …and I mean not just Saz!
You have to read this!
Thanks to Melissa Tereze for the arc and this fabulous second book of Diane and Hayley!
„The Show Must Go On“ is full of it, but also full of precious moments between our beloved couple, Diane and Haley.
Actually, things are going well for the two, since they cleared the first hurdle and slowly build a life together in Ibiza.
However, Diane is so often confronted with the flirty world of hot DJ Hayley McAllister and has to remind herself over and over, how much Haley loves her.
It’s difficult when the temptation comes not only from the young and already hot women on the island in the high season, but also from Hayley's past.
The Ex! Saz, drove me insane!
I will not say any more about it! You have to read it!
Hayley is happy. More than she can put into words. Diane is with her.
She chose her and it should all be just wonderful days filled with love, sun and endless hot nights and days with Diane. However, life is rarely easy for Hayley when she wants it to be. A ghost from her past that she never expected shows up and her world crumbles …and I mean not just Saz!
You have to read this!
Thanks to Melissa Tereze for the arc and this fabulous second book of Diane and Hayley!
July 31, 2023
Firstly - what the hell is that cover??
That aside though, how good is this? I really liked Tereze's The Stepmother, even more than the Mrs Middleton saga - sorry! - so I was so happy to see there was a sequel. Honestly I'd say it's better than the first book. It was so good to see both characters such plainly in love, and learning how to deepen and improve their communication.
On one hand I hope this gets a sequel, or maybe a spinoff about ? But on the other hand, it would be totally fair to leave this as a duology ending on such a high note.
That aside though, how good is this? I really liked Tereze's The Stepmother, even more than the Mrs Middleton saga - sorry! - so I was so happy to see there was a sequel. Honestly I'd say it's better than the first book. It was so good to see both characters such plainly in love, and learning how to deepen and improve their communication.
On one hand I hope this gets a sequel, or maybe a spinoff about ? But on the other hand, it would be totally fair to leave this as a duology ending on such a high note.
July 13, 2023
As always Melissa Tereze is one of my favourite authors. She never disappoints and always delivers a wonderful read.
The Show Must Go On gives us a lot more than just an update on what Haley and Diane have been doing. If you haven’t read The Stepmother you need to do that first.
Do yourself a favour and get The Show Must Go On (and The Stepmother too) as I am sure you will enjoy it.
Another brilliant book by Melissa Tereze!!
The Show Must Go On gives us a lot more than just an update on what Haley and Diane have been doing. If you haven’t read The Stepmother you need to do that first.
Do yourself a favour and get The Show Must Go On (and The Stepmother too) as I am sure you will enjoy it.
Another brilliant book by Melissa Tereze!!
July 9, 2023
I'm never disappointed with a Tereze novel and this one didn't either. If you enjoy a story with family drama, true love romance, and some must-hate characters this is the one for you. Tereze novels are always so realistic so in your face that you find yourself feeling all the emotions of every one of her characters. Yes, I do recommend this book and any others that follow it.
July 11, 2023
Hayley and Diane are living their HEA in Ibiza when Hayley’s past comes back with a vengeance. Not once but twice. So there’s lots of angst and drama but also the standard, and at this point excepted, level of steam that comes with a Melissa Tereze book.
if you haven’t read The Stepmother I recommend you do that asap and then read this second instalment immediately.
if you haven’t read The Stepmother I recommend you do that asap and then read this second instalment immediately.
July 13, 2023
Not sure if anyone else is having a issuing rating books the last week or so, keep getting error messages . I couldn’t walk away not giving this book some kind of praise because it was worth the wait and I was not disappointed speeding a couple hours with Diane and Hayley. Now it feels like Mila needs a book. Another amazing piece story by Melissa Tereze.
July 11, 2023
Wow what a fantastic carry on, the storyline it just flows its perfection at its finest. Its am emotional rollercoaster with hard topics to navigate through it made me cry laugh many times its a definitely must read you won't regret it congratulations
August 5, 2024
This was a lot heavier than I anticipated, but it was very good. Gave me the misty eyes. The plot twists and the sex scenes. The characters! Who wouldn't want Diane in their corner?! Feisty. It is a wonderfully written story.
January 3, 2026
90 ‘babes’ too many IMO. The neediness, co-dependency and desperation were a bit too much for my liking. The MCs both seemed mentally unstable which was uncomfortable to read at times. The spice was perfect, but due to the rest, it’s a 3.
January 6, 2026
This tugged at my heart strings! What an absolute amazing follow on from the first book. I am utterly obsessed with the connection between Hayley and Diane and the story is really great. I’m sad that it’s over! This and the first book have to be my favourite books I’ve read so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2023
So pleasantly surprised by this sequel. Beautiful follow up to Diane and Haley's story.
July 31, 2023
Melissa never disappoints! This was such a wonderful sequel and it made me so happy to see Diane and Hayley continue on! 10/10
December 17, 2024
So cute😭😭
January 24, 2025
It's a fantastic read.
Good characters in realistic settings
I loved Hayley and her approach to life
What a beautiful person is found in Diane
Thanks Melissa
Good characters in realistic settings
I loved Hayley and her approach to life
What a beautiful person is found in Diane
Thanks Melissa
July 10, 2025
Absolutely fantastic series. I preferred this sequel to the first it was just brilliant. Diane and Hayley have such good chemistry.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews