Show Up

A fake date ... a real secret

An invitation to her ex's wedding is just the icing on a crappy cake for burlesque dancer Yolande. Her ex ghosted her just as they were about to take the stage for their neo-burlesque act. Yolande’s friends at Seraph's Burlesque Club convince her that attending the wedding will show her ex that she's moved on. Only one problem - she just needs a date.

Shy bartender Reiko has a secret, or two. She can't risk anyone discovering that her life as a penniless PhD student and bartender is a sham. And even though she's been in love with Yolande forever, when Yolande needs a plus-one to save face at her the wedding, Reiko knows any fantasy of romance is just that – a fantasy. Yolande will never notice the way Reiko looks at her.

When the drama of the wedding reveals a spark of attraction between them, Reiko will have to risk her fake identity for the chance at true love.

‘Show Up’ is the first installment in the "Seraph’s Burlesque Club" – a series of lesbian romances set in a London burlesque club.

Perfect for readers who love a steamy read with friends (with benefits) to lovers plot. If you love reading about a found family with queer people who thrive, this series has that and more.

Trigger warnings – Please note that this book contains mentions of the following:
-tReferences to a character’s mother dying in a car crash prior to the book
-tA minor discussion of racism
-tReferences to the pandemic - as the book is set in a post-COVID London where everyone is vaccinated


A writer of Sassy Daring Romance, Renée Dahlia is an unabashed romance reader who loves feisty women and strong & clever men. Her books reflect this, with a hint of awkward humour.
Renée has a science degree in physics. When not distracted by the characters fighting for her, she works in the horseracing industry doing data analysis and writing magazine articles.
When she isn’t reading or writing, Renée spends her time with her partner and four children, usually watching them play cricket.