Audition for Love: A Steamy Small Town Billionaire Romance

by Clarisse Dawn

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2026

Reviews

[Amira Adli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for letting me witness this story before the curtain officially rose !

Clarisse Dawn truly did something with Audition for Love.

She invites us into a world where a dusty old theater becomes a battlefield, a sanctuary, and the birthplace of something so achingly tender you’ll feel it in your bones. And at the center of it all? A ruthless businessman in a tailored suit and a stubborn dreamer with glitter in her veins — both pretending they don’t feel the spark that’s about to set their world on fire.

Nicholas walked in thinking he was just making a business decision. Cold. Logical. And I was ready to dislike him, truly. The sighs when he said something infuriatingly arrogant? Frequent. The number of times I wanted to shake him? Embarrassing. The man says things that make you want to shake him. But the thing about him… is that he starts falling before he even realizes he’s standing on the edge. It’s the slow realization — almost reluctant — that not everything valuable can be measured in profit margins.

And Brittany? She is fire wrapped in determination. She refuses to let him reduce her passion to sentiment. She fights for her theater like it’s breathing, like it’s alive — and in her hands, it truly is. I loved how she never shrinks herself to make him comfortable. She doesn’t soften her convictions. She challenges him, yes — but she also listens and above all she made him feel.

What I liked is how their love didn’t explode overnight. It unfolded. Carefully. Underneath pride and opposing visions, there were moments of understanding that felt far more intimate than grand declarations.

Their dynamic is that push and pull - reason versus passion where neither of them is entirely right or wrong.

There’s something quietly poetic about love blooming in a place built for performances, only for the most important act to happen offstage, in the choices they make when no one is watching.

This book is a performance in itself. Every glance, every sharp exchange feels like a carefully rehearsed scene that somehow still feels raw and real, and the story isn’t just about saving a theater. It’s about saving the parts of ourselves we thought were impractical. Too emotional. It’s about choosing love even when logic tells you to walk away.

So if you love
• Enemies to lovers
• A grumpy, emotionally repressed man unraveling
• A heroine who stands her ground

Just read it.

Because sometimes the most important performance isn’t the one on stage — it’s the one where you finally allow yourself to love.

[Nicole Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicholas (NEVER Nick) and Brit (NEVER Brittany) are quite literally complete opposites. He is the big bad billionaire with his eyes set on the prize. The prize being an old theater that is in crippling debt and disrepair. Brit has made it her mission to save her beloved theater and not even the handsome, swoony Nicholas will get in her way!

These two start off on completely opposite sides of the spectrum, but somehow, throughout this novella, they find a cute middle ground. I wouldn't classify this as insta-lust or insta-love because it takes a lot of effort to get these two to let their guard down.

However, Brit reminds Nicholas of what it means to let loose and Nicholas is a steady support system for the chaotic Brit. I loved their chemistry and how their relationship evolved. It felt natural and it truly grew as they got to know one another.

Audition for Love was an awesome read and despite his grumpiness, Nicholas won my heart. I admired Brit's tenacity and self-motivation but it was a relief when she finally realized she didn't need to carry the burden alone.

I have really enjoyed getting to know the people of Three Heart Lake and I can't wait to see what Clarisse has in store for us next!

[Charlotte Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audition For Love is a quick and easy read that instantly sucks you in with the MC's being complete opposites, age gap and how they both try toignore the attractionbrweing between them.

We meet Britt a feisty small town girl desperately trying to save her local run down theatre from being bought buy the ever serious Nicholas (never Nick or Nicky).

Nicholas thought he'd go in and offer a price that will be able to clear the debts the theatre are in and be able to go on his merry way, he never anticipated Britt fighting him on it.

What starts out as a plan to show Nicholas everything the theatre has to offer becomes a chance for them to learn about eachother and for their relationship to grow.

This is such a good romantic novella and I can't wait to see what else Clarrisse has to offer us. Hopefully more of Three Hearts Lake!

[Cassi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the ARC!!

a fun and steamy romance that is easy to sink into from the very first chapter. It has that perfect small town feel mixed with a touch of luxury, making the story both cozy and exciting at the same time.

The characters are engaging and have great chemistry that builds naturally as the story goes on. The romance feels playful but also emotional, with moments that show growth and vulnerability alongside the heat. It never feels rushed, and the connection between the main characters is enjoyable to watch unfold.

This book is a great choice if you are looking for a quick romantic read that delivers both spice and heart. It is light enough to fly through but still satisfying, making it perfect for when you want a feel good romance with a little extra heat.

[Canadiansweety_85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I loved how Nicholas and Britt were seemingly different in age and upbringing among other ways - but in Britt’s attempt to make Nicholas see the theatre 🎭 in a different light / way he also found another part of himself that had been long hidden and learned to laugh and smile again even reaching out to his brother with whom he’d long since been on shaky ground with. I also loved the character growth of both characters as well. I would definitely recommend reading this book to others as well

[Tracy Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, fast-paced, quick read by Clarisse Dawn. At only 98 pages, it is an easy book to read in just a couple of hours and to feel happy in the end. There was a great spicy scene, but most of the book was heartfelt (and angry at times), and it was very relatable. Although it seemed the couple skipped a few scenes, it was easy to get lost in the book and not need to come out until it was finished.
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun story. Britt is a firecracker. I loved her determination. She was prepared to set Nicholas straight right away. He was such a stuffed suit in the beginning. I had to giggle with how determined he was to make that theater into something it wasn’t meant to be. But as him and Britt connected, you could see his facade slipping as he grew intrigued with her. I’m even though there was an age gap, these two connected so well. They had some pretty sick moments as well. I really enjoyed this fun and quick read.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A steamy, grumpy/sunshine workplace romance with a splash of Broadway passion, perfect for readers who love laugh-out-loud banter, open-door heat, enemies-to-lovers, and a happily ever after worth fighting for.'

The characters were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, but I thought it moved a little fast. As a second time ARC reader for Clarisse, I can appreciate that a novella is going to move quick, but this story felt like we jumped a few steps, or I missed a few beats. I absolutely loved the MMC *and* the FMC, and the spicy scenes were 10/10 for sure. However, the plot moved along really quickly and at times, it was hard to follow. Almost like, the reader had to fill in the blanks, which I can understand, but I would have liked more detail around certain interactions. Loved how there was no major conflict, but I would have appreciated more yearning. I really enjoyed the story overall, it was a great unique storyline, and I will definitely read more Clarisse Dawn.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicholas and Britt’s story was a little quirky. This charming small town story had a pretty hefty age gap, a grumpy hero who realises he may be focussing on the wrong thing, and a heroine who just wants to make a difference.

It moved fairly quickly, involved a third-act breakup (ugh!), and a few important life lessons.
It was enjoyable.

[Maria Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Made me feel all the emotions! I laughed I cried I fell in love with Britt and Nicholas! The spice the romance the banter . Britt and Nicholas story is top tier! This book caught my attention from the very beginning. Looking forward to reading more books by this author. I recieved the book as an ARC read from the author . These are my honest views and opinions.

[Indie · Rating 4 out of 5]

the theatre.. save or a money pit ? loved it !! love Nicholas and Britt.. this is their story... a fun fast paced slow burn rom/com drama... he wants to tear down the theatre... she wants to save it... it's a money pit... it's old and falling apart... sparks fly and more... this is a sweet story...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MargaretBadham · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the book!

I loved the book Audition for love ! It’s a short book that you can get lost in for a few hours. The main characters were great and the contrast of the two made you keep turning the pages……
I loved how the author bought the characters to life!

Looking forward to her next book…..Sparks at the Faire

[brynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say a 3.5. It was a good story, but I wish we got more scenes that were actually at the theatre & I wish we saw her friends more.

[Holly Smallwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a cute little read. It's only about 100 pages, so there isn't a lot of time for the romance between the characters to develop, so it's less believable and impactful.

I would describe it as a romance brochure rather than a novel. It hits everything you want in a hallmark style story, without much depth. Despite that, it's still a nice read, with some decent spice.

[Alicia Newby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and very cute age gap, billionaire romance. I loved the chemistry between the two characters and wished the story was longer! Great little read!

[BookishBabes98 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the cutest little story. I personally don't love an age gap, but this was thoughtful, not super weird and very sweet. The FMC was full of personality and love for her craft and her community, and the MMC wasn't evil. He was a business man who knew what the numbers told him, and in the end did what was right even if it wasn't considered 'smart'. I liked how they didn't end up together right after and let things cool down so it was clear that it wasn't meant to be a powerplay and overall I really enjoyed reading this story!

[Almie M]

This was such a cute and refreshing read! I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters were likeable, realistic and relatively low drama. If you are a contemporary romance reader, you won’t be disappointed!