Romance novels come in many different flavours. From sports romances to dark romances, you can find any type of romance to fit your needs. So, what about the best romances for the musical theatre and music lovers?
We were able to track down some of the best romance novels that are either set in a theatre, have a musical backdrop, or focus on music, including some retellings that you might find surprising. Here are some of the best romance novels for theatre lovers:
Roomies by Christina Lauren
Holland Bakker finds herself infatuated with a talented street musician she often encounters in the subway station. When Calvin Mcloughlin comes to her rescue during a frightening incident, he disappears before they can exchange more than a few words.
Determined to repay him, Holland secures him an audition with her Broadway director uncle, unaware of Calvin’s undocumented status. On a spontaneous impulse, Holland marries Calvin to help him stay in the country. As their relationship grows amidst the chaos of Broadway, they must confront their true feelings and stop pretending to find happiness together.
Leading Lady by Melody Tyden
Freya, a 24-year-old single mother, refuses to let her circumstances stop her from pursuing her dream of being on Broadway. With the help of her friends and family in caring for her son, she secures the lead role in a new musical. However, she soon finds herself starring opposite Rome, a notorious heartbreaker of Broadway.
Determined not to fall for his charms, Freya tries to resist their undeniable chemistry both on and off stage. As she gets to know Rome better, she discovers he is more than his reputation suggests. With the temptation of a showmance looming, Freya must decide if giving in to love and passion is worth the risk.
Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover tells us a musical love story in Maybe Someday. She introduces us to Sydney, who seems to have a perfect life, but that quickly ends when she finds her perfect boyfriend, Hunter, is caught cheating on her. Faced with this betrayal, Sydney finds solace in her mysterious new neighbour, Ridge, who captures her attention with his musical talent.
As they grow closer, their connection deepens, and they discover they need each other in ways they never expected.
Showmance by L. H. Cosway
Damon Atwood, once a celebrated child actor who won an Oscar, retreated from the spotlight and chose a secluded life on a Scottish island. Now, almost a decade later, he is ready to return to showbiz, starting with a lead role in a London West End musical. Rose Taylor, a choreographer’s assistant, is content with her behind-the-scenes role.
But when rumours of Damon’s involvement in the production swirl, Rose unexpectedly finds herself in the spotlight alongside him. As Damon seeks Rose’s guidance to recapture his star status, a spark between them ignites. However, Rose is aware that show romances often fizzle out, leaving her to question if she should guard her heart or embrace a chance at love with Damon.
Waiting in the Wings by Melissa Brayden
Jenna McGovern’s life has been devoted to training for the stage, and her dedication pays off when a surprise audition lands her a prime supporting role in a hot Broadway touring production, featuring acclaimed TV star Adrienne Kenyon. Immersed in the demanding touring lifestyle, Jenna sees a promising career ahead of her.
However, she is not prepared for her magnetic attraction to Adrienne, a talented and beautiful co-star who tests Jenna’s resolve to keep her priorities in check. As the two women grow closer, they must navigate the unexpected twists of both their professional and personal lives. Jenna must decide if she is willing to pursue love at the risk of sacrificing the career she has worked so hard for.
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, first published in 1909, tells the intriguing story of Christine Daaé, a young Swedish woman raised in the Paris Opera House. After her famous musician father’s death, Christine is guided by his dying promise of a protective angel of music.
As she grows up at the opera house, she starts hearing a mysterious voice that teaches her to sing beautifully. However, when childhood friend Raoul sees Christine’s talent on stage, the deformed and murderous ‘ghost’ of the opera house, Erik, grows jealous and becomes violent.
The Jumbee by Pamela Keyes
Speaking of The Phantom of the Opera, let’s talk about some romance retellings, the first being The Jumbee by Pamela Keyes. Set in the enchanting West Indies, this modern twist on Phantom offers a mix of eerie mystery and passionate love. It follows Esti Legard as she starts theatre school on Cariba, hoping to establish her own identity apart from her famous Shakespearean actor father.
However, the island’s superstitions and darkness encroach upon her journey. In the theatre, a captivating phantom voice named Alan becomes her drama tutor, while her attraction to Rafe, a local troublemaker, grows in the light of day. As unsettling rumours of jumbee ghosts and brewing storms intensify, Esti finds herself in a suspenseful finale where truths are revealed and romance ignites.
The Stars May Rise and Fall by Estrella Mirai
The second Phantom of the Opera retelling is The Stars May Rise and Fall. In it, Teru arrives in Tokyo with aspirations of success in the glam-metal visual kei scene. However, after three years of failed attempts, he begins to doubt his future amidst tension with his bandmates.
A mysterious business card offers him a chance for help, leading to an encounter with Rei, a talented composer whose performing career was cut short by an accident. Together, they possess the necessary elements for success. But a forbidden kiss and a confession threaten to unravel everything.
First Position by Melissa Brayden
Anastasia Mikhelson is a renowned ballet dancer in New York City. She has dedicated her life to dance, sacrificing comfort and personal relationships to achieve perfection. Despite her nickname, The Ice Queen, Ana is undeterred by her reputation. However, her position at the top is threatened when a talented new dancer emerges.
Natalie Frederico is a prodigy in ballet but prefers modern dance and living by her own rules. When an opportunity to join the New York City Ballet arises, Natalie seizes it. However, dealing with Ana, the company’s rigid lead, proves challenging. As they are forced to collaborate, sparks begin to ignite both on and off the stage.
Dance to the Piper by Nora Roberts
In Dance to the Piper by Nora Roberts, Maddy O’Hurley is a famous Broadway star who cares little for the trappings of fame. For her, the only thing that matters is the thrill of performing and the feeling of being truly alive on stage. Reed Valentine, on the other hand, is driven by wealth and power.
When their paths cross, an unexpected attraction ignites between them, catching Reed off guard. Maddy, a dreamer who believes that stopping dreaming means stopping living, refuses to give up on Reed, even though he has long forgotten how to dream.
There we have it! Some of the best romance novels for theatre lovers. Have you read any of these? Are there some novels that we missed? Comment below and let us know!