Love You Love Your Work Let’s Do Lunch! by Micheline McAllister

Ashling Donovan decides to move from Des Moines to Los Angeles in hopes of becoming a successful teleplay writer. After moving in with her boyfriend, Ashling sets her sights on securing a job. But when said boyfriend unexpectedly breaks up with her for a Myspace girl, Ashling is desperate for a job, a home, and money. When she shows up to interview as a PA, Ashling is seized with an opportunity, a lie, that could change her life. Overnight, Ashling becomes a widely known head writer, creator of a new show, and her own personal assistant, all in one. But will the truth about her double life identity be discovered- and ruin her Hollywood reputation?

Love You, Love Your Work, Let’s Do Lunch! is Micheline McAllister’s second novel, and just as filled with juicy Hollywood secrets as the first. It was comical to read how people in LA will fall all over themselves trying to name drop, and what some people will do to get ahead. I highly enjoyed reading Ashling’s tale from an Iowa nobody to a big name in Hollywood, all because of a well crafted lie. I did think a couple times that there was no possible way someone could make up being a well respected writer, but in the land of celebrities, I guess almost anything is possible. I think chick lit readers will find humor in this novel, appreciate good writing, and be able to escape in the heroine’s double life.

Rating: 4/5

Welcome To My Life by Micheline McAllister

Samantha Kelly is a 32 year old personal assistant working in Hollywood, hoping for her big break. While working fourteen hour shifts and doing mundane tasks like calming down her bosses wife and picking up dry cleaning for everyone on set, Samantha wonders if she is stalled out. Long shifts, little pay, and no recognition on top of being single and having an untrustworthy best friend has Samantha ready to call in quits in Los Angeles. But when another friend offers Samantha a part in her movie, her life suddenly starts looking better and better. Offered more acting jobs, Samantha soon can afford the nicer things in life, including bigger homes and designer clothes. But while her bank account and fame keep expanding, Samantha’s love life and friendships seem to be depleting. The life of a working celebrity suddenly doesn’t seem so exciting and fabulous. Can Samantha find a way to balance it all?

Welcome to My Life, the debut novel from Micheline McAllister gives an insider’s look on the Hollywood scene. McAllister has worked in the entertainment industry as a personal assistant, actress, writer and artist, and holds nothing back when recounting this tale. I enjoyed reading both sides of the main character- her bleak life as “just” a personal assistant, to the high life of being an overpaid actress. I like the fact that this novel is written from an “insider” because there are a few eye-openers about the industry that had me shocked! My only downside was that Samantha’s character didn’t stick with me after I closed the book; I almost forgot who she was and what her story was. But the duration of the novel is witty, fast-paced, and filled with juicy tidbits that will satisfy chick lit fans.

Rating: 3.5/5

The Starlet by Mary McNamara

In Mary McNamara’s debut novel, Oscar Season, readers were introduced to Juliette Greyson. Juliette was the head of PR at the Pinnacle Hotel in Los Angeles, dealing with the rich and famous on a daily basis. After the murder of her cheating ex-husband, Juliette flees to Florence for a break from the LA lifestyle, and that is were The Starlet picks up.

Juliette saves troubled actress Mercy Talbot (think Lindsay Lohan) from diving into a fountain and whisks her away to her Italian estate she shares with cousin Gabriel. Upon arrival to Cerreta, Gabriel is outraged Juliette would bring a drug riddled celebrity on the premises. Gabriel and Juliette are both recovering addicts, and Gabriel does not have the patience to deal with Mercy and her Hollywood ways. The story begins to change when Juliette realizes that someone else may be supplying Mercy with the drugs, that someone being Mercy’s own overbearing mother. After the mysterious death of Mercy’s former co-star, the plot intensifies when another death on set occurs. Juliette is determined to find the culprit, and help save Mercy from succumbing to death from addiction at such a young age.

Even though I had not read Oscar Season previously, The Starlet easily stood its ground alone. The tantalizing pull of celebrities and their over-the-top lifestyles mixed in with drugs, sex, and murder makes this mystery irresistible to put down. I loved Italy as the setting, the beautiful images along with the serene atmosphere of Cerreta made the whole drug/murder scandal that much more scandalous. The love stories that were threaded throughout seemed to get a little confusing, but I guess that is life of the rich and famous. I definitely recommend The Starlet and look forward to reading more novels from Mary McNamara.

Rating: 4/5

Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea

I have been a fan of Chelsea Handler since the beginning of her popular late night show Chelsea Lately on the E! network. When I learned she had books out, of course I had to scoop them up. I started with Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea. And I loved it! The story speeds through Chelsea’s life, ranging from her as a young girl up until she is an adult, highlighting some of the most bizarre and hilarious events that has taken place. From telling her classmates that she is a major movie star with Goldie Hawn, a girl-on-girl stint in jail, and all her crazy family issues in between, this book kept me laughing until the end. Handler’s uninhibited point of view and sarcastic remarks kept me laughing out loud, and even though at times the story line seemed a bit all over, her narrative kept it all flowing together. If you can appreciate cynical, self-deprecating humor and raunchy situations, be sure to check this one out! If you have seen Chelsea Lately and don’t find her funny, or are sensitive to racy content, I would suggest passing.

Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow

Veronica Czaplicki is miserable after her husband leaves her for their older relator. She thought men only strayed to younger and tighter and pastures, but not in her case. Now she is living in Orange County as a single mother to Ben, playing second fiddle to his father and the mega-rich relator he has moved on to. This substitute teacher has a twist of fate interfere one night when she is mistaken as Haley Rush- a young superstar trying to rise to Hollywood fame. When Haley’s manager gets word of Veronica’s uncanny resemblance to his client, he convinces her to stand in for Haley at press events and photo ops, citing Haley is exhausted from her acting and singing demands.

At first Veronica is thrilled- she gets to bank $100/hour just to get dressed up and meet other celebrities- including the hunky Brady Ellis. But Veronica soon learns the downfall of being a celebrity- the nasty comments on the internet about her appearance and being duped by another rising celebrity. Add to the situation that Haley Rush isn’t exhausted she’s just plain crazy, makes Veronica think that her normal life isn’t so bad.

Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow is a fun read for those who enjoy hearing about celebrity shenanigans. What made this book one of my favorites is that is breaks away from the usual patterns. Instead of leaving her for a young cat, Veronica’s husband leaves her for an older woman. And when you think you know exactly what will be the next step or move a character will make, you’re blindsided by something completely different- and usually hilarious. I really enjoyed seeing how the heroine balanced her celebrity life and life as a single, struggling mom. The multiple romances that play out throughout the book are comically funny as well. Highly recommended!

Rating:: 5/5

Drop Dead Beautiful by Jackie Collins

Lucky Santangelo is back again for another round of Hollywood romance and deceit in this Jackie Collin’s tale. Lucky, who stems from a mafia family but has managed to turn herself into one of the hottest Hollywood players, is busy planning a birthday party for her 95 year old father, Gino.  She is also in the midst of opening a megaresort in the city of sin, Las Vegas, but is unaware that a long-time family enemy, Anthony Bonar is seeking revenge on the Santangelo clan.

There is many subplots involved, like usual with Collins, and they bring along a hefty portion of suspense, sex, and drama. Lucky’s 16 year old daughter, Max, sneaks away from home to meet the Prince Charming she met on the internet- who turns out to be a crazed ex-actor that is holding a grudge against Lucky since she passed him over for a part in one of her past films. Anthony Bonar, a violent drug dealer, is unaware that his wife is having an affair with the Mexican gardener. Other slightly less exciting plots deal with Lucky’s best friend, an aging Hollywood actress, and her much younger boyfriend trying to maintain a relationship amidst the paparazzi and rag magazines, and Lucky’s business partner and his growing affection for Lucky, despite having a live in girlfriend. 

 Drop Dead Beautiful from Jackie Collins covers the Hollywood scene with open eyes and no holding back. The sex scenes are raunchy, the violence is gruesome, and each plot will hook readers more and more. This was one of my favorite Jackie Collins reads, and a definite recommendation for chick lit fans.

Poor Little Bitch Girl by Jackie Collins

Annabelle Maestro is such a poor little rich girl. The breed from two of Hollywood’s hottest legends, Annabelle is living up life running a high priced call girl business with coke addict boyfriend, Frankie. When her mother is brutally murdered in her own home and her father is the main suspect, Annabelle is forced to fly home from New York to Los Angeles for the funeral. She is toted along by an old friend turned lawyer, Denver, who is struggling to defend the legendary Ralph Maestro in his wife’s murder, all while trying to find a suitable man. Denver’s best friend, Carolyn, has managed to get herself knocked up by the very married US senator she works for, and has now been kidnapped as part of the senator’s grand scheme.

Poor Little Bitch Girl, the 26^th best-seller from acclaimed writer Jackie Collins is another great. The scandal of Hollywood, the raunchy sex scenes, and the way each character entwines with another makes this a page turner until the end. The only problem I had was the big “scandal” wasn’t really that scandalous, if you follow the Tinseltown standards. But still another fabulous novel from Collins that will drag you into that selfish, all about me world, and make you not want to come back out.

Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell

Alice Hirsh is trying to adjust to life in the San Fernando Valley after living in New York. Judgmental and borderline unfriendly, Alice relies on her  family- Alex, a wonderful husband and father, working as an entertainment lawyer for the stars, and her precious daughter Gabby. But everything turns when Alex announces he needs a “break”- then Alice finds pictures of her husband cuddling with the hottest man-eating actress in Hollywood, also Alex’s newest client. Suddenly, she is on the verge of getting a divorce, and is having to deal with the demise while the paparazzi is stalking her and five year old Gabby asking all the hard questions.

Alice struggles to get through each day, trying to pick up the broken pieces around her. She finds friends with the most unexpected people- another mother who loves wearing Winnie-the-Pooh sweatshirts but can swear like a sailor and an ex porn star trying to make a better future for herself. Their friendships help support Alice through her mother’s declining health and a possible love interest- with a former paparazzo.

Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell is a heartwarming tale of a very real situation and one women’s experience of trying to get her life back on track. I loved the spin with the fairy tale, seeing how Gabby’s love of fairy tales could relate to Alice’s life. The supporting cast really helped shape the novel, with just enough detail on each person’s lives. This is feel good reading material that shows no matter how much you lose, there is more you can gain to get your happily ever after.

 

 

The Infidelity Pact by Carrie Karasyov

Four friends living in L.A are bored with their family lives, especially their husbands. Ringleader Victoria schemes up the perfect plan for them: an infidelity pact. Each woman will have one year to have an affair, and the only people they will confide in will be each other. Though the other friends seem hesitant at first, it doesn’t take long for them to dive in to their new lives.

Victoria starts sleeping with her husband’s biggest nemesis, another agent who is always competing with Justin over clients and prestige. Eliza is following the pact reluctantly, knowing that her marriage to Declan isn’t perfect but still not wanting to be unfaithful. Until she sparks the flames with an old crush, Tyler, who also happens to be a huge movie star who is willing to give up his family life for Eliza. Helen jumps right into infidelity, sleeping with random men and even women. She was having doubts about her marriage anyways, thinking her husband Wesley was too old and boring for her, but staying together for their daughter. And LeeLee takes the pact seriously, planning to run away with her other lover, long time friend and Senator Jack Porter. Her husband Brad doesn’t care about her, and doesn’t support her financially like Jack could do for her. Splitting up the family would be difficult for her two daughters, but she was ready to think about herself.

At first, each of the friends are loving their new lives, feeling the freedom and exhilaration that comes from cheating. But each of their situations takes serious turns, and life decisions need to be made. After their secrets are found out and a possible murder is committed, the women begin to wonder if they made the right choices.

The Infidelity Pact by Carrie Karasyov gives a startling eye-opener to L.A’s own desperate housewives, and if you are wanting a behind the scenes the look of the steamy lives of the wealthy elite, look no further. Each woman offers her own unique problems with her marriage and family life, and once situations take dangerous turns, the book becomes even more irresistible to put down.

All Eyes on Her by Poonam Sharma

Monica Gupta is an ambitious junior associate at the elite Steel law firm, trying to work her way up the ladder despite a bitter rival in the office. She works with Hollywood celebrities, representing them as they brave the tricky world of divorce along with the public and tabloids capturing their every move. Her newest clients, Cameron and Lydia, are proving to be a tough couple, keeping Monica more and more distracted from her own crumbling love life. Fiancé Raj won’t speak to her, and jetted off to the other side of the Pond while continuing to ignore her calls and emails. To top everything off, her irresistible ex-boyfriend is requesting Monica’s help representing his own divorce, causing more confusion for Monica about what she really wants.

All Eyes on Her by Poonam Sharma is a page turner until the end, keeping readers wondering how Monica’s love life will play out. The mix of celebrities and an “average” character fits together nicely, giving chick lit readers a taste of the Hollywood hoopla. The only problem I had with this book is that the plot seemed to jump around too much. I found myself confused when story lines would end abruptly, or not enough information was given on a character. Because the main character was written so well and I felt I could really connect with her, I was able to stay interested and intrigued throughout the entire novel, wondering who Monica would eventually end up with.  Look for All Eyes on Her to be overall charming- bringing you laughs and making you think.

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