Books To Read for Broadway Lovers

Centuries before his namesake Broadway show won 11 Tony Awards, Alexander Hamilton served in the army as General George Washington’s right-hand man and caught the eye of Eliza Schuyler, a beautiful and charming socialite. The Revolution rages on in the background while America’s legendary couple’s love story unfolds. Enchanting, intelligent, and passionate, this historical romance read is perfect for anyone who has Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical soundtrack on repeat.

Complete the trilogy! Be sure to check out Love & War and All for One. And if you haven’t already, read the book that inspired the musical, Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow.

Within a crumbling Victorian mansion, a masked stranger walks the halls, and secrets echo the dark walls. Inspired by Gaston Leroux’s classic story, this gothic novel breathes a modern spin on the iconic tale, complete with a forbidden romance and supernatural intrigue. With its immersive world-building and immaculate prose, this transformative novel will leave you haunted long after you finish the last page.

The Broadway play — and movie adaptation starring Gene Kelly — tells the story of an American veteran trying to make it as an artist in the City of Lights. Ruth Reichl’s New York Times bestseller follows Stella St. Vincent, a straight-laced young copywriter living in New York City. When her mother dies, she’s left with a unique inheritance — a one-way plane ticket and a note reading “Go to Paris.” As Stella explores France’s capital, she meets new friends, falls in love with the city, and discovers its delightful culinary scene. Like Jerry Mulligan, Stella undergoes a transformation through the power of art, heals past wounds, and rediscovers hope for the future.

Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived. King Henry VIII’s many wives are the stuff of legend, from the discarded Katherine of Aragon to Scholar Queen Catherine Parr and everyone in between. The King will stop at nothing to produce a male heir, including changing queens. Each wife’s story is written by a different award-winning or bestselling author. Combined, they tell the dramatic stories of women used as political pawns, an unhinged and selfish king, and court intrigues so extraordinary, they inspired the Tony Award-winning musical more than four centuries later.

The lively jukebox musical explores the many “what ifs” in Juliet’s life: What if she didn’t die at the end of Shakespeare’s infamous play? Would she travel? Would she try to find love again? This “what if” element is echoed in Emma Straub’s #1 bestselling novel. When 39-year-old Alice went to sleep, the last thing she expected was to wake up more than 20 years in the past. Thrown back in time, Alice relives her teenage years with the wisdom of an adult and wonders … if she could change the past, what would she do? Full of 90’s nostalgia, charm, and memorable characters, this emotional novel puts a new spin on time-travel stories.

Jaime Montez is ready for a new challenge — starting his own liquor brand. There’s just one problem … he knows next to nothing about how to make tequila. Enter Alma Garcia, owner of the town’s hottest mezcal bar and his college ex. She’s agreed to teach him everything he needs to know to take his new endeavor a success in exchange for promoting her business. Will Jaime follow in Eliza Doolittle’s steps and succeed? A second chance romance with a touch of Shakespeare, this steamy read has it all!

Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein’s infamous rivalry takes center stage in the delightful musical, War Paint, based on Lindy Woodhead’s novel. Before she became one of the cosmetics industry’s titans, Estée Lauder dreamed of being as big as Arden and Rubinstein. With an unrelenting dream and sheer determination, Estée’s dreams slowly become a reality, but with a price.

From USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard comes a gossip-filled, vengeance-drenched drama that’s a blend of Bridgerton and The Count of Monte Cristo. Three years ago, Lady Ela Dalvi’s life was in upheaval, and her reputation was destroyed because of her best friend, Poppy. She returns to society with one goal in mind — revenge. Fast-paced and cathartic, with just the right amount of wit, this is one Regency era romance that needs to be on your TBR list ASAP.

If you love Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy and its exploration of race, identity, and envy, discover another harrowing drama of jealousy and revenge … set in a 1970s-era elementary school playground. Arriving at his fifth school in as many years, diplomat’s son Osei Kokote knows he needs an ally if he is to survive his first day — so he’s lucky to hit it off with Dee, the most popular girl in school. But one student can’t stand to witness this budding relationship: Ian decides to destroy the friendship. By the end of the day, the school and its key players — teachers and pupils alike — will never be the same again.