The Stage Kiss

In this slow-burn yet highly combustible enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon and Abby Jimenez, two stage actors find themselves falling for each other with each onstage kiss...against their better judgment.

Actress Eden Blake’s biggest claim to fame is a mortifying pharmaceutical commercial for male enhancement pills. That is, until the female lead on the nationwide tour of Broadway’s hit Pride & Prejudice musical abruptly quits, and Eden is called up to fill the role.

The cast of Liz and Darcy: The Musical has just settled into a three-week run in Washington, DC, and Broadway royalty Brennon Thorne is set to play Darcy. Despite Brennon’s reputation as being “a dream to work with,” Eden’s first impression of him is more like a nightmare. Now, she’ll have to kiss the pompous jerk eight shows per week.

Brennon can’t disguise his disdain for understudies like Eden. But New York is filled with reminders of his most recent failed relationship, and this American tour is a much-needed distraction from his loneliness. As Eden and Brennon take the stage playing Jane Austen’s most memorable characters, their reality begins to mirror Elizabeth and Darcy’s—explosive chemistry and all. Together, they power through press performances and curtain calls, even as rumors of Brennon’s checkered romantic past resurface and prove to Eden that he can’t be trusted.

But with each choreographed stage kiss, Eden and Brennon’s passion for the stage—and each other—ignites. Maybe, just maybe, not all rumors are to be believed—and not all showmances are doomed to fail.Praise for The Stage Kiss:
“Things heat up backstage in Jones’s slow-burning enemies-to-lovers debut . . . Echoes of Pride and Prejudice add even more fun . . . This is a treat.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A modern day Lizzie and Darcy . . . This inspired rom-com take on Jane Austen sparkles, with its unique setting and well-interpreted characters.”
—Library Journal

“Fans of Austen’s classic will adore debut romance author Jones’ retelling.”
—Booklist Reviews

“A clever and charming retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice that's sure to appeal to fans of Bridgerton and Abby Jimenez alike.”
—Shelf Awareness, Best Book of the Week

“The story reimagines rather than reinvents Pride and Prejudice, keeping it an entertaining read.”
—Jane Austen Society of North America

“A cleverly crafted and fun read from start to finish, The Stage Kiss by Amelia Jones is rom-com storytelling at its very best.”
—Midwest Book Review

“A fun rom-com, with interesting characters, and a look at life during a play on the road. Fans of this genre will like this one.”
—Red Carpet Crash

“My favorite book this year! Achingly romantic and addictively readable, The Stage Kiss is sexy, swoony perfection. Amelia Jones is a romance mastermind and I can't wait to read what she writes next.”
—Alexandria Bellefleur, award winning author of Written in the Stars and The Fiancee Farce

“This fresh and addictive Austen retelling sparkles with Broadway drama as it delivers sizzling tension both on and off stage. With a page turning slow burn, a perfectly imperfect hero, and chemistry for days—if ever a book could be described as a feast for the eyes, The Stage Kiss is it!”
—Anna E. Collins - author of Love at First Spite and A Life in Bloom

“Chemistry between the leads heats up the stage in this romantic ode to the theatre. The enemies to lovers trope shines like a spotlight and Jones’ characters keep readers hooked right through to curtain call.” 
—Sophie Sullivan, author of Ten Rules for Faking It

“A fun and witty take on Jane Austen’s classic that gives us a peek behind the curtain at all the drama in the professional theatre world.”
—Brianne Moore, author of A Bright Young Thing and All Stirred UpAmelia Jones is a die-hard fan of happily ever afters, striking heroes, complex leading ladies, and heart-stopping swoons. The first romance she ever read was Austen’s Pride and Prejudice for high school English, and she’s never been the same. As a former high school theater kid, she loves all things big, bold, and Broadway. She’s the mom of two teenagers, the wife of a teacher, and the wrangler of two fluffy dogs. Her cat ignores her for reasons unknown and wholly underserved. Hobbies include reading spicy romance, bingeing reality television, obsessive cross-stitching when necessary, and cooking meals while dancing to Taylor Swift.