Books I've Read: Once More With Feeling

 

This was a quick, fun read that I picked up because it was set in the world of musical theatre and pop superstardom - two things I'm always into reading about.  Particularly after having just seen the hilarious mockumentary, Theater Camp.  For a second time...

Cal and Kathleen first met at a summer camp for theatre kids as teenagers. They liked each other and performed together, but nothing really happened between them.  Years later, they meet again when Kathleen has become a teen pop sensation under the name Katee Rose and Cal's boyband, CrushZone join her on tour.  CrushZone also has Katee's boyfriend, Ryan, on board and their relationship is endless fodder for tabloids and paparazzi.  So it's not really the right time for Katee to notice how hot Cal is, or how much more she enjoys spending time with him that the other boys.  Even Ryan.

Now, almost 20 years later, Kathleen is relatively contented with her life out of the spotlight. Katee Rose is a name from the past and she avoids thinking too much about the scandal that imploded her career.  Until the opportunity of a lifetime lands in her lap. The one thing she's always dreamed of - the chance to perform in a Broadway musical. The one catch?  Cal is attached as the director.

Kathleen agrees to take the role and promises she'll keep things professional with Cal.  But as the rehearsal period gets intense, she can't help noticing he's still just as hot - if not hotter- than he was when he was a teen heart-throb.  And damn it if she doesn't still enjoy his company!

I enjoyed this.  It's light and fluffy and follows all the romance novel tropes you'd expect.  It's not deep and doesn't do anything new with the genre, but sometimes that's just fine.  Sometimes you just want something light and fun with some characters who do end up with a happy ever after in spite of themselves.

So if you're looking for something like this, go for it.

But don't just listen to me.  Here's the blurb:

Then. Katee Rose is living the dream as America's number one pop star, caught in a whirlwind of sold-out concerts, screaming fans, and constant tabloid coverage. Everyone wants to know everything about her and her boyfriend, Ryan LaNeve, the hottest member of adored boy band CrushZone. Katee loves to perform but hates the impossible demands of stardom. Maybe that's why she finds herself in the arms of another CrushZone member, Cal Kirby. Quiet, serious Cal, who's always been a good friend to Katee, is suddenly Cal with the smoldering eyes and very good hands. One unforgettable night is all it takes to blow up Katee's relationship with Ryan, her career, her whole life...

Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence, and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal Kirby shows up with the opportunity of her dreams--a starring role in the Broadway show he's directing and a chance to perform the way she's always wanted. The two haven't spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other, making their reunion a tense battle of wits and egos. Katee reluctantly agrees to the musical, as long as she keeps her guard up around Cal. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smolder, and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Katee can't deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you've been burned in the past?