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‘Love, Camera, Action’ author Noël Stark shares a book that ‘wrecked’ her

May 10, 2025

Noël Stark has experience in almost every film and TV industry position, from writing for “Paw Patrol” to appearing on “Degrassi.” She’s a Canadian who lives in Hollywood with her family, and “Love, Camera, Action” is her debut novel.

Q. Please tell readers about your new book.

“Love, Camera, Action” is a sizzling workplace, enemies-to-lovers rom-com set against a film and television industry backdrop.

Up-and-coming TV director Cali Daniels lands her big break directing a steamy episode of the popular series, “The Demon.” All she has to do is deliver an unparalleled show. Unfortunately, butting heads with the effortlessly sexy director of photography, Jory Blair, throws a wrench in her plans. Jory, who has spent years cultivating his career as an A-list cinematographer, finds himself rethinking his life after a recent health scare. He’s craving the director’s spot, but this creative newbie wants to change the look of his show.

As Cali navigates the pressures of her career-defining opportunity, she finds herself constantly challenged by Jory’s traditional approach. Their creative differences ignite sparks, leading to an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore.

Q. Is there a book or books you always recommend to other readers?

I read fairly widely so I like to hear people’s preferences before I go recommending something, but for romances I love the Regency historical “The Duchess Deal” by Tessa Dare—it’s hilarious, whip-smart and sexy. And regardless of what people read, I always suggest “The Murderbot Diaries,” because, my God, they’re fun.

Q. How do you decide what to read next?

I’m usually chasing a feeling, needing to stay in a world, or pull myself out of one. As my theatre teacher once described acting, I read like, “I’m a canoe on a river of emotion.” For example, I just finished the Arc of the Scythe, a YA series. Not knowing what to expect since I don’t usually read YA, I happily settled into this utopian world that was slowly unraveling until I was so deep in that I read all three books back-to-back. I was so bereft by the end, alternately bawling my eyes out and mutely staring out the window contemplating mortality, that I needed a sharp change. So, I steered my canoe over to calmer waters with Ali Hazelwood’s rom-com, “Not in Love.”

Q. Is there a book you’re nervous to read?

I’m nervous to return to a genre—namely literary fiction. I’ve read a lot of literary fiction in the past, but hit a wall because, for a period of time I couldn’t emotionally handle the unpredictable narratives. For example, I remember throwing José Saramago’s “Blindness” across the room and leaving it on the floor for a week, staring at it as I walked by as though it were a living thing taunting me, until I got up the courage to finish it. I’m glad I did, but it wrecked me.

And that’s kind of literary fiction’s job, to wreck you in various ways. Because of outside influences, I had to retreat into a softer, cozier, more playful space where I knew there would always be a happy ending, hence the obsession with romance novels. But I recently dipped my toe back in with Aimee Bender’s “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake” and I survived.

Q. Do you have any favorite book covers?

My mind is clearly still deep in the The Arc of the Scythe series because I was wowed by the covers. They are so beautiful, and somehow telegraph a sense of dread.

Q. Which books are you planning to read next?

Banana Yoshimoto’s “Dead End Memories” is on deck.

Q. What’s something about your book that no one knows?

The TV show that Cali and Jory are shooting, “The Demon,” is something I actually want to put out into the world. As a show or a book, I’m not sure yet.

Q. If you could ask your readers something, what would it be?

Most of my readers are women, but I would LOVE to know what male readers want to see in a romance novel. I know they are out there, I’ve seen them on TikTok. I want to sit down and pick their brains about not only what turns them on but also what pulls at their heart.

Noël Stark will be interviewed by author Erin La Rosa at 7 p.m. on May 21 at The Ripped Bodice Los Angeles. Tickets for the event are $22 and include the book.

Orange County Register

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‘Love, Camera, Action’ author Noël Stark shares a book that ‘wrecked’ her

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