I found it a little confusing I’m not sure if it because of the film references which I didn’t know or what but I was really confused throughout it. I also didn’t really like the miscommunication troupe but that’s more of a personal issue than the books. I did like the romance between the two characters I love the age gap with her being old that’s by favourite type of age gap

Well first off thank you to the publishing company and Net Galley for the ARC version of this book!

Finally going through my arc books, and little upset I only just now am reading this! It was a cute first time reverse age gap book! But I also feel as though this is becoming more normal! Both in books and real life.

There was definitely some miss communication going on, and I feel like if she’d just sat down and listened, and him be able to just swallow his self pity they both could’ve avoided so much!

I could probably see myself giving it a reread later on.

Im giving this book 3 ⭐ it was really cute fun kind of a read to be honest i did like it it hit when i need something fun to read it definitely was one if those mood of what i want to read so ya it was really nice and fun read i did really like it

This quick, cute read offers a fun escape into the chaos of a struggling film set in Rome. Anna, a down-on-her-luck director, and John, a struggling actor, find unexpected chemistry amidst on-set disasters and industry drama. Their burgeoning romance is tested by Anna's insecurities and her vengeful ex-husband. Expect a light, entertaining story about second chances, navigating Hollywood's pitfalls, and finding love against the odds. Perfect for an afternoon getaway.

I value the opportunity I was given to read this in advance, but it has been four years and I still haven't read this. With so many books ahead of me, I cannot return to this title.

Don’t waste your time on this book lol it’s not good. I skimmed the last 30% and I should’ve just dnf’d it. First of all…… Tom was like the crappiest villain haha like he just tried to make her life miserable because…? And then like their 10 year age difference (her and John) would randomly come up like it mattered. Also I didn’t feel like John working with Tom was that big of a betrayal but that’s just me. It wasn’t lusty between John and Anna but it didn’t seem like they were falling for each other either? Idk. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I'm normally not a fan of age gaps or work place romances but the fact that she's older is what drew me to the story. And while I didn't love it I did enjoy it. It was also a plus that another trope is that he falls first which is one of my favorite tropes.

*I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced release copy of this book. I just found myself kind of bored while reading the book. It wasn’t for me.

I really liked the concept of this but it just felt half fleshed out and the FMC didn't have a back bone, even in the end, her career was saved yet again by a man, I prefer women that are strong in themselves in books so this wasn't the best read for me

This was a cute read which was well done. The characters were well-developed, and the FMC being older was a good touch!
I was instantly engaged in the story, had a good time reading, and would check out more of their work in the future.

*Reel Love* by Evie Browning is a delightful rom-com that will have you laughing out loud while also tugging at your heartstrings. Anna Kovacs, a thirty-seven-year-old director on the brink of losing everything, and John Mills, a struggling twenty-seven-year-old screenwriter with a laundry list of odd jobs, couldn't be more different. Anna's career is on the rocks, her personal life a mess, and John is scraping by, working part-time as a bartender while trying to make it in Hollywood. After a fiery hook-up and an even more explosive argument, the two find themselves thrown together on a sinking movie production, tasked with saving it before it all falls apart.

The chemistry between Anna and John is electric from the start. Their banter is sharp and witty, their arguments full of steam, and the slow-burn romance that develops between them is a joy to watch. The age-gap trope, combined with workplace romance and forced proximity, creates a delightful tension that keeps readers engaged. Add in the "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic and a bit of on-set chaos, and you’ve got a story that's both funny and heartfelt.

Browning does a wonderful job of blending humor with emotional depth, making Anna and John's journey to love feel genuine and well-earned. Their individual struggles with their careers and personal lives create a layered, relatable narrative that’s both fun and meaningful.

If you're looking for a feel-good, witty romantic comedy with a touch of Hollywood drama, *Reel Love* is the perfect read. The heartfelt journey and charming characters will have you rooting for a happily-ever-after from start to finish.

A big thank you to the author and publisher for sharing this captivating, feel-good story!

⭐️: 3.5

If you’re into age-gap romances set against the backdrop of the film industry, Reel Love by Evie Browning might just be your next read 📖

The story kicks off with a memorable meet-cute: Anna Kovác, a 37-year-old film director trying to revive her career and John Mills, a 27-year-old aspiring screenwriter who’s tired of being typecast as the “pretty face.” Their chemistry is undeniable from the get-go, leading to a slow-burn romance that’s both engaging and heartfelt.

What I loved was the witty banter and the authentic portrayal of the challenges within the film industry. However, it was often predictable at times. Despite this, the character dynamics and the behind-the-scenes look at movie production keep the narrative fresh and entertaining.

✨If you’re looking for a lighthearted romance with well-drawn characters and a peek into Hollywood’s workings, Reel Love is worth adding to your reading list ✨

This was a cute and quick read, perfect for an afternoon escape into the glitz and drama of Hollywood. Anna and John’s romance begins with a declined credit card and witty banter, developing into a charming friendship as they collaborate on a film. Their chemistry grows amid dirty dishes, a lousy script, and some chance encounters, making for a delightful “will they, won’t they” tale.

The characters are endearing, and the behind-the-scenes glimpse of moviemaking adds intrigue. While the age gap—Anna being 10 years older—might seem like a big deal in Hollywood, both are mature adults, making it a non-issue. The ex-husband drama was engaging, though much of it occurred off-page, which made it harder to follow. More scenes with Tom could have added clarity.

Some arguments felt forced and their resolutions too rushed, but overall, the romance was sweet. With a bit more depth in the movie business backdrop, this could’ve been even better.

This charming, behind-the-scenes romance is a charming blend of humor, tension, and heart. Anna and John’s chemistry is electric from the start, and their journey from reluctant colleagues to something deeper is both engaging and relatable. The characters' growth throughout the story was satisfying to read. Anna’s struggle with her career, the pressures of her ex-husband’s influence, and her insecurities about dating a younger man are all compelling, while John’s desire for respect in the industry adds another layer of depth. The tension between their blossoming attraction and the external challenges they face, from press scrutiny to manipulative agents, keeps the story moving. It’s a heartfelt exploration of second chances, personal growth, and the messy realities of love in a high-stakes world. If you like your romantic comedies with a dash of drama, then this book is sure to satisfy.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

“Reel Love” by Evie Browning tells the story of Anna Kovác, a struggling film director, and John Mills, an aspiring screenwriter, whose paths collide unexpectedly on a film set in Rome. As they navigate the challenges of a troubled production and the complexities of their burgeoning relationship, they must confront their own insecurities and learn to trust each other.

The book offers an intriguing glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of Hollywood, with its cutthroat competition and the pressures of maintaining a career in a demanding industry. However, the romance between Anna and John feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the emotional depth and chemistry that could have truly elevated the story.

While the premise has potential, the execution falls short. The characters, though well-intentioned, sometimes feel a bit stereotypical, and the plot relies heavily on predictable tropes and contrived conflicts. Despite these shortcomings, “Reel Love” provides a light and entertaining read for those seeking a quick escape into the world of Hollywood romance.

I wanted to like this. I really did.

The cover is stunning, but it's so slow. I really tried to believe the connection between both leads but the writing didn't get me there. I tried to get into it but I ended up skimming through parts of it because I just couldn't find a way to enjoy this.

This had a lot of potential, but it didn't get there for me.

I really wanted to love this because the premise and the cover are both really good, but unfortunately it just fell flat for me.

You’re getting a romance taking place in Hollywood between a screenwriter and a director/older woman and younger man. There’s LOTS of drama, third act breakup and a ex husband who is petty as EVER. It had alot of potential.

I felt that the beginning of the book was really really slow and because of that i wasn’t fully invested in the characters and their love story. I felt like the drama started getting to be over the top once the movie started filming.

I did feel it picked up in the second half of the book, but it all just felt like very surface level. I was hoping out FMC was going to be a bad ass strong female director in a career of mostly men and while the character seemed like she wanted to go that direction, I feel like she consistently reverted back to being passive and just “invisible”.

I did enjoy the MMC and wished his character had more growth and backstory. I liked the behind the scenes of filming and the FMCs overall demeanor when she was in her zone.

Overall, I’m leaving it a bit underwhelmed. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either. If you like books set in Hollywood with A LOT of drama - some necessary and some not - I would recommend this for you.

I enjoyed this quick and cute, easy read which centres around the movie industry, namely Hollywood. John and Anna's meet cute was adorable although I did feel parts of the story dragged on after that. Not sure if this will be a memorable book but does somewhat make a good palate cleanser!

I want to start off by saying that the cover of this book is stunning! I was immediately drawn to it and when I read the blurb I knew it was a book I wanted to read. With that said, this book was unfortunately quite disappointing.

The start of the book was very slow and not very engaging. I totally understand what Evie was trying to do with building that initial connection between Anna and John, but for me, it came across more like she was telling me about their connection instead of showing me. So it just felt forced and a bit boring.

However, once the story progressed to them being on set it became far more engaging. I really enjoyed the aspect of getting a behind the scenes look at Hollywood, especially from the director's point of view. I kind of wish that there was more of a focus on it because I think it would have added some more depth to the story.

The part I struggled with the most was the writing. Evie's writing style just wasn't for me. Unfortunately I wasn't able to feel the chemistry between Anna and John. It just didn't feel like it flowed in a realistic way. It wasn't just the romance that I didn't love, I feel like the story just skipped a lot of what could have been the best parts. I would have loved to see a lot more of Anna fixing the movie. We definitely got to see a few things, but I would have loved more plot that focused on her working with the cast and crew so that we could really see the progress of the movie.

I was really hoping that as I progressed through the book it would grow on me but unfortunately once I got to the part about the article I just had to stop.

I wanted love this one because I think the idea of it is great, but yeah, the writing just wasn't for me.

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it