Scene Stealer (noun): an actor who attracts attention when another is intended to be the center of attention.
The glow of fame only casts shadows. The name Devyn Dane was once lit up amongst the stars. Everyone worshiped me. But now, I’m on the edge of darkness. No one warned me about the fall. My crash was lethal. These days I’m nothing more than a forgotten child-star with a tainted reputation.
Redemption is what I need. When a chance is handed to me, I vow not to blow it—I can’t. This could launch me back to stardom. But nothing is given freely in Hollywood. Everything comes with a price. This time, mine is a bombshell waitress battling insecurities deep enough to rival even my own.
The resilient Larsen is a mystery I can’t wait to unravel. Her brokenness makes me feel not so alone. But together, we are a complete mess that should never work. I know it, Hollywood knows it, and someone is Hell-bent on making sure we don’t beat the odds.
I truly believed she was my ally. An added boost on my rise back to fame. But the shine of Hollywood masks many things. She broke my focus, pulling me away from the most important goal.
That’s the thing with a scene stealer – you never see them coming.
Renee Harless is a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary romance - focusing on family and small towns. Her upcoming release, At First Play, is scheduled for January 14th, 2026. Add it to your TBR today!
Okay, I was not expecting what I got. That is for sure. But, what I got was not a bad thing. I went into this so blind. I've been discovering some amazing new authors lately, and Renee Harless is one of them.
The Scene Stealer is about Devyn and Larsen and their emotional ride, and let me say now... It's pretty emotional. Well, I thought it was. there were things in this book that hit home for me and had me stepping away for a moment to collect myself.
These two meet in an adoption home, and from the moment they met they hit it off. These two have been through the wringer when it comes to life, and they are only young... Devyn having an addiction, dealing with self-loathing, self-doubt, pain and drama within his family life, and Larsen is going with the motions when it comes to life...She's simply just existing for everyone else's needs but her own. Constantly putting others before her... and when these two cross each other. It's like they've known each other a lifetime, the connect instantly, two broken pieces to a jaded jigsaw puzzle, to broken souls come together, and it is both beautiful to read and tragic... I could clearly see these two were meant to be from the very start. But living in two different kinds of worlds is becoming something that may keep them from being with one another... Will they be able to fight the difference in their worlds? Will they get their happy ending they deserve? Or will it be too much and tear them away from each other.
As I said above, I went into this book blind and holy crap... What a ride. It had ALL THE FEELS. My heart broke for these two. Having gone through so much only to go through more while trying to reach for that happy ending that we all long for in life. This touched my heart.
The authors' ability to grab at my heartstrings and attention and keep hold all the way through had me flipping page by page till 5 am in the morning, devouring this bad boy!
The Scene Stealer by Renee Harless is a really great book. I read it in one sitting, losing some much needed beauty sleep last night as I stayed up into the wee small hours to finish it as I had to know how it ended!! I was pulled into the story about Larsen and Devyn from the very start, they are a well written couple of characters and compliment each other perfectly. They however are far from perfect themselves and have plenty of baggage. I loved how strong they both were for each other, and from that first meeting, their souls knew the were meant to be. Not everyone agreed, especially those in Devyn life. It’s something he has to deal with, but will he make the right decisions?? This was an emotional roller coaster of a story and kept me clinging on until the end of the ride.
5 bright lighted stars for a romance that will steal your heart the way Larsen stole Devyn's!
This beautiful story brings two damaged souls together! Through their friendship both find a way to heal what's been broken but time is not their ally! When a threat neither saw coming tries to take everything away Devyn and Larsen will have to make some decisions and learn who to trust!
My heart hurt for the pain these two have endured in their life and though Devyn was a hot mess at times (boy was he HOTT) I couldn't help but fall for him the way Larsen did as well! I loved that Harless gave us a heroine that wasn't your typical beauty! She had scars that ran deeper than anyone could imagine but she was a strong woman who loved her family (what was left) fiercely and that made me love her even more!
The main characters aren't the only ones stealing the light but we get some amazing side characters that you can't help but be drawn too!
Who wouldn’t want to go on a date with a famous and sexy movie star? Isn’t that every young girl’s dream?
When Devyn abruptly left Lake Tahoe in his new Porsche, he just wanted to get away and clear his head. He could never have imagined that his trip would lead him to a quaint and magical place that would hold the key to his future. He was fascinated by Larsen from the minute he walked through the door of the diner. He sensed she was shy because she kept to herself in the kitchen, only giving him shy glances when she thought he wasn’t looking. No matter what happened, he knew for certain that he had to spend time with her before the bright lights of Hollywood took him away.
Larsen didn’t have many friends, and she shied away from social situations and was always nervous around new people. Devyn was the exception. He was kind, honest and of course, unbelievably handsome. She trusted him right away, and had no idea why. He made her smile and feel light hearted again, which made her hopeful for the future. When he asked her on a date, she immediately said yes, which was so out of character for her. What could possibly happen on an innocent bowling date? Little did Larsen know that her life would never be the same, because the magnetic pull between her and Devyn was impenetrable and impossible to deny.
I am calling this one the heart stealer because it sure as heck stole mine! I lost some precious sleep last night because I simply could not put this book down! I think this may be my favorite Renee Harless book to date. The engaging story pulls you right in until you not only become a champion for Devyn and Larsen as a couple but as individuals as well. What a sweet, sexy, beautiful and emotional love story about two people who may seem very different from the start but their hearts and souls definitely recognized each other. Devyn and Larsen are perfect complements to each other and I just adore them! They each have their own pretty serious internal struggles but find that with each other they can truly be themselves and feel free. Unfortunately Devyn's career doesn't really allow him a private life and soon there are forces threatening his new relationship with Larsen. She is so amazing and strong and can clearly handle a lot, but can she endure the unthinkable? Will the forces prove to be too overwhelming? I enjoyed this book so much and felt completely satisfied albeit exhausted and a bit emotionally spent after I was done. The mark of a good book for sure!
What happens when two people who are both broken for different reasons come together in an likely way? You end up with a connection that puts things into perspective. Devyn is at the end of a rope, drinking and other vices have kept him from achieving a goal. Larsen is just trying to make it in a world that at times has been very harsh. Can a simple date between a movie star and a waitress lead to an instant attraction? Can two broken people help each other? With an emotional journey and a heart warming storyline this was a great read.
This engaging story pulls you right in from the very beginning, and has you rooting for Devyn and Larsen, not only as a couple but as individuals as well. What a sweet, sexy, beautiful and emotional love story about two very different people from the but their hearts and souls definitely recognized each other. Devyn and Larsen complemented each other perfectly and I just adored them!
The Scene Stealer is a touching story, brilliantly written and wonderfully crafted and beautifully told. An emotional read about healing and second chances.
The Scene Stealer is a great read. Devyn and Larsen’s story is a emotional read that gives you everything. Devyn and Larsen are two people who both have there own problems they are going through but will they be able to help each other? This is a great love story that is worth the read. Make sure you one click this amazing story.
An unexpected love story which is textbook definition of serendipity. It's kind of a story that makes you believe that theres someone for everyone. True love will find its way, even if it's a Fish that swims by a blip on the map town of Shady Pines, which lies on US50-The Loneliest Road in Nevada, not too bad in this picturesque town in Colorado, where tourists stop just long enough to take pictures or eat something at the local diner on Main street. this is where Devyn Dane, a fallen Hollywood star, disgraced but 3 time Oscar winner actor, stumbles in after he's been on a run from his life, people, pressures. "I believe that you’re here for a reason, that your car broke down in the spot that destiny assigned to you."
He meets Larsen, the girl who will change his perspective, life and future. But she's flawed and scared, troubled with nightmares. "She’s not only stunning on the outside, but she is on the inside as well. A true diamond in the rough that hides behind the jagged scars that she feels hold her back. They do little to detract from her exquisiteness." She's a forgotten girl in an inconsequential place, just existing and breathing, not living. "The town reminds me of looking in a mirror, its features so much like my own. Nothing special, nothing outstanding, an inconsequential memory that only evokes itself when it’s attached to something marvelous." Buried in her emotional coffin, her heart jump starts at the sight of devastatingly handsome Devyn and both their lives light up like Christmas with sparkling chemistry With celebrity life comes dangerous consequences which both will soon find out....
"We’re like a messed up version of Romeo and Juliet, two star-crossed lovers destined to meet, but instead of the poison and dagger in the Shakespeare play, Hollywood wields an unforgiving weapon in the form of gossip and photographs. Truth holds no power over the desire to watch someone crumble beneath the words of falsehoods." I liked the small town romance with glitzy glamor touches. Hollywood star meets waitress and hopeful love feel Characters were defined and writing smooth, but I think Renee need to place her punches better. All in all, a lovely, sweet read 4 stars for Town Crashers & Heart Stealers #BookBistroBlogApproved Follow me on: BookBistroBlog@gmail.com https://Twitter.com/BookBistro www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Devyn and Larsen meet in her adopted home town of Shady Pines in Colorado and hit it off very quickly. The movie star and the small-town waitress is not really an apt description, because Larsen is so much more, but it will do. Life has sure thrown some curveballs for them both but I have to say I truly admire both character’s inner strength and determination. I like both the hero and heroine and throughout could hear myself wondering how everything was going to work out.
Tessa, Devyn’s cousin and manager, is the maestro that weaves her magic wand getting everything organised so well until even she has trouble. I won’t spoil things but she adds a nice touch to the story. The drama heats up as does the mystery and confusion and I honestly wasn’t sure just who was doing what! My suspicions being all over the place I have to congratulate the author on a job well done. When the action does become intense you find yourself on the edge of your seat waiting with anticipation to see how things will turn out. Great descriptions, especially with these scenes!
Note: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly this book had been good until some crap had ruined it.
But to be honest, the romance between the characters, the mystery behind their lives and how they overcame it, the plot itself, and the cover, all made it possible to rank it high as it could be.
I wish I could I say the same for the writing.
I think the author wrote the chapters a bit too long, and honestly the characters overcame the problems a bit too quick. I mean there are almost 10 chapters worth where the pages I read are useless as being mostly filler and getting it up to the steamy level they couldn’t before they’re supposed to get their HEA.
That ruined the rest of the story.
Things could have been done better overall for a better enjoyment, that’s my belief. It’s not a complete wreck, that’s the comfort from it.
This book may have eclipsed my favorite Renee Harless book ever - and that takes some doing.
Devyn is the typical child actor grown up and gone astray. Problems with parents, drugs, alcohol - all of it. When he needs to get away he takes off driving and ends up on a little town in the middle of nowhere.
Larsen is fighting her own demons, but trying to move her life forward. Taking college classes as she can and helping her uncle through his own heartbreak.
They never expected to be what each other needed. It was supposed to be a fling.
This book is so much more than what it appears to be. Some will see a simple love story, but if you let it, it will resonate deep inside to that spot we all want to have filled with that one person that makes us complete.
Larsen & Devyn's story broke my heart in the best possible way. Seriously, this book was nothing that I expected it to be and everything that I needed to read 💛. Hands down my favorite book from Renee Harless to date!
When we meet these two... Larsen is simply existing, surviving and putting everyone before herself. & Devyn is drowning..in addiction, self doubt and family drama. Two broken people from two very different worlds; who's paths were never meant to cross but fate.. well fate made it happen. Puzzle pieces that just fit. Will their very different lives keep them apart? Can they overcome the hurdles that life throws their way and find their happily ever after? Read 'The Scene Stealer' and find out 💛
Everyone including myself have things we dont like about ourselves, feeling a little broken and unloved, renee gives these characters beautiful justice that sometime what we see as ugly other see as beauty.
I couldn't put it down, I read it in one sitting, I never wanted it to end, there story was beautiful, there were moments my heart was in my mouth.
When 2 halves are broken, coming together makes them whole.
Scene Stealer is a second chance romance, but not by the normal means. Two broken people getting a new chance out of life. This story from the very first page sucked me in. I read it all in one sitting. Hollywood actor meets waitress. One person trying to be on top again and another person trying to stay in the shadows. Both trying to find their places in the world. Both characters that had so much pain, so much loss. The characters were written well. They were both strong in their own rights. I loved reading the struggles of each person's inner demons, how it molded them into the people before they met each other. You see their past hurts makes them blind to what’s in front of them. I could relate to their humanity, and their cautiousness on both sides. The plot had me wanting more with every page I turned. It showed that you can overcome anything with a strong will and hard work. This story was a phenomenal read and I can’t wait to see what the author has coming next.
Celebrity romance story, Devyn a sexy movie star wanted to get away, then he met Larsen and was drawn to her. Larsen is a shy girl without many friends, when he meets Devyn some things changed for her. This story is beautifully written, they both struggle and have things to overcome but the way the author unveiled the character's one layer at a time until they became one. Great emotional journey.
"That butterfly I knew was cocooned beneath the surface is about to spread her wings and I'm going to be the one to show her how."
Oh, this was such a sweet story!! The tall, dark and handsome celebrity meets the shy, small-town girl. Two polar opposite people, from totally different worlds, just find the perfect middle ground!!
I loved Larsen. Despite all she's had to overcome, and how much she deals with every day, she's so strong and true to herself, even while being a little insecure and vulnerable. The damaged princess waiting for her knight in shining armor - or, well, a 1974 Porsche 911. He's the one that sees her - the woman behind the damage. Could she dare hope that he feels the same toward her, that she feels toward him? Could he be her happily ever after? But, not everyone thinks they should be together, and they'll stop at nothing to make sure they never are.
Devyn Dane was one on top of the Hollywood world. Then, it all fell apart. His chance at celebrity redemption is at his door, but when his greedy family threaten to ruin him, he has to get away and clear his head. Landing in small-town Colorado with car trouble, ends up being the best thing that could have happened to him - all because it led him to her. Larsen. The woman so far apart from the women he's used to, might just be the redemption he needed instead. But, someone is threatening their happiness, putting them both in the cross hairs. He can't lose her. He won't. And who ever is behind it will pay.
I loved this story so much. I loved that, despite his Hollywood life, Devyn seems right at home in this little town. And Larsen is so perfect for him, and he for her. Loving a celebrity is tough, but their love is tougher!! Great read! Definitely grab this one!!
Devyn was a successful child actor with a bright future until those he ended up being a commodity to those he thought he could trust. It started a downward spiral which left him with addiction problems and no career. He has turned his life around and is about to receive a second chance but when the past starts to close in, he decides to take a break and the car trouble he experiences turns out to the best thing to ever happen to him.
Larsen is a waitress in her uncle’s diner and is attending college. Her past has caused her to be shy and introverted but there is something about Devyn that draws her to him even if he is only in town for a short time and their lifestyles couldn’t have been more different.
Devyn and Larsen are two parts that make a whole and the differences between them create a perfect balance but as others try to tear them apart will they be able to overcome and realize that they are stronger together?
This is a sweet and sexy story about two people who are struggling in life for very different reasons but in each other find happiness and where they are meant to be.
Let me say this.. I read this book in 1 sitting a few hours in fact. The writing captivated me . I was delighted to read something that felt real. I love books like that.
Everyone has scars.. Everyone is beautiful but sometimes people don't feel that way.
I loved how Devyn treated Larsen. Larsen is a waitress who going to school to be a nurse. Devyn is an actor, a hot one at that who lands Larsen town and opens her eyes and trust. "When you two were together, there was a happiness in him I have never witnessed before. It made him want to be better. You made him better."
This book has everything the "celebrity" romance books have: excitement, crazy media, overeager fans, and huge egos. It also has redemption, acceptance, and forgiveness. While there's a sweet love story in the making, it also shows that sometimes it takes a village. That true, loving family is not always made up of those who you were created by. Sometimes you get surprised by what you perceive. I hope there's a sequel!
Reviewed for She’s a Lip Biter Blog Devyn and Larsen meet in her adopted home town of Shady Pines in Colorado and hit it off very quickly. The movie star and the small town waitress is not really an apt description, because Larsen is so much more, but it will do. Life has sure thrown some curveballs for them both but I have to say I truly admire both character’s inner strength and determination. I like both the hero and heroine and throughout could hear myself wondering how everything was going to work out.
Tessa, Devyn’s cousin and manager, is the maestro that weaves her magic wand getting everything organised so well until even she has trouble. I won’t spoil things but she adds a nice touch to the story. The drama heats up as does the mystery and confusion and I honestly wasn’t sure just who was doing what! My suspicions being all over the place I have to congratulate the author on a job well done. When the action does become intense you find yourself on the edge of your seat waiting with anticipation to see how things will turn out. Great descriptions, especially with these scenes!
There are not two more different people than Devyn and Larsen, but as different as they are, they are very similar too. I liked how they could see beyond what everyone else sees in them and actually see who they really are, inside. For Devyn, that's rare, people generally see the actor, the persona that has been made public even if some things he'd like to have kept more private. For Larsen, only a few have seen beyond the scars, even fewer know her history. Larsen keeps to herself mostly as a defense mechanism. All that changes when Devyn strolls into town. An undeniable connection between the two make for a refreshing story, but with anything, there are obstacles, some will make you laugh and some will break your heart. Will they be able to figure them out and overcome them? Grab your copy and find out.
Devyn and Larsen..... my new favorites from Renee Harless.
Devyn is a former child actor trying to make his way back into Hollywood. Larsen, a nursing student , helps her uncle out in a diner, she is a quiet shy girl with a haunting past. When these two meet, they seem perfect for each other. Until Devyn catches a big break that pulls him away. Is there someone trying to come between them? Will their pasts come in between them? Will they get back together? You really need to read this book....
A chance meeting between two souls who feel unworthy, can being together heal their scars both visible and not? Devyn, the recovering addict and has been child star meets Larsen, the closed off car accident victim. Together their story shines, but can old scars ruin what can become a beautiful love? The author does a wonderful job letting us know their scars until they become one. It was a wonderful, emotional read that we all can relate to.
This book definitely lives up to its title. It's a thief of my heart! I'm so thankful for Devyn and Larsen, because thanks to Renee for bringing me into their world, I lost sleep from not being able to put them down. But also because I've been in a book slump for quite a few months and this is the book and characters to bring me out of it. I love Devyn and Larsen so much!
Devyn is a movie star, and Larsen is a small town waitress. These two are both broken souls, and when fate brings them together they complete each other. This is a beautifully written tale which has an engaging storyline, and is an emotional, sweet and steamy read. I was hooked and intrigued throughout this addictive page turner, and I highly recommend for all.
This was a rollercoaster ride filled with emotions that had me ugly crying to laughing out loud. Story about how sometimes we really need to hit rock bottom before we can be saved.
This book was a great "second chance at life" with characters that will make you fall in love with them from the first page.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Another amazing book from Renee Harless. Love devyn and larsen story. Devyn is a Hollywood star and Larsen is a small town waitress their story is so emotional and beautiful and addictive. I couldn't stop reading as soon as I started. Renee harless has written this so amazing. Highly reccomend this book. Definitely deserves a 5 * from me