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Showmance
"Showmance is ready for the big time...Beguelin crafts a story you never want to end.” —Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Celebrants
A down-on-his-luck Broadway playwright is banished to rural Illinois for a last chance at reviving his career in this hilarious queer rom-com about second chances, in love and in lifeNoah Adams’s career as a playwright is circling the drain, thanks to a scorching New York Times review of his first Broadway musical. So when a family emergency sends him back to his Podunk hometown of Plainview, Illinois, he figures he’ll hide out for a day or two and lick his wounds. But to Noah’s absolute horror, his agent has secretly arranged for him to stage an amateur version of the career-ruining musical at the Plainview community theater. As though trying to work with a bunch of unsophisticated amateurs on his high-art production wasn’t enough, Noah seems to run into Luke, the bully from his high school years, everywhere he goes. Even worse, Luke has grown up to be downright gorgeous and beloved by all. But as rehearsals begin, Noah is surprised by the cast and crew’s insightful suggestions, the deep care and warmth of the town he’d dismissed, and the reality of what happened with Luke all those years ago. Filled with a colorful cast of Midwestern characters, SECOND ACTS is a queer rom-com about the humility, love, and humor that come with a second chance.
A down-on-his-luck Broadway playwright is banished to rural Illinois for a last chance at reviving his career in this hilarious queer rom-com about second chances, in love and in lifeNoah Adams’s career as a playwright is circling the drain, thanks to a scorching New York Times review of his first Broadway musical. So when a family emergency sends him back to his Podunk hometown of Plainview, Illinois, he figures he’ll hide out for a day or two and lick his wounds. But to Noah’s absolute horror, his agent has secretly arranged for him to stage an amateur version of the career-ruining musical at the Plainview community theater. As though trying to work with a bunch of unsophisticated amateurs on his high-art production wasn’t enough, Noah seems to run into Luke, the bully from his high school years, everywhere he goes. Even worse, Luke has grown up to be downright gorgeous and beloved by all. But as rehearsals begin, Noah is surprised by the cast and crew’s insightful suggestions, the deep care and warmth of the town he’d dismissed, and the reality of what happened with Luke all those years ago. Filled with a colorful cast of Midwestern characters, SECOND ACTS is a queer rom-com about the humility, love, and humor that come with a second chance.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
November 9, 2024
Writer Noah Adams has finally achieved his goal of seeing one of his musicals performed on Broadway. The only issue is that it completely bombs. Opening night turns out to be the show’s only performance. When Noah returns to his small hometown to visit an ailing family member, he’s horrified to learn that the town’s community theatre will be staging his show as an homage. Not only that, but they want him to direct it. He’s even more horrified to learn that Luke, his high school bully, is suddenly his parents’ employee and BFF.
But Noah is surprised to discover that things aren’t what they seem. The locals’ suggestions for changes to his play are actually kind of good, and Luke is both annoyingly likeable and weirdly kind. Also, it’s important to note, very hot. Most surprising of all, it seems like he’s caught feelings for Noah as well?
I was absolutely charmed by this book. I love when the grumpy person is the protagonist in a grumpy/sunshine romance. Noah was so endearingly snarky that I wish he could be my IRL friend. I also loved his character growth as he realized his small town had more to offer than he thought. Some of the other characters felt a bit more one-dimensional, but their banter with Noah was still great.
I also love that the author actually has a background in writing for Broadway. His deep knowledge of and love for the theatre industry shines through clearly.
If you’re looking for a cute, Hallmark style romance but with a bit more edge, this should for sure be your next read.
But Noah is surprised to discover that things aren’t what they seem. The locals’ suggestions for changes to his play are actually kind of good, and Luke is both annoyingly likeable and weirdly kind. Also, it’s important to note, very hot. Most surprising of all, it seems like he’s caught feelings for Noah as well?
I was absolutely charmed by this book. I love when the grumpy person is the protagonist in a grumpy/sunshine romance. Noah was so endearingly snarky that I wish he could be my IRL friend. I also loved his character growth as he realized his small town had more to offer than he thought. Some of the other characters felt a bit more one-dimensional, but their banter with Noah was still great.
I also love that the author actually has a background in writing for Broadway. His deep knowledge of and love for the theatre industry shines through clearly.
If you’re looking for a cute, Hallmark style romance but with a bit more edge, this should for sure be your next read.
October 4, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
This story pushed so many of my buttons and I have things to say about how it absolutely didn’t work for me. To start with, Noah as a character feels formless, as if he speaks according to the script, but the script seems to hate him, because Noah is always in the wrong. He is, in almost every single situation, the aggressor, the asshole, and the judgmental jerk who says cruel, hurtful things. This allows everyone around him to show him, with quiet dignity, how right they are and how wrong he is, so Noah can apologize and learn from them and be a better person.
While I’m not personally a fan of the small towns know best sort of mentality that fills this book, the fact that Noah had to be taken down a peg each and every single time got so exhausting. The cheating, the bullying — which seemed to exist solely to show Noah he should get over it — the relationship with his father, none of it worked for me. And it’s not helped that the blurb already let me know that things wouldn’t work out with Chase, because the blurb was about Luke. It was so heavy handed, lacking any nuance or subtlety or character that I honestly really didn’t like this story. Personally, this is a solid pass.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
This story pushed so many of my buttons and I have things to say about how it absolutely didn’t work for me. To start with, Noah as a character feels formless, as if he speaks according to the script, but the script seems to hate him, because Noah is always in the wrong. He is, in almost every single situation, the aggressor, the asshole, and the judgmental jerk who says cruel, hurtful things. This allows everyone around him to show him, with quiet dignity, how right they are and how wrong he is, so Noah can apologize and learn from them and be a better person.
While I’m not personally a fan of the small towns know best sort of mentality that fills this book, the fact that Noah had to be taken down a peg each and every single time got so exhausting. The cheating, the bullying — which seemed to exist solely to show Noah he should get over it — the relationship with his father, none of it worked for me. And it’s not helped that the blurb already let me know that things wouldn’t work out with Chase, because the blurb was about Luke. It was so heavy handed, lacking any nuance or subtlety or character that I honestly really didn’t like this story. Personally, this is a solid pass.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
September 15, 2024
This was a fast-paced, fun and entertaining rom-com, set in a small town in Illinois (for the most part).
Noah Adams, a playwright whose first Broadway musical was just panned by critics and shut down after one show, returns to his hometown for a family emergency with his boyfriend/agent Chase. After his musical has flopped so badly, he's hoping to hide out for a bit to lick his wounds, even though being back home, a place he's never felt entirely comfortable and where he experienced bullying for being gay, has him on the defensive. Chase returns to NYC, while Noah stays behind, having been volunteered to direct an amateur production of his musical. A distraction, certainly, but one that allows him to reflect on where he went wrong and perhaps change his musical for the better. And learn a few things in the process.
Noah is high-strung and rather dramatic in words and actions. He can also be very cutting and snide with his comments, which seemed a defense mechanism to mask his insecurities, but also came across as hurtful on occasion. Thankfully, he realized this most of the time and tried to make amends when he hurt people's feelings.
Luke was Noah's high school nemesis, though Noah's recollection of Luke bullying him don't seem entirely based in reality. Luke's a good guy, he's been helping Noah's dad a lot, and he's nursed a crush on Noah for some time, it turns out.
I laughed a lot, but I also rolled my eyes at Noah's antics. I did enjoy that Noah got a chance to be a bit introspective and learn that his memories and expectations of the people in his town aren't what he thought they are. He learns quite a bit, and grows as a person.
The characters, including the supporting cast, are well-developed and believable. They felt realistic in their actions and reactions, and Noah and Luke's romance developed in sufficient time to be believable. The HEA is implied, and perhaps we'll see them again in a future novel by this author. The writing is engaging and immersive, and I didn't want to put the book down for any length of time.
Overall, this was a great read, and I'd recommend this to anyone who likes M/M rom-coms. I'd definitely be interested to read more from this author.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Noah Adams, a playwright whose first Broadway musical was just panned by critics and shut down after one show, returns to his hometown for a family emergency with his boyfriend/agent Chase. After his musical has flopped so badly, he's hoping to hide out for a bit to lick his wounds, even though being back home, a place he's never felt entirely comfortable and where he experienced bullying for being gay, has him on the defensive. Chase returns to NYC, while Noah stays behind, having been volunteered to direct an amateur production of his musical. A distraction, certainly, but one that allows him to reflect on where he went wrong and perhaps change his musical for the better. And learn a few things in the process.
Noah is high-strung and rather dramatic in words and actions. He can also be very cutting and snide with his comments, which seemed a defense mechanism to mask his insecurities, but also came across as hurtful on occasion. Thankfully, he realized this most of the time and tried to make amends when he hurt people's feelings.
Luke was Noah's high school nemesis, though Noah's recollection of Luke bullying him don't seem entirely based in reality. Luke's a good guy, he's been helping Noah's dad a lot, and he's nursed a crush on Noah for some time, it turns out.
I laughed a lot, but I also rolled my eyes at Noah's antics. I did enjoy that Noah got a chance to be a bit introspective and learn that his memories and expectations of the people in his town aren't what he thought they are. He learns quite a bit, and grows as a person.
The characters, including the supporting cast, are well-developed and believable. They felt realistic in their actions and reactions, and Noah and Luke's romance developed in sufficient time to be believable. The HEA is implied, and perhaps we'll see them again in a future novel by this author. The writing is engaging and immersive, and I didn't want to put the book down for any length of time.
Overall, this was a great read, and I'd recommend this to anyone who likes M/M rom-coms. I'd definitely be interested to read more from this author.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
October 5, 2024
3.5 - super cute rom-com with snark and a musical! My kid and I both love musicals, so I knew I just had to read this and I liked it a lot.
Noah, a playwright who has been struggling, returns to his small hometown in Illinois to put on a version of his failed musical. He is filled with snark and I love it - though sometimes he does hurt others, but he tries to make amends for that, so at least he is self-aware. Sorry - but I just found him hilarious and wish we could go have brunch together - I would just die laughing around him, I know.
Luke, Noah's high school era enemy, was a sweetheart 7 I'm glad they got their HEA. All in all, if you love musicals, small towns, low spice, fun side characters, and snark, this book is for you! It was for me ;)
Many thanks to Netgalley for this ARC- I really enjoyed it and this is my honest review.
Noah, a playwright who has been struggling, returns to his small hometown in Illinois to put on a version of his failed musical. He is filled with snark and I love it - though sometimes he does hurt others, but he tries to make amends for that, so at least he is self-aware. Sorry - but I just found him hilarious and wish we could go have brunch together - I would just die laughing around him, I know.
Luke, Noah's high school era enemy, was a sweetheart 7 I'm glad they got their HEA. All in all, if you love musicals, small towns, low spice, fun side characters, and snark, this book is for you! It was for me ;)
Many thanks to Netgalley for this ARC- I really enjoyed it and this is my honest review.
June 29, 2024
Thank you to Penguin Books and NetGalley for an ARC of Showmance!
This book is an absurdly sweet small-town romance. I went in with medium expectations, because I’m not overly familiar with theatre and thought that may detract from my enjoyment. Boy, was I ever wrong. I enjoyed every page of this quick, fun read. I imagine if you’re into theatre, this book would be an even bigger treat.
Noah is, at first, hard to like. He’s pretentious and kind of mean, but that gets explained and resolved throughout the story. There were moments I felt his dialogue was a little too punchy, but there were other moments that I laughed out loud, so I can accept the ratio.
The other characters and the setting were sweet and will be familiar to anyone that comes from a small town. The pacing of the story was quick, but felt largely connected.
My only complaint is Chase. He was a sweet, solid character and so good to Noah, until 50% of the way through the book he undergoes a complete character change. It was a bit jarring and I really, really didn’t like the direction his character went. I knew he and Noah would break up, but I really thought (and hoped) it would be due to Noah realizing he didn’t agree with Chase’s business practices, or just realizing that they aren’t as aligned as he thought. I really hate how Chase became just another dirt bag cheater. The author created a great character and I wish he had gotten a better story.
In summary, justice for Chase! But otherwise, this is a perfectly excellent little rom com and a great way to cap off Pride Month. Great job to the author, and I look forward to seeing more from them!
This book is an absurdly sweet small-town romance. I went in with medium expectations, because I’m not overly familiar with theatre and thought that may detract from my enjoyment. Boy, was I ever wrong. I enjoyed every page of this quick, fun read. I imagine if you’re into theatre, this book would be an even bigger treat.
Noah is, at first, hard to like. He’s pretentious and kind of mean, but that gets explained and resolved throughout the story. There were moments I felt his dialogue was a little too punchy, but there were other moments that I laughed out loud, so I can accept the ratio.
The other characters and the setting were sweet and will be familiar to anyone that comes from a small town. The pacing of the story was quick, but felt largely connected.
My only complaint is Chase. He was a sweet, solid character and so good to Noah, until 50% of the way through the book he undergoes a complete character change. It was a bit jarring and I really, really didn’t like the direction his character went. I knew he and Noah would break up, but I really thought (and hoped) it would be due to Noah realizing he didn’t agree with Chase’s business practices, or just realizing that they aren’t as aligned as he thought. I really hate how Chase became just another dirt bag cheater. The author created a great character and I wish he had gotten a better story.
In summary, justice for Chase! But otherwise, this is a perfectly excellent little rom com and a great way to cap off Pride Month. Great job to the author, and I look forward to seeing more from them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2024
(3.5 stars!)
What a fun, quick musical read that had sweet and LOL moments to keep you going!
Noah Adams is a down-on-his-luck Broadway playwright who returns to his small town in Rural Illinois to put on a local version of his failed Broadway musical with the help of a cast of characters, including his former high school nemesis.
I enjoyed this way more than I expected. I found Noah to be relatable and hilarious. We can get so jaded, so seeing his growth and having character ground him a bit was nice to see. The relationship between him, his mom, his dad, and Luke were stole the show. I loved his interaction and banter with each of these characters. Him and his mom had me CACKLING! It was easily the heart of the story. I also appreciated the small town aspect of the book and each and every character we meet from his past. We really get a feel of the town, where Noah comes from, and why he would want to return, even unwillingly at times. Also Luke is a sweetheart, start to finish! He's earnest, relatable, and just sweetie. Protect him at all costs.
Why wasn't this a 5 star? I struggled with the character, Chase. I wish he was just Noah's agent or his best friend instead of his boyfriend. His presence especially for almost half of the read took me out of falling in love with the Noah/Luke combination.
Read For:
- Musical Aspects
- Queer Romance
- Playwright/Farmhard
- Complicated Family Relations
- Sassy side characters
- Small Town Shenanigans
- Fade to Black
What a fun, quick musical read that had sweet and LOL moments to keep you going!
Noah Adams is a down-on-his-luck Broadway playwright who returns to his small town in Rural Illinois to put on a local version of his failed Broadway musical with the help of a cast of characters, including his former high school nemesis.
I enjoyed this way more than I expected. I found Noah to be relatable and hilarious. We can get so jaded, so seeing his growth and having character ground him a bit was nice to see. The relationship between him, his mom, his dad, and Luke were stole the show. I loved his interaction and banter with each of these characters. Him and his mom had me CACKLING! It was easily the heart of the story. I also appreciated the small town aspect of the book and each and every character we meet from his past. We really get a feel of the town, where Noah comes from, and why he would want to return, even unwillingly at times. Also Luke is a sweetheart, start to finish! He's earnest, relatable, and just sweetie. Protect him at all costs.
Why wasn't this a 5 star? I struggled with the character, Chase. I wish he was just Noah's agent or his best friend instead of his boyfriend. His presence especially for almost half of the read took me out of falling in love with the Noah/Luke combination.
Read For:
- Musical Aspects
- Queer Romance
- Playwright/Farmhard
- Complicated Family Relations
- Sassy side characters
- Small Town Shenanigans
- Fade to Black
June 5, 2024
I received an advanced readers copy of this from NetGalley, and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.
Noah Adams writes his first show that makes it to Broadway, but it flops on opening night... The same night he gets a call about a family emergency that takes him back to his hometown in rural Illinois. Forced to leave NYC with his boyfriend, who is also his agent, he spends time in the town where he never felt comfortable as a gay boy, but he begins to understand aspects of small town life that may be worth sticking around for.
Being a gay kid, from rural Illinois myself, I just can't say enough good things about this book. I saw myself and so many of my experiences reflected in this adorable book, and maybe even reflected on some of my own blindspots when it comes to how I speak about my hometown. I was literally laughing out loud in the first half, and crying multiple times in the second half. The character relationships were so good, and the flaws of the main character allowed for such beautiful growth. As a theater lover, I adored all the references as well. This is one of those books that makes me realize I don't hate romance novels, I just need to read romance novels about experiences that I relate to! It was a short, quick, fun, and adorable debut novel, from the Tony Award winning writer Chad Beguelin
Noah Adams writes his first show that makes it to Broadway, but it flops on opening night... The same night he gets a call about a family emergency that takes him back to his hometown in rural Illinois. Forced to leave NYC with his boyfriend, who is also his agent, he spends time in the town where he never felt comfortable as a gay boy, but he begins to understand aspects of small town life that may be worth sticking around for.
Being a gay kid, from rural Illinois myself, I just can't say enough good things about this book. I saw myself and so many of my experiences reflected in this adorable book, and maybe even reflected on some of my own blindspots when it comes to how I speak about my hometown. I was literally laughing out loud in the first half, and crying multiple times in the second half. The character relationships were so good, and the flaws of the main character allowed for such beautiful growth. As a theater lover, I adored all the references as well. This is one of those books that makes me realize I don't hate romance novels, I just need to read romance novels about experiences that I relate to! It was a short, quick, fun, and adorable debut novel, from the Tony Award winning writer Chad Beguelin
November 26, 2024
The tone of this book is borderline way too much at first, but once you get used to its over-cleverness it’s actually pretty funny. & I don’t know if my hormonal state, the state of the world, my love of theater, or that I am simply exhausted, but the moments of real emotion in this book first made me tear up on the subway & then full on cry towards the end. The very end has a ridiculous deus ex machina, but I don’t even care. Heartwarming! Let’s put on a show!
December 5, 2024
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in a day, but I did it with Showmance! This was a fast-paced, funny, and undeniably adorable book. We have Noah, an out gay man from a small Illinois town who is going through some career struggles as his musicals flop time and time again. He returns home when his father has a medical crisis, and finds that his family’s farm has hired one of his high school bullies to work there. Miscommunication occurs (but it gets better). Cute shit happens (I won’t spoil it). All this happens while he puts on a local version of his most recent musical in his hometown.
I wasn’t a theater kid growing up, but by god this book made me want to be one. It had me giggling, swooning, and just the right amount of cheese.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of my arc :)
I wasn’t a theater kid growing up, but by god this book made me want to be one. It had me giggling, swooning, and just the right amount of cheese.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of my arc :)
January 8, 2025
I spent ages trying to write up a quirky review for this book to eloquently express how much it made me want to bash my head through a wall but it is simply not worth it
October 29, 2024
I am supposed to be reading thrillers but keep picking up rom-coms which is a serious mood reader problem 😂.
Noah is a Broadway playwright, his play tanks on opening night, then his dad gets sick and it’s back to the rural small town he grew up on to visit his parents and their farm.
And you KNOW his childhood nemesis is now working on the farm and is totally hot now and he realizes he had Luke all wrong in high school and of COURSE they are going to get together while putting on a alternative version of Noah’s play for the small town community and they’re a rag tag group of characters.
They don’t need to save the community center or anything just doing it for funsies 😂.
This book moves FAST. Like, there are breakups and makeups and cleared up misunderstandings and family drama and it’s just SO quick.
Sometimes I felt like Noah was a little much. Like some of the wit was funny, but sometimes it made him come off as way younger than he actually was.
But overall this was cute, warm, and fuzzy and everything turns out just fine. A closed door, sort of enemies to lovers, small town romance. I’d recommend if you’re looking for something light and fast paced.
Thank you @netgalley and @penguinbooks for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Noah is a Broadway playwright, his play tanks on opening night, then his dad gets sick and it’s back to the rural small town he grew up on to visit his parents and their farm.
And you KNOW his childhood nemesis is now working on the farm and is totally hot now and he realizes he had Luke all wrong in high school and of COURSE they are going to get together while putting on a alternative version of Noah’s play for the small town community and they’re a rag tag group of characters.
They don’t need to save the community center or anything just doing it for funsies 😂.
This book moves FAST. Like, there are breakups and makeups and cleared up misunderstandings and family drama and it’s just SO quick.
Sometimes I felt like Noah was a little much. Like some of the wit was funny, but sometimes it made him come off as way younger than he actually was.
But overall this was cute, warm, and fuzzy and everything turns out just fine. A closed door, sort of enemies to lovers, small town romance. I’d recommend if you’re looking for something light and fast paced.
Thank you @netgalley and @penguinbooks for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
December 2, 2024
Adorable, reminded me of a hallmark movie minus the Christmas season.
August 11, 2024
while I will admit the former theater kid in me did absolutely get suckered into feeling misty at the big small town performance climax the rest of this book was meh at best. it's short and moves quickly which is usually a plus but here it ended up making everything about the plot and character development feel far too rushed and unearned.
the characters all also felt a bit artificial - if this were a movie or a stage play I think what the actors would bring to it would make the characters feel alive and whole but just on the page everyone felt quippy and underdeveloped to me.
the characters all also felt a bit artificial - if this were a movie or a stage play I think what the actors would bring to it would make the characters feel alive and whole but just on the page everyone felt quippy and underdeveloped to me.
November 12, 2025
3.5 stars
October 2, 2024
I enjoyed this small town M/M romance featuring a down on his luck Broadway playwright, Noah Adams, who returns to his Illinois hometown to help his ailing father and gets roped into producing an off Broadway rendition of his latest musical that was panned by the critics. Full of quirky characters who help show Adam new ways to think about his version of King Lear, this was a fun rivals to lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance that was great on audio narrated by Michael Crouch. Anyone who loves theatre and LGBTQIA+ friendly stories won't want to miss this big-hearted queer romcom debut perfect for fans of authors like Timothy Janovsky and Steven Rowley. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
September 18, 2024
This one was super cute and even though I wasn’t a theater kid, I enjoyed all the behind the scenes action here. Noah was a bit hard to like but I did eventually enjoy his sarcasm and wit and Luke was pretty dreamy, so that helped. I always forget how great Michael Crouch is until I listen to his narration again, he’s just fabulous and so engaging.
November 6, 2024
Thank you so much to Penguin Group for the ARC of Showmance in exchange for an honest review!
Fresh off a Broadway catastrophe (sing a few bars of “Changing Lives” from the Prom, why don’t you?), Noah Adams returns to his hometown in the middle of nowhere, Illinois, to lick his wounds and try to put himself back together. His career as a playwright in peril, he ponders his next move only to discover that his agent has arranged for him to put on a local version of the very musical that sank him. His failure on display is one thing, but to make matters worse, he keeps running into the town’s good ole boy and Noah’s former bully, Luke. Luke is handsome and opinionated and Noah finds himself not only re-thinking Plainview, and his oldschool projections of Luke, but possibly himself as well.
Funny and undeniably charming, Showmance is a sweet, easy read primed for a Hallmark adaptation. I personally am a softie for a small town of quirky characters so this was really perfect for me. Noah’s character was at times frustrating, and some of the storylines felt like they could have been developed deeper, but it’s always nice to read something feel-good. Like going to the theater, it’s a slice of escapism and really all about belonging. They say that life is a stage, and sometimes the best moments happen unexpectedly… So take a deep breath, and get out there.
Fresh off a Broadway catastrophe (sing a few bars of “Changing Lives” from the Prom, why don’t you?), Noah Adams returns to his hometown in the middle of nowhere, Illinois, to lick his wounds and try to put himself back together. His career as a playwright in peril, he ponders his next move only to discover that his agent has arranged for him to put on a local version of the very musical that sank him. His failure on display is one thing, but to make matters worse, he keeps running into the town’s good ole boy and Noah’s former bully, Luke. Luke is handsome and opinionated and Noah finds himself not only re-thinking Plainview, and his oldschool projections of Luke, but possibly himself as well.
Funny and undeniably charming, Showmance is a sweet, easy read primed for a Hallmark adaptation. I personally am a softie for a small town of quirky characters so this was really perfect for me. Noah’s character was at times frustrating, and some of the storylines felt like they could have been developed deeper, but it’s always nice to read something feel-good. Like going to the theater, it’s a slice of escapism and really all about belonging. They say that life is a stage, and sometimes the best moments happen unexpectedly… So take a deep breath, and get out there.
September 30, 2024
Do you like FUN? Do you like LAUGHING?
This was the perfect book to get me out of my end of summer reading slump. I had so much fun reading this! You almost had me in the first half Chad Beguelin because I HATE that trope but I should have known those red flags were accurate.
Thank you for the opportunity to read Netgalley and Penguin!
This was the perfect book to get me out of my end of summer reading slump. I had so much fun reading this! You almost had me in the first half Chad Beguelin because I HATE that trope but I should have known those red flags were accurate.
Thank you for the opportunity to read Netgalley and Penguin!
December 31, 2024
Unexpected and adorable. Love it
July 18, 2025
Giggled! Kicked my feet! Cried! Had a wonderful time ☺️
August 20, 2024
First, thank you NetGalley and Penguin Books for this e-arc! Showmance drew me in with its fun, sweet premise of a playwright returning to his small hometown and finding love there. And as much as I am a sucker for some feel-good romance, the writing itself was a huge disappointment for me.
Noah, the protagonist, is high-strung and just plain mean. I do understand that the author is trying to be funny with a pov character who's a little bit of an asshole, but about 90% of the jokes didn't land. This leads into one of my biggest issues with this book, which is that it needed sensitivity readers; a lot of the unfunny jokes didn't land because they read more like microagressions. And even though Noah does become kinder to people as the story progresses, it ends up feeling superficial.
Another detail that I couldn't stand was how often he used celebrity comparisons for descriptions—we get it, your hot British boyfriend looks like George Clooney. This is a personal pet peeve, rather than a concrete writing flaw, and I do understand that it has it's place, but comparing him to Clooney four times in the first 15% of the novel feels excessive. Even without the celebrity comparisons, the writing style felt choppy and shallow in ways that made even the best scenes fall flat for me.
The romance itself was... fine. There was some insta-lust, which isn't my cup of tea, but otherwise I did like Luke as a character. And with him, there were some genuinely sweet and heartwarming scenes along the way.
Overall, Showmance was a disappointment to me, but I know it'll be enjoyed by others.
Noah, the protagonist, is high-strung and just plain mean. I do understand that the author is trying to be funny with a pov character who's a little bit of an asshole, but about 90% of the jokes didn't land. This leads into one of my biggest issues with this book, which is that it needed sensitivity readers; a lot of the unfunny jokes didn't land because they read more like microagressions. And even though Noah does become kinder to people as the story progresses, it ends up feeling superficial.
Another detail that I couldn't stand was how often he used celebrity comparisons for descriptions—we get it, your hot British boyfriend looks like George Clooney. This is a personal pet peeve, rather than a concrete writing flaw, and I do understand that it has it's place, but comparing him to Clooney four times in the first 15% of the novel feels excessive. Even without the celebrity comparisons, the writing style felt choppy and shallow in ways that made even the best scenes fall flat for me.
The romance itself was... fine. There was some insta-lust, which isn't my cup of tea, but otherwise I did like Luke as a character. And with him, there were some genuinely sweet and heartwarming scenes along the way.
Overall, Showmance was a disappointment to me, but I know it'll be enjoyed by others.
September 9, 2024
3.25 stars - Showmance is a heartwarming tale of community, love, and of course, musical theatre. After another crash and burn situation with his latest musical, and his father's recent heart attack, Noah Adams finds himself of a flight back to Plainview, Illinois, the small town he escaped from as soon as he graduated. A trip that was originally only going to last a few days - enough time to check on his family and lick his wounds - turns into a month long stay where he's to direct an amateur production of the very show he's convinced just ruined his career. Throw in a gossiping mother and emotionally stunted father, a (temporarily) long distance boyfriend, and one high school bully who's apparently his father's right hand man, and Noah's not sure how he's supposed to survive these next four weeks.
Noah is one of those characters that comes on strong and can be a bit off-putting - for while he's funny, witty, and charming, he's also stubborn, conceited, and lacking a filter at times. Though I do think these flaws make him real in a way that makes you root for him as often as you want to shake him in frustration. This story was an absolute joy to watch unfold because you could see the character growth happen. As much as I enjoyed the sweet romance, I couldn't help but be drawn even more to the delightful cast of characters and their impact on Noah and his work.
Thank you to Penguin Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Noah is one of those characters that comes on strong and can be a bit off-putting - for while he's funny, witty, and charming, he's also stubborn, conceited, and lacking a filter at times. Though I do think these flaws make him real in a way that makes you root for him as often as you want to shake him in frustration. This story was an absolute joy to watch unfold because you could see the character growth happen. As much as I enjoyed the sweet romance, I couldn't help but be drawn even more to the delightful cast of characters and their impact on Noah and his work.
Thank you to Penguin Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 18, 2025
Noah Adams couldn't have sunk any lower.
His grandiose new musical based on King Lear has opened and closed in one night.
He finds himself back in the small town he ran away from.
He finds himself back facing off against his seemingly unfeeling dad.
He finds himself being offered disgusting midwestern cuisine by his mom.
The local community players want to welcome back their prodigal son by producing his Lear musical for one night only.
The worst bully from his past, Luke, is working on the show AND is friends with Noah's Dad.
He's a million miles away from his boyfriend.
His agent wants him to find himself.
What else could possibly go wrong?
What about this show or situation could ever lead to a showmance? Not in anything in Noah's mind, that's for sure, or could it??
Tony-Nominated Broadway creative mastermind, Chad Beguelin (The Prom, among others) gives us a small-town taste of the midwest, community theatre and challenging assumptions.
Chad, did you write this about me? Seriously....I feel like Noah in a lot of ways.
I worked for a big Entertainment franchise, got a bit of an ego, moved back to my small conservative midwestern town, and got re-involved with the theatre I grew up in. Downside unlike Noah, no sweet hot guys for me.
Anywhoo, a fun romp through Community Theatre, second chances and strong wit.
I look forward to seeing what all Chad Beguelin comes up with next.
His grandiose new musical based on King Lear has opened and closed in one night.
He finds himself back in the small town he ran away from.
He finds himself back facing off against his seemingly unfeeling dad.
He finds himself being offered disgusting midwestern cuisine by his mom.
The local community players want to welcome back their prodigal son by producing his Lear musical for one night only.
The worst bully from his past, Luke, is working on the show AND is friends with Noah's Dad.
He's a million miles away from his boyfriend.
His agent wants him to find himself.
What else could possibly go wrong?
What about this show or situation could ever lead to a showmance? Not in anything in Noah's mind, that's for sure, or could it??
Tony-Nominated Broadway creative mastermind, Chad Beguelin (The Prom, among others) gives us a small-town taste of the midwest, community theatre and challenging assumptions.
Chad, did you write this about me? Seriously....I feel like Noah in a lot of ways.
I worked for a big Entertainment franchise, got a bit of an ego, moved back to my small conservative midwestern town, and got re-involved with the theatre I grew up in. Downside unlike Noah, no sweet hot guys for me.
Anywhoo, a fun romp through Community Theatre, second chances and strong wit.
I look forward to seeing what all Chad Beguelin comes up with next.
September 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️From Penguin Group Publishing: Noah Adams’s career as a playwright is circling the drain, thanks to a scorching review of his first Broadway musical. So when a family emergency sends him back to his Podunk hometown of Plainview, Illinois, he figures he’ll hide out for a bit. But to Noah’s horror, his agent has secretly arranged for him to stage an amateur version of the career-ruining musical at the local community theater.
As if trying to work with a bunch of artless amateurs wasn’t enough, Noah runs into Luke, the jerk from his high school years, everywhere he goes. Luke somehow grew up to be beloved by everyone in town…and undeniably gorgeous. As rehearsals begin, Noah is surprised by his cast’s insights, the warmth of the town he’d dismissed, and the reality of what happened with Luke all those years ago. Just how much has Noah misjudged?
*******************
My review: I raced through this rom-com in about 24 hours. The dialog and banter and revelations were amazing and realistic. The way Noah talks with his mom and BFF Kiara really made me smile and even LOL. Noah had so much to learn and even though the reader sees some lessons and realizations a mile away, it's satisfying and heartwarming when they come to fruition.
When Noah thinks things about Luke like, "And of course he's wearing a t-shirt with no sleeves. I assume they were ripped off in a tornado," I had to stop and yes, giggle. Noah is self deprecating, sarcastic, and the right amount of insecure. Basically, he's a real person.
I didn't want to put the book down because I was dying to see how it all tied together. The book was funny, real, and romantic. And I teared up at the end, Noah and his dad really got to me. I highly recommend and will read more of this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.
As if trying to work with a bunch of artless amateurs wasn’t enough, Noah runs into Luke, the jerk from his high school years, everywhere he goes. Luke somehow grew up to be beloved by everyone in town…and undeniably gorgeous. As rehearsals begin, Noah is surprised by his cast’s insights, the warmth of the town he’d dismissed, and the reality of what happened with Luke all those years ago. Just how much has Noah misjudged?
*******************
My review: I raced through this rom-com in about 24 hours. The dialog and banter and revelations were amazing and realistic. The way Noah talks with his mom and BFF Kiara really made me smile and even LOL. Noah had so much to learn and even though the reader sees some lessons and realizations a mile away, it's satisfying and heartwarming when they come to fruition.
When Noah thinks things about Luke like, "And of course he's wearing a t-shirt with no sleeves. I assume they were ripped off in a tornado," I had to stop and yes, giggle. Noah is self deprecating, sarcastic, and the right amount of insecure. Basically, he's a real person.
I didn't want to put the book down because I was dying to see how it all tied together. The book was funny, real, and romantic. And I teared up at the end, Noah and his dad really got to me. I highly recommend and will read more of this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.
August 26, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Books for supplying me with this ARC. My review is entirely my own.
Let me just say that I adored this book. I haven’t read a book this quickly in months and I’m so glad that I was invited to read it. It was insanely funny, real and did I mention insanely funny?
Noah’s wit was so funny, while his insecurity came out in his disdain for a life that he grew up in. He was a great character to root for and follow along and I found myself understanding aspects of him that I maybe hadn’t thought I would!
Insert Luke and how very good he is. One of my favorite qualities in characters are when they remain good even after bad things have happened to them. That’s a strength that I always hope to have myself and when I see it in a character I am instantly hooked.
The entire time that Chase was still in picture I was looking for ways that it could end between him and Noah because I just didn’t like him. He seemed fake from the word go and it was clear he was not in the same place in his relationship as Noah was.
I also really loved how when Noah got with Luke, that was it for him. There was no games, no back and forth or being wishy washy because of Chase. He was fully present and there for Luke and their relationship just felt destined and meant to be.
Overall, amazing book. I am so looking forward to more from this author. My only complaint is that we didn’t get an epilogue. Luke said forever, so show us that forever.
Let me just say that I adored this book. I haven’t read a book this quickly in months and I’m so glad that I was invited to read it. It was insanely funny, real and did I mention insanely funny?
Noah’s wit was so funny, while his insecurity came out in his disdain for a life that he grew up in. He was a great character to root for and follow along and I found myself understanding aspects of him that I maybe hadn’t thought I would!
Insert Luke and how very good he is. One of my favorite qualities in characters are when they remain good even after bad things have happened to them. That’s a strength that I always hope to have myself and when I see it in a character I am instantly hooked.
The entire time that Chase was still in picture I was looking for ways that it could end between him and Noah because I just didn’t like him. He seemed fake from the word go and it was clear he was not in the same place in his relationship as Noah was.
I also really loved how when Noah got with Luke, that was it for him. There was no games, no back and forth or being wishy washy because of Chase. He was fully present and there for Luke and their relationship just felt destined and meant to be.
Overall, amazing book. I am so looking forward to more from this author. My only complaint is that we didn’t get an epilogue. Luke said forever, so show us that forever.
October 1, 2024
Playwright Noah Adams returns to his hometown to escape a disastrous Broadway review, only to find himself staging his flopped musical at the local community theater. As he navigates rehearsals and rekindles his relationship with former high school nemesis Luke, Noah discovers unexpected truths about love, talent, and the importance of home.
This book was SO cute I was audibly sighing, squealing, laughing, and crying. Noah’s personality was so prickly and sarcastic and witty. I was cracking up at his constant quick thinking on his feet. I absolutely adored Noah and wanted to be his friend.
Luke was an unexpected charmer and I was HERE for his golden retriever energy. Yes, please! I loved how he secretly pined for Noah since high school and he was just so sweet and lovely. But also, secretly had a bit of a sexy take-charge attitude in this closed door romance.
I was rooting for these two cuties. I loved how they grew together and how supportive they were. Their vulnerable, open, loving relationship was so lovely.
Not only that - but this book was chock full of beautiful friendship, silly families, and unexpectedly choked up moments. The moment Noah’s dad repeats Noah’s words back to him had me openly weeping on my couch.
I absolutely adored this one so much. And it’s out today so get after it!!!
This book was SO cute I was audibly sighing, squealing, laughing, and crying. Noah’s personality was so prickly and sarcastic and witty. I was cracking up at his constant quick thinking on his feet. I absolutely adored Noah and wanted to be his friend.
Luke was an unexpected charmer and I was HERE for his golden retriever energy. Yes, please! I loved how he secretly pined for Noah since high school and he was just so sweet and lovely. But also, secretly had a bit of a sexy take-charge attitude in this closed door romance.
I was rooting for these two cuties. I loved how they grew together and how supportive they were. Their vulnerable, open, loving relationship was so lovely.
Not only that - but this book was chock full of beautiful friendship, silly families, and unexpectedly choked up moments. The moment Noah’s dad repeats Noah’s words back to him had me openly weeping on my couch.
I absolutely adored this one so much. And it’s out today so get after it!!!
September 22, 2024
Showmance is a fast paced and ultimately heart warming queer rom-com. It features Noah, a sarcastic, dramatic, and often pompous playwright who finds himself in his small midwestern hometown after a disastrous review of his latest Broadway show. He soon falls for the golden retriever town hero, Luke, who may or may not have bullied him in high school. And although I thought Noah was insufferable for the first 50% of the novel, he learns humility from his childhood friends and neighbors, and rediscovers his love of the theater. I enjoyed the small town enemies to lovers romance, especially the ancillary characters: Noah’s parents and his 2 best friends, Kiara and Melissa. Overall an enjoyable, if predictable, queer romance with an especially touching author’s note. 3.5/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
December 3, 2024
A delightfully lighthearted romp through the world of Broadway, with witty humor, romance, and self-discovery. After his musical is dropped from Broadway, playwright Noah heads back to his small town who encourages him to remake the musical at the local amateur theater. Noah was initially hard to root for, given his elitist snobbery and poor self awareness; however he undergoes a wonderful period of growth and his entitlement softens. The novel's pacing leaves something to be desired with several subplots feeling and resolved too neatly. In the end, I appreciated this story for the celebration of love, empathy, and familial bonds.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Showmance" by Chad Beguelin was such a delightful read! As a lover of musical theatre, the Sondheim references made my heart sing. The story had this incredible warmth that just wrapped me up like a cozy blanket. Yes, the protagonist was a bit prickly, but I found myself really connecting with him. And Luke? A sexy farmer type? YES MA'AM!
Now, I won’t lie, I had to suspend my disbelief here and there—it’s almost too perfect, like a Hallmark movie on steroids. But, as a Hallmark fan, that only made me love it more!
And guess what? This heartwarming, feel-good novel is out today, October 1st! If you're in the mood for a story that will make you smile, laugh, and swoon, grab your copy now!
"Showmance" by Chad Beguelin was such a delightful read! As a lover of musical theatre, the Sondheim references made my heart sing. The story had this incredible warmth that just wrapped me up like a cozy blanket. Yes, the protagonist was a bit prickly, but I found myself really connecting with him. And Luke? A sexy farmer type? YES MA'AM!
Now, I won’t lie, I had to suspend my disbelief here and there—it’s almost too perfect, like a Hallmark movie on steroids. But, as a Hallmark fan, that only made me love it more!
And guess what? This heartwarming, feel-good novel is out today, October 1st! If you're in the mood for a story that will make you smile, laugh, and swoon, grab your copy now!
April 27, 2025
4.5 stars. Wonderful, cozy, Hallmark-style, small-town homecoming story, mild drama, mild angst, fade to black. Big City Broadway guy heads back home to a small town where we meet a lovely cast of hometown characters including his mother, who is a wonderful ray of humor. Great amount of snark.
Audiobook was lovely, narration was excellent, various voices, lots of vocal emotion to match the scene.
HEA, small-town, Broadway, farmer, playwright, m/m, fade to black,
Audiobook was lovely, narration was excellent, various voices, lots of vocal emotion to match the scene.
HEA, small-town, Broadway, farmer, playwright, m/m, fade to black,
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