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!

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Cover Story" by Rachel Lacey is a captivating and steamy romance novel set in the glittering world of Hollywood. The story follows Natalie Keane, a renowned actress, and Taylor Vaughn, a dedicated bodyguard, as they embark on a ruse of pretending to be girlfriends – a plan designed to offer Natalie protection from a new threat while keeping the media at bay. Lacey weaves a tale of intrigue, passion, and the blurred lines between pretense and reality that captivates from the outset.

The character development is a standout feature of this novel. Natalie, haunted by a past stalking incident and the relentless scrutiny of the public eye, is a complex character whose vulnerability and strength are skillfully portrayed. Taylor, recovering from an injury and eager to return to the job she loves, is equally compelling. Her dedication and protectiveness make her an ideal counterpoint to Natalie’s glamorous but insulated life.

The chemistry between Natalie and Taylor is palpable and masterfully developed. Lacey excels in building their relationship organically, with a tension that sizzles throughout the narrative. The premise of a bodyguard posing as a girlfriend is both intriguing and ripe with potential, and Lacey exploits this to its fullest, creating moments of intimacy, conflict, and genuine connection that keep the reader engaged.

Set against the backdrop of Hollywood's high stakes and high glamour, the novel offers an insider's look into the pressures of celebrity life. The depiction of the entertainment industry adds an authentic layer to the story, enriching the romance with a sense of realism.

However, readers seeking a deeply nuanced exploration of the complexities of celebrity life might find the novel leans more towards the romance and the immediate plot rather than a profound commentary on fame. Additionally, the predictability of certain plot points may not satisfy those looking for unexpected twists.

Content warnings for themes of stalking and personal security are appropriate, and the book will appeal most to readers who enjoy contemporary romance with a unique twist and a setting that offers a glimpse into the glamorous world of Hollywood.

In conclusion, "Cover Story" by Rachel Lacey is a delightful, steamy romance that deftly combines the thrill of a protective romance with the allure of Hollywood. Its engaging characters, compelling narrative, and the tantalizing faux-relationship trope make it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance novels.

This is my first book by Rachel Lacey, and I would be interested in checking out more of her titles. This wasn't my favorite book, but it was a quick and easy read for me. The one thing I found a bit difficult was that their names were repeated over and over again, which became redundant. The build-up was a slow burn for me, but I enjoyed their story once it started to take off.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book, pre-release.

Rachel Lacey's "Cover Story" takes readers on a thrilling journey through the lives of Natalie Keane, a Hollywood star haunted by a dark past, and Taylor Vaughn, a talented bodyguard seeking to prove herself in a cutthroat industry. With a captivating blend of suspense, romance, and the complexities of personal identity, Lacey delivers a compelling narrative that keeps readers engrossed from start to finish. Natalie Keane, a successful actress, has paid a hefty price for her fame. Once a victim of a harrowing stalking incident that nearly shattered her, Natalie is determined to protect her privacy and shield herself from the relentless media scrutiny. When a new threat emerges, she reluctantly agrees to additional security measures but prefers to keep them discreet. The last thing she desires is another media spectacle, especially during the high-pressure awards season. Enter Taylor Vaughn, a seasoned bodyguard whose recent injury has put her career in jeopardy. Eager to prove herself, Taylor seizes the opportunity to work for Natalie Keane, accepting the assignment without knowing the full details. Little do they know, their lives are about to intertwine in unexpected ways. As Natalie and Taylor meet, a plan takes shape: Taylor will pose as Natalie's girlfriend, providing the perfect cover story to ward off any potential threats. However, as their professional relationship develops, the boundaries between their fabricated romance and their true feelings start to blur. Lacey skillfully explores the complexities of their connection, adding layers of emotional depth to the story. Lacey's writing flawlessly captures the tension and vulnerability experienced by both Natalie and Taylor. Readers are given a glimpse into the emotional aftermath of trauma, as Natalie grapples with her past while navigating the present. Taylor, on the other hand, confronts her own insecurities and the challenges of a male-dominated industry. Their individual growth is beautifully intertwined, creating a narrative that is both empowering and heartfelt. The author's ability to balance suspense and romance is commendable. The underlying threat that looms throughout the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth and witness the resolution. Simultaneously, the blossoming connection between Natalie and Taylor offers a tender and heartwarming love story, sprinkled with moments of passion and vulnerability. "Cover Story" showcases Rachel Lacey's talent for crafting well-rounded characters that resonate with readers. Both Natalie and Taylor are relatable and authentic, with distinct personalities and motivations that drive the plot forward. Supporting characters add depth to the story, each bringing their own unique contributions that enhance the narrative. In conclusion, "Cover Story" is a captivating and well-paced novel that seamlessly blends elements of suspense, romance, and personal growth. Rachel Lacey's expert storytelling keeps readers engaged until the very last page, as they cheer for the triumph of love and self-discovery amidst a backdrop of danger and fame. A must-read for fans of thrilling romance and strong female protagonists, "Cover Story" will leave readers eagerly awaiting Lacey's next literary endeavor.

When I saw the cover and blurb for Cover Story I was excited. Queer fake dating and a bodyguard trope? Sign me right up.

Cover Story is about actress Natalie Keane who, a few years ago, was stalked by a man obsessed with her and who broke into her house while she was sleeping. He gets an early from prison due to good behaviour so she starts looking for a female bodyguard who will pose as her girlfriend. Enter Taylor Vaughn who is about to come back after being out for several months due to an injury. Natalie chooses her as her new bodyguard and things progress from there.

While the premise sounded amazing, the execution ultimately fell flat to me. It caused me to DNF the book at around 40%. Both Natalie and Taylor came across as cardboard cutouts. Their defining characteristics were "actress with PTSD" and "bodyguard is scared for injury to resurface". Otherwise they didn't have any aspects that really set them apart from each other.

Additionally there was zero chemistry between the characters for me. Due to her PTSD Natalie is very guarded which makes sense but ultimately stopped any real connection happening in the writing between her and Taylor. Lacey tells us that they are growing more comfortable with and have the hots for each other but that's not reflected in the words. No sizzle, no heat, no spark.

This is just my opinion. If the blurb sparks your interest, definitely check it out and see for yourself if it works for you.

A perfectly fine book, but it just didn't work for me and I can't put my finger on why. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity.

I read 51% of this book before DNFing it. I really wanted to like it as I enjoyed the concept parts of the plot, however I had a few problems with it. I felt an immense lack of chemistry between the two main characters. The plot moved at a very slow pace and while I enjoyed the suspense around what would happen with the former stalker, I found myself caring less as I read more. The pacing of both the relationship and stalker situation felt incredibly dragged out and some of the mini side plots felt unnecessary to me.

Rachel Lacey has truly cemented herself as a go-to author whenever I want to read a good, compelling sapphic love story. Cover Story is a delicious mix of a little bit of suspense, an intense emotional plot at times and it’s a journey of healing from the past trauma. I loved this!

3.5/5⭐️
This is the first book that I have read by Rachel Lacey and I really enjoyed their writing! The story felt a little slow at times but overall a solid read.

Thank you NetGalley for gifting me a copy of this book.

After reading two books from Rachel Lacey, I knew I had to give this one a go, and it did not disappoint.
It was a very cute lovely story.
I loved reading about Natalie and what she has been through as an actress. It was heart-wrenching and make you think a lot about the artists (singers, actors,..) and what they are going through because they are popular.

Taylor was also the sweetest, I loved her and how dedicated she was to Natalie and her protection.

I would 100% recommend it.

Cover Story is a charming read. Overall, I liked the characters and the story line. I have a soft spot for a famous person paired with a non-famous person in romance.

I did like that both Taylor and Natalie are both incredibly capable at what they do. The story takes time to show the emotional state of each our leads, how it affects their lives and their relationships. I also liked how they slowly opened up to one another and how they are there for each other. There is a bit of miscommunication that happens but that is always quickly resolved.

I do feel like almost every named character knows about or figures out that Natalie and Taylor are fake dating. Or they are just told. Personally, I feel like the fake dating should have added tension or conflict between our leads and the outside world. Especially since the author makes a very valid point of fans overstepping into a famous person's lives and treating the famous person like an object to be stared and photographed at.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A solid romance novel. Cover Story follows Natalie, an actor with a traumatic past and Taylor, a bodyguard who also has a traumatic past. The story manages to stay lighthearted while navigating through the issues both of them face. Part of their histories felt like heavy metaphors for how they dealt with their current problems and while their past traumas were handled carefully, there wasn't a lot of depth. I enjoyed both characters who managed not to feel entirely one-dimensional and bought into their love story.