K. E. Lane

Wow! This book is now one of my top 3 favourite books of all time. It simply has it all! A neat build-up, enough drama, pure love, Hollywood insights and lots of passion. But most of all, it has a happy ending.

"And Playing the Role of Herself" is written in first-person narrative narrated by one of the two main characters, Caidence Harris. A lovable 34-year-old actress who stars in a prime-time show called "9th Precinct". A police drama about a homicide squad with six detectives.

The other show more main character is Robyn Ward, an aspiring starlet in the show "In their Defence". Robyn seems like the stereotypical famous, successful and, above all, drop-dead gorgeous actress in Hollywood. She has model features and a successful boyfriend named "Josh", a well-known tennis player. She really has it all, doesn't she?

"9th Precinct" is a spin-off of "In Their Defence", so Caid and Robyn cross paths now and then. They also share the same trailer next to the studios, making it hard for Caid to avoid Robyn's husky, deep voice and indescribable beauty.

As they frequently meet on set, they become friends and begin to build a friendship in which Caid learns much more about Robyn and her secrets.

Sometimes it feels that Robyn has a kind of "power" over Caid. That no matter what she decides or does, Caid will agree, which she never actually does. And although both react impulsively at times, it's because the feelings for the other overwhelm them. And in the end, they overcome all their insecurities and fears together, knowing that life wouldn't be the same without the other. All these things make the book so great because it portrays the two of them sympathetically–it makes them human.

As well as the likeable main characters, endearing secondary characters such as Liz and Josh are introduced. The two drive the plot forward, as do Caid and Robyn. Liz, whose personality develops even further, particularly appealed to me, and I can't imagine the book without her.

This story somehow touched me deeply, and I can't explain why or how. But the emotions, struggles, and development touched my heart, I think. I will forever remember this book as one of my all-time favourites.

"I love you, and I told you before that if you wanted me, you had me." show less

I do believe that I read this story in its online form way back when. But, I didn't really remember most of the story so this was a fun read.

Caid and Robyn are a couple of actresses on two sisters shows that have their actors and actresses do crossovers here and there (think the swapping that the Law and Order or Star Trek shows do). This is the story of their relationship and all the bumps, swerves, bruises and joys that happen in it.

It's not the most original plot ever, but that's okay show more because where the story really shines is in the characterizations. Everyone from the main characters to even the most minor characters are each unique and interesting.

The little TV behind the scenes we get are also cool and Lane doesn't drone on about it in a way that makes it boring either. Now, all I need are the awesome recipes that the characters eat in the stories. show less

This is a great read - unexpectedly so as at first I thought it would be cliched.

I’m so sad to be done listening to this book. I want more. Sigh.

Highly recommended for lovers of romance and audiobooks. The production is great, as is the narrator.