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Lights, Camera, Love, Natalie Murray's latest romance novel, follows dance teacher Evie and manager Kye. Evie and Kye first meet at a hip hop class that she teaches. Later when she's cast as the leading lady in a movie, she discovers that he is the manager/publicist of the leading man of the movie she's just been cast in.

I love the emotional depth that Natalie brings to her books. I feel that she approached the subjects of childhood trauma, abandonment issues and the foster care system with great care and understanding. I really enjoyed the moments that featured dance, whether it was talking about a class she had taught or the characters performing a dance. I loved hearing their thought process while they were dancing. Getting a peak behind the curtains of the good and bad sides of the entertainment industry was really interesting. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this story and I can't wait for Natalie's next one.

Thank you to Allen and Unwin, Natalie Murray and Netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange of my honest opinion.

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I adored Love, Just In so was a bit disappointed that this one missed the mark for me. I found some of the story a bit cheesy and lacking the elements that made LJI so enjoyable. I didn’t particularly warm to any of the characters so unfortunately picking it back up sometimes felt like a bit of a chore.

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I absolutely devoured this one.
5 stars!
*applause*

Natalie Murray has created a world that feels such like our own while also getting a peek behind the proverbial showbiz curtain. Her characters are realistic and loveable - even the worst ones are so well written that the sleaze oozes off the page.

'Lights, Camera, Love' follows dance teacher Evie as she is cast in the next great Australian motion picture opposite her teenage crush; the one and only Austin Reynolds. What should be a fun and exciting dance movie turns into an on-set nightmare and PR fiasco... but with all the chaos comes a little calm in the enigmatic and serious Kye. But don't be fooled, this book is so much more than a pretty cover (seriously though, love the design!). Sparks fly and fizzle in this entertaining read. This Australian rom-com has depth and development and I'd love to see this story on the big screen.

*Thanks Netgalley and Allen & Unwin for the ARC*

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I was very excited for this release, I loved Love Just In last year it was one of my favourite reads of the year. I followed the author through the lead up to the realease day and started reading the novel sadly to disappointment.

I'm not sure if it was the dance theme that didn't hit for me or the characters but I found myself unable to attach myself to the characters and the story. I think that I'll try and give it another go.

Thanks to NetGalley for the early access.

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2.5 STARS

I was really looking forward to this one but unfortunately this book wasn't for me. I loved the premise but the execution fell flat. I found the dialogue quite cringey and unnatural. There was also waaaay too many sub plots going on that didn't really add anything to the story. The constant name dropping of songs was also strange to me, a few times I understand by it was multiple times per chapter.

I wish we had a bigger focus on Evie & Kye to build their connection & chemistry. Their relationship felt clunky & under developed. I think this was due to the multiple sub plots going on, it took away from them as the focus of the book.

I think if you are a fan of Tessa Bailey style books then you would like this!

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Lights, Camera, Love was such a fun dive into the glitzy world of Hollywood, with just enough emotional grit to keep it from being your typical fluffy romance. I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at movie-making, and the grumpy x sunshine dynamic between the two main characters had me smiling throughout.

What stood out most, though, was how the story didn’t shy away from deeper issues. The exploration of Evie’s complicated relationship with her father added weight and heart, and I especially appreciated the nuanced, slightly toxic but very human dynamic between Austin and Kye. Their brotherly tension and buried insecurities gave the story more layers than I expected. I did, however, struggle with plot pacing, it felt somewhat convoluted.

Overall, if you’re after a romance with heart, humour, and a bit of Hollywood drama, this may be one for you.

3.5 stars!

Thank you Allen & Unwin and Netgalley for my eARC

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Wow! This is actually the first book that I read by Natalie Murray, and I enjoyed it so much. I actually really enjoyed how they met, and their whole story. With Kye and Evie, I could literally fill their chemistry off the pages as I was reading.
I do understand where Kye is coming from in regards to Austin, and he had much more composure than I definitely would have if a friend acted like that towards me with someone that I was interested in LOL but I do get why he was cautious with Evie. Not gonna lie Austin annoyed me to death. Just the way that he was acting the way that he spoke with people around him and things like that. I get, yes, he's a movie star but also he was a little bit of a washed up one let's be honest. However, I did love the ending of the book so much, how it all played out, and how it all came together.
I also loved how Kye stood up for Evie with the producer. I was cheering so loud when he did that.

Some of my favourite lines from the book:
1. Stop looking at me. Stop looking at me, or I'm gonna start looking back. - SWOON MOMENT!
2. You're allowed to be happy, Kye. The sun wants to shine on you. You just have to see past the clouds. - WOW I loved that line so much!!!
3. His eyes tangled with mine and was silently at each other, our body is so tightly fused that would be impossible till one of us ends and the other begins. - I love this scene and I don't wanna ruin it for other people that haven't read the book yet, but something special happens right after this.

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Lights, Camera, Love by Natalie Murray is out in the world today and what a sparkly, swoony read this was!

Evie is a hip-hop teacher with big dreams and a heart full of sunshine. When she lands a role in a Hollywood dance movie filming in Australia, it’s everything she’s ever wanted… except maybe for Kye—her co-star’s grumpy manager who seems determined to stay out of the spotlight (and out of her way). But we know how that goes…

This is a total grumpy x sunshine delight, with loads of behind-the-scenes fun, romantic tension, and that sweet spot mix of banter and heart. Natalie captures the thrill of chasing a dream, the fear of getting too close, and the joy of finding someone who sees you.

I raced through this one with a grin on my face. It’s charming, fresh, and full of heart—perfect for fans of fun, flirty reads with substance.

It’s got romance, a found-family vibe, and all the dance, drama, and slow-burn tension you could hope for.

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‘Lights, Camera, Love’ is a grumpy sunshine romance packed with heart, happiness, and hip-hop.

It follows dance teacher Evie Scott, as she’s cast in a blockbuster movie alongside her teenage crush turned Hollywood heartthrob. When she arrives on set for filming, Evie can’t deny how attractive she still finds the now world-famous actor - but it’s his burnt-out manager Kye that ends up stealing the show.

This is the definition of a fun read, and if it wasn’t already obvious: I enjoyed it!

Kye and Evie have great chemistry, but also inspiring backstories - and I loved the behind the scenes look at the entertainment industry. If I wasn’t bopping along to the amazing song references, I was kicking my feet at the banter, or swooning along with the romance - and it never gets old, reading stories set in Australia.

That isn’t to say this is an entirely easygoing read - while this is mostly light-hearted, there are some darker themes and emotional scenes. But the depth is what drew me in the most, and it’s delivered with the perfect balance.

Thank you Natalie and Allen & Unwin for my arc via Netgalley. I knew I’d like this, given how much I loved ‘Love, Just In’ - and yep, it’s now firmly added on my list of romance recommendations!

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Lights, Camera, Love was such a fun and flirty read yet is had a beautiful and heartwarming undercurrent to it with both characters having issues with their parents.

I enjoyed the dance references, the filming aspect and the weird little characteristics both Evie and Kye had.

It was written in such a way that had me devouring the pages long after I should have been snuggled up in bed for the night. Always a sign of a good book in my opinion.

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Lights, Camera, Love by Natalie Murray follows the story of Evie - hip hop dancer with a sunny disposition - and Kye - entertainment manager with a grumpy exterior. When Evie is cast in a movie alongside Austin, Kye's client and best friend, the two hit it off in a slow-burn romance that's complicated by the fact she starts fake-dating Austin to boost publicity for the film.

I enjoyed Natalie Murray's Love Just In and so I was really excited for Lights, Camera, Love. I wanted to love it but this fell VERY flat for me.

The chemistry and romance did not feel believable and it wasn't on the page. The cutesy nicknames were very cringe and the spicy scenes didn't flow. The dialogue didn't feel natural. Everything about it felt a bit off-kilter. It read a little like a paint-by-numbers rom-com.

It had a lot of potential with some interesting themes and characters relationships but these were handled a little clumsily and weren't fully fleshed out.

Dance is difficult to write about because it is a visual medium, so I appreciate how hard this aspect would have been to capture.

Sadly, this one just wasn't for me but I'm sure many will adore these loveable characters.

Thank you to Allen & Unwin and Netgalley for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I really enjoyed this book by Natalie Murray.
I have a soft spot for anything set in Australia. Throw in a movie set and dancing and it encompasses so many of my favourite things.
Natalie has a knack for intertwining romance with deeper emotional stories.
I loved the connection between Evie and Kye and their individual story lines and growth. It touched on a lot of heavier topics that were handled with sensitivity and care.
It was filled with heart warming moments, laugh out loud moments and moments that made me tear up.
I can’t wait to see what Natalie writes next and I’ll be first in line to buy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Allen and Unwin for an early copy of this book.

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I love a book set in Australia, add in dancing and its a win win for me!

Evie is a dance teacher who bags a leading role in a new Aussie dance style rom com alongside her childhood crush Austin. Kye is Austins manager, a grumpy guy who ins’t sure he wants to be in the star business industry for much longer. Whilst the three of them work closely together on the movie, Evie soon realises maybe her teenage crush isn’t the one she wants to steel her heart.

The immediate tension with the grumping sunshine trope grabbed me. I really liked how this was such a light hearted romance but still managed to tackle some heavier themes like broken families and parental abandonment with care.

I love how cringe worthy the movie being made was, I was constantly giggling at the way the main characters themselves continued to take the piss out of it. Austin definitely isn’t the heart throb Evie dreamt of growing up. Natalie painted his character exactly how I imagined your young crush would end up turning out, a bit cringe, self centred and quite frankly an idiot.

A nice little rom com, 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Allen and Unwin and Natalie Murray for the ARC

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Lights, Camera, Love is about Evie, a dance teacher who gets the chance to star in a dance movie with her teenage crush, Austin Reynolds. However, Austin’s manager Kye is the one who catches Evies eye, he’s grumpy and he’s hot!

It was a nice change reading about the dance and film industry, there’s a bit of banter and chemistry and there’s also some heavier themes explored such as foster care, abandonment issues and childhood trauma.

This is an easy to read rom com, with a bit of spice, sometimes a little cheesy, which I know will appeal to many rom com lovers!

🩷 grumpy x sunshine
🩷 slow burn
🩷 forced proximity
🩷 forbidden love
🩷 found family

Thank you so much @allenandunwin for sending me an early copy to read.

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"Lights, Camera, Love" was an enjoyable and sweet read, perfect for a lighter escape. I particularly loved the vibrant dance movie setting and the Australian backdrop. Kye, the manager, was a standout character for me, and I wished for more of his story.

While the pacing felt a little slow initially and some elements stretched believability, the last third of the book was very engaging. It’s a genuinely good read, though some emotional arcs didn't quite resonate as deeply as I'd hoped. Austin proved to be a challenging character for me to connect with.

Overall, this is a charming and cute "palate cleanser" novel that fans of contemporary romance with a dance twist will likely enjoy.

Huge thanks to Allen & Unwin and NetGalley for the early copy!

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Dance teacher, Evie, lands the opportunity of a lifetime in a blockbuster film opposite Austin Reynolds, Hollywood heartthrob. She needs the financial stability that this role offers. But Evie can't stop thinking about Kye Evans, Austin's grumpy manager.

Lights, Camera, Love was such a delightful mix of fun moments and humour, and more emotional situations and dealing with past trauma. They're given opportunities to work with moving on from their pasts, and give light to a new future. I love that it gives a moment to the idea that love can be hard - and loving someone means staying and working through whatever is going on.

All in all, I really enjoyed this one! Thank you to Allen & Unwin for an e-arc of Lights, Camera, Love, all opnions are my own.

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This was such a fun read with a mixture of humour and interesting characters. What I love about Murray’s contemporary romance books is she likes to explore themes that bring emotional depth to a story. The main characters in this story are dealing with childhood trauma and abandonment issues.

Evie and Kye meet through a hip hop dance class and their relationship grows as they deal working on a movie together. Throw in some interesting side plots, forced proximity, conflict and open-door spice and you have an engaging read.

I’ve always had an interest in learning about what goes on behind the scenes of a movie, so I enjoyed the setting, and it was great to see some local sights.

Thank you, NetGalley and Allen & Unwin, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Lights, Camera, Love by Natalie Murray is, simply and joyfully, a romance novel at its core. Our main characters, Evie and Kye, are both in the thick of it. There’s personal trauma wrapped around their pasts and yet the book never slips into melodrama. It lets these burdens exist and gives them narrative room to breathe. It shows two people learning how to love with all their wounds showing.

Natalie Murray’s writing is sweet and disarmingly accessible. This is not a novel where you wade through metaphor to find the plot. The pacing is just wonderfully right. There was never a dull moment.

What stayed with me the most is the message underneath the glossy banter and flirtation. The idea that love means staying. Not just when it’s easy, when things are light and beautiful and camera-ready, but when things get hard, when you’re forced to confront the mess of your past and your partner’s too. The book doesn’t shy away from this truth. It wades into it. For a genre often dismissed as escapist, that feels radical in its own gentle way.

So yes, Lights, Camera, Love is a romance. A really fun one at that, buy it’s also a reminder that healing and connection can happen in tandem, nd that the best kind of love, real love, is the kind that stays. Even when you’re a mess. Especially when you’re a mess.

This has been posted on Goodreads and will be posted on Instagram when I receive my pre-ordered copy (around July 31/August 2, 2025). Thank you, NetGalley for the e-ARC!

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Thankyou to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for an early arc of this thoroughly enjoyable and reflective book.
Lights, Camera, Love is set in the entertainment industry in Sydney Australia with the FMC Evie being a hip hop dance teacher whilst also wanting to be an acto. Evie gets the opportunity to star in a dance romance with western vibes in the film moving as the leading lady to the famous MMC Austin Reynolds and she gets more than she bargained for during the making of the film.
I enjoyed the grumpy sunshine romance between Evie and Kye (Austin's best friend and manager), as well as the heartfelt trust between them in relation to problems within their own families. It took slow burn romance to a whole new level and I cannot wait to read the next book by this author.

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This was a fun grumpy x sunshine romance filled with loveable and some not so loveable characters. Whilst it was light hearted for the most part, it still dealt with some heavy topics like foster care, absentee parents and the darker side of the entertainment industry. I loved Evie as a character and her ability to keep a positive outlook on life, and Kye filled the role of a grump with a heart of gold perfectly. Austin just annoyed me especially with his constant need for everything to be about him and his misused metaphors but I'm glad someone found those endearing in the end.
Overall, this was definitely an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next from Natalie.

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