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Meet Me on Stage Right: An Oceanside Theater Novel
A girl who’s finding her place off the stage and a boy finding his place on it.
Story Madden had everything planned out. Get into a good theater program, succeed in the program, and become a star outside of her hometown of Oceanside, Virginia. But when a medical diagnosis throws a wrench in her plans, she’s forced to come up with an alternate path. Now working on the Stage Crew for her local theater company, she’s faced with the heartache that comes from not being onstage and anxiety of not knowing what comes next. That is until the new guy in town asks for her onstage expertise.
Corbyn Davis has spent his whole life living in the rocky terrain of Colorado. But when his dad suddenly passes away, his mom decides she wants a fresh start. Now he’s thousands of miles away from home, with no clue what’s next. When he sees an ad for a local theater's production of Legally Blonde, he decides to join. After all, he has nothing to lose. Following a series of auditions, he lands a bigger role than he anticipated. He quickly realizes he’s in over his head and needs help. He’s pointed in the direction of Story, the girl he saw during auditions who he can’t stop thinking about.
Story agrees to help Corbyn navigate this new experience, quickly becoming friends and then more. But what happens when life changes bring obstacles of anxiety and decisions about the future? Will they be able to catch one another as they fall or will their current life and mental challenges pull them apart?
Meet Me on Stage Right is a contemporary romance and coming of age novel for readers looking for musical theater, strangers to friends to lovers, and mental health representation.
Story Madden had everything planned out. Get into a good theater program, succeed in the program, and become a star outside of her hometown of Oceanside, Virginia. But when a medical diagnosis throws a wrench in her plans, she’s forced to come up with an alternate path. Now working on the Stage Crew for her local theater company, she’s faced with the heartache that comes from not being onstage and anxiety of not knowing what comes next. That is until the new guy in town asks for her onstage expertise.
Corbyn Davis has spent his whole life living in the rocky terrain of Colorado. But when his dad suddenly passes away, his mom decides she wants a fresh start. Now he’s thousands of miles away from home, with no clue what’s next. When he sees an ad for a local theater's production of Legally Blonde, he decides to join. After all, he has nothing to lose. Following a series of auditions, he lands a bigger role than he anticipated. He quickly realizes he’s in over his head and needs help. He’s pointed in the direction of Story, the girl he saw during auditions who he can’t stop thinking about.
Story agrees to help Corbyn navigate this new experience, quickly becoming friends and then more. But what happens when life changes bring obstacles of anxiety and decisions about the future? Will they be able to catch one another as they fall or will their current life and mental challenges pull them apart?
Meet Me on Stage Right is a contemporary romance and coming of age novel for readers looking for musical theater, strangers to friends to lovers, and mental health representation.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 20, 2025
3,75 stars!⭐️ (ARC, gifted by Soleil writing agency)
I have a confession to make... I do not like musicals. Yet I really wanted to read this book, because the story sounded interesting and I love when books have mental health representation!
The beginning is gripping and makes you curious to see what will happen.
Although the beginning sometimes kind of felt like an infodump. There was also information shared that we didn't really need for the rest of the book. Ofcourse we meet new characters, like Story's best friends. We immediately got to know their whole personality. This was helpful, but I would have liked it more if that information would be given more gradually.
I really liked the setting. As I said before, I am not into theater, but I quite liked learning about how the stage works. Learning about different jobs that need to be done, the timeline of making a show. It was all quite interesting, and also very accessible for a newbie. There is also a glossary in the beginning, which was really nice.
The relationship between Corbyn and Story was really beautiful. The communication was good (!!!), and there was just a lot of respect towards each other and their families. It felt realistic and I liked that they didn't immediately go 'all-in'.
What really elevated the story was the side characters. We have the cast, which includes Story's best friends and Corbyn and his friends. We also meet some of the stage crew, which includes Story and Avery. We also meet Corbyn's little sisters, who were just a ray of sunshine. All the characters had something to add to the story, wether this be comedic relief or in-depth conversations. They were all really supportive and it really elevated the story.
There is on thing that would have made the book probably a whole star higher for me. That is the writing. Although I liked the writing, and it was fast-paced and left out the nonsense, what I really missed is something called 'Show, don't tell'.
This is an example:
Telling: X was scared.
Showing: X's breath caught, and her fingers clutched the blanket tight.
This book was almost entirely 'Telling'. It would have really elevated the book for me if there was more 'Showing'. Maybe a whole star higher for my rating.
The anxiety representation was done really well. It felt realistic and I could relate. So I was happy to see this representation, and also how side characters helped Story deal with it. Also, the scene with the hug was just the cutest!
The ending was really nice, and the story was just told so good. I was hooked until the end.
In conclusion, I really liked it! The story was really good and interesting, even to a not-theater-liker. The side characters really elevated it, and the realistic anxiety representation was done really well. Even though the writing was nice and fast-paced, what would have made it better for me would be more 'Show, don't tell'.
I have a confession to make... I do not like musicals. Yet I really wanted to read this book, because the story sounded interesting and I love when books have mental health representation!
The beginning is gripping and makes you curious to see what will happen.
Although the beginning sometimes kind of felt like an infodump. There was also information shared that we didn't really need for the rest of the book. Ofcourse we meet new characters, like Story's best friends. We immediately got to know their whole personality. This was helpful, but I would have liked it more if that information would be given more gradually.
I really liked the setting. As I said before, I am not into theater, but I quite liked learning about how the stage works. Learning about different jobs that need to be done, the timeline of making a show. It was all quite interesting, and also very accessible for a newbie. There is also a glossary in the beginning, which was really nice.
The relationship between Corbyn and Story was really beautiful. The communication was good (!!!), and there was just a lot of respect towards each other and their families. It felt realistic and I liked that they didn't immediately go 'all-in'.
What really elevated the story was the side characters. We have the cast, which includes Story's best friends and Corbyn and his friends. We also meet some of the stage crew, which includes Story and Avery. We also meet Corbyn's little sisters, who were just a ray of sunshine. All the characters had something to add to the story, wether this be comedic relief or in-depth conversations. They were all really supportive and it really elevated the story.
There is on thing that would have made the book probably a whole star higher for me. That is the writing. Although I liked the writing, and it was fast-paced and left out the nonsense, what I really missed is something called 'Show, don't tell'.
This is an example:
Telling: X was scared.
Showing: X's breath caught, and her fingers clutched the blanket tight.
This book was almost entirely 'Telling'. It would have really elevated the book for me if there was more 'Showing'. Maybe a whole star higher for my rating.
The anxiety representation was done really well. It felt realistic and I could relate. So I was happy to see this representation, and also how side characters helped Story deal with it. Also, the scene with the hug was just the cutest!
The ending was really nice, and the story was just told so good. I was hooked until the end.
In conclusion, I really liked it! The story was really good and interesting, even to a not-theater-liker. The side characters really elevated it, and the realistic anxiety representation was done really well. Even though the writing was nice and fast-paced, what would have made it better for me would be more 'Show, don't tell'.
August 20, 2025
3.5⭐️
I’m grateful for receiving this arc and I was really excited by the concept of this book however the execution perhaps was not for me.
I really enjoyed the characters and the found family aspect. The setting of the theatre company was really fun and it’s so obvious from reading books like this how many people wish this industry was less brutal and toxic and try to fix it with a really inclusive and supportive space. I really enjoyed this part of the story I just wish it was more real. The healthy communication between Story and Corbyn was refreshing and honestly I need more books with no third act breakup because I loved the structure of this story and seeing their relationship develop but also then see them navigate being together. I’m the biggest sucker of established relationship romances.
The mental health representation here is probably some of the best I’ve personally seen and as someone with a background in theatre I felt that this book really hit the nail in the head with the vibes of putting on a show. I could feel all the characters emotions during show week.
To be truthful, as cute as these characters were sometimes, the nicknames really took me out and were just a little too cringe for me. I sometimes found the writing a little waffley and the characters seemed to be treated like they were teenagers rather than adults. Being the same age as these characters, I would not be happy if someone called me ‘kid’ especially from my boss no matter how long I’ve known them for. Sometimes there were references that didn’t quite get explained. As someone who hasn’t seen The Princess Bride I really could have done with more context at these references because I felt a bit left out having to google character names.
Either way, I really loved this world and I would happily return and read more of this series!
I’m grateful for receiving this arc and I was really excited by the concept of this book however the execution perhaps was not for me.
I really enjoyed the characters and the found family aspect. The setting of the theatre company was really fun and it’s so obvious from reading books like this how many people wish this industry was less brutal and toxic and try to fix it with a really inclusive and supportive space. I really enjoyed this part of the story I just wish it was more real. The healthy communication between Story and Corbyn was refreshing and honestly I need more books with no third act breakup because I loved the structure of this story and seeing their relationship develop but also then see them navigate being together. I’m the biggest sucker of established relationship romances.
The mental health representation here is probably some of the best I’ve personally seen and as someone with a background in theatre I felt that this book really hit the nail in the head with the vibes of putting on a show. I could feel all the characters emotions during show week.
To be truthful, as cute as these characters were sometimes, the nicknames really took me out and were just a little too cringe for me. I sometimes found the writing a little waffley and the characters seemed to be treated like they were teenagers rather than adults. Being the same age as these characters, I would not be happy if someone called me ‘kid’ especially from my boss no matter how long I’ve known them for. Sometimes there were references that didn’t quite get explained. As someone who hasn’t seen The Princess Bride I really could have done with more context at these references because I felt a bit left out having to google character names.
Either way, I really loved this world and I would happily return and read more of this series!
September 8, 2025
3.5/5
I received a review copy. These are my thoughts:
This was a really cute debut and perfect for fans of theatre and musical theatre.
Story has always wanted to be an actress but this year, she finds herself unable to perform. She then joins the stage crew as a way to still be around her friends and the theatre she has called her "home" for the last few seasons. Corbyn is new in town. After having moved to Oceanside from the Colorado mountains, he's a little lost. He decides to join the theatre company for the season. Feeling like a fish out of water, he asks Story to be his mentor in the preparation process for the musical the company is putting on. We follow Story, Corbyn and the rest of the theatre crew as they prepare for the opening show of the season.
Sparks fly from the moment Story and Corbyn meet and their relationship develops very organically. They are sweet and supportive of each other. Both struggle with not being sure of their place in, both in the theatre and life. Story also suffers from anxiety and has to learn to ask for help. I enjoyed seeing both, but especially Story, grow and understand that sometimes life doesn't go according to plan and that change is ok. I also enjoyed the dynamics of the theatre crew (both actors and backstage crew).
There was a lot of theatre terminology which was thoroughly explained at the beginning of the book.
Overall, this was a cute romance and an interesting insight into theatre and what putting on a stage production entails.
[No spice]
I received a review copy. These are my thoughts:
This was a really cute debut and perfect for fans of theatre and musical theatre.
Story has always wanted to be an actress but this year, she finds herself unable to perform. She then joins the stage crew as a way to still be around her friends and the theatre she has called her "home" for the last few seasons. Corbyn is new in town. After having moved to Oceanside from the Colorado mountains, he's a little lost. He decides to join the theatre company for the season. Feeling like a fish out of water, he asks Story to be his mentor in the preparation process for the musical the company is putting on. We follow Story, Corbyn and the rest of the theatre crew as they prepare for the opening show of the season.
Sparks fly from the moment Story and Corbyn meet and their relationship develops very organically. They are sweet and supportive of each other. Both struggle with not being sure of their place in, both in the theatre and life. Story also suffers from anxiety and has to learn to ask for help. I enjoyed seeing both, but especially Story, grow and understand that sometimes life doesn't go according to plan and that change is ok. I also enjoyed the dynamics of the theatre crew (both actors and backstage crew).
There was a lot of theatre terminology which was thoroughly explained at the beginning of the book.
Overall, this was a cute romance and an interesting insight into theatre and what putting on a stage production entails.
[No spice]
September 2, 2025
I want to start by thanking Soleil Writing Agency for the opportunity to be an ARC reviewer for Meet Me On Stage Right!!
I will be totally upfront and honest, I don’t think that I’m the correct audience for this book. The Story (😉) seemed well thought out, and if this book came out a decade ago, I think I would’ve loved it. At this point in my life, especially compared to the books I typically read, this felt a little juvenile. I think it’s good, especially for a debut novel!
I have to agree with some of the other reviews, there were times where the text was waffly, and could’ve been shortened/cut altogether and it still would’ve made sense. The characters acted/spoke as though they were in middle/high school, and not post-college.
I think the mental health rep was excellent! The author did a great job of encapsulating what the inner monologue of someone with anxiety is like. And as someone whose dad was a firefighter (retired), what Corbyn and his family went through was my literal worst nightmare and I totally empathize with their grief.
Even though this book isn’t for me, I have no doubt it just needs to find the right audience! I will also never stop supporting/recommending local authors!
I will be totally upfront and honest, I don’t think that I’m the correct audience for this book. The Story (😉) seemed well thought out, and if this book came out a decade ago, I think I would’ve loved it. At this point in my life, especially compared to the books I typically read, this felt a little juvenile. I think it’s good, especially for a debut novel!
I have to agree with some of the other reviews, there were times where the text was waffly, and could’ve been shortened/cut altogether and it still would’ve made sense. The characters acted/spoke as though they were in middle/high school, and not post-college.
I think the mental health rep was excellent! The author did a great job of encapsulating what the inner monologue of someone with anxiety is like. And as someone whose dad was a firefighter (retired), what Corbyn and his family went through was my literal worst nightmare and I totally empathize with their grief.
Even though this book isn’t for me, I have no doubt it just needs to find the right audience! I will also never stop supporting/recommending local authors!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
MY BESTIES DEBUT ROMANCE BOOK!!! 🥳🥳
It was honestly SOOOOO cute!! I got to Alpha read this one and was HIGHLY satisfied!! The plot was SUPER sweet, the theater was theatering (without making you feel stupid if you don’t know theater terms), and the characters are PERFECT!!
Mental Health Rep: I obvi know the author and her story, and it’s so sweet to see her being able to represent mental health and her journey through Story’s journey!! I felt seen and I haven’t even struggled through half the things most people with anxiety have!!
Characters: Corbyn… OH BOY!! I remember commenting a LOT about him and what a gem he is!! The found family in this series is gonna be PERFECTION!! It’s already sweet to see in this first book and I KNOW it’s gonna only grow in the books to come!!
Overall… LOVE THIS STORY!!! 100000/10 recommend (and not just bc she’s my bestie)!! ❤️
It was honestly SOOOOO cute!! I got to Alpha read this one and was HIGHLY satisfied!! The plot was SUPER sweet, the theater was theatering (without making you feel stupid if you don’t know theater terms), and the characters are PERFECT!!
Mental Health Rep: I obvi know the author and her story, and it’s so sweet to see her being able to represent mental health and her journey through Story’s journey!! I felt seen and I haven’t even struggled through half the things most people with anxiety have!!
Characters: Corbyn… OH BOY!! I remember commenting a LOT about him and what a gem he is!! The found family in this series is gonna be PERFECTION!! It’s already sweet to see in this first book and I KNOW it’s gonna only grow in the books to come!!
Overall… LOVE THIS STORY!!! 100000/10 recommend (and not just bc she’s my bestie)!! ❤️
August 30, 2025
I am so very grateful to receive this arc from Soleil Writing Agency ✨✨
This book was enjoyable! The plot was interesting, the anxiety rep written beautifully and the love story sweet and simple. It’s definitely a concept with insane potential.
The one thing that knocked down the stars for me was the sentence structures and in some cases, the writing. In places it felt a bit waffly, with information dumps that weren’t actually relative to the development of the story. Some words and phrases were used repeatedly, and I just felt overall it could have benefitted from another round of refining to improve the tone and reading experience. I felt pulled away from the story a lot due to this.
Apart from that, I did enjoy the concept of this world as I know little about theatre.
3 🌟
Xxxx
This book was enjoyable! The plot was interesting, the anxiety rep written beautifully and the love story sweet and simple. It’s definitely a concept with insane potential.
The one thing that knocked down the stars for me was the sentence structures and in some cases, the writing. In places it felt a bit waffly, with information dumps that weren’t actually relative to the development of the story. Some words and phrases were used repeatedly, and I just felt overall it could have benefitted from another round of refining to improve the tone and reading experience. I felt pulled away from the story a lot due to this.
Apart from that, I did enjoy the concept of this world as I know little about theatre.
3 🌟
Xxxx
January 28, 2026
Great read!
Loved it! Really good read enjoyed it so much! I couldn’t put it down, when I did I just had to pick up the book until I finished it.
Loved it! Really good read enjoyed it so much! I couldn’t put it down, when I did I just had to pick up the book until I finished it.
September 9, 2025
"𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆, 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍. 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕. 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒙𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔. 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈."
I’m a huge fan of musicals and was very excited for this theater romance 😁 I was quickly immersed in the theater life, and it was easy to feel comfortable with these characters. All the behind-the-scenes aspects made me feel as though I was getting ready for the first show of the season alongside the cast and crew. It was very cute seeing Story and Corbyn’s first interactions. Their romance had all the first love, “butterflies in your stomach” feels 😊 I loved the way Corbyn treated Story. He would always give her the space to sit with her anxious thoughts and just be there when she needed him. It was nice seeing these heartwarming moments and being reminded to be patient with yourself. This was such a sweet coming of age story and I'm so grateful to have had this arc opportunity! Thank you 🫶
🎭Theater Romance
💖Dual POV
🎭Mentor x Mentee
💖Strangers to Friends to Lovers
🎭Anxiety & Grief Rep
💖Mutual Pining
🎭No Third Act Breakup
💖Found Family
🎭Coming of Age Novel
I’m a huge fan of musicals and was very excited for this theater romance 😁 I was quickly immersed in the theater life, and it was easy to feel comfortable with these characters. All the behind-the-scenes aspects made me feel as though I was getting ready for the first show of the season alongside the cast and crew. It was very cute seeing Story and Corbyn’s first interactions. Their romance had all the first love, “butterflies in your stomach” feels 😊 I loved the way Corbyn treated Story. He would always give her the space to sit with her anxious thoughts and just be there when she needed him. It was nice seeing these heartwarming moments and being reminded to be patient with yourself. This was such a sweet coming of age story and I'm so grateful to have had this arc opportunity! Thank you 🫶
🎭Theater Romance
💖Dual POV
🎭Mentor x Mentee
💖Strangers to Friends to Lovers
🎭Anxiety & Grief Rep
💖Mutual Pining
🎭No Third Act Breakup
💖Found Family
🎭Coming of Age Novel
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews