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Starring Role: A sweet contemporary romance
Not yet published
Expected 2 Feb 26A film set. A reluctant actor. A consultant midwife. And a cute cottage they’re forced to share.
Midwife Jess Williams has reached her party-girl low after her latest disastrous date. It’s time to make a change, and agreeing to be a consultant on a film set is the perfect kick-start for her “Chaos to Calm” plan.
Nothing makes sense for Dr Nate Mitchell since he discovered his fiancée with her legs wrapped around his old school friend. Planning to forget all about her, he takes the lead role in a historical medical drama filmed in rural New Zealand.
When there’s an accommodation mix-up, he finds himself sharing a cottage with the consulting midwife who looks exactly like his fiancée. How is he meant to forget about his ex when he has to live and work with her doppelgänger?
Professionally, they make a great team. But, when the cameras stop rolling, could there be something more?
Midwife Jess Williams has reached her party-girl low after her latest disastrous date. It’s time to make a change, and agreeing to be a consultant on a film set is the perfect kick-start for her “Chaos to Calm” plan.
Nothing makes sense for Dr Nate Mitchell since he discovered his fiancée with her legs wrapped around his old school friend. Planning to forget all about her, he takes the lead role in a historical medical drama filmed in rural New Zealand.
When there’s an accommodation mix-up, he finds himself sharing a cottage with the consulting midwife who looks exactly like his fiancée. How is he meant to forget about his ex when he has to live and work with her doppelgänger?
Professionally, they make a great team. But, when the cameras stop rolling, could there be something more?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 2, 2026
3 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this all in one sitting this morning! I was trying to sample a few books to decide my next read and instantly got pulled into this one, and that was that, lol!
Nate is taking a break from his life in London and starring in a movie as a doctor. Jess is consulting as a midwife in the same movie. She has her thoughts on actors and men in general, and she's staying clear of the handsome doctor. Nate is drawn to Jess... she is gorgeous, of course she is, she is basically a doppelganger of his ex-fiance. But also a reason he doesn't like Jess is that when he looks at her, it reminds him of his failed engagement. These two are like oil and water when they meet... But when there is a mix-up in their overnight accommodations, they are stuck as roommates, and the two people that want to stay clear of each other are now roommates! But they have more in common than they think, and forced proximity has them wanting to break down their defenses and give each other a chance. But they know better... this is all temporary, it's best not to get involved. Now if only their hearts would get the memo!
The chemistry between these two, loved it! There is some innuendo and moments I worried this wouldn't be a closed door romance... but don't worry, it is. I was totally pulled into this story, their romance, and couldn't stop reading once I started! Loved the location of New Zealand, it sounded so beautiful, I could just envision the shared cottage and the romantic walks!
I gave this 4.5, rounded to a 5!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Nate is taking a break from his life in London and starring in a movie as a doctor. Jess is consulting as a midwife in the same movie. She has her thoughts on actors and men in general, and she's staying clear of the handsome doctor. Nate is drawn to Jess... she is gorgeous, of course she is, she is basically a doppelganger of his ex-fiance. But also a reason he doesn't like Jess is that when he looks at her, it reminds him of his failed engagement. These two are like oil and water when they meet... But when there is a mix-up in their overnight accommodations, they are stuck as roommates, and the two people that want to stay clear of each other are now roommates! But they have more in common than they think, and forced proximity has them wanting to break down their defenses and give each other a chance. But they know better... this is all temporary, it's best not to get involved. Now if only their hearts would get the memo!
The chemistry between these two, loved it! There is some innuendo and moments I worried this wouldn't be a closed door romance... but don't worry, it is. I was totally pulled into this story, their romance, and couldn't stop reading once I started! Loved the location of New Zealand, it sounded so beautiful, I could just envision the shared cottage and the romantic walks!
I gave this 4.5, rounded to a 5!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! It's the only book I've ever read in one sitting. I have never been one for romance novels, but I have to say that 'Starring Role' by Eden L. Rivers captivated me from the start. The content was well-researched (my youngest daughter is a midwifery on-set consultant, so I could relate totally), well-written, and flowed beautifully. The main characters were abrasive at the outset, but following their paths as opinions changed and situations steered their lives in parallel was engaging and realistic. Midwife Jess Williams was a likeable person seeking direction in her life. Nate Mitchell was the typical English heartthrob with a past that overshadowed the present. The author weaved a believable story that saw their paths cross and separate throughout and yet left me hoping that all would come right in the end. It's a fantastic novel full of heart and expectation, and I am sure, when released, it will be a huge success with fans of contemporary romance. I am grateful to have been a part of the eARC readers team for this book and thank the author for the opportunity to enjoy her work for free. I hadn't expected to be so taken with the story and therefore leave this deserved review voluntarily because others deserve to enjoy it too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finished in 24hrs! I adored Nate & Jess’s story. I’ve never read a doctor / midwife trope before, and I really enjoyed it! Having midwife friends, I got sucked into the story line!
The book was well written, and developed organically. Nothing felt out of place.
I enjoyed all of the characters and how each played a role along with their individual personalities. It made the story rich.
The ending was so good! I didn’t see Nate’s final decision coming and quite enjoyed their reunion.
The dynamic of both MFC and MMC growing & redeeming a broken part of their self added a nice touch. I also enjoyed the development of the doppelgänger from start to finish.
The one cottage, one bed situation made me chuckle at times! I appreciated the heat without the spice. Well done.
It’s unlike anything I read this year and was a fast read that sucked me in from the start! Thanks you for letting me ARC read. 💕
The book was well written, and developed organically. Nothing felt out of place.
I enjoyed all of the characters and how each played a role along with their individual personalities. It made the story rich.
The ending was so good! I didn’t see Nate’s final decision coming and quite enjoyed their reunion.
The dynamic of both MFC and MMC growing & redeeming a broken part of their self added a nice touch. I also enjoyed the development of the doppelgänger from start to finish.
The one cottage, one bed situation made me chuckle at times! I appreciated the heat without the spice. Well done.
It’s unlike anything I read this year and was a fast read that sucked me in from the start! Thanks you for letting me ARC read. 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a sweet enemies to lovers story of a mid wife (Jess) and actor (Nate) who meet on the set of a movie and go from enemies to friends to falling for each other. Their journey takes a few twists, but ultimately I loved the realistic portrayal of the building of their relationship, their fun banter and dialogue, and was a fan of both Nate and Jess!
Jess and Nate are both likable characters who make this book so enjoyable and fun to read. I found myself really attached to their outcome and cheering for their relationship throughout the book! The ending especially had me emotionally invested and loved how everything wrapped up!
The book kept me wanting to read more and I couldn’t put it down. I truly enjoyed this no spice romance and cannot wait to read more by Eden L Rivers!
Jess and Nate are both likable characters who make this book so enjoyable and fun to read. I found myself really attached to their outcome and cheering for their relationship throughout the book! The ending especially had me emotionally invested and loved how everything wrapped up!
The book kept me wanting to read more and I couldn’t put it down. I truly enjoyed this no spice romance and cannot wait to read more by Eden L Rivers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Starring Role is a upcoming contemporary novel that cebters around two people finding love while filming a movie. I will say I found this story to be very adorable and I was glad that I took the opportunity to read it. We are introduced to Nate who is dealing with a breakup abd decides to film a movie. His costar Jess is a dead Ringer for his ex but despite this he still decides to work with her. However, as time goes on he starts to develop all sort of feelibgs for her. Will he allow his damaged heart to heal and move on?
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is a fun read with characters that I loved getting to know. Perfect beach or vacation book that is hard to put down. There is just the right amount of interesting drama and a lovely romance that brings you into the story and makes you want to stay there!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews