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The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances #3
Second Act Romance
Not yet published
Expected 20 Jan 26Two musical theater costars, separated by fate, reunite for a showmance to remember in a sizzling and banter-filled short story about second chances by #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Soto.
When food poisoning takes out the lead in their Valentine’s Day production of Oklahoma!, TV sensation Colby J. Turner swoops in to save the show. But for leading lady Bex Hardgrave, this last-minute casting is more drama than she bargained for. Eight years ago, their onstage chemistry sparked real-life fireworks—until a misunderstanding brought down the curtain on their budding romance. Now they’re sharing the spotlight again, and their old connection is threatening to steal the show. As showtime approaches, Bex and Colby will have to decide if their second-chance romance deserves its own standing ovation.
Julie Soto’s Second Act Romance is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances, stories for star-crossed lovers and hopeless romantics. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Let’s do it again.
When food poisoning takes out the lead in their Valentine’s Day production of Oklahoma!, TV sensation Colby J. Turner swoops in to save the show. But for leading lady Bex Hardgrave, this last-minute casting is more drama than she bargained for. Eight years ago, their onstage chemistry sparked real-life fireworks—until a misunderstanding brought down the curtain on their budding romance. Now they’re sharing the spotlight again, and their old connection is threatening to steal the show. As showtime approaches, Bex and Colby will have to decide if their second-chance romance deserves its own standing ovation.
Julie Soto’s Second Act Romance is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances, stories for star-crossed lovers and hopeless romantics. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Let’s do it again.
- GenresNovella
60 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 20, 2026
1 person is currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
Julie Soto
10 books7,017 followersJULIE SOTO is a USA Today bestselling author, playwright, and actress originally from Sacramento, CA. Her musical Generation Me won the 2017 New York Musical Festival’s Best Musical award, as well as Best Book for her script. She is a musical theater geek, fandom nerd, and the author of many spicy fan fictions. Julie now lives in Fort Bragg, CA, with her dog, Charlie. She is probably drinking coffee as you read this.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
💝 Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances is pure Valentine’s Day love. Six short romances, six wildly different vibes, all rooted in fate, timing, and love getting a do-over.
📧 @christinalauren kicks things off with a laugh-out-loud modern meet-cute featuring a wrong Zoom call, flirty emails, and the realization that the perfect match might be closer than expected.
🇬🇧 @authorhannahby delivers a tender, time-spanning romance where a hidden love from the 1950s reshapes the present, proving some connections are simply meant to find their way back.
🎭 @juliesotowrites turns up the heat with theater-kid chemistry, sharp banter, and a swoony showmance as former costars reunite for a Valentine’s Day production, and a long-overdue second chance.
💘 @authortrilinapucci brings playful chaos and big rom-com energy, from a long-ago Romeo and Juliet kiss to an unforgettable reunion involving Cupid wings, gold shorts, and sizzling chemistry.
❄️ @catherinecowlesauthor blends romance and suspense in a snowy, closed-circle mystery where a masquerade ball, a murder, and falling for your ex’s brother raise the stakes fast.
🪦 @navessa.allen goes gloriously dark and steamy with a scream-from-the-grave meet-cute, a hot gravedigger, and a second-chance romance that’s equal parts unhinged, hilarious, and hot.
This is the perfect short story collection for readers who love fate, Valentine’sDay, and romance that refuses to stay buried. These stories release January 20. Thanks @netgalley for the ALCs.
CW: murder, death, blood, homophobia, death of a grandparent (discussed), emesis, medical content
📧 @christinalauren kicks things off with a laugh-out-loud modern meet-cute featuring a wrong Zoom call, flirty emails, and the realization that the perfect match might be closer than expected.
🇬🇧 @authorhannahby delivers a tender, time-spanning romance where a hidden love from the 1950s reshapes the present, proving some connections are simply meant to find their way back.
🎭 @juliesotowrites turns up the heat with theater-kid chemistry, sharp banter, and a swoony showmance as former costars reunite for a Valentine’s Day production, and a long-overdue second chance.
💘 @authortrilinapucci brings playful chaos and big rom-com energy, from a long-ago Romeo and Juliet kiss to an unforgettable reunion involving Cupid wings, gold shorts, and sizzling chemistry.
❄️ @catherinecowlesauthor blends romance and suspense in a snowy, closed-circle mystery where a masquerade ball, a murder, and falling for your ex’s brother raise the stakes fast.
🪦 @navessa.allen goes gloriously dark and steamy with a scream-from-the-grave meet-cute, a hot gravedigger, and a second-chance romance that’s equal parts unhinged, hilarious, and hot.
This is the perfect short story collection for readers who love fate, Valentine’sDay, and romance that refuses to stay buried. These stories release January 20. Thanks @netgalley for the ALCs.
CW: murder, death, blood, homophobia, death of a grandparent (discussed), emesis, medical content
Displaying 1 of 1 review