I'm so excited to be doing this post because I finally have a complete list for this prompt!
I am an avid romance reader and there are so many fun set-ups, but a Hollywood romance in the spotlight can be very entertaining and and have an extra layer of tension. There are celebrities dodging the media, scandals, and flashing cameras.
So altogether a mix of these elements, with a great chemistry between the characters, here are some great romance reads!
1) You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria-
RATING- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
REVIEW- More than an incendiary romance, this is a story of two characters overcoming their flaws and their lasts that were holding them back.
The sweetest, nicest, warmest thing I've read in a while and I LOVED IT.
One of the best romance books I've read, also with a POC main character and a heart-warming romance, The story follows Jasmine Rodriguez, a soap opera darling whose messy break-up has been splashed in the tabloids, and she gets the chance to lead in a bilingual rom-com for the number streaming service in the country to give the media something new to talk about it. Until she meets Ashton Suarez, the handsome Spanish telenovela actor who will be playing opposite her, and things heat up pretty quick behind the scenes.
But secrets, families, and careers are at stake, and it is not going to be easy.
No need to read anything next. Just read this, please.
2) Love Scenes by Bridget Morissey-
RATING- 🌟🌟🌟 (3)
REVIEW- Love Scenes is a book I actually pretty lukewarm about. I don't mind recommending books that didn't necessarily work for me to other people because I know that tasted are subjective, and this book is one of them.
The characters are interesting enough. Sloane, our main character, is a great actress but she's out of work, and through some unfortunate circumstances, she ends up filling in as the heroine of a World War-II drama opposite a former co-star that she's not very fond of. But inevitably, the co-star, Joseph is very attractive and charming, and they start growing closer while working together on their characters. But even still, there's a very slim chance of their relationship surviving among bitter rumours and the media.
Personally I liked Joseph better than Sloane, and even though I enjoyed everything else about the book, I wasn't feeling very connected or interested in the main character.
I still have it 3 stars, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who finds it interesting.
3) Like a Love Song by Gabriela Martins-
RATING- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
REVIEW- Among all these adult (and New Adult) books, I did manage to find some great YA reads that fit this trope and are an absolute delight.
Like a Love Song was a book I originally read for a Book Tour and ended up having a fun time reading. It follows a Latino teen popstar having to fake a relationship after an embarassing incident at an award show, but unforgivably falling in love with that person. 'That person' also being none other than Will, a very cute, gentleman-like, small time actor looking to make it big.
The couple not only have a nice chemistry, but also work through a ton of personal and professional issues regarding their identity, representation, their safety and the boundaries they want.
If you're looking for a quick pick-me-up to lift your spirits, I highly recommend this one.
4) If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales-
Release Date-
RATING- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
REVIEW- Currently, as of when I’m publishing this post, this book is not out yet. It will be releasing in December, but if it sounds interesting to you, definitely go preorder it!
So this books follows the story of Zach and Ruben, two best friends and members of a super popular boy band called Saturday, who fall in love with each other among yours, bus rides, crazy fans and a management company that holds them with an iron grip.
This story focuses very heavily on all the elements of being a celebrity, stardom and dives into the themes of creative freedom, identity, sexuality and comprising your morals for fame.
I also really really loved the side characters in the book- the other two members of the band, Angel and Jon.
I highly recommend reading this book not just for the romance (which is also so great. I love those two 🥺) but also for the writing, the themes and the intensity and the angst. It’s very entertaining but also manages to hit hard at just the right moments.
TW- drug abuse, addiction, anxiety, panic attack.
5) While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory-
RATING-
REVIEW- A very recent release and an instnt favourite, While we Were datingis a nice, summery, fun read about Ben Steohens, who works in an ad company and is working with the gorgeous actress Anna Gardiner. They both have their own personal and professional issues, but when they engage in a light flirting which turns to feelings, that inevitably leads to a lot of complications.
This book always gives the the very sweet, sugary vibe where the characters are so good to each other. The electric atmosohere when the characters are together, the steamy scenes and the all the buzz of a professional relationship turning personal in personal in the spotlight, it has all the makings of a great romance.
I highly recommend picking this one up!
6) Roomies by Christina Lauren-
RATING- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
REVIEW- For a change, this story in particular is very low-key on the celebrity and fame element, if you're looking for something like that.
This follows the story of a woman who has a crush on this singer who plays on the subway for a long time, but she has never been able to do anything about out it, until after some weird things happen, they end up as roommates because they agree to be in a sham marriage so the guy can get a permanent American residency.
Ths couple have an incendiary chemistry between them, and it definitely has some steamy scenes if that's your cup of tea. It so deals with their personal problems and abandonment and trust issues.
It's a great, fun read to indulge yourself with.
(Plus I love Christina Lauren's books) 💖
NOTE- There is a other book by this author, Twice in a Blue Moon, which is also about a celebrity, but I really did not care for it so I didn't include that in this list. But can always check it out.
7) Act Like It by Lucy Parker
RATING- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
REVIEW- In this story, our main character Richard Troy is a critically acclaimed actor, but he is a hot-head and is causing a lot of problems for his manager. So they of course decide to out him in a fake relationship with a girl, Lainie Graham (our other main character) to keep him in control and clean up his reputation.
Again, the chemistry between the couple is off-the-charts. There is a lot of fun, witty banter in the story, and the female lead is fiesty, smart and sarcastic and I loved her.
There's lots of tension in the story, like is this just a fling, and his much are they risking both their careers for it, and the repurcussions it could have. Also a good amount of steam, so if you're interested, definitely check out this book.
NOTE- This book is part of a series called London Celebrities, and those are really nice too, so if you liked this book, definitely check out those other ones, especially the third one. That's my favourite after Act Like It.
8) The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun-
RATING- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
REVIEW- This story follows loosely a Bachelorette inspiration, where one of our main characters, Charlie is starting in a reality show where women have to compete to date with him, and at the end, he was supposed to be engaged to one of them.
But then there's Dev, one of the shows manager and Charlie's handler, who's really sweet and amazing and the duo form a deep connection as they navigate the show, the drama and the pressure.
Dev is very dedicated to this show, Ever After, and it is gaining a lot of popularity, but that can't happen if he falls in love with Charlie.
Their whole relationship in the book is tentative and sweet and vulnerable, Dev having to work through his mental health issues and Charlie doubting his sexuality, and on top of that wondering what will happen to them if the shows needs Charlie to marry someone less for it to succeed.
9) Red, White, Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
RATING- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
REVIEW- I really don't think any words are needed to show how much I love this book. It's gotten extremely popular, and we're even getting a film adaptation that I am equally anxious and excited for.
A story where the First Son of America falls in love with the Prince of England, but evey other character that appears is so well developed that they cann have their own book.
This book is, in short, a big bag of positive feelings and warm vibes. The main characters, Alex and Henry are so wholesome and perfect and flawed and I love them above and beyond.
If you haven't read it yet, this year is the perfect time to do it and join the hype train.