I always look forward to her Melissa Brayden's books and when one comes out, it's like waiting to open a gift on Christmas morning. The author has a formula, and she uses it to her (and our) advantage. Girl meets girl, girl breaks girl's heart, girls get back together and live happily ever after. Readers know what to expect, and usually she makes it work. This book fell short for me. I had a hard time relating to the characters, who were likable enough, but not really believable because they weren't created in-depth. We didn't know a lot about them except for what was front and center - their careers.

Because of the typical path of a Brayden book, I kept waiting for the drama to hit just to give me a reason to keep reading. It finally did at around the 80% mark (too late in my opinion). The characters then spent barely any time apart, and we didn't see the angst they went through while apart. They then easily fell back into each other's lives.

Another reviewer said she felt that this was a lazy attempt at writing a book and I have to say that I agree. Was it a good book? Parts were good. Would I read it again? Probably not. Was it this author's best? Absolutely not. Another pet peeve of mine is the author's constant use of the words "exponentially" and "ruminated". These were thankfully used sparingly in this book, but still present. The overuse of "the hell" (as in "turned the hell on", "right the hell now", "speed the hell up") was enough to make me roll my eyes - 31 instances in the book (Yup, I did a search!)

Having said that, I'm already looking forward to the next Melissa Brayden book because I know she can do better than this one.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars for this Melissa Brayden romance.

This is a pleasant romance that I’ve come to expect from Brayden. And that is a good thing, because I was disappointed that couldn’t get into the first book of her Seven Shores series, so I didn’t read the other books in the series. Maybe I wasn’t in the right mood or mindset at the time? It happens. One day I’ll go back and try the series again.

First off, let me confess that I’m a theater fan - ok a fanatic. I have a subscription for the Pantages in Hollywood (2-3 hrs from my house even though there are other good theaters much closer, but Pantages is better, IMO), I have traveled to NYC just to attend Broadway plays and to other cities if I’m bingeing on a favorite play. So, a book set in a theater? By Brayden who has a theater background? Sign me up…

In this book we have Lauren Prescott, the Stage Manager at the 1500 seat, well respected, (fictional) McAllister Theater in Minneapolis. Originally, Lauren aspired to be an actress, but it didn’t pan out, so she moved backstage. With her mad organization skills and anal retentiveness tendencies, she became a successful and well respected stage manager. She admits “I’m like the Marie Kondo of theater”. Next we have the movie actress, Carly Daniel. When she was twenty, she was cast in her first movie and her roles and popularity rose exponentially. However, now at 29 years old, her career has crashed and burned. Her acting talent and beauty can no longer offset her continual tardiness and demands on set, her partying and adding to the fact she is no longer an ingénue. Absolutely no one will hire her in Hollywood. However, she gets one offer for a lead role in a new play at the McAllister. Reluctantly, she takes the job at her agent’s urging. However, Carly is very apprehensive. She has never done any stage work, not even in High School.

Unfortunately, Carly continues her “bad behavior” in Minneapolis - late for the daily rehearsals and partying in the evening with cast and crew. Partying, although not ideal, would be OK with Lauren, if only they weren’t hung over and tired the next day for rehearsals. To Lauren’s surprise, Carly is a very good actress but is not used to stage work – you know, things like memorizing pages of dialogue, no take twos, and being on time. Lauren takes her under her wing so to speak, helping Carly with her lines which is essentially a two person play.

This is a romance. So you can predict what comes next. Love, success, jealousy, growth and figuring out what each person needs and wants in their relationship and career. And of course Angst. I think I liked Carly’s journey the best. But then she had the most to travel and with no secondary career to fall back on. She had to figure out what she would have to do, to remain in the business.

So if you like show business romances, Hollywood, Theater scene, likable characters and/or Brayden you may like this story. I wouldn’t necessarily say enemies which sounds too harsh – let’s say “not friends” to lovers, then you may like this story. I liked this story.

An ARC was given to me by publisher, Bold Strokes books via Netgalley for an honest review.

This is an interesting book and shows how much Melissa Braden knows about the theatre. A young actress fell from grace and can’t get a movie due to her bad behavior despite being a good actress. Her agent sends her to a regional equity theater in the north west. Carly reluctance’s to take this job is a mixed blessing as she never acted live for theater When she gets to the theater she runs head first into the uptight stage manager Lauren, who is a stickler for rules and promptness. Carly has an immediate interest in Lauren and Lauren’s only interest is getting Carly to rehearsal on time. After a heated exchange about Carly needing to change her behavior and reputation if she ever wants to work again, slowly change happens for both women as they become interested in each other.
When Carly’s costar is out Lauren fills in with the roll and the heat really intensity builds to a point the play starts to really work. Can these two make a go of it in the same business?
Braden has a way of writing a kiss in a story that is always earth shattering and she does not disappoint in this story. Her characters are well de eloped, relatable an interesting. I highly recommend this book, it is a very enjoyable book with a touch of heat.

I was very much looking forward to Melissa Brayden's new book and was not disappointed.
Production stage manager Lauren is supervising a play in which the actress Carly, who is considered to be difficult, has a role.
You can get lost in the world of theatre and acting with the book and learn interesting facts about it along the way.
The two main characters are loveable and their actions are always comprehensible.
The dialogues captivate with word jokes and banter.
The book has a certain lightness that makes you forget your everyday life and invites you to read longer than you actually planned. ;-)

I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for a an honest review.

To the Moon and Back has everything I would expect in a romance novel by Melissa Brayden. In this tale we meet Carly Daniel, a celebrity who is well known not only for her beauty and acting ability, but also for her partying ways. Because of this, she has become almost blacklisted in the film industry, and has to take a leading role in a stage production of a play at the esteemed McAllister Theater in Minnesota to try to improve her reputation in the business. There she meets Lauren Prescott, the head stage manager for the production. Lauren had once desired a career as an actress herself, but settled in behind the curtains after trying and failing to make it as an actress. Sparks fly almost immediately when the two meet, but is this just a showmance that will end with the play?

Ms. Brayden is obviously very knowledgeable in theater production, and this definitely comes across in the setting and the story itself. She has created a beautiful story with characters easy to fall in love with, and just the right amount of angst to keep the reader guessing and reading to the end. I became totally invested in these two characters, and really wanted them to have a happy ending together. However, Ms. Brayden put quite a bit of conflict in their paths, and that happy outcome became very questionable. That’s the mark of a good romance. It’s also what kept me reading until the end.

If you love a good romance with lovely characters, a great story and possibly a happy ending, then pick this one up soon.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.com/

Reading a Melissa Brayden book is like slipping on your favorite pair of shoes and going for a walk on a sunny summer day with your best friend. Her stories are comfort and warmth warped up and delivered via beautiful words and wonderful characters. For me, it just doesn’t get any better.

To the Moon and Back is everything I’ve come to expect from Melissa Brayden. It did not disappoint and is a perfect read in every way. One can not help but be swept up in her leading ladies’ romance. It is an absolutely charming love story and I enjoyed every page of it.

Brayden has such a strong command of her craft. She just knows how to create lovely and relatable characters. Lauren Prescott is the quintessential girl next door. She is likable in every way. Carly Daniel is a bit wild and irresponsible, but people are drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Both Lauren and Carly are wonderful characters. I liked them both, and I liked them even more together. They are perfectly matched and play off from each other so adorably well. After their first interaction, I could see them together. In fact, I wanted them together. I knew their journey was going to be good, and it was.

To the Moon and Back is pure reading bliss. If you like a sweet romance with incredibly wonderful characters, then don’t hesitate to pick this book up. If you are already a Melissa Brayden fan, you won’t be disappointed. It is everything you’ve come to expect from her: a well written and delightful romance.

Brayden does it again with another solid lesbian romance. Those who never had the privilege of reading a Brayden story should know she's one of the few LGBT writers out there who is the whole package. She writes entertaining stories with believable characters and just the right amount of angst to keep the reader going.

While I love all her stories and characters, she always seem to shine through the most when the backdrop of the story revolves around the entertainment industry -- something that Brayden herself has acknowledged a background in.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance reader's copy. Melissa Brayden is here to stay and has definitely cemented herself as one of the premiere lesbian romance writers of our time.

4.5 Stars. This book is about Lauren Prescott, a production stage manager at the McAllister Theatre. When Lauren was younger, she wanted to be an actress, but decided to have a career behind the stage instead, as she was afraid of failing as an actress. She is working at the theatre for the newest okay, Starry Night, when she meets one of the lead actors, Carly Daniels. Carly is a n actress who is now a fallen star after acting like a brat and being known as a diva. Although, Carly is ready to turn over a new leaf and makes things different on this play. It is the first opportunity she has gotten in a while and does not want to screw it up. Lauren and Carly start to work together and cannot deny the chemistry they have when they run lines together. When Carly's costar gets sick and Lauren has to step in, Carly and Lauren cannot help but be attracted to one another.

Melissa Brayden usually writes pretty solid books, I enjoy most of them and this one is no exception. The chemistry between the two main characters developed nicely throughout the book and I could not help but want to continue reading to find out what happens next. They both had good interactions that developed the relationship over time. They relationship developed at a good speed and I really enjoyed reading their story. It took place over a longer period of time which I enjoy and it feels realistic to a relationship and building naturally over time. It had good up and downs that helped develop the characters and I would highly recommend this novel.

A sweet romance that charmed me even further by having most of it take place at a theater. At a lapsed thespian myself, I loved reading about all the ins and outs of theater life - even if it did make me feel just a tad homesick ;)

But the strength of the writing lay with the characters. I grew to truly love both Lauren and Carly and was happy to see them (mostly) communicate about their hopes, fears and dreams. It was a refreshing change, and even if things did progress rather quickly, it rang true in the context of the heightened emotions that always comes as part of the parcel with a theater performance.

I'm pretty sure there was more than a little wish-fulfillment in the depiction of life in LA, and Evelyn did disappear from the scene a tad too easily, but as it never claimed to be anything other than escapist literature I never minded either and was just pleased to spend time with Lauren, Carly, Trip and Rocky :-D

This is going to be a messy review because I always have so much to say about Melissa Brayden's novels. And it comes from being such a huge fan of her books; every single new one I read reminds me of how strongly I feel about her older ones such as Waiting in the Wings and Kiss the Girl.

So she tackled show business again, which had me super excited. I genuinely believe she delivers her best work when she writes about artists, such as in First Position as well (ballet qualifies as art?). Theater always comes with some very interesting drama of its own. And this was a good one — I devoured it, and I haven't been able to finish anything lately due to anxiety, so this says something. It is virtually the only book I can remember I've finished in months.

Her writing is always entertaining enough. She writes witty dialogue and banter like no one, and her brand of drama always keeps you hooked. These are the things most people can say about most of her books.

What I feel about this one, though, is that she's gotten comfortable. This might be a bit harsh but I swear that whenever I say anything bad about her work it is because I truly feel that she could've done better. This felt lazy, for lack of a better term — all the aspects that bothered me were things I know she's written better before. She's been releasing books like crazy, with two having come out last year and another one besides this expected for later this year, and while I haven't read all of them, what I feel is she's found her safe place and she's not venturing very much beyond it.

All of her books are character-driven, so lazy characterization is a big issue, and it's the biggest problem I had with Carly and Lauren's characters. Along with the other characters, the two of them were essentially profiled from the start and limited to those traits that the author chose for them. The reader doesn't really get to know them through their dialogue and behaviour, because from the very beginning you're told Lauren is type-A and Carly is laid back and fun to be around, and it doesn't get much deeper than that. There was a lot of exposition, with their characterization and the side characters' as well being described pretty objectively. Towards the second half of the book, it even became a bit annoying how much of their dynamic was built upon such superficial traits that kept coming up again and again, such as Lauren being too organized, Carly always being late, and Lauren having a messed-up first impression of her because of all the rumors. We hear about Lauren's type-A personality and about Carly's regrets about her past and the things she did that derailed her career, but it all feels weak and barely touches the surface of what these characters could be. For example, (view spoiler). Lots of things are mentioned matter-of-factly and not properly explored to build their personalities around such traits.

For that reason, their relationship itself was also hard for me to buy in a sentimental capacity. I'll digress to say something positive, though — the sexual tension between them was levels above what I've seen in other Brayden novels, and it was pretty fun to read. It's cool, they're sexually active adults! That part was believable, if maybe overplayed for laughs in some bits that felt forced. It was new, though, and for the most part I liked it. The romance was harder to deal with, because I just couldn't pinpoint what they liked about each other that much. And this is entirely due to the poor characterization. Their relationship was still a lot of fun to read about, and I appreciate it when books go for the established relationship early-on instead of eternal mutual pining, but with this book, the pining really was the best of it. Once they got together, all of the issues were difficult to relate to. I won't even get into the issue of how unreal what happened to Lauren's career was, because it's something I can overlook as I believe lesbians deserve to enjoy the kind of cliché fairytale stories straight people have always had.

Towards the last 30% is when things fully derailed for me, as I feel that the writer tried to shove a much larger story than could've possibly been told with the respect it warranted in as many pages. While the first half of the book goes on an almost day-by-day basis, the last part sails through months like it's nothing, all the while it expects the reader to believe that a lot of major changes and character development are happening. This is not a new mistake — it's the same issue I had with First Position, when (view spoiler). Waiting in the Wings, which I will always say is her magnum opus and can never be topped, on the other hand, delivered some of her finest work in the form of an audacious 4-year time jump after which the characters confronted their issues and insecurities and deeply worked through what ruined their relationship the first time around. In short, what I feel is, if you want to break up your characters before the happy ending, you gotta do the work, because getting back together after you're gotten to the point of seriously ending things is not simple, it's not just any argument. Brayden expected me to believe that these characters worked on themselves and on their relationship a lot more than what I actually saw written on the pages.

So yeah, this is a harsh one. Even though I did actually enjoy the story and devour the book, I'm not certain that, had this been my introduction to the MBU (Melissa Brayden Universe), I would've been interested in tackling the rest. Which is a huge shame, as I've said there are some books of hers that I love so dearly it warms my heart just to talk about them with someone. I'll keep reading what she puts out there, though, as I live eternally in hopes that I'll get another one of those to keep close to my heart.

There is absolutely no doubt that Melissa Brayden can really write! And she does not disappoint in ‘To the Moon and Back’. Lauren is a former actress who is now a stage manager in theater and Carly is an actress whose career has taken a tumble and she attempts to resurrect it by being part of a play. When Lauren and Carly meet, they have an instant connection that neither of them can avoid or ignore. When they decide to pursue a relationship, new opportunities and circumstances make them question whether they both wan the same things.

As is the case with Melissa's books, the story is very well written and the characters are relatable. If you are looking for witty dialogue, this is the book for you!

This is a typical Brayden romance, if you're familiar with her work you should know what to expect. A solid romance with interesting characters. Where Brayden shines is character development, chemistry and dialogue and its especially evident in this book. Carly and Lauren's chemistry is evident from the get go and it only gets better the more they interact. The dialogue between them was never forced and was just fun to read, even when it got emotional. This is an overall good book, the only failing is near the end where Brayden inserts some silly angst where the characters end up breaking up. It cheapened the romance for me but that tactic is par for the course with Brayden novels so I was expecting it.

When I was younger I dreamt of being a performer, until I realised my talents are elsewhere.
This is almost exactly what Lauren has discovered. She tried to become an actress, but she didn’t make it. Now she is a pretty successful stage manager at a well regarded theatre, it’s a close to the action you can get without performing. When she is ready for a vacation she has to fill in on a difficult project. Carly is a fallen Hollywood starlet trying to find herself and get her acting career out of the gutter by doing a play. She doesn’t seem to take it all too seriously, something Lauren can’t stand. Lauren is there to tell her to own up to what she is doing and also to grow up and stop being a spoiled little brat. It’s the first time someone is willing to do so and tries to see Carly for who she is instead of all the fame and glamour.
The connection is instant and totally believable. I like how the story develops and all looks to be a lovely romance, until there is a bit too much drama. For a book that does a pretty good job of tearing down walls for the characters and developing them emotionally it just kicks itself in the butt with drama. For me it would have been better if the downs weren’t so deep and the romance was just developed, instead of some sort of stop and go.

All in all I did enjoy the read, the characters, also the supporting ones are lovely and storyline is fine, with a bit too much drama towards the end.

Carly was once the darling of Hollywood, but her star has fallen in recent years and she turns to theatre as a desperate last change to salvage her career. Lauren once dreamed of being an actress, but now she's incredibly content and incredibly competent in her career as a stage manager. That is, until the actress Carly Daniels arrives and turns her world upside down. As much as the two women clash, sparks fly and creative fires stoked. When Lauren has a chance to make her childhood dreams come alive, will their flirtation take a back burner or will it burn hotter than ever?

The book started a little slow with a lot of theatre jargon for me. If you're a theatre person I know you're going to love it because Melissa Brayden's passion of theatre really shows in Lauren's character. Once our two leading ladies met, it really took off and I lost myself completely in the story.
The chemistry was steamy and the love scenes were off the charts in this book. The dialogue and the banter and the writing style is so fun. Rocky the dog has an adorable supporting role in the story.

Love also the second hint about the Tangle Valley winery series to come!

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I recieved an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

To the Moon and Back is another Bold Strokes Books publication that I took a chance on due to the blurb sounding interesting. And upon reading, I was won over by the characters and the fun plot exploring the world of acting from the perspectives of a possibly fading star and an aspiring actress who’s mostly given up on the dream.

In Lauren and Carly, there are some familiar romance conventions with a twist, like the somewhat jaded diva Carly, being brought back down to Earth by the more grounded Lauren. They have an easily understandable attraction, bonding over their shared passion, and developing naturally into an incredibly comfortable and passionate relationship.

Along the way, they also deal with some the twists and turns life gives them as Lauren’s acting career is given a sudden second life while Carly’s continues to stagnate, even being in competition with one another at one point. I ultimately loved the resolution that allowed both of them to pursue their passions together, while both also growing and trying new experiences.

This is a cute, sweet, and fluffy romance, and just what I needed after reading (and occadsionally DNFing) some clunkers or “just ok” books lately. I recommend it to those looking for more f/f romance, and especially to those who are interested in theatre and the world of acting.

Note: small typographical error at start of chapter 6 — “She carried such a reverence for the place and sometimes had to pinch herself to remember that she acCtually worked here.”

I haven’t read many books by this author, but I think this is my favourite one by her! There’s just such a warmth to the story, and even the supporting characters feel living and breathing. While there’s some RomCom cliches, the banter and chemistry between our two leads more than makes up for it. I also applaud the author for taking the complex path to a satisfying ending. Overall, the book is engaging and lovely to read!

Melissa Brayden has been a favourite writer of mine for a while now, anytime a new book comes out it immediately jumps to the top of my to-read list. She is great with the natural, funny dialogue, romantic scenes and honest chemistry all the while giving you the feeling that it could be you. No overly dramatic or unrealistic storylines, just life as it can be for anyone of us. Ofcourse having very high expectations also makes it increasingly more difficult for a writer to meet the bar that's set. Which is okay, her last book didn't really do it for me, but this one about stage-manager Lauren and fallen movie star Carly is exactly what I love about a good romance novel and what I expect of Melissa Brayden. She knocks it out of the park with this one again and I will be sitting here, eagerly awaiting her new one.

An ARC of this novel was sent to me by NetGalley for reviewing purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love reading Melissa Brayden books! It's fun and sweet, and I had a blast reading it. I thoroughly recommend it for anyone who's looking for a light and sweet romance.

**Thank you to Bold Stroke Books for providing me the ARC for review!**
4.5* Melissa Brayden has another winner in this book. Lauren is a stage manager for the McAllister Theatre. She's organized and great at her job. When she was younger, Lauren has aspirations to be an actress, but gave up after not being able to get jobs. Carly is a Hollywood star whose star is waning. She's now better known for partying and being a diva than her acting abilities. Her agent told her that a starring role in a new play would be a good first step to getting back into the studios's good graces. They meet and the chemistry is there, but Lauren thinks Carly's an irresponsible party girl since she keeps coming in late to rehearsals. As with other books by this author, the romance is sweet and adorable. I like that they did not jump into bed right away. Their perception of each other changed as the story progressed and the relationship evolved from there. Both characters had to overcome personal insecurities before they can fully be happy.

As usual with any Melissa Brayden novel, this story is sweet, the main characters are likable, and you can almost feel the chemistry between them.

I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved everything! For some reason this book reminded me of her novel Waiting in the Wings (maybe because of the theater setting?) which I also loved.

I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to enjoy a sweet and fun romance.