Theater Lovers

Lit Lovers #3

by Ciara Blume

Uh oh! Click foul. She didn't mean to smash LIKE on that really old post. Chelsea’s backstage crush on her older brother’s best friend was an epic, embarrassing fiasco. She'd thought that Dean Riley was the man of her dreams back then. But she was wrong. Now she'd rather break a leg than risk handing him her heart again. Dean is a hot Hollywood legend, headed back to his hometown. But it’s not like anyone wants to roll out the red carpet for him. His dad could care less about Dean’s Academy Award and the one woman he’d love to reconnect with froze him out years ago. Can you get a second chance at first love? Go back to prom with the Lit Lovers crew in this heartwarming and hilarious friends to lovers rom-com that will remind you of your first love and make you believe in second acts, second chances, and emotional encores.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Chick Lit, Ebooks, Rom Com, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

ebook

Published January 31, 2023

About the author

Ciara Blume writes fiction about characters who aren't willing to wait around for their happy endings. An award-winning author working from the edge of the California coast, she crafts stories that explore the magic of transformation, the art of reclaiming yourself, the complications of family and the chaos of starting over when the world expects you to stay put. The daily sight of the ocean makes her wonder: what lies beneath the surface, and what happens when you dive in?

For more information and news about Ciara’s upcoming releases, follow her on Amazon, visit her website at www.ciarablume.com or follow @ciarablumeauthor on instagram, tiktok and facebook.

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making it Right Again . . .

Chelsea Porter and her older brother’s best friend, Dean Riley, were in the wings of the high school theater watching “Little Shop of Horrors”. The play is at the part that lasts for seven minutes where she will have Dean to herself, in the darkness, and she intends to kiss him at last! So as he asks her whether he should ask Brit… and she grabs him, kisses him, and after a moment, he pulls her closer and kisses her. When the music stops, he shoves her away, asking if her brother put her up to this as a prank! Now they have to move the pieces and secure the set in place and there is no time to discuss what just happened. He looks over Chelsea’s shoulder and Brittany is waving at him. And now she knows that he had earlier been about to say “should I ask Brittany to the prom”! She runs off the stage in anger, trips into the sets, and everything falls on top of her, fracturing her leg in two places. He visits her in the hospital, but with her not wanting to talk about her embarrassing accident, and with him not seeing what has upset her, things didn’t get resolved. With other bumps along the way, would they ever get it sorted out?

Chelsea and Dean were both such likable characters and, despite the miscommunication and the long time it took to make things right again, I was happy to see them find a second chance and finally claim their HEA.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read a series from an author, there are times when it seems like the same old plot line gets recycled. While I appreciate a good formula for a particular style of novel, I don't want to feel like I'm just reading the same thing over and over again.

Ciara is knocking it out of the park with Theater Lovers.

There may be a 'formula' behind the overall story, but the details make it interesting.

In this latest adventure, you learn more about how badly burned Chelsea was from her past love of Dean and how that has kept her from finding love now. Lucky for her, Dean is back in the picture...even if she wants nothing to do with him.

Join Chelsea and Dean on a fun romp with loads of nostalgia and even the opportunity to have the prom experience they missed years earlier.

I'm looking forward to the next title from Ciara so I can dive back into the world of Lit Lovers.

Disclaimer ~ I was provided an electronic advance reader copy to review. No promises were made about what type of review I would leave. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowzers. I don’t think I was prepared to finish this in a day. As a theater nerd myself this was a great novel to follow.

I wasn’t so sure how I was going to like it when we got to the first plot point of a ruined prom. I kind of felt as if that was going to be totally cliche. This was 100% a slow burn to an extent but I really did enjoy it.

This was perfects amount of fluffy comfy romance and angsty adulthood. I found that Chelsea really resonated with me and wanting to stand out instead of fly under the radar. But dean and his desire to be accepted and get validated also resonated with me.

I liked our main characters a lot and hope to read more about our other friends in this book and how they continue to fix up the town. Thanks to the author for my advanced copy. As a first time reader I’m so ready to read more of your works!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chelsea Porter has crushed on Dean Riley forever, but there's a problem in that he's her brother, Jackson's, best friend. They share a scene in the school's production of Little Shop of Horrors and Chelsea decides that, during the kissing scene, she's going to go for it. She doesn't get the reaction she wanted when Dean pushes her away. Dean had no idea that he hurt her as much as he did and vows that if she doesn't have a date at this time next year, next year, he'll take her to her senior prom. He makes it big in Hollywood and stays away because of his father's insults and lack of support, but his brother is getting married and he has to go home.This is a story of missed opportunities and miscommunication, but it's also a story of importance of family and trusting in love. 

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. The Lit Lovers pod cast group seemed fun and I want to go back and read the previous books in the series. The story was a bit heavy on the miscommunication to the point of being frustrating at times but not enough to not enjoy the story. Chelsea and Dean were both likeable characters and long over due for their happy ending. I loved the descriptions of Chelsea's art work and wish I could see it! Over all, it was a well written story with a satisfying HEA ending.

[Mary Manzanares · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can a rom-com be both modern and retro at the same time? Theater Lovers shows us how, with flashbacks to high school and the prom, renewing romance with social media and texting, and a great big chance for a do-over. Who can say no to that?!

Whether you're long out of high school (like me) or just a recent grad, this third book in the Lit Lovers series is sure to be a smash hit. Pick up the others if you haven't read them yet.

[Yvette Cano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Lots of tropes - we have the best friends boyfriend, second chances, friends to lovers, celebrity. I enjoyed the touch on all of them as we follow Chelsea and Dean. The characters come alive and the chemistry between the two is off the charts. Chelsea had depth to her and I liked how she mastered her pain. Her character arc was my favorite. I fell in love with the city, Ephron, and can’t wait for more.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in Blume's Lit Lovers series and the first I've read so far - I plan on reading the previous 2 books very soon! I loved our main characters Chelsea and Dean and their story. Well written with great flashes to their past. Captivating with lots of troupes but smooth storyline and sizzling chemistry I loved this read and can't wait to read more from Blume!

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

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I don't always care for the throw back from the high school life but I found the characters very well written into the past and the future. I loved the angst of the characters and as a person who understands the arts I could relate to most of this. And at the end the author's note really made this book so much more understandable. I received this book as an arc review and I look forward to her other reads. She writes a very relatable story.

[Natasha Bovee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance love stories are not my favorite. I’m always sad at the time lost and the way this one played out made me sad. That said I loved these characters and how this story played out. It has been fun seeing the characters from this series have their time to shine and I’m excited to read about the rest of the friends.

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

[J D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5 Kisses Read, to me at least. This book is so funny and full of classic tropes, and even having our female main character, her brother and her friends do a podcast about romance movies and the tropes about them. They are classic tropes for a reason, and they are written so wonderfully. I also enjoyed the grand gesture of the prom, so sweet. I wasn’t allowed to go to my prom, so I felt as if I was there with them.

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

[Sarah Whalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to this author but I know it won't be the last book of Ciara's that I read. Loved the podcast friends and how Dean and Chelsea had that shared history of growing up in the same place. I'll be anxiously awaiting Ciara's next release. I received an ARC copy from Booksprout and am giving a voluntary review.

[Sarah Whalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to this author but I know it won't be the last book of Ciara's that I read. Loved the podcast friends and how Dean and Chelsea had that shared history of growing up in the same place. I'll be anxiously awaiting Ciara's next release. I received a free ARC copy from Booksprout and am giving a voluntary review.

[GRivera23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. It was captivating and the plot was original, at least to me. It brought back memories of my prom, which was not an entirely magical experience, and made me think about how my views have changed since high school. Now, if only someone can explain the Easter Island head emoji. Nevermind, I'll Google.

[Morgan Trampert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story; it was a cute fast read. There was nostalgia and the story of Chelsea and Dean was sweet and watching their story unfold was wonderful. Reading them going from not finding love to finding each other and reliving memories and creating new ones. This was an adorable story and I look forward to reading more from Ciara Blume.

[Molly Gaffney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up on a stuff your kindle day and kind of forgot about it to be honest. But I needed something to read on the train and so I started this.

I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would! It was a cute, brother’s-best-friend, second-chance romance and it ticked all the boxes that one should.

[Mazza D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel good

This is definitely a feel good book. Found myself smiling reading it. Chelsea discovering herself and finally getting her happy ever after is just so sweet. I loved her voice. It has left me wanting to know more. Definitely recommend the lit lovers series to everyone who wants a little spice and a lot of laughs

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I absolutely loved it. It was a little more emotional than the last book (Rome For The Holidays) but just as good. I absolutely loved the MCs. I couldn’t put it down.

[Laci Steimel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a wonderful story! I loved this second chance romance novel, and loved Chelsea and Dean getting a second chance at their love story. Relatable characters, with a hometown feel, and strong supporting characters made this a wonderful read. So fun to read, and I could not put it down. Loved it!

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theater Lovers
Book 3 of Lit Lovers
Ciara Blume

Dean and Chelsea were well written with chemistry. I loved the drama, secondary characters, action and journey. I don't want to spoil this for you so I will just say check this out and read it.

[Courtney Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother's best friend & prom trope

Oh my lands this was so cute! I loved this so much and can't wait for more of this series!

I think I want to read more 'prom' trope books :) IYKYK

[paula potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summer read!

Ciara Blume’s Theatre Lovers: A Lit Lovers Second Chance Romantic Comedy (Lit Lovers Series) is an absolutely charming summer read! It truly brought me back to my summer theatre days and now I will surely read the rest of the series!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was.... aFUCKINGdorable. I cannot. It felt like I was watching a romcom. That's what the plot felt like. It... was different from my other romcom experiences. And excuse me while I go cry in a ditch because I now want two different fictional Deans😭

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked: A rom-com heavy on the tropes of “second chance”, “brother’s best friend”, and “rebuilding the hometown”.
What I disliked: The amount of miscommunication between the main characters was excessive.

[Jennifer Majewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute missed opportunity/friends to lovers rom-com with an art/theater geek spin. Some areas made me laugh out loud, especially while listening to the audio version. A tad of unexpected (and honestly unnecessary) spice, awkwardly worded at times as well, but overall a fun quick read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read filled with misunderstandings, mistakes and lol moments

[Coralie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally a fun and light read if you don't mind the overused tropes and heavy miscommunications. I found it at times tiring, but the comic moments and characters save this from being a 3 stars.

[MariaAbroad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

I love how well developed the characters are in this story and the connection between the two main characters is fun to see blossom.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story and characters. Recommended.
Definitely would read more from this author.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, i was just reading this book because I needed something to read. I am glad I read it. Good job Ciara Blume!