Like They Do in the Movies

This book was so good. I enjoyed the change in speed for me as I typically read other genres. I think this is a good pallet cleanser and more folks should know about it.

Crystal Gainey via NetGalley

Like They Do in the Movies captures the essence of a classic slow-burn romance set in the glamorous yet demanding world of celebrity life. The dynamics between Fran, a celebrity gossip writer turned personal assistant, and Chelsea, the famous actress, form the heart of the story. I went in expecting a plot revolving around Fran using her access to post awful things about Chelsea, but I was so glad this wasn't the case. Fran becomes super protective of Chelsea quickly and their connection feels authentic from the beginning.

I enjoyed the witty banter between Chelsea and Fran, as it provided both humour and depth. While some plot twists felt predictable, the narrative surprises with moments of genuine emotion and complexity. I liked the way the story navigates the perils of secrets and dishonesty, as Fran's initial portrayal evolved beautifully and showed a softer, more relatable side as she gets to know Chelsea.

Chelsea's character shines throughout, bridging the gap between her celebrity status and the audience's ability to relate to her. As a fan of the rom-com movie genre, I loved the inclusion of classic movie references - it added a nostalgic charm that complemented the romance.

For me, the latter part of the book is where this novel hit its stride. I loved the shift from Fran as Chelsea's PA to Fran as Chelsea's colleague - they were able to interact as equals and begin to build an honest relationship. Campbell's decision to allow time for healing and forgiveness adds a depth to the story that fans of celebrity romances will find both smart and satisfying. It's the delicious slow burn and the development towards an equal partnership that make this novel a captivating read.

Natalie Tee via NetGalley

Amazing!

Fran loves the movies and is an avid and talented screenwriter, but no one is picking up her scripts for rom-coms about women loving women. Having found herself working for a low paying job writing celebrity gossip online, when an opportunity presents itself to work as an assistant to actress and Hollywood royalty Chelsea Cartwright it is one she can’t pass up. Chelsea loathes the celeb gossip sites and is struggling, so when Fran appears to be the answer to all her problems, it stirs up feelings she wasn’t expecting.

Loved every second of this. It had everything a celebrity based romance needs. Drama, tension, secrets, and scandal but amongst all that, Chelsea and Fran were genuinely lovely people just trying to make the best of situations and life. Fran had a lot at stake by taking the job with Chelsea and although her intentions at first probably weren’t the best idea, it only took seconds of being in Chelsea’s life for her to change her mind and make better choices, but because she’d omitted her writing for the celebrity website I worried about the fall out when that was discovered.

Fran was so resourceful and clever, really smart and brought out the best in Chelsea, even if at first Chelsea was wary of opening up to her. Instantly they had a connection that left me knowing Chelsea would probably feel supported and safe with Fran quite quickly, but when it became clear her previous assistant hadn’t had anything to do with her problems as she first thought, I enjoyed the mystery of trying to figure out why the paparazzi were still following Chelsea and her family around. There was so much packed into the story that made it exciting and so much more than a celebrity romance, and you’ll just have to read it to find out what they all were because it’d just spoil everything to share in this review.

The story really delivered, and I enjoyed every second of it from the relationship building between Chelsea and Fran, to the excitement Fran shared whenever something involved the movies. It was infectious and cute, and I can’t wait to read it again and again.

Carol Hutchinson via NetGalley

Nan Campbell took a genre that isn't my favorite and made this story an absolute gem even with the age gap which I'm not a huge fan of either.

Fran Underhill is a struggling screenwriter who writes for a gossip site for celebrities. She comes up with the idea to become a personal assistant to a star to get the inside story and find something juicer to write about. When she meets Chelsea, her carefully laid plan is at risk.

Chelsea Cartwright is an actress with two kids and an ex husband, but she is struggling, especially after the betrayal and the need to find a new assistant. Not to mention, the paparazzi somehow finding her no matter where she goes.

Fran and Chelsea meet and sparks fly. The writing was amazing and the story was almost flawless. I didn't care for the small jump in the middle, but otherwise, I very much enjoyed this book. The longing, the chemistry, the feelings from both MCS was well written and you just wanted them to kiss. Very good book.

Meghan Croy via NetGalley

This is the third of Nan Campbell’s books that I’ve read, and I have liked each one a little more than the last. She is a very good technical writer, adept at crafting her characters as flawed but believable women who just want to do better, be better than who they are and something about that really speaks to me as a reader.

I also enjoyed the pacing of this book. Campbell doesn’t rush and try to cram this story into 200 pages (which seems to be a trend nowadays). By giving her characters room to breathe, it allows us time to truly understand their motivations and go on their journeys with them. By the end of the book, I found myself smiling and just so proud of both of these characters for how far they’d come. Especially Fran, who enters into the job with Chelsea with perhaps not the best intentions but we find out is really just a softy at heart.

And oh, the romance… This book is definitely a slow burn (my favorite) and the chemistry and pull between the two leads is palpable. There is an acknowledgment of feelings somewhat early on, but a good amount of angst and time is thrown in between that by the time they do get together it’s scorching hot!!

If you haven’t read any of Nan Campbell’s books yet this is a great one to start with!...

Sara Gilbert via NetGalley