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All's Fair in Love and Theatre
They’re Romeo and Juliet. And they can’t stand each other.
In their final year at the Actor’s Path Dramatic Arts School, Dafne and Theodore get cast as the leads in Shakespeare’s most romantic play for their last performance. They are some of the most promising students the school has ever seen. Sounds perfectly ideal, right? The only problem is, in almost three years of knowing each other, not a full day has gone by where they haven’t been fighting or disagreeing on, well, anything.
Dafne is confident, smart, and driven, but after the greatest disappointment of her life, she had to become protective of her peace.
Theo lives and breathes acting, seems a little too sure of himself, and this forced partnership threatens to ruin the careful balance he’s established
in order to keep a promise he made.
It doesn’t help that his best friend is convinced Theo is secretly head over heels for Dafne, and isn’t willing to let the notion go…
Will they find a way to overcome the animosity between them as they navigate their new roles – while bringing home a stellar show and unscathed hearts?
Trigger Warnings: Anxiety, Cheating (not from the main characters), Epilepsy
In their final year at the Actor’s Path Dramatic Arts School, Dafne and Theodore get cast as the leads in Shakespeare’s most romantic play for their last performance. They are some of the most promising students the school has ever seen. Sounds perfectly ideal, right? The only problem is, in almost three years of knowing each other, not a full day has gone by where they haven’t been fighting or disagreeing on, well, anything.
Dafne is confident, smart, and driven, but after the greatest disappointment of her life, she had to become protective of her peace.
Theo lives and breathes acting, seems a little too sure of himself, and this forced partnership threatens to ruin the careful balance he’s established
in order to keep a promise he made.
It doesn’t help that his best friend is convinced Theo is secretly head over heels for Dafne, and isn’t willing to let the notion go…
Will they find a way to overcome the animosity between them as they navigate their new roles – while bringing home a stellar show and unscathed hearts?
Trigger Warnings: Anxiety, Cheating (not from the main characters), Epilepsy
314 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2022
About the author
L.V. Oaks
2 books39 followersL.V. Oaks in an actor and writer from Italy. When she's not recording self-tapes or re-enacting the dialogues in any book she's reading with much more drama than necessary, she can be found rewatching her comfort shows or petting her dogs.
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May 19, 2022review and ratings closer to release date.
August 15, 2022
'𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦'
Fade to black 🌶
Academic rivals to lovers
Slow burn romance
Dual POV
One bed trope 👀
Book playlist
OK so first off if you haven't read this book yet I highly suggest dropping everything and reading it like rn please and thank you 😌
This is such a swoonworthy YA rom-com and I fell in love with every page <3 I've never highlighted so much in my life 💕
Dafne and Theodore are hardcut academic rivals cast in the lead roles of Romeo and Juilet who are forced to work together if they want to achieve their career goals!
The relationship between Theodore and Dafne is built upon the old enemies to lovers trope in all the best ways and the genuine adirmation and chemistry these two develop for each other is so sweet. There is so much banter not just between the main characters but between the side characters who are so vital to plot and it really adds to that overall hearty feeling.
I buddy read this with x and the amount of times we were left screaming at certain chapters just has me smiling from ear to ear. So many swoonworthy moments- the 1am 'are you up' texts, MOULIN ROUGE, the pining oh my the PINING (ARGHHH) but the karaoke scene will forever live rent free in my head and I really loved the way just being round Dafne made Theodore turn into my a blundering mess <3
Dafne is incredible in her own right she is a real knows what she want gal who had me rooting for her from the start. She is so loveable and her experiences justify her feelings and make her human and relatable.
Lolly really explored anxiety in such a relatable way especially when it comes to academic pressure so kudos for that!! The writing is fluid and the POV's blend really well with the side characters being as important as the main love interests. For a debut novel Lolly has knocked this out the park I can not wait to see what they produce in the future!!
NO THOUGHTS HEAD EMPTY JUST THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER PLAYING OVER IN MY HEAD LIKE A BROKEN RECORD
Fade to black 🌶
Academic rivals to lovers
Slow burn romance
Dual POV
One bed trope 👀
Book playlist
OK so first off if you haven't read this book yet I highly suggest dropping everything and reading it like rn please and thank you 😌
This is such a swoonworthy YA rom-com and I fell in love with every page <3 I've never highlighted so much in my life 💕
Dafne and Theodore are hardcut academic rivals cast in the lead roles of Romeo and Juilet who are forced to work together if they want to achieve their career goals!
The relationship between Theodore and Dafne is built upon the old enemies to lovers trope in all the best ways and the genuine adirmation and chemistry these two develop for each other is so sweet. There is so much banter not just between the main characters but between the side characters who are so vital to plot and it really adds to that overall hearty feeling.
I buddy read this with x and the amount of times we were left screaming at certain chapters just has me smiling from ear to ear. So many swoonworthy moments- the 1am 'are you up' texts, MOULIN ROUGE, the pining oh my the PINING (ARGHHH) but the karaoke scene will forever live rent free in my head and I really loved the way just being round Dafne made Theodore turn into my a blundering mess <3
Dafne is incredible in her own right she is a real knows what she want gal who had me rooting for her from the start. She is so loveable and her experiences justify her feelings and make her human and relatable.
Lolly really explored anxiety in such a relatable way especially when it comes to academic pressure so kudos for that!! The writing is fluid and the POV's blend really well with the side characters being as important as the main love interests. For a debut novel Lolly has knocked this out the park I can not wait to see what they produce in the future!!
NO THOUGHTS HEAD EMPTY JUST THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER PLAYING OVER IN MY HEAD LIKE A BROKEN RECORD
August 14, 2022
I am obsessed!!! Such a cute and fun romance story with rivals to lovers! It kept me on the edge of the seat, and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved all of the characters - not just Theo and Dafne, but all of the side characters as well. They were so relatable and real, and I loved the friendships and relationships between all of them. There was lots of fun banter between everyone that had me laughing so much. I also found myself feeling all of the emotions, and even cried at one point. I haven’t been this emotionally invested in a story and the characters in so long.
Also, the playlist at the beginning?? Immaculate.
Such a wonderful debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store from L.V. Oaks!
Thank you to the author for the arc!
I loved all of the characters - not just Theo and Dafne, but all of the side characters as well. They were so relatable and real, and I loved the friendships and relationships between all of them. There was lots of fun banter between everyone that had me laughing so much. I also found myself feeling all of the emotions, and even cried at one point. I haven’t been this emotionally invested in a story and the characters in so long.
Also, the playlist at the beginning?? Immaculate.
Such a wonderful debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store from L.V. Oaks!
Thank you to the author for the arc!
September 11, 2022
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
This was such a good rivals to lovers romance novel. It was packed with so much goodness; slow burn pining with good humor and did I mention PINING?
Theodore has made me go 🥵 more than a couple of times, and there was almost no spice in the book so just imagine how much of a dreamboat he is… I also loved Dafne to bits, she was probably one of the coolest, funniest and least cringe female romance novel character I have read so far.
If you are looking for a cute romcom that has a really really good couple with impeccable chemistry, lovable side characters and a great story line, please don’t sleep on this book!
Romance: 4,6/5
Humor: 4,5/5
Spice: 1,5/5
Overall rating: 4,8/5
This was such a good rivals to lovers romance novel. It was packed with so much goodness; slow burn pining with good humor and did I mention PINING?
Theodore has made me go 🥵 more than a couple of times, and there was almost no spice in the book so just imagine how much of a dreamboat he is… I also loved Dafne to bits, she was probably one of the coolest, funniest and least cringe female romance novel character I have read so far.
If you are looking for a cute romcom that has a really really good couple with impeccable chemistry, lovable side characters and a great story line, please don’t sleep on this book!
Romance: 4,6/5
Humor: 4,5/5
Spice: 1,5/5
Overall rating: 4,8/5
June 3, 2022
“Because now I understand what giving a drink to a thirsty man really means. I don’t think I realised just how badly I wanted to kiss her.”
_____________________
I was kindly gifted an arc of this book and I’m so happy I was because I loved it🥹
♡ there’s a dual pov!! we read both Dafne and Theo’s view and I adore this in a romance - it’s so lovely to read from the perspective of both characters whilst they’re falling in love!
♡ I loved the academic setting and it was really fun to read about the characters performing Romeo and Juliet. I feel this could have been really cringe and predictable but I think it was used as a really great plot point and didn’t overshadow the romance at all!
♡ it’s refreshing reading a book where the secondary characters are so fun as all - Devon, Ollie and Phoebe were all so fun to read about and their friendships almost seeming like family was a lovely addition to the plot. Phoebe in particular reminded me of me with the way she speaks and I hope I’m as fierce a friend as she is!
♡ there were particular lines that really spoke to me “why does it feel like I’m expendable?” was a big one as I feel this deep and I think a lot of us can say we’ve felt like this in past relationships too! and the following one made me smile a lot cause I feel it’s something we all need to hear! -“maybe sometimes its… it’s okay not to feel like a bad bitch if you’re hurting. doesn’t mean you’re not one.”
As a debut, I was blown away by the writing and the handling of some delicate themes. I can’t wait to see what Lolly releases next! I’ll for sure be picking it up🥰
Links to purchase your own copy of this book can be found in the authors bio!
_____________________
content warnings: anxiety, cheating, clinic, epilepsy
_____________________
tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, one bed
_____________________
I was kindly gifted an arc of this book and I’m so happy I was because I loved it🥹
♡ there’s a dual pov!! we read both Dafne and Theo’s view and I adore this in a romance - it’s so lovely to read from the perspective of both characters whilst they’re falling in love!
♡ I loved the academic setting and it was really fun to read about the characters performing Romeo and Juliet. I feel this could have been really cringe and predictable but I think it was used as a really great plot point and didn’t overshadow the romance at all!
♡ it’s refreshing reading a book where the secondary characters are so fun as all - Devon, Ollie and Phoebe were all so fun to read about and their friendships almost seeming like family was a lovely addition to the plot. Phoebe in particular reminded me of me with the way she speaks and I hope I’m as fierce a friend as she is!
♡ there were particular lines that really spoke to me “why does it feel like I’m expendable?” was a big one as I feel this deep and I think a lot of us can say we’ve felt like this in past relationships too! and the following one made me smile a lot cause I feel it’s something we all need to hear! -“maybe sometimes its… it’s okay not to feel like a bad bitch if you’re hurting. doesn’t mean you’re not one.”
As a debut, I was blown away by the writing and the handling of some delicate themes. I can’t wait to see what Lolly releases next! I’ll for sure be picking it up🥰
Links to purchase your own copy of this book can be found in the authors bio!
_____________________
content warnings: anxiety, cheating, clinic, epilepsy
_____________________
tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, one bed
May 25, 2022
A whole star for the Price is Right reference and all the other puns.
Seriously, I enjoyed this book, even though it’s a genre for which I’m never overly enthusiastic! Academic romance is just not my thing, but I appreciated the honesty, the flirting, and most strikingly the friendships in this witty story. I can’t tell you which couple was my favorite without spoiling the story, but when I tell you I actually said “please be in the shower together” aloud to my Kindle…anyways.
My only real issue was that, while dealing with a high stakes elite school and the mental repercussions that can have for students, we never really saw that system challenged. Counseling and therapy were encouraged (yay!) but although we saw characters recognize and move toward a more balanced life on a personal level, we never see the school held accountable for its potentially toxic atmosphere.
Anyways, the hot chocolate scene pretty much will live in my head forever now. And I’ve highlighted soooo much — there are some strong one-liners in here! All in all, a really good read. Thank you to the author for an ARC!!
Seriously, I enjoyed this book, even though it’s a genre for which I’m never overly enthusiastic! Academic romance is just not my thing, but I appreciated the honesty, the flirting, and most strikingly the friendships in this witty story. I can’t tell you which couple was my favorite without spoiling the story, but when I tell you I actually said “please be in the shower together” aloud to my Kindle…anyways.
My only real issue was that, while dealing with a high stakes elite school and the mental repercussions that can have for students, we never really saw that system challenged. Counseling and therapy were encouraged (yay!) but although we saw characters recognize and move toward a more balanced life on a personal level, we never see the school held accountable for its potentially toxic atmosphere.
Anyways, the hot chocolate scene pretty much will live in my head forever now. And I’ve highlighted soooo much — there are some strong one-liners in here! All in all, a really good read. Thank you to the author for an ARC!!
February 21, 2023
✨ OBSESSED ✨
Academic rivals? ✅
Theater kids putting on a Shakespeare show? ✅
Delightful cast of character? ✅
2000’s rom-com vibe? ✅
This book for a freaking delight from start to finish. I’ll read anything that centers around theater nerds and/or anything set in the UK. THIS BOOK HAS BOTH.
I can’t believe this is a debut novel. Congrats and I can’t wait for more in he future.
Truly a hidden gem that needs to be surfaced. I read the physical copy but you can also find this on KU 😉
Academic rivals? ✅
Theater kids putting on a Shakespeare show? ✅
Delightful cast of character? ✅
2000’s rom-com vibe? ✅
This book for a freaking delight from start to finish. I’ll read anything that centers around theater nerds and/or anything set in the UK. THIS BOOK HAS BOTH.
I can’t believe this is a debut novel. Congrats and I can’t wait for more in he future.
Truly a hidden gem that needs to be surfaced. I read the physical copy but you can also find this on KU 😉
June 24, 2022
5 / 5 🌟
First off; congratulations on your debut novel, Lolly! You did amazing💛
*this review contains minor spoilers regarding plot and character development
I loved a lot about this book. The characters, the friendships, the setting and of course the rivals-to-lovers trope! I've never really had so much interest in theatre, and was curious as to how this would affect my reading experience, but I ended up loving it!
The theatre setting with the forced proximity was perfect, and thank you for the one bed without any stupid I'll-sleep-on-the-floor decisions.
Something I truly loved about both Dafne and Theo was how disciplined and hard-working they are. It was so inspirational to read how important their work is for them, and how they aren't throwing it all away or prioritizing it less for the sake of love.
Both of their character developments was illustrated so well throughout the book, but I must say that Theodore's development was truly heartwarming. Dafne managed to open her heart again for Theo, to let herself trust him and fall for him, even though she had promised herself she wouldn't. And seeing Theo's journey, how he struggled with being intimidated by someone better than him, opening up about it, and the personal struggles he faced, but eventually seeking help. I think it's very important to include and normalize mental struggles in men, and this book managed to do that in a very good way. And I love that this was included, it definitely gave more depth to both Theo as a character but also the plot.
Dafne and Theodore was definitely a couple worth rooting for, even though they both were blind idiots sometimes!
And I also want to say, again, that I absolutely loved the friendships in this book.
Definitely a book I would recommend to any romance lover.
First off; congratulations on your debut novel, Lolly! You did amazing💛
*this review contains minor spoilers regarding plot and character development
I loved a lot about this book. The characters, the friendships, the setting and of course the rivals-to-lovers trope! I've never really had so much interest in theatre, and was curious as to how this would affect my reading experience, but I ended up loving it!
The theatre setting with the forced proximity was perfect, and thank you for the one bed without any stupid I'll-sleep-on-the-floor decisions.
Something I truly loved about both Dafne and Theo was how disciplined and hard-working they are. It was so inspirational to read how important their work is for them, and how they aren't throwing it all away or prioritizing it less for the sake of love.
Both of their character developments was illustrated so well throughout the book, but I must say that Theodore's development was truly heartwarming. Dafne managed to open her heart again for Theo, to let herself trust him and fall for him, even though she had promised herself she wouldn't. And seeing Theo's journey, how he struggled with being intimidated by someone better than him, opening up about it, and the personal struggles he faced, but eventually seeking help. I think it's very important to include and normalize mental struggles in men, and this book managed to do that in a very good way. And I love that this was included, it definitely gave more depth to both Theo as a character but also the plot.
Dafne and Theodore was definitely a couple worth rooting for, even though they both were blind idiots sometimes!
And I also want to say, again, that I absolutely loved the friendships in this book.
Definitely a book I would recommend to any romance lover.
April 25, 2023
There was so much potential and I feel like it was kinda wasted in some ways idk. Also the big conflict really wasn’t that big? Like the whole thing was that his friend made a bet that he would kiss her before opening. Like that’s it and he kissed her before opening. HE LOST THE BET. LIKE HOW IS THAT A BIG DEAL? I just cannot imagine getting offended by that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2023
I know I wrote this, but I just think it’s neat. 💕
May 26, 2022
ARC Review
All's Fair in Love and Theatre
Out Now
4/5
I mean enemies to lovers sign me in!
I had so much fun reading this book!
This is L.V Oaks' debut and it's lovely.
Dafne was a really fun lead she felt very real.
Theo was great too! I really liked him!
Theo and Dafne were great together the banter was one of my favorite things in the book!
The supporting characters here were lovely and I was invested in them.
Overall this was such a fun read! I felt like I was watching those early 2000's romcoms I love so much!
All's Fair in Love and Theatre
Out Now
4/5
I mean enemies to lovers sign me in!
I had so much fun reading this book!
This is L.V Oaks' debut and it's lovely.
Dafne was a really fun lead she felt very real.
Theo was great too! I really liked him!
Theo and Dafne were great together the banter was one of my favorite things in the book!
The supporting characters here were lovely and I was invested in them.
Overall this was such a fun read! I felt like I was watching those early 2000's romcoms I love so much!
July 17, 2022
4.5/5 ✨️
January 21, 2023
3,5 ⭐️
May 8, 2024
3.5 ☆
A cute academic rivals to lovers romcom. Loved the plot and the fact that it was set in an acting school. The only thing I disliked was the bet situation. All in all, it was a 3.5 ☆ read + the final chapter, and the epilogue were my favorite parts :)
A cute academic rivals to lovers romcom. Loved the plot and the fact that it was set in an acting school. The only thing I disliked was the bet situation. All in all, it was a 3.5 ☆ read + the final chapter, and the epilogue were my favorite parts :)
May 25, 2022
thank you to l.v. oaks for sending me an arc!
if you're looking for a fun, angsty, drama filled (literally) romance book, this is for you!
i had so much fun reading this novel, i felt transported to APDAS thearte school, amongst all the fun character's i grew to love.
i really liked dafne as a main character she felt human, and her reservations about people due to her experiences in the past felt valid. i just as equally loved theodre too, i think he was my favourite character (along with phoebe)! the banter and angst throughout this novel had me laughing out loud every time, the quick wit and humor of these characters made the story all the more enjoyable. i really enjoyed the chemistry between the two love interests, it didn't feel insta-lovey considering they had a little bit of history in the past. i really appreciated the anxiety rep in this, and the character working through their feelings and understanding of it. this book is jam packed with every trope imaginable from academic rivals to the classic one bed trope which i adored! there's something for everyone when it comes to this book!
the writing style was easy-going which i like about contemporary novels, and pacing flowed nicely especially during the growing romance between the two mc's. i wish we had got to see more of the side characters such as phoebe and ollie, as i felt they were such key characters in dafne's life, it would've been nice to see the depth's of their friendship especially ollie! i felt as if some key scenes were a little too short, such as the confessional so i wanted it to be longer, majority of the book's pacing was good but i wanted the ending to be a little more fleshed out considering the events of the previous chapters.
a solid novel and debut, i had such a fun time with it and i look forward to seeing what l.v. oaks has in store next!
if you're looking for a fun, angsty, drama filled (literally) romance book, this is for you!
i had so much fun reading this novel, i felt transported to APDAS thearte school, amongst all the fun character's i grew to love.
i really liked dafne as a main character she felt human, and her reservations about people due to her experiences in the past felt valid. i just as equally loved theodre too, i think he was my favourite character (along with phoebe)! the banter and angst throughout this novel had me laughing out loud every time, the quick wit and humor of these characters made the story all the more enjoyable. i really enjoyed the chemistry between the two love interests, it didn't feel insta-lovey considering they had a little bit of history in the past. i really appreciated the anxiety rep in this, and the character working through their feelings and understanding of it. this book is jam packed with every trope imaginable from academic rivals to the classic one bed trope which i adored! there's something for everyone when it comes to this book!
the writing style was easy-going which i like about contemporary novels, and pacing flowed nicely especially during the growing romance between the two mc's. i wish we had got to see more of the side characters such as phoebe and ollie, as i felt they were such key characters in dafne's life, it would've been nice to see the depth's of their friendship especially ollie! i felt as if some key scenes were a little too short, such as the confessional so i wanted it to be longer, majority of the book's pacing was good but i wanted the ending to be a little more fleshed out considering the events of the previous chapters.
a solid novel and debut, i had such a fun time with it and i look forward to seeing what l.v. oaks has in store next!
July 26, 2024
Rating: 4.5 🌟
“I didn’t know we were doing Method Acting… Sneaking around just like proper Romeo and Juliet”
I loved this book so much!
I loved that the play of Romeo and Juliet was very much incorporated into the book lots and there was lots of rehearsal scenes between the characters - as someone who loves theatre productions and acting this book was really well done!
I also loved all of the small details and references included - a lot of them made me laugh so much!!
This book also had multi povs which really added to the tension between the characters and I just love seeing inside their minds and their thoughts!! I always love this with an enemies to lovers storyline!!
I loved the dynamic between Theo and Dafne - it kind of reminded me of Iris and Roman from Divine Rivals!
I also loved the prominency of friendship in the story and how friends can make mistakes but you can forgive them! I also loved how Dafne and Ollie had a friendship similar to be siblings which was so sweet!! 🥹 I found it quite hilarious how the friends meddled with what was happening!
Also I loved the epilogue 🥹
“You’re a star, you don’t need anyone’s permission to shine” 🌟
“I didn’t know we were doing Method Acting… Sneaking around just like proper Romeo and Juliet”
I loved this book so much!
I loved that the play of Romeo and Juliet was very much incorporated into the book lots and there was lots of rehearsal scenes between the characters - as someone who loves theatre productions and acting this book was really well done!
I also loved all of the small details and references included - a lot of them made me laugh so much!!
This book also had multi povs which really added to the tension between the characters and I just love seeing inside their minds and their thoughts!! I always love this with an enemies to lovers storyline!!
I loved the dynamic between Theo and Dafne - it kind of reminded me of Iris and Roman from Divine Rivals!
I also loved the prominency of friendship in the story and how friends can make mistakes but you can forgive them! I also loved how Dafne and Ollie had a friendship similar to be siblings which was so sweet!! 🥹 I found it quite hilarious how the friends meddled with what was happening!
Also I loved the epilogue 🥹
“You’re a star, you don’t need anyone’s permission to shine” 🌟
July 24, 2022
《Thoughts》
4 stars. Contemporary Romance.
This is SUCH a cute story! Rivals to Lovers. Romeo and Juliet. One bed. Hot chocolate (IYKYK).
I really enjoyed Dafne and Theo's distinct personalities and seeing what drove each of them. And I liked seeing them come to see and understand one another. I could understand where they were coming from and why they acted how they did, even if I didn't like it, and that's a mark of good writing.
The author also did a terrific job with the side characters. Each felt real and genuine.
The plot was absolutely adorable, the banter was great, and it left me thinking about it even after I finished reading it (again!).
4 stars. Contemporary Romance.
This is SUCH a cute story! Rivals to Lovers. Romeo and Juliet. One bed. Hot chocolate (IYKYK).
I really enjoyed Dafne and Theo's distinct personalities and seeing what drove each of them. And I liked seeing them come to see and understand one another. I could understand where they were coming from and why they acted how they did, even if I didn't like it, and that's a mark of good writing.
The author also did a terrific job with the side characters. Each felt real and genuine.
The plot was absolutely adorable, the banter was great, and it left me thinking about it even after I finished reading it (again!).
November 22, 2022
rivals to lovers has never looked so sweet
I loved this read from the first sentence to the last, all of which was read in one sitting because I absolutely had. To. Know. As a former theatre kid, this one just felt so true and I found myself laughing at how relatable it all way. The banter, the pining, the nicknames. This book takes the classic rivals to lovers and turns it on its head with the theatre twist. Plus there are countless tropes to love from forced proximity, to only one bed, to the fake kiss that feels like a real kiss. This book gave me butterflies. Can’t wait to see what’s next from Oaks!
I loved this read from the first sentence to the last, all of which was read in one sitting because I absolutely had. To. Know. As a former theatre kid, this one just felt so true and I found myself laughing at how relatable it all way. The banter, the pining, the nicknames. This book takes the classic rivals to lovers and turns it on its head with the theatre twist. Plus there are countless tropes to love from forced proximity, to only one bed, to the fake kiss that feels like a real kiss. This book gave me butterflies. Can’t wait to see what’s next from Oaks!
May 23, 2022
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS!
It was so hard to put down that I pretty much read it in one sitting.
If you like academic romance and rivals to lovers - this is for you.
I loved the plot, it was so much fun to read and SO addicting. I didn’t feel like anything was missing or didn’t make sense - it’s a well thought-out story.
The characters are super lovable and witty and I’m not just talking about the MCs, no, I also really enjoyed the side characters.
This book checked all of the boxes for me! It’s sweet and smart and funny - cracked me up from beginning to end.
It was so hard to put down that I pretty much read it in one sitting.
If you like academic romance and rivals to lovers - this is for you.
I loved the plot, it was so much fun to read and SO addicting. I didn’t feel like anything was missing or didn’t make sense - it’s a well thought-out story.
The characters are super lovable and witty and I’m not just talking about the MCs, no, I also really enjoyed the side characters.
This book checked all of the boxes for me! It’s sweet and smart and funny - cracked me up from beginning to end.
August 11, 2022
Three words - I LOVED THIS!
This cute romance novel about rival theatre kids was everything I could ever have wanted. The enemies to lovers was spot on, I ADORED the Glinda karaoke bar (especially as a huge fan of Wicked) and the banter between the two MC's was AMAZING! The different places that LV Oaks describes makes you feel as if you are actually there.
The storyline was so smooth, the transitions between POV's for Dafne and Theo were perfection, I have nothing bad to say about this one!!
Pick this up and give it a read when you can! You won't be disappointed!
This cute romance novel about rival theatre kids was everything I could ever have wanted. The enemies to lovers was spot on, I ADORED the Glinda karaoke bar (especially as a huge fan of Wicked) and the banter between the two MC's was AMAZING! The different places that LV Oaks describes makes you feel as if you are actually there.
The storyline was so smooth, the transitions between POV's for Dafne and Theo were perfection, I have nothing bad to say about this one!!
Pick this up and give it a read when you can! You won't be disappointed!
July 5, 2023
"I want everyone to know that this (my heart) belongs to you"
4.75 stars. I've just finished reading this book and I've LOVED it.
If you're anything like me (someone who loves cute romance books with some funny moments and a main character who's the best at what she does) you'll definitely enjoy this!
Also, I just LOVE the co-star of the play/show/movie trope and it's very difficult to find books with it... so props to the author for giving us this piece!
On another note, I would love the book even more if it was longer, as it's a very fast read.
4.75 stars. I've just finished reading this book and I've LOVED it.
If you're anything like me (someone who loves cute romance books with some funny moments and a main character who's the best at what she does) you'll definitely enjoy this!
Also, I just LOVE the co-star of the play/show/movie trope and it's very difficult to find books with it... so props to the author for giving us this piece!
On another note, I would love the book even more if it was longer, as it's a very fast read.
November 30, 2023
2.5 stars
honestly, i only finished this for my reading goal.
at the beginning i told myself it would get better, and at the end i was telling myself it was almost over
well this wasn’t the worst thing ive read at least
i didn’t rlly love any of the leads, my favs were actually phoebe and ollie. idk maybe bcus the leads were just kinda boring
oh also the use of “arse” “shite” and “muck” really picked me out come on… you can say blowjob but not ass?
i was promised rivals to lovers and honestly it didn’t deliver but the concept was there!! if only it was executed better
honestly, i only finished this for my reading goal.
at the beginning i told myself it would get better, and at the end i was telling myself it was almost over
well this wasn’t the worst thing ive read at least
i didn’t rlly love any of the leads, my favs were actually phoebe and ollie. idk maybe bcus the leads were just kinda boring
oh also the use of “arse” “shite” and “muck” really picked me out come on… you can say blowjob but not ass?
i was promised rivals to lovers and honestly it didn’t deliver but the concept was there!! if only it was executed better
July 9, 2022
Pick this up now if you
- are interested in performing arts (theatre, music, stage life)
- enjoy a fun enemies to lovers romance trope
- want a feel good read with an extremely Happy Ever After
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and LV Oaks' style of writing is witty and charming. The plot is well paced, will not have you bored or feeling it's progressing too fast. I'd love to read a sequel with the two of them navigating their career as actors and the demands of professional life!!
- are interested in performing arts (theatre, music, stage life)
- enjoy a fun enemies to lovers romance trope
- want a feel good read with an extremely Happy Ever After
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and LV Oaks' style of writing is witty and charming. The plot is well paced, will not have you bored or feeling it's progressing too fast. I'd love to read a sequel with the two of them navigating their career as actors and the demands of professional life!!
November 28, 2022
I enjoyed this a lot. I always love a good, strong and independent female character! I love how confident Dafne is and how she was able to help Theo go through his anxiety attacks and yes baby steps!! All the side characters/best friends are lovable characters as well, I love that! I really enjoyed this read!
October 22, 2023
I was lucky enough to read this last year as an ARC, and I really enjoyed it.
It was very fluffy and sweet and I read it mostly in one go. If you like more closed door fade to black scenes rather than outright smut then this one is for you.
Loads of great tropes - student rivals to lovers, forced proximity, one bed etc
It was very fluffy and sweet and I read it mostly in one go. If you like more closed door fade to black scenes rather than outright smut then this one is for you.
Loads of great tropes - student rivals to lovers, forced proximity, one bed etc
April 1, 2022
Wow!! What an adorable read that had me giggling like a child at how sweet it was! I am so grateful to have gotten this beta read before the official release! Congratulations on such an amazing book!
September 2, 2023
I've finally read this book and i had no complaints except for the fact that sometimes i wish i could've take Dafne and put some glue on her lips so she could listen to poor Theo, i loved their relationship and i just can't wait for more from this author <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2024
For all the theater kids at heart, this witty yet charming academic rivals to lovers will hit the spot! It’s so clear how much the author adores theater and acting and that shown through on every page. With a touch of found family & mental health rep this romance is both heartwarming and real!
May 29, 2024
this. was. so. dang. cute!!!!
theo & dafne had me giggling, gasping & cheering for them through this entire book.
💜 academic rivals to lovers
💜 forced proximity
💜 hurt / care
💜 only one bed
💜 anxiety rep
💜 fade to black
💜 banter & tension 😮💨
this was fun & lighthearted, while still showcasing such a realistic view of coming to terms with anxiety & mental illness. i loved the determination all of these characters showed to be their best selves & to truly support one another 🥹
lolly absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one & i can’t wait for her next release this summer 🫶🏻☀️
theo & dafne had me giggling, gasping & cheering for them through this entire book.
💜 academic rivals to lovers
💜 forced proximity
💜 hurt / care
💜 only one bed
💜 anxiety rep
💜 fade to black
💜 banter & tension 😮💨
this was fun & lighthearted, while still showcasing such a realistic view of coming to terms with anxiety & mental illness. i loved the determination all of these characters showed to be their best selves & to truly support one another 🥹
lolly absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one & i can’t wait for her next release this summer 🫶🏻☀️
Want to read
March 8, 2022I’m so so excited!!! 😍
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