Reviewed by Women Using Words
The details…
- Title: Behind the Scenes
- Author: Karelia Stetz-Waters
- Publisher: Forever
- Publication date: January 31, 2023
- Available formats: ebook, paperback, audiobook
- Ebook file size: 1331 KB
- Paperback length: 352 pages
- Audiobook length: 10 hours, 2 minutes
- Audiobook narrator: Lori Prince
- Genre: contemporary romance
- Themes: overcoming trauma, starting over, proving oneself, family obligations, sisterly bonds, dogs, making a name for oneself in Hollywood, escaping rumors, finding one’s passion
- Trope: dark past/emotional scars
The blurb from the publisher…
Business consultant Rose Josten might not have officially reached “pug lady” middle age, but she’s already got the pugs—along with their little Gucci coats and trash-lovin’ appetites. Still, life is good, with her work, her sisters, and a secret hobby creating incredibly tactile (if surprisingly sexy) mindfulness videos. So why does it feel like it’s not quite enough? Which is exactly when former filmmaker Ash Stewart enters camera left, and Rose’s world suddenly goes full technicolor . . .
Ash never looks at anyone. Not since her ex ripped her heart from her chest in Spielberg-esque style, crushing Ash’s reputation, dreams, and directorial career in one brutal blow. But Rose is altogether different. She’s curvy, beautiful, and just so damn put together. And her business expertise might be Ash’s best bet for getting her last film—and her last chance—financed. Now if they can just keep their attraction under wraps, Ash’s lost dream could finally come true. But are they creating movie magic . . . or setting the stage for disaster?
My thoughts…
Stetz-Waters has become a romance writer that readers can count on to deliver. Her stories contain likable characters with interesting backstories. Readers can’t help but become invested in their journeys.
Behind the Scenes is no different; readers will find Ash Stewart and Rose Josten a compelling pair. Both characters have baggage and it sets the road to romance up for an engaging journey, one that’s influenced by each woman’s demons and desires. The internal battle between what they fear and what they want pushes this slow walk to happily-ever-after, making it well worth the wait.
Stetson-Waters loves to write complex, layered characters, ones that readers can really sink their teeth into. Her characters are usually haunted by their pasts, but it creates a tension and drama that works. Such is the case with Behind the Scenes. Ash’s heart is a bit wounded and Rose’s is plagued with worry. Ash was deeply hurt by her ex-wife and Rose was orphaned in her late teens. Because of these events, both were left to fend for themselves, one professionally, the other personally. Ash had to work her way back up in a cut- throat business and Rose had to care for her sisters. When these two find each other, they are just what the other needs—they just don’t know it yet. Working their way through their steamer trunk of baggage leads them to a life they were meant to lead, and a love they were meant to share.
Final thought…
This is a solid romance. It’s written with humor and grace. There is no way readers will be able to refuse this charming, smart romance. The character development is well done and the storyline is inviting. It’s a sweet, sapphic tale well worth reading.
Strengths…
- Entertaining storyline
- Sweet romance
- Likable characters
- Immersive story world
- Likable secondary characters
This book is available from…
A bit about the author…
This is Karelia Stetz-Waters ninth full-length novel. Satisfaction Guaranteed, her previous novel, was a run-away hit and favorite among critics and fans. She has a BA in Comparative Literature from Smith College and an MA in English from the University of Oregon.
Knowing that happily-ever-after is possible for everyone, Stetz-Waters’s made it her life’s mission to craft happy endings about women finding true love with other women. She remembers a time when stories about lesbians all ended tragically: she makes sure her characters get the epic wins they deserve.
Besides writing happy endings, Stetz-Waters also teaches writing at a community college in rural Oregon. In addition to that, she teaches for the Golden Crown Literary Society Writing Academy, a creative writing program for queer women.
When Stetz-Waters is not writing or teaching other writers, she’s gardening, drawing, or playing with her pug-mix named Willa Cather. She currently lives her own happily-ever-after with her wife of 20+ years. If you are interested in knowing more about Stetz-Waters, check out her website and social media links.
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