I would like to express my gratitude to Rachel Lacey for allowing me to read an ARC of Cover Story from NetGalley. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful sapphic romance with a dash of suspense and would highly recommend it!

Taylor Vaughn, who made her first appearance as a bodyguard to the stars in Rachel Lacey’s wonderful 2023 novel, Stars Collide, was my favorite supporting character in that book. I was ecstatic when I learned that she would be one of the main protagonists in Cover Story.

I was not disappointed.

Sparks fly between Taylor and the gorgeous Natalie Keane when the A-list actress hires Taylor to publicly appear as her girlfriend, but secretly be her protector, when the man who stalked her eight years before is released from prison. The story lacks predictable angst - which is great! Lacey utilizes suspense, Natalie’s trauma and love of astronomy, Taylor’s possibly career-ending injury, and their fears, off-the-charts chemistry, and feelings, to drive the narrative in a way that really works.

I don’t want to spoil anything, but I couldn’t stop reading and highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a sapphic romance where you get invested in both main characters as they realize their feelings and help heal each other.

There are also two sweet dogs and an adorable kitten in the mix.

I rate Cover Story five out of five stars and already have the audiobook pre-ordered!

Taylor takes a job as a bodyguard for A Lister Natalie Keane but Natalie wants to keep her security detail quiet, so Taylor will pose as her girlfriend for the duration of the assignment. As they get to know each other they both start losing track of what's real and what's fake.
This was a fun follow up to Stars Collide where we first meet Taylor. I'm absucker for the celeb and fauxmance tropes so this was right up my alley and it didn't disappoint. The romance here is a bit of a slow burn and I liked the lead up. Natalie's back story was interesting and added a little something to the plot. I'd have liked to see a bit more of Taylor's parents and maybe some more details on Natalie's childhood, the bits that are there are great and I felt like they amped up the progress on the relationship. I spotted a potential seed for a third book to follow and I really hope I'm right as I'd like to see this continue. Overall it was a fun book and if you like slow burns, fauxmances or the celeb trope you'll enjoy this one.

I love a good superstar actor or singer and bodyguard or assistant story. Here we have l actress Natalie Keane facing the issue of a convicted stalker who is about to be released from prison at a crucial time in her career. She decides to go with a fake relationship situation with a bodyguard posing as her gf. Cue Taylor Vaughn, previous security for star Eden Sands (from “Stars Collide”) who needs to get back into the field since her back injury took her out. I enjoyed their awkward meeting and faking it scenes which eventually give way to the long awaited chemistry-can’t-be-denied romance. What I really liked about this story is the different take on the lack of privacy that comes with being a star in the public eye and what happens if that goes sideways with a stalker.

Spoiler: The stalker doesn’t have to make another appearance to be a threat to your sense of security and peace. The PTSD that can result doesn’t even need an ongoing threat because the guy is released from prison. The PTSD is simply there, like any other traumatic experience, and it is part of who you are and your life going forward. Luckily, we have the acknowledgement that this is a real thing, it needn’t depend on never ending drama and threats, and you should never be afraid to lean on the support and love of those who care about you.

4.5 ⭐Kittens !! I can’t resist a book when there are kittens involved in books ! Okay I will calm down now because of course, there are a lot of other good things in this book.
Taylor is THE knight in a shining armor : thoughtful, understanding, steady, strong, protective. She is almost a living sapphic fantasy bodyguard in the book. I know there are one or two scenes that will make hearts swoons out there.
Nathalie has a lot of trauma, she lives in an almost reclusive way. It was painful to see her suffer and at the same time so sweet to see Taylor be there for her, reading her despite her best efforts to hide her feelings. I wonder almost until last minute how she would make peace with her demons.The intimacy slowly building between them felt right and delicate. To me, the physical chemistry wasn’t as strong as it was between the characters in Star collide, but the love scenes, especially the first one, were more intimate with honesty, vulnerability. Sure, I love burning hot scenes, but realistic scenes with characters that communicate about what they like or not is sexy too.
Lacey writes easy to read books that make you feel invested with the characters and this one is no exception.
I very stongly hope for a second chance novel focused on Noelle now...

I love the bodyguard/celebrity trope in sapphic romance, and I have to say that Cover Story is my favorite one so far! If you enjoyed Stars Collide, then you will definitely enjoy this book as well. The character is related to Eden Sands from Stars Collide, but it can be read on its own as a standalone novel. Cover Story is a low-angsty romance with lots of humor and it makes me feel heartwarming while reading it! I only wish we would have Noelle's own story, too!

One of my absolute favourite ARCS ( thanks @rachelslacey and @netgalley ) I was in LOVE with this story. Not only does it have dogs in it - a requirement in life I think - but STARS OF ALL VARIETY. I loved that Taylor got her own story and I really enjoyed the take on the Celeb trope which sometimes can be overdone. This was a genuinely lovely story and now i obviously want a cute kitten too. Little bit of a mystery vibe which I was absolutely here for , and I was absolutely enthralled with this story. Can’t wait for everyone to read it so I can discuss!

I read an arc of this book and I do wish it had come with a trigger warning. Waiting for the reveal and filling in all the gaps of what could have happened to one of our fmcs was a little rough for me. The conversation at the beginning of the book felt a little off but the characters were super awkward at that point so maybe it was on purpose. It did seem to go from I’m not sure what I’m feeling to moving in together pretty quick but who doesn’t love a good infatuation?! Even with the couple of bumps I saw, I’m looking forward to more from this author!

Cover Story by Rachel Lacey was a delightful sapphic romance. I loved the bodyguard and fake dating tropes that Lacey employed. I also loved the supportive parents the explanation of why she chose to write the ending the way she did.

I really enjoyed Stars Collide so I was excited to read this spin off about Eden’s bodyguard, but it wasn’t as good as Stars Collide. A lot of it felt forced or rushed. It’s fine if you’re looking for something light and quick, but not as good as the previous book.

Rachel Lacey is one of my favorite romance authors. I loved “Read Between the Lines” and “Stars Collide”, so I was super excited to get the chance to read an ARC of her upcoming romance “Cover Story”. It tells the story of Hollywood A-lister Natalie Keane and her bodyguard/fake girlfriend Taylor Vaughn, a character from her previous book, “Stars Collide”. It is a story about overcoming trauma, the value of communication, and not letting one’s past define what lies ahead.

8 years ago, Hollywood leading lady Natalie Keane was kidnapped by a crazed fan. Since then, all anyone in Hollywood wants to talk about was that night, never letting her once move on from that nightmarish incident. When her stalker is about to be released from prison on parole, Natalie decides to hire extra security. To make sure no one asks even more questions, Natalie and her team decide that this extra security should pose as her fake girlfriend. Taylor Vaughn is an experienced bodyguard but had spent the past three months recovering from a back injury. Despite some initial trepidation, Taylor jumps at the chance to protect Natalie. As their charade goes on, however, real sparks begin to fly between these two, threatening to turn it into something much more real.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. For starters, the characters of Natalie and Taylor were ones I could very easily relate to and connect with. Natalie is shut off and reserved at first, but for very good reasons. Ever since that traumatic night eight years ago, she’s lived in what feels like a gilded cage, never once feeling like she can relax or move on from that night. Taylor is the textbook protector and acts of service kind of partner, willing to do whatever it takes to help those that she cares for. I also like that these characters are in their late 30s/early 40s. It’s awesome seeing romances written about characters closer to my age. I also found the romance between Natalie and Taylor very realistic, even if it does involve the “fake dating” trope. So many of the rough patches they hit in the story revolve around basic miscommunications that every couple goes through as they learn to navigate lives together. Never once did they feel forced or too drawn out for the plot’s sake. The theme of proper communication with a partner even cropped up in the steamy scenes of the book, which I loved. Lastly, the central theme of overcoming trauma was very well written. It all felt very real to life and made me truly feel for Natalie.

The only negative I have about the book is that I wish we could have seen more of Taylor’s perspective. There is one specific moment in the story that I remember wishing that more time was spent in Taylor’s head as she processes what has happened. That, along with smaller similar instances, left me wanting. Natalie definitely felt like the sole main character at times, which is a shame because Taylor is a great character who I wanted to spend more time with.

Altogether, I give “Cover Story” a 4 out of 5. If you’re a fan of Hollywood romances and fake dating stories, I recommend you give this one a read.

This was a really cute sapphic romance with great vibes. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s writing and think she tackles big themes in such feel-good books. Definitely another great read with lovable characters and a decent amount of spice!!

Cover Story by Rachel Lacey is a beautiful study of patience and trust blooming into passion and affection. The author takes so much care showing the bravery required by Natalie to let Taulor into her safe spaces after experiencing trauma. I loved the nuance of their “fake relationship”, as from the start Taylor demonstrated not just patience and understanding , but a real appreciation for every bit of trust that Natalie placed in her. And when they finally sort themselves out and go for what they want, it is so worth the wait! I also really liked that the resolution of the stalker plot thread didn’t compound or diminish Natalie’s lived experience as a survivor. Richly told, bubbling with sexual tension, followed by a deeply satisfying ending, grab yourself some cupcakes and champagne and enjoy!

I really try to be objective when writing a review for an ARC but this author has never disappointed me with her writing.

Cover Story follows the story of Taylor, the (hot) bodyguard we've met in Stars Collide. It's an intriguing thought getting a glimps in the life of celebrities especially if we get to see it through the eyes of the ones keeping them safe from the sideline. Taylor has been having some health issues but just as she's about the be cleared for duty (by lying that the pain is gone) she gets a proposition to be the bodyguard of Natalie, a big Hollywood actress who went through a horrible ordeal with a stalker, by also posing as her girlfriend.

There was instant attraction but also guarded hearts as both MC's have been through it with life and love. I liked how they both try to get out of their comfortzone because they realise it's something they have to do to meet each other halfway.

The stalker story had me on edge, not gonna lie. I felt Natalie's fear on the pages and Taylor's protectiveness oozed over on me. At times I wanted to do a sweep of my house as well.

Bonus points for cute pets!

An ARC was provided to me by the author in return of an honest review.

“From the moment they meet, Natalie knows this could work: Taylor, the bodyguard, masquerading as her girlfriend. The perfect cover story. But as circumstances push the two women closer, the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur.” I absolutely needed a good LGBTQ romance in my life and this one ATE!! Loved it so much

Thankyou so much Rachel for the ARC of this! I truly don’t believe she’s capable of writing a bad book and I fall more in love with her writing and her characters with every read. Reading stars collide I wouldn’t have imagined loving a book centred around Taylor so much but I was so wrong. A celebrity/ bodyguard romance with the added drama of a possible stalking? I ate up every page. The slowburn between Natalie and Taylor was absolutely perfect and so fulfilling by the end, there was so much more to this than their attraction, they both had their own demons and even though they had their hurdles the way they cared for each other and motivated each other to help themselves was some of the best communication i’ve read in a romance for a long time. Natalie comes across so loveable across the page and everything she went through just broke my heart, so seeing her let her guard down and feel safe with Taylor brought me close to tears more than once I have to admit. I would absolutely love to see more of these two and their adorable mix of animals, but at the same time I am so content with the ending as it is perfect for what this couple deserves. The appearance of Eden and Anna felt so full circle to me as well.
But my favourite part of this book was the intimacy, not just the sex scenes (although WOW thankyou Rachel), but the stolen looks, the tender caresses and the way these two oozed love for one another made this book absolutely perfect to me and I already can’t wait to re read!

When successful movie star Natalie Keane hires Taylor Vaughn to be her bodyguard and fake girlfriend, it doesn't take long for their pretend attraction to spark very real feelings, but with both women deeply scarred by the past, is a Hollywood-style happy ending possible?

Strictly speaking, Cover Story is a celebrity romance. Natalie Keane is a successful film actress whose career is at a high point thanks to a recent Golden Globe nomination. She has an entourage and even lives in a large house that boasts its own observatory with a telescope. But that being said, this is not the glitzy, glamourous, escapist story some readers might associate with the celebrity romance trope. While she may be a powerful star to the outside world, internally, Natalie is quiet, introspective, and perpetually haunted by a traumatic incident from her past. Her carefully insulated world is an extension of the emotional barriers she's built around her heart.

Enter Taylor Vaughn, the sexy, competent bodyguard Natalie hires to pose as her girlfriend while providing extra security. On the surface, she's the perfect heroine to rescue the reclusive Natalie, all while their attraction sizzles to the point of combusting. But Taylor has vulnerabilities and self-doubts too, and the closer she gets to Natalie, the more she risks pushing past her own physical and emotional limitations.

Cover Story has plenty of Hollywood excitment, including red carpet interviews and movie stunts. And there is no shortage of romance or heat between Natalie and Taylor, but what really gives the story impact is the poignant and authentic journeys of heart and mind that the characters take separately and together. The journeys are not straightforward, but ultimately, they highlight the power of healing, taking risks, and finding a person to feel safe with.

If you enjoy sapphic stories with romance, steam, but also a healthy dose of angst and authenticity, you'll be captivated by Cover Story.

not my favourite book sadly. i didnt connect with the characters which is a shame. nothing on the writer, it was well written! i just couldnt connect

Cover Story by Rachel Lacy is a spin-off of her last book, Stars Collide, that focuses on background character Taylor. Taylor is a celebrity bodyguard who’s hired to play the part of movie star Natalie’s girlfriend while also protecting her when her stalker/kidnapper is released from jail after an 8 year sentence.

Cover Story is a sapphic romance with the right touch of mystery/thriller mixed in and is every bit as good as Stars Collide was. One of my favorite things about Rachel’s writing is the realness of the situations. It isn’t all romance fairytale perfection, but realistic conversations and scenarios, especially around intimate moments.

Cover Story will be released in March 2024. Thank you so much to Montlake for the advanced copy of this one. It’s one that I’m going to have to preorder for my shelf!

Cover Story follows Natalie, an actress who lived through a nightmare stalker John, who will soon be released from jail. With his imminent release, Natalie decides to hire Taylor, an army-trained protector.
The 'cover story' is that Taylor is Nat's girlfriend... So that she can successfully be a live-in guard. Will the forced proximity be for better or worse?

I really loved that while this story focused on a cute romance, it also delved into healing from past trauma, which both mains had to work through throughout the book.

The natural chemistry between Nat and Taylor was obvious from the start, but it stayed true to a slow-burn and honestly this was better for me. We love a slow burn, here.
The progression felt natural and I really enjoyed watching them both grow.

Overall, this was a 4 stars for me.

Hollywood A-lister Natalie Keane's team gets creative when she needs additional security after a stalker from her past is released from prison. They want to distract from the release and keep Natalie safe without drawing attention to it. A female bodyguard seems ideal and unorthodox as it is, maybe she could even pose as Natalie's fake girlfriend. That way the focus can be on Natalie's "new relationship" and not on what has weighed so heavily on her for years.

Bodyguard to the stars Taylor Vaughn is anxious for a new assignment after recovering from a months-long back injury. While the offer of also posing as a fake girlfriend is quite unusual - she's always been very much behind the scenes as part of her work - her good looks and abilities could certainly make it believable. Especially after meeting Keane, when sparks fly between them. But she'd actually have to move into Keane's home to make it convincing and be with her 24/7. Surely she can keep it all very professional. She's always done so. Even though Natalie stirs things in her that Taylor can't deny.

I was very happy to learn that Eden Sands' bodyguard from Stars Collide, would get her own story. While we got a brief peek at Taylor then, she was intriguing enough to warrant more. Celeb romances are a favorite trope and add in a fake relationship? IN.

This book really highlighted the more frightening and frustrating aspects of celebrity and stardom. Specifically the fear of never feeling safe. Natalie Keane's character was quite heartbreaking. Very lonely, unable to trust. It was Taylor making her feel safe for once that finally helped her start breaking through and healing. I would have liked a bit more about Taylor, but loved the part about her parents and the insight on both characters that came with adopting a furry friend.

Bonus - nice cameo in the epilogue with Eden and Anna Moss.