Showmance by L.H. Cosway
Romance Contemporary
May 16, 2016
Self Published

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to just love and be loved in return.”

Fans are sure to notice the deviation in plot and characterization that Cosway takes in her latest endeavor. Showmance is a sweet, sexy, mildly angst driven romance that perfectly showcases the allure of opposite attraction by slowing building a relationship between an introvert and a romantic. Mild in contrast to Cosway’s usual stories, this story is filled with more humor, upfront honesty, and less drama. Reading this was rather like laying in a warm bed, wrapped up in a snuggable quilt, while sipping on one’s favorite tea. It’s a softer edged romance that is driven by strong dialogue, sparkling chemistry, and a well-developed cast of characters whose issues tug at your heartstrings as they unfold. You never wonder where these people stand as we have a front row seat to watch their emotions unfold as they happen.  

Damon Atwood was a rising child star when his mother passed away and his father took horrible advantage of his stardom and money. Damon fights to emancipate himself and goes into seclusion. Offered a chance to star in a musical adaptation of Moulin Rouge, Damon feels he is ready to face the spotlight again.

Rose Taylor is an assistant choreographer who is just getting over a bad relationship with an actor. A  talented young woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and her light under a bush, she is firm in her conviction that actors make for terrible boyfriends and vows to stay true to herself this go around.

Rose never expected to be tossed into Damon’s orbit-tasked with helping him learn how to be a star again. She also never expected the attraction that blooms between them. Rose struggles to keep their relationship strictly professional but as they get to know one another, her feelings begin to change. Rose has learned the hard way how easily the passion can grow during a production…and how fast it can fade when the production is over. Damon wants everything Rose has to offer and if Rose isn’t careful, he’ll get it.

Rose and Damon are compelling and very easy to like characters whose desires, dreams, and fears appeal to the romantic in all of us. Both have had some trials to bear in their lives yet it’s the way they choose to handle them that is where the interest lies. Damon choose to shut down when life got to be too much while Rose shows she is one to grieve her losses and then get on with her life. Their first face to face meeting is a sweet moment that shows just how compassionate Rose is. She doesn’t see a famous star-she sees a lost, lonely man who is need of help.

“Rose has a weakness for those in your profession.”

The story moves slowly, introducing Rose and Damon to one another and allowing them the precious time of getting to know one another on a friendship than romantic level without the feeling Cosway is simply pushing them towards a predetermined conclusion for the sake of the story. Their chemistry is like a magnet that draws them towards one another and helps to form a unique connection that goes beyond just physical attraction. Soft touches, sweet kisses, impacting internal thoughts. I love the contrast between Damon’s quiet and introverted personality with the dirty and possessive thoughts he has towards Rose. They are lovely shock moments that gives the romance a bite and sense of earthiness to it.

“All I had to do was lose myself in her voice, and my body responded. It probably had to do with the fact I wanted to fuck her till she couldn’t walk…”

The musical storyline balances well with the romance, moving unobtrusively alongside it, allowing us an interesting behind the scenes look at all the hard work it takes to produce one. The theater world is a small world where everyone knows everyone’s business and secrets. Gossip, egos, and heartbreak are all laid open for us to explore and reflect upon.

“You’re nostalgic for me at best and the only reason you want me is because you’re lonely and I’m here.”

An eclectic cast of secondary characters are just as vibrant and approachable as Rose and Damon. Julian, Rose’s room mate and best friend, is a paid escort with a heavy layered past that plays a large part in his present situation. Seemingly happy and go lucky, his demons are a constant source of temptation but he perseveres the best he can. He is a voice of reason and a cheerleader for Rose as she is to him. I loved the dynamics of their friendship and hope his book is next. Iggy is Rose’s boss and a virtuoso of advice and drama in his father like position in Rose’s life. Julian, Alicia, and of course, Blake all have their places in Rose and Damon’s life, thought to be either as opposition or allies, but Cosway uses them to further evaluate Rose and Damon relationship  and test the strength of their personal convictions.

“You’re doing this show […] if I have to drag you kicking and screaming, you’re doing it. You can thank me when you’re picking up your Olivier Award.”

Showmance a smart and sexy romance that doesn’t rely on contrived plot devices or obvious drama to push forth its agenda. It has the perfect balance of humor, angst, and soul searching that had me hooked from beginning to end. I look forward to reading  more about this world and it’s players.

Grade: B

Previous L.H. Cosway Reviews

Recent Reviews:
Heroes and Heartbreakers
Under The Covers Book Blog

Goodreads I Author Website I Kindle I Nook