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Shellenberg Brothers #1
The Role
Thrown together on the set of a failing TV show, Alina and Markus must navigate the spotlight together as a couple or risk cancellation.
Rebuild. That’s Markus’ plan after a disastrous role and explosive public breakup with the girl he thought was The One. The bit part he originally agreed to take on after losing a bet now seems like his last opportunity to pull his career back from the brink. When he walks onto the set, he finds a TV show on the verge of cancellation and the paparazzi circling like vultures watching for what—or who—he’ll try to do next.
When Markus is introduced to the director’s muse and the show’s on-location assistant producer, Alina, sparks start to fly and the two strike up a tentative friendship among the lights and cameras of the gossipy set. The ambitious and hard-working Alina has zero interest in getting sucked into Markus’ celebrity gossip drama, but she may not have a choice as one disaster after another befalls the set.
A chance screen test and some serious groveling by the show’s director leads to Markus and Alina taking on major roles in a desperate attempt to save the show from network cancellation. Now in front of the camera, Markus and Alina are bound together as love interests and the line between private and public starts to blur. As life begins to imitate art, Markus and Alina get ground to dust by the celeb gossip mill seeking the “real” story behind the two of them. If they can come back from this and save the show, they’ll be the next Hollywood power couple.
Rebuild. That’s Markus’ plan after a disastrous role and explosive public breakup with the girl he thought was The One. The bit part he originally agreed to take on after losing a bet now seems like his last opportunity to pull his career back from the brink. When he walks onto the set, he finds a TV show on the verge of cancellation and the paparazzi circling like vultures watching for what—or who—he’ll try to do next.
When Markus is introduced to the director’s muse and the show’s on-location assistant producer, Alina, sparks start to fly and the two strike up a tentative friendship among the lights and cameras of the gossipy set. The ambitious and hard-working Alina has zero interest in getting sucked into Markus’ celebrity gossip drama, but she may not have a choice as one disaster after another befalls the set.
A chance screen test and some serious groveling by the show’s director leads to Markus and Alina taking on major roles in a desperate attempt to save the show from network cancellation. Now in front of the camera, Markus and Alina are bound together as love interests and the line between private and public starts to blur. As life begins to imitate art, Markus and Alina get ground to dust by the celeb gossip mill seeking the “real” story behind the two of them. If they can come back from this and save the show, they’ll be the next Hollywood power couple.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2021
4 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
A.B. Wilson
6 books19 followersA.B. Wilson is the pen name of a heat-seeking librarian trapped in the upper Midwest. She writes steamy kissing books where the journey is always more romantic than the destination.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 11, 2021
"A wonderful debut novel for A.B. Wilson, the first in the Shellenberg brothers series.
Markus, People’s Sexiest Man Alive is excited for a cameo in the next new tv series. Alina, the muse for the director really wants to be a producer, so she is working her way up the ladder. Until the director ask Markus and Alina to star as love interests. Spars fly and before you know it they are the talk of the town, but can they survive the paparazzi and rumors?
This is a quick and fun read, it has everything we want in a romance, steamy scenes, a strong willed and sassy heroine, and lots of conflict. "
Markus, People’s Sexiest Man Alive is excited for a cameo in the next new tv series. Alina, the muse for the director really wants to be a producer, so she is working her way up the ladder. Until the director ask Markus and Alina to star as love interests. Spars fly and before you know it they are the talk of the town, but can they survive the paparazzi and rumors?
This is a quick and fun read, it has everything we want in a romance, steamy scenes, a strong willed and sassy heroine, and lots of conflict. "
August 20, 2021
***3.5 stars!***
Full review to follow.
Full review to follow.
September 9, 2022
Okay the plot/a lot of what happens in this makes no sense and would never happen, but I still had a fun time with this.
The writing was solid and the characters had great chemistry (despite being a bit *too* insta lovey for me)
The writing was solid and the characters had great chemistry (despite being a bit *too* insta lovey for me)
August 14, 2021
Review to come.
August 8, 2021
This is the first in a series of three books and the start of something big. I love romances set behind the scenes in Hollywood. This book combines all of my favorite things. A glimpse behind the scenes. A smoking hot hero. And some seriously steamy sex scenes. Debut author AB Wilson's writing is crisp and clear. All the little details matter when AB is telling a story. Her style reminds me a lot of Kylie Scott, who is a one-click author for me. Wilson will now join my one-click author club.
August 9, 2021
I have never had a celebrity crush, because I’ve never known a celebrity on a personal level, and in order to like one in that way at all, I want to know what they’re really like.
Based on what we read about Markus Shellenberg, it would be fairly easy to crush on his imperfect, fumbling, kind-hearted personality.
Alina works on the crew of a television show, and despite everyone wanting her, she has kept her head down and focused on her career – at least until Markus shows up as a guest star. Don’t get me wrong, she is still laser-focused on her career, but with an added distraction: Markus seems to have a magnetic pull, drawing her to him, and apparently he feels the same way about her.
With growing feelings and physical attraction, Alina is put in a difficult position that could jeopardize her career. Is Markus worth it? Could it all be for the best? Both of them have their own personal baggage they bring to the table, and some of it might be capable of breaking everything if they let it. Can they withstand the celebrity gossip they’re doomed to face?
In all honesty, this book was adorable. I loved the realness of the characters from their talents to their flaws. I LOVE that they made mistakes and that sometimes they just weren’t ready to forgive one another. I love that they have fantastic friends and family. I highly recommend this one and cannot wait for book two in the series to come out.
Based on what we read about Markus Shellenberg, it would be fairly easy to crush on his imperfect, fumbling, kind-hearted personality.
Alina works on the crew of a television show, and despite everyone wanting her, she has kept her head down and focused on her career – at least until Markus shows up as a guest star. Don’t get me wrong, she is still laser-focused on her career, but with an added distraction: Markus seems to have a magnetic pull, drawing her to him, and apparently he feels the same way about her.
With growing feelings and physical attraction, Alina is put in a difficult position that could jeopardize her career. Is Markus worth it? Could it all be for the best? Both of them have their own personal baggage they bring to the table, and some of it might be capable of breaking everything if they let it. Can they withstand the celebrity gossip they’re doomed to face?
In all honesty, this book was adorable. I loved the realness of the characters from their talents to their flaws. I LOVE that they made mistakes and that sometimes they just weren’t ready to forgive one another. I love that they have fantastic friends and family. I highly recommend this one and cannot wait for book two in the series to come out.
August 1, 2021
Alina is quickly working her way up in Hollywood. Her dream is to be a producer. She's currently working on a tv series and is the 'muse' of the director. Markus, one of People magazines sexiest men alive, is a friend of the director and has agreed to do a cameo on the series. When he arrives he is exhausted and mentally not himself. He's coming off of a difficult time filming and a bad breakup. Alina and Markus are instantly attracted to each other. They agree to be friends and this quickly shifts to something more. Based on their chemistry and Markus' desire to turn his cameo into something more, Alina's role dramatically shifts on the series and this impacts their relationship, both publicly and privately.
I would love to learn more of their backstories and what shaped them to respond the way they do to each other. Their love story started quickly, but, once it slowed down in the second half of he book, it felt more realistic. This is the beginning of a series- we will see more of Markus' siblings in the next books.
Thanks to the author and Let's Talk Books Promo for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would love to learn more of their backstories and what shaped them to respond the way they do to each other. Their love story started quickly, but, once it slowed down in the second half of he book, it felt more realistic. This is the beginning of a series- we will see more of Markus' siblings in the next books.
Thanks to the author and Let's Talk Books Promo for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2021
The Role, a debut novel of A.B. Wilson, and the first in the Shellenberg Brothers series is set against the backdrop of a successful actor who is mentally exhausted after shooting his last movie and spiraling after of a very public break-up.
Markus, one of the sexiest men alive (People Magazine), jumps at the chance for a cameo role on a TV show, his friend is the director. What was meant to be one and done deal leads to a staring role in the upcoming season with the director's muse, Alina, as his love interest. They soon finds themselves fast friends to lovers with undeniable chemistry. Can she withstand the paparazzi, the constant online presence of their every interaction and the jet-setting lifestyle?
The first half of the moves too quickly from friends to lovers, but slows down enough to build a love story in the second half. I'm intrigued enough to know who gets book #2, please let it be Markus's athletic brother who get into a little trouble after leading a bachelor life for many years.
Markus, one of the sexiest men alive (People Magazine), jumps at the chance for a cameo role on a TV show, his friend is the director. What was meant to be one and done deal leads to a staring role in the upcoming season with the director's muse, Alina, as his love interest. They soon finds themselves fast friends to lovers with undeniable chemistry. Can she withstand the paparazzi, the constant online presence of their every interaction and the jet-setting lifestyle?
The first half of the moves too quickly from friends to lovers, but slows down enough to build a love story in the second half. I'm intrigued enough to know who gets book #2, please let it be Markus's athletic brother who get into a little trouble after leading a bachelor life for many years.
August 15, 2021
I enjoyed living the celebrity life vicariously through Markus & Alina in THE ROLE by A.B. Wilson. It was also fun to get behind-the-scenes on a TV show set and see all the drama that comes with dating someone famous.
I would've preferred to have gotten more of Alina's backstory and seen Markus deal with his past in a significant way but I thought it was refreshing that both characters had their insecurities and yet Alina displayed a lot of strength and independence. Alina and Markus had amazing chemistry and I'm glad their relationship became more realistic in the second half rather than being just an insta-love story.
Markus' relationship with his siblings and Alina's friendships were a highlight and reading about Markus' younger hot & cheeky brother Matti would be something to look forward to in this Shellenberg Brothers series.
Huge thanks @letstalkbookspromo for having me on this book tour.
I would've preferred to have gotten more of Alina's backstory and seen Markus deal with his past in a significant way but I thought it was refreshing that both characters had their insecurities and yet Alina displayed a lot of strength and independence. Alina and Markus had amazing chemistry and I'm glad their relationship became more realistic in the second half rather than being just an insta-love story.
Markus' relationship with his siblings and Alina's friendships were a highlight and reading about Markus' younger hot & cheeky brother Matti would be something to look forward to in this Shellenberg Brothers series.
Huge thanks @letstalkbookspromo for having me on this book tour.
August 7, 2021
I did like this book. The chemistry between Alina and Markus is hot. There is no denying that factor. It helped that Markus is not portrayed as a rich, snobbish actor. He is very likable from the beginning. He is not intimated by independent women like Alina. In fact, it was nice to see a romance book where the female is more prominent as the lead.
I do agree with other readers that the first half flew by really fast with the latter half slowed down. Yet, that did not mean that the chemistry was gone. It just meant that Markus and Alina took things a bit slower.
This book is a nice start to this series. I liked it enough that I would read book two to see how Markus and Alina get on in the rest of the series.
I do agree with other readers that the first half flew by really fast with the latter half slowed down. Yet, that did not mean that the chemistry was gone. It just meant that Markus and Alina took things a bit slower.
This book is a nice start to this series. I liked it enough that I would read book two to see how Markus and Alina get on in the rest of the series.
August 11, 2021
A wonderful debut novel for A.B. Wilson, the first in the Shellenberg brothers series.
Markus, People’s Sexiest Man Alive is excited for a cameo in the next new tv series. Alina, the muse for the director really wants to be a producer, so she is working her way up the ladder. Until the director ask Markus and Alina to star as love interests. Spars fly and before you know it they are the talk of the town, but can they survive the paparazzi and rumors?
This is a quick and fun read, it has everything we want in a romance, steamy scenes, a strong willed and sassy heroine, and lots of conflict.
Markus, People’s Sexiest Man Alive is excited for a cameo in the next new tv series. Alina, the muse for the director really wants to be a producer, so she is working her way up the ladder. Until the director ask Markus and Alina to star as love interests. Spars fly and before you know it they are the talk of the town, but can they survive the paparazzi and rumors?
This is a quick and fun read, it has everything we want in a romance, steamy scenes, a strong willed and sassy heroine, and lots of conflict.
March 19, 2022
Thank you to the author for an early copy for review!
This was such a fun debut. You can tell the author does a lot of romance reading and for a debut, this felt really polished. I blazed through this one because it was such an easy and enjoyable read. Markus is impossible not to love and Alina was a really strong and sweet character. I loved her confidence in herself and the way she embraced her sexuality.
I am already looking forward to the next book in the series because sports romances are a huge weakness for me. Celebrity romances being a close second.
This was such a fun debut. You can tell the author does a lot of romance reading and for a debut, this felt really polished. I blazed through this one because it was such an easy and enjoyable read. Markus is impossible not to love and Alina was a really strong and sweet character. I loved her confidence in herself and the way she embraced her sexuality.
I am already looking forward to the next book in the series because sports romances are a huge weakness for me. Celebrity romances being a close second.
August 10, 2021
It is definitely a quick, easy read for lovers of romance books. It ticks all the boxes for me in that it has conflict, a strong-willed woman, a handsome leading man, and spicy, steamy situations. I liked the premise of this book, but sometimes I felt like the story was a little rushed in places. Overall, it was a good book and I look forward to seeing what Wilson does in The Shellenberg Brothers series.
Thank you @letstalkpromo for the eBook!
Thank you @letstalkpromo for the eBook!
August 11, 2021
I'm not sure what to make of this one! It wasn't what I expected but it was okay.
I found Markus and Aliana quite childish and just they seemed to make a massive deal out of everything. Sometimes their interactions seemed really young and immature.
I liked the idea of the story and I didn't hate it but I wasn't rushing to finish it.
I liked the brother and sisters characters and I'd be interested to see what happens with them.
I found Markus and Aliana quite childish and just they seemed to make a massive deal out of everything. Sometimes their interactions seemed really young and immature.
I liked the idea of the story and I didn't hate it but I wasn't rushing to finish it.
I liked the brother and sisters characters and I'd be interested to see what happens with them.
August 17, 2021
One of my favorite rides (& reads) and a straight up power couple! Strong female lead ✔️ unique & sexy love interest ✔️ several wanderlust-inducing settings ✔️ NSFW steaminess ✔️ and allllll the feels.
In a way, Alina is the one who saves Markus, and that says a lot about Wilson’s writing. I need more! Can’t wait for the next brother’s book, especially if it features a sexy soccer player with a manbun 😁
In a way, Alina is the one who saves Markus, and that says a lot about Wilson’s writing. I need more! Can’t wait for the next brother’s book, especially if it features a sexy soccer player with a manbun 😁
August 31, 2021
I loved this book! Have you ever had a celebrity crush? I’m sure most of us have. I could really see myself falling for Markus Shellenberg! He is the whole package! I loved reading about Alina and Markus’ relationship develop! It was like the harder they tried to avoid each other the harder it was to stay apart. This book was seriously a great read! It felt so real, I could imagine the entire thing as I read along. I cannot wait to read more in the Shellenberg Brothers series!!!
August 12, 2021
I loved that this book had such a strong female lead. And that it was the male that was riddled with anxiety. Such a nice change of pace! But at the same time, it felt like the fell together a little too quickly and pieces were missing. All in all, it was a quick and easy read.
August 7, 2021
A fun romance read. I enjoyed the alternating POV and character development. If you like romance and some steam (or a lot of steam) this is for you!
August 18, 2021
This is a quick and easy read. The storyline is well-crafted, intriguing, suspenseful, has drama and steam. The characters are defined, and likable with sizzling chemistry. I liked it.
August 17, 2021
The Role is a guilty-pleasure celebrity romance and it is the first book in a new series! I really enjoyed reading this one and now I want to read more celebrity romances. Thank you so much to Let's Talk Books Promo, Totally Bound, and the author for my gifted copy!
I was immediately intrigued by movie star, Markus Shellenburg as he begins a new role on a struggling TV show. He has been through so much with a nasty public breakup and wrapping up a harrowing movie project, but everything starts to change when he meets the show’s assistant producer, Alina. They immediately form a friendship but their attraction to each other soon becomes more but can their relationship survive the spotlight?
I really loved Markus and Alina as separate characters and together! I’m always a sucker for a little bit of forbidden romance so I was cheering for them the entire time. I did struggle with the pacing of the first half of the book. It felt a little off to me as some parts felt very fast and other parts felt too slow. Although, by the second half I was hooked as Markus and Alina grew into their relationship, faced the media, and worked through their own issues. Overall, this is a really good steamy romance and I definitely plan to read the next book in the series.
3.5 stars rounded up!
I was immediately intrigued by movie star, Markus Shellenburg as he begins a new role on a struggling TV show. He has been through so much with a nasty public breakup and wrapping up a harrowing movie project, but everything starts to change when he meets the show’s assistant producer, Alina. They immediately form a friendship but their attraction to each other soon becomes more but can their relationship survive the spotlight?
I really loved Markus and Alina as separate characters and together! I’m always a sucker for a little bit of forbidden romance so I was cheering for them the entire time. I did struggle with the pacing of the first half of the book. It felt a little off to me as some parts felt very fast and other parts felt too slow. Although, by the second half I was hooked as Markus and Alina grew into their relationship, faced the media, and worked through their own issues. Overall, this is a really good steamy romance and I definitely plan to read the next book in the series.
3.5 stars rounded up!
August 10, 2021
It’s love at first sight for Alina and Markus, the two main characters in this contemporary romance novel. I enjoyed reading about their growing attraction for each other and how they navigated their papparazzi-filled relationship. I love how they became friends first before acting on their feelings. Alina is very goal-oriented and I admire her for pushing boundaries and trying to make a name for herself in a male-dominated world of showbusiness. Of course every male lead would make a grand gesture and I must say I approved of Markus’!! If you wanna know what he did, then you gotta read this!😉 The supporting characters were also a delight to read. I am definitely up to reading more about the Shellenberg brothers! I’m hoping the second book would be about Matti!?! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 If you are a fan of romantic stories revolving around celebrities then you should add this to your TBR.
August 11, 2021
This was a really fun debut from A.B. Wilson. First off, the cover totally nails the vibe of this book and I loved that. It's glitzy and exciting. I loved the setting--the behind the scenes look at a popular TV show was super fun! The characters were well-drawn and entertaining. Markus was swoony and the humor was on point. Pick this one up if you like the famous person falls for a "civilian" trope. It will not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews