Staged For The Camera: A Celebrity Romance Novel

by Stephine Ovo

FAKE DATING RULE 1: NEVER FALL FOR YOUR FAKE BOYFRIEND, ESPECIALLY WHEN HE’S THE MAN YOU HATE.

Kayla Grimm went viral for publicly dragging a celebrity who cost her her job. Now she’s broke, unemployed, and one rejection email away from moving back to Montana to work in her parents’ bakery. The worst part? The internet thinks she’s dating the very man who ruined her life. And his PR team wants to run with it.

Six weeks of pretending to be his girlfriend. Six weeks of smiling, hand-holding, and not punching him in the throat.

Kayla needs the money.

Eldon Douglas needs the image.

Eldon doesn’t do relationships. But when a photo goes viral, the world suddenly believes he’s in love, and the only solution is a fake relationship with the woman who hates him most.

She’s bold, infuriating, and completely unimpressed by his fame. She’s the last woman he should want… and the one he can’t stop thinking about.

Hating your fake boyfriend is easy. Not falling for him? That’s the real challenge.

Perfect for readers who fake dating, celebrity romance, forced proximity, he-falls-first, slow burn, and open-door spice.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2026

About the author

Stephine Ovo is a romance author who writes new adult and contemporary love stories filled with emotional tension, slow-burn chemistry, steam, and swoon-worthy characters.

She began pursuing her writing career as a teenager and now focuses on creating immersive, character-driven romance.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, reading, discovering new food, and watching K-dramas.

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A special thanks to Stephine Ovo for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3,5 ⭐ after Kayla goes viral for dragging the famous singer Eldon, she loses her job and is desperately in need of a new job or else it's back to Montana for her.

What's worse is that the internet thinks she's already dating Eldon. This gives Eldon's PR Team an idea.. the internet already thinks they're dating why not give into it.. Offering Kayla a hefty paycheck just to pretend to be Eldon's girlfriend for just 6 weeks... After all she needs the money, right?

This was such a cute story, I loved Kayla and Eldon together, the spicy scenes a little cringy but overall a nice read! I can't wait to read the second book in the series!

[Charlene Atmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about Kayla and Eldon. Kayla is an aspiring songwriter and Eldon a famous musician. Kayla loses her job after an unfortunate encounter with Eldon, which in return makes her post hateful things online. They end up meeting again after being stranded together on an island and because of the paparazzi always lurking around they end up snapping a picture of them together and the internet goes wild.
Now without a job and no money Kayla gets an opportunity to earn some serious money by fake dating Eldon. The very person she hates after everything that has happened. Eldon doesn’t do relationships and he definitely doesn’t like Kayla. So when his team suggests this ruse to improve his image and boost his upcoming album release, he is very reluctant to say the least.
Forced to work together for the next six weeks, both discover they might get more than they expected, especially when there are feelings involved.

I must admit that I had no idea how this book was going to unfold. When I read the blurb and saw that it had a fake dating storyline I was very intrigued. This could be a typical cliché or something very exciting and different. I was happy to learn that it indeed was not at all how I expected things to go. There were a lot of surprising moments, especially when it came to the main characters. Just when I thought I had them figured out, they do something completely unexpected.
Kayla is a very caring and sweet person, but she doesn’t take anything from anyone who messes with her. She’s also a very fierce person and isn’t afraid to show it, especially in the beginning with Eldon. Eldon may seem like your typical celebrity musician, but there are a lot of layers to his personality. He is a very closed off person because of a tragic event in his past. He doesn’t trust easily and mostly keeps to himself. The person he shows to the world might be completely different than how he really is on the inside.
I absolutely loved Kayla and Eldon when they finally got together. During their fake dating experience they had to spend a lot of time together. Their relationship is very slow burn and it was nice to see how they changed from hating to actually helping each other out when it was needed. They both had personal growth and everything that happened made them stronger.

I give this book 4 stars. The story was so beautifully written. I could actually relate to the characters and everything felt so sweet and meaningful. I also loved the plot twist at the end and it was definitely unexpected. The book itself is a very fun and easy read. It has a few sensitive topics but overall it is a very lighthearted and cute story. I definitely recommend this one.

Thank you Stephine Ovo for the e.ARC!

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a fun time with this book; it immediately captured my attention, and I devoured the first 50 pages in one sitting. I do enjoy a mix of “enemies to lovers” fake dating romance, so this was right up my alley. To take things a step further, our male main character is a famous music artist. So that adds an element of pressure and being in the public eye to the situation. While the first encounter between the two causes some animosity, their paths cross again after they both are left behind by their cruise ship and spend the night at his private villa nearby. A photo of them together creates a scandal, so his agency decides to stage a fake dating scenario for damage control.
As they spend more time together, we learn more about each of them, and they begin to understand each other in a new light as feelings grow. Eldon is our famous singer who secretly battles the pressures of fame and holds deep guilt. Kayla is trying to make it work in the big city so she doesn’t have to go back home to work in her parents' bakery. Kayla gets fired after accidentally spilling coffee on Eldon right before a promotional event he was doing with her company. He demanded that she be fired on the spot, and in retaliation, she posted anonymously online, recounting the situation that cost him an opportunity he had been working toward his whole career.
Both needed a break after their lives were upended by the encounter and were encouraged by close friends to take a weekend cruise, unknowingly leading them to cross paths again. Eldon is very distant and icy on the surface, but over time, his walls begin to crumble, and she starts to see the true man underneath. As their relationship progresses, he becomes absolutely smitten with her. It was nice to see her connected with other important people in Eldon’s life, and him with hers. We also got a subtle setup for what could be the next couple we follow in the next book in the series, so I am excited to see what comes next and will be looking out for it. I also wanted to thank the author and Hawthorn & Aster for the opportunity to read the ARC.

[Jamie aka TacoGoddess Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book in return of my honest opinion and review!

Let me just say Stephine Ovo Bravo 👏 👏👏
As a debut author Staged For The Camera was such a great read, I was hooked from the first page,the writing is on point, the characters were so good, I loved the inclusion of a MMC w/ Mental Health issues/Struggling it’s not something you see done everyday.

This was such a cute fake dating book and more;
Eldon & Kayla were everything I needed and more!
The beginning had me in a chokehold. Because the scandal and enemies to lovers was so true this book and the characters take you for a ride forsure.

I loved the accidental meeting on the cruise with Eldon being so confused at first on who Kayla is, then them both being left behind from the cruise and having to stay at Eldon’s Villa only for someone to take a picture of this *mysterious girl* with Eldon. And suddenly his PR team wants them to take date for 6 weeks, Kayla needs the money after a previous scandal with Eldon had her fired. (You’ll read about it)

Eldon had me wrapped around his finger lol (I have a book bf type okay) he’s super grumpy and comes off cold. He can be a bit rude and snarky as well as sarcastic (honestly that’s me somedays)
But behind that veneer or mask is a guy with actual feelings who’s been hurt in the past,and gone through things. I loved the fact the author included the mental health rep.

And Kayla I loved her, she’s a powerhouse, sharp no-nonsense, but her charisma and how she never backed down even when she wanted to but stood her ground.
Kayla is one of those characters you just want to root for!

I loved how Kayla was there for Eldon and was an anchor for him,that unexpected twist at the ending it was so well done!! I felt like this story was impactful on me By the end of this I was obsessed and can’t wait for book 2.

Staged for the camera is perfect if you love fake dating,celebrity romances with banter,snarky digs & forced proximity/enemies to lovers. It’s full of chemistry that takes you for a ride that you want to enjoy just trust me!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

• BOOK REVIEW — Staged for the Camera by Stephine Ovo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)

This book is chaotic, witty, and full of delicious enemies-to-lovers tension — fake dating, celebrity scandal, and two people who absolutely cannot stand each other… until they can’t stay away.

Characters:
📱 Kayla Grimm — bold, sarcastic, broke but stubbornly independent
🎬 Eldon Douglas — famous, image-conscious, emotionally unavailable (or so he thinks)

Vibes:
• fake dating
• enemies to lovers
• celebrity romance
• public scandal
• forced proximity
• banter-heavy tension
• “we hate each other but the chemistry says otherwise” energy

What the story gives:
After going viral for calling out a celebrity who cost her her job, Kayla Grimm is left broke, unemployed, and one step away from moving home. The twist? The internet now thinks she’s dating the very man she publicly dragged — Eldon Douglas.

His PR team sees opportunity.
Six weeks.
Fake relationship.
Mutual benefit.

Kayla needs the money. Eldon needs to repair his image. Easy… except they genuinely dislike each other. What starts as staged smiles, forced hand-holding, and carefully curated appearances slowly turns into lingering looks, real laughter, and chemistry neither of them planned for.

And hating your fake boyfriend? Simple.
Not falling for him? Nearly impossible.

What I Loved:
• Kayla’s sharp, no-nonsense FMC energy
• Eldon’s cocky exterior slowly cracking
• the banter — sarcastic, fast, and genuinely funny
• fake dating with real emotional buildup
• public pressure adding tension to private moments
• watching enemies slowly become something softer

Final Vibe:
Fun, flirty, and full of spark.
Staged for the Camera is perfect if you love celebrity fake-dating romances with sharp banter, forced proximity, and enemies-to-lovers chemistry that sneaks up on everyone.

[Mimi San Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The internet has a very particular talent for taking one badly timed photo and spinning it into a narrative nobody asked for and nobody can stop.

Which, if you think about it, is the perfect starting point for a fake dating story, because the best ones never start with a choice. They start with a situation that has already gotten completely out of hand.

Staged For The Camera by Stephine Ovo is exactly that, and I was lucky enough to read it early thanks to the author. I do want to point out though, that all opinions here are entirely my own.

What makes this one stand out in a genre full of fake dating setups is that both characters have genuine, earned reasons to be difficult with each other. Eldon is not grumpy for the aesthetic, and Kayla is not a pushover waiting to be softened.

The mental health element woven into Eldon's character is handled with more intention than most romance novels bother with, and the plot twist near the end is one nobody sees coming.

Where the book could use a little more room (at least for me lol) is in the second half. The pacing moves faster than the emotional beats can fully settle, and the payoff feels slightly condensed compared to how well the first half sets everything up. But again, that's just how I felt about the latter part.

In all honesty, for a debut novel, I really do think that this is a genuinely promising start from an author worth watching.

5 out of 5 stars. Perfect for anyone who loves celebrity romance, real friction between leads, and a slow burn that REALLY FEELS EARNED LOL 🎵

[Sunny D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the cutest little fake dating romance I’ve read in a while. Eldon and Kayla were absolutely everything and more. I love that the book starts off with the being enemies over a scandal. And then it just goes upside down from there.

Eldon is super grumpy which I loved lol (I have a type for sure). He’s super rude to her with snarky comments, sarcasm and coldness. Kayla is just trying her best to go with the flow. But soon…those feelings started to rise. Which made the slow burn worth it.

Kayla was a powerhouse. I loved her charisma, her personality and overall how she never backed down. She had moments where she wanted to but she stood her ground. My favorite scene is when she stays with him knowing he’s gonna be grumpy about it. She pushed his walls which in turn brought them together.

What i really liked about this story was the commentary on mental health. The author did not shy away from showing the raw emotions of Eldon and his past. I loved that Kayla could be an anchor for him through this. Eldon has a lot to work through and eventually he did.

There’s a major twist towards the end that had me gasping!!! It was so well done and unexpected. I think that made things truly impactful.

I was obsessed with the story and I will definitely be reading book 2 when it comes out!!!

Thank you Stephine for this lovely read!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMC/MFC: Eldon and Kayla

Tropes:
* Celebrity romance
* Enemies to more
* Forced proximity
* Only one bed
* Fake relationship
* He falls first
* Slow burn

Safety:
Mentions of depression, suicide, terminal illness and death of a parent, stalking

She went viral for the wrong reasons.
His career is in jeopardy.
Apparently, the only way to fix it is to help each other out… except… their problems are linked…

It took a little time to work out exactly what was going on, but I pegged Eldon as an a-z, and Kayla as the wronged employee treated badly by the celebrity (because of course, he’s right…. even when he’s wrong). He was arrogant, insufferable and a bit of an a-z.
The tension between them built, and things started to improve between them.
It took until almost 70% for the steam to arrive, and then it seems like they were making up for lost time. They were a little awkward, and a little sweet, until drama hit at the end. The fact that he didn’t approach her until he had proof pissed me off. It actually made me doubt their HEA, which is so disappointing.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kayla is fired by Eldon Douglas when spills coffee on him before an interview. The hate post she writes afterwards ruins Eldon the show he wanted to do for his mother. So when they end up on the same cruise ship they're not amused. Unfortunately they both are left behind on an island when the ship leaves so Eldon offers her to stay with him in his mansion for a night. Nobody knew that paparazzi took a picture of them when entering the mansion. It goes viral so Eldon's management offers Kayla a job: playing his girlfriend for 6 weeks to push the release of his new album.

They hate each other's guts but Kayla agrees because the money is too good to be true. Eldon makes sure she better not catch any feelings for him...

6 weeks can turn everything around though and people change, some not for the better.. but read for yourself.

This was my first book from this author and I enjoyed it a lot.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake dating
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Celebrity romance
He falls first
Slow burn


Eldon and Kayla

This story was a surprise. The beginning really set the reader up to be entertained. Kayla and Eldon did not seem like they were going to be a match. They both need a break when they’d reputations take a hit. The finds themselves in going viral and run with it.

I liked the characters. Eldon is a famous musician. He is protective of his feelings and does not trust easily. Kayla could care less about his fame. She has a good heart but she is not a pushover. They start out with an intense dislike for each other. As they maneuver around a fake relationship for six weeks, they actually get to know each other. They have more to offer than what they originally thought. Good character development.
The story is easy to follow with some interesting twists and sweet moments.

[Lily Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy romance that leans into familiar territory. The dynamic is more “reluctant strangers” than true enemies-to-lovers, but it carries that light friction at the beginning. The fake dating trope is front and center — which is always a win for me — and it follows many of the classic beats you’d expect from the setup.

I found myself especially drawn to the female best friend; in some ways, she stood out more strongly than the heroine. The first half of the book felt well-paced and engaging, but the latter portion moved a little too fast for my taste. Time jumps of a week and then a month made the relationship progression feel condensed, and the third-act breakup didn’t feel fully earned. It came across as dramatic rather than organic.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this in advance of publication — I appreciate being included.

[Jennifer Sande · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Staged for the Camera. Watching Kayla and Eldon’s relationship develop was so much fun, especially as we learned more about the original tension between them. Their dynamic started with that perfect spark of friction—but it felt like the universe had other plans and kept nudging them closer together.

What I enjoyed most was seeing how their love and support for one another helped them grow individually. Kayla slowly softened some of Eldon’s grumpy edges, while Eldon truly came to appreciate and value the woman she was. Their connection felt intentional and earned, which made every moment hit that much harder.

If you love a beautiful slow-burn romance with emotional growth and tension that turns into something tender and meaningful, I highly recommend this one.

[BookishBabes98 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was relatively short and sweet. Very normal romance, slight enemies to loves (more strangers than anything else). I liked the FMC and the female best friend for the most part (the best friend more than the fmc), and the plot was classic fake dating (which I always love). I didn't love how rushed the second half was as far as the love story goes, they skip a week, then a month and still give us a third act break-up that seemed a bit crazy. I would understand it if it happened within the week period, but after a month seemed a little far fetched. All in all, I give it a 3 since there were sections that could use improvement, but it really was a classic love story that was easy to read and easy to lose yourself in.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had an enjoyable set up and I became invested in Kayla and Eldon as the story went on. They have some really good and strong connections and it felt like the relationship progressed realistically from adversarial strangers to friends to more.

Unfortunately in the last third the book began to fall apart. A villain and plot were introduced that had no real set up beforehand and just came out of nowhere. Then it gets resolved without much work as well. I felt like there was a lot of potential in the book and characters, but it needed some more developmental editing. I read an ARC but then switched to the Kindle file when it became available so I was reading the finished book.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I was able to read this ahead of release, thank you for the opportunity.

I wanted to love this book, it started out so strong, the tension, the plot, the enemies to lovers, good character building. But somewhere after the first steamy scene it fell a little flat for me. I felt there was an over use of baby/ sweetheart pet names and tha characters suddenly felt a little weaker, the story a bit more rushed and just not as engaging.

Overall I did enjoy it, but the first half of the book defiantly felt stronger. A good debut novel and I hope to read more in the future and watch the author grow as she has such good potential!

[Paulina Kavanagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨Arc Review ✨

The tropes for this books are right up my alley. A Celebrity romance, fake dating, enemies to lovers? Everything I love!

However this book fell a little flat for me.
The overall storyline and plot were so good and had so much potential, but the characters felt a little flat to me.
I would’ve loved to see more in depth background stories for the characters. It really felt like they went from hatred to love extremely fast without much development.

Overall, I believe the author has a lot of potential as the storyline and plot were really good!

I would like to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read this as an advanced copy!

[Sonia O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise and exactly what I needed after being in a reading slump. I was looking for something to kick-start my reading again, and this did just that. I absolutely loved the author’s writing and I’m already looking forward to reading more of her books and her coming series.

It was a delightful, quick read, and I especially loved how mental health wasn’t included just for the sake of the plot, but actually shaped the characters and their development in a meaningful way.

Kayla and Eldon had me in a chokehold—one moment I was blushing, the next I was gutted. 😭
I’ll definitely be rereading this one again.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eldon and Kayla enemies to lovers is amazing but the plot needs a bit more to it. I loved the book overall. I think with Eldon being mean, cold and rude to Kayla she fell hard fast. Kayla did overall support him and got through it supporting Eldon and his feelings. Why not stuck together being paid to be his girl for 6 weeks how hard can it be? I got this or do I, its so hard to not fall in love with someone. This slow burn is a good cuddle up and read book grab your drink and find you a comfy spot. This book definitely had me drawn in for the entirety and I cant wait for book two. Just the ending was amazing wanna know why read it yourself no spoilers here...

[Charlotte Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have a chance to read this book early thank to the Author, all words are my own thoughts.

Kayla is recently jobless due to singing sensation Eldon getting her fired over an accidental coffee spill, instead of taking her leave graciously, Kayla ends up viral for bashing Eldon online.

Eldon's career is on the line due too much bad publicity and the only way to make him less of an A**? Fake date the girl who absolutely despises him!

I really enjoyed the overall plot and the struggles both characters went through and how they helped eachother grow but some of the story felt abit rushed towards the end.

If you love a slow burn then this is definitely a book for you

[Keya · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*
Staged for the Camera is a fresh take on the fake dating trope. It’s the story of Kayla who is sweet and a bit down on her luck that ends up in a fake dating situation with her enemy who just happens to be singing sensation Eldon. Both Eldon and Kayla have issues they are working through and they both are stubborn which makes them an unlikely pair. This story is so well written and I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next and the plot twist did not disappoint. A definite must read!

[Shica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The public chaos, the PR spin, and the “we definitely hate each other” energy made this
a fun read. Kayla is broke, blunt, and completely unimpressed by Eldon’s celebrity
status—and Eldon, with all his fame, discipline, and carefully managed image, turns out
to be far more layered than expected. Their banter is natural and watching their irritation
slowly turn into something softer was the highlight for me.

I really enjoyed how the story balanced the PR-driven relationship with real emotional
stakes, especially as the line between “for show” and genuine feelings started to blur. It
was an entertaining read with just enough heart to keep me interested. This was my first
book by this author, and I’d definitely read more.

[Jilleien Franquelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, my stomach ached for Kayla every time Eldon was a dick.

Kayla was the perfect FMC. She stood her ground and wasn’t a pushover.

The commentary on mental health, especially showing a man in a mental health crisis, is exactly the kind of representation we need more of.

This was a great weekend read, and I’ve already added it to my list of recommended 2026 beach reads.

Tropes
🫂Forced Proximity
😡Grumpy guy
🖤Enemies to lovers
🎭Fake dating

Spice level: 🌶️
Cuteness level: 💕💕💕💕
Vibes: 😎😎😎😎😎

A few notes about me as a reader:

😎 I read for the vibes. If the atmosphere is right, I’m all in.
😿 If I cry at the end because I’m sad it’s over, it’s an automatic five stars.
⭐️ I review books with an open heart, not a red pen. Plot holes, lighter character development, and other common critiques aren’t at the top of my list. What matters most is this: Did I love it? Did it take me somewhere else?

Thank you Stephanie for the advanced read.

[Amber Arehart · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
This book was so entertaining! The enemies to lovers trope was done perfectly. One of the few books that I’ve read where the enemies were actual enemies. I loved that mental health was represented in this book and it wasn’t simply brushed over but it was dealt with and taken care of. Seeing the emotional growth between the two characters was truly beautiful and was one of my favorite aspects of the book!

[Maria Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five 🌟Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I absolutely loved this book! This is a story about Kayla and Eldon. The emotions I felt reading this book. I cried I laughed I fell in love with the characters and their story. If you love enemies to lovers fake dating this book is for you. The chemistry between Eldon and Kayla is top tier. The story grabs your attention from the very beginning. I recieved this book as an ARC read from the author. This is my honest views and opinions

[Caren Klassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I want to say thank you to Stephine Ovo for choosing me for an ARC 😊
I really enjoyed Staged for the Camera. As soon as I started it I couldn’t put it down! I loved the energy between the two main characters. Also did not see the ending coming! I was on the edge of my seat.
I love the mental health representation included in the book, and thought that it added depth to the main characters.
I’d recommend to a friend and I can’t wait to read the next!

[Miranda Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut came in swinging. Enemies to lovers, fake dating gone very real, and chemistry that refused to stay fictional. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out—boom, twist. The mental health awareness was such a strong addition, and I appreciated seeing fame stripped down to real human struggles. Consider me locked in for this author’s future books.

[Jennifer Jansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, ido enjoy damage grumpy/ hurt sunshine, but there are some things that didn't make sense to me. I feel like the second half was written by someone else. the dialogue was very formal and not conversational to me. also, there were some common phrases that were worded or used incorrectly.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a cute book but it's too fast paced, they go from enemies to lovers to fast and most of the events are happening at high speed.
I really liked the plot itself and the struggles the characters go through but the pace really messed up the reading experience for me.
I want to thank the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Nothing · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review, all thoughts are my own. I liked this book, it’s a good debut. It had a twist at the end that even I could enjoy and appreciate (I normally guess or am disappointed). I feel like the book could’ve been longer! For me, it felt like they caught feelings too quick and started using nicknames so soon. I do look forward to reading more from this author and watching them grow!

[Shandie McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received from Author. This is a great light hearted enemies to lovers contemporary romance. Both the FMC and MMC are relatable and I found myself rooting for them pretty early on. I would have liked to have more time spent on the main problem/how it was fixed but overall it was a satisfying ending.