What do you think?
Rate this book
Between Takes
Simone Lavoie would be the first to admit she’s running from her problems, literally. She’s convinced herself a new job as an intimacy coordinator in a new city will give her a fresh perspective. Instead, problems on set only add to her worries.
Evelyn Harper has spent her whole life thinking she knows exactly what she to be an actress. But when the fame gets to be too much following her breakout role, she’s torn between the ideal and reality. Then Evelyn discovers that Simone suspects a friend of trading bit parts for sex, and she starts to second-guess her growing attraction.
As the integrity of the show comes crashing down, Evie must stand up for her conviction to go for what she really wants in life, while Simone struggles to let go of a hard held past and give love a chance. As their feelings grow, it becomes harder and harder to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s an act.
Evelyn Harper has spent her whole life thinking she knows exactly what she to be an actress. But when the fame gets to be too much following her breakout role, she’s torn between the ideal and reality. Then Evelyn discovers that Simone suspects a friend of trading bit parts for sex, and she starts to second-guess her growing attraction.
As the integrity of the show comes crashing down, Evie must stand up for her conviction to go for what she really wants in life, while Simone struggles to let go of a hard held past and give love a chance. As their feelings grow, it becomes harder and harder to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s an act.
Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Birch
9 books40 followersCJ Birch is an author, photographer and digital artist based in Toronto. When not writing or devouring books, CJ works as a video editor for television.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 4, 2022
TW//
I have a lot of mixed feelings about Between Takes. There were things that I loved about the book, but there were also things that I hated about it. I went back and forth about what rating to give this one, but I think three stars captures my mixed feelings pretty well.
Simone’s job as an intimacy coordinator was what caught my attention for this book. I find the whole idea of intimacy coordinators to be refreshing and much needed in the entertainment industry. This book did a great job of portraying what an intimacy coordinator does and how that influences the dynamics on set. I felt that bringing an intimacy coordinator into this story brought a fun feminist twist to the story.
This feminist twist was especially important considering how much this book deals with drama in the entertainment industry. I actually found that the on-set drama was my favorite part of the book. The drama was like watching a car crash - you know that messy stuff is happening and maybe you shouldn’t be watching it but you can’t keep your eyes off of it. There was some really toxic workplace stuff happening on the set of the tv show in this story, but it was so fun to read the scenes where it really dived into all the drama. The drama also reminded me at times of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Despite having elements to the story that I liked, I had a lot of issues with this book as well. Possibly my biggest issue was the writing style. I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing and I found that something about the writing made me feel somewhat unable to connect to a lot of the characters, especially the two main characters.
I also had an issue with the romance. This book seems to be pitched as a sapphic romance, but the romance is a side story. The main story is more focused on the tv set drama and Simone’s family. Since the romance is shoved to the side, any romantic scenes that existed in the story felt forced. It semeed like side characters were pushing Simone and Evie together, but I wasn’t completely sold on their romance and I didn’t feel that they had any chemistry.
I almost gave this book two stars, but the ending somewhat saved the story for me. It wrapped everything up really nicely and it was super cute.
I’d overall say that this was just an okay read. If you’re looking for a story that deals with tv show drama, then this is definitely one that you should try. However, if you’re looking for a good sapphic romance, you can skip this one because there’s better ones out there. I think I might try another C.J. Birch book in the future because I’ve heard her other books are better, but I’ll make sure to go into it with reasonable expectations given my experience with this book.
I received an eArc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have a lot of mixed feelings about Between Takes. There were things that I loved about the book, but there were also things that I hated about it. I went back and forth about what rating to give this one, but I think three stars captures my mixed feelings pretty well.
Simone’s job as an intimacy coordinator was what caught my attention for this book. I find the whole idea of intimacy coordinators to be refreshing and much needed in the entertainment industry. This book did a great job of portraying what an intimacy coordinator does and how that influences the dynamics on set. I felt that bringing an intimacy coordinator into this story brought a fun feminist twist to the story.
This feminist twist was especially important considering how much this book deals with drama in the entertainment industry. I actually found that the on-set drama was my favorite part of the book. The drama was like watching a car crash - you know that messy stuff is happening and maybe you shouldn’t be watching it but you can’t keep your eyes off of it. There was some really toxic workplace stuff happening on the set of the tv show in this story, but it was so fun to read the scenes where it really dived into all the drama. The drama also reminded me at times of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Despite having elements to the story that I liked, I had a lot of issues with this book as well. Possibly my biggest issue was the writing style. I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing and I found that something about the writing made me feel somewhat unable to connect to a lot of the characters, especially the two main characters.
I also had an issue with the romance. This book seems to be pitched as a sapphic romance, but the romance is a side story. The main story is more focused on the tv set drama and Simone’s family. Since the romance is shoved to the side, any romantic scenes that existed in the story felt forced. It semeed like side characters were pushing Simone and Evie together, but I wasn’t completely sold on their romance and I didn’t feel that they had any chemistry.
I almost gave this book two stars, but the ending somewhat saved the story for me. It wrapped everything up really nicely and it was super cute.
I’d overall say that this was just an okay read. If you’re looking for a story that deals with tv show drama, then this is definitely one that you should try. However, if you’re looking for a good sapphic romance, you can skip this one because there’s better ones out there. I think I might try another C.J. Birch book in the future because I’ve heard her other books are better, but I’ll make sure to go into it with reasonable expectations given my experience with this book.
I received an eArc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2022
Evelyn Harper is a breakout star of a popular television show. She is learning quickly that fame has some drawbacks. Simone Lavoie is a new hire to the show as an intimacy coordinator. Her job is to ensure the well being of the actors during intimate scenes. Simone and Evelyn learn that someone is trading acting jobs for sex on the set and try to figure out who before more people are hurt and the show is scandalized.
The setting is Toronto, Ontario, Canada which I am very familiar with and could easily envision in my mind’s eye. Simone’s character is well defined especially the part of being the daughter of a Québécois mother. With Evelyn I had a harder time pinning her down. There were a few huge swings to her personality which blurred my perception of her character. I enjoyed this challenge to see who she really is behind the actor.
This story had me from the first few paragraphs. Birch is an accomplished writer with an appealing style. There is a balance with perfect pacing which allows the writing to carry you through the novel. I could not help but to lose myself in her words.
I received an advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The setting is Toronto, Ontario, Canada which I am very familiar with and could easily envision in my mind’s eye. Simone’s character is well defined especially the part of being the daughter of a Québécois mother. With Evelyn I had a harder time pinning her down. There were a few huge swings to her personality which blurred my perception of her character. I enjoyed this challenge to see who she really is behind the actor.
This story had me from the first few paragraphs. Birch is an accomplished writer with an appealing style. There is a balance with perfect pacing which allows the writing to carry you through the novel. I could not help but to lose myself in her words.
I received an advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 23, 2022
Evelyn Harper is the star of a hit tv series and still figuring out how to deal with the fame that comes with that. She meets Simone Lavoie, the new intimacy coordinator, and they both feel an immediate pull towards each other. Simone is dealing with some family issues and a work problem is pulling Evie's attention and threatening to put an end to their romance.
I wanted to love this as much as I did the last book from Birch but unfortunately this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. The two MCs were both great characters and they did have great chemistry together, I really enjoyed their interactions. I also loved Shane and his meddling, he added a lot of fun to the story. I felt like Evie and Simone just didn't spend enough time together and the romance fell a bit flat. The work drama that Evie and Simone were both involved with took up too much of the plot line for me and felt like it dragged on. It was an ok read that just wasn't the right one for me. I love Birch's last book, The Edge of Yesterday though, so if you haven't read that I'd recommend starting there.
I wanted to love this as much as I did the last book from Birch but unfortunately this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. The two MCs were both great characters and they did have great chemistry together, I really enjoyed their interactions. I also loved Shane and his meddling, he added a lot of fun to the story. I felt like Evie and Simone just didn't spend enough time together and the romance fell a bit flat. The work drama that Evie and Simone were both involved with took up too much of the plot line for me and felt like it dragged on. It was an ok read that just wasn't the right one for me. I love Birch's last book, The Edge of Yesterday though, so if you haven't read that I'd recommend starting there.
November 29, 2022
To me this felt more women’s fiction with a romance because so much of the story involves being on the set of a TV show. Evelyn Harper is the star of a hit series now starting its second season. She’s paid her dues with small parts and isn’t caught up in the celebrity hype. Simone Lavoie is joining the show this season as an intimacy coordinator. The position is becoming more known in real life and it was interesting to have a character explain the purpose and her own choreography background. The set is seemingly happy except there is a rumor of a casting couch issue. And when an co-star unexpectedly quit tensions rise.
The attraction between Evie and Simone seems very organic. I like that Evie’s roommate invites he and Evie to dinner at Simone’s when her brother is visiting. They seem confident in their relationship even attending costume party together.
The later part of the book got weaker for me. Simone is this all wise, let’s look at it from a different views person. And then she cuts off Evie during a family emergency. It didn’t fit for me. Also the whole sex for getting a role on the show is a major plot point gets resolved. But I felt left out because the details, other than an arrest, are told after the fact and not shown. I didn’t understand Simone coming to the holiday show Evie is hosting and neither trying to speak to the other. What was the point? Honestly, I probably need to read the ending again because one moment Simone’s sister awakes from her injuries (which we don’t get to see) and Simone is giving notice on her apartment so I wasn’t clear if she quit her job, and the next she is making a grand gesture. I got lost in the timing because it is weeks not days that they leave things unresolved.
I’ve only read Birch’s previous novel The Edge of Yesterday which I gave five stars. It was a different genre and style of story. I did enjoy the story and the Toronto based setting. I think I wanted a few more scenes so I didn’t have to guess at or interpret feelings. An epilogue might have helped give better closure and given me confidence in a HEA.
The attraction between Evie and Simone seems very organic. I like that Evie’s roommate invites he and Evie to dinner at Simone’s when her brother is visiting. They seem confident in their relationship even attending costume party together.
The later part of the book got weaker for me. Simone is this all wise, let’s look at it from a different views person. And then she cuts off Evie during a family emergency. It didn’t fit for me. Also the whole sex for getting a role on the show is a major plot point gets resolved. But I felt left out because the details, other than an arrest, are told after the fact and not shown. I didn’t understand Simone coming to the holiday show Evie is hosting and neither trying to speak to the other. What was the point? Honestly, I probably need to read the ending again because one moment Simone’s sister awakes from her injuries (which we don’t get to see) and Simone is giving notice on her apartment so I wasn’t clear if she quit her job, and the next she is making a grand gesture. I got lost in the timing because it is weeks not days that they leave things unresolved.
I’ve only read Birch’s previous novel The Edge of Yesterday which I gave five stars. It was a different genre and style of story. I did enjoy the story and the Toronto based setting. I think I wanted a few more scenes so I didn’t have to guess at or interpret feelings. An epilogue might have helped give better closure and given me confidence in a HEA.
November 24, 2022
Three and a half stars.
This was somewhat lacking in the quality I anticipated from C. J. Birch, though I'd have to admit that I've only read two of her other books. I wanted to love Between Takes, I really did. I was excited by the premise, and Evie and Simone were both interesting characters. There's no denying that I was rooting for them as a couple, at least until the final chapters.
I felt like there were almost diminishing returns with each chapter. By the end, I was done with the story and ready to move on, even rolling my eyes at Simone's apology. I attribute this to a couple of factors: the writing, and the various characters and subplots that didn't seem completely tied up by the end. I was surprised by the former, since I remembered Birch exceeding my expectations in Just One Taste and The Edge of Yesterday, although my reading tastes have evolved a little in the time since. I did comment on the exposition being a little over the top in The Edge of Yesterday, and there was a similar sort of problem here, though not concerning the worldbuilding. The narration was a little heavy-handed at times, and I thought some of Evie and SImone's thoughts and feelings could have been handled with a subtler touch instead of spelled out. I didn't make keep track of any examples while I was reading, but going back through the story now, I might point to the way the scenes in Chapter 15 end. Simone seems to be almost consciously summing up her suspicions or worries as if the reader couldn't infer them from her thoughts and actions earlier in the scene. Sometimes the exposition seemed, for one reason or another, to draw too much attention to itself, so I was taken out of the story to observe that, well, Evie apparently couldn't find a way to mention that sooner/later.
My second point, about loose ends, felt even stranger considering Birch's other work. I was wondering if this book was rushed through revisions. Some details just seemed pointless, or like they didn't contribute to the story. Why did Evie and Simone need to meet in a club, when it wasn't brought up in conversation until the last page, like an afterthought? Why did Simone need to have Thanksgiving with Estela? What theme did that even speak to? Estela was a relatively constant presence in the story until that dinner, and then she dropped off the map. Why did we need a short scene from Cameron's POV, when the information he gives us has no relevance? Worst of all, at least for me, was: why were certain plot points told in summary rather than scene? (I remember this being a problem I commented on with The Edge of Yesterday as well.) We don't get interaction with Mani to show the devastating implication of having schizophrenia, we hear that secondhand. We don't see Evie's conversation with Leah, we hear that secondhand. We don't get the full picture from Charlotte herself; guess how we're told about it? I didn't understand why this kept happening, other than Birch possibly underestimating the importance of these moments, and needing to stick to a word limit. But if so, surely it would have been better to cut down on details like Estela or the club scene. All in all, the story felt messy and a little random, like it was borrowing from a slice-of-life style instead of a traditional narrative arc.
I don't want to be overly cruel. I mostly enjoyed the read, and it was especially fun near the beginning. There's still plenty to like in Between Takes, and I never came close to calling it DNF. I just couldn't look past the fact that it came across as more amateur-ish than I was expecting from this author. Hoping for better from C. J. Birch books to come!
This was somewhat lacking in the quality I anticipated from C. J. Birch, though I'd have to admit that I've only read two of her other books. I wanted to love Between Takes, I really did. I was excited by the premise, and Evie and Simone were both interesting characters. There's no denying that I was rooting for them as a couple, at least until the final chapters.
I felt like there were almost diminishing returns with each chapter. By the end, I was done with the story and ready to move on, even rolling my eyes at Simone's apology. I attribute this to a couple of factors: the writing, and the various characters and subplots that didn't seem completely tied up by the end. I was surprised by the former, since I remembered Birch exceeding my expectations in Just One Taste and The Edge of Yesterday, although my reading tastes have evolved a little in the time since. I did comment on the exposition being a little over the top in The Edge of Yesterday, and there was a similar sort of problem here, though not concerning the worldbuilding. The narration was a little heavy-handed at times, and I thought some of Evie and SImone's thoughts and feelings could have been handled with a subtler touch instead of spelled out. I didn't make keep track of any examples while I was reading, but going back through the story now, I might point to the way the scenes in Chapter 15 end. Simone seems to be almost consciously summing up her suspicions or worries as if the reader couldn't infer them from her thoughts and actions earlier in the scene. Sometimes the exposition seemed, for one reason or another, to draw too much attention to itself, so I was taken out of the story to observe that, well, Evie apparently couldn't find a way to mention that sooner/later.
My second point, about loose ends, felt even stranger considering Birch's other work. I was wondering if this book was rushed through revisions. Some details just seemed pointless, or like they didn't contribute to the story. Why did Evie and Simone need to meet in a club, when it wasn't brought up in conversation until the last page, like an afterthought? Why did Simone need to have Thanksgiving with Estela? What theme did that even speak to? Estela was a relatively constant presence in the story until that dinner, and then she dropped off the map. Why did we need a short scene from Cameron's POV, when the information he gives us has no relevance? Worst of all, at least for me, was: why were certain plot points told in summary rather than scene? (I remember this being a problem I commented on with The Edge of Yesterday as well.) We don't get interaction with Mani to show the devastating implication of having schizophrenia, we hear that secondhand. We don't see Evie's conversation with Leah, we hear that secondhand. We don't get the full picture from Charlotte herself; guess how we're told about it? I didn't understand why this kept happening, other than Birch possibly underestimating the importance of these moments, and needing to stick to a word limit. But if so, surely it would have been better to cut down on details like Estela or the club scene. All in all, the story felt messy and a little random, like it was borrowing from a slice-of-life style instead of a traditional narrative arc.
I don't want to be overly cruel. I mostly enjoyed the read, and it was especially fun near the beginning. There's still plenty to like in Between Takes, and I never came close to calling it DNF. I just couldn't look past the fact that it came across as more amateur-ish than I was expecting from this author. Hoping for better from C. J. Birch books to come!
December 10, 2022
Evelyn “Evie” Harper is the star of a hit TV show in Toronto, Canada. Filming has started for the second season, and they’ve brought in Simone Lavoie as the new intimacy coordinator. Not everything seems to be as smooth on the surface when whispers start that someone involved with the show is sleeping with women in exchange for parts.
This was an interesting read. I did enjoy the setting and story, following along behind the scenes on a TV series with all the gossip and scandals. I just found the plot concentrated more on solving who was the bad guy instead of the romance. Which was fine, just unexpected and took a little longer to get into than usual. I did really enjoy learning about the role of an intimacy coordinator though, and Birch did a great job educating and weaving this role in with Simone and the story.
I was a little confused with the couple of chapters randomly from other character POVs. It only happened once off with both side characters - Cameron and Jess, and both scenes didn't really seem necessary to be told from that POV.
I did think Simone and Evie made a cute couple, and I loved the scenes of them going shopping and out for dinner etc, I just would’ve loved more of it! However, when Evie and Simone finally do get together, Simone's actions (or non-actions!) seemed a little out of character in comparison to her job and knowledge as an intimacy coordinator. I felt like she should have known to handle a situation better.
Still a good read, and I did enjoy it overall.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
This was an interesting read. I did enjoy the setting and story, following along behind the scenes on a TV series with all the gossip and scandals. I just found the plot concentrated more on solving who was the bad guy instead of the romance. Which was fine, just unexpected and took a little longer to get into than usual. I did really enjoy learning about the role of an intimacy coordinator though, and Birch did a great job educating and weaving this role in with Simone and the story.
I was a little confused with the couple of chapters randomly from other character POVs. It only happened once off with both side characters - Cameron and Jess, and both scenes didn't really seem necessary to be told from that POV.
I did think Simone and Evie made a cute couple, and I loved the scenes of them going shopping and out for dinner etc, I just would’ve loved more of it! However, when Evie and Simone finally do get together, Simone's actions (or non-actions!) seemed a little out of character in comparison to her job and knowledge as an intimacy coordinator. I felt like she should have known to handle a situation better.
Still a good read, and I did enjoy it overall.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
May 13, 2023
I felt like this story could have been more. There were parts where I was really waiting for something more but it never came. Like the romance feels like a side story to the shenanigans happening on set but even that story felt under developed.
The part about Evie and Shane being each others besties without much background made me feel indifferent for their friendship. Same for the things happening in Simone's family. There was a lot there, it just never came.
I'm giving 3 stars because the premise of the story is good and there were some enjoyable parts.
An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
The part about Evie and Shane being each others besties without much background made me feel indifferent for their friendship. Same for the things happening in Simone's family. There was a lot there, it just never came.
I'm giving 3 stars because the premise of the story is good and there were some enjoyable parts.
An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
December 17, 2022
A great story and well written. I’m not sure how the author pulled off a romance whilst also including a clever exploration of female exploitation within the film and TV industry, as well as a nuanced portrayal of mental health issues and how it affects families. On paper that sounds like a heavy read, but somehow the author manages a lightness through a deft dialogue that is engaging. Both characters are so likeable, especially Evie, who just seems nice. Yet another book that should be made into a script so we could watch this on a small or big screen.
December 7, 2022
Having read other works by Ms Birch I thought when I opened this book I would have another nice story. What I’ve found instead is a story that for the life of me I just couldn't understand. When I restart reading a book over and over again and still can’t grasp what the heck I’m reading it’s time for me to move on.
Don’t let my review be the only one you look at because I’m sure there are other readers who actually loved this book.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Don’t let my review be the only one you look at because I’m sure there are other readers who actually loved this book.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews