New Horizons is the first book I’ve read by Shia Woods but will definitely not be the last! I can’t really say I’m much of a theater fan so I was a little hesitant going in, but it absolutely didn’t matter. This book gripped me from the first chapter and did not let go until the end!

Full of flirty banter, great chemistry, and just enough angst to keep things interesting, this book was a pleasant surprise and a great introduction to a talented author. This book is perfect for fans (or not) of theater who are looking for a well written romance.

It took me a few days to get into the book as it started as a slow build/slow burn which is not bad, but I did not have the time to devote to letting that build and it was hard to get into right before bed. I think maybe having the plot move a bit faster at parts would have kept me more engaged.

This one fell flat for me and I found it difficult to finish. I felt that the development of the romance between the two main characters came together far quicker than it should have, and didn't give the reader to enjoy a slow burn. There was a nice bit of angst, but I just didn't enjoy this read as much as I was hoping I would.

TBH this didn't work for me in the same way that their previous book did, which I really enjoyed. I found the characters tricky to get to know, there was so much about the difficult people they were running away from, that there wasn't much space for their development. There is immediate chemistry between the characters and they get spicy very quickly. I liked the book better when the best friend Courtney appeared, she brought the lightness and fun to these angst ridden highly privileged women.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This is the second book I’ve read from the author and both times I’ve found the stories riveting. She is able to bring drama and complex relationships into romances. Alex Anders is the managing director for her family's prestigious, off-broadway theater in NYC. Her father runs the theater as his kingdom and Alex jumps through continual hoops wanting to be the one to take it over, including giving up her own acting aspirations.

Quinn Collins is bringing her one woman show to Horizons. Her career was in modeling and her life got complicated when her relationship with an actress became public. She wants this show to be a success. She is intrigued by Alex. There are so many delicious bits to the story. Their flirting is fun. Alex’s personal insecurities and daddy issues bring about her need for control. But together their attraction is combustible. I love the quieter moments, like a kiss in a rehearsal room or the Coney Island date. And I appreciate Quinn's ability to say what she wants. Alex’s best friend and Quinn’s manager get nods too for adding humor and support in the story. I don’t want to give any spoilers but this is more than a theater romance. I love the epilogue that brings in the perfect amount of satisfying closure to the story.

I highly recommend this book and the author and can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Shia Woods is definitely one of my favorite new authors this year! I loved every single page of her debut, The Broken Lines of Us, and her latest book New Horizons did not disappoint at all. Shia has this amazing gift for storytelling, weaving together stories that really draw you in.

I can’t get enough of Quinn and Alex; their chemistry is off the charts, and the banter between them is hilarious—plus, I could never say no to spicy scenes. The side characters are just as well done, adding so much to the story.

Highly recommend!

Former model and now author/performer meets closed off theatre manager. Sparks fly hard and heavy! Will they create an undeniable fire or will the embers sizzle out unceremoniously backstage?

Quinn Collins had been burned by love. Dumped by her Hollywood girlfriend and having her heart stomped on in the media, Quinn is determined to never ever again settle for someone who doesn’t put her and their love first. As a new bestselling author she plans to bring her experiences as a super model in the fashion industry to the stage. Quinn’s one woman show ‘Model Behavior’ is about to premiere at the legendary Horizon theatre in New York. Manager Alex Anders personally booked her show. When they finally meet in person, Quinn cannot deny her imminent attraction to the extremely sexy manager. She knows Alex feels the same way, but Alex is anxious about her position within her family’s theatre. Did Quinn once again fall for a woman that doesn’t want to give herself completely?

Alex Anders had been living and working under her father’s scrutiny for years and years. Simon Anders is a world renowned theatre director. His right hand man Rick is about to retire and Alex is determined to show her dad that she is the one to bring Horizon theatre into modern times. Alex believes wholeheartedly that Quinn Collin’s show will prove her worthiness to her father once and for all. Did Quinn have to be so absolutely stunning and perfect though? Even though their connection is flammable to say the least, Alex has to put her career first. Right?

Oof! The attraction between Alex and Quinn? Mmmm..off the charts!
Their flirty banter? I am there for it. It’s no surprise that they couldn’t keep their hands off each other for long and my oh my, do they scorch the sheets!

Quinn is a very strong and powerful woman. I admire how she stood up for herself when Alex treated her poorly. I might have had the urge to give Alex a flick upside the head if she hadn’t pulled herself together and shown Quinn her own vulnerability. That was the moment that I could actually see them work as a couple.

Alex’s dad is a misogynistic poor excuse of a father. The way he treats his only daughter is appalling, she deserves so much better. I breathed a sigh of relief when Alex finally realized her dad would never ever change or be what she needed and gave him the most epic middle finger, all with help from Quinn. I would have loved some more details about how it happened though. It felt a bit rushed in the end.

Alex and her best friend Courtney are hilarious together. Their witty back and forth and the endless teasing is so fun to watch. Especially because underneath it all, they want the absolute best for each other.
The same goes for Quinn and her best friend and manager Mikey. They know each other so well that even though details are often left unspoken, they can react to things that weren’t said as if they were part of a full conversation. It’s endearing and hilarious at the same time.

If you are up for a few very steamy scenes, witty dialogue, mixed with some dark family trauma, New Horizons is a very good option!

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it has since come out. It has drama, it has backstabbing, it has emotions, it has beautiful sapphic open door love. What's not to love?

This book was well balanced : sweetness, a touch of angst and chemistry. I like the character building and how they both have difficult past that has an impact on their relationship. Quinn is more of a sunshine and the more stable one. While Alex has the deepest scars that prevent her from committing to someone she loves. Alex character is complex and infuriating but you can only root for her to work through her stuff to escape from her unloving father's expectation.I don't usually like third act break up but this one was a disaster waiting to happen and when it happens, it brings enough angst without taking away the strength of the feelings both characters have for each other. The theatre plot did surprise and enrage me so much

It's my first read from Shia Woods and I will definitely keep an eye on her work

A beautiful compelling story which I enjoyed. I thought the characters were well developed and had great chemistry.

Thank You Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.

This was a really good book. This is a romance story that follows Quinn, a retired model turned aspiring playwright, and Alex, whose family owns an off-Broadway theater and her dad whose is touted as a major player on the theater scene. Alex decides to bring Quinn’s play to her theater, and soon after feelings begin to grow. There is a bit of angst and drama surrounding the characters some at the theater and personally for both characters as well. The best friends are written well, are relatable and very entertaining. I’d love to see more from Courtney and Paige in a future storyline or books of their own. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family especially if they' looking for a workplace, theater-based or celebrity romance book.

3.5

I want to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't have high expectations for this book and I'm glad I didn't. It was better than my first ARC, and by that I mean I did chuckle twice. However, the chemistry felt rushed. I felt they jumped into each other for two people who supposedly cared so much about their careers. It's like they didn't even try out all. The plot twist at the end felt like it came out from absolutely nowhere, almost like a plot twist for the sake of a plot twist. Aside from that, I really didn't feel much for the characters and it was hard to be connected to them.

I don't really recommend this book and I truly there are more worthwhile sapphic stories.

*New Horizons* by Shia Woods is a captivating exploration of ambition, love, and the complexities of pursuing dreams in the vibrant theater world. The story follows Quinn Collins as she leaves her modeling career behind for an Off-Broadway debut in a one-woman show at the esteemed Horizon Theater. Woods beautifully captures Quinn’s eagerness for a fresh start, setting the stage for a narrative filled with personal growth and artistic exploration.

Meanwhile, Alex Anders, the managing director of the Horizon Theater, grapples with her own ambitions while dealing with ghosts from her past. As the daughter of a theater mogul, Alex has always been immersed in the world of performance, but she yearns for more than just a behind-the-scenes role. The tension between her professional aspirations and her growing attraction to Quinn adds depth to the story, especially as Alex vies for the coveted executive director position.

Woods skillfully weaves romance and drama, creating palpable chemistry between Quinn and Alex amid the pressures of the theater world. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of opening night, and both women must confront their fears and vulnerabilities. *New Horizons* is a poignant tale that highlights the struggles and triumphs of two women at pivotal crossroads in their lives, reminding readers that taking a chance on love can lead to unexpected and rewarding performances.

Alex Anders wants to get the attention of her distant father, and hopes to do that by becoming executive director of Horizon theater.

Quinn Collins, former model, author and now playwright, just wants her one woman show at the Horizon to go well.

Alex has a rule about not messing around at work, and Quinn isn't necessarily looking for something, but their mutual attraction is hard to resist.

Good novel, though I think the one character betraying Alex felt off. Admittedly maybe they were THAT two faced, but still.

It has a third act breakup, but at least it didn't feel too contrived.

High spice level, for those that like sexy times.
3.5 stars out of 5

Alex and Quinn are the main characters in this book. Alex is the managing director for the theatre that her Dad owns., Horizon. Alex would love to do more for the theatre but her Dad is very controlling and only allows Alex to do the minimal. Quinn is an up and coming writer. Alex was able to get a contract on Quinn's one woman show for Horizon.
When Alex and Quinn meet, there is immediate attraction. Alex also doesn't want anything to jeopardize her position. . However, this is easier said than done.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


Quinn is a formal model turn now theater actress she star in a play she wrote and it’s a fresh start that she excited for. Alex knows the theater it’s second nature to her since she grew up around it with her late mother being an actress and co-founder of the theater with her father who is a jerk. Alex is running the winter season and hopefully it will be a start run the whole theater as longs as everything go right. When she sees Quinn play she knows it’ll be hit that can have her father see she can run the theater. Quinn and Alex didn’t plan to have an attraction to each other but with both theirs dreams at a reach will they risk it for a love that can last a lifetime. I enjoy this read even though I really don’t like when a character have to prove themselves to a parent if you have to do all this to get approval I’ll just venture out on my own just saying.

I loved this story! It's about Quinn, a former model who's starting a new career as an actress by starring in a play she wrote herself. The other main character is Alex, the daughter of a powerful New York theater mogulwho's kind of a jerk and doesn't treat his daughter very well. Alex puts up with her dad's disdain because she feels a duty to honor her late mother, who was a great theater actress and co-founded the theater that Alex now partially runs, at least during the winter season. She hopes to run it completely someday.

Alex was completely captivated by Quinn's performance at a theater festival and didn't hesitate to book her monologue for the winter season at her theater. Quinn, after meeting Alex and doing a little social media stalking, was also smitten with her acting talent, which Alex had put on the back burner to focus on management. This mutual fascination is going to cause some serious drama as they start this new project together, especially with some past scandals hanging over both of their heads.

I absolutely loved everything! The dialogue, the development of their relationship, the side characters, the sneaky and sometimes surprising power plays – it was all fantastic. But it wasn't just about power struggles; there was also a lot of heart and selfless devotion. It's a story definitely worth checking out.

New Horizons is a charming romance that follows Quinn, a retired model making her Off-Broadway debut, and Alex, the ambitious managing director of her family's theater. With a captivating backdrop of theater life and the complexities of their budding relationship, this story beautifully balances drama and romance, making it a delightful read for fans of workplace and celebrity love stories.

The author successfully crafted a compelling narrative with well-developed characters. The chemistry between Quinn and Alex, along with relatable interactions, certainly enhances the reading experience. I recommendation will encourage others to explore this engaging story!

Shia Woods is quickly becoming a go to author for me. I've enjoyed all her previous works. This new book centered on a Great White Way adjacent theater and FMCs with chemistry on and off the stage. This read was a fantastic time and got me itching to go see a play. Overwhlmingly enjoyed, especially when the antagonist gets what's coming.to them.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books, Inc. and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.