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Love, Camera, Action
Author: Noel Stark

Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for this ARC! This one was a surprisingly spicy one so do not let the cover fool you! A spicy scene director lands a role on a tv show episode where she ends up needing to work side by side with a grumpy photographer. Jory is a very good photographer, but he’s having a health scare and is not in a very good place emotionally. When he meets Cali, he becomes fascinated by her. She’s caring, creative, and wild in a way he’s not used to. However, their new found friendship gets intercepted by the producer who is intent on forcing Cali out of production and shutting her down. Jory is torn between furthering his career, and this new relationship with Cali he is starting to develop. This book was super fun, and a fast paced easy read. I loved both Cali and Jory. Loved the spice, and it was fun getting to be on set with them. I am looking forward to more books from this author, and as her first one it was great! 🎥🎬🌶️

Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!

Woah! If you haven’t already READ THIS BOOK! It gave me all the feels and was pretty steamy in parts. It was great to see what happens behind the scenes at movie sets and I loved how the characters developed.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC of Love,Camera,Action.
To be honest i skimmed it. it was sitting on my shelf for so long that i lost interest. I read 17% of the book properly last month or so and then i got bored of it and decided to just get this off.
I basically got the idea what're they upto and i only read main characters interaction because all the shit happening on the movie set is making me yawn.
Then it all became smut (im not a smut reader it really grosses me out) so the last 100 pages were just me tapping rapidly through my screen.

Love, Camera, Action was a short and cute romance novel. There were some cliche moments but they overall added to the charm of the story. I loved how independent Cali was and her character development throughout this story was beautiful. I didn’t like how we only started diving into Jory’s illness the last 3/4ths of the book. I feel like it could’ve been a bigger plot point if we had explored it more. I ended up giving this book 3.5 stars because of how forgettable it is. The writing fell flat and although it was a cute book, it seemed a little basic to me. I’d recommend it if you were looking for a short and sweet basic romance like reading a hallmark movie.

what first drew me to this book was the film setting. i loved the idea of cali being a tv director and jory being the director of photography, and the film industry as a whole.

i enjoyed reading this. i felt that every time i picked up the book i was into the story. however, there were times i just didn’t connect with the characters like i thought i was going to. i thought both characters were great as individuals but not as a couple.

thank you netgalley for providing me with an arc of this book.

Noel Stark (pen name for Debra Felstead) goes behind the scenes of a film/TV studio where relationships, rivalries, and raunchy moments collide.

The main romance is that of Jory and Cali, whose attraction to each other starts as purely sexual, but develops into something more.

Aside from their difficult bond, actors Thalia and Paolo prove difficult to control. The psyche of a set and it's players is strongly conveyed, as well as a few exquisitely written sex scenes.

Love, Camera, Action balances the reality of physical need with the lines that can be crossed for sexual gratification, especially when your whole life is playing a game.

The health issues of one character seems too peripheral and unnecessary, but even the minor executive characters are fleshed out and believable.

Whether Cali and Jory will survive beyond their touch and tease mind games is left open, and a slightly clumsy epilogue adds little.

However, this is a real page-turner that ventures into the back room behind the pictures we see on TV, and bubbles with vibrant writing.

*Love, Camera, Action* is a sizzling romance set on a high-pressure film set. It follows ambitious TV director Cali Daniels and renowned cinematographer Jory Blair as they navigate their complex professional and personal relationship. Their undeniable chemistry and witty banter keep the story engaging.

While the tension builds to steamy moments, the workplace setting adds intrigue as they juggle their growing attraction with their careers. However, the characters' backstories and motivations feel underdeveloped, and the pacing can be uneven. Overall, it's a fun, flirty read for fans of romantic comedies looking for a lighthearted escape with plenty of heat.

I've always wanted to see a romance unfold between behind-the-film characters so voila, here we have a director of photography (DP) x director romance! A simple story between a scrappy director and an uninspired DP where both have ambitions for more while juggling personal worries that could sidetrack their focus or careers on a TV show struck by a woke PR nightmare. Their combined stubbornness and awkward but occasionally brilliant or flirty knee-jerk comebacks make their banters and creative collaborations on set engaging to read. The book layers its conflicts with occupational and gender power dynamics, that in entertainment have been discussed en masse in real life, between TV execs, directors, assistants, and actors. Plus, due to the limited scope and tight focus of its storylines, this was a joyful all-in-one-sitting read!

Thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.

A fun, spicy romance that kept me hooked from start to finish!

I couldn’t put this book down and quickly became invested in the dynamic between Cali and Jory. Stark excels at crafting sharp banter and simmering tension, which practically leap off the page as their relationship intensifies amidst the backdrop of a TV set. The story gives a fresh, modern perspective on life behind the scenes of a television production, while also highlighting the unique challenges faced by a female director—managing not just the actors and a series of steamy scenes, but also navigating workplace politics, including a frustratingly chauvinist showrunner.

Jory, on the other hand, is a lovable mess—skilled at his job but struggling with his personal life. Both characters must confront their fears of commitment and break through their emotional barriers to find their happy ending, all while handling the workplace drama that comes with working in entertainment.

The character development and interactions are so expertly written that I had to remind myself this is a debut novel.

Super fun, spicy romance story!

I raced through this book and grew thoroughly invested in Cali and Jory's relationship. Stark certainly knows how to write banter and longing, and both flare off the page as sparks fly through the story and the TV set where our leads work. I liked the modern look at a TV set, as well as the challenges faced by a female director, not only as she shoots several pivotal, spicy scenes for her series, but also as she manages the actors, the tensions on set, and eventually the chauvinist showrunner. Meanwhile, Jory is a delightful bundle of nerves, fully competent at his job but terrified of events in his personal life. Both characters must fight through their fears of commitment to earn a happy ending, in addition to navigating the workplace drama of working in drama.
The character interactions are so well-written that I was shocked when I realized this is a debut novel. I'm looking forward to more from Noel Stark!

Great for fans of the workplace-romances by Kerry Winfrey and Yulan Kuang (How to End a Love Story).

"Love, Camera, Action" by Noel Stark unfolds a mesmerizing tale of romance set against the dazzling world of television production. At its heart, we meet Cali Daniels, a driven TV director, and Jory Blair, a celebrated cinematographer, as they traverse the intricate terrain of their intertwined professional and personal lives. Their electrifying chemistry fuels a narrative that captures the trials and tribulations of a high-stakes creative environment.

The characters are artfully crafted, with Cali emerging as a tenacious and relatable heroine. Her journey through a male-dominated landscape is both inspiring and refreshingly authentic. Jory, with his alluring yet multifaceted character, provides a perfect counterbalance to Cali’s ambition. However, some readers may feel that a deeper exploration of the characters' backstories and motivations would have added an extra layer of richness to this already engaging story.

Noel Stark weaves an enchanting tapestry with her prose, crafting a novel that glides effortlessly off the page. The dialogue sparkles with wit, and the playful exchanges between Cali and Jory infuse the story with delightful charm. Stark masterfully encapsulates the vibrant pulse of a film set, drawing readers into the captivating realm of television production.

The narrative dances around the intricate themes of ambition, love, and the quest for professional validation. It also bravely confronts pressing issues like workplace sexism and the personal sacrifices entwined with career pursuits. While Stark’s exploration of these themes is insightful, some readers may wish for a deeper dive into the challenges of navigating sexism in the industry.

The author weaves a rich tapestry of literary devices to elevate the tale. By shifting between the viewpoints of Cali and Jory, we gain a panoramic understanding of their intertwined lives and personal struggles. While the novel generally maintains a steady rhythm, certain passages tend to linger a bit too long, while others rush by in a blur.

The story unfolds in a clear-cut manner, making it a breeze to navigate. Though the pacing experiences its ups and downs, it never loses its grip on the reader. Ultimately, the narrative is captivating, ensuring that the audience remains deeply engaged in the unfolding saga of Cali and Jory’s connection.

Love, Camera, Action is a charming page-turner that beautifully intertwines the worlds of love and ambition in the fast-paced realm of television. While it may not plunge into certain themes as profoundly as some readers might desire, it still offers a delightful escape filled with behind-the-scenes magic. The sizzling chemistry between the lead characters and the insider glimpses into production make it an irresistible treat for aficionados of romantic comedies.

I wholeheartedly recommend Love, Camera, Action to those who revel in lighthearted romance with a sprinkle of professional intrigue. It’s the ideal choice for anyone seeking a playful and passionate story. However, if you crave a deeper dive into character development and thematic richness, you might find this tale skimming the surface a bit.

Empezó bien y luego todo se arruinó.

La forma en que se trató lo de Thalía con el idiota de Paolo me dio asco. Ese tipejo es un machito misógino que se la pasa insultando a Thalía, hace comentarios groseros y sexuales para ponerla incómoda, además hay escenas en las que la toca sin su consentimiento, es decir, la agrede. Sin embargo, Cali lo defiende, diciendo que era una buena persona que se sentía intimidado y que, por esa razón, actuaba de esa manera. ¿Cómo es posible que se defienda a un agresor y que al final hagan que todo ese comportamiento se justifique porque se gustaban?

Luego tenemos a los protagonistas, Cali y Jory, en donde él la trata mal porque tiene miedo de que le quite el trabajo, mientras ella se la pasa protegiéndolo y ocultando lo que él le hace.



Hay más cosas que no me gustaron, pero no vale la pena mencionarlos.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cali and Jory! Oh such fun! This book was great! Yes it's romance, yes of course, it's predictable but that's what makes the story fun! You know how it's going to end maybe but the middle is the juicy part! Loved it!

"Love, Camera, Action" by Noel Stark is a delightful romance that offers a refreshing escape into the behind-the-scenes world of television production. As a middle-aged working mom, I found Cali Daniels' journey as an ambitious TV director both relatable and inspiring, especially as she navigates the challenges of a male-dominated industry. The chemistry between Cali and Jory Blair, the charismatic director of photography, is palpable, making their evolving relationship a joy to follow. Stark's engaging writing and well-developed characters make this novel a perfect blend of professional ambition and heartfelt romance.

oh i hate writing low rating reviews but this just didn't do it for me, the pace felt weird, the story felt flat and i didn't really fell or root for either of the mcs, i know there are people who'd love this, but i wasn't one of them.

Love, Camera, Action is a sizzling romance novel that perfectly captures the tension and excitement of a high-pressure film set. The story follows Cali Daniels, an ambitious TV director, and Jory Blair, a renowned cinematographer, as they navigate the complexities of their professional and personal relationship. The chemistry between Cali and Jory is undeniable, and their banter is witty and charming.

The author skillfully builds tension and anticipation, leading to some incredibly steamy scenes. The workplace setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the characters balance their professional obligations with their growing attraction. While the plot is engaging, the character development could have been deeper.

Both Cali and Jory are interesting characters, but their backstories and motivations are not fully explored. Additionally, the pacing of the story can feel uneven at times, with some sections dragging while others move too quickly.Overall, Love, Camera, Action is a fun and flirty read perfect for fans of romantic comedies. It’s a great choice for those looking for a lighthearted escape with plenty of heat.

I am absolutely in love with it! This book is a delightful journey into the world of romance and creativity, blending the magic of love stories with the art of filmmaking.

Noel Stark has a way of making you feel like you’re right there on set, experiencing the thrill of capturing those perfect moments. I was particularly enchanted by the behind-the-scenes insights into how love stories are crafted on screen. The tips on creating chemistry between characters are not just practical; they’re downright inspiring!

What really struck me was the emphasis on authenticity. Stark encourages readers to embrace their unique love stories and translate that into their creative projects. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or just someone who loves a good romance, the ideas in this book are sure to spark your imagination.

The anecdotes sprinkled throughout are both heartwarming and hilarious, making it a joy to read. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the mishaps that can happen on set—proof that love and laughter go hand in hand!

4.5 Stars

This was such a cute film studio romance.

"You taste like Christmas." "Do you like Christmas?" "I do on you."

The dynamic between Jory and Cali at the beginning was laced with tension and good banter; that I was instantly hooked.
As someone who studied in the film industry, I felt this was a really good behind the scenes look at how a set is run, and what the dynamic can be like on set.
The slow burn had me yearning for them to get together, and I really loved their individual baggage they were carrying.
I felt that the cancer subplot was done really well, and I loved the overarching feminist movement within the story.

That extra half a star is for my main man Dan. Dan is the true MVP of the entire book, and I will not be taking any opposing opinions on this matter.

What a great “behind the scenes” Rom-com of Cali (a female up and coming director) and Jory (a male director of photography). Jory is hoping to advance his career while still trying to be respectful of women in a mostly “man’s club” industry. Cali is full of energy and creativity seeing things her own way. They butt heads on set mostly because Jory can’t decide if he is going to be welcoming or hard-headed. The banter is great, the spice is great. You really get a feel that the author is involved in filmmaking with the level of detail included. I really enjoyed the ride and Cali and Jory’s romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for an advanced digital copy of this book.