Did you ever dream of being famous one day? When I was young I dreamed of being a country music star. (Yes, really!) Perhaps that’s part of why I enjoy reading celebrity romances so much. It allows me to experience the A-list life vicariously, whether it’s two famous people who get together or one “normal” person and one celebrity. The characters have to navigate both the perks and downsides of fame as they make their way to an HEA, and I enjoy reading about every aspect of their lives along the way.
Celebrity romances often feature a beloved trope: fake relationship. Whether a star needs an image makeover compliments of their love interest or there’s a misinterpreted paparazzi photo, it’s fun to watch a relationship go from fake (and even adversarial) to real. Other common tropes include rivals-to-lovers, forced proximity, and Only One Bed.
These romances also tend to feature glamorous locales, designer clothing, fancy meals, and behind-the-scenes peeks into a sort of lifestyle I’ll never live but sure enjoy reading about.
There are many ways to interpret the idea of “celebrity” but for the sake of streamlining, we’re limiting this book list to actors and musicians living in the limelight. Entertainers, if you will. (If you’re interested in, say, a sports romance post in the future, would you please let us know in the comments?)
Today’s list only contains 10 celebrity romances, which leaves lots of space for you to add your favorites in the comments section. I hope you will! (Especially because I keep thinking of favorites I didn’t include below: Funny You Should Ask!The View Was Exhausting! I could go on….)
A note about heat levels, because we know you want to know what to expect in that regard! For better or worse, heat levels are subjective. My super-spicy might be someone else’s tame, and vice-versa. We use the following guide. If you’d rather there not be more than kissing, look for chaste romance. (Sometimes readers ask for “clean” books, but this is a term I, along with many writers and readers, prefer not to use, because it implies books with sex are then dirty.) If you prefer sex scenes to be minimal or only hinted at, look for “closed-door” romance. If you want your romance to be more explicit, then “open-door” romance is perfect for you. (There aren’t any chaste romances on today’s list so if you have those recommendations, I hope you’ll share in comments.)
10 celebrity romances
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Neevah Saint is a Broadway understudy hoping for her big break when director Canon Holt casts her in his Harlem Renaissance biopic about singer and activist Dessi Blue. It would not look good for the actress and director to start a relationship but it’s hard to resist chemistry like this and so they decide to keep it under wraps. Meanwhile, Neevah is also trying to manage her lupus and all that entails. An emotional, layered read; I hear this is wonderful on audio. (Open door.) More info →
I've heard raves about Roan Parrish's work; this love letter to music (and to love) is on my TBR. Theo loves music but he hates being a rock star: he never expected to be in the spotlight. Caleb left the limelight behind in order to maintain his sobriety. It could never work between them, but neither wants to walk away, either. They just might have something to teach each other in this angsty contemporary romance. (Open door.) More info →
Comedic actress Sienna Diaz can’t read a map to save her life. When her latest role takes her to the Great Smoky Mountains, she keeps getting lost, only to be found by Park Ranger Jethro Winston. He’s ridiculously hot and has good manners. How can she possibly resist? I thoroughly enjoy this series set in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, where six handsome brothers fix cars, hang with family, do battle with the local motorcycle gang, and fall in love. This story can stand alone, but the whole series is super fun. (Open door.) More info →
Richard and Lainie are two actors in London's West End. Though talented, Richard's cranky off-stage antics are turning his fans against him, and the theater is worried they won't be able to sell tickets. Fan favorite Lanie is already stuck working with her cheating ex-boyfriend, and then it gets worse: she's asked to pose as Richard's new girlfriend to help him clean up his reputation. Fans love nothing more than an on-stage/off-stage romance, so soon they're packing in the crowds, but then the lines between on-stage and off begin to blur. This fast, fun contemporary romance with a keen sense of humor kicks off the five-book London Celebrities series. (Closed door.) More info →
Annie Cassidy is a Nora Ephron-obsessed writer who dreams of both writing a rom com and finding a Tom Hanks of her own to love. Those dreams begin to come true when a Hollywood film crew invades her Columbus neighborhood to shoot a new romantic comedy featuring the handsome Drew Danforth … who Annie believes to be an overgrown manchild who cares more about on-set pranks than acting the part of a serious film star. But as Annie gets to know the people on set better, her life starts to take on an eerie resemblance to some of her favorite movies. This familiar story feels fresh and fun in Winfrey's hands, and absolutely oozes charm. Bonus: you'll come away with a long list of rom coms to watch. (Closed door.) More info →
After an adorable (and extended) meet-cute involving a stray pup, Sloan strikes up a flirty text thread with the dog’s owner, who’s out of the country for work. The texts turn into emails, and then hours-long phone calls; the two haven’t met in person but the connection is undeniable. But can a touring musician make a relationship work—and does Sloan even want it to? You’ll have more context if you read The Friend Zone first, but this novel stands on its own, and the witty banter made this an absolute delight. The audiobook is charmingly narrated by Zachary Webber and Erin Mallon if you want to go that route. (Open door.) More info →
A fresh, fun, and flirty romance novel about a soap opera star and a telenovela hunk who are both trying to catch their big break with their brand new bilingual TV show. Jasmine and her sisters come up with some rules to guide her on the path to success, calling it the "Leading Lady Plan." One principle: "leading ladies do not rebound with their co-stars." This shouldn't be difficult. Ashton is banking on this new series to make his career, too. He's perfectly professional...but of course, despite their reluctance to let romance get in the way of their dreams, these two can't deny their chemistry. I enjoyed the audiobook version narrated by Seraphine Valentine. (Open door.) More info →
Olivia Dade weaves television and movie scripts, and fanfiction excerpts together in this romance about fandoms, friendship, and fame. Marcus Caster-Rupp stars on a popular TV show by day and writes fanfiction about that show under a pseudonym by night. April Whittier has hidden her hardcore fangirling from friends and coworkers for years. When she finally works up the courage to post a photo of her cosplay online, it goes viral and lands her a date with the hottest star of her favorite show: Marcus. The real plot twist? They've been connecting on fanfiction forums as writing partners and friends for years. Marcus discovers this first, but he can't reveal his identity without risking his acting career, leading to some serious fictional drama. Dade writes romance with realistic characters and a balance of serious and sweet moments. (Open door.) More info →
A workaholic bodyguard falls for the hunky actor she’s paid to protect in Center’s swoony read about finding love and mending fences. Hannah Brooks may look like a kindergarten teacher, but that’s just one reason she’s a sought-after executive protection agent. Reclusive but adored actor Jack Stapleton doesn’t want a bodyguard at all, and he definitely doesn’t want his ailing mother to know he needs protection from a stalker. But his manager insists. When he meets Hannah—and when she lays him flat on his back with her badass bodyguard skills—not only does he want to hire her, he wants her to pose as his girlfriend so no one will suspect a thing. Complications ensue. With its endearing protagonists, adorable banter, winning sense of humor, and fun industry details for both leads, this one is piles of breezy fun. (Closed door.) More info →
Ice queen and veteran actress Bess is working on a top TV medical drama that she hates. Ray of sunshine and former child actress Summer hopes the show will lead to more serious roles. Things get complicated for the closeted women when their characters are given a love story. Especially when a French director believes Bess and Summer are dating in real life, leading to them faking a relationship so Bess can get her dream movie role. A fake relationship turned slow burn with great Hollywood behind-the-scenes. (Open door.) More info →
What celebrity romances do you recommend? Please tell us in the comments section!
I just finished When in Rome by Sarah Adams. It was a quick, cute read with fun characters, the main character being a world famous pop star trying to escape her life for a little while.
I really loved Scandalized by Ivy Owens (pen name for one of the authors who writes under Christina Lauren). One character is an investigative journalist who accidentally reconnects with a childhood friend, but doesn’t realize that in the meantime he’s become a major K-Drama star. Both characters are so loveable, and it was a really fun read with some deeper themes.
I enjoyed “Nora Goes Off Script” (which I think I found through MMD). For royal watchers, I loved “The Royal We” two-book series. It was a fun peek into what it might have been like for Kate and William as their relationship developed.
I LOVED Funny You Should Ask, by Elissa Sussman. Will They or Won’t They, by Ava Wilder, and and For Her Consideration, by Amy Spalding, were also good reads.
I loved Annabel Monaghan’s Nora Goes Offscript, about a screenwriter and movie star. Super cute and romantic.
Elissa Sussman’s Once More with Feeling (former pop stars) and Funny You Should Ask (writer and movie star) fit this bill and are pretty fun. Also Jasmine Guillory’s While We Were Dating (movie star + marketing exec, very tropey and fun). Penny Reid’s Three Kings series is all celebrity + noncelebrity stories.
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman was a fun read (movie star/writer). The structure of changing from past to present kept me curious. It was closed door.
Fake by Kylie Scott is a favorite of mine, actor/waitress in a fake relationship. She also has a series about a rock band called the Stage Dive Series that I enjoyed.
Recently read The Idea of You by Robinne Lee. The author admits Harry Styles was part of the inspiration for the character Hayes Campbell, but he was not the only one. I am absolutely guilty as charged of picturing Mr. Styles the entire time I read it. It is fairly explicit, so be forewarned. Not a typical read for me, but I loved it!
It is being made into a movie with Anne Hathaway & Nicholas Galitzine. There was just something so sweet about the love story. Gives a good perspective into what it must be like for celebrities and having to live in a bubble. This was originally published in 2017, but became popular during the pandemic in 2020. I guess everyone needed a little romance then. The author may be working on a sequel!!
I came here to recommend this! Can’t believe it didn’t make Anne’s list, it was the best book I’ve read so far this year. Could not put it down. But yes, definitely explicit 🙂
I just read The Stand In by Lily Chu. A regular girl needs to pretend to be a movie star. Super cute enemies to lovers closed door romance. Light and breezy and so fun!
That’s right! I forgot about The Comeback but it was fun on audio. Also +1 for Romantic Comedy and Taylor Jenkins Reed always seems to add a little star power to her fiction (Malibu Rising, Carrie Soto, Seven Lives).
Battle Royal by Lucy Parker is fun. He’s a cross between Paul Hollywood and Simon Cowell, and she’s a former contestant on his baking show who has her own bakery. The two compete for a chance to make a royal wedding cake, and it’s very enjoyable. Open door.
One of my favourite series to read is The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams. Each book follows one member of the book club as they discover/rediscover love, and most of the members of the club are in the spotlight. Several are professional athletes, but the most recent one, A Very Merry Bromance, is about a famous country singer falling for a local immigration attorney.
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33 comments
I just finished When in Rome by Sarah Adams. It was a quick, cute read with fun characters, the main character being a world famous pop star trying to escape her life for a little while.
That’s a great addition! I enjoyed the follow-up Practice Makes Perfect that came out in May.
I really loved Scandalized by Ivy Owens (pen name for one of the authors who writes under Christina Lauren). One character is an investigative journalist who accidentally reconnects with a childhood friend, but doesn’t realize that in the meantime he’s become a major K-Drama star. Both characters are so loveable, and it was a really fun read with some deeper themes.
I really enjoyed Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (pop star/comedy writer) and This Bird Has Flown by Susanna Hoffs (pop star/professor)
How to Fake it in Hollywood by Ava Wilder and Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan both would fit in perfectly on this list!
I enjoyed “Nora Goes Off Script” (which I think I found through MMD). For royal watchers, I loved “The Royal We” two-book series. It was a fun peek into what it might have been like for Kate and William as their relationship developed.
Ditto others’ mentions of The Royal We and Romantic Comedy. Yes to some sports books in general, starting with Carrie Soto is Back!!
I LOVED Funny You Should Ask, by Elissa Sussman. Will They or Won’t They, by Ava Wilder, and and For Her Consideration, by Amy Spalding, were also good reads.
I loved Annabel Monaghan’s Nora Goes Offscript, about a screenwriter and movie star. Super cute and romantic.
Elissa Sussman’s Once More with Feeling (former pop stars) and Funny You Should Ask (writer and movie star) fit this bill and are pretty fun. Also Jasmine Guillory’s While We Were Dating (movie star + marketing exec, very tropey and fun). Penny Reid’s Three Kings series is all celebrity + noncelebrity stories.
All The Feels by Olivia Dade is another good one (second book to Spoiler Alert). I also liked Who’s That Girl by Mhairi McFarlane.
Highly recommend Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan!
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman was a fun read (movie star/writer). The structure of changing from past to present kept me curious. It was closed door.
“Romantic Comedy” and “Nora Goes Off Script” would fit right in on your list. 🙂
Fake by Kylie Scott is a favorite of mine, actor/waitress in a fake relationship. She also has a series about a rock band called the Stage Dive Series that I enjoyed.
I loved the Stage Dive series!
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld was so good! It was sweet and fun but still has substance, and the pandemic references didn’t even bother me.
Recently read The Idea of You by Robinne Lee. The author admits Harry Styles was part of the inspiration for the character Hayes Campbell, but he was not the only one. I am absolutely guilty as charged of picturing Mr. Styles the entire time I read it. It is fairly explicit, so be forewarned. Not a typical read for me, but I loved it!
It is being made into a movie with Anne Hathaway & Nicholas Galitzine. There was just something so sweet about the love story. Gives a good perspective into what it must be like for celebrities and having to live in a bubble. This was originally published in 2017, but became popular during the pandemic in 2020. I guess everyone needed a little romance then. The author may be working on a sequel!!
I came here to recommend this! Can’t believe it didn’t make Anne’s list, it was the best book I’ve read so far this year. Could not put it down. But yes, definitely explicit 🙂
I just read The Stand In by Lily Chu. A regular girl needs to pretend to be a movie star. Super cute enemies to lovers closed door romance. Light and breezy and so fun!
I liked Lily Chu’s The Comeback even better! K-Pop star + lawyer. I really enjoyed learning about K-pop culture!
That’s right! I forgot about The Comeback but it was fun on audio. Also +1 for Romantic Comedy and Taylor Jenkins Reed always seems to add a little star power to her fiction (Malibu Rising, Carrie Soto, Seven Lives).
I loved the Happy Ever After Playlist! I think The Idea of You would go nicely on this list too.
I have The Bodyguard on my TBR!
Battle Royal by Lucy Parker is fun. He’s a cross between Paul Hollywood and Simon Cowell, and she’s a former contestant on his baking show who has her own bakery. The two compete for a chance to make a royal wedding cake, and it’s very enjoyable. Open door.
Great list!
“Miramar Bay” by Davis Bunn is a chaste celebrity romance, and the first in a series. 🙂
What a great list. I loved Act Like I and its part of a 5 book series. So good on audio. I would love a post on sports romance.
One of my favourite series to read is The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams. Each book follows one member of the book club as they discover/rediscover love, and most of the members of the club are in the spotlight. Several are professional athletes, but the most recent one, A Very Merry Bromance, is about a famous country singer falling for a local immigration attorney.
Enjoying these celebrity romances! Love seeing real-life fairy tales come to life
Both The Stand-In and The Comeback by Lily Chi for sure, as well as While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory.
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld!!!
Where the Rhythm Takes You– by Sarah Dass! Very sweet YA story. I think it would be considered chaste, too.
I know it’s young adult, but I enjoyed There You’ll Find Me, by Jenny B Jones
In addition to Romantic Comedy and Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld, I also enjoyed the Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale.