I am always slightly biased when it comes to Melissa Brayden's books because she's in my Top 5 romance authors, and it's not without reason. She has the ability to make your book reading timeless - her characters' dialogues and interactions are so effortless that you went through half of the book in no time.
Very enjoyable read, as always.

I always enjoy Melissa Brayden's work and To the Moon and Back is no exception. It did take me a couple of chapters to get a good understanding of the characters and where the story might go. It was a little slower start than some of her previous works. Once established, the story took on an enjoyable direction. Lauren and Carly are very opposite at the beginning, Carly being the Hollywood actress that expects the world to come to her and Lauren who is a stage manager who at one time had wanted to act, but gave it up.

I liked how there was playful flirting going on with Carly from the very beginning and how that developed into a relationship between the two women. Their relationship developed in what felt like a very realistic way. As it progressed and their careers went in opposite directions, the emotions were very true to what many people would feel if their dream life was being taken away. In the end, both characters really matured which allowed their relationship to thrive.

The realism of the relationship and their interactions make this a book that I will enjoy coming back to in the future. It is highly recommended.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

Review of ‘To the Moon and Back’ by Melissa Brayden


Carly Daniel was the hot ticket in Hollywood until her party girl reputation started closing doors to new projects. Running out of options, her agent talks her into joining a play at the esteemed McAllister Theater in Minnesota, hoping to resurrect her career. There, she meets former actress hopeful turned successful stage manager Lauren Prescott. Lauren was unable to make it as an actress but found her niche in managing the theater’s productions. Always tardy Carly bumps heads with Ms Organization Lauren, but both soon realize there is a mutual attraction. Chance brings an opportunity for Lauren to join the play’s cast opposite Carly, but will they continue to be a team after the play ends its run?

It is no mystery I have been in a terrible reading slump for the past several weeks. So I hesitatingly grabbed this one because, well, was written by Ms Brayden so needed to give her a chance to get my poor romance-less soul away from the precipice. The end result is a yes, this story was charming and kept me engaged.

The biggest issue with this novel is how predictable it is. I usually do not read blurbs of books I will definitely read since I like the surprise element. Even without reading it, I saw the plot unravel a mile away. If this is your pet peeve, pass this one up. If you can live with it, grab this one as everything else was enjoyable. The characters are likable and have crazy chemistry. I realize I haven’t read much lately, but just the kissing had me swooning and buzzing. However, it was the witty, playful banter between the characters that made me smile and thank Ms Brayden for her style. More than once I told myself, yep, this is a Brayden book. There is even a ‘Yoda cameo’!

Overall, a predictable but sweet and entertaining novel. 4 stars

ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another solid book by Melissa Brayden! Also, the first that takes place in the theater, where you can really tell she's knowledgeable. I loved learning all the little nuances on how it's run, and felt like even Lauren's rise to actress made sense. I was curious from the summary how that was going to turn out.

Another thing that surprised me from the summary was how much I liked Carly. I thought she was going to be more spoiled than she was. Since Melissa Brayden's so good with the witty banter between her two main characters, I really liked both of them from the get-go.

This book also was a growing up story and figuring out what your dreams really are. Not the childhood ones you thought would play out, but the ones you actually have once you've realized you're a different person now that you've grown up. I was pleasantly surprised it dealt with navigating those new dreams so well.

Overall, just a fun read that makes this author still one of my favorites. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I'm very picky about that rating.

I need happy stories at this point in time and I went to Melissa Brayden for that reason this week. She didn’t let me down. ‘To The Moon And Back’ was heart-warming, romantic and hot – and it made me smile.

Ms Brayden does adorable. I know that. But she always surprises me by just how wonderfully adorable her characters can be. Lauren Prescott was sweet, kind and on top of every detail. As production stage manager at the respected McAllister Theatre, she is the person everyone looks to to keep the productions on track. She’s heard all the rumours about their new leading lady, Hollywood star Carly Daniel, but is well prepared. The wayward actress won’t know what hit her. In the nicest way possible of course, because Lauren gets things done without alienating a soul.

Their first meeting was like a thunderbolt and Lauren was dazzled, just as everyone else was, by Carly. Carly was so laid back and Lauren had quite a job on her hands. Carly just didn’t get the real effects of her behaviour on other people. And how annoying it was. But the attraction was powerful and I couldn’t help but root for them. The sexual tension was off the scale hot and the lovemaking mind-blowing. It was a beautiful story set in the fascinating world of theatre. I loved it.

I was given this ARC for review.

Honestly, I simply adored this book.

"To the Moon and Back" is a soft lesbian romance with a great balance of cute, hot and feels-worthy, not to forget the well-seasoned side dish of personal development.

What was the most noteworthy aspect of this book for me were the two main characters - Carly, the Hollywood star whose fame has started to fade, and Lauren, stage manager who gets a chance to fulfill her lifelong dream by taking the stage instead of managing it.

Both Carly and Lauren were extremely likeable and relatable. Carly was such a bright presence in the story, the kind of person who steals the limelight anywhere she goes but is also kind and friendly and full of smiles. Lauren and her organizational skills made me want to make friends with her and talk about the best ways to organize one's kitchen drawers. Most importantly tough, both of them felt so real to me, you know? They were real people with real dreams, genuine fears, insecurities and flaws.

Chemistry between Lauren and Carly was sizzling hot and I was genuinely afraid it would melt my ereader's battery off xD The romance was written well, making me root for the couple right from the start to the very end. While I'm not a fan of "if only they communicated better" trope used as means for couple angst, I found it very authentic in this story - Carly and Lauren faced some tough circumstances but in the end, they took time to work on what had gone wrong and learned some lessons along the way. And I just loved how their love story's conclusion paralleled the play they were acting in - a story of two people finding each other and then finding their way back to each other.

Summing up, this has been a great read - full of feels, engaging and a perfect means to escape from reality for a little bit. I'll be reaching for more of Melissa Brayden's books for sure!

This is my first read from this author and I don’t think it will be my last. The dialogue between all the characters was so great, not just between the love interests but between the sides characters as well that it just made everyone come to life and really move the story at a quick pace. There were some inconsistencies and odd transitions throughout the story that took me out at times but nothing major.

For the first half of the book I was enamored with Carly and Lauren, was so eager to follow the progression of their relationship and the production. But then they went to L.A. And I have to say when the jealous Carly came out I immediately stopped caring about her character. And I was just...really bored with the plot after that. The relationship fell flat and felt less end game. Like no matter what the resolution at the end would be I was no longer rooting for them which isn't really what you want out of your romance read. I want to be fighting for them to work even through the conflict, but when it came up I felt lukewarm.

Lastly this cover is...awful. It does absolutely nothing for what this book is about.

Reading a book by Melissa Brayden is equivalent to snuggling up in your coziest pyjamas in front of the fire and just enjoy. In my case - enjoy for far too long into the night. Her writing style is excellent, and her characters are just so life-like and real.

I loved reading about the goings-on of the inside of a theater, a world I'm not very familiar with.

To be recommended for anyone needing a nice escape.

Classic Melissa Brayden! It was a good book, something easy to read. The MC’s were cute and perfect for each other. It’s a good book for a lazy day. Is it my favorite of hers? No. But still good and cute and fun.

Melissa Brayden has a wonderful talent when it comes to writing lesbian romances. TO THE MOON AND BACK is a story about two women who meet during the production of a play in New York. Despite a rocky start to their meeting, they gradually warm to each other, become friends, and then lovers. It's not an uncommon story, but the author does a good job in making the reader care about the characters and their trials and tribulations. The book is a good read, and I recommend it.

I really enjoyed this book. The main characters, Lauren and Carly, were very likeable and each had characteristics that I could relate to. Lauren is a stage manager at a small but well known theater in Minnesota. She is very happy with her job, but her life as a home body has her co-workers worried. Carly, once a popular movie star, has been chosen for Lauren's theater's next production. Carly shows up late and expects everyone to be okay with it. Lauren is furious with her behavior that continues. Carly finally gets the fact that acting like she can do whatever she wants isn't going to fly at this theater and decides to change. This changes Lauren's behavior and her attitude toward her. It is only then that Lauren can be honest with her feelings towards Carly.
This is your typical lesbian romance and if that is what you are looking for, this will check all the boxes for you!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

It's always a pity when a book that you were really looking forward to, falls flat. That's even more so the case when that book actually did great in the first half... And then just completely lost its momentum. I had to force myself to finish the story, and where the first half took me about a day, the second half took me at least 2 weeks... The tension, the tempo and the timing just felt off in that last half... Not for me, unfortunately.

Netgally Review:

Unfortunately, this is my least favorite Brayden book. There is a lot of fluff and cuteness, and not enough character development or conflict. I struggled to get through it. This is my first time with a Brayden book.

Not my favorite Brayden but I did really enjoy it. Life has been crazy the past few weeks so I’m a bit late reading this. I was also a little worried my heart could not handle an angsty romance right now so I did keep moving this down my to read list. Well it turns out I needn’t have worried. While there is some angsty-drama, most of the book was a chemistry filled, feel good romance.

I’m a huge Hollywood romance fan. Something about a big star normally paired up with a girl next-door type always works for me. I mean how could I not wish Ruby Rose would stumble into Vermont and discover me here with open arms? So I might as well enjoy reading about it happening to somebody else. In the case of this book, I loved the twist of Hollywood meets the theater. Brayden is awesome about writing about the arts. Her knowledge always shines and I feel like I’m right there with a front row seat.

You can’t talk about one of Brayden’s books without talking about the romance. I mean Brayden is the Queen of lesfic romance and the chemistry she gave these characters were once again off the charts. Every little look, touch, inner thought and flirty dialogue, just kept building and building until the characters were ready to combust. And instead of having them just jump into bed instantly, she made them wait which just made the chemistry even more intense. Other reviews have mentioned the pool game scene… yeah it was totally hot and everyone was still fully dressed. I love watching good chemistry develop like that.

I loved the character of Carly. She was totally crushable. I enjoyed Lauren for most of the book too but then I got a little annoyed towards the end when I didn’t like her choices and she acted surprised by the outcome of them. What helped to make both characters, but Carly especially, so darn likeable was the dialogue. Damn can Brayden write some good dialogue! When she is on with her light humor, flirtiness and wit, Brayden’s dialogue is so very fun to read.

This wasn’t a 5 star book for me so I did have a few issues. I did find the story to be pretty predictable. That is not really a bad thing, but I do love to be surprised. The bigger issue really was that I didn’t feel the characters connection to be quite as deep as I wanted. I loved Carly, and the chemistry was great, but I felt the story was more about sexual chemistry and not really two people connecting so deeply because they have to be together. That soul-mate deep connection was not there for me like I wanted. In fact, during the big angsty-drama moment, I ended up not caring like I thought I would. Instead I thought to myself “they will get over it”. My favorite Brayden books are when she rips my heart out and makes me go through a box of tissues. Maybe my heart is a little hardened right now. It will probably be for a long time but it’s just funny that I was so worried about the angst and in the end it didn’t really affect me at all. I wish I was reaching for the tissues instead.

My closing thoughts are not a perfect Brayden. Not one of her best but it still was plenty damn enjoyable. The dialogue, the chemistry, the theater and Hollywood setting, all made for a book that I did not want to put down. If you are a Brayden fan I would recommend this. Brayden not at her best is still better than most other lesfic romance authors out there. She’s that good that even giving her some criticism she’s still gets to keep the throne and her crown.

Another strong, if not innovative or overly surprising, lesbian romance from the consistent Melissa Brayden. Lauren Prescott, who once had dreams of becoming an actress, is now happy and settled in her job as a resident production stage manager at a prestigious theater in Minneapolis. She's on the verge of taking a well-earned vacation when her boss asks her for a favor: take on another PSM job, as the film star they've booked as the play's lead has a rep for privileged diva behavior, and he fears the other resident PSM won't be able to keep her on task as well as he knows Lauren can.

Enter Carly Daniel, a film star since the age of 19 (both protagonists are white, and are in their late 20's/early 30's). Carly's charisma and audience appeal have been so high that directors and producers have always indulged her on the job. That is, until quite recently, when her self-indulgent behavior finally begins to outweigh her star value, and the typical flood of job offers slows to less than a trickle. Carly reluctantly takes her agent's advice to accept an offer she would never have considered in her heyday—to star in a midwestern theater production—in an attempt to rehabilitate her rep.

Things get off to a rocky start between type-A super organized and professional Lauren and sunny, charismatic, but lax Carly when Carly is late for her first three rehearsals. But their attraction, as well as Carly's newfound reason to care about making an effort, leads to unexpected developments, both on the romantic and on the professional front. But when Lauren's star begins to eclipse Carly's, Carly can't help but feel jealous and angry, and takes out her frustrations on her new lover.

Brayden writes great banter, and the relationship between these two apparent opposites builds in a convincing way. And she depicts the theater milieu (and, to a lesser extent, the Hollywood film milieu) with realistic action and detail. I did find myself wanting a bit more character development, especially on Carly—too often she's described as being charismatic, rather than shown as such.

What I appreciated most was how Lauren and Carly don't jump in with band-aid fixes when their relationship starts to sour; instead, they accept that they each have issues they have to work out themselves before they can truly be worthy partners to one another.

Another great book from Melissa Brayden where the characters make the story. I felt Carly's character was perfectly balanced in kind, lovable and selfish at the start acting like a spoiled star. You couldn't help but love her and root for her even with her faults. Lauren added the right balance to Carly's character being the stable and reliable character.

I loved following the journey the two took, Lauren in being given her first opportunity and Carly trying to get a second chance. Similar journey but for different reasons and both having different outcomes. Great book absolutely loved it!

This is a very sweet romance book. I like the fact that it's devoid of a lot of angst during the biggest part of the book. The book is about two career women in show business who have taken different routes to end up in the McAllister Theater. I find the couple believable from the get-go as they both see something hidden between the surface in each other.

Lauren: I identify mainly with this character. She has all her ducks in a row, likes order and is content with life. During the book she starts asking herself if she's living life to her fullest and starts taking chances.

Carly: In the beginning I find Carly to be a spoiled brat. Slowly Brayden starts peeling off the different layers of the character and you start to see not only who Carly is deep inside but also how circumstances have made her who she is today.

I won't lie and say I loved all the book. I wasn't too happy for a while there near the end, but the rest was most definitely excellent. I will re-read this book and have marked it as a new favorite.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

The attraction between Lauren and Carly is there from their initial meeting, but I enjoyed their back and forth with each other more. Their chemistry is off the charts! I loved how Lauren found her confidence and Carly learned how to earn her credibility as an actress again. When they finally make love, it was wow. Later, Carly's career stalls as Lauren's takes off and both reevaluate what they really want and they choose each other. In the end, they learn to recognize their flaws, promise to communicate better, and make the decision to be happy together. I highly recommend this sexy and satisfying read by Melissa Brayden..She's a wonderful romance writer and I always look forward to her work..

Lauren Prescott, a perfectionist stage manager at the McAllister Theater in Minneapolis

Carly Daniel, a popular movie star whose star is falling because of her bad behavior.

Carly Daniel can't get arrested in Hollywood after acting childish and showing up late to movie sets time after time. Her agent can't even get her bookings for commercials. Finally, there is one offer left on the table: a play in a small Minneapolis theater, The McAllister. Carly needs the money and reluctantly accepts the offer.

Lauren Prescott has heard of - and about - Carly Daniel. When Carly is late for her first day of work in Minneapolis, Lauren, while thinking Carly is quite beautiful, is still not impressed with Carly's empty promises to do better. Tolerance for this kind of behavior is not one of Lauren's strong suits.

Can Carly thaw out Lauren's icy exterior and succeed in making her own star rise again in Hollywood? Is this really what she wants?

Another excellent effort by Brayden, who is quickly becoming one of my very favorite authors!

This is the first book I've read by Melissa Brayden and she certainly doesn't disappoint. The characters are well written and flow of the pages. The interactions between Lauren and Carly are fun, flirty and creates a bond early on. And the theater as the backdrop is a bonus for this former community theater kid. Enjoy the ride.