Showmance was a fun and breezy read that made me laugh but also made me think. I really loved the character development and appreciated that the main character was flexible and admitted to flaws. I loved it!

Noah Adams writes his first show that makes it to Broadway, but it flops on opening night... The same night he gets a call about a family emergency that takes him back to his hometown in rural Illinois. Forced to leave NYC with his boyfriend, who is also his agent, he spends time in the town where he never felt comfortable as a gay boy, but he begins to understand aspects of small town life that may be worth sticking around for.

Being a gay kid, from rural Illinois myself, I just can't say enough good things about this book. I saw myself and so many of my experiences reflected in this adorable book, and maybe even reflected on some of my own blindspots when it comes to how I speak about my hometown. I was literally laughing out loud in the first half, and crying multiple times in the second half. The character relationships were so good, and the flaws of the main character allowed for such beautiful growth. As a lover of theater, I loved all the references as well.

This is one of those books that makes me realize I don't hate romance novels, I just need to read romance novels about experiences that I relate to! It was a short, quick, fun, and adorable debut novel, from the Tony Award winning writer Chad Beguelin

“Showmance” presents an enchanting narrative that seamlessly intertwines wit and love, making it an unforgettable journey for readers. This book stands out due to its clever dialogue and humorous situations, which create an engaging and light-hearted atmosphere. The author deftly employs a writing, style that balances comedic elements with heartfelt moments.

The story centers around two main characters, Noah and Luke. Noah with his sharp wit and charming demeanor, often finds himself in amusing predicaments that elicit genuine laughter. On the other hand, Luke, with his steady and endearing nature, provides a perfect counterbalance, grounding the humor with moments of sincerity and warmth. Their dynamic relationship is the source of much of the book’s humor and the heart of its romantic elements.

The author’s style is a critical aspect of what makes this book a standout read. Through a masterful blend, of quick-witted repartee, and endearing, character development, the narrative flows, effortlessly, ensuring that readers remain captivated from start to finish. The humor is never forced; it arises naturally from the situations and the characters’ interactions, making it feel authentic and relatable.

The supporting characters in the novel are meticulously crafted to add depth and humor to the narrative. Their distinct personalities and interactions enhance the main plot and provide a richer, more immersive reading experience. These characters’ quirks and emotional contributions, ensure that the story remains vibrant and engaging from start to finish.

The book’s charm lies in its ability to blend humor and romance seamlessly. It’s a testament to the author’s skill in creating a story, that is engaging without relying on explicit content. Focusing on emotional and romantic development keeps readers invested in Noah and Luke’s journey. The combination of, witty dialogue, emotional depth, and relatable characters makes this book stand out as a memorable and enjoyable experience.

This felt like the queer small town hallmark love story my inner theatre nerd has been looking for all my life. Read in one sitting.

Okay, maybe it’s the theatre nerd in me, but I unapologetically love this book.

This is a funny, heartwarming rom-com about a playwright who goes home to be with family due to a family emergency after his new Broadway musical fails after one performance. After growing up in a small town where he was bullied for being gay, he learns that everything he remembers may not be exactly as he thought it was. I laughed, I cried, I threw a few things and I kicked my feet in glee.

Was this book a little predictable? Sure, but despite its predictability the characters themselves made this book worth reading. Even though, Noah had his moments of being pretentious and an asshole, he was always able to reflect and I was still able to root for him. Noah’s friends, mother and most importantly Luke made this book for me. I absolutely love Luke.

If this ever gets turned into a movie, I will be there on opening night, and I will absolutely be buying a physical copy for future reading

Amazon wouldn't let me post this yet, since the book isn't out at this time. Grr.

I had not heard about Showmance before seeing this available as an e-ARC. I saw the author and knew instantly that I wanted to read it. Mr. Beguelin is the writer of "The Prom" which is one of my favorite movies, well, ever. I had an idea of what I was in for with this book. Wow, was I not prepared.

Noah is a Broadway writer. That's all he's ever wanted to be. Growing up in the midwest (something to which I can related), he never fit in. He made his dream come true, getting his musical (never a play!) on stage on Broadway. And, it bombed.

He thought he had the perfect life - perfect British boyfriend, a musical opening, family (back home!) who love him. And then things happen in rapid succession - the musical opens and closes on the same night, his dad has a heart attack, and Noah ends up in the hospital. As soon as he recovers, he flies home to be with the parents who don't understand him but love him anyway. And who should be working on their farm, but Luke, the guy who may or may not have tortured him growing up.

Noah is convinced (and by that I mean, not given a choice in the matter!) to let the local community playhouse perform his musical. The same one that bombed, that he's so bitter about. But they have some changes they'd like to make. What could that possibly mean? And why is Luke being so nice?

It's a gay romcom, so you know there's going to be a happy ending. It's well-written, with snarky commentary on every page. I loved about 98% of it.

Now, the part I didn't love was the apologies. There are so many of them. Somebody will say or do something silly and then start apologizing. The first 30 times, ok, whatever, but eventually, it's like "ok, we get it". That's the only negative thing I can think of about this book, which I truly adore.

I absolutely fell in love with this book. The perfect mix of small town romance and big city personalities.

As someone who grew up in a smaller town and moving to a bigger city, I found Noah’s complicated feelings of going home to be very relatable. The way you can sometimes lose yourself or where you came from. I felt the familial relationships struck the balance to not detract from the romance but add another layer to the story.

While you can see where the story is headed, I still was invested and even found myself a little emotional toward the end. Perfect cheery romance with heart & humor.

Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC of Showmance. This book is a delightful and heartwarming read with the best quirky cast of characters. The chemistry between Noah and Luke (the two main characters) is electric, and the behind-the-scenes look at the world of community theater adds an extra layer of charm to the story. The author beautifully balances humor, romance, and a touch of drama, making it impossible to put down. Whether you’re a fan of the theater or love a good love story, Showmance will bring a smile to your face. This book is a must-read for anyone who believes in love, both on and off the stage.