As If on Cue - by Marisa Kanter

About the Book

It seems that aspiring playwright Natalie and musician Reid have been in competition all their young lives, but when they are forced to compete for scarce school budget dollars they embark on an all-out prank war which backfires; now they are forced to cooperate, pool their talents and ambitions to produce a school musical--and not only is cooperation an unfamiliar role, but they are suddenly starting to have feelings for each other.

Book Synopsis

A pair of fierce foes are forced to work together to save the arts at their school in this "enemies-to-lovers rom-com of my dreams" (Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Today Tonight Tomorrow) that fans of Jenny Han and Morgan Matson are sure to adore.

Lifelong rivals Natalie and Reid have never been on the same team. So when their school's art budget faces cutbacks, of course Natalie finds herself up against her nemesis once more. She's fighting to direct the school's first ever student-written play, but for her small production to get funding, the school's award-winning band will have to lose it. Reid's band. And he's got no intention of letting the show go on.

But when their rivalry turns into an all-out prank war that goes too far, Natalie and Reid have to face the music, resulting in the worst compromise: writing and directing a musical. Together. At least if they deliver a sold-out show, the school board will reconsider next year's band and theater budget. Everyone could win.

Except Natalie and Reid.

Because after spending their entire lives in competition, they have absolutely no idea how to be co-anything. And they certainly don't know how to deal with the feelings that are inexplicably, weirdly, definitely developing between them...

Review Quotes

"An entertaining and humorous story.... A welcome addition to the teen section"--School Library Journal "November 2021"

"With heart, determination, and jazz hands, AS IF ON CUE is a theatrical delight of a book, with an enemies-to-lovers romance that you'll root for from the start."

--Rachel Strolle, Teen Services Coordinator, Glenside Public Library District

"...[T]he sweet romance (and talented theater kids!) will charm readers. ... [T]he novel deftly addresses microaggressions and antisemitism. ... Solid entertainment."--Kirkus Reviews "August 2021"

"Swoony, hilarious, and full of unforgettable banter, As If on Cue is the enemies to lovers romcom we've all been waiting for. Kanter's love of theater shines through on every page, and Natalie and Reid had me rooting for them from the start."--Jennifer Dugan, author of Some Girls Do

"Hilarious, swoony, and full of delicious banter and theater kid feels, Kanter has penned rivals-to-lovers perfection. It is impossible not to fall in love with Natalie's vibrant voice, complicated emotions, and unbridled passion for her art. Watching Natalie and Reid discover their feelings for each other through pranks, competition, and collaboration immediately captured my heart. This book is absolute instant favorite. I'm on Team Natareid forever!"--Auriane Desombre, author of I Think I Love You

"Filled with witty banter, a sweet romance, and Kanter's signature complex family and friendship dynamics, AS IF ON CUE is an uplifting celebration of the arts with a love story that will melt your heart. This book made my inner theatre kid so happy!" --Cameron Lund, author of Heartbreakers and Fakers

"A showstopping follow-up to Kanter's phenomenal debut, As If on Cue delivers unforgettable swoons, banter, and heart. This book deserves a standing ovation."--Kelsey Rodkey, author of Last Chance Books.

"As If on Cue is an absolute delight from beginning to end, one that Marisa Kanter infuses with so much musical theater joy. Natalie and Reid are impossible not to love, whether they're at each other's throats, slowly warming up to each other, or fighting their undeniable chemistry. The enemies-to-lovers romcom of my dreams." --Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Today Tonight Tomorrow

About the Author

Marisa Kanter is a young adult author, amateur baker, and reality television enthusiast. She is the author of What I Like About You and As If on Cue. Born and raised in the suburbs of Boston, her obsession with books led her to New York City, where she worked in the publishing industry to help books find their perfect readers. She currently lives in Los Angeles, writing love stories by day and searching for the perfect slice of pizza by night. Follow her at MarisaKanter.com.