Enter Stage Left

by Lisa Slabach

Enter Stage Left is a smart and sexy romantic comedy bursting with backstage drama, second chance swoons, and chemistry that refuses to stay off stage.

Elle Serra has been trapped for years as an assistant director but finally gets her shot: three weeks to workshop a script with an up-and-coming playwright. If she nails it, she will direct the full production at Chicago Repertory Theater. Otherwise, she’ll be stuck in a supporting role for another season.

The hitch? The playwright is her former beau, Bret Stark, and his script is inspired by his leap from college football player to drama jock. His gray eyes still smolder, his abs are still rock hard, and his raunchy brand of comedy has her praying to the theater gods.

Bret expected a bro to direct, not the woman who calls her bra and panties dainties. Still, she is “his girl who got away,” and he’d love to tangle sheets with her again.

With sparks flying on and off stage, Bret has refuse-to-lose focus on making the play a hit and winning back Elle, but it will take more than a bottle of vino and a well-timed wink to win her heart. As their stars rise, they must choose between the careers they’ve fought for and a love that just may deserve a second act.

258 pages

Expected publication December 1, 2026

About the author

Lisa Slabach resides in Northern California with her husband and is the proud mother of two highly creative daughters. She received her BA in Dramatic Art from Whitman College and MFA in Acting from Western Illinois University. She accumulated over thirty professional theater credits before transitioning to corporate life. She currently works as a Relationship Executive in the financial industry.

Her first novel, Degrees of Love, was recognized as a Best Book of the year by Kirkus Review and was a finalist for both Reader’s Favorite and the RT Book Reviews’ Reviewer’s Choice Award. Ten Thousand I Love Yous (2022) continued Lisa’s exploration of the intricacies of love and following one’s own path to happiness.

Lisa loves to travel, and in her free time, can be found treasure hunting for rare and out-of-print books, watching old movies with her family, and entertaining friends. She believes a glass or two of wine every night may not be the secret to a happy life, but it doesn’t hurt.