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Midnight in Manhattan #2
It's in Her Kiss: Midnight in Manhattan, Book 2
Two Broadway actresses, one starring role, and a kiss that might turn rivals…into lovers.
Sophie Rindell has dreamed of performing on Broadway since she was a little girl. But after more than 10 years of auditioning, she’s still waiting tables and sleeping on a friend’s couch while she waits for her big break. When she lands an audition for a new musical called It’s in Her Kiss, she’s sure this is the one. Not only is she auditioning for the lead, but it’s a queer role, the opportunity of a lifetime for Sophie.
Julia Vega has been working on Broadway for years now, but she hasn’t landed a starring role…yet. When she meets Sophie at the audition for It’s in Her Kiss, she senses a kindred spirit. They’re both talented and driven, but unlike Sophie, who’s been out since high school, Jules is still coming to terms with her sexuality. This role—if she lands it—could help define more than her career.
As their rivalry heats up, Jules and Sophie fight an attraction that blazes hotter than the spotlight. When the curtain rises on opening night, love might take center stage.
Sophie Rindell has dreamed of performing on Broadway since she was a little girl. But after more than 10 years of auditioning, she’s still waiting tables and sleeping on a friend’s couch while she waits for her big break. When she lands an audition for a new musical called It’s in Her Kiss, she’s sure this is the one. Not only is she auditioning for the lead, but it’s a queer role, the opportunity of a lifetime for Sophie.
Julia Vega has been working on Broadway for years now, but she hasn’t landed a starring role…yet. When she meets Sophie at the audition for It’s in Her Kiss, she senses a kindred spirit. They’re both talented and driven, but unlike Sophie, who’s been out since high school, Jules is still coming to terms with her sexuality. This role—if she lands it—could help define more than her career.
As their rivalry heats up, Jules and Sophie fight an attraction that blazes hotter than the spotlight. When the curtain rises on opening night, love might take center stage.
Audible Audio
First published September 9, 2020
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About the author
Rachel Lacey
37 books2,350 followersRachel Lacey is an award-winning contemporary romance author and semi-reformed travel junkie. She's been climbed by a monkey on a mountain in Japan, gone scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and camped out overnight in New York City for a chance to be an extra in a movie. These days, the majority of her adventures take place on the pages of the books she writes. She lives in the mountains of Vermont with her family and a variety of rescue pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
March 19, 2023
Edit: March 19th, 2023, audiobook review (book rating: 4⭐️, audiobook rating: 4.5⭐️)
Sometimes with series, there’s one book that I don’t remember as well as the others (by remember, I don’t mean the stories or the characters obviously, but the overall feeling) and It’s In Her Kiss was that book for the Midnight in Manhattan series. I’m not sure why, and it has nothing to do with whether I like a book or not. Anyway, while listening to the audiobook of a story I’ve read often feels like both a new and a familiar experience, in this case it felt mostly new and I really really enjoyed it.
I already reviewed the book so I’ll keep it short. Jules and Sophie are lovely and I love them together. I love how respectful and understanding they both are with each other.
I liked the narration a lot as well. The main thing that doesn’t always work for me about Lori Prince’s narrations is her male voices but she nailed most of them here. I also love how both MCs sound. If Jules’ voice surprised me at first, it didn’t take long for it to feel right. Sophie’s voice fits very well too.
I started listening after a pretty rough week and this was the perfect audiobook for my state of mind. Sweet, funny, heartwarming, hot. 4.5⭐️
------------------------------------------------
As she gets ready to audition for It’s in Her Kiss, a play about a woman torn between the man her family wants for her and the woman she wants, Julia – Jules – Vega is hoping to get both her first lead role and some clarity into her increasingly obvious (to her) bisexuality. She meets Sophie Rindell, another actress, in the waiting room and the attraction sparks immediately.
Sophie has reached a crossroads in her life, wondering whether she’ll ever make it on Broadway or should listen to her parents and find some professional stability. She’s also still not entirely over her ex choosing her closet over her. Falling for a coworker, especially one who has never been with a woman, sounds like a really bad idea, but it’s not like Sophie can resist Jules, can she?
It’s in Her Kiss is set in the same universe as Don't Cry for Me. We actually met Jules in the first book, she’s the one who named Josie’s theatre kittens. It’s in Her Kiss can probably be read as a standalone but, as usual, I recommend reading the series in order, if possible. Josie and Eve from book 1 are secondary characters in this book and you don’t need to know them to enjoy this one, but I always find it much nicer when I have some background on characters. It’s like meeting old friends again. And there’s an event at the end of the book that you will enjoy a lot more if you already know their story.
I really liked how Jules’ bisexuality was addressed (I only wish the term “sexuality” had not been used to mean “sexual orientation” or “romantic identity”, but since it’s all new to Jules, it’s not a real issue) and that while it’s a coming out story, once she knows, she knows. Despite Sophie’s misgivings, there’s no angst around Jules’ coming to terms with her desires and attraction to women.
While I loved everything about Don’t Cry for Me, I struggled a little to get into this second novel in the Midnight in Manhattan series. There’s a touch too much tell and not enough show at first but when the show is on, it’s good! Jules’s relationship with her family is incredibly sweet, Sophie’s concerns are credible, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Being both rivals and lovers isn’t an easy situation to navigate and mistakes are bound to be made. I won’t deny one specific moment brought tears to my eyes. I liked Sophie and Jules together so much I don’t care that it took me a bit longer than I had hoped to get carried away by the story.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
Sometimes with series, there’s one book that I don’t remember as well as the others (by remember, I don’t mean the stories or the characters obviously, but the overall feeling) and It’s In Her Kiss was that book for the Midnight in Manhattan series. I’m not sure why, and it has nothing to do with whether I like a book or not. Anyway, while listening to the audiobook of a story I’ve read often feels like both a new and a familiar experience, in this case it felt mostly new and I really really enjoyed it.
I already reviewed the book so I’ll keep it short. Jules and Sophie are lovely and I love them together. I love how respectful and understanding they both are with each other.
I liked the narration a lot as well. The main thing that doesn’t always work for me about Lori Prince’s narrations is her male voices but she nailed most of them here. I also love how both MCs sound. If Jules’ voice surprised me at first, it didn’t take long for it to feel right. Sophie’s voice fits very well too.
I started listening after a pretty rough week and this was the perfect audiobook for my state of mind. Sweet, funny, heartwarming, hot. 4.5⭐️
------------------------------------------------
As she gets ready to audition for It’s in Her Kiss, a play about a woman torn between the man her family wants for her and the woman she wants, Julia – Jules – Vega is hoping to get both her first lead role and some clarity into her increasingly obvious (to her) bisexuality. She meets Sophie Rindell, another actress, in the waiting room and the attraction sparks immediately.
Sophie has reached a crossroads in her life, wondering whether she’ll ever make it on Broadway or should listen to her parents and find some professional stability. She’s also still not entirely over her ex choosing her closet over her. Falling for a coworker, especially one who has never been with a woman, sounds like a really bad idea, but it’s not like Sophie can resist Jules, can she?
It’s in Her Kiss is set in the same universe as Don't Cry for Me. We actually met Jules in the first book, she’s the one who named Josie’s theatre kittens. It’s in Her Kiss can probably be read as a standalone but, as usual, I recommend reading the series in order, if possible. Josie and Eve from book 1 are secondary characters in this book and you don’t need to know them to enjoy this one, but I always find it much nicer when I have some background on characters. It’s like meeting old friends again. And there’s an event at the end of the book that you will enjoy a lot more if you already know their story.
I really liked how Jules’ bisexuality was addressed (I only wish the term “sexuality” had not been used to mean “sexual orientation” or “romantic identity”, but since it’s all new to Jules, it’s not a real issue) and that while it’s a coming out story, once she knows, she knows. Despite Sophie’s misgivings, there’s no angst around Jules’ coming to terms with her desires and attraction to women.
While I loved everything about Don’t Cry for Me, I struggled a little to get into this second novel in the Midnight in Manhattan series. There’s a touch too much tell and not enough show at first but when the show is on, it’s good! Jules’s relationship with her family is incredibly sweet, Sophie’s concerns are credible, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Being both rivals and lovers isn’t an easy situation to navigate and mistakes are bound to be made. I won’t deny one specific moment brought tears to my eyes. I liked Sophie and Jules together so much I don’t care that it took me a bit longer than I had hoped to get carried away by the story.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
February 4, 2023
4,5⭐️
Two theater actresses on the road to success or defeat. Julia «Jules» Vega auditions for the lead role in a new play. It's about Bianca who is torn between the man her family has chosen for her and the heart that is drawn to a woman. The perfect play to get clarity on one's sexuality as she feels just like Bianca.
When she meets Sophie Rindell, who is auditioning for the same role, sparks fly between them right from the start. Just not always the positive ones. After ten years of hard work and still no leading role, Sophie has to decide if she wants to keep trying or if she'd rather take a secure job, still playing in the theater world but no longer on stage. And she is still licking her wounds inflicted by her closeted ex-girlfriend.
I loved the theater world the story is mainly set in, competing for roles, accepting another disappointment, pure joy at achieving a long-held desire, being on stage and playing your heart out even though you are heartbroken or sick with excitement. It's about finding your own way, sometimes through painful detours and the luck of second chances. The struggles are real, I could empathize with both MCs and had just as hard a time with decisions that must be made. And I can well imagine that it is not always easy to be competitors at work and lovers at the same time. Envy can be a badass buzzkill.
Sophie and Jules are strong but vulnerable women who make mistakes and wrong choices but ultimately find the right path. The attraction is great and the chemistry between the two is bubbly and the sex is hot. The conflicts are understandable as also how well or poorly they resolve them. The relationship between Jules and her mom and grandmother is heartwarming.
As a series lover, I was of course delighted to see Josie, Eve, and the theater kittens again, I always love bumping into old acquaintances. Even though you can read this book as a standalone, I still recommend following the order.
An entertaining and beautiful second story in the «Midnight in Manhattan» series, but #1 touched my heart a tiny bit more. I look forward to reading #3 and #4.
Two theater actresses on the road to success or defeat. Julia «Jules» Vega auditions for the lead role in a new play. It's about Bianca who is torn between the man her family has chosen for her and the heart that is drawn to a woman. The perfect play to get clarity on one's sexuality as she feels just like Bianca.
When she meets Sophie Rindell, who is auditioning for the same role, sparks fly between them right from the start. Just not always the positive ones. After ten years of hard work and still no leading role, Sophie has to decide if she wants to keep trying or if she'd rather take a secure job, still playing in the theater world but no longer on stage. And she is still licking her wounds inflicted by her closeted ex-girlfriend.
I loved the theater world the story is mainly set in, competing for roles, accepting another disappointment, pure joy at achieving a long-held desire, being on stage and playing your heart out even though you are heartbroken or sick with excitement. It's about finding your own way, sometimes through painful detours and the luck of second chances. The struggles are real, I could empathize with both MCs and had just as hard a time with decisions that must be made. And I can well imagine that it is not always easy to be competitors at work and lovers at the same time. Envy can be a badass buzzkill.
Sophie and Jules are strong but vulnerable women who make mistakes and wrong choices but ultimately find the right path. The attraction is great and the chemistry between the two is bubbly and the sex is hot. The conflicts are understandable as also how well or poorly they resolve them. The relationship between Jules and her mom and grandmother is heartwarming.
As a series lover, I was of course delighted to see Josie, Eve, and the theater kittens again, I always love bumping into old acquaintances. Even though you can read this book as a standalone, I still recommend following the order.
An entertaining and beautiful second story in the «Midnight in Manhattan» series, but #1 touched my heart a tiny bit more. I look forward to reading #3 and #4.
August 8, 2020
Julia Vega moved to New York from Miami with dreams of becoming a big Broadway star. With just around ten years under her belt she is finally up for a leading role. Sure, it is off Broadway, but it is at a reputable theater. If she could land this role it would be the big break she needs and put her on the map.
Sophie Rindell has been a struggling actor in New York City for many years. Waiting tables and couch surfing is what she knows. Her family, who never fully supported her career choice, is pressuring her to return to her hometown to get a real job and add stability to her life.
Julia and Sophie end up in the same casting office vying for the same coveted role. They chat and are generally supportive of one another. They meet again, right outside the building after their auditions, and decide to grab a drink together.
If you haven't read Lacy's other book, Don't Cry For Me, the first installment of the 'Midnight in Manhattan' series, then you should. This book definitely stands strong as a standalone story, but the bar that they go to is one that is the central focus point of the first book. The leading ladies of that one make several appearances here. Also, it is a really great love story that I rated 5 stars, so it would definitely be worth your time.
So their friendship begins as equals and then morphs into something different as one of them gets that wonderful leading spot and the other doesn't. It is an interesting dynamic. Attraction. Interest. Conflicting feelings of happiness and jealousy. Julia has never pursued a relationship with a woman and Sophie has been burned by a closeted ex girlfriend in the past. So whatever is building between them is delicate at best.
There were fun moments in the theater. On stage and off. Julia and Sophie had good chemistry. I love drama and thought the relationship angst was believable and it made my heart hurt for a bit.
I recommend this to people who love celebrity romance, theater, New York, mother/daughter bonds, coming out, cats, and bubbly drinks.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sophie Rindell has been a struggling actor in New York City for many years. Waiting tables and couch surfing is what she knows. Her family, who never fully supported her career choice, is pressuring her to return to her hometown to get a real job and add stability to her life.
Julia and Sophie end up in the same casting office vying for the same coveted role. They chat and are generally supportive of one another. They meet again, right outside the building after their auditions, and decide to grab a drink together.
If you haven't read Lacy's other book, Don't Cry For Me, the first installment of the 'Midnight in Manhattan' series, then you should. This book definitely stands strong as a standalone story, but the bar that they go to is one that is the central focus point of the first book. The leading ladies of that one make several appearances here. Also, it is a really great love story that I rated 5 stars, so it would definitely be worth your time.
So their friendship begins as equals and then morphs into something different as one of them gets that wonderful leading spot and the other doesn't. It is an interesting dynamic. Attraction. Interest. Conflicting feelings of happiness and jealousy. Julia has never pursued a relationship with a woman and Sophie has been burned by a closeted ex girlfriend in the past. So whatever is building between them is delicate at best.
There were fun moments in the theater. On stage and off. Julia and Sophie had good chemistry. I love drama and thought the relationship angst was believable and it made my heart hurt for a bit.
I recommend this to people who love celebrity romance, theater, New York, mother/daughter bonds, coming out, cats, and bubbly drinks.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2021
I really enjoyed the first book in this series "Don't Cry for Me" and definitely recommend that on Kindle Unlimited.
Jules Vega is the character from the first novel that adopted two rescue kittens from Josie and Eve.
She is sweet and friendly, adorable and encouraging to all she meets. She has worked hard and knew what she wanted from a young age. She went to the LaGuardia Performing Arts School (THE FAME School) from 14, and then went on to get a degree in Theatre Arts, before starting her auditioning and performing process for broadway and off-broadway productions over the last 8 years. But this is the first time she's ever been the main lead! She has supportive family members behind her the whole way, and doesn't seem to struggle financially. However she is not out, and infact has never kissed a woman. She is very curious though and feels the stir of her sexuality.
Sophie is more pessimistic and jaded. Her family is unsupportive of her career, and she does waitressing jobs while she sleeps on a friends pull out couch. She's out and proud, and thought the role she was auditioning for was perfect for her having understood the struggles of coming out. It's easy to sympathize with her and feel the sting of not getting the part she felt so strongly about on such an intimate level, and instead seeing Jules who has not had those experiences, just rubs salt into the wounds.
The two have good chemistry, when Sophie isn't busy feeling sorry for herself and feeling bitter about her career prospects, and also feeling insecure in her relationship with Jules, because she isn't coming out, yet. But at the same time I understood all that, too.
That basically makes up the most of the drama between the lovers, and that does get stretched quite a bit. But again it's acceptable because those kinds of issues do not go away overnight.
However, None of it felt forced. If you're a lover of backstage romances, celebrity type tropes, and broadway productions - you may like this kindle unlimited read.
Jules Vega is the character from the first novel that adopted two rescue kittens from Josie and Eve.
She is sweet and friendly, adorable and encouraging to all she meets. She has worked hard and knew what she wanted from a young age. She went to the LaGuardia Performing Arts School (THE FAME School) from 14, and then went on to get a degree in Theatre Arts, before starting her auditioning and performing process for broadway and off-broadway productions over the last 8 years. But this is the first time she's ever been the main lead! She has supportive family members behind her the whole way, and doesn't seem to struggle financially. However she is not out, and infact has never kissed a woman. She is very curious though and feels the stir of her sexuality.
Sophie is more pessimistic and jaded. Her family is unsupportive of her career, and she does waitressing jobs while she sleeps on a friends pull out couch. She's out and proud, and thought the role she was auditioning for was perfect for her having understood the struggles of coming out. It's easy to sympathize with her and feel the sting of not getting the part she felt so strongly about on such an intimate level, and instead seeing Jules who has not had those experiences, just rubs salt into the wounds.
The two have good chemistry, when Sophie isn't busy feeling sorry for herself and feeling bitter about her career prospects, and also feeling insecure in her relationship with Jules, because she isn't coming out, yet. But at the same time I understood all that, too.
That basically makes up the most of the drama between the lovers, and that does get stretched quite a bit. But again it's acceptable because those kinds of issues do not go away overnight.
However, None of it felt forced. If you're a lover of backstage romances, celebrity type tropes, and broadway productions - you may like this kindle unlimited read.
August 14, 2020
Star Maker
Sophie is out of work actress who auditions for the lead in an off Broadway musical. The character is a woman who realizes she is a lesbian and falls in love. A role perfect for her. Julia is also auditioning for the same role and just like the character she wants to play, she too is struggling with her sexual identity. The two meet at the audition and a new friendship is formed and the attraction between the two electric, even though they are rivals. Will they be able to make things work or will the curtain drop on what might be a hit?
This was a super sweet and wonderful story! I LOVED IT!!!! All of it!! The characters are dynamic, the writing excellent, the feels fantastic, the storyline amazing and the awww factor a solid 5 of 5. I adored watching Sophie and Jules’ drama unfold and seeing them fulfill the roles of a lifetime. They are so sweet and loveable. I loved their chemistry and watching them fall for each other filled me with mushy joy. The friends to lovers’ story was so interesting that I didn’t want to put it down, so I didn’t! I read till OMG in the morning and couldn’t even find it in my heart to complain when the alarm went off the next day. It was totally worth the loss of sleep. Something that made me extra happy is that this is the second book in a series. There is a bar that Sophie and Jules go to that was owned by the main character of the first book so it was great to get to see that couple in this story too. This beautiful story is one I will treasure and I already look forward to reading it again!
Sophie is out of work actress who auditions for the lead in an off Broadway musical. The character is a woman who realizes she is a lesbian and falls in love. A role perfect for her. Julia is also auditioning for the same role and just like the character she wants to play, she too is struggling with her sexual identity. The two meet at the audition and a new friendship is formed and the attraction between the two electric, even though they are rivals. Will they be able to make things work or will the curtain drop on what might be a hit?
This was a super sweet and wonderful story! I LOVED IT!!!! All of it!! The characters are dynamic, the writing excellent, the feels fantastic, the storyline amazing and the awww factor a solid 5 of 5. I adored watching Sophie and Jules’ drama unfold and seeing them fulfill the roles of a lifetime. They are so sweet and loveable. I loved their chemistry and watching them fall for each other filled me with mushy joy. The friends to lovers’ story was so interesting that I didn’t want to put it down, so I didn’t! I read till OMG in the morning and couldn’t even find it in my heart to complain when the alarm went off the next day. It was totally worth the loss of sleep. Something that made me extra happy is that this is the second book in a series. There is a bar that Sophie and Jules go to that was owned by the main character of the first book so it was great to get to see that couple in this story too. This beautiful story is one I will treasure and I already look forward to reading it again!
March 16, 2023
ETA: audiobook re-read, March 2023.
JUST AS LOVELY IF NOT MORE SO.
~~~~~~
Oh I loved this nearly as much as book one. My theatre kid heart was delighted to have the backdrop and setting be broadway and the theatre. I miss it, and this absolutely captured a lot of what I used to love about performing. Both MCs were really likable and easy to root for, but Jules really stole my heart. I was a little surprised at how often Sophie was jealous of Jules kissing Micki for the show however, as a fellow actress, it seemed a bit strange that she was so hung up on a really normal part of their job, and occasionally some of her insecurities (while understandable wrt: her ex) slightly rubbed me the wrong way after a while. Not to the detriment of the book or her character or anything, it all absolutely fit the narrative, just made me more attracted to Jules between the two of them. Overall though, The dynamic was great and their chemistry was pretty spectacular from the get go, and I loved the sort of slow back and forth to them figuring their stuff out.
Seeing the glimpses of Josie and Eve from book one was also really lovely.
Def rec and absolutely on to the next one. I really can’t wait to re-read this one when it comes out on audiobook soon.
JUST AS LOVELY IF NOT MORE SO.
~~~~~~
Oh I loved this nearly as much as book one. My theatre kid heart was delighted to have the backdrop and setting be broadway and the theatre. I miss it, and this absolutely captured a lot of what I used to love about performing. Both MCs were really likable and easy to root for, but Jules really stole my heart. I was a little surprised at how often Sophie was jealous of Jules kissing Micki for the show however, as a fellow actress, it seemed a bit strange that she was so hung up on a really normal part of their job, and occasionally some of her insecurities (while understandable wrt: her ex) slightly rubbed me the wrong way after a while. Not to the detriment of the book or her character or anything, it all absolutely fit the narrative, just made me more attracted to Jules between the two of them. Overall though, The dynamic was great and their chemistry was pretty spectacular from the get go, and I loved the sort of slow back and forth to them figuring their stuff out.
Seeing the glimpses of Josie and Eve from book one was also really lovely.
Def rec and absolutely on to the next one. I really can’t wait to re-read this one when it comes out on audiobook soon.
October 24, 2023
This is second in a romance series that are loosely connected. The couple from the first shows up in a couple of places and then they take over the epilogue. You can read this first, if you like, but it's probably better in order.
Jules and Sophie are both actresses struggling to make it in New York who connect during auditions for a new play. They both are cast, though Jules gets the lead, and they form a friendship that starts to morph into more. And that was sweet in all the right romance ways.
I'll admit I had a bit of a hard time with Jules because I don't get a bisexual person getting their panties in a twist about "living their authentic lives". This likely comes from not figuring out I was bisexual until after I'd already been married over a decade so while I can identify obvious crushes after the fact, I never had the opportunity to be all woebegone about it. So to me, it's all theoretical. I mean, as far as I'm concerned, bisexuals won the dating lottery. Our world is full of beauty and we have as big a dating pool as we want to have. I mean, everybody has criteria for their ideal match and what's the big deal if your aesthetic includes gender even if technically you could if you wanted to? I mean, how is gender preference (to those of us who actually get to choose) any weirder than hair color or physique or hobbies or career?
And yeah, I get how that makes it easy to hate those of us who actually have a choice when you're one of those who don't.
Anyway, digression aside, I really liked them both and loved that Jules was honest in her exploration (when it counted) and careful of Sophie's past that made her hesitant. Frankly, they fit well together and I couldn't wait to see how they'd come together. And I'm mostly content with how that worked out.
Okay, fine, I hated the dark moment more than a little. It was telegraphed from miles ahead, required the author to step in and manipulate circumstances, and lasted too long. And I hated that .
So let's call it 3½ stars that I'll round up on liking the main characters so much.
A note about Steamy: There's lots of explicit sex edging this into the higher side of my steam tolerance. I skimmed later scenes because their intimacy was already well-enough established and it felt like the author was just showing off after the first one or two. Also, I hated .
Jules and Sophie are both actresses struggling to make it in New York who connect during auditions for a new play. They both are cast, though Jules gets the lead, and they form a friendship that starts to morph into more. And that was sweet in all the right romance ways.
I'll admit I had a bit of a hard time with Jules because I don't get a bisexual person getting their panties in a twist about "living their authentic lives". This likely comes from not figuring out I was bisexual until after I'd already been married over a decade so while I can identify obvious crushes after the fact, I never had the opportunity to be all woebegone about it. So to me, it's all theoretical. I mean, as far as I'm concerned, bisexuals won the dating lottery. Our world is full of beauty and we have as big a dating pool as we want to have. I mean, everybody has criteria for their ideal match and what's the big deal if your aesthetic includes gender even if technically you could if you wanted to? I mean, how is gender preference (to those of us who actually get to choose) any weirder than hair color or physique or hobbies or career?
And yeah, I get how that makes it easy to hate those of us who actually have a choice when you're one of those who don't.
Anyway, digression aside, I really liked them both and loved that Jules was honest in her exploration (when it counted) and careful of Sophie's past that made her hesitant. Frankly, they fit well together and I couldn't wait to see how they'd come together. And I'm mostly content with how that worked out.
Okay, fine, I hated the dark moment more than a little. It was telegraphed from miles ahead, required the author to step in and manipulate circumstances, and lasted too long. And I hated that .
So let's call it 3½ stars that I'll round up on liking the main characters so much.
A note about Steamy: There's lots of explicit sex edging this into the higher side of my steam tolerance. I skimmed later scenes because their intimacy was already well-enough established and it felt like the author was just showing off after the first one or two. Also, I hated .
February 28, 2021
Isn't it strange how we humans adapt. As I was reading this, I had seriously uncomfortable feelings about terms such as "crowds of under 50 people" and cramped backstage areas, bodies milling about each other, crowded bars..... Fuck this pandemic. I actually had not thought about Broadway or theatre industry in NYC at all over the last 11 months. :(
ANYWAY, back to the book: I quite enjoyed this read by Ms. Lacey, and actually felt it was stronger than the first in the series. Both MCs were well drawn out, and I'm a sucker for a good ol' dual-POV, as I get way more invested in both characters. Sophie and Jules' hopes, dreams, fears, insecurities, strengths, love, dedication to family and friends, is all laid out here. I truly enjoyed both MCs and their chemistry was damn fine. HOT. Sizzlin'. Yaaaasssss.
From the short blurb in the back about book 3, I am quite looking forward to continuing this series.
ANYWAY, back to the book: I quite enjoyed this read by Ms. Lacey, and actually felt it was stronger than the first in the series. Both MCs were well drawn out, and I'm a sucker for a good ol' dual-POV, as I get way more invested in both characters. Sophie and Jules' hopes, dreams, fears, insecurities, strengths, love, dedication to family and friends, is all laid out here. I truly enjoyed both MCs and their chemistry was damn fine. HOT. Sizzlin'. Yaaaasssss.
From the short blurb in the back about book 3, I am quite looking forward to continuing this series.
July 24, 2022
A series about lesbians hanging out in a bar? Sure, you talked me into it! This book started out a little slower than the first, but still had the same slow burn and heart warming energy. The appearance of the MCs from the first book was a huge plus too. There was a super weird dynamic with a character in the play that I kept thinking was going to turn into some good drama, but it fell a little flat which was disappointing, but all in all, not bad.
November 16, 2022
I enjoyed this coming out Broadway story.
I do have a negative to mention. I feel like Sophie is way too pushy on a certain subject. While I get where she’s coming from, I just don’t like it and honestly, it doesn’t seem to fit her character either.
As for Jules? I love that she named the theater kittens and decided to adopt two of them, I would have liked to see them a bit more (crazy cat lady here). And she’s Cuban, aside from her coffee and calling her mom Mami and grandma abualita we don’t really get the Cuban vibes, I missed that.
The romance is nice, the pacing is good and in line with the first book. I do have to say I liked the first book just slightly better.
I do have a negative to mention. I feel like Sophie is way too pushy on a certain subject. While I get where she’s coming from, I just don’t like it and honestly, it doesn’t seem to fit her character either.
As for Jules? I love that she named the theater kittens and decided to adopt two of them, I would have liked to see them a bit more (crazy cat lady here). And she’s Cuban, aside from her coffee and calling her mom Mami and grandma abualita we don’t really get the Cuban vibes, I missed that.
The romance is nice, the pacing is good and in line with the first book. I do have to say I liked the first book just slightly better.
February 5, 2021
Loved the first book but I'm still diggin' this one too.
November 15, 2021
Before November 1 2021 I do not believe I had heard of Rachel Lacey. And now, on November 15, I've read three books in a row by this author. All of them rated 5 stars on Goodreads (first rated 5 stars, the second two, including this one here, something less than 5 stars - something on my 4.75 shelf).
This is the second in a series, and yes, while the main characters change from book one and two, it is much better to have read book one before reading book two. I say that more if you ever desire to read book one, rather than book one is specifically needed to be read for book two to be enjoyed (or, in other words, book 2 is a spoiler for book 1; if you only ever want to read book 2, there is enough information provided that you do not need to read book 1 to get that information). Wow that was awkward.
While the book does not open in the bar that was the main location in book 1, the bar Dragonfly, we get there shortly after the book opens. The book actually opens with an audition for a new off-Broadway play. A play about a woman, an actress, who is questioning her sexuality and may or may not be bisexual. Two 30+ year old women meet at the audition, become friendly with each other even though they were going for the same role, and end up at the same bar after one of them invites the other to join her and her friends as they explore this new gay bar in Brooklyn.
Those friends, by the way, the friends of Sophie Rindell, one of the two leads, play virtually zero role in this book. Referring to those who joined her in visiting the bar, not referring to Josie and Eve who starred in the previous book. Just a quick warning to readers to not get attached to those friends of Sophie's.
The other main character in this book would be Julia Vega, whose personal life seems to be very similar to the role she was going for in that audition (a woman questioning her sexuality, etc.). Like Sophie, she has been trying for a rather long time to get her break on Broadway, and, like Sophie she hadn't gotten it yet. Though she has had more success than Sophie, more roles on stage, more money made from modeling, more tv appearances, etc. She's also more financially secure, living in her own apartment (even if it is a small studio apartment), and, apparently, not needing to work odd jobs. Unlike Sophie who couch surfs (sleeps in friends apartments on their couch) and has several waitress jobs.
Right, so, what to actually write now that I wrote the above. Which a reader could probably have picked up in chapter one, or, possibly, from reading the book description. hmm. The two main characters are well written. With certain exceptions, the rest of the cast of characters in this book only seem real when they have lines to say, but are otherwise figments of my imagination. Like with the other members of the cast in the play - Tabitha and Micki are "alive" when they are in the same room, or at least when they have lines in the book, but I kind of forget they exist when they aren't visible. If I'm making any sense at all. Eh.
bah. Okay, I liked the book. It was good. I can't seem to think of much to write. I could mention that it took place in Brooklyn, and I lived in Brooklyn for years (a few years). There was one comment made between Sophie & Jules about how it felt odd to spend so much time in Brooklyn - instead of just living in Brooklyn and going to Manhattan to do stuff, like work. Well here they live in Brooklyn, and work in Brooklyn. And that did kind hit me personally as I did live in Brooklyn and commute to Manhattan every workday. Until a hurricane took out my work building for a month years ago and I spent about two months "trapped" in Brooklyn. And it felt odd just being in Brooklyn. And . . . stuff. Right, I should have just gone with: other than a few passing comments here or there, there didn't really seem to be much time spent filling in the area, describing Brooklyn as Brooklyn.
Right - I'm hungry, and can't seem to think of stuff to write so I'll leave things as is. Hopefully my brain will be working when I do the review for book one in this series.
Rating: 4.67
November 15 2021
This is the second in a series, and yes, while the main characters change from book one and two, it is much better to have read book one before reading book two. I say that more if you ever desire to read book one, rather than book one is specifically needed to be read for book two to be enjoyed (or, in other words, book 2 is a spoiler for book 1; if you only ever want to read book 2, there is enough information provided that you do not need to read book 1 to get that information). Wow that was awkward.
While the book does not open in the bar that was the main location in book 1, the bar Dragonfly, we get there shortly after the book opens. The book actually opens with an audition for a new off-Broadway play. A play about a woman, an actress, who is questioning her sexuality and may or may not be bisexual. Two 30+ year old women meet at the audition, become friendly with each other even though they were going for the same role, and end up at the same bar after one of them invites the other to join her and her friends as they explore this new gay bar in Brooklyn.
Those friends, by the way, the friends of Sophie Rindell, one of the two leads, play virtually zero role in this book. Referring to those who joined her in visiting the bar, not referring to Josie and Eve who starred in the previous book. Just a quick warning to readers to not get attached to those friends of Sophie's.
The other main character in this book would be Julia Vega, whose personal life seems to be very similar to the role she was going for in that audition (a woman questioning her sexuality, etc.). Like Sophie, she has been trying for a rather long time to get her break on Broadway, and, like Sophie she hadn't gotten it yet. Though she has had more success than Sophie, more roles on stage, more money made from modeling, more tv appearances, etc. She's also more financially secure, living in her own apartment (even if it is a small studio apartment), and, apparently, not needing to work odd jobs. Unlike Sophie who couch surfs (sleeps in friends apartments on their couch) and has several waitress jobs.
Right, so, what to actually write now that I wrote the above. Which a reader could probably have picked up in chapter one, or, possibly, from reading the book description. hmm. The two main characters are well written. With certain exceptions, the rest of the cast of characters in this book only seem real when they have lines to say, but are otherwise figments of my imagination. Like with the other members of the cast in the play - Tabitha and Micki are "alive" when they are in the same room, or at least when they have lines in the book, but I kind of forget they exist when they aren't visible. If I'm making any sense at all. Eh.
bah. Okay, I liked the book. It was good. I can't seem to think of much to write. I could mention that it took place in Brooklyn, and I lived in Brooklyn for years (a few years). There was one comment made between Sophie & Jules about how it felt odd to spend so much time in Brooklyn - instead of just living in Brooklyn and going to Manhattan to do stuff, like work. Well here they live in Brooklyn, and work in Brooklyn. And that did kind hit me personally as I did live in Brooklyn and commute to Manhattan every workday. Until a hurricane took out my work building for a month years ago and I spent about two months "trapped" in Brooklyn. And it felt odd just being in Brooklyn. And . . . stuff. Right, I should have just gone with: other than a few passing comments here or there, there didn't really seem to be much time spent filling in the area, describing Brooklyn as Brooklyn.
Right - I'm hungry, and can't seem to think of stuff to write so I'll leave things as is. Hopefully my brain will be working when I do the review for book one in this series.
Rating: 4.67
November 15 2021
January 13, 2025
I loved everything about this! It was such a great, well-paced coming-out story with characters I really enjoyed. Sophie and Jules are co-stars in an off-Broadway show with a pretty sizzling romance that turns into true love.
I honestly enjoyed this one more than the first book. It just hit all the right notes for me. Now I’m really looking forward to finally finishing the Midnight in Manhattan series (Idk why I haven’t finished it yet...).
I honestly enjoyed this one more than the first book. It just hit all the right notes for me. Now I’m really looking forward to finally finishing the Midnight in Manhattan series (Idk why I haven’t finished it yet...).
November 11, 2022
For a second in a series this was better than I expected. The plot line as unusual as that of volume one it is set in the orbit of Eve and Josie's club and kitten rescue operation, only here both of the ladies are an actress/dancer in an off Broadway musical production. The one thing about the talented and beautiful Julia I do not dig is her preference to be called Jules and every time in a conversation she actually corrects people calling her Julia caused an Eye roll, which is why my five stars are really only 4.6 stars rounded up. A beautiful very feminine bisexual (I still doubt that, too) woman calling herself by her elder brothers' childhood nickname?
OK. Otherwise the storyline is very inventive and even the use of the same plot device in two difffrent contexts with different outcomes doesn't seem forced or incongruous. There are, of course, doubts and lacks of self esteem (as native German I refuse to use the German word Angst, as it has a very clear meaning) that the two ladies have to work through, but here it is said plot device, that helps them fining each other in the end and admit how irrational they sometimes behaved.
OK. Otherwise the storyline is very inventive and even the use of the same plot device in two difffrent contexts with different outcomes doesn't seem forced or incongruous. There are, of course, doubts and lacks of self esteem (as native German I refuse to use the German word Angst, as it has a very clear meaning) that the two ladies have to work through, but here it is said plot device, that helps them fining each other in the end and admit how irrational they sometimes behaved.
October 17, 2023
Hmm, I didn't particularly dislike this. However, some things that were already irking me as it is, becoming overly repetitive did dampen my enjoyment of the story.
Sophie's pushing for Jules to come out seemed overused to me, not to mention she changed her opinion on the situation too often. It just seemed off. It didn't do her character justice.
Some scenes handle her insecurities very well, so we understand where she's coming from, and it's relatable and valid. And then, mid chapter, she just switches to being selfish, I don't have a better word for it. I just got tired of it when it happened for like the 5th time.
This aside, I did enjoy the story and the theatre setting. I did like both Jules and Sophie, I just wish Sophie wasn't used this much as the main drama source.
Sophie's pushing for Jules to come out seemed overused to me, not to mention she changed her opinion on the situation too often. It just seemed off. It didn't do her character justice.
Some scenes handle her insecurities very well, so we understand where she's coming from, and it's relatable and valid. And then, mid chapter, she just switches to being selfish, I don't have a better word for it. I just got tired of it when it happened for like the 5th time.
This aside, I did enjoy the story and the theatre setting. I did like both Jules and Sophie, I just wish Sophie wasn't used this much as the main drama source.
July 27, 2023
Jules and Sophia meet when they audition for the lead in an off-Broadway play about a woman coming to terms with her sexuality which runs parallel to Jules's current situation. Sophia is crushed when Jules is cast as the lead but made do being a member of the ensemble and understudy for both leads. As the two work together, their friendship turns to more but Jules's struggle with her sexuality combined with Sohpie's desire for a leading role could throw a wrench in their longing for happily ever ever.
I absolutely love Sophie and Jules (who we met in Don't Cry for Me) as they're really likable and relatable women. Their story is emotional without any unnecessary drama and angst. I was thrilled that Josie and Eve (from Don't Cry for Me), play a part in this second book. Being a part of their story's continuation is really important for me as I adore them both.
Updated review:
Lori Prince does an incredible job with the narration of It's in Her Kiss! Her voices for the characters are perfect and her ability to continue using Josie and Eve's voices from book one is amazing. The emotion she's able to infuse in her performance is such a perfect addition to Rachel Lacey's wonderful storyline. She is the perfect narrator for this wonderful series! So mix yourself a class of Broadway Bubbles and settle in for an incredible listen!
I received a review copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the second book in the Midnight in Manhattan series and can certainly be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading book one first.
I absolutely love Sophie and Jules (who we met in Don't Cry for Me) as they're really likable and relatable women. Their story is emotional without any unnecessary drama and angst. I was thrilled that Josie and Eve (from Don't Cry for Me), play a part in this second book. Being a part of their story's continuation is really important for me as I adore them both.
Updated review:
Lori Prince does an incredible job with the narration of It's in Her Kiss! Her voices for the characters are perfect and her ability to continue using Josie and Eve's voices from book one is amazing. The emotion she's able to infuse in her performance is such a perfect addition to Rachel Lacey's wonderful storyline. She is the perfect narrator for this wonderful series! So mix yourself a class of Broadway Bubbles and settle in for an incredible listen!
I received a review copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the second book in the Midnight in Manhattan series and can certainly be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading book one first.
September 22, 2024
Rachel Lacey is so reliable. Her writing is like hanging out with your favorite friend. We follow Jules and Sophie through the opening of their off-broadway show. It’s set in Brooklyn, which I kinda liked. Neither of them are stars, so we don’t deal with any of the celebrity trope. Just some talented ladies trying to live the dream on Broadway, even though they are competing for the same roles. It’s not enemies to lovers though.
I’ll start with the spice and steam. That first kiss? Adorable. The phone spice was smokin’ hot. Jules and Sophie had great chemistry and Rachel writes some of the best spice out there. There’s one spicy scene that others have said was uncomfortable considering it was during the conflict of the story. I liked it and I felt like it went along with the frustration the MCs were experiencing. Not a thing wrong with banging one out when you’re really frustrated and need to get some emotions out. Wow, that made me sound super classy.
Sophie is getting over some hurt and has trust issues. This is Jules’ toaster oven story. There’s gonna be some angst, but it isn’t too much and they overcome it pretty quickly in the last 25% of the book. The supporting characters were pretty minor and the story focuses mostly on Jules and Sophie and they don’t distract from the story, but they don’t add to it either.
I’ll start with the spice and steam. That first kiss? Adorable. The phone spice was smokin’ hot. Jules and Sophie had great chemistry and Rachel writes some of the best spice out there. There’s one spicy scene that others have said was uncomfortable considering it was during the conflict of the story. I liked it and I felt like it went along with the frustration the MCs were experiencing. Not a thing wrong with banging one out when you’re really frustrated and need to get some emotions out. Wow, that made me sound super classy.
Sophie is getting over some hurt and has trust issues. This is Jules’ toaster oven story. There’s gonna be some angst, but it isn’t too much and they overcome it pretty quickly in the last 25% of the book. The supporting characters were pretty minor and the story focuses mostly on Jules and Sophie and they don’t distract from the story, but they don’t add to it either.
August 6, 2020
This was a good, but fairly predictable lesfic. The writing was solid and the characters felt well defined. There were a few emotional parts of the story I can honestly say I felt were really strong and well written. I did see certain moments of the plot coming and it dragged in a couple of places, but overall it was a good story.
May 8, 2024
This could easily have been a competitive rival kind of story but i so much appreciate how the story turned out.
July 25, 2020
Really a 3.5 for me but rounded up because I really, really liked the first half or so.
I loved the premise and, while it did end up pretty much how I predicted from the start, it took some twists and turns I didn't expect which is always nice.
For me the star of the book was Jules and her journey - and her family. She felt incredibly real to me and I spent the entire book cheering for her to be happy and to succeed. Sophie, on the other hand, made me cringe and groan and mostly want to have her go away so Jules could meet someone else. I found her just too whiny and her regular self-pity and self-doubt to be tiring and whenever we were in her POV I wanted to get back inside Jules's head instead.
Clearly from the rating, though, I did enjoy the book and plan to read the first in the series soon. Which reminds me... The couple from the first book do show up fairly regularly in this one which wasn't a problem for me. Until the epilogue. I don't want to give anything away but if, like me, you started with the second book, you might find it a bit anti-climactic. So maybe start with the first.
Big thanks to the author for sending me an ARC. I wasn't familiar with her work and have a new writer to choose from when I need a shot of angsty romance with some humor added for good measure.
I loved the premise and, while it did end up pretty much how I predicted from the start, it took some twists and turns I didn't expect which is always nice.
For me the star of the book was Jules and her journey - and her family. She felt incredibly real to me and I spent the entire book cheering for her to be happy and to succeed. Sophie, on the other hand, made me cringe and groan and mostly want to have her go away so Jules could meet someone else. I found her just too whiny and her regular self-pity and self-doubt to be tiring and whenever we were in her POV I wanted to get back inside Jules's head instead.
Clearly from the rating, though, I did enjoy the book and plan to read the first in the series soon. Which reminds me... The couple from the first book do show up fairly regularly in this one which wasn't a problem for me. Until the epilogue. I don't want to give anything away but if, like me, you started with the second book, you might find it a bit anti-climactic. So maybe start with the first.
Big thanks to the author for sending me an ARC. I wasn't familiar with her work and have a new writer to choose from when I need a shot of angsty romance with some humor added for good measure.
August 25, 2020
This is a delightful book with a story in the Midnight in Manhattan series by Rachel Lacey. It is a book that gives us two main characters Julia and Sophie, who are actresses on the Broadway circuit. They meet while auditioning for the same part in a show that features a storyline of coming out that mirrors the life that Julia finds herself within. It is a well written story, with humor, angst, steamy sex, some behind the scenes theatre life and two characters that you want to root for to the end. There is a third book planned for the series and I am anxious to read that as well. I recommend this book to curl up with and read.
I received a copy of the book from the author in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of the book from the author in return for an honest review.
November 29, 2021
This is the second book of the Midnight in Manhattan series. Although it can be read standalone, I do recommend starting it from the first book. I love celebrity romance, especially one of the MCs is not famous, and In this book, both MCs are not famous and are all struggling in the industry. It's amazing how Rachel portrait the internal conflict and the ugly, bitter emotion on both MCs so well. Also, the level of angst in this book is just perfect!
This is also my second time reading Rachel Lacey's book, and I intend to read all of her books after It's in Her Kiss.
This is also my second time reading Rachel Lacey's book, and I intend to read all of her books after It's in Her Kiss.
January 29, 2022
Fantastic
So I read this in literally 17 hours whilst breaking for sleep! I didn’t want to put it down!
We first met Jules in the first book, Don’t Cry For Me! She turned out to be much different than my first impressions of her in the initial book.
I found Jules’ confidence to be a breathe of fresh air, all to often the character in her position is so insecure and I loved Lacey’s take on confident but still with some concerns, it was new and I felt I could relate to it personally.
I liked that Sophie’s insecurities didn’t dominate every interaction in the book and only showed a few times, I felt those times were well placed and never veered into the overly dramatic realms. Lacey done a great job with this.
I loved their chemistry and I loved that there was no slow burn! I’ve only just come across this author recently and I will definitely continue to read more! I’m going to start the 3rd book immediately🙂
So I read this in literally 17 hours whilst breaking for sleep! I didn’t want to put it down!
We first met Jules in the first book, Don’t Cry For Me! She turned out to be much different than my first impressions of her in the initial book.
I found Jules’ confidence to be a breathe of fresh air, all to often the character in her position is so insecure and I loved Lacey’s take on confident but still with some concerns, it was new and I felt I could relate to it personally.
I liked that Sophie’s insecurities didn’t dominate every interaction in the book and only showed a few times, I felt those times were well placed and never veered into the overly dramatic realms. Lacey done a great job with this.
I loved their chemistry and I loved that there was no slow burn! I’ve only just come across this author recently and I will definitely continue to read more! I’m going to start the 3rd book immediately🙂
May 5, 2023
rachel lacey has DONE. IT. AGAIN. i usually am not a fan of a series, but jesus christ i love this book. i love this series. eve and josie were so perfect that i thought they would have no competition at all, but jules and soph REALLY give them a run for their money. i can’t wait to read the next one in this series.
August 10, 2023
Both Jules and Sophie have dreams of a life onstage, on Broadway. Both had been to multiple auditions and have been trying for their big break for the last decade. They meet when they audition for the same part.
I did like the direction this took. The theater kittens from book 1 (Pippen and Phantom) are thriving in their new home. It's always nice when families are supportive.
RBSB: we Have the Same Job Square
I did like the direction this took. The theater kittens from book 1 (Pippen and Phantom) are thriving in their new home. It's always nice when families are supportive.
RBSB: we Have the Same Job Square
June 21, 2023
I’ll start this review by saying that the author’s writing style may not be for me. I thought maybe i would like this book more than the first because I was intrigued by the unique plot. But I found myself more bored by this one and struggled to continue reading when I noticed how similar some plot points were to the first one.
I also wasn’t as interested in the characters in this one, especially Sophie who I thought was quite negative at times. I could understand her bitterness considering her lack of career growth after 10 years of working hard but I felt like most of her internal monologues mentioned her bitterness and frustration and that took me out of the story a lot. Jules was little better because she felt more like a well rounded and deep character - I enjoyed seeing her relationships with her family, I feel like those interactions gave us a good insight into who she is.
I’m giving this 3.5 stars because I liked the book in the beginning and appreciated the creativity in the plot. I might check out the rest of the books in this series because they also had great synopses and I would love to hear about how the other characters are doing.
I also wasn’t as interested in the characters in this one, especially Sophie who I thought was quite negative at times. I could understand her bitterness considering her lack of career growth after 10 years of working hard but I felt like most of her internal monologues mentioned her bitterness and frustration and that took me out of the story a lot. Jules was little better because she felt more like a well rounded and deep character - I enjoyed seeing her relationships with her family, I feel like those interactions gave us a good insight into who she is.
I’m giving this 3.5 stars because I liked the book in the beginning and appreciated the creativity in the plot. I might check out the rest of the books in this series because they also had great synopses and I would love to hear about how the other characters are doing.
October 29, 2020
Great book two in the series. I love the crossover of characters. Jules is finally accepting her attraction to women. Sophie is trying hard not to be discouraged about her acting career. When they are both cast in the same play there attraction to each other is electric. Josie and Eve make several appearances to offer advice and support. I am looking forward to the next book.
November 13, 2021
Lovely read. Well paced, with just enough details on the theatre world to keep things interesting. The culmination of events leading to dark moment in the romance was also well executed, likewise its resolution.
September 22, 2020
3.75 stars, rounded up to an even 4. This is a coming out HEA actress book. This was a short & pleasant read, at songs points it dragged a bit but that is my only complaint.
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