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.

Cover Story isn’t the usual Rachel Lacey fare, and I love that she pushed her boundaries and penned this tale. There are suspenseful elements throughout but they don’t overshadow the fact that this is a story that focuses on healing from past trauma and learning to feel safe in a world where nothing is guaranteed. Natalie’s nightmare and the subsequent trauma are handled with so much care and I felt, so deeply for her.

Cover Story is a beautiful romance set amongst the bright lights and glamour of Hollywood. Natalie Keane spent the last eight years feeling unsafe, plagued by nightmares and triggers so when Taylor Vaughn applied for the bodyguard job, Natalie knew that she was perfect for the perfect person to play both bodyguard and faux girlfriend. Taylor’s unflappability allows Natalie to feel safe for the first time in years and as the two grow closer, their underlying chemistry bubbles to the surface. Cover Story’s sweet moments paired with suspense and tension made it extremely difficult for me to put down. I fell in love with Natalie and Taylor’s story as it will stay with me for a long time.

to be quite honest after the like us series i was sick of body guard romances but this one did not dissapint the spice was amazing and the characters were great solid 3/5.

I havent been this exited about a book in a while, why? Because this combined many of my favorite troops. Celebrity meets "regular girl", bodyguard, fake dating and one oft our ladies is kind of a single mom.

We meet Natalie Keene whi is an A-list actress and due to a traumatic experience in the past she has to hire extra security. Since she she is well known and her face was all over the media to many times already she is looking for an unconventional way to do so. Enter Taylor Vaughn a woman wo made a name for herself as bodyguard for celebrities, It helps that she is pleasing on the eye, because for this next assignment she has to go all is and fake a relationsip with Natalie.

Along the way there are many struggels for both our ladies, Natalie who is usually a bit closed of towards new people because of her past but who has to let Taylor in to do her job, Taylor who still struggels with a insury from the past. The lines get more blured day by day and these have to navigate along where work ends and real attraction starts.

This is another master piece from Rachel Lacey, im a huge fan! She is one of the few authors whos book i cant put down and mostly read in one go, this was no difference. It was very well written, i felt like it was very well researched as well because the scenes worked out nicley and felt realistic. She is as brilliant at adding multiple layers of emotional dept and complexities togehter.

For me there was a really clever way of writing little sparks between our two main protagonists while still respecting their boundries - in form of Natalies PTSD and Taylors agerness to protect her clients even if she is still hurt or hurt herself in the context. It was amazing to see how these to worked trough their client-bodyguard relationship towards something more!

Thank you to Montlake, Rachel and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ok, I ate this book up with a spoon! Actress and body guard plus fake dating?! YES PLEASE! I loved the addition of suspense that this book had. Being a Californian I also enjoyed the references to areas I’m familiar with. The book was so fun and sweet with a little bit of spice and I couldn’t put it down. I did have trouble keeping the two main characters straight because in my mind the actress was Taylor Swift for some reason so I kept thinking she was Taylor and not Nat. But that’s an me issue not a book issue. Bonus moment for me was a reference to a show I am a BIG fan of. E4L! Do yourself a favor and pick this book up!

Natalie Keane, a actress, is concerned as her stalker is going to be released soon.

For her protection, she decided to hire a added bodyguard. And to keep it quiet, the person would pose as her girlfriend.

Taylor Vaughn NEEDS a job, horribly bored by desk duty due to a minor accident. And the idea of spending three months with Natalie is nice, too.

Very good slow burn romance. The heroines are fun to read and the chemistry between them works. It's a romance drama, but the drama isn't THAT intense, too.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Cover Story' by Rachel Lacey.

For some reason, I'm a sucker for actress x bodyguard and I really enjoyed this. 'Cover Story' is the second Rachel Lacey book I've read and I just enjoy the pacing of her stories and just the overall flow. 'Cover Story' is such a good read when you just want a nice romance at any time of year.

Loved this!!!! I really enjoyed Rachel Lacey's other novel Star Collide so I was so excited to read this one as well! And it did not disappoint! I love a bodyguard romance and this story really delivered on the fierce love and protection given with that kind of romance. It was sweet, steamy, and sooo dang romantic! I really enjoyed this!!

This was a story focused on healing from past trauma and learning to feel safe in a world where nothing is guaranteed.
Natalie Keane, a popular actress lived with nightmares from a traumatic experience with a stalker, John Becker.
Becker was going to be released on bail and fears were increasing for Natalie. She already had Tommy, a full time bodyguard, but now they wanted to add a female protector who would live in her home, posing as her girlfriend. Taylor was the candidate chosen to be her fake girlfriend. She was Army-trained and very attractive.

The story was a cute and sweet romcom, but what increased my pleasure was the slow-burn attraction and watching the beautiful romance unfold. The chemistry between them was immediate. Even though they grew into a relationship, things were complicated by past experiences they both had endured that raised caution flags for each of them. The book contained scary moments, fun times and, of course, some steamy romantic scenes.

I really enjoyed the book even though, overall, it felt rather generic and wasn’t anything that really knocked my socks off. For that, I’m giving it a 3.75.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Montlake for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Rachel Lacey has done it again! I’ve read nearly all her books and loved them, and this was no exception. The exploration of overcoming past trauma added another layer to the fake dating storyline, and I was rooting for Natalie & Taylor to make it!