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Plays and Players #1
Love on the Byline: A Plays and Players Novel
Blake Dillon isn’t exactly living the dream. She longs to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps and make a difference in the world as a journalist. Unfortunately, her current job has her paying-off hotel staff for celebrity gossip. Tasked with shadowing a film star for an in-depth profile, Blake sees it as a chance to finally prove her worth. She never expected the interview to reconnect her with her old college crush.
Oliver Benjamin agrees to move to Los Angeles to work as the executive assistant to his best friend, a rising star. He hopes it will give him some direction. However, he soon discovers the only difference between being a frat boy and a Hollywood heartthrob is the amount of free stuff and the level of media attention. Ollie spends most of his time putting out fires, leaving little time for anything else. When Blake is sent to chronicle their lives, he finds himself face-to-face with the one that got away.
Blake and Ollie are smart enough to recognize the signs—there are enough sparks between them to melt glass—but they agree to put a lid on it until the article is finished. Much easier said than done when they’re forced to spend more time together than apart. There’s more going on than a simple interview, but they’re both professionals. They must resist temptation or risk unraveling both their lives.
Oliver Benjamin agrees to move to Los Angeles to work as the executive assistant to his best friend, a rising star. He hopes it will give him some direction. However, he soon discovers the only difference between being a frat boy and a Hollywood heartthrob is the amount of free stuff and the level of media attention. Ollie spends most of his time putting out fires, leaving little time for anything else. When Blake is sent to chronicle their lives, he finds himself face-to-face with the one that got away.
Blake and Ollie are smart enough to recognize the signs—there are enough sparks between them to melt glass—but they agree to put a lid on it until the article is finished. Much easier said than done when they’re forced to spend more time together than apart. There’s more going on than a simple interview, but they’re both professionals. They must resist temptation or risk unraveling both their lives.
Audible Audio
First published August 29, 2023
81 people are currently reading
5459 people want to read
About the author
Xio Axelrod
27 books1,190 followersXio Axelrod is a USA Today bestselling author of different flavours of contemporary romance. She also writes what she likes to call strange, twisted tales. Xio grew up in the music industry and began recording at a young age. When she isn’t writing stories, she can be found in the studio, writing songs, or performing on international stages (under a different, no-so-secret name). She lives in Philadelphia with one full-time husband and several part-time cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
November 26, 2023
3.5 stars
I really liked Ollie and Blake's second chance at love story, but I do wish we would have gotten more of their romance than all the other extra stuff that was thrown in. Overall I enjoyed this one.
I really liked Ollie and Blake's second chance at love story, but I do wish we would have gotten more of their romance than all the other extra stuff that was thrown in. Overall I enjoyed this one.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: William LeRoy & Lynn Wright
Narration Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 10h
October 5, 2023
Book Rating: 4.5/5
Audiobook Rating: 3/5
Love on the Byline by Xio Axelrod is a great start to the Plays and Players series as well as a great introduction to the author herself! I loved basically every moment of this book, and I loved how beautifully fleshed out all of the characters are especially Blake and Oliver AKA Ollie. The beginning of the novel hooked me immediately and had me so excited to see how the story was going to play out and what would eventually happen with our two MCs. There is some spiciness in the book, but it fits very well with the storyline and it wasn't too much for a Hallmark-loving person like me.
Axelrod created such a wonderful blend of humor and serious topics, and I ended up going back and forth between having a smile on my face, and at times, tears in my eyes. This is a bit of a lighter read but there was definitely a lot more depth than I had expected from a romance, and it was really just the icing on the cake. There is even a mysterious air to the story and once you find out what the big secret is, you can't help but feel some things.
I will note that I didn't love the audiobook for Love on the Byline as much as I could have, and while I really enjoyed the male narrator, William LeRoy, Lynn Wright was not my favorite. She has a great voice but for some reason, and maybe this is down to editing, she would have weird pauses at the wrong times and it was just strange. Highly recommend reading this one if you love romance with complex characters and lots of substance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Audiobook Rating: 3/5
Love on the Byline by Xio Axelrod is a great start to the Plays and Players series as well as a great introduction to the author herself! I loved basically every moment of this book, and I loved how beautifully fleshed out all of the characters are especially Blake and Oliver AKA Ollie. The beginning of the novel hooked me immediately and had me so excited to see how the story was going to play out and what would eventually happen with our two MCs. There is some spiciness in the book, but it fits very well with the storyline and it wasn't too much for a Hallmark-loving person like me.
Axelrod created such a wonderful blend of humor and serious topics, and I ended up going back and forth between having a smile on my face, and at times, tears in my eyes. This is a bit of a lighter read but there was definitely a lot more depth than I had expected from a romance, and it was really just the icing on the cake. There is even a mysterious air to the story and once you find out what the big secret is, you can't help but feel some things.
I will note that I didn't love the audiobook for Love on the Byline as much as I could have, and while I really enjoyed the male narrator, William LeRoy, Lynn Wright was not my favorite. She has a great voice but for some reason, and maybe this is down to editing, she would have weird pauses at the wrong times and it was just strange. Highly recommend reading this one if you love romance with complex characters and lots of substance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 29, 2024
Story = 4✨
Audiobook = 3.25✨
“The feeling he stirred in her was more than just desire—it was connection. Recognition. Something deeper and more primal than lust. Not love, but a pathway to it.”
I really enjoyed this one! Blake & Oliver were so cute! I loved their college flashbacks and how we see pretty early on that Ollie fell first and hard for Blake. I love that these two get a second chance at what should’ve been, could’ve been in college had Ollie spoken up and made his intentions known. I think that’s one thing that knocked a star off for me. I love my heroes a little more hands on and assertive. Ollie was a little too unsure at times and Blake had to take the lead some, but I will give Ollie bedroom props. He knew what he was doing there. This story involved a bit of mystery around the journalism storyline and I Really enjoyed it.
If you like a slow burn, second chance, friends to lovers—this is it!!
Audiobook = 3.25✨
“The feeling he stirred in her was more than just desire—it was connection. Recognition. Something deeper and more primal than lust. Not love, but a pathway to it.”
I really enjoyed this one! Blake & Oliver were so cute! I loved their college flashbacks and how we see pretty early on that Ollie fell first and hard for Blake. I love that these two get a second chance at what should’ve been, could’ve been in college had Ollie spoken up and made his intentions known. I think that’s one thing that knocked a star off for me. I love my heroes a little more hands on and assertive. Ollie was a little too unsure at times and Blake had to take the lead some, but I will give Ollie bedroom props. He knew what he was doing there. This story involved a bit of mystery around the journalism storyline and I Really enjoyed it.
If you like a slow burn, second chance, friends to lovers—this is it!!
August 9, 2025
Took me a while to get through but I finally did it. I turned out to be an okay read. Would’ve been better if the story focused on the main characters instead of all these side character dramas.
~~~~~~~~~~~
I keep starting and giving up on this story. Hopefully it sticks this time 🤞🏾
~~~~~~~~~~~
I keep starting and giving up on this story. Hopefully it sticks this time 🤞🏾
August 15, 2023
“The feeling he stirred in her was more than just desire—it was connection. Recognition. Something deeper and more primal than lust. Not love, but a pathway to it.”
Read for:
- Friends to lovers
- College friends
- Reuniting after a falling out
- Journalist and movie star plot
- Second chance
- 🌶️
I really like this cover it’s 😍. This was also a cute romance and general women’s fiction read. I really liked the journalism/ celebrity reporter plot, I don’t usually read a lot of books that have that. The main characters Ollie and Blake were best friends in college and fell out because of something Ollie’s friend Bran did. Fast forward to present time and Blake is assigned to write a story about an actor and that actor is Bran and Ollie who is his manager/assistant.
There the romance between Ollie and Blake which is a slow burn and there’s a lot of reconnecting and getting to know each other again. There’s also big theme on friendship and characters changing from who they were and getting to know someone despite gossip and false public image. Overall this was a good read especially with the little journalism mystery and how it unfolded.
Thank you Blue Box Press for this arc for an honest review.
Read for:
- Friends to lovers
- College friends
- Reuniting after a falling out
- Journalist and movie star plot
- Second chance
- 🌶️
I really like this cover it’s 😍. This was also a cute romance and general women’s fiction read. I really liked the journalism/ celebrity reporter plot, I don’t usually read a lot of books that have that. The main characters Ollie and Blake were best friends in college and fell out because of something Ollie’s friend Bran did. Fast forward to present time and Blake is assigned to write a story about an actor and that actor is Bran and Ollie who is his manager/assistant.
There the romance between Ollie and Blake which is a slow burn and there’s a lot of reconnecting and getting to know each other again. There’s also big theme on friendship and characters changing from who they were and getting to know someone despite gossip and false public image. Overall this was a good read especially with the little journalism mystery and how it unfolded.
Thank you Blue Box Press for this arc for an honest review.
August 29, 2023
Love on the Byline
By: Xio Axelrod
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Blake Dillon has a job she hates. Her dream is to follow in the footsteps of her renowned journalist Grandfather and make a difference, but for now she is hustling to make ends meet, writing celebrity gossip stories. She’s assigned an in-depth interview of a film star. On assignment, she happens to reconnect an old crush, Oliver Benjamin. Oliver has moved to LA to work as an EA to his best friend, unaware how much time the role would take. Blake and Oliver are suddenly back in each other’s lives and spending loads of time together. In an effort to be professional, they agree to remain just friends while Blake is on assignment, fully aware of all the sparks between them.
Xio Axelrod has written a book worth reading. Blake and Oliver are grown-ups and interact as such. The communicate clearly and name their attraction to each other without the back and forth uncertainty. Because of this, there is also no third act break-up. Each character has depth to them and they do net get in the way of each other’s goals, nor ask the other to give anything up.
There is good representation in the book, introduced and portrayed in a human and normalizing way.
There is more to the story than Blake’s assigned article, which we learn early on. The reader is not, however given all the information upfront. Axelrod garners readers’ trust in her pacing. Information is revealed and the plot processes at a speed that keeps one intrigued and wanting more without crossing into exasperating.
This slow-burn, second chance story is easy to get into. Blake and Oliver are incredibly likable. Axelrod writes real people with an edge of fantastic to them.
Thank you to Xio Axelrod, and the Milk & Cookies Marketing Team for an ARC of this book (via #NetGalley). This is my honest review.
TW: attempted suicide, depression, bullying, sexual harassment, Alzheimer’s
By: Xio Axelrod
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Blake Dillon has a job she hates. Her dream is to follow in the footsteps of her renowned journalist Grandfather and make a difference, but for now she is hustling to make ends meet, writing celebrity gossip stories. She’s assigned an in-depth interview of a film star. On assignment, she happens to reconnect an old crush, Oliver Benjamin. Oliver has moved to LA to work as an EA to his best friend, unaware how much time the role would take. Blake and Oliver are suddenly back in each other’s lives and spending loads of time together. In an effort to be professional, they agree to remain just friends while Blake is on assignment, fully aware of all the sparks between them.
Xio Axelrod has written a book worth reading. Blake and Oliver are grown-ups and interact as such. The communicate clearly and name their attraction to each other without the back and forth uncertainty. Because of this, there is also no third act break-up. Each character has depth to them and they do net get in the way of each other’s goals, nor ask the other to give anything up.
There is good representation in the book, introduced and portrayed in a human and normalizing way.
There is more to the story than Blake’s assigned article, which we learn early on. The reader is not, however given all the information upfront. Axelrod garners readers’ trust in her pacing. Information is revealed and the plot processes at a speed that keeps one intrigued and wanting more without crossing into exasperating.
This slow-burn, second chance story is easy to get into. Blake and Oliver are incredibly likable. Axelrod writes real people with an edge of fantastic to them.
Thank you to Xio Axelrod, and the Milk & Cookies Marketing Team for an ARC of this book (via #NetGalley). This is my honest review.
TW: attempted suicide, depression, bullying, sexual harassment, Alzheimer’s
August 29, 2023
*I received a free copy of Love on the Byline via NetGalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
Axelrod is a master of romances that has just the perfect amount of yearning, of want, of need, and where the characters have full, exciting lives outside of their romantic interest.
Love on the Byline follows Blake, and to a lesser extent Ollie and Bran. Blake is my favorite kind of heroine, she can stand on her own two feet, works hard to achieve her goals, and is ready to get things done even a little unconventionally if it serves the greater good.
Set in LA, Love on the Byline is both a romance (duh) and slightly thriller / mystery -esque as well. And I was totally there for it all.
Well written, with characters that were fully developed - even the minor characters had something that made me easily understand / remember who they were - the story was character driven and really well done. Definite big recommendation from me.
Axelrod is a master of romances that has just the perfect amount of yearning, of want, of need, and where the characters have full, exciting lives outside of their romantic interest.
Love on the Byline follows Blake, and to a lesser extent Ollie and Bran. Blake is my favorite kind of heroine, she can stand on her own two feet, works hard to achieve her goals, and is ready to get things done even a little unconventionally if it serves the greater good.
Set in LA, Love on the Byline is both a romance (duh) and slightly thriller / mystery -esque as well. And I was totally there for it all.
Well written, with characters that were fully developed - even the minor characters had something that made me easily understand / remember who they were - the story was character driven and really well done. Definite big recommendation from me.
August 15, 2023
3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable read for me and a first for me from this author. I liked Blake as the female main character and really liked Oliver as the male main character. I really liked him in the beginning in the "then" time, which I was glad to read. It gave me insight into how they were in college and also with his best friend, Bran.
Now, Blake works for a newspaper covering the celebrity beat. She is to write a story on a big film star and, in the process, meets up with Oliver. He is now working for Bran as his Executive Assistant. Neither Blake nor Oliver is living their best life and doing what they want to do with their lives. It was good for them to reconnect, but doing so made them realize how attracted they are to each other. It was a slow burn as they decided to wait until she was done writing her story.
Thank you to Get Red PR and the author for a gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an enjoyable read for me and a first for me from this author. I liked Blake as the female main character and really liked Oliver as the male main character. I really liked him in the beginning in the "then" time, which I was glad to read. It gave me insight into how they were in college and also with his best friend, Bran.
Now, Blake works for a newspaper covering the celebrity beat. She is to write a story on a big film star and, in the process, meets up with Oliver. He is now working for Bran as his Executive Assistant. Neither Blake nor Oliver is living their best life and doing what they want to do with their lives. It was good for them to reconnect, but doing so made them realize how attracted they are to each other. It was a slow burn as they decided to wait until she was done writing her story.
Thank you to Get Red PR and the author for a gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 22, 2023
Lots of twists and turns in this one!
Back in their college days, Brandon Cody sabotaged an article Blake wrote for their college newspaper. The problem , she not only walked away from her journalism assignment, but from Oliver, Brandon's best friend. It really hurt Blake because she had a massive crush on Ollie.
Now Blake is an up and coming reporter for the L A Gazette and guess which famous movie star she has to interview. Lots of betrayal, malicious gossip and disrespect interwoven through out the plot.
Great story, but about 50 pages too long!!!!
September 23, 2023
I was really looking forward to this one going in to it as I enjoy work by this author. It wasn't long before I was turned off. I liked Blake, liked how passionate she was about becoming a journalist. I liked Ollie, but also thought Blake had good advice for him with the company he kept and can understand why she opted to not having anything to do with Ollie and his BFF.
So color me shocked when it's years later and we see Blake on a celerity beat working. That shocked me, but I get it, you gotta start somewhere and you are still employed by a paper. You could tell that the banal stories Blake was forced to write were sucking the life out of her, but if she could write about the wrong the industry, she would be ok working on the genre she was.
I was shocked again when Blake is ordered to work on a new story with a hot new celeb, shows up at his house and low and behold who is there, but Ollie and his BFF, Bran, the same BFF that got Blake's big story in college killed. And this time around this dumbass doesn't even remember her and in the first meeting seems to be talking down to her and validates her feelings of Ollie and the company he keeps.
There was something about Bran that just turned me off, to the point that I just can't keep going. I don't want to read anything about this type of person, real or fake. And I know Blake and Ollie will work things out and end up as a couple, but I won't be here for it. This one just isn't for me.
So color me shocked when it's years later and we see Blake on a celerity beat working. That shocked me, but I get it, you gotta start somewhere and you are still employed by a paper. You could tell that the banal stories Blake was forced to write were sucking the life out of her, but if she could write about the wrong the industry, she would be ok working on the genre she was.
I was shocked again when Blake is ordered to work on a new story with a hot new celeb, shows up at his house and low and behold who is there, but Ollie and his BFF, Bran, the same BFF that got Blake's big story in college killed. And this time around this dumbass doesn't even remember her and in the first meeting seems to be talking down to her and validates her feelings of Ollie and the company he keeps.
There was something about Bran that just turned me off, to the point that I just can't keep going. I don't want to read anything about this type of person, real or fake. And I know Blake and Ollie will work things out and end up as a couple, but I won't be here for it. This one just isn't for me.
October 3, 2023
Blake Dillon is a celebrity gossip reporter who is looking to write more serious articles. But when her newest story brings her to the home of a movie star, he turns out to be her college nemesis, Bran. What’s more shocking is that Oliver Benjamin, her college crush is working there as Bran’s assistant. Ollie thinks of Blake as the one that got away so when their old feelings resurface, they try to keep thing’s professional for the sake of both of their careers.
I loved the idea of a reporter chronicling the life of a movie star and finding her college crush working for him. It was no surprise that they would end up together so it was fun reading how they would get there. I enjoyed both characters and reading about what they really wanted to do with their lives.
I did feel like there was a lot going on in this story with Blake trying to uncover a different story while writing about Bran’s life. There was also Bran’s side story to keep up with. I wanted more of the romance between Ollie and Blake and a little less of these other stories. I get why we got Blake’s storyline, but Bran’s didn’t feel necessary for the story to progress.
The romance between Ollie and Blake was a bit of a slow burn so it was great when they finally got together. I think the title is perfect for this story, and I really love the cover. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed, but overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Read this if you like:
- Friends to lovers
- Second chance
- College friends
- Hollywood setting
I loved the idea of a reporter chronicling the life of a movie star and finding her college crush working for him. It was no surprise that they would end up together so it was fun reading how they would get there. I enjoyed both characters and reading about what they really wanted to do with their lives.
I did feel like there was a lot going on in this story with Blake trying to uncover a different story while writing about Bran’s life. There was also Bran’s side story to keep up with. I wanted more of the romance between Ollie and Blake and a little less of these other stories. I get why we got Blake’s storyline, but Bran’s didn’t feel necessary for the story to progress.
The romance between Ollie and Blake was a bit of a slow burn so it was great when they finally got together. I think the title is perfect for this story, and I really love the cover. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed, but overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Read this if you like:
- Friends to lovers
- Second chance
- College friends
- Hollywood setting
August 26, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book, is very fresh, perfect to have a great time. With very lovable characters with whom you can connect and understand what they are going through and all of these happens in Los Angeles.
I found the romance very cute and fun. They have a special chemistry that make you love them. It has a first chapter of “then” that I liked.
The fact that it is set in Hollywood is fascinating, being able to know all the things that happen behind the scenes, how the actors manage everything, the good and the no so good of this industry.
The characters are well built, very real, with flaws and insecurities of any person. I really like them, they are world nerds with a sweet chemistry. The author makes you connect with them and understand the. I really loved this second chance and their relationship. It has some spicy scenes. Blake and Ollie are the best, but I have to mention the actor because it was so fun.
In addition, it has a small mystery to solve that gave a touch to the plot. The part of the journalism was interesting. It also mentions some important topics of mental health.
The epilogue was just perfect. This book has everything that I like to read. If you like friends to lovers, second chance and slow burn with a college crush and all of these happens in Hollywood this is the book for you.
Thank you so much 1001 Dark Nights & Blue Box Press for the ARC, it was an incredible opportunity, I´m looking forward to reading more of Xio Axelrod.
I found the romance very cute and fun. They have a special chemistry that make you love them. It has a first chapter of “then” that I liked.
The fact that it is set in Hollywood is fascinating, being able to know all the things that happen behind the scenes, how the actors manage everything, the good and the no so good of this industry.
The characters are well built, very real, with flaws and insecurities of any person. I really like them, they are world nerds with a sweet chemistry. The author makes you connect with them and understand the. I really loved this second chance and their relationship. It has some spicy scenes. Blake and Ollie are the best, but I have to mention the actor because it was so fun.
In addition, it has a small mystery to solve that gave a touch to the plot. The part of the journalism was interesting. It also mentions some important topics of mental health.
The epilogue was just perfect. This book has everything that I like to read. If you like friends to lovers, second chance and slow burn with a college crush and all of these happens in Hollywood this is the book for you.
Thank you so much 1001 Dark Nights & Blue Box Press for the ARC, it was an incredible opportunity, I´m looking forward to reading more of Xio Axelrod.
August 20, 2023
Love on the Byline
First of all, thank you so much to 1001 Dark Nights and Blue Box Press for the ARC.
Now let’s get into it. This is a VERY slow-burn book. In all honesty, it took me a while to get into it. I liked the characters but didn’t feel connected to them right away.
Don’t stop there though. I’m not sure when it happened, but all of a sudden something clicked and I did not want to put this book down.
This book contained so much and has so much depth that I’m mad at myself for doubting it at first. This book has a strong friendship. It also addresses many social issues including uncovering racism and sexism in society. It covers mental health issues and recovery from that. It brings light to child exploitation. I went in just expecting romance, which you still get but walked away with so much more.
I absolutely cannot wait to read the second book once it releases. So hurry up and get that to me, please.
I’m looking forward to meeting the author at Readers on the River in September.
Thank you so much for this wonderful book.
First of all, thank you so much to 1001 Dark Nights and Blue Box Press for the ARC.
Now let’s get into it. This is a VERY slow-burn book. In all honesty, it took me a while to get into it. I liked the characters but didn’t feel connected to them right away.
Don’t stop there though. I’m not sure when it happened, but all of a sudden something clicked and I did not want to put this book down.
This book contained so much and has so much depth that I’m mad at myself for doubting it at first. This book has a strong friendship. It also addresses many social issues including uncovering racism and sexism in society. It covers mental health issues and recovery from that. It brings light to child exploitation. I went in just expecting romance, which you still get but walked away with so much more.
I absolutely cannot wait to read the second book once it releases. So hurry up and get that to me, please.
I’m looking forward to meeting the author at Readers on the River in September.
Thank you so much for this wonderful book.
Read
July 2, 2024dnf because a seagull pooped on me while reading and i cannot bring myself to finish a book with bird shit on it
July 12, 2024
I loved this book! Oli is such a good guy, and Blake is a powerhouse of a woman. I can honestly say I missed the big twist here too which makes me so happy!
June 21, 2025
Both characters are writers, and I enjoyed reading both points of view as they were falling in love and finishing what they have left undone in college.
My 15 year old would like all the action, lots of things going on. For me, it got a bit in the way of the love story.
My 15 year old would like all the action, lots of things going on. For me, it got a bit in the way of the love story.
November 28, 2023
I was so confused throughout pretty much this entire book. I love Xio, but I did not like this. There are going to be some spoilers because the issues I had - which I have to exorcise out of myself - cover some major plot points.
PLOT
Blake is a budding journalist who moved from the East coast to the West coast in order to pursue a career in a place that must have journalism jobs, right? Oliver is the MMC... There's also Bran...
Seriously, the characterization was weird and the plot was weird, and the characters were weird!! I'm having so much trouble even describing them. Oliver was this meek little nobody who couldn't figure out what to do with his life and Bran was every frat bro you ever went to college with.
Blake wanted to jump-start her career with a juicy investigative journalism story but her toxic newspaper company stuck her on the celebrity beat. She got saddled with a celebrity profile story about Brandon Cody, an up-and-coming movie star. And it just so happens, he was a jerk to her in college. His personal assistant is Oliver, who she had a crush on in college. Oliver is the same as he was - bonus: he had a crush on her in college too, but so is Bran, so Blake tries to do her job while bitching about how beneath her it is while also loathing Bran and berating Oliver about how he could possibly be friends with Bran and what he was doing with his life.
At the same time, there's this weird side story about her investigative journalism story, about a predatory talent agency. I assume that part of the story will be covered further in future pieces of this series, but I will not be around for them.
MY FIRST ISSUE
I feel OK about how Blake was characterized. I was annoyed at first because she complained constantly about how degrading being a celebrity beat journalist was, but I guess at the end of the day, she did her job. Be prepared to be offended if this is your line of work. It was very Devil Wears Prada without ever getting that Miranda Priestly cerulean blue speech that kind of makes the movie.
Oliver was an absolute jumbled mess. He had some major depressive issues that were not addressed, he had no direction, he was bullied by everyone, but you got the distinct impression if no one bullied him, he would just be stuck in place. I wanted him to grow a backbone and show some personality, but he seemed to consist of just self-deprecation and fawning over Bran. He was not a strong MMC.
Bran... what the fuck was Bran?! If he was a frat boy, fine, just let us hate him. The problem with making someone a frat boy is that you can't then make him a frat boy with a heart of gold because I couldn't take a single word seriously. We're made to believe something happened in their childhoods that led to Oliver's devotion to Bran and Bran's... sort of... parallel devotion to Oliver? But when you found out what happened, all I could think was "yeah but Bran still must want something from Ollie. What's his asshole angle?"
MY SECOND ISSUE
Slow burn is slow burn. If you're into that - and sometimes I totally am! - then fine. But this was not slow burn. Blake and Oliver were into each other FROM THE START! And for completely arbitrary reasons, they just didn't get together until 80% of the book. And it's not like I had a riveting plot to sustain me in the meantime. If you won't get busy, but you're totally into each other, at least dirty talk or something! I'm shameless, I do not care! I will absolutely take points off for making me wait for payoff for no reason!
MY THIRD ISSUE
What... was.... this..... plot?! Why make Bran such an antagonistic character but not the bad guy? Why make Bran so significant to the plot at all?? Why introduce the very depressing - but interesting! - subplot and make it so small and insignificant? Just the treatment of everybody and everything was WEIRD!
IN CONCLUSION
I don't want to spend anymore time thinking about it. This depressed me how disappointed I was in this. I didn't hate it, that's literally the only positive thing I can say. There are tiny instances of her writing that are beautiful, but I question her plot and characterization almost constantly.
PLOT
Blake is a budding journalist who moved from the East coast to the West coast in order to pursue a career in a place that must have journalism jobs, right? Oliver is the MMC... There's also Bran...
Seriously, the characterization was weird and the plot was weird, and the characters were weird!! I'm having so much trouble even describing them. Oliver was this meek little nobody who couldn't figure out what to do with his life and Bran was every frat bro you ever went to college with.
Blake wanted to jump-start her career with a juicy investigative journalism story but her toxic newspaper company stuck her on the celebrity beat. She got saddled with a celebrity profile story about Brandon Cody, an up-and-coming movie star. And it just so happens, he was a jerk to her in college. His personal assistant is Oliver, who she had a crush on in college. Oliver is the same as he was - bonus: he had a crush on her in college too, but so is Bran, so Blake tries to do her job while bitching about how beneath her it is while also loathing Bran and berating Oliver about how he could possibly be friends with Bran and what he was doing with his life.
At the same time, there's this weird side story about her investigative journalism story, about a predatory talent agency. I assume that part of the story will be covered further in future pieces of this series, but I will not be around for them.
MY FIRST ISSUE
I feel OK about how Blake was characterized. I was annoyed at first because she complained constantly about how degrading being a celebrity beat journalist was, but I guess at the end of the day, she did her job. Be prepared to be offended if this is your line of work. It was very Devil Wears Prada without ever getting that Miranda Priestly cerulean blue speech that kind of makes the movie.
Oliver was an absolute jumbled mess. He had some major depressive issues that were not addressed, he had no direction, he was bullied by everyone, but you got the distinct impression if no one bullied him, he would just be stuck in place. I wanted him to grow a backbone and show some personality, but he seemed to consist of just self-deprecation and fawning over Bran. He was not a strong MMC.
Bran... what the fuck was Bran?! If he was a frat boy, fine, just let us hate him. The problem with making someone a frat boy is that you can't then make him a frat boy with a heart of gold because I couldn't take a single word seriously. We're made to believe something happened in their childhoods that led to Oliver's devotion to Bran and Bran's... sort of... parallel devotion to Oliver? But when you found out what happened, all I could think was "yeah but Bran still must want something from Ollie. What's his asshole angle?"
MY SECOND ISSUE
Slow burn is slow burn. If you're into that - and sometimes I totally am! - then fine. But this was not slow burn. Blake and Oliver were into each other FROM THE START! And for completely arbitrary reasons, they just didn't get together until 80% of the book. And it's not like I had a riveting plot to sustain me in the meantime. If you won't get busy, but you're totally into each other, at least dirty talk or something! I'm shameless, I do not care! I will absolutely take points off for making me wait for payoff for no reason!
MY THIRD ISSUE
What... was.... this..... plot?! Why make Bran such an antagonistic character but not the bad guy? Why make Bran so significant to the plot at all?? Why introduce the very depressing - but interesting! - subplot and make it so small and insignificant? Just the treatment of everybody and everything was WEIRD!
IN CONCLUSION
I don't want to spend anymore time thinking about it. This depressed me how disappointed I was in this. I didn't hate it, that's literally the only positive thing I can say. There are tiny instances of her writing that are beautiful, but I question her plot and characterization almost constantly.
September 18, 2023
READ IF YOU ENJOY
✍🏽 A second chance, friends-to-lovers, slow burn romance
✍🏽 A strong male friendship
✍🏽 Journalist FMC, aspiring screenwriter MMC
✍🏽 A bit of suspense
Old college friends/crushes, Ollie and Blake find themselves back in each other’s lives as Blake coincidentally gets assigned to investigate and do an interview on Brandon Cody, Ollie’s best friend and Blake’s somewhat old college nemesis.
There’s a lot of reconnecting and reminiscing happening between the three but also, some unresolved tension. Blake and Bran are still dealing with their preconceived notions of each other and soon discover that maybe there’s more than meets the eye.
As for Ollie and Blake, there was a natural flow and a quiet kind of tenderness to them that I enjoyed. No crazy antics but just two people continuing and building on the relationship that could’ve been. Plus, we always love a no third act breakup romance.
All the while as individuals, Blake is trying to navigate the world of investigative journalism as a WOC while Ollie deals with his current career status vs. his actual aspiration. I like that this romance included an investigative aspect in the storyline. It provided something different than the usual romance in exposing the darker side of the entertainment industry and the exploitation of the underage.
Thank you to Blue Box Press and Xio Axelrod for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
✍🏽 A second chance, friends-to-lovers, slow burn romance
✍🏽 A strong male friendship
✍🏽 Journalist FMC, aspiring screenwriter MMC
✍🏽 A bit of suspense
Old college friends/crushes, Ollie and Blake find themselves back in each other’s lives as Blake coincidentally gets assigned to investigate and do an interview on Brandon Cody, Ollie’s best friend and Blake’s somewhat old college nemesis.
There’s a lot of reconnecting and reminiscing happening between the three but also, some unresolved tension. Blake and Bran are still dealing with their preconceived notions of each other and soon discover that maybe there’s more than meets the eye.
As for Ollie and Blake, there was a natural flow and a quiet kind of tenderness to them that I enjoyed. No crazy antics but just two people continuing and building on the relationship that could’ve been. Plus, we always love a no third act breakup romance.
All the while as individuals, Blake is trying to navigate the world of investigative journalism as a WOC while Ollie deals with his current career status vs. his actual aspiration. I like that this romance included an investigative aspect in the storyline. It provided something different than the usual romance in exposing the darker side of the entertainment industry and the exploitation of the underage.
Thank you to Blue Box Press and Xio Axelrod for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2023
Ahh, I am so fortunate to have received an ARC of this great book! It was a nice, slow burn, a friends to lovers' second chance romance.
Blake, Ollie, and Bran all know each other from school at the University of Pennsylvania. Years later, after Bran does something to tear Blake out of Ollie's life, she gets flung into it again while writing for a celebrity gossip paper, having her do a spotlight on Bran.
I enjoyed the way this book took the time to cover a lot of important issues while still allowing that steamy slow burn to happen. I am so happy I got to read it and enjoyed Xio's writing style so much ☺️
Blake, Ollie, and Bran all know each other from school at the University of Pennsylvania. Years later, after Bran does something to tear Blake out of Ollie's life, she gets flung into it again while writing for a celebrity gossip paper, having her do a spotlight on Bran.
I enjoyed the way this book took the time to cover a lot of important issues while still allowing that steamy slow burn to happen. I am so happy I got to read it and enjoyed Xio's writing style so much ☺️
August 7, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for Xio’s next release Love On The Byline. Xio Axelrod is an instant buy author for me and this solidified everything. This comes out August 29th!!!
Blake, Oliver, & Brandon went to U of P together (my east coast peeps understand). This book is set after college and everyone is all grown up. Initially as expected I was NOT a fan of Bran and I didn’t understand Oliver at all. The chemistry between Blake and Oliver even years later was still there. So was Blake’s dislike for Bran even as a huge Hollywood star. This wasn’t a typical romance. There definitely was mystery and suspense which I’m hoping will continue to play out in the next book 😏 Bran was 1000% the BIGGEST supporter of Ollie and Blake’s potential relationship. “Ols would never say anything to you. He’d just pine in private like something out of Jane Austen.” 5/5 ⭐️ as usual for Xio.
Blake, Oliver, & Brandon went to U of P together (my east coast peeps understand). This book is set after college and everyone is all grown up. Initially as expected I was NOT a fan of Bran and I didn’t understand Oliver at all. The chemistry between Blake and Oliver even years later was still there. So was Blake’s dislike for Bran even as a huge Hollywood star. This wasn’t a typical romance. There definitely was mystery and suspense which I’m hoping will continue to play out in the next book 😏 Bran was 1000% the BIGGEST supporter of Ollie and Blake’s potential relationship. “Ols would never say anything to you. He’d just pine in private like something out of Jane Austen.” 5/5 ⭐️ as usual for Xio.
August 30, 2023
Ever since reading “The Girl with the Stars in Her Eyes” I’ve been waiting for a new release from Axelrod, and behold! She is here and she is stunning! “Love on the Byline” follows former college classmates and secret crushes as they reconnect five years later. Now, Blake is a cub reporter at a gossip magazine that she hates, and Oliver is the best friend turned personal assistant to her latest celebrity assignment: the arrogant Brandon Cody, who, on first appearances, doesn’t look like he’s changed much from when she last saw him. But, much like Axelrod’s previous release, our main cast of characters are filled with a surprising amount of depth, accomplish huge growth amidst interpersonal mysteries and secrets, oh, and have palpable tension and steamy encounters, all packed into a very smooth contemporary romance. Seriously, Axelrod is quickly becoming one of my auto-buy authors!
I’m always a sucker for friends-to-lovers and Axelrod does that so, so well. But what I loved about our MMC is just how soft he is. Oliver is kind of shy and a bit demisexual; it makes him a wonderful contrast to his best friend who is a super confident actor who delights in the casual fling. Oliver is sensitive, a writer who cares deeply for people and may be too much of a people-pleaser for his own good. His growth in this novel was one of my favorite things to witness. He and Brandon have a wonderfully complex and deep friendship but it is almost toxic in its codependency, and watching Oliver and Brandon come to terms with that and both grow from it was wonderful, and not something you see a lot when it comes to the male characters in a romance. So pitting the self-depreciating Oliver with the confident, nothing-will-stop-me-from-reaching-my-goals Blake was such a delicious pairing! The characters aren’t really opposites, for they had so much in common that neither had the chance to explore in college, so watching them reconnect helped give this novel smooth pacing throughout.
My only, minor, complaint about the story centers around some of the subplots. Blake’s side project was fascinating but got wrapped up, I felt, a bit too cleanly and was a bit unsatisfying of an “end” to me, but then again, I love true crime mysteries so that’s totally just a me issue. Hopefully the drama with Diamond Moon makes an appearance in later books in this series! It also takes Blake and Oliver awhile to get to that point where the tension between them is just too much to handle. I didn’t mind it but I know some romance readers may get frustrated if they don’t know that going into this book. But, all-in-all, I vastly enjoyed this story! And not just because Blake and I share a city and also a degree, either. Axelrod touches on so many topics outside of just the “when will these two get together?” story line that just tick so many boxes for me. Like the unique take of “the casting couch” we get in this story, so just be aware if that’s triggering, but I loved that it was included in order to make such a well-rounded story. So, of course, this is another 5 star read for me and I can’t wait for even more books by this author! And thanks to Milk & Cookies marketing for the eARC for an honest review.
I’m always a sucker for friends-to-lovers and Axelrod does that so, so well. But what I loved about our MMC is just how soft he is. Oliver is kind of shy and a bit demisexual; it makes him a wonderful contrast to his best friend who is a super confident actor who delights in the casual fling. Oliver is sensitive, a writer who cares deeply for people and may be too much of a people-pleaser for his own good. His growth in this novel was one of my favorite things to witness. He and Brandon have a wonderfully complex and deep friendship but it is almost toxic in its codependency, and watching Oliver and Brandon come to terms with that and both grow from it was wonderful, and not something you see a lot when it comes to the male characters in a romance. So pitting the self-depreciating Oliver with the confident, nothing-will-stop-me-from-reaching-my-goals Blake was such a delicious pairing! The characters aren’t really opposites, for they had so much in common that neither had the chance to explore in college, so watching them reconnect helped give this novel smooth pacing throughout.
My only, minor, complaint about the story centers around some of the subplots. Blake’s side project was fascinating but got wrapped up, I felt, a bit too cleanly and was a bit unsatisfying of an “end” to me, but then again, I love true crime mysteries so that’s totally just a me issue. Hopefully the drama with Diamond Moon makes an appearance in later books in this series! It also takes Blake and Oliver awhile to get to that point where the tension between them is just too much to handle. I didn’t mind it but I know some romance readers may get frustrated if they don’t know that going into this book. But, all-in-all, I vastly enjoyed this story! And not just because Blake and I share a city and also a degree, either. Axelrod touches on so many topics outside of just the “when will these two get together?” story line that just tick so many boxes for me. Like the unique take of “the casting couch” we get in this story, so just be aware if that’s triggering, but I loved that it was included in order to make such a well-rounded story. So, of course, this is another 5 star read for me and I can’t wait for even more books by this author! And thanks to Milk & Cookies marketing for the eARC for an honest review.
March 30, 2025
Picked up this book randomly and happy that I did. I give this 3.5 stars.
A second chance story that involves three friends from college bumping into each other a couple of years later. Blake and Ollie were great friends in college but she never understood why Ollie was friends with Brandon. Brandon was cocky and acted like he didn't care about anyone but himself. He ends up getting a story pulled from Blake in school. The whole thing ends with Blake disappearing and not being friends with Ollie anymore.
Love that Blake wants to be taken serious as a journalist and follow in her grandfather's footsteps. It sucks that she has to work for a tabloid-based type of newspaper until she can do her dream job. I love how ambitious she is. In addition, she takes on a side project investigating Diamond Moon, which is an agency convincing kids that they can make all their dreams come true by turning their lives upside down. She hopes that maybe the editor in chief would give her a chance to do more serious stories. Instead, her b*tch of a boss Sonja throws her on a celebrity puff piece. Blake is in for a surprise when she finds out the piece is about Brandon. The guy who threw her under the bus. She also finds out that Ollie is his assistant too.
Ollie is my type of guy. He is so shy and a little insecure in public but an absolute freak in the bedroom lol. The book has a very slow burn with about two scenes a seductive Ollie. He is also ambitious but afraid to take that leap of pursuing his dreams in a career and with Blake.
Brandon is the one who has a big 180 moment in the book. I love that this character starts one way, and you find out so much about him that makes him likeable. The book is based around him being the main story, but you find out at the end why he is such an interest piece for the newspaper.
A second chance story that involves three friends from college bumping into each other a couple of years later. Blake and Ollie were great friends in college but she never understood why Ollie was friends with Brandon. Brandon was cocky and acted like he didn't care about anyone but himself. He ends up getting a story pulled from Blake in school. The whole thing ends with Blake disappearing and not being friends with Ollie anymore.
Love that Blake wants to be taken serious as a journalist and follow in her grandfather's footsteps. It sucks that she has to work for a tabloid-based type of newspaper until she can do her dream job. I love how ambitious she is. In addition, she takes on a side project investigating Diamond Moon, which is an agency convincing kids that they can make all their dreams come true by turning their lives upside down. She hopes that maybe the editor in chief would give her a chance to do more serious stories. Instead, her b*tch of a boss Sonja throws her on a celebrity puff piece. Blake is in for a surprise when she finds out the piece is about Brandon. The guy who threw her under the bus. She also finds out that Ollie is his assistant too.
Ollie is my type of guy. He is so shy and a little insecure in public but an absolute freak in the bedroom lol. The book has a very slow burn with about two scenes a seductive Ollie. He is also ambitious but afraid to take that leap of pursuing his dreams in a career and with Blake.
Brandon is the one who has a big 180 moment in the book. I love that this character starts one way, and you find out so much about him that makes him likeable. The book is based around him being the main story, but you find out at the end why he is such an interest piece for the newspaper.
August 6, 2023
Blake is a journalist who along the way has ended up covering celebrities instead of following in her grandfathers’ footsteps and making a difference. She’s tasked with shadowing a film star for an in-depth profile and she sees it as an opportunity to finally make a name for herself. She never expected it would reunite her with her old college crush.
Oliver moved to LA to work as an executive assistant for his best friend, a rising star. He hopes it will give him direction. He soon realizes that Hollywood is no different than a college fraternity.
Blake and Ollie are smart enough to realize that there are sparks between them, but they agree to keep a lid on things until Blake is done with her piece. This proves easier said than done when they’re forced to spend countless hours together. Can they resist temptation?
This one had a really interesting premise, and I was excited to dig in. This one started out as a slow burn and then the pacing really picked up. After I got over that initial hump, I couldn’t put this one down. The writing was very relatable and enjoyable. I enjoyed how wonderfully the characters were written. They were flawed and relatable, but very fun and had some great growth over the course of the book. This book had a lot of passion written in the pages.
If you’re looking for a fun romance to end your summer, then check this one out.
This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be the last.
Thank you so much to @getredbooks, @xioaxelrod, @1001darknights_blueboxpress and @netgalley for an ARC copy of this one in exchange for an honest review.
Oliver moved to LA to work as an executive assistant for his best friend, a rising star. He hopes it will give him direction. He soon realizes that Hollywood is no different than a college fraternity.
Blake and Ollie are smart enough to realize that there are sparks between them, but they agree to keep a lid on things until Blake is done with her piece. This proves easier said than done when they’re forced to spend countless hours together. Can they resist temptation?
This one had a really interesting premise, and I was excited to dig in. This one started out as a slow burn and then the pacing really picked up. After I got over that initial hump, I couldn’t put this one down. The writing was very relatable and enjoyable. I enjoyed how wonderfully the characters were written. They were flawed and relatable, but very fun and had some great growth over the course of the book. This book had a lot of passion written in the pages.
If you’re looking for a fun romance to end your summer, then check this one out.
This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be the last.
Thank you so much to @getredbooks, @xioaxelrod, @1001darknights_blueboxpress and @netgalley for an ARC copy of this one in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2023
3.5 stars
A second chance for two friends with mutual adoration and brewing chemistry.
Oliver and Blake are the couple that almost happened but were separated before they could really start. Love on the Byline brings them back together to discover the underlying chemistry they both felt never faded.
Oliver and Blake are both dynamic characters. Axelrod gives them interesting layers that she peals away throughout the story. While this does have a Hollywood setting, the story takes you “behind the scenes” with Oliver, the assistant and best friend to the movie star, and Blake, the cub reporter assigned to write an exclusive article about the movie star.
I enjoyed the scenes from Blake’s perspective as the inquisitive reporter, getting her insights and observations as she builds her article.
Love on the Byline spends a good amount of time developing the characters. Axelrod teases you with character secrets and intentions and carefully reveals them throughout the story. Because of this, the book has a slow pace as she builds this Hollywood world and the character arcs. This book does bring some steamy moments, but like the story, it’s a slow burn.
There is one part of the storyline, a “mystery” that Blake is investigating, that does not get resolved in this book. I’m invested and need book two now, so I know what happens.
Note: Love on the Byline has some potential content/trigger warnings. Please check the author’s website before reading.
An advanced copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
A second chance for two friends with mutual adoration and brewing chemistry.
Oliver and Blake are the couple that almost happened but were separated before they could really start. Love on the Byline brings them back together to discover the underlying chemistry they both felt never faded.
Oliver and Blake are both dynamic characters. Axelrod gives them interesting layers that she peals away throughout the story. While this does have a Hollywood setting, the story takes you “behind the scenes” with Oliver, the assistant and best friend to the movie star, and Blake, the cub reporter assigned to write an exclusive article about the movie star.
I enjoyed the scenes from Blake’s perspective as the inquisitive reporter, getting her insights and observations as she builds her article.
Love on the Byline spends a good amount of time developing the characters. Axelrod teases you with character secrets and intentions and carefully reveals them throughout the story. Because of this, the book has a slow pace as she builds this Hollywood world and the character arcs. This book does bring some steamy moments, but like the story, it’s a slow burn.
There is one part of the storyline, a “mystery” that Blake is investigating, that does not get resolved in this book. I’m invested and need book two now, so I know what happens.
Note: Love on the Byline has some potential content/trigger warnings. Please check the author’s website before reading.
An advanced copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2023
Xio Axelrod has created a swoony second chance romance in the background of Hollywood where fame and riches stay side by side with scandals and secrets. Blake and Oliver went from being good friends with unrequited crush in college to accidental co worker and finally soulmates. Hollywood's glitz, glamour and the contradictory sides make a vivid and interesting background for their slow burn love story. Blake is a very strong and inspiring heroine with her solid opinions, her sharp wit, her big heart and her unique way to see everything in depth than others. Oliver is someone who makes you swoon. Smart men with a fierce protectiveness and sensitivity are my weak points when it comes to book boyfriends and he scored full marks in my book!
Oliver and Blake years after college when Blake gets an exclusive assignment to do a feature on Brandon Cody, the rising Hollywood star and Oliver's best friend aka employer and Blake's not so favorite person from college. Celeb news in LA Gazette isn't her dream job as she wants to do gritty investigative journalism and this is just a pit stop. But this brings them closer. As Blake finds out slowly how ruthless Hollywood can be and Oliver tries his best to show Blake that his friend isn’t the villain media portrays him to be, their love blooms too.
If you love to read stories with Hollywood and journalism background, you will love Love on the Byline. Blake is almost the alpha here. She has fierce opinions those she is not afraid to voice. She is also not scared to chase gritty stories those matter like the manipulative people under the blinding lights of Hollywood. She had her reservation about Brandon based on her experience in college but she tackled everything professionally and honestly giving the misunderstood playboy a fair chance. Oliver does everything so right that you cannot find anything other than perfection in him! He is loyal friend. He looks after Bran with everything. He always helps others. He is humble and shy. His first priority is Bran while he is ignoring or minimizing his own achievements in screenwriting. He is exceptionally talented but for him, relationship is more important than fame and money. Their story was a super slow burn as they tried to resist the burning chemistry and emotional connection because of their work situation but it was ultimately in vein. Blake inspired him and pushed him. And he gave Blake true unconditional love. This is ultimately the story of how good triumphed over evil. With a little romance tucked in the way.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily through Netgalley
Oliver and Blake years after college when Blake gets an exclusive assignment to do a feature on Brandon Cody, the rising Hollywood star and Oliver's best friend aka employer and Blake's not so favorite person from college. Celeb news in LA Gazette isn't her dream job as she wants to do gritty investigative journalism and this is just a pit stop. But this brings them closer. As Blake finds out slowly how ruthless Hollywood can be and Oliver tries his best to show Blake that his friend isn’t the villain media portrays him to be, their love blooms too.
If you love to read stories with Hollywood and journalism background, you will love Love on the Byline. Blake is almost the alpha here. She has fierce opinions those she is not afraid to voice. She is also not scared to chase gritty stories those matter like the manipulative people under the blinding lights of Hollywood. She had her reservation about Brandon based on her experience in college but she tackled everything professionally and honestly giving the misunderstood playboy a fair chance. Oliver does everything so right that you cannot find anything other than perfection in him! He is loyal friend. He looks after Bran with everything. He always helps others. He is humble and shy. His first priority is Bran while he is ignoring or minimizing his own achievements in screenwriting. He is exceptionally talented but for him, relationship is more important than fame and money. Their story was a super slow burn as they tried to resist the burning chemistry and emotional connection because of their work situation but it was ultimately in vein. Blake inspired him and pushed him. And he gave Blake true unconditional love. This is ultimately the story of how good triumphed over evil. With a little romance tucked in the way.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily through Netgalley
August 29, 2023
3.5 Stars
Love on the Byline is an endearing romantic tale and slow burn. What truly captured my interest was the backdrop of journalism and celebrity reporting. I love the tension that this kind of romance has between characters.
The two central characters, Ollie and Blake, a friendship during their college days, which unfortunately crumbled due to the actions of Ollie's friend, Bran.
Fast-forward to the present, and Blake finds herself tasked with composing an article about an actor, who surprisingly turns out to be Bran. What adds an additional layer of complexity is that Ollie, now serving as Bran's manager and assistant.
The romance between Ollie and Blake is a gradual and tantalizing build, a simmering connection reigniting as they navigate their renewed bond. Amidst the romantic journey, the narrative strongly emphasizes the theme of friendship, allowing characters to evolve from their past selves, reacquainting with each other despite the surrounding gossip and manufactured public personas.
Incorporating an engaging journalism mystery, the story masterfully unravels, captivating readers as the layers of intrigue unfold. This novel proves to be an enjoyable read, particularly due to its skillful merging of romance, friendship, and the enigmatic world of celebrity reporting.
Love on the Byline is an endearing romantic tale and slow burn. What truly captured my interest was the backdrop of journalism and celebrity reporting. I love the tension that this kind of romance has between characters.
The two central characters, Ollie and Blake, a friendship during their college days, which unfortunately crumbled due to the actions of Ollie's friend, Bran.
Fast-forward to the present, and Blake finds herself tasked with composing an article about an actor, who surprisingly turns out to be Bran. What adds an additional layer of complexity is that Ollie, now serving as Bran's manager and assistant.
The romance between Ollie and Blake is a gradual and tantalizing build, a simmering connection reigniting as they navigate their renewed bond. Amidst the romantic journey, the narrative strongly emphasizes the theme of friendship, allowing characters to evolve from their past selves, reacquainting with each other despite the surrounding gossip and manufactured public personas.
Incorporating an engaging journalism mystery, the story masterfully unravels, captivating readers as the layers of intrigue unfold. This novel proves to be an enjoyable read, particularly due to its skillful merging of romance, friendship, and the enigmatic world of celebrity reporting.
February 8, 2024
I really really enjoyed this book. Though at times I found myself a little wary of the FMC (she def had a chip on her shoulder, and I *get* it), the story unraveled nicely. I liked that there was a bit more to the plot. It wasn’t just the romance, and the world the author took us into was pretty interesting.
The MMC, Oliver Benjamin (two first names) was adorable. He was really cute and caring and patient which are great qualities to have in a main character. The romance between Blake and him unraveled slowly, and it was lovely to see the little hints of vulnerability. I love when we get to watch people get to know each other in a romance. I feel like I get to understand why they like each other, beyond just their looks, and this was done wonderfully.
While I enjoyed the novel as a whole, there were points where it felt a bit long. There was a bit too much going on and I don’t think it really added much. Nevertheless, I still can’t wait to read another novel by this author!
4.5 rounded to 4
The MMC, Oliver Benjamin (two first names) was adorable. He was really cute and caring and patient which are great qualities to have in a main character. The romance between Blake and him unraveled slowly, and it was lovely to see the little hints of vulnerability. I love when we get to watch people get to know each other in a romance. I feel like I get to understand why they like each other, beyond just their looks, and this was done wonderfully.
While I enjoyed the novel as a whole, there were points where it felt a bit long. There was a bit too much going on and I don’t think it really added much. Nevertheless, I still can’t wait to read another novel by this author!
4.5 rounded to 4
August 28, 2023
Cute but I was hoping for more.
You can expect:
▪️Friends to lovers
▪️Second chance
▪️Slow burn
▪️Dual POV
▪️Known each other since college
▪️Screenwriter / movie star’s assistant MMC
▪️Journalist FMC
▪️On page 🌶️
Blake is a reluctant gossip columnist dreaming of making a difference in investigative journalism. After she’s been given the task of shadowing an up and coming movie star, she is reunited with his assistant, an old college crush…
Some of my thoughts:
📍The book starts off with a ‘then’ chapter before it moves on to the present timeline, ‘now.’ I thought this was a great idea, it gave good context and backstory to the character dynamics. If I could make a slight critique, it would be that the ‘then’ segment could have been more elaborate, spanning across more time. In the present timeline the characters seemed to mean more to each other than the brief backstory chapter led me to believe.
📍I really quite liked the characters. FMC Blake was smart, compassionate and driven. MMC Oliver was sweet and sensitive yet masculine. I did feel however that they each lacked some depth. Family history and interactions were pretty much non existent and I find that really important in helping to understand a character. I also found them hard to know beyond their careers. Hobbies, interests, varying character interactions and character quirks are just the start of a list that I could elaborate on. It’s these things that help me to invest in characters at a deeper level.
📍I did love that this was a dual POV romance. I always want this in romance.
📍I was very pleased that the sex scenes were open door, this is my preference but there were some lines during the scenes that I found a bit cringey.
📍All in all, I just found the plot lacked excitement. From start to finish I don’t feel like much happened and the stakes were reasonably low.
📍As I neared the end of the book I found myself confused by the trajectory of the series. I wouldn't want to read another book about this couple (this romance has now done its dash) but an entire subplot, surrounding the FMC’s investigation into a talent agency preying upon vulnerable young artists, was left completely unresolved. That was arguably the most interesting part of the book and that storyline stalled, leaving me with no hints to how/when/if it might start up again.
📍I’d like to mention that it was initially the cover that drew me to this book. I think it’s very visually appealing!
Memorable quotes:
✨ ‘The feeling he stirred in her was more than just desire-it was connection. Recognition. Something deeper and more primal than lust. Not love, but a pathway to it.’
✨ ‘Loving her wasn’t a surprise as much as it was a revelation.’
Disclosure:
🖊️ I received an ARC of this book for free through 1000 Dark Nights & Blue Box Press. This review is my own, features my honest thoughts and I am leaving this review voluntarily for free.
You can expect:
▪️Friends to lovers
▪️Second chance
▪️Slow burn
▪️Dual POV
▪️Known each other since college
▪️Screenwriter / movie star’s assistant MMC
▪️Journalist FMC
▪️On page 🌶️
Blake is a reluctant gossip columnist dreaming of making a difference in investigative journalism. After she’s been given the task of shadowing an up and coming movie star, she is reunited with his assistant, an old college crush…
Some of my thoughts:
📍The book starts off with a ‘then’ chapter before it moves on to the present timeline, ‘now.’ I thought this was a great idea, it gave good context and backstory to the character dynamics. If I could make a slight critique, it would be that the ‘then’ segment could have been more elaborate, spanning across more time. In the present timeline the characters seemed to mean more to each other than the brief backstory chapter led me to believe.
📍I really quite liked the characters. FMC Blake was smart, compassionate and driven. MMC Oliver was sweet and sensitive yet masculine. I did feel however that they each lacked some depth. Family history and interactions were pretty much non existent and I find that really important in helping to understand a character. I also found them hard to know beyond their careers. Hobbies, interests, varying character interactions and character quirks are just the start of a list that I could elaborate on. It’s these things that help me to invest in characters at a deeper level.
📍I did love that this was a dual POV romance. I always want this in romance.
📍I was very pleased that the sex scenes were open door, this is my preference but there were some lines during the scenes that I found a bit cringey.
📍All in all, I just found the plot lacked excitement. From start to finish I don’t feel like much happened and the stakes were reasonably low.
📍As I neared the end of the book I found myself confused by the trajectory of the series. I wouldn't want to read another book about this couple (this romance has now done its dash) but an entire subplot, surrounding the FMC’s investigation into a talent agency preying upon vulnerable young artists, was left completely unresolved. That was arguably the most interesting part of the book and that storyline stalled, leaving me with no hints to how/when/if it might start up again.
📍I’d like to mention that it was initially the cover that drew me to this book. I think it’s very visually appealing!
Memorable quotes:
✨ ‘The feeling he stirred in her was more than just desire-it was connection. Recognition. Something deeper and more primal than lust. Not love, but a pathway to it.’
✨ ‘Loving her wasn’t a surprise as much as it was a revelation.’
Disclosure:
🖊️ I received an ARC of this book for free through 1000 Dark Nights & Blue Box Press. This review is my own, features my honest thoughts and I am leaving this review voluntarily for free.
August 11, 2023
Blake is a journalist working for the LA Gazette and barely getting by. She is tasked with a story on the famed actor, Brandon Cody, who she has know since college. She doesn’t count on seeing her college crush, Oliver, who is Brandon’s assistant, again in the process.
This was a good story. I enjoyed Blake as a MC, as well as Oliver and Brandon. I like how the book opened in the “then” time period of their college days, so the reader can see how these three characters were connected from many years ago.
I wish the college relationship was expanded on a little bit more because I love a good back story. While I enjoyed Blake’s career plot line, I wanted more about the “mystery” article she was going to research, but I think that will be book 2 in this series. Overall, a good rom com!
Thank you milk and cookies marketing for my arc.
This was a good story. I enjoyed Blake as a MC, as well as Oliver and Brandon. I like how the book opened in the “then” time period of their college days, so the reader can see how these three characters were connected from many years ago.
I wish the college relationship was expanded on a little bit more because I love a good back story. While I enjoyed Blake’s career plot line, I wanted more about the “mystery” article she was going to research, but I think that will be book 2 in this series. Overall, a good rom com!
Thank you milk and cookies marketing for my arc.
August 28, 2023
I really liked the story of three friends (Oliver, Blake, and Bran) that reconnect after college and that two of them have some issues (B&B) that they need to work out. The other two of them (O&B) have to decide their feelings for each other and whether they want to pursue a relationship.
Blake was such an amazing character and reporter in the story. She made the most of a story she didn't really want to do in the beginning but what drew me to her was her desire to sniff out a company who was pulling kids in for nefarious purposes but promising them that they could get their stardom.
Oliver is such a good person. It's kind of hard to know why he stuck by Bran for so long but once you get the story, it really puts in perspective true friendship.
I can't wait for the series to continue.
Blake was such an amazing character and reporter in the story. She made the most of a story she didn't really want to do in the beginning but what drew me to her was her desire to sniff out a company who was pulling kids in for nefarious purposes but promising them that they could get their stardom.
Oliver is such a good person. It's kind of hard to know why he stuck by Bran for so long but once you get the story, it really puts in perspective true friendship.
I can't wait for the series to continue.
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