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That's (for) Show Biz
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26It was either crash out in front of my ex, or pretend I’m dating my old high school friend Nick. But when Nick kisses me? It doesn’t feel like he’s pretending.
June
At eighteen, I left my hometown in pursuit of big Broadway dreams. But with thirty looming, it’s either kiss my dignity goodbye and start booking children’s birthday parties, or head back home to teach at a summer Conservatory program.
Can’t get any worse, can it?
Apparently it can.
Because my jerk of an ex is on the faculty too. And when he introduces me to his new fiancee, it turns out I do have a smidge of dignity left. So I grab Nick, high school friend and fellow faculty member, and declare that we’ve been dating for months.
To my surprise, Nick goes along with it.
What’s more surprising is that he’s not the quiet nerd I remember from high school. Okay, he’s still nerdy, but as an incredible pianist, he’s also very, very good with his hands.
When I accidentally overhear the song he’s been writing, he confesses the real reason he was so quiet back in school.
But after my agent calls, telling me I booked an audition for a touring show at the end of the summer, it doesn’t matter that I’m falling for Nick. Because despite being an actress, I’ll never play the role of the big city girl who moves back home for a boy.
Right?
If you’re in the mood for a spicy fake relationship with a heroine who’s Too Much, and a hero who’s been pining for a literal decade, then That’s (for) Show Biz is your next must-read.
June
At eighteen, I left my hometown in pursuit of big Broadway dreams. But with thirty looming, it’s either kiss my dignity goodbye and start booking children’s birthday parties, or head back home to teach at a summer Conservatory program.
Can’t get any worse, can it?
Apparently it can.
Because my jerk of an ex is on the faculty too. And when he introduces me to his new fiancee, it turns out I do have a smidge of dignity left. So I grab Nick, high school friend and fellow faculty member, and declare that we’ve been dating for months.
To my surprise, Nick goes along with it.
What’s more surprising is that he’s not the quiet nerd I remember from high school. Okay, he’s still nerdy, but as an incredible pianist, he’s also very, very good with his hands.
When I accidentally overhear the song he’s been writing, he confesses the real reason he was so quiet back in school.
But after my agent calls, telling me I booked an audition for a touring show at the end of the summer, it doesn’t matter that I’m falling for Nick. Because despite being an actress, I’ll never play the role of the big city girl who moves back home for a boy.
Right?
If you’re in the mood for a spicy fake relationship with a heroine who’s Too Much, and a hero who’s been pining for a literal decade, then That’s (for) Show Biz is your next must-read.
- GenresRomance
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 Stars ⭐️
What a debut that this turned out to be.I loved this novel more than I can express!
That's for Show Biz is fun and flirty small town romance with fake dating, friends to lovers and has music and theatre references sprinkled in. I had such a great and fun time with this.
June is back home for the summer to teach theater summer camp at the local college when she runs into her ex. To save the awkward situation unfolding she says that she is dating her old high school friend Nick.
Nick Harper is kind, smart and hot. I mean come on he plays the piano, wears sexy little glasses and has a dirty mouth. What's not to love. Let me just add this man to my list of book boyfriends becuase I fell hard and love him. June Daniels is fun, a bit loud, messy, a little quirky but these are all things that I love about her. She's been told that she's too much and this makes her shy away at times and not feel the confident woman that she is but this only made her feel real and some of the many reasons that I adore her.
The romance between June and Nick was so good and just sizzling. They may have started out as fake dating but they have real chemistry from the start. In part that Nick has had a crush on June since they were in high school. They take their time getting to know one another. Along the way there is flirting, banter, angst. and the yearning that is top tier. If you know me then you know I love me some yearning and Nick's ia some of the bes I've had the pleasure of reading
This was a fun time that had me laughing and kicking my feet. Definitely pick this one up if you love music, plays, and just want to have the best time.
----------------------------------
ᯓ★ Pre-read
This is my first arc!! I am so excited that I was approved and to finally be starting it!! 🙌 💜
What a debut that this turned out to be.I loved this novel more than I can express!
That's for Show Biz is fun and flirty small town romance with fake dating, friends to lovers and has music and theatre references sprinkled in. I had such a great and fun time with this.
June is back home for the summer to teach theater summer camp at the local college when she runs into her ex. To save the awkward situation unfolding she says that she is dating her old high school friend Nick.
Nick Harper is kind, smart and hot. I mean come on he plays the piano, wears sexy little glasses and has a dirty mouth. What's not to love. Let me just add this man to my list of book boyfriends becuase I fell hard and love him. June Daniels is fun, a bit loud, messy, a little quirky but these are all things that I love about her. She's been told that she's too much and this makes her shy away at times and not feel the confident woman that she is but this only made her feel real and some of the many reasons that I adore her.
The romance between June and Nick was so good and just sizzling. They may have started out as fake dating but they have real chemistry from the start. In part that Nick has had a crush on June since they were in high school. They take their time getting to know one another. Along the way there is flirting, banter, angst. and the yearning that is top tier. If you know me then you know I love me some yearning and Nick's ia some of the bes I've had the pleasure of reading
This was a fun time that had me laughing and kicking my feet. Definitely pick this one up if you love music, plays, and just want to have the best time.
----------------------------------
ᯓ★ Pre-read
This is my first arc!! I am so excited that I was approved and to finally be starting it!! 🙌 💜
May 18, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy received from NetGalley
I am overjoyed I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this delightful small town, big dreams rom com! This one is for the eldest daughters, the reformed theater kids (who still burst into song any chance they get), the yearners, and the fans of some very well-written spice. The co-leads, Nick and June, deserve both the world and each other and must be protected at all costs. Love them! But do not count out the amazing side characters in the world of Kinney Run either. I would love to spend an afternoon with both Willow and Ethan. Iris Eden does an amazing job of creating characters you root for while capturing the essence of what a theater camp felt like for both the kids and adults involved. And it truly is like she opened up my brain and asked “what performing arts related spice would you like to read?” And then delivered many times over. I cannot WAIT to read more from her. 🎭
I am overjoyed I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this delightful small town, big dreams rom com! This one is for the eldest daughters, the reformed theater kids (who still burst into song any chance they get), the yearners, and the fans of some very well-written spice. The co-leads, Nick and June, deserve both the world and each other and must be protected at all costs. Love them! But do not count out the amazing side characters in the world of Kinney Run either. I would love to spend an afternoon with both Willow and Ethan. Iris Eden does an amazing job of creating characters you root for while capturing the essence of what a theater camp felt like for both the kids and adults involved. And it truly is like she opened up my brain and asked “what performing arts related spice would you like to read?” And then delivered many times over. I cannot WAIT to read more from her. 🎭
June 2, 2026
The theatre kid in me is fed.
I am a staunch hater of the miscommunication trope but this is NOT THAT. TBH it’s because they’re lying to themselves. I love romcoms like this, where they grow together and individually. They had their own mid-life crises to handle.
I felt June’s cringe at the words “settle down” deeeeeeeeep in my soul. Actually, a lot of this felt like the author pulled out my deepest insecurities and put them down on paper. Is it okay if dreams change? What are dreams vs goals? If I don’t try, I can never fail, right? WTF IRIS? WHY YOU UP IN MY BRAIN?
Overall I neeeeeed to go back to the Conservatory next summer.
Thank you to Iris Eden for the advanced reader copy!
I am a staunch hater of the miscommunication trope but this is NOT THAT. TBH it’s because they’re lying to themselves. I love romcoms like this, where they grow together and individually. They had their own mid-life crises to handle.
I felt June’s cringe at the words “settle down” deeeeeeeeep in my soul. Actually, a lot of this felt like the author pulled out my deepest insecurities and put them down on paper. Is it okay if dreams change? What are dreams vs goals? If I don’t try, I can never fail, right? WTF IRIS? WHY YOU UP IN MY BRAIN?
Overall I neeeeeed to go back to the Conservatory next summer.
Thank you to Iris Eden for the advanced reader copy!
April 29, 2026
OMG, June, the FMC wasn't the only one barking for Nick's hands. Geez... Iris made me dream of hands attached to a fictional man I've never seen lol
Also, you're not ready for Ch. 22. I certainly wasn't. I read this hot and spicy chapter on my way back home after work, and guess what? I missed my bus stop and went too far. I didn't realize it until the end of that chapter. Yes, it was THAT good 😮💨🥵🔥
So, yeah, I really liked this book 😄 And I want more! I need Wil's story, and Laurel's too! Gimme, please.
What to expect:
• dual first person POV
• unique theatre summer camp setting, musical & music references
• he fell first, a decade ago
• eldest daughter FMC in her late twenties
• cinnamon roll MMC with a dirty mouth
• close proximity
• fake dating
• delicious spice (Ch. 22)
• tension, yearning
• slutty little glasses
• great humor
• emotional depth and personal growth
Overall, I really loved Nick and June's story. Watching them unconsciously push each other toward their dreams, and their personal growth was amazing. The ending was so satisfying and hit me right in the feels.
Also, don't miss out on that bonus chapter (newsletter subsription), especially if you couldn't get enough of Nick's mouth (and hands lol).
Thanks to Netgalley and Iris for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Also, you're not ready for Ch. 22. I certainly wasn't. I read this hot and spicy chapter on my way back home after work, and guess what? I missed my bus stop and went too far. I didn't realize it until the end of that chapter. Yes, it was THAT good 😮💨🥵🔥
So, yeah, I really liked this book 😄 And I want more! I need Wil's story, and Laurel's too! Gimme, please.
What to expect:
• dual first person POV
• unique theatre summer camp setting, musical & music references
• he fell first, a decade ago
• eldest daughter FMC in her late twenties
• cinnamon roll MMC with a dirty mouth
• close proximity
• fake dating
• delicious spice (Ch. 22)
• tension, yearning
• slutty little glasses
• great humor
• emotional depth and personal growth
Overall, I really loved Nick and June's story. Watching them unconsciously push each other toward their dreams, and their personal growth was amazing. The ending was so satisfying and hit me right in the feels.
Also, don't miss out on that bonus chapter (newsletter subsription), especially if you couldn't get enough of Nick's mouth (and hands lol).
Thanks to Netgalley and Iris for the opportunity to read this ARC.
April 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Iris Eden for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I had so much fun reading this! First off, the cover art is fully giving Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez vibes, which I absolutely love. But it’s what is inside that really counts, and this delivered. Repeat after me: We. Love. A. Yearning. Man!
This was such an easy, bingeable read. The chemistry between the MMC and FMC was palpable from the start. It features some of my favourite tropes (fake dating and "he falls first" fans, this one is for you) and I honestly couldn't believe this was Iris Eden’s debut novel. The dual POV is perfectly balanced, with a brilliant chapter-by-chapter switch that keeps the momentum going. I couldn’t put this down and finished it in just three sittings!
The sense of humour in here is witty and sarcastic, which is right up my street. It was also such a nice touch to have a FMC in her late twenties, as it felt very refreshing and in line with more of the readers' ages. Even though some of the theatre jargon went over my head, the heart of the story kept me hooked. I truly can’t wait to read whatever Iris writes next.
I had so much fun reading this! First off, the cover art is fully giving Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez vibes, which I absolutely love. But it’s what is inside that really counts, and this delivered. Repeat after me: We. Love. A. Yearning. Man!
This was such an easy, bingeable read. The chemistry between the MMC and FMC was palpable from the start. It features some of my favourite tropes (fake dating and "he falls first" fans, this one is for you) and I honestly couldn't believe this was Iris Eden’s debut novel. The dual POV is perfectly balanced, with a brilliant chapter-by-chapter switch that keeps the momentum going. I couldn’t put this down and finished it in just three sittings!
The sense of humour in here is witty and sarcastic, which is right up my street. It was also such a nice touch to have a FMC in her late twenties, as it felt very refreshing and in line with more of the readers' ages. Even though some of the theatre jargon went over my head, the heart of the story kept me hooked. I truly can’t wait to read whatever Iris writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story had many moments where you can find relatable moments.
June is a woman who has a conflicting mix of feelings. She feels not worth much but also feels more... "Perfect is a trap" fit for her perfectly. She has moments where she truly shined and then other times she just self-sabotaged. I enjoyed that she was the one who said she would "bark". It was amusing that she left him doubting that she was interested while internally she was drooling.
Nick "The reverse superman" was so sweet and had a surprising mouth on him. He has had a crush on June since high school. He came out of his shell more with her advice and it was really cool to see him be more courageous. He took on a caregiver role for his dad after an injury. It was good to see a father own up to his mistakes and further push him to take a chance.
There were parts where it was acknowledged how some people feel like they aren't farther along in life. The fear of aging was prevalent. The pressure to want kids, settle down, and unspoken feelings to people were all in this. The author made me feel understood in these aspects.
I loved willow the sister of June and I hope in the future to see more of her. Chessie and nat were so solid together.
Thank you for putting this in the book because this truly was a hard thing growing up and seeing how much differently i got treated compared to the other siblings. “It’s weird that you and I were raised by the same people, but they weren’t the same parents.”
-Fake dating turns real fast
-Banter
-HEA
-"Nice hands"
-No pregnancy
-He calls her "angel"
June is a woman who has a conflicting mix of feelings. She feels not worth much but also feels more... "Perfect is a trap" fit for her perfectly. She has moments where she truly shined and then other times she just self-sabotaged. I enjoyed that she was the one who said she would "bark". It was amusing that she left him doubting that she was interested while internally she was drooling.
Nick "The reverse superman" was so sweet and had a surprising mouth on him. He has had a crush on June since high school. He came out of his shell more with her advice and it was really cool to see him be more courageous. He took on a caregiver role for his dad after an injury. It was good to see a father own up to his mistakes and further push him to take a chance.
There were parts where it was acknowledged how some people feel like they aren't farther along in life. The fear of aging was prevalent. The pressure to want kids, settle down, and unspoken feelings to people were all in this. The author made me feel understood in these aspects.
I loved willow the sister of June and I hope in the future to see more of her. Chessie and nat were so solid together.
Thank you for putting this in the book because this truly was a hard thing growing up and seeing how much differently i got treated compared to the other siblings. “It’s weird that you and I were raised by the same people, but they weren’t the same parents.”
-Fake dating turns real fast
-Banter
-HEA
-"Nice hands"
-No pregnancy
-He calls her "angel"
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy
When Juniper returns home for a summer long musical camp, she reconnects with Nick, who she went to high school with. After a run in with an ex, June asks Nick to be her fake boyfriend, but soon realises the feelings she has are not fake…
I really enjoyed this story, it was sweet, with a bit of spice! June and Nick were great MCs and there was a whole host of great characters who I really loved, and I do wish we had a bit more of. The setting of a musical summer camp made it an interesting read, and I really liked the different songs for each chapter. There’s definitely a lot of musical theatre references, some which I had to look up as it’s not an area I’m hugely in to.
The spicy scenes were hot, and some of the non spicy scenes had me giggling and kicking my feet ( when June turns Nicks music sheet!!) and who knew a self confessed nerd like Nick would have such a dirty mouth, he had me blushing!
There were a couple of things that got me, Junes constant fear or turning thirty (but that might just be the fact I am over thirty!) and the there was a lot of modern terms used, which I think would really age the book for this year.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I’ll definitely read the other books in the series!
When Juniper returns home for a summer long musical camp, she reconnects with Nick, who she went to high school with. After a run in with an ex, June asks Nick to be her fake boyfriend, but soon realises the feelings she has are not fake…
I really enjoyed this story, it was sweet, with a bit of spice! June and Nick were great MCs and there was a whole host of great characters who I really loved, and I do wish we had a bit more of. The setting of a musical summer camp made it an interesting read, and I really liked the different songs for each chapter. There’s definitely a lot of musical theatre references, some which I had to look up as it’s not an area I’m hugely in to.
The spicy scenes were hot, and some of the non spicy scenes had me giggling and kicking my feet ( when June turns Nicks music sheet!!) and who knew a self confessed nerd like Nick would have such a dirty mouth, he had me blushing!
There were a couple of things that got me, Junes constant fear or turning thirty (but that might just be the fact I am over thirty!) and the there was a lot of modern terms used, which I think would really age the book for this year.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I’ll definitely read the other books in the series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
okay this is one of those books where the setup is doing a lot of the work for me
fake dating with a high school friend??
and he’s been into her for YEARS??
yeah I was already in
I liked that the story leans into:
* theatre / Broadway dreams
* going back home when things don’t work out
* and that awkward situation with the ex (who is engaged… like okay)
Nick was honestly the part that stood out the most to me just from the concept alone. quiet in high school + pianist + long-time feelings is such a specific combo and it works.
June’s situation also felt very real in terms of career pressure—like hitting that point where things aren’t going how you planned.
for me this is very much a trope-driven read. if you like:
* fake dating
* friends to lovers
* “he’s liked her forever”
then it’s easy to get into.
Overall, I liked the overall idea and dynamic, but I’m mostly here for how the relationship plays out.
Thank you Publisher, Netgalley and Author for an early arc.
fake dating with a high school friend??
and he’s been into her for YEARS??
yeah I was already in
I liked that the story leans into:
* theatre / Broadway dreams
* going back home when things don’t work out
* and that awkward situation with the ex (who is engaged… like okay)
Nick was honestly the part that stood out the most to me just from the concept alone. quiet in high school + pianist + long-time feelings is such a specific combo and it works.
June’s situation also felt very real in terms of career pressure—like hitting that point where things aren’t going how you planned.
for me this is very much a trope-driven read. if you like:
* fake dating
* friends to lovers
* “he’s liked her forever”
then it’s easy to get into.
Overall, I liked the overall idea and dynamic, but I’m mostly here for how the relationship plays out.
Thank you Publisher, Netgalley and Author for an early arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Wow, this book was so unique to me and beautifully written. I feel like I missed out on theatre and music in school after reading this book. I want to go to the Conservatory program that is within this book. I was so emotionally invested in this book and I loved all of it.
June has had the dream of being on Broadway for her whole life. Having left her hometown at 18 to pursue those dreams, she is now questioning what’s next now that she is approaching 30. Instead of giving up her dignity, she has decided to teach at the summer Conservatory program in her hometown. The only hitch, her terrible ex is working there, with his new fiancée (ick).
Nick is put into a fake dating situation, but June and he can see his opportunity to make his dreams come true.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🥮 Cinnamon Roll MMC
👱🏻♀️ Eldest Daught FMC
🎹 Workplace Romance
🤓 Fake Dating
🏘️ Small Town
💛 Friends to Lovers
😍 He Falls First
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Wow, this book was so unique to me and beautifully written. I feel like I missed out on theatre and music in school after reading this book. I want to go to the Conservatory program that is within this book. I was so emotionally invested in this book and I loved all of it.
June has had the dream of being on Broadway for her whole life. Having left her hometown at 18 to pursue those dreams, she is now questioning what’s next now that she is approaching 30. Instead of giving up her dignity, she has decided to teach at the summer Conservatory program in her hometown. The only hitch, her terrible ex is working there, with his new fiancée (ick).
Nick is put into a fake dating situation, but June and he can see his opportunity to make his dreams come true.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🥮 Cinnamon Roll MMC
👱🏻♀️ Eldest Daught FMC
🎹 Workplace Romance
🤓 Fake Dating
🏘️ Small Town
💛 Friends to Lovers
😍 He Falls First
Review of advance copy received from Author
More like 4.5 but Goodreads still doesn't do half stars for some reason 🫣
This book was the exact break that I needed from freaking romantasy.
Nick and June were perfect. There were some quirks that I was like "ehhhhhhhh (like biting her damn lip every other chapter)", but other than that, they were so cute.
Nick's crush on June was like what every girl wants to hear. That he's been crushing for years on end and wants her and only her - including the bad/complicated parts.
The only thing I didn't really super love, was that there was hardly any Ethan (especially after they got together), and the whole thing with Shaw and Hannah kinda just dropped. I wanted to see a little more interaction with that OR her relationship with Hannah. They seemed super tight, yet you didn't get to see their relationship develop.
Also, thank you to the author for an ARC!! I cannot wait for the next book 🤩🤭
This book was the exact break that I needed from freaking romantasy.
Nick and June were perfect. There were some quirks that I was like "ehhhhhhhh (like biting her damn lip every other chapter)", but other than that, they were so cute.
Nick's crush on June was like what every girl wants to hear. That he's been crushing for years on end and wants her and only her - including the bad/complicated parts.
The only thing I didn't really super love, was that there was hardly any Ethan (especially after they got together), and the whole thing with Shaw and Hannah kinda just dropped. I wanted to see a little more interaction with that OR her relationship with Hannah. They seemed super tight, yet you didn't get to see their relationship develop.
Also, thank you to the author for an ARC!! I cannot wait for the next book 🤩🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
That’s (for) Show Biz- ARC review!
Wow. You guys, this book. I am in awe. I couldn’t stop smiling, laughing, and kicking my feet. No part of this feels like a debut novel. The characters (musical teachers) and the setting (summer camp at a college) is SO unique and keeps the story fresh. The way the story is filled with music references from Les Mis to Eminem (“mom’s spaghetti” ) this book is so clever.
Not only is this story funny, but it also has emotional depth. Nick is a swoon worthy man who YEARNS. June is a hilarious woman who knows what she wants. The combination of their stories intertwining is so heartwarming and entertaining.
This is somehow a combination of Glee and Dirty Dancing, but also neither of those. There is banter like Ali Hazelwood and emotionally mature characters like Emily Henry while also being in a class of its own. Don’t wait on this one.
Wow. You guys, this book. I am in awe. I couldn’t stop smiling, laughing, and kicking my feet. No part of this feels like a debut novel. The characters (musical teachers) and the setting (summer camp at a college) is SO unique and keeps the story fresh. The way the story is filled with music references from Les Mis to Eminem (“mom’s spaghetti” ) this book is so clever.
Not only is this story funny, but it also has emotional depth. Nick is a swoon worthy man who YEARNS. June is a hilarious woman who knows what she wants. The combination of their stories intertwining is so heartwarming and entertaining.
This is somehow a combination of Glee and Dirty Dancing, but also neither of those. There is banter like Ali Hazelwood and emotionally mature characters like Emily Henry while also being in a class of its own. Don’t wait on this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely LOVED this debut novel from Iris Eden! I couldn't put it down! The amount of angst, yearning and banter had me turning the pages and staying up too late reading!
I loved how Nick always had a thing for June and finally gets his chance with her when he agrees to fake date her when they are both teaching a theater summer camp. Nick was the nerdy kid in high school but is no longer nerdy and an excellent pianist. June starts to see him differently while they are fake dating and wants to make everything real but is afraid to settle and miss out on her Broadway dreams.
If you love theater, this book is definitely for you! There are a lot of references to musicals throughout the book. I had such a great time reading this book. I'm a sucker for fake dating and yearning. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. I am definitely reading more by Iris Eden!
I loved how Nick always had a thing for June and finally gets his chance with her when he agrees to fake date her when they are both teaching a theater summer camp. Nick was the nerdy kid in high school but is no longer nerdy and an excellent pianist. June starts to see him differently while they are fake dating and wants to make everything real but is afraid to settle and miss out on her Broadway dreams.
If you love theater, this book is definitely for you! There are a lot of references to musicals throughout the book. I had such a great time reading this book. I'm a sucker for fake dating and yearning. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. I am definitely reading more by Iris Eden!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
SO FUN!!!
Thank you so much to Iris and NetGalley for the eARC!
if you know me, you know that I'll devour a fake dating plotline no matter how flimsy or silly the contrivance - and this one was a hit!
(Nick, of course, needed no excuse to pretend to be into June - I'll give you one guess as to why)
I just love a guy who's pathetically obsessed with his gal and a girl who's grappling with the big question of - what the hell do I do with myself now that I'm an adult (allegedly) and I feel like I should have everything figured out??
from the broadway references, to the playlist, to the atmostphere of being 'behind the curtain' - this book just feels like a fun getaway to the land of the theatre kid(tm) (that even those of us who were never theatre kids can still relate to and enjoy) - drama and gossip and flirty collegues galore
Thank you so much to Iris and NetGalley for the eARC!
if you know me, you know that I'll devour a fake dating plotline no matter how flimsy or silly the contrivance - and this one was a hit!
(Nick, of course, needed no excuse to pretend to be into June - I'll give you one guess as to why)
I just love a guy who's pathetically obsessed with his gal and a girl who's grappling with the big question of - what the hell do I do with myself now that I'm an adult (allegedly) and I feel like I should have everything figured out??
from the broadway references, to the playlist, to the atmostphere of being 'behind the curtain' - this book just feels like a fun getaway to the land of the theatre kid(tm) (that even those of us who were never theatre kids can still relate to and enjoy) - drama and gossip and flirty collegues galore
Review of advance copy received from Author
That’s (for) Show Biz
Musical vibes and references ✅
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️✅
Fun banter ✅
Slow burn tension ✅
What a fun romance by indie author @idriseden
June is back home after her broadway dreams have stalled. When she crashes into her ex a quick pivot lands her in the arms of an old friend and a fake dating situation.
In highschool Nick had a crush on June but when June moves away he comes to terms that boat had sailed. Until she shows up as a summer teacher for a musical he is also working. Is this his chance to finally get a shot at dating his dream girl?
I chuckled at the sister interactions as the bickering but ride or die vibes were spot on. I loved the family dynamics, the fully realized side characters, and oh the romance! Throw in musicals and it was such a great summer read ❤️
Thank you to victory editing, the author, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Musical vibes and references ✅
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️✅
Fun banter ✅
Slow burn tension ✅
What a fun romance by indie author @idriseden
June is back home after her broadway dreams have stalled. When she crashes into her ex a quick pivot lands her in the arms of an old friend and a fake dating situation.
In highschool Nick had a crush on June but when June moves away he comes to terms that boat had sailed. Until she shows up as a summer teacher for a musical he is also working. Is this his chance to finally get a shot at dating his dream girl?
I chuckled at the sister interactions as the bickering but ride or die vibes were spot on. I loved the family dynamics, the fully realized side characters, and oh the romance! Throw in musicals and it was such a great summer read ❤️
Thank you to victory editing, the author, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Absolutely 5 stars. This read has everything and Iris Eden is a masterclass author and storyteller. I typically don’t read the fake dating trope but Nick and June are so effortlessly two peas in a pod, nothing here ever felt “fake”. Eden knows exactly how to pace a novel and I just couldn’t put this down - I had to know what happened next. I laughed out loud, I teared up and the spice was s-p-i-c-y (let’s hear it for responsible consenting spice written by a woman that’s hot as fire) I cannot wait for her next read.
May 9, 2026
This book!! The writing was absolutely fantastic ! My millennial heart loved the sense of humor and banter in this one. Nick is the ultimate yearner in the best way and June is just a breath of fresh air. A woman who’s just trying to figure it all out the best way she can. I loved the open and clear communication between these two main characters!
Also if you’re a theater girly (gender neutral ) you’ll love all the references !
I cannot believe this is a debut novel! I can’t wait to read more by Iris Eden! Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc !
Also if you’re a theater girly (gender neutral ) you’ll love all the references !
I cannot believe this is a debut novel! I can’t wait to read more by Iris Eden! Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc !
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adored Iris Eden's debut novel which feels like being wrapped in a warm hug! As a theatre girlie myself, Iris captures the nuances of musical theatre life and summer camp so perfectly. All of the characters were so loveable and relatable and I loved how complex all the relationships were. And the witty banter was just SO fun! This book made me nostalgic for my small town and that feeling when your dreams are full of promise. I can't wait to read whatever Iris comes up with next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book! I fell in love with the characters as soon as I met them. Nick has had a crush on June since high school. She's back in her hometown to help with a summer musical camp. Nick see's this as his opportunity to impress her! I loved the whole fake dating aspect. It's one of my favorite tropes! I can't wait to read more by Iris Eden!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved this one! A must read! So swoony, Nick is totally gone for our girl June and watching them come together had me kicking me feet. All the feels with their family drama and backgrounds as well as the romance and budding relationship. Characters are so interesting and relatable they pop off the page. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read the advanced copy and absolutely fell in love.
A second chance romance at a musical theater camp for grownups. Perfect for your people pleasing eldest daughters.
The spicy is *chefs kiss* without taking over the whole plot.
A second chance romance at a musical theater camp for grownups. Perfect for your people pleasing eldest daughters.
The spicy is *chefs kiss* without taking over the whole plot.
Review of advance copy
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this book and it was such a cute, fun and sexy ride! Must read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first ARC and I don’t know how anything’s ever gonna top it. 10/10 can’t wait to reread it!!
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