Songbird: Celebrity San Francisco Romance

by Kel Bruem

I deserve to be hidden--life taught me that much.
But he won't let me stay in the shadows anymore.

I'm grateful for everything I have--a job in the arts, a San Francisco apartment close to the theatre, and a best friend who sticks to my side like a phantom to an opera. So why do I feel like I'm living my life in the wings? There's more than this, and I want it--bad.

If only I could stop the panic attacks every time I step onto a stage.

That's why I stay in the background--no spotlight, no drama, no dark secrets clawing their way to the surface.

But when I'm assigned to chaperone the show's latest celebrity guest, I can't help but be drawn into his glittering spotlight. He sees something in me that I've been hiding for a decade, and I'm terrified of what it could mean for my life--and for his constant paparazzi problem--to finally share it with the world.

Two lovers in the fog must find a clear path forward as their passions–for theatre and for each other–ignite.

SONGBIRD is a stand-alone celebrity romance set in the theatre world of San Francisco, with popular tropes like They're Neighbors, Grumpy x Sunshine, and There's Only One Bed.

Genres: Amazon

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2025

About the author

Kel Bruem is a Bay Area-based indie monster romance author. Her Unusualities series include WHAT'S LUCK GOT TO DO WITH IT, EVERY BITE YOU TAKE, and the forthcoming NEVER GONNA DIG YOU UP in Fall 2024. She is also an editor for the annual monster romance anthology for debut writers TAILS, TRYSTS, and TENTACLES. When she's not writing, Kel trains her pit bull to be less stupid, explores new restaurants with her husband, and catches flights to her Sagittarian heart's content. You can find her online everywhere @kelbruem.

Reviews

[Amber]

Contemporary romance with theatre meets celebrity love romance. I love that trope and I signed up right away. Absolutely loved this cute quick read!

Celebrity romance
Slow burn
Workplace romance
He falls first
PTSD rep
He talks her thru it
Theatre kids all grown up
Grumpy x Sunshine
They’re neighbors

“I’m still a San Francisco kid at heart, Captain arrow star or not”

[Alyssa Jarrett]

Kel's contemporary romance debut is such a fantastic read. I don't think I've read a man this year who's as down bad as Chris is for Sarah. If you're a fan of the theatre and celebrity love stories, you need Songbird in your life!

[Stephanie]

Life has felt a little heavy lately and this book was the perfect cozy, comfy romance to distract myself. There was delicious food, vivid settings and the absolute greenest green flag MMC. Both characters overcome real obstacles and the mental health rep was well done.

[Marissa]

Such a cute read. If you like a theater and celebrity trope I highly recommend. It was fun to read. (: