Ready for the Spotlight: A Sweet Hollywood Romantic Comedy

by Nikki Haverstock

One second I am on my first film set as the writer, and the next second I am filling in for a missing actress opposite my long term celebrity crush.
And I'm playing his love interest. It's like the universe has plucked my greatest dream from my brain. But I need to remember it's only for a day. Which is hard, because Ben is even kinder and smarter in person. I could find myself falling in love, if it weren't for the fact that I have a career to launch. No time to be distracted by the glitz and glam of make believe.
Ready for the spotlight is a movie set, closed door romantic comedy with kisses both on and off set plus a spooky horse, meddling coworkers, celebrity gossip and a comfy porch hammock for two.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2024

About the author

Nikki Haverstock is a writer who lives on a cattle ranch high in the Rocky Mountains. She has studied comedy writing at Second City and has published 6 cozy mysteries that are heavy on the humor.

Before fleeing the city, she hosted a competitive archery reality show, traveled the world to study volcanoes, taught archery and computer science at a university and now works on her family’s ranch herding cattle. Nikki has more college degrees than she has sense and hopefully one day she will put one to work.

Nikki likes to write comedy pieces that focus on the everyday humor of one-uppers, annoying family members and strange behavior of the ultra-rich. She tried stand up but the cattle weren’t impressed.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romance straight out of a movie script but in actuality real life for Lynn and Ben. Lynn jumps in as a last minute replacement for the actress who flaked and becomes a player in the script she co wrote. Ben is a mega star who is really passionate about directing and this is his first time at the helm. Sparks fly and feelings develop but will all the naysayers and Hollywood get in the way of love?
This is a sweet contemporary romance. Low heat. What seems like it would be a natural way to end the story as Lynn and her friend are leaving and things are open for the future then turns into an angsty mess. It was a bit forced I guess. In the way they lest others sort of steamroll over the way they think and the way they let a possibility fall apart because of that. It just felt weird and wrong. There is a hea ending hope that’s not too spoilery, but there was a minute there I thought was just aggressive, harsh and a bit too much for a light romance. Even so I’d rate it at 4.5/5 stars.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this interesting, well-written and clean romance between very likeable characters. Lynn is a scriptwriter, who is starting to build her career. She’s fortunate enough to be working with someone in the industry who has had great successes. Ben is an actor who is making the move to being a director. His first project is a low-budget independent film in which he’s both directing and acting (with the support of a producer who made the same move). Their film's script was co- written by Lynn and her mentor. Lynn had a longstanding crush on Ben when he was a star and is excited to be on the movie set for a while to help with tweaks to the script. Unexpectedly, Lynn ends up filling a small but important role for an actress who doesn’t show up. I loved all of the details about the production and the dynamics between characters who are genuinely nice people. Their relationship develops realistically. Enjoyable, recommended book! (I’d downgrade a half star only because I wished there was an epilogue showing the film’s premier, and where this couple was in a few more months.) I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! A writer on set to watch her script become a movie is asked at the last minute to
play the part of an actress who bailed on the project.
Thing is she already had a crush on the leading man for some time. They had instant chemistry but everyone tried to keep them apart after shooting,
including themselves. However, they still have a few moments together and the spark is strong off scene as well. When more scenes are requested on a tight budget and shooting schedule things get tense but
it works out in the end.

This is a fun romantic comedy of a daydream becoming more than a girl could hope for and also
opening up another career as an actress besides a writer. It’s the happily ever after we all want in our lives and I was happy Ben and Lynn achieved theirs!

I wholeheartedly recommend this book as a sweet story with heart and one in which you will be cheering when it’s finished. This is a book that shouldn’t be missed! Get it today and settle in and
enjoy a warm, heartfelt read you’ll be glad you read!

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely romance comedy. I loved Lynn she was so positive and courageous to step in to play the scenario she wrote when the vedette is a no show. She is independent and reliable....acting wih her crush would have been great discovering the man is even better in real just makes it hard to focus

Ben is an actor but his dream is to direct films...now he got his chance and having one of the cowriter on the set is just great....and a godsent when his girlfriend does not show to play in his film by his side...but Lynn is a wonderful gem, her acting is spotless and the chemistry between them hit the charts so what could have been a disater is revealing to be a little miracle. However Ben is determined to stay professional with Lynn despite his attraction and the stress he is under is not helping.

I loved to glimpse a bit how a film was done and the descriptions were great to get us to feel like part of their team. I loved the secondary chacters as well and this was a great romance read, funny , mood lifting

[tune81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author! That said, this is the first time she's dipped her toes in this genre. It's a quick read and super cute! There are so many good things about this start to a new series.
The story has likeable, believable characters. The side characters are developed enough that there could be a story about a few of them if the author chooses to do so, but not in an obnoxious way. The ground work for future avenues is well placed, helps the story, doesn't stand out as an obvious attempt to make openings for more, and the comedy follow thorough is on point! I expected nothing less.

Lynn is a sweet character that is developing her career. Ben is wound a little tight but it's understandable. The romance between them is sweet, and cozy. The comedy is sprinkled in perfectly. I don't want to call it a hallmark movie, but it has that sweet, clean romance feel to it. Definitely worth the time! It would make a fun mini netflix series though......

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynn has many talents. She is trained as an actor, but works as a writer. Her first endeavor where she has written with a famous writer, actually is coming to life on film. Lynn gets to actually be on location during filming. The bonus, an actor she loves is staring and directing this film. First day of filming, there is a problem. the leading lady is a no show. Lynn is asked to step in and read lines with the male lead. He is not only her leading male actor, but, the reading of the lines puts her into the leading lady role. What a magical dream come true for Lynn. Will she let the magnetism between them survive their first on film kiss and an off film kiss scoop her up in the whirlwind the film industry is known for? You will need to read this book and discover the magic that Ms. Haverstock into this story.

[Lilpep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for a good time as this novel introduces a new series by Ms. Haverstock. She takes us behind the scenes as the camera rolls on actor/fledgling director, Ben attempts to navigate the twists and turns of production. Disaster strikes when the leading lady is a no-show on the first day of filming. As luck would have it, Lynn, co-author of the script, is on set and agrees to fill in. These main characters are very likable and engaging, touched with a bit of angst to make the story interesting. The cast is rounded out with a medley of just right supporting players.  There's a great tone to the dialogue and the story moves quickly. We get a sweet romance with just enough chemistry to tantalize our imaginations.


Love this new “direction”! Enjoyed every minute and can't wait to see what's next. 

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and cute story. The script Lynn had co-written was being made into a movie, but when the lead actress bailed, Lynn ended up stepping into the role. “I had so quickly gone from excitedly daydreaming for a thing to terrified that the very thing had happened.” This put her acting opposite her celebrity crush, Ben. As Ben was also the film’s main director, their growing attraction and feelings for each other got complicated. “‘You can’t put love on a schedule. If and when it comes, it’s on its schedule, not yours.’” I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes movie production. The details of the movie production added tension to the stakes in the story. The characters were engaging. There was good romantic tension. This is a closed door romance with innuendo and brief mild harsh language.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynn and Ben’s Story . . .

Lynn Blake is on location for the first film that she has participated in co-writing to get her career moving. To her delight, an actor she has had a crush on is the male star as well as the director of this film. But when the lead actress doesn’t show up, Lynn is asked to step in where she will work directly with her crush Ben Suder! She will be playing his “love interest” as well! Can it get any better than this? Their magical on-screen kiss is incredible enough… but will there be more when the cameras stop? Or will Ben’s ex, Kate Crane, do her best to interfere and break them apart before they have a chance to get started?

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I love to get my hands on a smut-free, clean romantic comedy. This is absolutely cute and enjoyable. And to be honest I love books like this after reading a heavy thriller, mystery or even some of the YA I review. This is like a summers day....light, refreshing and fun. Be ready for some comedy and some love but none of the scenes that sometimes overtake romance and YA these days - this actually has a plot and character development. I look forward to more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Hollywood romance. Ben & Lynn had a good connection and I like how they were both in the industry – just in different roles. And it was good how Lynn had the background training in acting so that even though she was pulled in at the last minute as a stand-in at rehearsal it wasn’t outrageous or unbelievable that she could pull off the role. It was also really sweet how Ben was so concerned about not taking advantage of Lynn or pressuring her due to the power dynamic of director/actor.
I received an ARC but all views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready for the Spotlight: A Sweet Hollywood Romantic Comedy is book #1 in the Celebrity Crushes series by Nikki Haverstock.

I don’t usually read the romance genre, but I am a fan of Nikki Haverstock so I requested Ready for the Spotlight. I thoroughly enjoyed this. I planned to read a little before bed but I was so drawn in, I read the whole book. The characters were wonderful and it was a sweet story. I can’t wait for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynn has everything fall into place when the movie’s leading-lady is a no show. The only problem, the leading-man is her Hollywood crush. Lynn and Ben have such a sweet, slow-burn romance (with instant chemistry). But is it only for the screen, or is it the real thing? An amazing written book, the characters truly come to life in this on location movie, I felt like it was a behind the scenes look at a real movie being made. I couldn’t stop reading, a must read for anyone looking for a clean-romance.

[Susan Stokell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully sweet romance taking place on a movie set. Lynn the shows writer saves the day by jumping in to take the place of the actress who did not show up. The catch Lynn has a huge crush on Ben the star of the show. Does he return her interest or is he just a great actor. The scene tingles with chemistry and it appears that they will have a successful movie.
You will need to read the book to see if there romance takes off.

[Leslie Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really liked this story of Ben and Lynn’s story to their HEA. I don’t usually like stories about actors and movie making, but Nikki Haverstock has built such a good story around the wonderful and interesting characters, I really enjoyed it. Neither Ben or Lynn are egotistical actor types. They are nice people, interested in doing a good job…as well as falling for each other. I highly recommend Ready for the Spotlight.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki Haverstock is a great author and I have loved her books for awhile. Ben and Lynn are the main characters in this book. I absolutely loved the chemistry they had with one another. It was very well done and believable. I enjoyed the fact that both their point of views of everything going on were done with each character trading off chapters. This book was funny, light-hearted, sweet and very engaging!

[Javon50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Add a good-looking director/actor and a screenwriter who end up acting together in a movie when the female lead bails, Ben and Lynn are heading into a romantic fantasy that may or may not become a reality. This lovely and sweet book is a wonderful way to spend a winter afternoon. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Bev Stegmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki Haverstock has really hit it out of the park with this book! Great read. Had me from the first page to the last. Wonderful, fresh, storyline. Characters are spot on. Romance angst, friendship,feel good read. Did not want it to end. I was given an advanced reader copy of this very well written book by the author and I am freely sharing my review.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Lynn and Ben's romance set on a movie location . The characters are a fun mix with loud Mitch, calm Amy and feisty Franny as well as the main characters of Lynn and Ben who are writer and director respectively of the movie but are also actors in a sub plot of the movie. I loved the demon horse and crazy goat. All in, an interesting, entertaining and cute romance.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of a new series and a different genre for this author. I have read all of her different series and have to say she is equally good in all of them. This book was well written with engaging characters. Can’t wait for the next one.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Kim Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance & a crazy horse

This was a fun read. I'm more of a murder mystery buff so I thought I would try something with a little romance. I wasn't disappointed. I have read other books by this author & really enjoyed her writing. I love her series Casino Witch. It full of magic & so much fun. I will definitely keep reading her books.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. it was a clean romance with fun characters and made me laugh a lot. Fun to read and easy to get sucked into the story as Lynn gets to meet her crush and ends up really interacting with him. And what follows was fun to read.

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute rom-esque story that’s guaranteed to make you laugh when you need to with an ending worthy of a Hallmark movie.

[Victoria Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Lynn and Ben, their sweet romance is wonderful. Well written plot with the right amount of love issues and a happy ever after ending the best.

[Loretta Maines · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read.

Really cute. A feel good romance that left me smiling. The story reads so smoothly that I read it in one day. I didn't want to put it down.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely kisses only book. Wonderful characters and good writing. Recommended.

[Tasha Turner]

A reviewer states there is a farting horse and goat in the book. I’m intrigued. Got this for free on October 22, 2024. It’s part of kindle unlimited at this time.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, easy to love romance story. Just helping out in an acting part can change someone’s life forever. Not to be missed.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun escape; I really loved that it felt realistically plotted with fun characters.

[Cary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this story until it hit the end abruptly! It did not feel like an ending. Maybe there’s a sequel in the works but man, it was disappointing to going along and then nothing!