Showmance by L.H. Cosway Published by Self-Published on May 16th 2016
Pages: 306
Amazon
Damon Atwood was Hollywood’s golden boy. Having won an Oscar at the tender age of thirteen, he had the life many could only dream about. But his success came at a price, and after a short but fruitful film career, he chose to live a life of obscurity on a remote Scottish island. Almost a decade later he’s finally ready to make his return, starting with a lead role in a musical on London’s West End.
As a choreographer’s assistant, Rose Taylor has always faded into the background. She watches shows come to life from the side lines, but has never craved the attention of stardom. When rumours begin circulating of Damon’s involvement in her latest gig, she doesn’t predict how she will be thrust into the limelight, nor how the mysterious and strangely introverted man will need her to teach him how to be a star again.
Rose knows that show crushes don’t last. Actors fall for each other during the intensity of a production, often losing themselves in their roles. These kinds of affairs burn bright and then they fade. The question is, should Rose let herself shine with Damon, or guard her heart from being broken after the final curtain call?
Showmance is only the second book I’ve read that L.H. Cosway has written independently, but I have to say she has a knack for writing damaged heroes. I was captivated by Damon Atwood, the leery and painfully socially awkward former child star making his stage debut in Moulin Rouge on London’s West End. Rose is a choreographer’s assistant who has been burned in the past by falling for shallow actors. Despite her best attempts to guard her heart, she is understandably drawn to Damon and decides to take him under her wing.
Pairing these two wounded and endearing characters together is perfect. Rose is bubbly and patient enough to pull Damon from his shell, and he’s proof that there are decent men in the entertainment industry.
I love a slow burn, but I grew frustrated waiting for them to get on the same page and felt their romance came close to simmering out. The chemistry and wonderful sexual tension between Damon and Rose is strong enough that I stayed invested though, and the payoff is quite rewarding.
There are some exasperating moments of manufactured drama, but overall Showmance is a very entertaining and sweet story with lots of heart. The strong assortment of eccentric characters involved in the production make the book all the more enjoyable. Rose’s colorful roommate, Julian, has his own book coming out and I’m really looking forward to reading it!
Recommended for fans of:
Wounded heroes
Showbiz
Slow burn romance
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review. **
About L.H. Cosway
L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favorite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.
She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories. L.H. is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.
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