Second Act Romance

The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

By: Julie Soto

Narrated by: Therese Plummer

Two musical theater costars, separated by fate, reunite for a showmance to remember in a sizzling and banter-filled short story about second chances by #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Soto.

When food poisoning takes out the lead in their Valentine’s Day production of Oklahoma!, TV sensation Colby J. Turner swoops in to save the show. But for leading lady Bex Hardgrave, this last-minute casting is more drama than she bargained for. Eight years ago, their onstage chemistry sparked real-life fireworks—until a misunderstanding brought down the curtain on their budding romance. Now they’re sharing the spotlight again, and their old connection is threatening to steal the show. As showtime approaches, Bex and Colby will have to decide if their second-chance romance deserves its own standing ovation.

Julie Soto’s Second Act Romance is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances, stories for star-crossed lovers and hopeless romantics. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Let’s do it again.

©2026 by Julie Soto. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Theatre kids unite 🎭

If you’re a theatre kid, I’m sure this is right up your alley. It was a super cute short story. Reunited after missed connection years ago and fame had come for the one. Stomach bugs brought them back together after it caused the missed connection years before.

Sweet 2nd Chance

this is a quick listen, It's sweet with an interesting premise and narration was done great.

Second Act Romance (The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances)

Second Act Romance by Julie Soto wasn’t really for me. Some parts were a bit too detailed, and the food poisoning subplot took up too much space. Still, musical theatre fans might enjoy this quick, cute read.

Sweet romance

3rd person POV

Single narration - Therese Plummer

This was cute. I liked the story but I felt that the 3rd person POV was tough to get into.
I liked that the characters get a second chance and it is a crazy theater evening made it fun.
Clean romance.

Super Cute!

4.5 stars ⭐️ I really like the characters and the plot. Colby and Becs played Curly and Laurie in Oklahoma 8 years ago. Today, most of the cast are out with food poisoning because of shrimp tacos. Colby comes back as in stand in for Curly, and the chemistry between Colby and Becs is still there. This was a fun and cute read!