What do you think?
Rate this book
Caught Up In Love #4
The Private Rehearsal
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely comes a scintillating forbidden romance between a director and his actress…
The first rule of directing is Never fall for your leading lady.
The second? Don’t let it get to you when she stage kisses another man.
Looks like I’ve already broken both. Now my jealous, possessive heart wants all of her—the ingénue who’s the star of my next show. I’m captivated by her raw talent, her addictive charm, and her desperate need for me.
Soon we’re staying late in the empty theater, our private rehearsals spiraling into forbidden territory.
Exactly where I can’t go. Because then I’d break the most dangerous rule of all.
Don’t give her your heart.
Because how can I be sure that what she feels is real and not a part of the play?
Author’s The Private Rehearsal was previously titled Playing With Her Heart. It has been significantly revised and updated. I hope you enjoy this new edition of one of my first novels!
The first rule of directing is Never fall for your leading lady.
The second? Don’t let it get to you when she stage kisses another man.
Looks like I’ve already broken both. Now my jealous, possessive heart wants all of her—the ingénue who’s the star of my next show. I’m captivated by her raw talent, her addictive charm, and her desperate need for me.
Soon we’re staying late in the empty theater, our private rehearsals spiraling into forbidden territory.
Exactly where I can’t go. Because then I’d break the most dangerous rule of all.
Don’t give her your heart.
Because how can I be sure that what she feels is real and not a part of the play?
Author’s The Private Rehearsal was previously titled Playing With Her Heart. It has been significantly revised and updated. I hope you enjoy this new edition of one of my first novels!
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 24, 2020
155 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
245 books24.4k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 27, 2020
This is an adorable romance! Our hero is the world weary, gruff director. He has seen them all and doesn't want to mess with it any more. Unfortunately the play he is directing has a few of the temperamental actors and actresses he must deal with. One day he sees an up and coming young actress and knows she is perfect for the part in the new play. But, the 'powers that be' insist on casting a well-known name for the part. One of the temperamental actresses he has to deal with.
Enter our heroine. She is the up and coming actress and is thrilled with getting cast in a minor role. Then when she is offered the job as stand-in she is over the moon. Then our hero and director offers private rehearsal time to help her prepare for the role, just in case.
He fools himself into believing it is all innocent. But is it?
An excellent story with a strong heroine who always remembers that 'the show must go on.'
Enter our heroine. She is the up and coming actress and is thrilled with getting cast in a minor role. Then when she is offered the job as stand-in she is over the moon. Then our hero and director offers private rehearsal time to help her prepare for the role, just in case.
He fools himself into believing it is all innocent. But is it?
An excellent story with a strong heroine who always remembers that 'the show must go on.'
March 8, 2020
Oh lord, how did Jill and Davis think this was going to work? Hilarious.
The Private Rehearsal starts off with a fake romance that eventually leads to something real. It was, again, hilarious that people think nothing will happen when things get sexual. Another thing that I loved about it was that there was zero drama. Oh lord, it was honestly refreshing because drama gets so annoying sometimes.
Yes, there was some mystery with someone's past but I ate it all up. Unlike the first book, this was an actual normal length for an audio. Loved every second of it and definitely devoured this entire series. Ugh, I need something else from Lauren now.
The Private Rehearsal starts off with a fake romance that eventually leads to something real. It was, again, hilarious that people think nothing will happen when things get sexual. Another thing that I loved about it was that there was zero drama. Oh lord, it was honestly refreshing because drama gets so annoying sometimes.
Yes, there was some mystery with someone's past but I ate it all up. Unlike the first book, this was an actual normal length for an audio. Loved every second of it and definitely devoured this entire series. Ugh, I need something else from Lauren now.
April 2, 2023
A Private rehearsal is book 4 of the Caught Up in Love series by author Lauren Blakely. It is a standalone, contemporary romance, told from both POV with a HEA.
Tropes:
✔️ Forbidden romance
✔️ workplace romance
✔️ Hero falls first
A Private Rehearsal revolves around a director Davis Milo who falls for the understudy of his leading lady the moment he lays eyes on her and vice-versa.
Davis struggles to maintain a professional distance while working with her. Despite his initial reluctance to get involved with Jill, his feelings grow stronger, as they begin to have private rehearsals that push the boundaries of their professional relationship.
However, Davis is torn between his desire for her and his fear of being hurt, as he wonders if Jill’s feelings for him are genuine or just part of the play.
Overall, A Private Rehearsal is steeped in sizzling hot passion while exploring themes of trust, vulnerability, and the blurred lines between reality and performance. I loved every single enticing moment of this story.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
Tropes:
✔️ Forbidden romance
✔️ workplace romance
✔️ Hero falls first
A Private Rehearsal revolves around a director Davis Milo who falls for the understudy of his leading lady the moment he lays eyes on her and vice-versa.
Davis struggles to maintain a professional distance while working with her. Despite his initial reluctance to get involved with Jill, his feelings grow stronger, as they begin to have private rehearsals that push the boundaries of their professional relationship.
However, Davis is torn between his desire for her and his fear of being hurt, as he wonders if Jill’s feelings for him are genuine or just part of the play.
Overall, A Private Rehearsal is steeped in sizzling hot passion while exploring themes of trust, vulnerability, and the blurred lines between reality and performance. I loved every single enticing moment of this story.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
February 18, 2022
Jill an actress trying to make it big on Broadway and Davis Milo a successful and gorgeous broadway director.
They each have had painful relationships, hers is so sad. But, as this well written flowing storyline goes on, and omgoodness Sebastian York is the male narrator and I love him!! It’s a steamy story, with doubts and insecurities. It’s a really good storyline! I loved it and I will listen to it again! Ava Erickson is the female narrator and she is wonderful . She has a perfect voice to listen 🎧 to. I loved everything about this book!
They each have had painful relationships, hers is so sad. But, as this well written flowing storyline goes on, and omgoodness Sebastian York is the male narrator and I love him!! It’s a steamy story, with doubts and insecurities. It’s a really good storyline! I loved it and I will listen to it again! Ava Erickson is the female narrator and she is wonderful . She has a perfect voice to listen 🎧 to. I loved everything about this book!
June 18, 2020
Intriguing story of two broken souls who for differing reasons are afraid of love and have locked their hearts away, until they crash together and can't keep their hands off each other. Great plot, excellent steam and fun banter to keep you entertained. The performance is fantastic so it's definitely worth a listen. Enjoy!
February 26, 2020
I loved the way they couldn't stay away from each other Jill and Davis have this connection and its hella hot. I like that she knows who and what she wants. I like the way they fall for each other. It was drama free and sweet but also with that hint of mystery.
I like that some of the other characters make an appearance in this book it makes you feel connected to their circle of friends.
Jill's past is tragic and you can tell she has some wounds that still need mending, to go through what she does that leaves scares and they don't fade just because we want them to. That kind of pain takes help.
I loved the way Davis was when he found out he treated her exactly how she needed to be treated.
Great narration as always. These are a few of my favorite narrators.
I like that some of the other characters make an appearance in this book it makes you feel connected to their circle of friends.
Jill's past is tragic and you can tell she has some wounds that still need mending, to go through what she does that leaves scares and they don't fade just because we want them to. That kind of pain takes help.
I loved the way Davis was when he found out he treated her exactly how she needed to be treated.
Great narration as always. These are a few of my favorite narrators.
March 11, 2020
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this revised and updated forbidden romance. Jill and Davis had red hot chemistry and though I'm not normally a fan of instalove/lust, this one worked. The always amazing narration by Sebastian York and Ava Erickson was a treat as well. York was perfect as Davis, the dirty talking alpha director, and Erickson was just the right amount of sweet and vulnerable to pull off Jill. There were some serious moments mixed in with the sexy and fun, and I appreciated how Lauren Blakely balanced it all so well. I did find Davis a little over the top at times with his possessiveness and jealousy, but I loved that once he was in, he was all in. It's always fun to see Blakely's other characters make surprise appearances and fans are sure to enjoy Davis and Jill's updated romance.
Please Note: The Private Rehearsal was previously titled Playing with Her Heart, but has been significantly revised and updated.
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this revised and updated forbidden romance. Jill and Davis had red hot chemistry and though I'm not normally a fan of instalove/lust, this one worked. The always amazing narration by Sebastian York and Ava Erickson was a treat as well. York was perfect as Davis, the dirty talking alpha director, and Erickson was just the right amount of sweet and vulnerable to pull off Jill. There were some serious moments mixed in with the sexy and fun, and I appreciated how Lauren Blakely balanced it all so well. I did find Davis a little over the top at times with his possessiveness and jealousy, but I loved that once he was in, he was all in. It's always fun to see Blakely's other characters make surprise appearances and fans are sure to enjoy Davis and Jill's updated romance.
Please Note: The Private Rehearsal was previously titled Playing with Her Heart, but has been significantly revised and updated.
June 25, 2020
I think it's a case of it's not you, it's me. I've been in a weird mood today. I might give this a second chance in a few months.
Ava Erickson has quickly become one of my top favorite female narrators and I really like Sebastian York as well, I always enjoy his narrations. He's a fave, too.
Ava Erickson has quickly become one of my top favorite female narrators and I really like Sebastian York as well, I always enjoy his narrations. He's a fave, too.
May 15, 2021
Up and coming actress Jill is excited when she's cast in her first Broadway show, especially since the leading man is her longtime crush and the director is an Oscar and Tony winning superstar. But when she and director Davis fall for each other, can they get past their pasts to make a new future?
First, I really, really loved the ending. I loved the chemistry between Davis and Jill, and the sex scenes were off-the-charts hot. Despite the power imbalance, their relationship ends up being very good for both of them. I also liked how the author integrated characters from the rest of the Caught Up in Love books.
There were a few not-so-perfect things, particularly how Davis didn't seem to understand how their relationship going public would affect Jill's career. Surely after that many years as a director he would understand the double standard against women in the business. Plus, some of the supporting characters were too one-dimensional (except Shelby, who was awesome). It's not perfect, but it is a great romance.
First, I really, really loved the ending. I loved the chemistry between Davis and Jill, and the sex scenes were off-the-charts hot. Despite the power imbalance, their relationship ends up being very good for both of them. I also liked how the author integrated characters from the rest of the Caught Up in Love books.
There were a few not-so-perfect things, particularly how Davis didn't seem to understand how their relationship going public would affect Jill's career. Surely after that many years as a director he would understand the double standard against women in the business. Plus, some of the supporting characters were too one-dimensional (except Shelby, who was awesome). It's not perfect, but it is a great romance.
February 17, 2020
Although I read the original, I felt everything with this story just as if it was new to me. Davis Milo is an unapologetic alpha, and I fell for him almost immediately. He knows what he wants, and right or wrong, he makes no excuses for that. When he sees Jill's audition for his Broadway play, he knows that he's found his Ava.
Jill is so excited to be able to audition for a Davis Milo play, and when she gets the news she's been cast, she's so happy. Performing is Jill's dream, and this play is an opportunity to get her career on the fast track--if she plays her cards right. She notices Davis, and even though he's off limits, she can't help being attracted to him, even though its one-sided. Davis sees something in Jill that he's afraid to name. He has a no dating actresses policy, and he intends to stick to it, no matter how alluring Jill is. Circumstances put Davis and Jill in close proximity, and sparks fly.
I loved this story reboot. Davis and Jill have strong chemistry between them, but they're on separate paths that aren't conducive to a relationship. They're both carrying heavy baggage from their pasts, and it definitely influences how they react to one another now. This was a beautiful, gut-wrenching journey for both of them. Very strong separately, but together, Davis and Jill share so many passions.
I listened to the audiobook of this story, and let tell you, Sebastian York was the only option to tell Davis Milo's story. Ava Erickson was so great narrating Jill. They both captured the raw emotion of Davis and Jill's demons, and the sizzling chemistry (yes, Sebastian says those wonderfully dirty words he should have trademarked) is seriously hot. Have a cool drink and a BOB nearby.
I absolutely loved this, and will be listening to it again very soon!
Jill is so excited to be able to audition for a Davis Milo play, and when she gets the news she's been cast, she's so happy. Performing is Jill's dream, and this play is an opportunity to get her career on the fast track--if she plays her cards right. She notices Davis, and even though he's off limits, she can't help being attracted to him, even though its one-sided. Davis sees something in Jill that he's afraid to name. He has a no dating actresses policy, and he intends to stick to it, no matter how alluring Jill is. Circumstances put Davis and Jill in close proximity, and sparks fly.
I loved this story reboot. Davis and Jill have strong chemistry between them, but they're on separate paths that aren't conducive to a relationship. They're both carrying heavy baggage from their pasts, and it definitely influences how they react to one another now. This was a beautiful, gut-wrenching journey for both of them. Very strong separately, but together, Davis and Jill share so many passions.
I listened to the audiobook of this story, and let tell you, Sebastian York was the only option to tell Davis Milo's story. Ava Erickson was so great narrating Jill. They both captured the raw emotion of Davis and Jill's demons, and the sizzling chemistry (yes, Sebastian says those wonderfully dirty words he should have trademarked) is seriously hot. Have a cool drink and a BOB nearby.
I absolutely loved this, and will be listening to it again very soon!
Read
February 15, 2021TBH this really didn't hit for me. It's got a lot of the same dynamics as one of my favorite romances, Pretty Face by Lucy Parker, but it's no Pretty Face. The power dynamics in this director-actor romance really make me uncomfortable, particularly because the hero seems less concerned about his power over her than her power to lie to him to take advantage of his power. Like, my dude, no. I never got past finding this guy creepy as hell, especially since the heroine seems super uninterested at the start, but he goes after her hard. The romance is also very "jealousy is love" and wow no.
I also really hate that her tragic back story
Basically, this was entirely not a Christina book. But I do want to reread Pretty Face now.
I also really hate that her tragic back story
Basically, this was entirely not a Christina book. But I do want to reread Pretty Face now.
November 16, 2020
An adorable, heartwarming story about taking chances after heartbreak
Davis is a renowned and famous director, Jill is on the verge of her big break as an actress in a Broadway musical show.
There's chemistry and undeniable attraction between Jill and Davis but Davis having been burned before has a rule, and that's not to date actresses
The Private Rehearsal is a heartwarming journey where both characters have to learn to trust one another, take the plunge, and give in to fate.
Jill and Davis were two already shining stars that were meant to burn brighter together
I listened to this book as part of a box set. I've loved it. Each story has hotness, a touch of drama, and loveable characters, each book brilliantly balanced to bring the reader or listener enjoyment.
Davis is a renowned and famous director, Jill is on the verge of her big break as an actress in a Broadway musical show.
There's chemistry and undeniable attraction between Jill and Davis but Davis having been burned before has a rule, and that's not to date actresses
The Private Rehearsal is a heartwarming journey where both characters have to learn to trust one another, take the plunge, and give in to fate.
Jill and Davis were two already shining stars that were meant to burn brighter together
I listened to this book as part of a box set. I've loved it. Each story has hotness, a touch of drama, and loveable characters, each book brilliantly balanced to bring the reader or listener enjoyment.
May 3, 2020
This was one steamy, and a little forbidden romance. I loved the possesive side of Davis (something very different from Lauren's heroes). I also really liked the passion, and funny side of Jill and her love for theatre. I liked how they developed their friendship, and found something simillar in their a bit broken past.
Sebastian York and Ava Erickson did an amazing job narrating. Sebastian has a perfect voice for the grumpy, and this kind of possesive hero (and yes, I adore his voice, so this is not surprise). And I also really liked Ava, she gave Jill that youthful and fresh vibe.
Sebastian York and Ava Erickson did an amazing job narrating. Sebastian has a perfect voice for the grumpy, and this kind of possesive hero (and yes, I adore his voice, so this is not surprise). And I also really liked Ava, she gave Jill that youthful and fresh vibe.
September 8, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
Cutesy boots story but probably the smuttiest Lauren Blakely book I've read. I was here for it. 🔥 kept me engaged and rooting for Davis and Jill. If you enjoy theatre you will like this plot. Actress/director romance is hot.
Liked at Jill had some depth and trauma to her back story. 👏👏👏
Cutesy boots story but probably the smuttiest Lauren Blakely book I've read. I was here for it. 🔥 kept me engaged and rooting for Davis and Jill. If you enjoy theatre you will like this plot. Actress/director romance is hot.
Liked at Jill had some depth and trauma to her back story. 👏👏👏
June 18, 2022
He's a director that doesn't date actresses (due to a bad experience) ... and she's an actress for his show! Enough said. Felt the chemistry with these two. Only wasn't a 5 star because it felt too whiny.
February 11, 2022
Bit darker and heavier than I anticipated. Fine narration. Sped up to 1.1x for a more comfortable listen.
Content note: a suicide back story
Content note: a suicide back story
January 2, 2024
This was a little bit more angst from Lauren Blakely than I’ve experienced before. Jill is an aspiring Broadway actress and Davis is a director. It’s clear there is chemistry right from the start. However there was another actor that Jill admired since she was a teen so I wasn’t sure which direction this would go. These characters come with a backstory.
WARNING:
*****definitely check triggers and contents more thoroughly if this is a sensitive topic for you. Considerable mentions of loss, parent loss, suicide, emotional abuse and grief. This is handled beautifully within the story.
While this is a lovely romance with some spice and lightheartedness, these characters have a darkish backstory that will make you love them ultimately. Personally I love a flawed character and these were no exception.
WARNING:
*****definitely check triggers and contents more thoroughly if this is a sensitive topic for you. Considerable mentions of loss, parent loss, suicide, emotional abuse and grief. This is handled beautifully within the story.
While this is a lovely romance with some spice and lightheartedness, these characters have a darkish backstory that will make you love them ultimately. Personally I love a flawed character and these were no exception.
September 26, 2021
To be fair, he does say he has a jealous, possessive heart. Also, this is a rewrite which I can only imagine it's to make the characters less beast and damsel (I didn't read the original version so I honestly don't know). But still, all-in-all, there wasn't much of a story. He fell a little too hard, too quick, and she just had her own issues. Girl, if you are part of a traumatic event, please talk to someone. Anyone. Don't carry that around for six years. Also, quite an ego on her. The only saving grace is that she's an ingenue so if you enjoy that stereotype you may like it better than I did.
September 11, 2024
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
Lauren Blakely truly knows how to write a fantastic romantic comedy. I have loved listening to her books so much and this one was no different. The narrators truly captured her words and brought them to life in the best of way. I was hooked from the very first second I started listening to the story, and I loved the promise. This book had a little bit of a forbidden romance feel, it was angsty, it was spicy, and it just had such an electric level of chemistry between these characters. I loved getting to see them find their way to each other in this book. It was truly wonderful.
I just loved how right these characters felt together. Even though it broke the rules, even though they both had reasons they shouldn’t be together, I loved that they just needed each other. They wanted each other. And it was more than just a physical want, although that was there in spades, it was just chemical and on a soul deep level. They just needed each other. There were something very special and right about what they shared, and that shined throughout this book. I loved getting to see them work through all of their feelings and attractions and just everything.
I just felt invested completely in these characters. I felt for them, I connected to them, I loved everything about them, and I just couldn’t get enough of what they were sharing. I was in it with them from the start, and that just shows what this author creates. It truly was fantastic to experience as a reader, and it just reminded me over and over again why enjoy this author’s books so much.
The story truly had it all. It had the romance, it had the spark, it had a story that I could not put down and literally listen to in one day. I just loved everything with these characters and What I got with them. I also just can never get enough of the fact that her books are set in the same world and that I get to meet and go back to so many other fantastic characters of hers that I love. It just makes reading and experiencing her stories even more enjoyable, and this one was no different!
If you want to read a well written romance that you will just enjoy the hell out of, then run yourself to this book. It’s a story that you won’t be able to put down and it will consume you in so many ways. It will also give you a hell of a love story full of so much connection and you will love it!
Lauren Blakely truly knows how to write a fantastic romantic comedy. I have loved listening to her books so much and this one was no different. The narrators truly captured her words and brought them to life in the best of way. I was hooked from the very first second I started listening to the story, and I loved the promise. This book had a little bit of a forbidden romance feel, it was angsty, it was spicy, and it just had such an electric level of chemistry between these characters. I loved getting to see them find their way to each other in this book. It was truly wonderful.
I just loved how right these characters felt together. Even though it broke the rules, even though they both had reasons they shouldn’t be together, I loved that they just needed each other. They wanted each other. And it was more than just a physical want, although that was there in spades, it was just chemical and on a soul deep level. They just needed each other. There were something very special and right about what they shared, and that shined throughout this book. I loved getting to see them work through all of their feelings and attractions and just everything.
I just felt invested completely in these characters. I felt for them, I connected to them, I loved everything about them, and I just couldn’t get enough of what they were sharing. I was in it with them from the start, and that just shows what this author creates. It truly was fantastic to experience as a reader, and it just reminded me over and over again why enjoy this author’s books so much.
The story truly had it all. It had the romance, it had the spark, it had a story that I could not put down and literally listen to in one day. I just loved everything with these characters and What I got with them. I also just can never get enough of the fact that her books are set in the same world and that I get to meet and go back to so many other fantastic characters of hers that I love. It just makes reading and experiencing her stories even more enjoyable, and this one was no different!
If you want to read a well written romance that you will just enjoy the hell out of, then run yourself to this book. It’s a story that you won’t be able to put down and it will consume you in so many ways. It will also give you a hell of a love story full of so much connection and you will love it!
March 5, 2020
Each and every Lauren Blakely has a hero I fall in love with and a story that captures my heart. This one is so good, it will be a hard act to follow! Davis Milo is casting for a new production he is directing. Jill is the one that he wants to cast, but a more well known actress would bring in the crowds. Casting Jill as the understudy will get her in though, and with a few private rehearsals, he will not only get her acting as a star, but his growing need to be near her will be quenched. Burnt before by an actress, he has no interest in a relationship. Jill is thrilled to be part of the cast, and when Davis takes a personal interest in her, the lines between work and love begin to blur. So many questions come up. Will this just be a fling? Does he help her just to sleep with her? Will he give in and begin to trust in their relationship? Where will they end up at the end of the run? These two are definitely made for each other, but there are obstacles in their way. It's fun and flirty, at times a little angsty and gives us all those wonderful feels. Jill is incredibly sweet, but not innocent. She knows the perception of being with the director. Davis is wonderful, at times frustrating but is easy to understand and relate to. I was totally caught up in this rewrite of Playing With Her Heart!
As always, Blakely casts her books perfectly. Ava Erickson has one of the best new adult voices, and she gives Jill a voice that fits her personality. She lets us in with her different inflections, allowing us to know exactly how she is feeling. Sebastian York is smooth as silk as Davis, giving him that charm. It's impossible not to be taken in by his voice. Another great listen!
As always, Blakely casts her books perfectly. Ava Erickson has one of the best new adult voices, and she gives Jill a voice that fits her personality. She lets us in with her different inflections, allowing us to know exactly how she is feeling. Sebastian York is smooth as silk as Davis, giving him that charm. It's impossible not to be taken in by his voice. Another great listen!
March 3, 2020
Davis Milo has always been my favorite Blakely hero, and after updating this fun, heartfelt, and sizzling romance, she has made this deliciously dirty talking alpha even more sexy and swoonworthy! Davis is casting a new broadway musical and he is sure Jill is perfect for the leading role. The producers want another established star who is a diva that Davis is not happy to work with, so he makes Jill the understudy. As they work together preparing her for the part of a lifetime, their sizzling chemistry becomes undeniable. There are complications to be together, and along with heartbreaking pasts, it is difficult for them to offer their hearts completely. I absolutely loved everything about Davis and Jill's beautiful and intoxicating love story! They were so perfect together, from their shared passion for theatre, to their fiery desire for each other. Narrators Sebastian York, and Ava Erickson were so perfectly cast as Davis and Jill. York completely nails Davis' unapologetic magnetism, and was able to not only bring a lightness to the story, but also a deliciously commanding dominance. I honestly can't imagine anyone other than York's smooth, sexy, baritone voice for Davis. Erickson flawlessly captured Jill's sweet, and sassy spirit, along with her earnest desire to learn and grow as an actress and woman. Together they easily made me feel all the hope, heartbreak, love, and passion that Davis and Jill possessed. I was completely lost to their storytelling as they made me laugh, cry, and swoon!
March 4, 2020
I enjoy every book this author writes and to listen to them is pure aural pleasure. They are all true productions but this one has captured my heart in an entirely new way. Davis and Jill are amazing and this story will pull at your heart strings.
Jill is an actress and the roommate of Cat who is the jewelry designer from The Second Chance Plan. She still hasn't had her big break but she keeps trying. We got to know Jill from the other book but we didn't get to delve into her past hurts and understand why she keeps relationships at arms lengths.
Davis Milo is a renown director of the theater and he has been burned by an actor before with his heart so there is no way he is falling for another one but when Jill auditions for his new show he is instantly attracted to her and her innocence. Can they survive the showbiz world and can they both get past their past hurts?
Sebastian York and Ava Erickson are great to listen to in this audio book. Pleasurable from beginning to end.
This book is so well written and I felt as though I was with Jill and Davis on their journey to the heart. I felt Jill's pain and stayed hopeful she could heal and move on. I understood Davis's reluctance to fall for Jill and I had my fingers crossed he would overcome his past and let his heart have what it wanted. I loved it and highly recommend it. We also get to meet other characters that will go on to have their own stories in more great books.
Jill is an actress and the roommate of Cat who is the jewelry designer from The Second Chance Plan. She still hasn't had her big break but she keeps trying. We got to know Jill from the other book but we didn't get to delve into her past hurts and understand why she keeps relationships at arms lengths.
Davis Milo is a renown director of the theater and he has been burned by an actor before with his heart so there is no way he is falling for another one but when Jill auditions for his new show he is instantly attracted to her and her innocence. Can they survive the showbiz world and can they both get past their past hurts?
Sebastian York and Ava Erickson are great to listen to in this audio book. Pleasurable from beginning to end.
This book is so well written and I felt as though I was with Jill and Davis on their journey to the heart. I felt Jill's pain and stayed hopeful she could heal and move on. I understood Davis's reluctance to fall for Jill and I had my fingers crossed he would overcome his past and let his heart have what it wanted. I loved it and highly recommend it. We also get to meet other characters that will go on to have their own stories in more great books.
February 21, 2020
The Private Rehearsal by Lauren Blakely is a revised and updated version of the original, Playing with Her Heart. I loved the original and was excited to get my hands on the new version. Davis is directing a Broadway play and Jill is staring in her first. As soon as he sees and hears her, he knows she perfect for this role. He also knows he's going to have to fight the feelings he has for her. He can not get involved with an actress. Never again. Jill is so excited for the opportunity to be in this play. She's professional, gorgeous and extremely talented. When she and Davis end up having private rehearsals, the line between director/actor and man/women get blurred. There's an undeniable attraction between them that they both try to fight. But it's just too strong. Can Davis break his rule about dating actresses? Will Jill be able to trust that he's not just telling her what she wants to hear? I love this story so much! It felt new and fresh to me and I can't wait for fans of Lauren's who never read the original to fall in love with Davis and Jill!
I had the pleasure of listening to the audio and it felt like a new story to me. Sebastian was great, as always. He always seems to change his voice for every character he narrates and he was Davis. And Ava was Jill. Exactly how I pictured her sounding! The fun, flirty singer and the emotional woman. Ava killed it!
I had the pleasure of listening to the audio and it felt like a new story to me. Sebastian was great, as always. He always seems to change his voice for every character he narrates and he was Davis. And Ava was Jill. Exactly how I pictured her sounding! The fun, flirty singer and the emotional woman. Ava killed it!
September 12, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this one because I really didn't like the first 50%, but then it kind of picked up a little in the last 50%. I don't know, really. I was just bored, and to me, the first kiss happened way too soon. I just don't like the insta-lust trope when it's to such a degree that they're in trances and unable to control themselves when it's only the second time they're meeting each other (so I lost interest pretty early on in the book). I also hated the whole 'oops-we-kissed-and-it-was-so-good-but-we-can't-kiss-again-it-was-a-mistake-but-then-we-kiss-the-next-time-we-see-each-other-again' thing they had going on. Like, just stop and have some control? It's not that hard.
Jill was acting very much like some feral animal whenever Davis would touch her in any kind of way. It was like she got possessed, and whenever she climaxed, it was described as if she screamed like a banshee. To me, that was just too much secondhand embarrassment to handle.
I did like the development she goes through toward the end tho, after she talks with Davis about everything—why she is the way she is—and how he comforts and cares for her after that. That was sweet. I also liked how she opens up to him and starts to be honest with him about everything she thinks or feels. But yeah, that's about it.
Jill was acting very much like some feral animal whenever Davis would touch her in any kind of way. It was like she got possessed, and whenever she climaxed, it was described as if she screamed like a banshee. To me, that was just too much secondhand embarrassment to handle.
I did like the development she goes through toward the end tho, after she talks with Davis about everything—why she is the way she is—and how he comforts and cares for her after that. That was sweet. I also liked how she opens up to him and starts to be honest with him about everything she thinks or feels. But yeah, that's about it.
May 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. It is book 4 in a series but they are standalone. I did listen in order and this specific story tied in more of the prior story lines so it would be best to listen to the prior stories.
In this story, Jill is an actress and gets her dream job working on a broadway show as an understudy to a notoriously difficult actress. So, she has a great chance of at least leading a few of the shows. Her director, Davis Miles and her have amazing chemistry but both have been hurt previously and are a little gun shy. In order to make sure that she has the best chance of wowing the crowd (and to spend more time with her, Davis sets her up with Private Rehearsals. I loved those scenes where they really get more emotionally involved and I felt like the relationship rolled out pretty well overall. It was a fun book with an overall sweet story and I loved seeing the other characters from prior books again.
I borrowed the audiobook from AE and as expected, both Ava Erickson and Sebastian York were fantastic. Well spoken, easy to listen to and they elevated the emotional aspects of the story. I'm glad I had the opportunity to listen to this series!
In this story, Jill is an actress and gets her dream job working on a broadway show as an understudy to a notoriously difficult actress. So, she has a great chance of at least leading a few of the shows. Her director, Davis Miles and her have amazing chemistry but both have been hurt previously and are a little gun shy. In order to make sure that she has the best chance of wowing the crowd (and to spend more time with her, Davis sets her up with Private Rehearsals. I loved those scenes where they really get more emotionally involved and I felt like the relationship rolled out pretty well overall. It was a fun book with an overall sweet story and I loved seeing the other characters from prior books again.
I borrowed the audiobook from AE and as expected, both Ava Erickson and Sebastian York were fantastic. Well spoken, easy to listen to and they elevated the emotional aspects of the story. I'm glad I had the opportunity to listen to this series!
March 13, 2022
The Private Rehearsal is the final book in Lauren Blakely’s four book Caught Up in Love series. Jill is looking for her big break and secures position as understudy to the female lead in Davis’s new stage show.
This is a work place romance with a slightly forbidden aspect as Jill can’t be seen to be favoured by Davis. I think this added an angsty dimension to the book, with their secretive relationship.
The story is set in New York and mentions the musical Wicked quite a few times. New York and Wicked are two of my favourite things and I found myself randomly singing “Fiyerrrrooooooo” at weird points in the day thanks to listening to this audible!
Overall I would definitely recommend this full series if you’re new to Lauren Blakely or a previous fan. The audiobooks were all narrated brilliantly with some of my absolute favourites - Andi Arndt, Zachary Webber and Sebastian York.
This is a work place romance with a slightly forbidden aspect as Jill can’t be seen to be favoured by Davis. I think this added an angsty dimension to the book, with their secretive relationship.
The story is set in New York and mentions the musical Wicked quite a few times. New York and Wicked are two of my favourite things and I found myself randomly singing “Fiyerrrrooooooo” at weird points in the day thanks to listening to this audible!
Overall I would definitely recommend this full series if you’re new to Lauren Blakely or a previous fan. The audiobooks were all narrated brilliantly with some of my absolute favourites - Andi Arndt, Zachary Webber and Sebastian York.
January 30, 2020
I loved everything about this story! Previously titled Playing With Her Heart, this revised version is an absolute must read. I didn’t read the original version, so I’m not sure how much the book has changed.
Slightly forbidden and a lot hot, the dynamics between Davis and Jillian were extremely entertaining and enjoyable! He’s a director and she’s one of the actresses in his current broadway production. Their chemistry is off the charts and the steamy scenes between these two is enough to melt your kindle! Their connection can’t be denied but they both have walls up because of past heartbreak, which complicates an already complicated situation.
I loved these two and they were so meant to be together that I couldn’t put this book down...they needed a happily ever after and I needed to make sure they were going to get it!
Slightly forbidden and a lot hot, the dynamics between Davis and Jillian were extremely entertaining and enjoyable! He’s a director and she’s one of the actresses in his current broadway production. Their chemistry is off the charts and the steamy scenes between these two is enough to melt your kindle! Their connection can’t be denied but they both have walls up because of past heartbreak, which complicates an already complicated situation.
I loved these two and they were so meant to be together that I couldn’t put this book down...they needed a happily ever after and I needed to make sure they were going to get it!
February 27, 2020
Previously titled Playing With Her Heart, this revised version is an absolute must read. I didn’t read the original version, so I’m not sure how much the book has changed, but I loved everything about it!
Slightly forbidden and a lot hot, the dynamics between Davis and Jillian were extremely entertaining and enjoyable! He’s a director and she’s one of the actresses in his current broadway production. Their chemistry is off the charts and the steamy scenes between these two is enough to melt your kindle! Their connection can’t be denied but they both have walls up because of past heartbreak, which complicates an already complicated situation.
I loved these two and they were so meant to be together that I couldn’t put this book down...they needed a happily ever after and I needed to make sure they were going to get it!
Slightly forbidden and a lot hot, the dynamics between Davis and Jillian were extremely entertaining and enjoyable! He’s a director and she’s one of the actresses in his current broadway production. Their chemistry is off the charts and the steamy scenes between these two is enough to melt your kindle! Their connection can’t be denied but they both have walls up because of past heartbreak, which complicates an already complicated situation.
I loved these two and they were so meant to be together that I couldn’t put this book down...they needed a happily ever after and I needed to make sure they were going to get it!
November 11, 2025
Gotta love it when he falls first!
Davis is a well-known director working on a Broadway show and Jill is an aspiring actress trying to lend her breakout role. She can't believe her luck when she gets the role of understudy of the female lead in Davis' play, she doesn't only get to work with him but also her teenage crush, it's what she's always dreamed of. Davis' first choice as his leading lady would have been Jill, ever since he first saw her act he knew she was a rising star and he wants to be the one to discover her.
The instant attraction is hard to fight, remaining professional is nearly impossible.
But the problem is, Davis is not willing to date an actress ever again and Jill has even more issues with relationships.
I had to take away a star because of Jill thinking she had feelings for Patrick and letting Davis think she's in love with someone else. Sorry.
Davis is a well-known director working on a Broadway show and Jill is an aspiring actress trying to lend her breakout role. She can't believe her luck when she gets the role of understudy of the female lead in Davis' play, she doesn't only get to work with him but also her teenage crush, it's what she's always dreamed of. Davis' first choice as his leading lady would have been Jill, ever since he first saw her act he knew she was a rising star and he wants to be the one to discover her.
The instant attraction is hard to fight, remaining professional is nearly impossible.
But the problem is, Davis is not willing to date an actress ever again and Jill has even more issues with relationships.
I had to take away a star because of Jill thinking she had feelings for Patrick and letting Davis think she's in love with someone else. Sorry.
March 19, 2021
Jill has been shattered from an all-consuming love and has never recovered. She not only acts as her profession but in her life because she can never let someone in like that. It cuts too deep and feeds her fears.
Davis fell in love with an actress only to be burned as soon as the play was over. He will never make that mistake again. Jill somehow sneaks in and makes him forget all the ways loving her is bad for him.
I loved this romance! It stripped me bare and exposed all the feels! Not only do you get an unexpected forbidden romance but as the story revolves around a play, it’s director, leading lad, leading man, and stand in you also get the story of the play which works in to it seamlessly! You can never go wrong with a Lauren Blakely book!!!
Davis fell in love with an actress only to be burned as soon as the play was over. He will never make that mistake again. Jill somehow sneaks in and makes him forget all the ways loving her is bad for him.
I loved this romance! It stripped me bare and exposed all the feels! Not only do you get an unexpected forbidden romance but as the story revolves around a play, it’s director, leading lad, leading man, and stand in you also get the story of the play which works in to it seamlessly! You can never go wrong with a Lauren Blakely book!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews