just some quick notes. both because late at night and because one of my hands has kind of died on me (as in, it all numbed and stuff) so can't write/type.

My second book by this author. I read this one next, after the one I loved, because of two reasons - (1) first book released; (2) involves Hollywood and stuff like that.

I had several problems with the book. Some of the action/reaction/stuff seemed over the top. I didn't need to read yet another book involving a straight woman who suddenly realizes that she's a lesbian (at least for one other woman) - though that one's on me. Some of the chemistry between the two mains seemed forced. Mind you there were some rather nice moments where they really seemed to click, but there were also a lot of moments where they 'felt' as 'plastic' to me as the 3d avatars that occasionally inhabit Brooke's covers. I'm not being very exact there. Maybe I can be later when I've more than one hand and it's not past midnight.

Plus - there were scenes that occurred that didn't work for me for many reasons. There seemed to be an emphasis on how much Carolyn needed to be shown to be trustworthy, etc., to overcome her 'reputation', while, many occasions, it was Annelie who acted like a massive bitch. Seriously, how the fuck can a relationship actually develop after Annelie drops a little very terse, brief, rude note after they fuck for the first time. A card that indicates, basically, that Annelie thinks (implicitly by the words used) that she was used. That Carolyn had fucked her for the part. And Carolyn's immediate initial reaction? It's not an enthusastic 'yay I got the part', but it sure wasn't 'what the fuck?' It was more of a 'I should be dancing in happiness, what's wrong with me?' reaction. Eventually Carolyn started showing some of the reactions I'd more likely expect her to show/feel (and she even used some wording directly with Annelie indicating that she didn't appreciate being left like that, left with what was similar to waking up to find money next to her). But . . . even there, even when Annelie was noting how she realizes that she fled . . . it was still the burden of Carolyn's to 'break the barriers'. I mean, what the fuck? In many ways this just seems . . . weird. Wrong. Odd.

There were many good moments. It was . . . for the most part, readable. They had kind of a fucked up relationship though. heh. They said that they loved each other like at the drop of a hat; they seemed to end up living together 'temporarily' very easily. And . . . yet they still acted surprised when the other would do something or other - like say 'darling'. That was . . weird.

For all the burden placed on Carolyn to break down the barriers . . . . there sure wasn't a lot done to show why there were barriers. (1) Carolyn had a reputation; (2) she apparently was straight; (3) Anneliee was considering her for a role. All of these create barriers that needed to be broken, but not the solid walls that seemed to put all burden on Carolyn's side. Maybe I missed it. I know Carolyn was married twice before (see: reputation). But I don't exactly recall much in the way of past relationships being mentioned regarding Annelie. Beyond the 'are they gold diggers or do they actually care for me' level of history. Again, I'm probably missing something, or forgetting something.

I will leave with a final note: It's odd, but I actually liked the side characters better than the mains. Mostly the Australians, and Jem (or whatever her name was). Jared was a dick. Grey was an agent and acted like an agent (i.e., something approaching being a dick). So, obviously enough, I'm being both narrow in which side characters I liked better, while being vague about actually pinning them down and noting their names.

February 23 2016 ( )