To the Moon and Back is a sweet and beautifully amazing story. I feel in love with the characters and the premise. Brayden brought love and friendship to life with her writing and character dynamics. This story made me fall in love, it broke me into a million pieces, and it stitched me back together.
Lauren and Carly have amazing chemistry both on the stage and off. Watching the sexual tension build between them as they become friends and work together was exciting and amazing. The attraction is undeniable and they also had a great emotional connection, making it all the more gut wrenching when conflict arises.
Both characters had to deal with insecurities and gears and I really enjoyed the personal growth both women went through.
The romance was sweet yet sexy. The build up was perfect. The sex scenes were great.
I absolutely adore Lauren and Carly, they are both such great characters and it was amazing watching their love story unfold. To the Moon and Back made me laugh, swoon, and cry. I loved it.

With a Melissa Brayden book, you read the description and you get that and more. The more included education about the theater and sweet romance. Carly Daniels, actress with a me first approach to life. Lauren Prescott, stage manager with a I am happy where I am approach to life. I liked both characters. As Carly's eyes are opened, she works to be a better person and I embraced that very much. As Lauren's eyes are opened, she realizes that she was settling and not taking advantage of what is available. I enjoyed the self-talk and reflection as both characters processed who they are and who they want to be. The will it be a fling or in it for the long haul as the stage manager and actress interacted was interesting as well as entertaining. The wooing made me smile.

"To the Moon and Back" is the 7th Melissa Brayden novel I have read, and it quickly became one of my favourites. The relationship between stage manager Lauren Prescott and fallen movie star Carly Daniel was sweet, intense, and ultimately mature. I rooted for them throughout the story, and my heart ached for them as they worked out issues. There were plenty of plot twists, and while none were very unexpected, all worked perfectly for the story. The pacing was precise, and not once had anything felt rushed.

It was easy to feel connected with both characters as Lauren and Carly had very believable and relatable insecurities. We see how they both strived to be honest with each other, did their best to make sensible choices for the time being, and experienced substantial character growths. I always appreciate great character developments, and Brayden had done just that in "To the Moon and Back."

This is a story about two people searching for themselves and finding each other. Along with the theatre elements, what is there not to like? Oh, and I think I need the script of "Starry Nights" now. It sounded like an amazing play.

Well Ms Brayden has done it again. She has again written a book that I had a hard time putting down.
Carly Daniel’s on top of the world, at least by Hollywood's standards. Being sent manuscripts after manuscripts by producers and directors all hoping she would hop on the train with them to make movies that earned everyone some money, including Carly. That was until she made one of the biggest mistakes, not being there. Never on time because she spent most of her time partying. Late nights and hungover days weren’t what the movie bosses wanted. Now she’s in debt and has no jobs on the horizon but her agent keeps trying and luckly for Carly she knows of a director that is willing to take a chance on Carly. Problem is that Carly has never done stage work. This is her chance to make a comeback, prove there is more to Carly than just the next party and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen again.
Lauren Prescott wanted to be an actress for as long as she could remember. Acting in plays at her school certainly gave her the acting bug. Like many before her she goes to New York hoping to get the break she needs so her dream could become a reality but like others before her that just never happened. She does find work though as a stage manager and becomes one of the best managers The McAllister Theatre in Minnesota has ever had. She’s happy with her work, has a good working relationship with her backstage co-workers, plus she’s not that far away from her Mom and Dad.
This story tells us what happens when the actress scheduled to work with Carly finds herself unable to continue. Lauren is asked to run lines with Carly not knowing she would be good enough to actually be in the play along with Carly.
Ms Brayden has always given us characters that we can’t help but root for. Nicely paced story, with believable dialogue makes this one perfect for those of us who really like a nice, funny romance. Very, very enjoyable
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books

Carly and Lauren’s characters were so well written. The reader is drawn into their story within a few pages of the book. Their chemistry was off the charts and I couldn’t wait for them to get together. I loved the development that their relationship took. I found myself laughing with them, crying with them, rooting for them. Their personal story moved me! Melissa Brayden has become one of my favorite authors. I began reading lesbian romances a few months ago to explore this genre, because I had a patron request get some for my library’s collection. I have found like any other genre, if the character development, setting and plot are done right, then the reader is swept up into the story regardless. Love is love and Melissa Brayden does this in spades! She is a fantastic writer and I have purchased as many of her books as I could for my collection. If you are looking for a wonderful love story, then look no further than To The Moon and Back!

Lauren Prescott is a well-respected stage manager at the renowned McAllister Theater in Minneapolis desperately ready for a tropical vacation as her current production. There’s only one problem, the theater’s exciting new production of Starry Nights needs a stage manager like Lauren because the lead is going to Hollywood actress Carly Daniel. Carly’s reputation as a party girl who holds up productions precedes her and it will be Lauren’s job to wrangle her.

When Carly arrives in Minneapolis she’s in for a double culture shock of the midwest and professional theater—both are so different from her file roles and LA sunshine. Looking to resuscitate her career, Carly reluctantly agrees to the role, but with many of her bad habits intact.

Carly and Lauren clash delightful and Lauren tries to schedule Carly’s free spirit in 15-minute increments. When the other lead in the play drops out an opportunity arrises that brings Carly and Lauren even closer.

Like most Brayden novels the chemistry in this one sparkles. It’s always fun to watch exasperation transform to lust. Filled with humor, sweet moments, and maturity of two very successful women this was a satisfying read.

I wish the ending had had a bit more runway, but overall I really enjoyed To the Moon and Back. I never can resist a midwest love story and it was nice to see Brayden capture the allure of places outside the big city.

Sometimes you see a new book with the name of a certain author, and you just hit “want to read” without even reading the blurb. Melissa Brayden is definitely one of those authors! She is just such a good writer ! Her dialogue is amazing and she builds such strong/likable characters..

This one didn’t disappoint for sure ! Carly and Lauren were such interesting characters.. if you read the blurb you’d expect Carly to turn out as a spoilt entitled Hollywood princess ... but Brayden manages to show us another side of her and you can’t not just love her! With all her issues and her actions, you still love Carly :) Lauren was another interesting character and their connection was so romantic.. I can’t say it was off the charts, I felt it was just romantic :)

The reason why this is a solid 4 rating and not 5 is because it was a little bit predictable..
Miss Brayden may I ask you to re-consider the choice of the cover? I wouldn’t want to be the person to “judge the book by its cover” but I’m sorry I did not like the cover 😁😁😁
P.s: can’t wait for the new series !!

“I received an ARC for an honest review.”

Lauren Prescott has always dreamed of being an actress but after a few failed auditions she settled for her other passion: stage managing. Carly Daniel had a successful career as a film actress but when her excessive partying got in the way of her acting, she paid a high price. Now that she hasn’t got any high profile film gigs, she accepts a starring role in a play with a very attractive but standoffish stage manager. When Carly’s co-star is sidelined, Lauren has the chance to revive her forgotten acting dream and to explore her relationship with Carly on and off stage…

Melissa Brayden is one of the A-listers of the lesfic genre and every single time she consistently delivers great lesbian books. If you like feel-good, happily-ever-after romances, she won’t disappoint you. Her career as a writer is well known but her theatre vocation is usually overlooked. In ‘To the Moon and back’ Ms. Brayden gets to mix both worlds as she did in ‘Waiting in the Wings’. The result is a heartfelt depiction of the theatre world, a fascinating comparison to the film industry and, on top of that, a feel-good, chemistry-ridden romance. What’s not to love?

Apart from the excellent description of the theatre world, one of the best features of this book is the character building. Both leads are actresses and the author exploits this well, making them outgoing, charismatic and with a dramatic flair. Having said that, Carly and Lauren are quite different and they complement well, taking their chemistry to off-the-charts levels. Ms. Brayden is fantastic at writing dialogues, making the most of the characters’ banter and wit. The cast of secondary characters are all multilayered and play a big part in making the story believable.

Unlike other Brayden’s novels, ‘To the Moon and back’ is low in the angst department which might not please some of her fan base but it’s right up my alley. Don’t expect to shed many tears with this story but you’ll definitely get the feel-good, ‘in love with love’ sentiment. As usual, Ms. Brayden turns the heat on between the characters and delivers hot sex scenes. Overall, a superb feel-good lesbian romance, low on angst but high on chemistry. 5 stars.

ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lauren Prescott is a stage manager at the McAllister Theater although her dream has always been to become an actress. Carly Daniel is a well known famous actress that is having problems booking roles due to her behavior, so now she is one of the leads at the new play at the McAllister Theater. When Carly's co-star is suddenly not available it might be time for Lauren to finally do what she had always dream of but never thought she could do. But would the limelight be enough for both of them or would love be enough for them to share it?

This book was everything I hoped it would be. It was sweet, funny, quirky, full of romance and even heart breaking at times.

The chemistry between Lauren and Carly was amazing and hot (as expected). both characters were very well developed and I particularly liked the fact that both characters grew throughout the book. They evolved separately but also as a couple.

Also can this play be for real? or make a movie or something... It was soo good!!!

Thank you Melissa Brayden for another amazing book.

I was provided an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This novel was about Lauren and Carly. Lauren is a stage manager at the McAllister Theater, which is a big thing in the theater world. She, once upon a time, wanted to be an actress, but, it did not work out, and she is happy being an amazing stage manager on the theater's shows.

Carly is a Hollywood actress who had a humongous career, but mostly ruined it by misbehaving in her twenties. So, when a play is offered to her, even though she's never done one, and thinks that it's going to be, well, not amazing for her, she does it anywhere. It's her last chance to revive her career.

She and Lauren don't get off to a great start. But, as the story goes on, they get closer. And then Lauren's orderly life gets rocked too as she gets a chance at something that she never thought she'd ever have again.

There's a lot of back and forth between the two women in this story. And, I have to say, that the conflict seemed very balanced when it came to their issues. This story didn't choose a side and have one woman be entirely to blame, one woman 'right', while the other is 'wrong'. It was well written.

It was a fun read, not to mention, there were some cool Brayden Universe name drops too.

I was given this ARC by Netgalley on behalf of Bold Strokes Books.

This book made me happy whilst I read it and reading a romance with a smile on your face is relaxation heaven. For me, nobody writes better sassy, sexy, flirting better than Ms Brayden. This story has plenty of sass and fun and it’s on par with the rest of her canon, which makes it great. Interestingly there aren’t any group friendships going on like in her other books. And whilst I love the Soho Loft Series and those four fabulous friends, likewise the Seven Shores four, the lack of a group in this book was refreshing. The second half in particular was a more mature, reflective book. Her inside knowledge of theatre management was fun to learn about and her message - think about what makes you truly happy now not what it used to be - is a powerful idea. Read this book!

When you read a Melissa Brayden book there's certain things you will get from the book. It will be fun, flirty, excellent dialogue and a happy ending . This one didn't disappoint. I was very happy that the setting was in the theatre for which Miss Brayden has a lot of experience. This was a slow burn romance but when things started to progress...HOT HOT HOT!! Carly Daniel was a an up and coming actress until she started being late to calls, partying too hard and just unreliable. No one would hire her. The only gig she could get was a stage performance. She had to do something to get her career back on path so off she went. Lauren Prescott always wanted to be an actor but it just wasn’t in the cards for her. She became the stage manager at the esteemed McAllister Theatre. They meet onstage with Carly being late to the 1st reading. It is Lauren job to make sure everybody’s there on time and ready to go. She takes Carly on to make her on time and ready to work. The attraction was immediate. Lauren starting reading lines with Carly and she found out that Lauren was a actress. They ended up starring together in the play. Then life happens. I absolutely loved this book.

Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I usually love the Melissa Braden books that I’ve read, and I really liked this one. Loved the build up and the characters but sadly I kinda lost interest about halfway through. I speed read through the last half, but it’s still a good book. There were a few funny and sweet moments

It is very rare to find a book that has little drama and still manages to make the storyline flow in such a delicious manner as this one.

Melissa Brayden always makes me fall for at least one of her characters, this book was definitely not the exception.

The way Lauren and Carly have this amazing chemistry makes me want to fall in love and be in that situation myself, makes me want to keep reading about this couple and the universe they are in, endlessly.

I will say it once and will definitely repeat it a million times more, Melissa is a wonderful author and as long as she keeps writing, I will keep reading, buying and promoting her books.

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had somewhat high hopes for this after being disappointed in Brayden’s last book. I did enjoy this more than the last one, but it didn’t jump into my favourites pile.

So, the mains are Carly, a Hollywood actress whose career is in freefall after some diva like behaviour and Lauren, a stage manager at a famous theatre in Minneapolis. Lauren is nice to everyone, she’s good at her job and she’s very focused. She also wanted to be an actress at one point but gave up when she couldn’t get any parts and decided to focus on behind the scenes work.

Not gonna lie, Carly was very hard to take for about the first third of the book. This is a woman pretty much on her last chance who knows she’s not getting work because of her crappy work ethic (she’s one of those ‘everyone will just wait for me’ types). So what does she do when given an opportunity to make a comeback? Treats the opportunity like it’s nothing and just continues to show up when she wants. Seriously, what an entitled little shit. Somehow, Lauren manages to fall for her despite this, even though Carly’s character growth amounts to actually showing up on time and crying when another actress puts her in her place.

Then we have Lauren, who turns into a Mary-Sue by suddenly being gifted with a role in the play (I did not buy this development for a second, but it just kept snowballing as one opportunity magically turns into everything Lauren touching turning to gold). During all of this Lauren and Carly banter their way into a relationship, and this part was pure Brayden, sparkling banter all the way.

Unfortunately it all falls apart around the 80% mark. I actually felt kinda sorry for Carly at this point, everything just came too easily for Lauren, and that would have bugged me too. Anyway, both Lauren and Carly have epiphanies and manage to reunite in the last 5% for a somewhat sweet HEA.

Parts of this are sweet, parts of it are fun, but from about the 40% mark, most of what happened with Lauren was too unbelievable for me to buy into. An average Brayden is sill better than most lesfic, so many will enjoy this, but it doesn’t have as much heart as some of her earlier books

Melissa Brayden rings, and I answer. And I was more than excited to receive an ARC of something I've anticipated for months upon months!

I'm pretty conflicted about this one. As put in Stephanie's review, the first half, when Carly and Lauren dodged and parried into romance, were thrilling. Then, some time after the sex stopped, things changed.

Before I get into that, I must highlight what really worked in this book. Melissa Brayden is, undoubtably, a stellar writer. Her characters are fun and dorky and the humorous bits crawl a gentle smile upon my face (ex: Carly being late and showing up with the drink that made her later and the line "Did hell actually freeze over? I never even got to see it."). She's knocked out some amazing first kiss scenes and stays consistent for this story. It's really astounding. The chemistry between the two mains really worked for me, in an opposites attract kind of way.

Brayden's work is crazy quotable. A favorite being "It’s not about how good you are in the beginning. It’s about who you know, and being in the right place at the right time . Then suddenly your talent matters." My, my, the wisdom in there. I'm also really into her theatre/showbiz pieces (Eyes Like Those and First Position are favorites). In those, Brayden's knowledge and passion really shine. Gotta love the free-spirited, semi-washed-up celebrity and no-nonsense stage manager giving into their mutual attraction.

Did the Starry Nights show give anyone Robin Alexander vibes? Not in the lines, but in the parts about them spotting each other in the grocery store and the delayed flight, I couldn't help but think of the perfection that is Just Jorie. I wish this play were real!

Now for what didn't work. My forever nitpick with Brayden: the overuse of certain terms and ways of speaking. I'm all for a distinctive author style, but the voices are consistent book-to-book. Another were all the wardrobe details. Has that always been a thing, but more seamless? Because I feel like it stood out to me a little too much this time.

The biggest issue I had was the drama. Ugh, it was almost unbearable for me. A very painful read. I didn't realize the specific topic of lovers clashing over similar careers would stress me out so much. The paparazzi scene was necessary for this, but just as painful. I feel like the story was especially hard on Carly. Yes, she burned some bridges by being unprofessional, but Lauren didn't seem to full empathize with the concept of the WORLD calling you a loser, making you question everything about yourself.

Carly got cross and grumpy about Lauren's opportunities, which she should've (and did) apologize for. But, cut the lady some slack. Imagine having what you think is your dream job and a few mistakes placing you at the end of everyone's lists. Then, someone you love breezes in and gets everything she even touches (seriously, was Lauren turned down for any roles?). It's very human to feel insecure. And even through the frustration, she encouraged Lauren. Rather than leaving Carly's home so soon, Lauren could've stuck around and been her rock. I didn't get treating-Lauren-like-a-punching bag from their interactions; Carly seemed genuinely hurt, lost, and remorseful. We've seen enough cases of celebs who spiral without some bit of foundation (did Carly have family or just the one friend and agent?).

Oh and the end: Did....did Lauren ever show an interest or aptitude for directing? Did I miss something? Trust me, people with director energy are very obvious, haha.

Then, this story wraps up too quickly, I don't know.

I'm stuck between 3 or 4 stars. Again, I'm conflicted.

I love the theatre and love when Melissa Brayden graces us with theatre centric love stories. Her vast knowledge of the craft, both on and behind the stage shines through in To the Moon and Back.

Bad girl movie star Carly Daniel, shunned by the studios for her off screen antics tries to revive her career by agreeing to perform in an off Broadway play. Cue the fish out of water actress forced to face her own fears while pretending she is coping with the challenges of live theatre. Production Stage Manager Lauren Prescott can see that this down on her luck Hollywood starlet is floundering and takes it upon herself to help Carly adjust to her new surroundings. Lauren gave up her dreams of acting years before but is willing to help out the struggling starlet by reading lines with her after hours.

There is a lot of theatre info at the beginning of this novel necessary to set the stage for the romance to come. Once Carly and Lauren meet, clash and then bond over a very erotic game of billiards, the heat ramps up with every scene and the reader falls in love along with the mains. The dialogue is crisp and witty and the secondary characters help voice the excitement and concern each woman is experiencing. Brayden doesn’t settle for the formulaic quick makeup following a misunderstanding. Instead she gives us an actor’s version of A Star is Born. Heart breaking and heart felt all at the same time. I enjoyed the drama and was impressed with the way the author pulled everything together for a satisfying conclusion.

There is some head hopping thanks to the rapid fire dialogue and I have no idea why the cover art bears no resemblance to the book itself. Those are my only negatives in an otherwise stellar read by Ms. Brayden.

ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.

I love Melissa Brayden’s books because they’re often fluffy and profound at the same time. They touch delicately on challenging topics (family, anxiety, imposter syndrome…). They seem lighthearted and happy, and they are, but they’re also more than that. And I’d do well to remember that because as much as I enjoy the joyful feelings they give me, I also feel the angst deep inside.

When her dream of becoming an actress didn’t pan out, Lauren Prescott became the best stage manager she could be, and now loves her job at the McAllister Theater in Minneapolis. She loves the environment, loves her coworkers, loves that she’s so good at a job that satisfies her need for order. So when her boss and mentor asks her to put her well-deserved vacation on hold to handle the next production because of a high-profile actress, she says yes, albeit reluctantly. Carly Daniel is a very talented Hollywood actress whose star is on the way down (way down) after too much partying and starletting. When her agent suggests she gives the theatre a try, she’s not convinced at first, and brings her bad habits to the stage, unintentionally and carelessly messing with Lauren’s precise organisation. Her sweet personality and willingness to do better go a long way to help her find her footing within the more theatre-savvy cast, except for her costar, who seems intent on looking down on her.

To The Moon And Back is all about Brayden’s love of theatre, onstage and backstage, and she does a delightful job of sharing that love. This novel is pure Brayden, so don’t expect anything else. The characters will feel familiar because that’s the way she writes them. They’re lovely and sweet, the kind of people I want to be friends with, but with much better dialogue than most people come up with in real life. It’s quick and witty and fantastic. There’s even a hint of the new series Brayden has been teasing for a while, with Carly mentioning her mother works at Tangle Valley Vineyards.

This is not a story with plot twists and unexpected developments. Brayden set the scene so well I knew what was coming, not because it’s unimaginative but because she made it obvious it was the only way things could go. She leads the reader exactly where she wants to take them, with brilliant writing as usual. Also, not everyone can make office supplies sound sexy.

I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of the story.

I loved this book! Characters are engaging and recognizable as everyday people.

Carly is a gorgeous, well known actress whose wild child ways has backfired on her career.

Lauren is a successful stage manger with unrealized dreams of acting.

They come together during the production of a play that focuses on the way love could develop depending on the choices made by the lovers.

Carly and Lauren find their own love story mirroring the play.

As they grow together, Lauren realizes her dream of acting while Carky's career also takes an unexpected turn.

The book has some descriptive sexual scenes.

I highly reccomend this book and look forward to the author's next book!

This is my second Melissa Brayden read, and it was an awesome ride for most of the book. The chemistry between Carly and Lauren is off the charts, even when their personalities clash. There's some lovely comedic elements (that Lauren's safe space is her home and adorable Pug just makes Lauren so adorkable, its no wonder why Carly fell for her). But near the last third of the book, I felt like it started to feel a little scattershot. Brayden had carefully crafted both Lauren and Carly's characters in the first half, that some events don't make too much sense once the setting changed. It did feel like she tried to cram a little too much at the end, especially with both ladies' insecurities, so she ended up trying to scramble for resolutions to problems that could have been worked through better throughout the book.

Overall, though, I think Brayden is amazing, and has a knack for creating characters with realistic flaws and worries. Her quirky dialog is still excellent, mostly funny, and has some interesting dad-jokes thrown in. In both the books I read from her, I noticed that she is able to create excellent chemistry with her leads, which makes most of the scenes in them feel much more intense. I enjoyed this book, and will probably read it again - maybe the last bunch of the book will go smoother for me next time.