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Dating the Actor
A Hollywood hottie. A struggling actress. Is what they have real or another one of his games?
Formerly titled: It Was You
Aleyna McKenzie always dreamed of making it big as an actress, but her auditions haven’t gone well, money is running dry, and her car is barely running. When she gets a long-term gig as a stand-in on the network tv show Devastation, she can finally start to pay her bills. But she quickly becomes tired of the film set guys hitting on her, including Carson Peters, the male lead of the show.
When Carson discovers her with a broken-down car, he offers to give her rides to the set while her car is in the shop. When she can no longer deny the sparks flying between them, Aleyna has to decide if she’s willing to risk her heart for a guy with a reputation as a player.
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Formerly titled: It Was You
Aleyna McKenzie always dreamed of making it big as an actress, but her auditions haven’t gone well, money is running dry, and her car is barely running. When she gets a long-term gig as a stand-in on the network tv show Devastation, she can finally start to pay her bills. But she quickly becomes tired of the film set guys hitting on her, including Carson Peters, the male lead of the show.
When Carson discovers her with a broken-down car, he offers to give her rides to the set while her car is in the shop. When she can no longer deny the sparks flying between them, Aleyna has to decide if she’s willing to risk her heart for a guy with a reputation as a player.
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2017
9 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Ray Hale
61 books573 followersCindy Ray Hale loves to write romcoms set in small towns and has been writing and publishing books since 2012, all the while, laughing at her own funny stories. She is married to the sweetest guy and has a blended family with him, consisting of seven kids.
She loves nerding out on video games, creating book covers, and drinking too much caffeine. When she can find a moment, she loves to sing and play the piano and often includes acting and singing somewhere in her stories.
She was born and raised in the hills of Tennessee in a large crazy family and as an adult, has moved all over the United States. She's finally settled down in a small town in the mountains of western Virginia where she loves to go hiking, boating, and dig in her garden.
She loves nerding out on video games, creating book covers, and drinking too much caffeine. When she can find a moment, she loves to sing and play the piano and often includes acting and singing somewhere in her stories.
She was born and raised in the hills of Tennessee in a large crazy family and as an adult, has moved all over the United States. She's finally settled down in a small town in the mountains of western Virginia where she loves to go hiking, boating, and dig in her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 19, 2017
Aleyna is trying to make her way into the world of film and works as an extra whenever she can. Carson is an up-and-coming actor, who is an all-around great guy. The characters and their friends are realistic and fun, which makes them relatable.
The story is told in first person, which never fails to draw me in as an honorary best friend to the main character. As Aleyna works on set, the reader is given a bird's eye view to the word of acting, which is very interesting, as well as a best friend's vantage point to a budding and potentially heart-stopping romance, which is ooh-la-la. The natural ebb and flow is engaging and had me gripped from the chance encounter in the smoothie shop.
Why only 4 stars? I honestly wanted more! I would have loved to see this in a full-length novel with more development and drawn out situations because I liked it that much. If you need a quick romance fix, this is a story to try!
Content: mild romance (kissing)
The story is told in first person, which never fails to draw me in as an honorary best friend to the main character. As Aleyna works on set, the reader is given a bird's eye view to the word of acting, which is very interesting, as well as a best friend's vantage point to a budding and potentially heart-stopping romance, which is ooh-la-la. The natural ebb and flow is engaging and had me gripped from the chance encounter in the smoothie shop.
Why only 4 stars? I honestly wanted more! I would have loved to see this in a full-length novel with more development and drawn out situations because I liked it that much. If you need a quick romance fix, this is a story to try!
Content: mild romance (kissing)
September 27, 2017
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Aleyna McKenzie has always dreamed of making it big as an actress. Lately, it seems like her goal has become unreachable. Her auditions haven’t gone well, money is running dry, and her car is on the brink of breaking down. When she is cast as a stand-in on the network tv show Devastation, she’s fed up with the film set guys hitting on her. Then Carson Peters, a well-known player in the world of Hollywood hotties and the male lead of the show, hits on her, too. But despite her attraction to him, she rejects him.
When Carson discovers her with a broken-down car, he offers to give her rides to the film set. Before long, they are spending more time together, and he begins asking her out. But is Aleyna willing to risk her heart for a guy with a reputation as a player?
When it seems that all hope is lost, will Carson’s faith in her ability to succeed as an actress be enough to give her the drive to reach her dreams?
MY TAKE
This is a fun, fast read. Aleyna is a sympathetic female lead and Carson is yummy. It's a novella so things move pretty quickly, but it does span nearly a year, which helps make it believable. It's a story about believing in yourself and following your dreams.
4 1/2 stars
Aleyna McKenzie has always dreamed of making it big as an actress. Lately, it seems like her goal has become unreachable. Her auditions haven’t gone well, money is running dry, and her car is on the brink of breaking down. When she is cast as a stand-in on the network tv show Devastation, she’s fed up with the film set guys hitting on her. Then Carson Peters, a well-known player in the world of Hollywood hotties and the male lead of the show, hits on her, too. But despite her attraction to him, she rejects him.
When Carson discovers her with a broken-down car, he offers to give her rides to the film set. Before long, they are spending more time together, and he begins asking her out. But is Aleyna willing to risk her heart for a guy with a reputation as a player?
When it seems that all hope is lost, will Carson’s faith in her ability to succeed as an actress be enough to give her the drive to reach her dreams?
MY TAKE
This is a fun, fast read. Aleyna is a sympathetic female lead and Carson is yummy. It's a novella so things move pretty quickly, but it does span nearly a year, which helps make it believable. It's a story about believing in yourself and following your dreams.
4 1/2 stars
October 22, 2017
I read this a while ago, but forgot to post my review. Since I couldn't recall the details, I decided to just read it again.
It is a wonderful story filled with career struggles, friendship and love. It is about acting, smoothies, gluten-free food and jogging. With some nice characters and a good story-line.
I loved it - and didn't mind reading it twice in the same year!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
It is a wonderful story filled with career struggles, friendship and love. It is about acting, smoothies, gluten-free food and jogging. With some nice characters and a good story-line.
I loved it - and didn't mind reading it twice in the same year!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
April 25, 2018
One of the reasons I felt it easy to fantasize about stepping into the shoes of this book’s protagonist, Aleyna McKenzie, is that as a young child I dreamt of going into acting and becoming a star; but I unfortunately didn’t have any acting abilities since I never got selected to be a school play, no matter how small the part.
Aleyna is an aspiring actress, or at least she wants to be; but like me, she couldn’t make it through any of her auditions, and she’s becoming increasingly frustrated. Frustration can truly take a toll on someone’s existence; and she’s no exception, especially when she’s running out of funds, and she’s got a car that’s a ROLLS CAN HARDLY [ROLLS down one hill and CAN HARDLY get up the next.]
I found it interesting that the tv show she’s eventually had been able to get casted in, as an understudy for is called Devastation. It wasn’t surprising that as a young, single beautiful woman, Aleyna wouldn’t be hit upon by very guy on the set; which she was but rejected all of their advances. And even though his magnetism had been quite appealing, she also rejected the advances made by the show’s star and playboy, Carson Peters.
Kismet wasn’t about to let these lonely individuals stay apart, for one day it caused Aleyna’s clunker of a car breaks down, and Carson comes to her aid by offering to drive her to the set and home on a daily basis. Carson’s simple action seemed to have broken the ice of Aleyna’s heart, as she became willing to have him take her out. But eventually this causes her to become confronted by a dilemma many women have to face every day of whether or not to give her heart away to reputed playboy, would you? While this might be a pressing issue for Aleyna, the bigger question is whether her belief in herself will allow her to fulfill her dream of becoming a star actress? Will there be the HEA for this pair?
I love reading novellas, and this endeavor by the book’s author, Cindy Ray Hale, is the reason why. The storyline cuts to the chase, by eliminating all the unnecessary fluff which is prevalent in some full-length novels; which is why I’ve given this book 5 STARS.
I obtained a MOBI.file copy of this book from the InstaFreebie website and the above has been my honest opinion.
Aleyna is an aspiring actress, or at least she wants to be; but like me, she couldn’t make it through any of her auditions, and she’s becoming increasingly frustrated. Frustration can truly take a toll on someone’s existence; and she’s no exception, especially when she’s running out of funds, and she’s got a car that’s a ROLLS CAN HARDLY [ROLLS down one hill and CAN HARDLY get up the next.]
I found it interesting that the tv show she’s eventually had been able to get casted in, as an understudy for is called Devastation. It wasn’t surprising that as a young, single beautiful woman, Aleyna wouldn’t be hit upon by very guy on the set; which she was but rejected all of their advances. And even though his magnetism had been quite appealing, she also rejected the advances made by the show’s star and playboy, Carson Peters.
Kismet wasn’t about to let these lonely individuals stay apart, for one day it caused Aleyna’s clunker of a car breaks down, and Carson comes to her aid by offering to drive her to the set and home on a daily basis. Carson’s simple action seemed to have broken the ice of Aleyna’s heart, as she became willing to have him take her out. But eventually this causes her to become confronted by a dilemma many women have to face every day of whether or not to give her heart away to reputed playboy, would you? While this might be a pressing issue for Aleyna, the bigger question is whether her belief in herself will allow her to fulfill her dream of becoming a star actress? Will there be the HEA for this pair?
I love reading novellas, and this endeavor by the book’s author, Cindy Ray Hale, is the reason why. The storyline cuts to the chase, by eliminating all the unnecessary fluff which is prevalent in some full-length novels; which is why I’ve given this book 5 STARS.
I obtained a MOBI.file copy of this book from the InstaFreebie website and the above has been my honest opinion.
January 22, 2018
This book seem to be boring at first til i started to get into the story as it gotten good. I love the relationship between Carson and Aleyna, pressures of being together as she beginning to think that he was toying with her. they did have beautiful memories together as well then he ending hurting her til the end he makes a promise and that he wasn't perfect. I am glad that they ended up together because i was wondering when he would come back and that i missed them together. This is a sweet light read i truly enjoy reading and finished reading it in 7 or 8 hours as i love how the book ended with a kiss and how she succeeded in following her dream. I loved this book so much.
I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
October 25, 2017
I enjoyed this short romance, which is set within the movie business, and focuses on the roles and relationships of two brothers. Aleyna is an aspiring actress, who can’t get a big break, but successfully auditions for a bit part on a TV show; a bit of luck ensures her regular work with the show; leading her to form a friendship with the lead actor Carson, but he is a player, and she lacks trust, which has a negative impact on their relationship. This story is about trust, love and empowerment; it is well written, and has a good back plot, I would like to have more insight into some of the background characters.
December 1, 2017
Such an endearing story.
A sweet endearing story about a woman trying to make it as an actress and her journey which leads her away and back to her first love of acting. It was very interesting seeing how actors must make it in the world, starting small and hoping for "the big break." And having to decide how far to push it until you need to do something else. Starting a romance amongst all this is crazy, but who can control falling in love. Heartbreak leads to a better break which in turn leads to finding her lost love. It is a true journey with an HEA.
A sweet endearing story about a woman trying to make it as an actress and her journey which leads her away and back to her first love of acting. It was very interesting seeing how actors must make it in the world, starting small and hoping for "the big break." And having to decide how far to push it until you need to do something else. Starting a romance amongst all this is crazy, but who can control falling in love. Heartbreak leads to a better break which in turn leads to finding her lost love. It is a true journey with an HEA.
June 28, 2021
Short, clean and sweet
This is a sweet novella that is an excellent story for the younger set. Actually it is a good story for the older set also such as myself. I won’t say how old I am but I will say this much…I could be old enough to be Alayna’s grandmother. This doesn’t mean I won’t be reading any YA stuff. I need to keep up on them to keep me feeling young at heart. ;;-) I enjoyed Alayna and Carson. They are perfect for each other. I wish it were a longer story so as to delve deeper into their personalities and their thoughts along the way. It is still a worthwhile read.
This is a sweet novella that is an excellent story for the younger set. Actually it is a good story for the older set also such as myself. I won’t say how old I am but I will say this much…I could be old enough to be Alayna’s grandmother. This doesn’t mean I won’t be reading any YA stuff. I need to keep up on them to keep me feeling young at heart. ;;-) I enjoyed Alayna and Carson. They are perfect for each other. I wish it were a longer story so as to delve deeper into their personalities and their thoughts along the way. It is still a worthwhile read.
February 9, 2018
A short, sweet book. It was fascinating to read about the audition process and what it's like working on the set of a show as an extra and as a stand in.
Carson said he was no good for Aleyna , but all I saw was consideration and care for her...He went out of his way to accommodate her diet restrictions, he drove her around when her car broke down, he paid for the repairs on that car, and he encouraged and supported her in her career. Who wouldn't want to be with a guy like that?
Carson said he was no good for Aleyna , but all I saw was consideration and care for her...He went out of his way to accommodate her diet restrictions, he drove her around when her car broke down, he paid for the repairs on that car, and he encouraged and supported her in her career. Who wouldn't want to be with a guy like that?
June 20, 2021
This was quite eye opening into a world that is as foreign to me as traveling abroad.
I loved how the author shared that part of her research for this book was participating on several movie and film sets as an extra!
I would love to read a sequel that would focus on Wyatt and Zoey, and give us an update on how Carson and Amelia are doing? :)
I loved how the author shared that part of her research for this book was participating on several movie and film sets as an extra!
I would love to read a sequel that would focus on Wyatt and Zoey, and give us an update on how Carson and Amelia are doing? :)
April 21, 2023
Clean romance. Hallmark-esque story.
I listened to the audiobook (free on YouTube) with an AI narration. Those are never great but it is free so.... Author says that at some point she hopes to have it narrated for real. I'm sure it would be more enjoyable that way.
No sex, language or violence
I listened to the audiobook (free on YouTube) with an AI narration. Those are never great but it is free so.... Author says that at some point she hopes to have it narrated for real. I'm sure it would be more enjoyable that way.
No sex, language or violence
October 19, 2017
Aleyna has always dreamed of being an actress. When she gets her chance, she finds more than she bargained for. But can she really trust Carson and let herself give in to what she feels? I enjoyed this story.
October 20, 2017
Great book! I loved it! The only thing was that at one point in the book it abruptly skips to one year later. I would have liked to learn more about what happened during the year that gets skipped over and how the main character got along with her acting career.
November 12, 2020
She wanted to become an actress. She wrote plays when she was 20 years old. She could do this. Her drive and energy were both good. Her pocketbook, not so good. She did like eating healthy too. In fact, she even had her making smoothies recorded. But she couldn’t get farther than extras for shows
February 3, 2021
This was a great story. The plot flowed and there were no strings left loose. The writing style was intriguing and kept my attention throughout. The characters were a lot of fun to read about. They had great personalities and it was exciting seeing their story develop.
September 3, 2025
A short love story that leaves you with a happy ending. Aleyna and Carson are likeable characters who are both striving to become actors. A few troubles slow things down and make the story interesting.
November 13, 2017
A sweet short novella that covers approx two years. Its about striving for your own dreams and not letting others control your life. A sweet romance.
July 13, 2018
Read lengthened and updated version of this
July 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this romance. I loved the acting premise with all the behind the scene details. Always and Carson were fun characters with great chemistry
This is a really sweet, clean romance.
This is a really sweet, clean romance.
April 1, 2022
3.5 stars
January 3, 2023
I enjoyed this story.
Content: clean - passionate kissing
Content: clean - passionate kissing
June 29, 2021
When you're working toward your dreams anything is a step forward, except when it's not. And that's what Aleyna learns very quickly. As she starts out as an extra on a project, and rather quickly starts a new endeavor of being a stand-in, only to find that the show is cut she has some tough decisions to make, for both her career and her personal life. What ends up as a happy ending made for a good read, and great character development.
December 29, 2022
A sweet romance and not a bad story overall, but I didn't love it. I found the writing to be a little clunky. A lot of over describing of actions, a few grammatical errors (e.g. using drug instead of dragged), and the I found the story to be predictable.
The characters were sweet though, and I liked the realism by bringing in a common disease so many people struggle with (coeliac disease).
The characters were sweet though, and I liked the realism by bringing in a common disease so many people struggle with (coeliac disease).
October 16, 2017
Great
This was a too short but very sweet clean romance. This was my first book from this author and I look forward to reading more. This was a fun, clean romance.
This was a too short but very sweet clean romance. This was my first book from this author and I look forward to reading more. This was a fun, clean romance.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews