The unexpected follow-up to Stars Collide, this book sees Taylor no longer working as Eden Sands’ bodyguard. In search of new work, she finds herself interviewing for a job with Natalie Keane, a famous Hollywood actress who’s trying to escape the threat of a stalker recently released from prison. To throw the press off her trail, Natalie and Taylor come up with a plan to pretend to be girlfriends, diverting attention away from the real danger.

As their relationship evolves, we see the shift from client and bodyguard to friends, and eventually, the hints of something more. Watching how their bond deepens and how they support and change each other was truly heartwarming. You could feel Natalie’s frustration and Taylor’s empathy in a way that made their connection so real and relatable.

The spicy scenes were an added bonus—Rachel really knows how to captivate her readers and keep them hooked.

I honestly loved this book and have already recommended it to several people. It has great characters, a compelling story, and once I got into it, I found it hard to put down. If you're looking for a romance with depth and emotional connection, this is definitely worth picking up.

Cover Story delivers glam, suspense, and fake dating!! Swoon! Natalie is a famous actor hiding from a stalker while trying to keep her life from becoming tabloid fodder. Taylor Vaughn has everything to prove after an injury.

Lacey knows how to give a girl what she wants
- fake dating--perfection
- protective bodyguard bliss
- titillating Hollywood drama
- the slooooooooow burns so good

Natalie and Taylor’s chemistry is undeniable, but what really sells this story is their emotional growth. Natalie’s world may be all glitz and glamour, but her fears feel real. But Taylor is all quiet strength and hidden vulnerability, and together they heal. The stalker subplot adds just enough tension without stealing focus from their connection.

This book is about being seen, being brave, and finding love in the most unexpected places. If you love sapphic romances with big feelings and a dash of danger, you’ll adore this one. Rachel Lacey delivers every time!

This was my first time reading something by this author. This was a quick and easy read with an engaging plot and interesting characters. This is a good choice if you're looking for a feel-good, lighthearted read.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

What a great read! I was so excited for Taylor and Natalie’s story, and felt each emotion, as they healed.

*many thanks to Montclair and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review.

After an incident with a stalker eight years prior, Natalie’s security standards are high. When that stalker is released from prison, her standards are even higher. Then she hires Taylor, a body guard, to protect her while pretending to be her girlfriend. Follow Natalie and Taylor as they navigate Hollywood together in this sweet novel.

A well written fake dating story! Both characters were well developed, leading me to feel their emotions as I flew through this one! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great LGBTQ read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for a fair review.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏆🎥🌌🐾🏃‍♀️

Rachel Lacey is a sapphic goddess. Honestly, I loved this book so much that I read it in one setting. I loved the characters, I loved the writing, I loved the pets. I loved the storyline, and the way these two lovebirds fell in love.

Natalie Keane is an actress who has a scary past with a crazy fan. She prioritises her personal security over everything, so when the news of her attacker being released comes out, she wants to hire another bodyguard but without the risk of the media catching wind as to why. S Natalie, along with her managers, publicist, and best friend, hire Taylor Vaughn as her fake girlfriend under the guise that they fell in love while being her personal trainer in Natalie's upcoming movie.

Taylor Vaughn goes back to work as a bodyguard after being out of the game for a few months due to back surgery. This job is out of her comfort zone because she is more used to being known as a bodyguard, and not having to live with the client. What she definitely didn't expect is to start falling in love with her employer.

Forced proximity, sexual tension, cute pet bonding scenes, and amazing chemistry makes this book such a great read. I loved the inclusion of Eden and Anna from Stars Collide and I have a feeling that the way there was a little sapphic tidbit in there, that there might be a potential third book in the series???? (🤞🤞🤞🤞)

Thank you to Netgalley for the copy of the ebook.

In Cover Story, Natalie Keane is an A-list celebrity who was stalked years ago and isn't taking any chances about her security. So when she gets spooked enough to hire additional bodyguards, she meets her new staff member: Taylor. It's the perfect chance for her to enact her planned Cover: to have Taylor pose as her girlfriend. Taylor, previously injured and anxious to prove that she can still do the job, jumps at the opportunity. But between awards shows and red carpets, the two women find themselves pulled together, even out of the public eye.

Cover Story is a fun, light romance that doesn't shy away from difficult topics or characters sharing their vulnerabilities. It's definitely a Sapphic romance beach read, but one that is smart, sweet, and sassy.

I loved it! "Cover Story" is a captivating blend of romance and suspense that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The chemistry between Natalie and Taylor is electric, making their relationship feel both genuine and intense as the lines between their fake relationship and real emotions blur. The tension, both from the external threat and their growing feelings, adds a thrilling edge to the story. Rachel Lacey does a fantastic job of balancing the glitz of Hollywood with the personal struggles of the characters. A must-read for anyone who loves a good romance with a twist!

Honestly, this story was just very fun and entertaining. I loved everything about it. We love Taylor here also the push and pull was everything that I needed….

Ugh. Another good romance ruined by the gatekeeping of an author.

Sometimes it's about the romance, others about the backstory; this time, we've decided to skip the parts where they realized they're falling for each other, and why.
And the romance? Well, even if it's a more domestic version of what someone might have wanted to find, I still think it was doing its job.

This is a book about feelings and intentions while dealing with trauma; more or less of everything happens inside their head and, most of the time, it's about their internal monologues - and not what they could actually be doing instead of thinking.
So, it’s possible to find the whole thing kinda boring, but the focus is on the good, old “communication is key in a relationship”. Personally, I loved the fact that they just decided to open up to each other instead of making a fuss and breaking up and, particularly, I was glad that I finally found characters that behave according to their age.

My biggest recommendation is that if Knox Morgan tramautized you too - the girls who get it, get it -, “Cover Story” will heal that part of yourself you thought was gone.
And that can be possible only by kissing another woman, I'm afraid.

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

Rachel Lacey's "Cover Story" is a captivating romance novel that delves into the fast-paced and intense world of magazine publishing. The story centers on a budding journalist who lands a dream job at a top fashion magazine, only to find herself entangled in a complicated romance with her enigmatic boss.

Lacey's writing is engaging and dynamic, capturing the glamorous yet cutthroat atmosphere of the publishing industry. The romance is beautifully developed, mixing professional challenges with personal growth and emotional depth. "Cover Story" offers a perfect balance of heartfelt moments and sizzling chemistry, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. The novel is a delightful exploration of ambition, love, and the choices that define us.

Rachel Lacey’s *Cover Story* is a captivating blend of Hollywood glamour, suspense, and romance that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. This steamy tale explores the intricacies of fame, security, and unexpected connections in the world of celebrities.

At the centre of the story is Natalie Keane, a renowned Hollywood actress who, despite her success, carries the scars of a traumatic stalking incident from years ago. Determined to avoid another media frenzy, Natalie reluctantly agrees to enhance her security during awards season, opting for discretion to prevent tabloid scrutiny.

Enter Taylor Vaughn, a skilled bodyguard whose temporary injury jeopardises her career. When the opportunity to protect Natalie arises, Taylor sees it as a chance to prove herself once again in the competitive field of celebrity security. Little does she know that the job involves posing as Natalie’s girlfriend—a twist that adds a layer of complexity to their professional relationship.

Lacey excels in developing the chemistry between Natalie and Taylor. Their initial arrangement as a faux couple for security purposes evolves into a genuine connection fuelled by mutual respect and attraction. The author navigates their evolving feelings with sensitivity and depth, capturing the emotional intensity of their journey from professional arrangement to personal involvement.

The Hollywood backdrop enriches the narrative, providing a glamorous yet high-stakes setting that complements the tension of the plot. Lacey’s portrayal of Natalie’s vulnerability and Taylor’s determination to protect her adds depth to their characters, making their relationship both compelling and authentic.

The novel’s exploration of themes such as trust, identity, and the impact of past trauma adds a layer of emotional depth to the romantic storyline. Natalie’s struggle with fame and the intrusive nature of celebrity culture resonates throughout the narrative, highlighting the sacrifices and challenges faced by those in the public eye.

*Cover Story* is not just a romance but also a tale of self-discovery and resilience. As Natalie and Taylor navigate the blurred lines between their professional roles and personal desires, readers are treated to a story that is as heart-warming as it is suspenseful.

This is a compelling and steamy read that combines Hollywood intrigue with heartfelt romance. With well-crafted characters, a captivating storyline, and a touch of glamour, this novel is sure to appeal to fans of contemporary romance and anyone looking for a tale of love amidst the glitz and pressures of fame.

I actually liked this book so much and it wasn't expecting it to like it so much. I feel like this book has the perfect everything that everyone is looking for

I think for me I often find something in the story that I relate to or I enjoy and can continue with most books, as long as there is something that keeps me intrigued and I keep wanting to go back to it I have no issue continuing.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me and I tried a few times. I really wanted to like it as the premise was intriguing to me, but I wasn’t looking forward to going back to it after taking a break from it at 56% and I think that was the biggest sign for me to stop. The story line wasn’t moving along and I felt like nothing was happening with either character. At this point they have been in forced proximity for over a month and the only thing that is clear internally to each character is that they are attracted to each other, but they were still not making many connections or it felt like it was only the first week of interactions.

I also had a hard time with small time jumps that could have given us opportunities to perhaps get more of those interactions or bonding.

I still look forward to reading Stars Collide by this author as it was highly recommended by a few bookfriends.

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really gripping story right from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters and I thought the storyline was original. I am a sucker for a celebrity/Hollywood romance and this one was so good. I thought it was well-written and I really cared for the characters, which doesn’t always happen for me. I would love to read more from this author.

Natalie and Taylor are an adorable couple. The angst of Natalie's past and how it affects their current relationship is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Taylor is protective without being a prick and allows Natalie to grow within their relationship. I loved that this was an LGTBQIA+ version of a classic trope! It's fun, sweet, and a great read.

I loved this book! The woman/woman body guard trope was done perfectly, This book will have you rooting for Taylor and Natalie through out just waiting for someone to make their move through dual POV. The journey for these 2 characters is fun, flirty, and but also got and cold. We see how anxiety affects the day to days actions of Natalie and the changes the Taylor’s presence has on those anxieties.

I absolutely adored this book, both caracters were amazing and I adored getting to know them. I always love the fake dating trope and it was done perfectly. The development was really good, the way it handled the anxiety of Nathalie and the way it handled her stalker.

I enjoyed this book. I thought both of the characters were very likable and their relationship was very sweet. the storyline was alright for me, but i did like the bodyguard part and the set-up for that. this story was overall fine! i enjoyed it but there was nothing that really stood out for me to be like omg love this book