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?
I instantly fell in love with the author's writing style it was quirky and cute from the outset. It was the perfect romantic comedy tone, but also had serious issues that were addressed in depth. The characters were lovable and believable from the start, and yes if you love pets, they often steal the show in this one. We have the dreamer and the super analytical character who work well together and help to build each other up. I enjoyed that both Rose and Ash had some trauma that they had to work through,trauma that felt realistic. For a nice change of pace, both main characters were midlife and really not looking for romance.
The number of times I laughed while reading this book. Rose's sisters really added an element of humor that was much needed. And Deliliah.. well she's just a whole mood. Rose and Ash are both faced with harsh realities and making tough choices that could change the future they pictured. But it is all written in a way that works so perfectly. The author really balances the tough with the funny. While it isn't super action packed... and they don't really face a mind-blowing obstacle, it is still amazing because they face real life issues and difficulties. I loved this book. I think if you are looking for a sweet, cute, funny and comfy read it should be this one... it doesn't disappoint at all. ( )

Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters
Contemporary sapphic romance.
Rose is a high powered business woman. She’s the best in her field. She been contacted by an assistant of Ash Stewart to help put together a finance proposal to make a movie. Rose and Ash had already met by a pool with a camp of pugs. Since there is already interest and attraction, Rose immediately accepts the work on a probono basis.

Rose and Ash are attracted to each other but between past relationship issues and other factors, they are both hesitant to approach the subject. It drags the first third of the book down when neither has the courage to do more than longing glances. Fortunately by the half mark, they have both realized and acted on the feelings and begin a relationship. There are a few hurtles, as in any romance, that need to be dealt with and overcome. The women deal with those issues gracefully and by talking to each other. So smart!
Engaging and romantic.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. ( )

Behind the Scenes is better than Stetz-Waters' previous book, Satisfaction Guaranteed--which, by the way, got a plug in this book.

Ash is a movie director. Rose is an ace consultant. Rose consults on funding Ash's next movie and before you know it....

A fun read. ( )

Behind the Scenes is a sapphic rom-com about Rose, a consultant at the top of her game, and Ash, a director at the bottom of hers. When they team up to help Ash nail her last chance at a movie deal, they both end up getting more than they expected.

The story itself is a pretty solid romance; it manages to hit on everything a romance reader probably looks for. The characters are interesting, and although I was a little skeptical going in - the book does open on a Pug Crawl, after all - I quickly got sucked into the story because of them.

My only real complaint is that the epilogue felt unnecessary and a little trite - too neatly tied up with a bow. I don't think it needed an epilogue, and the ending might have had more of a punch if it didn't. That being said, this is a romance novel we're talking about; sometimes having an extra happy ending is the point.

This is a fun read overall, and the characters feel like they have a lot of depth. Romance fans will find a lot to like here.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for providing a copy for review. ( )