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The Director Dilemma

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Semi-retired, famed, British romance film director Henry Brooks finds himself in quite a predicament. When his playboy public persona threatens to risk his chance of directing Pride & Prejudice, he searches for a way to convince the studio to hire him.

Where will he find a Jane Austen fan that can help him turn his public image around?

When Lucy moves to London for a fresh start at the age of thirty-seven, her only companions are her fictional boyfriends. Yet, in the land of Jane Austen, that surely will be more than enough. After a chance encounter at a coffee shop, she befriends a group of twenty-somethings, and suddenly London is starting to feel like home.

When her new friends invite their father to join them at the coffee shop one night, Lucy can’t take her eyes off the handsome older man in front of her. That is until he opens his mouth. She should have known not to consider him—he isn’t a fictional man, after all. To make matters worse, he even teases her for her love of romance novels. Until he needs her help, that is…

Will Lucy be willing to help Henry improve his image to appeal to Jane Austen fans like her?

If it means a new adaptation of one of her favorite novels, it might be worth the aggravation…for Jane.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2024

14 people are currently reading
86 people want to read

About the author

E.G. Verot

6 books29 followers
E.G. Verot spends her days in the world of education but spends her nights reading, writing, and loving books of all flavors and spices. She has a TBR list longer than she cares to admit. She has been longing to share the characters from her daydreams with you for many years. She lives in the Northeast and looks forward to the winter weather all year. When she is not reading, she can be found spending time with her pets, crocheting, and enjoying her life with loved ones.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Marian Pattechat.
Author 9 books81 followers
September 29, 2024
This is my second book by this author, and I fell so in love with her writing before that I decided to read a contemporary romance for the first time in a looong while. The result? I'm even more in love with Verot's chef's kiss of a writing style! The way she writes pulls you right in and you feel like one of the characters, as if you're right there in the scene experiencing the pining, the passion, the friendship, everything! The slow burn was delicious; I enjoy seeing how a relationship grows, and here it was developed so well, and with funny moments that had me giggling. The steamy moments were so passionate and engaging. Just the way the MMC talked and took charge had me swooning. The setting - a cafe in London, a cozy house near the city, and snow for the holidays - was charming and had me wishing for a blanket and a fireplace despite the t-shirt weather outside while I was reading :D So strong is the magic that this author weaves with her writing! I will be coming back for more 😁
Profile Image for Diana Slaughter.
40 reviews125 followers
November 4, 2024
This was such a good read! It has good banter, romance, a found friends group, tension with the ex, and a happy ending! What more could you want? I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Catarina Águas.
2,376 reviews209 followers
September 9, 2024
This was so cute and good.
Henry was done with love until Lucy showed up. He was head over heels for her and trying so hard to deny it.
Lucy wasn't looking for a relationship either but she couldn't deny her connection to Henry.
It took some time but they finally confessed their love and I loved it
Profile Image for Amber Riley.
243 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2024
One of the best romcoms I have ever read. What can I say this book hooked me on page one and I couldn’t stop reading!
If you love Bridget Jones humor combined with a fake dating movie ( The Wedding Date, The Proposal just to name a few) then this book is for you!

I thoroughly appreciated the character development in this book. E.G. Verot demonstrates exceptional skill in crafting compelling side characters, making it impossible not to fall in love with them also.

Lucy is an exceptional female lead, whose humor is remarkably infectious and her passion for her ebook resonated deeply with me.


A Jane Austen enthusiast in her thirties, she seeks a fresh start in a new country, a journey I find captivating. However, her life takes an unexpected turn upon meeting Henry, a prominent director in England. In his early fifties, Henry has dismissed love, opting for a carefree existence, but this choice threatens his chance to direct Pride and Prejudice. Unbeknownst to Lucy, her life is about to become far more intriguing. Initially, Henry denies his attraction to Lucy, but he must persuade her to aid him in securing the directorial role. Though their collaboration appears to be a mere facade, is it truly so?

I am truly looking forward to the next book in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cait Hardcastle.
Author 7 books15 followers
September 4, 2024
What can I say about this wonderful romantic story? Lucy and Henry did not start out as friends but they were clearly very attracted to each other. I loved this couple. Lucy in her thirties and starting over in a new country. I found her so relatable as the FMC. And Henry? Wow! That man was such a classy gentleman who knew exactly how to woo Lucy. (And he wooed me too). And it wasn’t just the main characters. E.G. did such a wonderful job with the side characters that I was so invested! I cannot wait for the next book! I loved diving into these characters and looking forward to the next book!

Some candid thoughts I had while reading:

“Lmaoooo Henry thinks Lucy is an elderly woman”

“That’s right Lucy. Take him to task!”

“Books as a present is so classy and sooooo gorgeous!!”

“JOHN THE EX BF HAS GOT TO GO!”
Profile Image for Sopha.
199 reviews14 followers
September 14, 2024
For years, I was content, but now it’s as if the sun has come back out, and each day is enjoyable because I can share it with her.



Rating: 4/5
Spice: 1/5

‘What is my type? Fictional men. If a man has a pulse, consider me no longer interested.’ — That is the opening line of the first chapter, and that is all it took to declare Lucy as my soul sister.

In need of some changes in her life, Lucy decides to move to London, England. As an avid Jane Austen fan, that choice is a no brainer. It would serve as a fresh start and put some much needed distance from her cheating ex-boyfriend John, aptly nicknamed the parasite. Who would have thought an outing to a cafe would land her new friends and put her in the path of Henry Brooks? Famed for directing adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels, some of her favourites at that, but a jaded playboy in reality. It is best to ignore her attraction to that silver fox… hard to do when he needs her help to play his fake girlfriend.

What a delight this was! The pacing felt a bit slow at first, but I did not mind that much since it gave the opportunity to see the relationship between Lucy and Henry develop. I loved the side characters and they were written well, never taking the spotlight from our lead couple. John annoyed me to no end, especially when he pulled that stunt during Christmas time. I got even more mad at Lucy for reacting the way she did— it was weak for someone her age. But I quickly remembered he had been her first and only boyfriend whom she had met at 17. She was no longer a teenager but there was not much experience under her belt either.

This book read like a true romcom and I honestly need it to be adapted into a movie to be played during the holidays. There is a gentleness to E.G. Verot’s writing I like and I will be waiting for more books in this series. Something is brewing in the background for the besties, after all 👀
Profile Image for Keka Mondal.
213 reviews8 followers
September 16, 2024
📚Book Review: "The Director Dilemma" by E.G. Verot
🎬Genre: RomCom
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

❤ "The Director Dilemma" by E.G. Verot is a delightful romantic comedy that brings together a semi-retired, famed British romance film director, Henry Brooks, and a thirty-something Austen fan, Lucy, who’s in search of a fresh start in London. With a premise that feels both modern and nostalgic, this novel is a charming ode to Jane Austen's timeless appeal.

💖Why You’ll Love It:
💖A Modern Austen-Inspired Romance: "The Director Dilemma" is perfect for those who adore Jane Austen but also enjoy a contemporary setting. It’s a love letter to classic romance novels with a fresh, witty twist.
🎥Film Industry Intrigue: The behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking, especially in the realm of literary adaptations, adds a unique and engaging layer to the story.
😂Witty Banter and Humor: The dialogue between Henry and Lucy is sharp, funny, and full of the kind of chemistry that makes you root for them from the get-go.
🏡A Cozy London Vibe: With its quaint coffee shops, chance encounters, and the bustling charm of London, the setting adds to the warmth and appeal of the story.

🧡Perfect for Fans Of:
✨"Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding – If you love modern romantic comedies with a touch of British charm and plenty of Austen references.
✨"Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes – For readers who enjoy stories of unexpected love with plenty of emotional depth.
✨Richard Curtis Films (like "Notting Hill" or "Love Actually") – If you're a fan of British rom-coms with quirky characters and heartfelt moments.
✨Jane Austen Classics – Naturally, this book is a treat for any Austen fan, especially those who’ve daydreamed about their own Mr. Darcy moment.

E.G. Verot’s "The Director Dilemma" is a delightful and heartwarming read that effortlessly blends modern romance with classic literary charm. If you’re looking for a light, humorous, and utterly endearing story that pays homage to the beloved works of Jane Austen, this book should be on your must-read list. 📚❤

#BookReview #TheDirectorDilemma #EGVerot #RomanticComedy #BritishRomance #ModernLoveStory #ReadingCommunity #ReadersOfInstagram #IGReads #InstaBooks #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity
Profile Image for Aria Maze.
Author 2 books24 followers
September 2, 2024
Romance has always been a genre I’ve gravitated towards. I just love, love. In all its forms really but there’s something about a romantic love that draws me in. I’ve been on a huge dark romance and monster kick lately as I’m sure is reflected in my page because a lot of the more “sweet and romantic” romance books were honestly starting to feel predictable and not as exciting. This one may have just drawn me back in.

What a soft sweet love these two share. Effortless. I think some part of me forgot how fun it is to read about two people who ease into the love they share. They worked for it but it wasn’t a hard love. And what I mean by that is family commitments, work, past heartbreak. These two had to overcome some things but they kept communication open and were honest in a way that was very refreshing for me.

Luau moves to London (a dream!) for a fresh start. There she meets two couples who quickly befriend her and then she’s introduced to the mens father who she is immediately attracted to until he expresses his disdain for people who read the books she enjoys. I adore this book so much. I loved that it wasn’t just a deep dive. They got to know each other and the time spent together was so sweet. So precious. It starts as a fake dating to help him fix his public image but it’s clear from the start there’s more there.

It’s not focused on the physical attraction, though that certainly plays a part. He even at one point says something along the lines of “She looks so comfortable and that makes her even more attractive.” They have a real connection and it shows in every thought, every action. He learns to make the cold brew she drinks and puts flowers on her bedside some she “has a pretty view” when she wakes up.

I needed to read this when I did. I’m looking forward to the next book for sure.

Thank you for letting me ARC read for you. I truly truly loved this book.
Profile Image for Spicy_bookcorner .
509 reviews8 followers
September 9, 2024
Thank you to @e.g.verot for the opportunity to read this book.

Lucy moves from America to London to teach- feeling lonely and with her friends being fictional characters, she feels a little lost. That is until she meets brothers Finn and Oliver and their partners, and they welcome her to into their fold. Lucy meets director Henry, who happens to be the grumpy father of Finn and Oliver.

This book was honestly just beautiful and romantic. I love a friend meet cute and I adored how much they all looked after Lucy and made her feel welcome. Henry is the grump who really didn’t want to admit his feelings towards Lucy, but I love how she just got on with it and didn’t chase him.

Henry is a well known, respectable romance director, but actually, he didn’t believe in love- until he met Lucy who showed him the way.

This book honestly was just adorable and it totally reminded me of a classic Jane Austen novel- it had those feels. I look forward to reading more from the author 😍

The spice wasn’t overly graphic, but the tension between them was HAWT as and I couldn’t get enough.
Their chemistry was off the charts.

🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Jay Castle.
Author 8 books91 followers
October 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! Lucy and Henry were great together (very cute and sweet). This especially true from the middle of the book onward. The supporting characters were all wonderful as well (except John. We don't like John). Mia and Hannah, in particular, were both super fun to read and I loved every scene they were in.

What I enjoyed most about this book was that it became difficult to predict what was going to happen. There's some setup that happens about 25% into the book that I thought was going to end up being something quite different than what it was. This was a good thing as it totally subverted my expectations and ended up being a way better ending for that.

The only con is that plot is pretty slow to start. However, once it gets going, this is a very entertaining read. It did take me a little while to root for Henry and Lucy, but once I got about 40-50% of the way through the book, I was invested in them and needed them to have an HEA.

This books is fun, light, sweet, and surprisingly touching in places. If you're into fake dating romances with rom-com vibes, give this one a try!
Profile Image for Heathers Lit Voyage.
261 reviews12 followers
February 12, 2025
Charming, witty, and delightfully Austen-esque!

The Director’s Dilemma is a romance lover’s dream—a grumpy, swoon-worthy director, a fiercely bookish heroine, and a plot that feels like a love letter to Jane Austen fans. Henry Brooks is the kind of flawed, reluctantly charming hero that keeps you turning the pages, and Lucy? She’s the relatable bookworm who makes you want to cheer her on at every turn. Their banter crackles with energy, and the age-gap romance adds just the right amount of tension.

What truly makes this book shine is the way it balances humor with heart. Henry’s attempts to repair his reputation (while resisting his growing feelings for Lucy) make for some laugh-out-loud moments, but there’s also depth to his journey. And Lucy’s fresh start in London, complete with her quirky new friend group, is so cozy and immersive that it feels like stepping into your own bookish daydream.

And can we take a moment to appreciate how wonderful E.G. Verot is? Chatting with her in DMs was an absolute delight—she welcomed all of my excitement, screen captures, and endless thoughts. Getting to share my reactions with her made the reading experience even more special!

If you love romance with wit, warmth, and a dash of Austen-inspired magic, this one’s a must-read! 💕✨
Profile Image for Dominique Englebert.
582 reviews5 followers
September 11, 2024
Fake it until you make it
Lucy has moved to London to escape from an obsessive cheating ex-boyfriend. He doesn’t get that it is over between them even after a decade. Her only love now is for imaginary heroes, preferably of the Austen persuasion.
Henry is a famous movie director, who doesn’t believe in love. He is notorious for his flings and affairs. However, there is one movie adaptation of Austen that he has been hoping for: Pride and Prejudice. It is within his grasp were it not for his infamous reputation.
When they meet, it is far from ‘love at first sight’, but Lucy is prepared to help Henry restore his reputation… but how far will they have to go? And can they remain unscathed, unattached as they pretend?
Profile Image for Samara Jones.
Author 19 books17 followers
August 28, 2024
This book was so entertaining, I stayed up most of last night, and snuck some time to read during work today, to find out how Lucy and Henry end up. I love this author since her first book, and was eager to see what else she had for us readers.

The characters weren't only talking about my favorite book Pride and Prejudice they actually reminded me of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. Lucy is a mirror image of myself, no matter the feelings, I never plan to put myself out there and risk embarrassment. The other half of my personality is similar to Henry, a person who unfortunately lost all belief in love. Until....
Profile Image for Allie.
55 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2024
Lucy and Henry have very different ideas of love when they first meet. But they both know they don’t want a relationship.
It’s beautiful to see how their walls slowly start to crumble as they get to know each other and how their instant attraction starts to turn into something more.

This is such a cute story, that had me smiling while reading and I loved it. It’s exactly the kind of book I love to read and I couldn’t put it down.

I received this book as an ARC and just wanted to say a quick thank you to the author for giving me a chance to read this story.
Profile Image for Maggie Arnold.
Author 6 books6 followers
September 16, 2024
I read this book in one sitting on a long flight. I couldn’t stop. I was so invested in Lucy and Henry as they navigated their romance.

The Director Dilemma has regency vibes and references in a contemporary setting with modern day challenges.

I love how Lucy grows as the book develops. I was furious when a face from Lucy’s past turns up to disrupt Lucy’s life. I won’t say anymore.

EG has done it again with this book. A great read, engaging characters and a beautiful romance. If you haven’t checked out Hostility & Heartstrings, you should definitely do that now.
Profile Image for Megan Longmeyer.
Author 1 book5 followers
October 24, 2024
I truly enjoyed The Director Dilemma, blew through it in a couple of days! For being such an intelligent and successful man, director Henry Brooks drastically underestimates Lucy from the start, which is why he falls so hard for her. Her intellect and charm are a breath of fresh air for himself and the reader, with their playful banter and slow burn chemistry lighting up every page. If you're looking for a witty, sexy romcom with a handsome silver fox to boot, you will love The Director Dilemma.
Profile Image for Mrs McN.
419 reviews
October 29, 2024
Spicy, male female, dual point of view, contemporary, romantic comedy. The premise is fun - bringing together a British romance director and a new to London Jane Austen fan into a fake relationship. There is an age gap but everyone is a fully mature adult (the female lead is 37). The leads have fantastic chemistry and there are open door scenes, but I found them steamy rather than explicit. Well written with great banter and humor. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
Profile Image for wounded_warrior wounded_warrior.
Author 3 books30 followers
September 5, 2024
I loved the story, the plot, most of how it was written, but unfortunately, one thing that bothered me was the way the characters were written to speak.

It seemed a little too formal to be modern or realistic.

I did, however, finish the book despite this issue and as a whole I genuinely enjoyed it.
379 reviews
August 27, 2025
December May friend to love

Romance level: open door after three months.
Relationship phobic Henry due to ex wife and burned by her ex Lucy find friendship and then love. Fun Jane Austin quotes and solid family and friends for both characters.
Profile Image for Faith Campbell.
56 reviews16 followers
September 17, 2024
The romance. The romance in this book is amazing. This romcom is so good it makes me want to see this in a movie but it also reminds me of a movie like proposal. So good definitely recommend
Profile Image for Rebecca.
114 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2025
This was a wonderfully sweet book! I thoroughly enjoyed the connection to Jane Austin. My only issues was how nice everyone was to John!
Profile Image for A Brew Story.
158 reviews33 followers
November 7, 2024
This book was the perfect palette cleanse after reading an emotional rollercoaster. I could not have grabbed this book at a better time. I actually wish I could read it again for the first time.
Profile Image for Thebookhermit .
43 reviews3 followers
Read
October 25, 2024

The Director Dilemma is a Rom-Com with fake dating and an age gap. This book has all the humor and romance as all our favorite nostalgic Rom-Com movies do. I would go as far as being bold in saying that it's movie worthy. Honestly, movie production companies everywhere would be stupid not to make this into a movie.
The FMC Lucy is 37, and MMC Henry is 50, not the norm age for romance novels, which was such a breath of fresh air. I loved it and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this book till the very last word.
The author E.G. Verots writing and storytelling skills are impeccable. The story flowed so well, and the banter between characters was remarkably effortless and so realistically written.
Lucy's witty humor, down to earth personality, and love for reading along with an ex who just can't catch a hint makes her incredibly relatable. You just can't help but love Lucy and all that she has to bring to this story.
Henry's cocky self-assured personality is something that, at first, you're a bit thrown off by just like Lucy was, but he quickly redeems himself in the most swoon worthy ways. Henry is by far the best male character I have ever read and is now sitting at the #2 spot on my book boyfriends list right below Dom King. Which by the way, I couldn't knock out of first because that would just be unethical with Dom being dead and all.
Together, Lucy and Henry are amazingly hilarious and absolutely adorable. If you're looking for a cozy read with hilarious banter, then this book is for you. Don't I repeat, don't sleep on this one! What are you waiting for? Go get your copy now!
Profile Image for Stephanie Hutchison.
545 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read from E.G Verot and I enjoyed it very much.

It’s a fake relationship to lovers story with a little age gap thrown in. Lucy is happy with her move to London and has made some great friends.

Neither Henry or Lucy are looking for a relationship, be we all know what happens when you throw a fake relationship into the mix. Sometimes the outcome is a beautiful love story.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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