A review by singsinthecar
Cover Story by Celia Laskey

emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and author Celia Laskey for the chance to read and review the ARC of Cover Story!

This book centers heavily around these topics: grief of tragically losing a longtime partner, severe anxiety related to the death, the costs of being closeted in Hollywood, and Hollywood actor life. Secondary topics are a stressful parent/child relationship (past and present) and mental illness.

Overall I think Laskey handles juggling all of these items well enough to make an interesting story. I liked the main characters of Ali and Cara, even if their relationship and Cara's career are highly idealized. I felt a bit overwhelmed with all of the Hollywood references even though it did help to establish the timeframe of this book (mid 2000s). Cover Story does have a happy ending, which is what I love in a sapphic romantic comedy. It also contained some gems (which I bookmarked) of insight into grief and being queer.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Grief

Moderate: Homophobia

Minor: Vomit, Toxic friendship, Alcohol

There was an overwhelming amount of Hollywood references that sometimes distracted me from enjoying the story. Ali's health and grief were very prominent as well, which was a mixed bag for me. I did like Ali's relationship with Cara, as idealistic as it was; I could feel their chemistry coming off the page and I enjoyed their banter. The closeted celebrity theme was both fascinating but also heartbreaking.