By: Leslie Kelly. Format: Paperback. Read: July 2013.
Candace Reid loves her behind the scenes Hollywood job. She enjoys designing all of the costumes for the latest hit movies. Her best friend, Thomas Shane, is normally the big, action-hero star of those movies. They have been friends since they were kids and only he, Candace and her sister know the truth about Thomas’ sexuality. When the Hollywood rumor mill starts running rampant around Thomas, Candace agrees to marry him, so he can keep landing the more manly roles. Candace thinks it is a win-win situation, until her grandfather gets hurt and she rushes to be by his side. While staying at her grandfather’s house, she meets Oliver McKean and she suddenly realizes what the age-old saying “sparks fly” means. She is instantly attracted to Oliver, yet she is just agreed to marry Thomas. Will Candace keep her promise or will she take a chance on love?
Leslie Kelly has given her fans a treat with this book, not only do they get the new story, but they also get her classic Overexposed. Readers will enjoy the new, yet classic tale of a gay Hollywood actor marrying his friend to shield the world from his sexuality. However the overabundance of film and television references deters a bit from the romantic story. The instant chemistry between Candace and Oliver is exciting and their clumsy, hilarious first meeting will have readers laughing out loud. Overall, fans of Leslie Kelly will enjoy this latest novel.
This book had several sections where I was laughing hysterically at the characters and I enjoyed the “inside” view of the Hollywood life. Where as the scenery in the wine country is described in such detail that I can almost smell the wine, I found a few references, such as Barney, awkward to the story.
What about all of you? Do you like a book where the characters reference other work a lot?
Enjoy!
~Ariesgrl
Note:
The author of this book provided a copy for me to review. To learn more about this author and her work, please visit her website.