On The Record

by Kimberly Page

Headlines, Heartbreak… and One Accidental “I Do.”
Book Three in the Backlot Series – A Fake Marriage, Rivals-to-Lovers Romance

She’s Hollywood’s fiercest journalist. He’s the PR golden boy she loves to hate. Waking up married in Vegas was not part of the plan.

Jess Lexington has built her career on exposing the truth—especially in an industry built on spin. Lucas Carmichael, Wonderland Studios' slick head of PR, is her professional nemesis and the one man who knows exactly how to get under her skin. But when a wild night in Vegas ends with wedding rings and a viral video, their latest headline is about them.

To protect their reputations—and their jobs—they agree to play the part of Hollywood’s newest power couple. Cameras roll. Sparks fly. And what starts as a temporary fix turns into something far too real.

But when a career-defining story threatens to unravel everything, Jess is forced to choose between the truth she’s always believed in and the man who’s become more than just her fake husband.

Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers banter, fake relationships, forced proximity, and sizzling chemistry, On the Record is a sharp, sexy romance about power, passion, and the fine line between love and war.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, Romance, Fake Dating

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2025

About the author

Kimberly Page is a contemporary romance author who loves writing about strong heroines and the irresistible heroes who fall for them. After a career spent crafting stories for major players in the entertainment industry, she decided it was time to create stories of her own. Drawing from her experiences in Hollywood, she wrote her debut novel Second Act, the first book in The Backlot series, which is set against the backdrop of the entertainment world.

When she’s not writing, you can find Kimberly planning for beach time, at a theme park with her daughter, or getting lost in a good sports romance book. Follow her on TikTok and Instagram for news and updates.

Reviews

[madi [semi-ia] · Rating 4 out of 5]

⋆˙⟡ — 3.75 stars
𐙚 spoiler-free review ♡

♡ ⋆｡˚ thoughts
this is the second book i’ve read by kimberly page and omg she delivered once again 🥹 her writing just pulls you in so effortlessly — i was hooked from the very beginning. the only thing holding me back from rating this higher is the fact that it leaned more into insta-lust than a slow burn — and i definitely prefer more tension and development in my romances 😩 still, it was such a fun story and super easy to fly through 🙈

♡ ⋆｡˚ characters

♡ ⋆｡˚ jess
jess was such a strong, independent, and stubborn character in the best way. she knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to stand her ground, even when things got complicated. i loved how she carried herself with so much confidence. but you could still see those more vulnerable moments peek through her.

♡ ⋆｡˚ lucas
lucas was the kind of love interest who just gets it — smooth, protective, and the perfect amount of swoony 🫠 he had such a confident, put-together energy but still showed his soft side in the moments that mattered. i loved how loyal and supportive he was without ever crossing the line into controlling. like he really showed up for jess 🤭 he had his flaws, sure, but that just made his growth feel even more satisfying.

♡ ⋆｡˚ their relationship
i’m such a sucker for the fake marriage trope, so i knew i was gonna love their dynamic. their moments together had me smiling so hard. i loved how they challenged each other but still felt like a team, even in the messiest moments, there was this undeniable pull between them that made the romance feel so worth it 💓

♡ ⋆｡˚ final thoughts
i can’t wait to see what other books kimberly page releases next because i’m definitely reading them 😋

♡ 𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔 ♡
Rivals to Lovers
Fake marriage
Forced Proximity
Slow burn
Workplace Romance

thank you to love notes pr for the arc ♡

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ pre-read ♡⋆°｡⋆𐙚
⤷ rivals to lovers, fake marriage, forced proximity?? sold!! 🤭

[Em ౨ৎ (semi-inactive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⋆⋅˚₊‧🩰♡🦢⋆⋅˚₊

— 3.5 stars
⤿ 7/7/25 - 7/9/25

"Love isn't what you expect it to be, Jess. It's not the fairy tales or the romance novels. It's finding the person who makes the hard things easier and the good things better. The person who sees all your jagged edges and sharp corners and isn't intimidated by them.

︵‿୨♡୧‿︵

i. book review

Fuck it I love you — Lana Del Rey

I enjoyed reading this so much, even though it was marked as enemies to lovers, its more of a insta-lust + dislike and eventually turned to lovers trope!! The first chapter being a flashback to how they met and establishing the dislike was OMGG, it was so good and well thought out. It seems to be a common theme in fake marriages that they get drunk in Vegas and get married but I always eat it up!!! The drunk scenes in Vegas had me giggling and it was just fun seeing everyone believe they were dating.

The fake relationship to real relationship was so slow in the best way possible, they slowly realized they enjoyed to spend time with one another and didn't want to be apart.

Kimberly has a really well writing style that just flowed with the story.

︵‿୨♡୧‿︵

ii. quotes

➷ “I wonder what Jess is doing right now. If she's laughing with Stella and Blair over wine, or already curled up in bed in that tiny shorts set. And the noise around me fades. Just long enough for me to realize: I miss her. Which is stupid. I've only been gone a few hours. But it already feels like its been weeks.“

➷ “But as I crawl into bed, I can't help but replaying the kiss in my mind, analyzing every moment, every sensation. Practice has never felt so exposive.“

︵‿୨♡୧‿︵


🌷┇ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝

A rivals to lovers, fake dating, hollywood romance, slow-burn, WITH ONLY ONE BED???? UGHHHH this just sounds like the perfect book and like I'm gonna be up all night reading it omggg

Thank you LoveNotes PR for the ARC!!!

[The Bern Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from Love Notes PR in exchange for an honest review.

On The Record is book three in the Backlot series. When Hollywood’s fiercest journalist and PR golden boy end up accidentally married after a drunken night in Vegas, these professional rivals realize that this is a strategic opportunity to advance their careers. But, during that drunken night in Vegas, they agree to be the stars of a documentary about Hollywood power couples. Now, Jess and Lucas must pretend to be madly in love in front of the cameras while barely tolerating each other off screen. As they blur the line between on screen and off screen feelings, their working relationship starts to get a bit hazy.

While this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone! I did not read the others, but I wish I had! Jess and Lucas were such a power couple! Jess was a strong, fierce journalist who handled her reporting with the highest level of integrity. Lucas was the master of spin at his PR firm, but always maintained the truth in all his work. When these two got together, I could instantly see their chemistry. Working alongside each other as rivals for years, it was clear they had a lot of built up tension. Their marriage was truly one of convenience on both ends! It was a mutually beneficial agreement, and this was very evident on page. The two never held the agreement against the other, which I love! No spoilers, but I love that Jess never lost her integrity the entire time, even when faced with a challenging story. The only thing I wish I saw more of was the romance. There was a decent amount, but I wish we got to see a bit more of the feelings developing as they explored their relationship on and off camera.

Overall, this was such a cute read! I would highly recommend! I will be going back to read the other books in the series.

[Priyanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

On The Record by Kimberly Page is a sharp, sizzling entry in The Backlot Series, delivering a heady blend of enemies-to-lovers tension, accidental marriage chaos, and Hollywood drama. The story centers on Jess Lexington, a fearless entertainment journalist known for exposing industry secrets, and Lucas Carmichael, the slick PR head of Wonderland Studios—her professional nemesis and personal headache. When a wild night in Vegas ends with wedding rings and a viral video, they’re forced into a fake-marriage charade as Hollywood’s latest power couple.

What begins as a damage-control arrangement quickly spirals into something far more intimate. The author writes their emotional evolution with finesse, steering away from dramatic declarations in favor of small, selfless acts that gradually chip away at their biases. Their banter crackles, their chemistry smolders, and the slow realization of who they truly are beneath the reputations is deeply satisfying. The reunion scene is a chef's kiss — written with understated emotion and impactful simplicity that lands perfectly.

While the plot plays with familiar tropes, the execution feels fresh and emotionally authentic. If you’re craving romance with snark, steam, and just enough scandal, On The Record proves that sometimes the best stories are the ones you never meant to write.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake marriage, rivals-to-lovers done right! Good story, solid characters, and a relationship you could believe. It also handled the serious topic of sexual harassment well. And when push came to shove and the characters had a disagreement, they took time to address and discuss the issue instead of turning it into a huge misunderstanding. I enjoyed Kimberly Page’s writing and will for sure be reading more from this author.

[Dimitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

On The Record ✨
Love or Duty?

Firstly I want to thank LoveNotes Pr & Kimberly Page for trusting me with this ARC!

HOW I LOVE A GOOD WORKPLACE ROMANCE!💚
Jess,THE Hollywood's journalist & Lucas,the PR golden boy,woke up in Vegas,MARRIED while every headline writes their name.So,playing the loving married couple is the one & only solution in order to maintain their good reputations.The need only 6 months together,six months and it will be over,or not?
Page's book was one of the best rom-coms I have read in this summer.From the start it was so hillarious,with everything that can go wrong for the protagonists actually happening.I love the drunk & Vegas trope so much,even this time it was so good written that I could stop laughing.Added if you take into consideration the back story of those two it was even more funny.
Her writting was fast-paced,with many things happening constantly,yet their romance was slow,slow burn-you know the one that when the flame starts ,it cannot be stopped in any way.I really enjoyed their connection,in & out of the bedroom,and I was constantly like,you guys SHOULD have already been together!
On the other hand ,On The Recond adresses some topics of gender inequality in the workplace,and we can see from Jess's eyes,how hard is for a woman to make herself great in a man centered world, more specifically what she has to give up in order to achieve it.Oh,God I am SO PROUD of that lady!
Lastly,I love that towards the end she adds a dramatic twist,in order to make the action pop, with us readers being on the edge of our seat until everything clears again.

out on July,7th🌶️
4⭐

[Ari Talks Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a single night. It’s such a cute little story. Jess and Lucas meet (insta-lust situation), but he immediately offends her and they end up professional rivals for the next eight years. I hesitate to call this a true enemies to lovers, because even though they didn’t like each other, there was always this undercurrent of mutual respect…and serious chemistry.

I’m a sucker for a fake marriage/fake dating trope. I will eat it up every single time, and this one absolutely delivered.
I also really appreciated the way the book handled sexual harassment; it felt raw, real, and honest. If you’re a woman, you know the tightrope walk - trying not to offend someone (especially in a work setting), while still holding a firm boundary. Jess’s experience was unfortunately relatable in all the right ways.

The communication between Lucas and Jess? Top tier. Sure, there’s the usual “should I tell them?” tension you expect in a romance like this, but when conflict does happen, they actually talk it through like real, emotionally mature adults. Growth! Accountability! We love to see it.

The only thing that pulled me out a little was the phrase “challenges me” being used a lot. Felt like seven different times. But that’s such a small nitpick in the grand scheme of a story I really enjoyed.

I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series and I’m very ready for Stella and Brandon’s story!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimberly Page delivers a perfect summer read in On the Record (available today on Kindle Unlimited or wherever you buy books).

✅ Witty banter
✅ Palpable chemistry
✅ Hot spice
✅ Supportive cast of characters
✅ Nontoxic FMC and MMC

Jess and Lucas have orbited each other's world for years; first, personally as Lucas was teammates with Jess' brother at USC, then as professional adversaries on opposite sides of the entertainment news industry. While both have always seen their banter as a sign of hate, what happens when they're constant need to one-up each other ends in a drunken wedding neither remember and a documentary displaying their "love" for all the world to see?

While the set up may sound cliche, Page creates complex characters that have more going on than just this sudden predicament. There's some family drama, some professional conflict, and even some family drama that causes professional conflict for Jess and Lucas to navigate as nearly every one around them cheers on the newlyweds.

Thank you, Love Notes PR for this ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed diving into Jess and Lucas' story over a very rainy July 4th weekend.

[kait! · Rating 5 out of 5]

rivals, but make it romantic 💘 | 5⭐️’s | 💒💻🎥⚾️🎙️🗞️

thank you to Kimberly Page & Love Notes PR for the ARC! 💌 this had everything: fake marriage in vegas 👰🏼‍♀️, forced proximity🏡, and banter that made me giggle out loud. jess and lucas had me swooning with every little look and bicker. the chemistry?? unreal. and when it all finally came together, it hit me right in the feels.

if you love chaotic dynamics, the one bed trope, and fake dating with FEELINGS, this one’s a must 🫶🏼

[Clara Gilleland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a forced proximity/marriage of convenience/enemies to lovers book and this one delivered all these tropes perfectly!

The tension between these two had me hooked from the start! I adore this series, and as someone whose boyfriend actively works in the film industry, I have a serious appreciation for just how accurately the industry is portrayed.

Thank you to Love Notes PR for this eARC!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, a huge thank you to Love Notes PR for another incredible ARC! Honestly, at this point, I can't get enough of their releases.

Now, let's dive in. "On The Record" is a riot from the very first page. We follow Jess Lexington, a no-nonsense journalist with a razor-sharp focus on uncovering the truth, and Lucas Carmichael, the slick PR golden boy she loves to hate. Their chemistry is palpable right from the start, but not in a good way—more like oil and water.
After one wild night in Vegas, though, things take a sharp turn. The two wake up married, and suddenly, they’re not just professional rivals—they’re the story, one that goes viral in a way neither of them expected.
Forced to play the role of Hollywood’s newest power couple to protect their careers, Jess and Lucas try to keep up appearances, but the line between fake and real quickly blurs. As their ‘romance’ begins to feel more real than they ever anticipated, Jess is faced with a tough choice: stick to her journalistic integrity or follow her heart—and Lucas might just have a little something to do with that.

I was completely hooked from the start. I finished this book in less than a day—and honestly, I wasn’t even surprised by that because it was just that good.

Jess is everything you want in a strong female lead. She’s fierce, unapologetically confident, and never shies away from a challenge. Her growth throughout the story is incredible, from keeping people at arm’s length to learning the art of vulnerability—even if it means risking everything she’s worked for. Her transformation from guarded journalist to someone who’s willing to let down her walls? Chef’s kiss.

And Lucas? Oh boy, he’s the real deal. He’s smart, driven, and has such depth. While his PR job might make him seem like a smooth operator, he’s so much more than that. He’s constantly trying to prove he’s nothing like his father, and as the story unfolds, you can’t help but root for him. He’s the kind of guy who listens, cares, and does everything in his power to protect those he loves.

The best part? Watching them go from rivals who can barely stand each other to partners in crime. There’s a slow burn between them that had me flipping pages, and even when they didn’t want to admit how much they meant to each other, you could feel the pull. The tension was electric.

There’s something so beautiful about watching two people slowly fall for each other despite all their differences, and this book captured that perfectly. It left me feeling elated, but also a little bittersweet—as if I’d witnessed something I might never experience myself.

I had a great time reading this. It's got all the fun of a rivals-to-lovers story, plus that fake relationship dynamic I love. And while I'm sure the other books in the series are as good, I've got to say that Lucas and Jess are probably my favorite and hold a special place in my heart.

If you love rivals-to-lovers, a fake relationship, and characters who feel real, you should check this book out!

[rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the Record
by Kimberly Page

Rating Factors:
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing/Pacing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

Final Rating: 4.25 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes/Micro-tropes:
Fake Marriage
Rivals to Lovers
Only One Bed
Journalist FMC
PR Specialist MMC

Review

Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed these characters. The FMC, Jess Lexington, is a journalist who prioritizes integrity and truth, following in her mother’s footsteps. She is strong willed and not easily intimidated. The MMC, Lucas Carmichael, is a charming and confident PR Specialist. He is very talented at spinning stories in order to protect the studio. Under the surface however, he struggles with tense family dynamics. Jess and Lucas were fun to read about and I liked them as much individually as I did together.

Romance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The romance for Jess and Lucas begins after a hazy night in Vegas. Previously rivals, their dynamic begins to shift the longer their fake marriage goes on. I thought Jess and Lucas were perfect for each other. I loved that they gave as good as they got, but also genuinely respected each other. My only issue was the conflict towards the end. I didn’t think it was necessary and thought this book could’ve easily gotten away with not having any third act conflict.

Spice: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The spice in this book was really good. I loved that it didn’t just focus on the physical aspects, but the emotional intimacy between them as well.

Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a really fun storyline. I had never read a book with these particular occupations together, but it absolutely worked. Jess and Lucas’s personalities made them the perfect characters for this story. Everything worked together perfectly.

Writing/Pacing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I enjoyed the writing style and for the most part, thought this was really well written. It did move a little fast for me at times, but that’s just personal preference. My main issue was the third act conflict, as I stated previously. I just thought it wasn’t needed. It wasn’t the conflict itself, because I thought that was fine, as much as it was their reactions. It just didn’t feel like the right direction for their characters.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Overall, this was such a good read and I definitely recommend it. The characters and story were both fun and the romance was giggle and kick your feet worthy. I plan to keep an eye out for Kimberly Page’s books in the future.

Thank you Kimberly Page and Love Notes PR for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. “On the Record” will be available July 7th.

[🖤 alyssa 🩶 · Rating 5 out of 5]

On The Record was absolutely hilarious and spicy, while also having lots of super heartwarming content and slow-burn tension you can feel! I loved Jess and Lucas, and how their relationship progressed in a steamingly slow and tense way 🧡 Both characters are developed good and have so much growth. The plot is interesting, well written, funny, and it will definitely make you feel all warm inside and tug at your heartstrings at times!

Jess is a strong, bold, confident, and fierce woman, and I was loving how she could work a room and speak her mind with no fear of who she was talking to 😍 There was no exception for Lucas either! The way their relationship started off was pure gold, and it was something that rattled Jess, but right from the start she couldn’t deny—even if she tried—the spark that she had with Lucas. And oh man, this woman is bold and will take control not only in her work life, but also behind closed doors 😏🔥 As their connection builds, she begins to open up to him, and I loved seeing her be open and share parts of her life/herself that she doesn’t usually talk about 🧡 The way her character grows and develops, and her thoughts and opinions on Lucas changes, was well written and awesome to see!

Lucas had multiple sides to him and I loved them all!! He had me cracking up right from the beginning at his total blunder 🤭 But as he grew closer with Jess, he showed different sides of himself, and each one made his character even better! The struggles he has with his family take a toll on him, but seeing him work through things and have Jess by side through it all was so sweet 🥹 However, there was only red hot spiciness to be found when he was “working through things” with Jess… The way he treats her and the intimacy of things, sheesh!! 🥵 His feelings and thoughts towards Jess change a lot, and it was interesting and honestly really cute that when he first started realizing that things may be more, there was a lot of things that clicked in his head 🧡

The connection that Jess and Lucas have and the way it builds, will keep you hooked! The banter flows so naturally between them, and their relationships with their friend groups and families only add another great layer to the story, and they all also interacted and mixed in easily with one another! This was a great read that pulled out all the emotions, and brought laughs and spice too, and I really enjoyed it 🧡

[BookishLatinaJenn (Jennifer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🗞 On the Record by Kimberly Page
🖊️ Thank you to Kimberly Page and Love Notes PR for the ARC. This was everything I wanted and more... and yes, I stayed up WAY too late reading, and yes, I also absolutely dropped into Kimberly’s DMs like a woman possessed. Worth it.

Trope Breakdown:
💍 Fake Marriage
🔥 Rivals to Lovers
📺 Workplace Romance
🎤 Journalist FMC / PR Specialist MMC
😤 Enemies-ish to Lovers Slow Burn
💋 Swoony, Spicy Banter

Jess Lexington is that girl. Sharp, stubborn, and fearless, especially when it comes to chasing truth in a world full of spin. Lucas Carmichael? Her PR nemesis and the last man she ever expected to marry. But after a chaotic Vegas night and a surprise wedding, these two media titans are suddenly Hollywood’s newest power couple... on paper.

This book gave me everything: fast-paced plot, sizzling tension, and a romance that made me grin like an idiot and clutch my chest. Jess and Lucas’s chemistry is electric, and the way their relationship unfolds is pure rom-com gold. He challenges her in all the right ways. Their connection goes from enemies, to begrudging partners, to something raw, real, and impossibly tender.

And then there’s this quote that just cracked my heart wide open:
“Love isn't what you expect it to be, Jess. It's not the fairy tales or the romance novels. It's finding the person who makes the hard things easier and the good things better. The person who sees all your jagged edges and sharp corners and isn't intimidated by them.”
If that didn’t make me swoon, I don’t know what would.

🌶️ The spice? Delicious and earned. Not just steam for steam’s sake, there’s so much emotional intimacy in the way Jess and Lucas let each other in, both physically and emotionally. I loved the balance between heat and heart.

Also, major props to the author for weaving in themes of workplace harassment and gender inequality with care and authenticity. Jess’s experience felt painfully real and only made me root for her more.

On the Record is sharp, sexy, smart, and empowering. I’ll be over here anxiously waiting for Stella and Brandon’s book because Kimberly Page has officially entered my auto-buy author list.

Run, don’t walk. Jess and Lucas are the couple you didn’t know you needed. They're my favorite couple in this series so far and I thought that Blair and Wyatt would be impossible to beat.

[Kelly Langelaan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of On the Record from @lovenotes.pr and @iamkimberlyjpage in return for my honest review

Review of On the Record
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5 stars)

On the Record delivers a satisfying romance that leans into fan favorites like rivals to lovers, slow burn, and fake marriage. If you're a fan of tension-filled banter and the irresistible pull of close proximity, this book is likely to scratch that itch—though not without a few stumbles along the way.

The story centers around a Hollywood journalist and a golden boy PR who can’t stand each other—or so they claim. What begins as a professional rivalry soon evolves into something deeper, thanks to a wild night exchanging wedding rings in Vegas.

The fake marriage turns very real, very fast giving readers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the push-and-pull dynamic between two people trying not to fall for each other.

The slow burn romance is one of the novel’s strengths, allowing the chemistry to simmer over time rather than rushing to a conclusion. There’s enough depth in the characters’ backstories to justify their hesitations, which helps the eventual payoff feel earned.

Where the book falters a bit is in its predictability—many of the plot turns feel familiar, and seasoned romance readers will likely see the twists and turns coming from a mile away. While the execution is polished and the chemistry undeniable, the plot doesn’t take many risks, sticking closely to the well-worn paths of a romance. That said, for readers who want the comfort of a classic romance arc with this predictability may actually be part of the appeal.

Ultimately, On the Record is an enjoyable romance that delivers plenty of chemistry, tension, and heart. The rivals-to-lovers dynamic is fun, the slow burn is satisfying, and the fake marriage setup adds just the right amount of drama. But while the story hits all the right notes for a feel-good romance, it plays things a little too safe. I liked it—but I couldn’t help wishing it had taken a few more risks to truly stand out.

[Kass · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the Record is book three in the Backlot series and is the story of Jess and Lucas. This is a brother's best friend, forced proximity, enemies to lovers romance with witty banter, steamy moments and political, family drama.

Jess and Lucas met in the tunnel of Lucas' final college baseball game and sparks flew, until they both opened their mouths and made assumptions and their hatred of each other was born. Years later, they are on opposite sides of the table, Jess is a journalist who exposes political and entertainment injustices and Lucas is the PR darling who keeps clients out of Jess' articles.

When a night out in Vegas with too many drinks spins out of control, Jess and Lucas wake up to a viral video and wedding bands on their hands. To save their reputations and their jobs, they make a deal wo stay married for six months so they can both get what they want and then will walk away. What neither of them thought was that they would find common ground with one another and learn that there was much more to each of them than the other expected. When a career defining story is presented to Jess, she has to decide whether what she can follow her morals or potentially hurt the man who is so much more than just her fake husband.

This story was a new twist on the marriage of convenience, brother's best friend trope with twists and turns of political and family drama and leaving Jess choosing between following her heart or doing what she knows is right. The emotional depth and the way this story was written to showcase Lucas and Jess' growth as people and as a couple was wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed how Lucas and Jess were able to mesh so well together and moved around one another like a long term couple after a short time and how their friends could see how they felt about one another even when they were both in denial. This is a great story that I highly recommend to all lovers of romance, especially with a hard won HEA.

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sooz2401 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Love Notes PR & Kimberly Page for trusting me with an ARC copy of ‘On The Record’.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Jess the journo & Lucas the PR exec have moved in the same professional circles for years, often working in conjunction with each other. Their ‘relationship’ has also been strictly business yet when they both attend an event in Vegas, Lucas helps Jess (notice I didnt say ‘rescued’ - this girl doesn’t need rescuing..) by playing her (fake) boyfriend when a guy starts paying her too much ‘hands on’ attention (she’s too professional to out & out thump him).

They spin a hilarious tale of their history, which as the drinks flow, gets more & more detailed. Next morning they wake up to find that they are nursing massive hangovers & a marriage certificate – oops! They also discover they have agreed to take part in a 6 month reality doco, with their lives being filmed for TV. A fake marriage for 6 months – sure! They agree they can do that....

These 2 are powerhouses in their respective professions, both with strong ethical & moral beliefs who are now living together as husband & wife, for the cameras. Lines between fake & real become blurred over the course of time, with them both catching feelings & they must decide what will happen after that.

I love the way Lucas & Jess’s relationship develops – they have a mutual respect with what each does & that is evident the whole way through. There are a few twists, turns & upsets in their lives, but they work through the challenges they face, trusting each other to help them do that.

On The Record is a great read – strong characters – both male & female, with neither ‘fighting’ to be dominant or trying to ‘one up’ each other. The main story line & side stories were interconnected nicely & I really enjoyed it!

Thanks again Kimberly Page & Love Notes PR for this ARC opportunity

[Brandy Huckaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️/ 3🌶️

I cannot express how much I loved this book!

These characters had so much depth and you literally felt everything to your core. There was humor & banter, flirting & tension, and so much chemistry! The personal & professional complications brought drama that felt so real and genuine. It was heartbreaking & heartwarming all at the same time.

Our two main characters: Jess & Lucas— their rivalry felt truly authentic & not just something strummed up to make it seem like they had animosity when really it was just underlying attraction…. Instead, theirs was a lot of bad timing, honest comments, & unfortunate circumstances with family, as well as a true rivalry with their careers. While there was obviously underlying chemistry, their tension still felt real.

The accidental marriage and situation leading into the “fake relationship” was so fun. I loved the natural progression of the fake relationship to real, true love, friendship, vulnerability, & a genuine marriage relationship. I also loved how it ended…but I won’t say more, in order to avoid spoilers. What I will say is that, while miscommunication and third act breakups are both general bookish “icks” of mine…. It was done SO well in this book! There was just the right amount of drama, the right amount of turmoil…the timeline of it all….and the self-reflection & counseling from friends leading to their reconciliation—it all felt realistic and meaningful.

Great life lessons in this book, along with a beautiful story of love, acceptance, friendship, growth, and so much more. There were beautiful, swoony moments…and fun, laugh out loud moments too. I truly adore Lucas and Jess so much, and I wish I could re-read this one for the first time again already. So so good!!!

[Ernita · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I want to thank Kimberly Page & Love Notes PR for this ARC 💚

✨4/5

I didn’t read the other books in this series but that wasn’t a problem at all. I really enjoyed this book— If you like fake marriage, Rivals to lovers, forced proximity then this book is for you!

I loved their banter throughout the book and I love how Kimberly included that throwback chapter of how they met and how that’s how they ended up not on good terms. I hated how Jess felt uncomfortable bc of the freak who was trying to be inappropriate but luckily Lucas stepped up and tried to advert his attention to Jess. Them drunk in Vegas telling blatant lies and jokes about being together was one of my favorite scenes 😭 it had everyone around them laughing and thinking of them as this perfect couple meanwhile they’ve got a cat/dog relationship.

I loved watching their relationship go from fake marriage/faking for the show to them slowly realizing they enjoy each other’s company and how much they’re grown to like one another. The 3rd act was interesting, the plot of it was very good. I’m personally not the biggest fan of miscommunication trope but it really worked well with the plot Kimberly chose for the 3rd act so I didn’t mind it much.

I loved the scene of their final confessionals for the show bc even though the cameras were on, everything they were saying was their true feelings and it was their way of opening the door to a real relationship. Overall, I really enjoyed this book & enjoyed Kimberly’s writing.

Tropes:
— Fake Marriage
— Vegas Wedding
— Rivals to Lovers
— Slow Burn
— Forced Proximity

[Maddllyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I genuinely only have praises for On The Record.

On the Record is book three of The Back Lot Series but can be read as a stand alone.
It is a rivals to lovers, forced proximity romance with an accidental “I Do” which turns into a marriage of convenience. Jess Lexington is a fierce Hollywood journalist while Lucas Carmichael is a PR golden boy who also happens to be the son of a senator. The two of them find themselves married after a night in Vegas. And they decide that the best thing for both of their careers & reputations is to play the role of Hollywood’s power couple for a bit longer.

I’m such a sucker for a rivals to lovers romance but then to add on a fake marriage with a delicious slow burn. I was instantly hooked! This book truly hit all the marks for me. The slow burn was so good. The tension was so palpable between the characters. And their relationship also felt very authentic. I loved the emotion growth and character development between Jess & Lucas.


While Kimberly Page is a new author for me. Her writing is so amazing. The details she pours into this book really enhance the reader experience. I felt like I was transported into this Hollywood setting. Also loved all the extra little details of each character. It made me feel so much more connected to them. And Lucas being a hidden Disney fan was honestly so fun & cute!

Seriously go read this book and check out the rest of the Backlot Series while you're at it!
Thank you so much LoveNotes PR & Kimberly Page for this ARC

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️ Spice Level: 2/5

📚 Tropes: Rivals to Lovers, Fake Marriage, Forced Proximity, He Cooks for Her, He Rescues Her

Huge thanks to @lovenotes.pr and @iamkimberlyjpage for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🤍 This is the third book in the Backlot series, but don’t worry—it reads perfectly as a standalone. The writing flows effortlessly, and Kimberly Page brings the perfect mix of snappy banter, heartfelt inner monologues, and emotional depth.
💬 Let’s talk about the banter—easily some of the best I’ve read. It’s fast, witty, and totally addictive. Jess is a badass FMC—strong, independent, and used to holding her own in a male-dominated industry. But the way her walls come down later? So satisfying.
And Lucas? Swoon. 😍 He dishes the banter right back but underneath it all, he’s a soft-hearted, Disney-loving marshmallow of a man 🐻✨
After a drunken Vegas night, Jess and Lucas—long-time industry rivals—wake up accidentally married. 😳 They agree to play the fake marriage game for six months… but feelings get in the way, and that’s when the real magic begins.
Their chemistry is 🔥, their emotional intelligence is refreshing, and the supporting cast (including characters from the earlier books!) really rounds out the world. I’m officially diving into the rest of the series now!
This was the perfect low-spice, high-emotion summer read—fun, heartfelt, and packed with all the right slow burn tension. If you love rivals to lovers, fake marriage, and forced proximity, this one needs to be on your TBR asap!

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine who won't back down—On the Record delivers.

On the Record by Kimberly Page is a fun, fast-paced fake marriage romance set in the glitzy, chaotic world of Hollywood. Jess is a sharp-tongued investigative journalist; Lucas is the PR wizard she loves to hate. And when a wild night in Vegas ends in an accidental “I do,” the real fireworks begin.

This book has so many of my favorite tropes—rivals-to-lovers, fake relationship, forced proximity—and it uses them in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. Yes, the plot follows a pretty classic arc, but it’s executed with confidence and charm. What really makes it stand out is the emotional depth: Jess and Lucas aren’t just two people thrown together by circumstance, they’re two well-developed characters with careers, ambitions, and vulnerabilities that make their story feel grounded and real.

The banter is sharp, the chemistry sizzles without ever overshadowing the character work, and the romance isn’t just about proximity—it’s about truly seeing and supporting each other. I especially appreciated how Jess remained strong and principled throughout. She never sacrifices her beliefs for the romance, and that made her journey even more satisfying to follow.

Bonus points for a rich cast of side characters that bring humor, heart, and extra depth to the story without stealing the spotlight.

If you’re in the mood for a spicy Hollywood romance with heart, humor, and a heroine who knows her worth, this one’s worth adding to your list.

[Erin Ballinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimberly Page has done it again. As a note, I really enjoyed the first two books in The Backlot Series, so I went into this with some high expectations.
This totally blew me away. Lucas and Jess always.
Marriage of convenience/accident can be a difficult trope, but I thought this was done so expertly. Rivals to lovers, with deep brewing tension, getting drunk and getting married in Vegas after pretending to be attracted to each other? Totally believable. Realizing they promised a colleague an insight into their LA lifestyle, given their jobs (PR and journalism) and families (baseball royalty and senator)? Actually really works. The chemistry is booming, the dual POV is voicy, the spicy scenes are fannnnntastic. A++. I love how we get to see the other Backlot Characters (I need the next two books now!) and live in this celebrity world a bit.
But what makes this one really shine are Jess and Lucas as characters. Jess is smart, independent, driven, and strong. The moment she realizes independence doesn't mean isolation? Brilliant. Lucas is so sweet and true but also so jaded and in need of love. I normally don't love a third act breakup but watching these two navigate the balance of professionalism and romance? I was completely drawn to it. It WORKED. They worked.
Adored this. This series is fantastic and I cannot wait to see whats next.

[Kenzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book is considered the third in a serious, it can definitely be read as a standalone. The dynamic between the two main characters, Jess and Lucas pulled me in right away. I love how it started with a flashback as to how they had first met.

I loved the dual POV as it felt like I was able to really connect with both of the characters more because I could see what they were both thinking. The one thing that kind of confused me was the level of fame that each of the main characters had. Sure, Jess is a journalist and her dad owns a baseball team, and Lucas works in PR and is the son of a political figure. However, I still don’t understand how they were able to be known enough to become viral tabloid stars and get featured in a documentary. While their family’s backstory helped a little bit, it did still seem slightly odd to me. With that being said, I still really enjoyed the entire plot of this book.

I was really impressed by how the author incorporated serious topics into the book. It references the Me Too movement alongside the dark sides of Hollywood. It was truly well written. The last thing that I want to note is that I finished this book in one day. It’s fast paced, flirty, and filled with tension in the right places.

Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Kimberly Page for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a honest review.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love isn't what you expect it to be, Jess. It's not the fairy tales or the romance novels. It's finding the person who makes the hard things easier and the good things better. The person who sees all your jagged edges and sharp corners and isn't intimidated by them."

Thank you to Kimberly Page and LoveNotesPR for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. It's a standalone third book in the series. Due this, I have not read the other two in the series but I absolutely plan on reading them after reading On The Record . The rivals to lovers tropes as well as fake marriage tropes are some of my favorites and this book does them so well

The Dual POV was incredible and it felt like getting tiny peeks into the character's mindset around the situation. It was really interesting to see with the pair's meeting and how the rivalry started. They had chemistry immediately and it only improved as the book went on. I appreciated how it felt like they could communicate even when they were rivals. My favorite part was probably Lucas stepping in during the Marcus situation in the beginning.

the spice was delicious yet tasteful, it didn't feel forced at all. If a cute book about rivals turning into lovers is your cup of tea, this is for you.

[Under The Lunar Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by Kimberly Page, and I have to say—I’m impressed! On the Record was such a fun, sexy, and heartfelt romance that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Although this is the third book in the series, I had no trouble jumping in. Page does a fantastic job of giving enough backstory on the side characters, so I never felt lost or like I was missing out. It flowed seamlessly as a standalone.

What truly made this story shine for me was the main character, Jess. I absolutely loved how strong, independent, and grounded she was. Her determination to stick to her beliefs and the truth made her feel incredibly authentic and relatable. Lucas was the perfect match—someone who not only respected Jess's values but grew throughout the story to become the supportive partner she deserved. His personal journey, especially in confronting his father and redefining his own path, added a lot of depth to his character.

I also really enjoyed the Hollywood backdrop and the dynamic friendships that helped guide both Jess and Lucas toward the clarity they needed. The side characters added warmth and humor without ever stealing the spotlight.

This was such a great read, and I’m definitely looking forward to checking out the rest of the series—and more from Kimberly Page in the future.

✨ Thank you to the author for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this book!

[Lit.withLina · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAIR WARNING! Once you pick it up! You WILL NOT put this book down!!!!
I started and finished this book in one sitting! I am bias as I am a heavy enemies to lovers girly! Also, who doesn’t love a fake relationship/marriage! This book was right up my alley! I enjoyed every minute of Lucas and Jess from the minute they met to the last page of this book. There is so much attraction and affection all through out this book.

This is the 3rd book in the series. However, I read this as a stand alone. I am going to go back to re-read the first and second book as they are in the same universe and friend group which reflected a bit while reading. I do not feel as if you need to read the other two before this book, but I enjoyed all characters through this book and I am also very nosy, so I want to see how Blair and Wyatt met!

If you are on the fence about reading this because you feel like all fake marriage stories are the same. I will say that Lucas and Jess did go through a lot as a couple and are a power couple, but the character developments they both went through individually as well as together. Both Lucas and Jess surprised me at every chapter in their changing views of one another. It had me questioning what might be going on in the lives of the people around me and to share more compassion with everyone.

Overall, a great book and a fantastic summer read!

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three of the backlot series and I’m ashamed to say I’ve not read the others; but you best believe I will be after reading this book.

On the record is witty, charming, humorous and heartfelt - it is a perfect romance.

Our main characters are headstrong, passionate and determined people working in the whirlwind world that is celebrity. It was a delight to really get to know our two main characters in their working lives, personal lives, their communities and the developing relationship to each other. Having the duel narrative was perfect, we were never kept in the dark, we knew how both characters were feeling at all times and it made me enjoy seeing the blossoming love story.

Kimberly holds a fine balance of humour, building romantic tension and exploring sensitive topics incredibly well and it was truly wonderful to be in a well developed world and story.

I was truly kicking my feet again and smiling from ear to ear reading this romance and I loved every second of it and who doesn’t love a fake marriage of convenience. It was such a fun and wonderful read.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

[B’s Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

On The Record is the third book in the Backlot Series by Kimberly Page, but can easily be read as a standalone story. I was fortunate enough to receive this book as an ARC read from Love Notes PR.

On The Record follows Jess, Hollywood’s fiercest journalist, and Lucas, the golden boy of PR. After a drunken night in Vegas, these two rivals wake up married. As their story unfolds we dive deeper into their thoughts and feelings toward on another and learn if they’re career motivations will outweigh their romantic feelings.

This book is a very lovable, fast paced, romcom (with a little drama sprinkled in) that you won’t want to put down. I read this book in one sitting and loved every second. From the enemy to lovers aspect, to the marriage of connivence, to the nods of Lucas being a Disney adult, this book had it all. It was a true pleasure watching Lucas and Jess navigate their relationship and working lives on the page. I would definitely recommend this book to any romance lover!

Tropes:
Rivals to Lovers
Fake Relationship
Forced Proximity
Workplace Romance

Available July 7th 💗

[Calypso✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review⭐️

✨On the Record is everything I love about a fake marriage romance—witty, addictive, and packed with just the right amount of slow-burn angst. Jess and Lucas story is the book I couldn’t wait to read and it didn’t disappoint!🫠

💚Jess is a no-nonsense journalist who thrives on uncovering the truth. Lucas is her infuriatingly smooth PR rival. Their dynamic? Pure fire.🔥The accidental Vegas wedding? Iconic. The forced proximity and fake relationship trope? Chef’s kiss🤌🏽. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and their banter is the kind that makes you smirk and reread lines just to enjoy them again. And I did that several times lol.😂

💕Jess’s struggle between staying true to her principles and protecting her heart adds depth, while Lucas’s slow-burn vulnerability makes him impossible not to love.🥹

🫶🏽If you love powerhouse female leads, messy romantic entanglements with real stakes, and enemies who fall hard when they finally let go of the fight, On the Record belongs on your TBR. Absolutely loved every second.🙌🏽

Thank you to the Author Kimberly Page and LoveNotesPR for the opportunity to read this ARC!💚