Mister Movie Star is a charming, flirty romp of a romance novel set against the glitzy backdrop of Beverly Hills and the more grounded vibe of the Pacific Northwest. At its heart, it’s about Rose Poppins—a talented but emotionally bruised chef—and George Reed Masters, the Hollywood heartthrob with a hidden depth and, as it turns out, a surprisingly grounded soul. When Rose lands a job as George’s personal chef, neither expects the whirlwind of attraction, awkwardness, and healing that’s about to unfold. It’s the kind of story that combines humor, heart, and heat in just the right doses.

I fell for the writing right away. It has this effortless, snappy rhythm—funny without trying too hard, emotional without feeling saccharine. From the first few pages, when Rose awkwardly fumbles her way into George’s estate (and into his arms, quite literally), I was hooked. That whole “mistaken identity” set-up where she thinks George is just the pool guy is classic. But it’s not just a gimmick—the banter that follows feels natural and genuinely fun, like you’re eavesdropping on two people falling into something big and messy and real. That moment when Rose realizes the “pool guy” is actually her movie star boss was deliciously cringey and delightful.

The deeper stuff hit me harder than I expected. Rose’s backstory with the sleazy chef and the fallout from that mess felt all too real. There’s this sharp moment when Rose reflects on how being a woman in a high-end kitchen already stacks the odds against her—and then a sleazy encounter pulls the rug out from under her. Her resilience, though, really got to me. She’s smart, funny, a little self-deprecating, and trying so hard not to get hurt again. You can’t help but root for her. And George, under the glitz, is just a guy trying to figure out what matters. His moments of vulnerability—like his existential dread over aging out of Hollywood, or wondering if he can carry off a British accent without sounding like a cartoon—give him this surprising, relatable depth.

The chemistry is off the charts. There’s this perfect blend of slow-burn tension and goofy sweetness. I loved their early kitchen scenes—Rose trying not to blush while George munches carrots like Bugs Bunny, or her awkward sandwich moment where she can’t stop staring at his indigo eyes. It’s romantic comedy gold. And somehow, amid all the flirting and fumbling, there’s this growing sense of trust, like they’re both learning how to be safe with someone again. That’s where the story really shines—not in the glamor, but in the quiet moments where they see each other for real.

If you love character-driven romances with heart, humor, and heat, this one’s a gem. Fans of Emily Henry or Katherine Center will probably feel right at home. It’s got enough Hollywood sparkle to keep things fun, but it’s the emotional beats that really stick with you. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a love story with depth—plus some good food, awkward falls, and the kind of witty repartee that’ll leave you grinning.

Pages: 340 | ASIN : B0F3RSKKNV