Book Review: Born For This by Caitlin Devlin – A Gripping Tale of Fame and Family Secrets

Born For This follows a young actor cast to play her reclusive, legendary aunt—only to discover that fame hides deeper family secrets.

Summary:

In this gripping tale of ambition and family secrets, Rachael Carmichael, a once-famous movie star turned recluse after her divorce from director Greg Foster, reluctantly allows her aspiring actress niece, Harley Roth, into her life. Desperate to achieve the fame her aunt once had, Harley seizes the chance to play Rachael in a potential biopic and uncover the truth about her aunt’s glamorous yet mysterious past. But as Rachael reveals long-hidden secrets, Harley begins to question her aunt’s honesty in a cutthroat industry where ambition trumps loyalty and fame always comes at a price.

My Thoughts:

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a famous actor, Born For This might make you pause and reconsider. This stunning and thought-provoking novel tells the story of Harley Carmichael-Roth, a young woman born into privilege but still chasing the one thing that’s eluded her—a successful acting career. When she’s cast to play her estranged, Oscar-nominated aunt Rachael Carmichael in a biopic, Harley finds herself stepping into far more than just a role.

This was my first read by Caitlin Devlin, and I was instantly drawn in by the dual timeline and dual POV narrative structure. It’s the kind of storytelling that pulls you in gradually, revealing truths layer by layer. As Harley gets to know the aunt she’s never met, what starts out as a golden opportunity soon becomes a tangled web of secrets, painful family history, and the darker side of fame.

Devlin doesn’t shy away from portraying the movie industry’s glitz and glamour, but also its toxicity, moral compromises, and the emotional cost of chasing celebrity. Both Harley and Rachael are deeply flawed—ambitious, self-absorbed, and at times unlikeable—but their complexity is what makes their stories feel so real.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook, performed brilliantly by Fiona Hardingham and Candice Moll. Their voices brought Harley and Rachael to life in a way that enhanced the story’s emotional depth. The pacing, tone, and distinction between the two characters were spot-on. If you’re an audiobook fan, this one’s well worth adding to your list.

Final Thoughts:

Born For This is a compelling look at fame, family, and the price we pay for chasing dreams. It’s addictive, emotional, and laced with just the right amount of mystery.

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