Second Act Romance by Julie Soto

Second Act Romance

Stage-kiss chemistry with a side of sharp wit

Written byJulie Soto
Narrated byTherese Plummer
Length1h28m
Release dateJanuary 20, 2026
LanguageEnglish
★★★☆ 3.8 (179 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorJulie Soto
NarratorTherese Plummer
Runtime1h28m
PublishedJanuary 20, 2026
Rating★★★☆ 3.8 / 5 (179 ratings)
CategoriesRomance, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

*Second Act Romance* is a backstage pass to the kind of crackling, fast-paced reunion that only happens when two people know each other’s rhythms—and how to push each other’s buttons. Julie Soto packs a full romantic arc into this 90-minute gem, trading slow-burn for slow *simmer*: the tension between ex-costars forced to revisit their past (and their unresolved attraction) is palpable from the first snarky exchange. What sets this apart isn’t just the theater-world setting—it’s the way Soto uses it, weaving in the high stakes of opening night, the vulnerability of performing, and the way art imitates life when the script starts feeling *too* personal.

Therese Plummer’s narration is a masterclass in romantic comedy timing. She doesn’t just *read* the banter; she *throws* it, landing every sarcastic quip and breathless confession with the precision of a seasoned improv partner. Her character distinctions are subtle but effective—listen for the way she softens the hero’s voice just a fraction when he’s caught off-guard, or how the heroine’s wit turns razor-sharp when she’s defending herself. The production is clean, with no distracting edits, letting Plummer’s performance and Soto’s snappy dialogue take center stage. Ideal for listeners who want their romance with a side of theater-kid energy and zero filler.

Tags: theater romance audiobookfast-paced romantic comedysecond-chance romance short storysnarky banter audiobookfemale narrator romance 2020sone-sitting listen under 2 hours

Why Listen to Second Act Romance?

  • Expert narration by Therese Plummer brings every character and scene to life across 1h28m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 3.8 stars by 179 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I’ll admit, I was skeptical about a romance this short delivering real emotional weight—but *Second Act Romance* pulled it off by leaning hard into what it does best: *chemistry*. The setup is classic (exes reunited for a show, forced proximity, one bed trope tease), but Soto makes it feel fresh by grounding it in the specifics of theater life. The way the heroine’s nerves about her career bleed into her interactions with the hero, or how their shared history is revealed through callback lines from old scripts—it’s clever without being cutesy. That said, the conflict *does* resolve a little too neatly, even for a short story. I wanted one more scene where their professional stakes clashed with their personal feelings, just to raise the tension beyond “will they/won’t they.” Therese Plummer’s narration is the secret weapon here. She nails the rhythm of Soto’s dialogue, which is *packed* with rapid-fire jokes and subtext. I especially loved how she handles the hero’s voice—smug but not obnoxious, with a warmth that peeks through when he’s caught off-guard. The production is polished, though I did notice a slight volume dip in one chapter transition (minor, but worth mentioning for audiophiles). At 90 minutes, this is the perfect palate cleanser between longer listens: light enough for a commute, but with enough heat and heart to linger. Just don’t expect deep character arcs—this is a *vibe*, and it commits fully.

Download: Second Act Romance

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Second Act Romance by Julie Soto is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Therese Plummer with a runtime of 1h28m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.