Add this to your shelf. I’m not quite sure where else to start with Behind the Scenes, but that’s pretty important.

When Logan Byers agrees to take on a client as their executive concierge, she doesn’t quite know what she’s getting into. What she doesn’t fathom is that it would be Pierre Perry III, someone with whom she’s made a brief yet memorable acquaintance. Pierre is less convinced that he needs her as his babysitter as he takes on his role as showrunner for a semi-autobiographical short-run series on the WAWG network. What he quickly learns is that Logan is far more than a mere babysitter, as she quickly demonstrates how integral she is to his success both personally and professionally.

Pierre and Logan have a lot of similarities – they’re both from prominent families in their respective fields and have the weight of expectation on their shoulders. Logan, of the Byers, comes from an esteemed family of attorneys. She did a stint at the family law firm and has defied everyone by daring to step out of the role that’s been crafted for her. Pierre is the son of two film greats, both now deceased. He’s trying to break the image of a spoiled Hollywood brat who got into too much trouble with too much money, drugs, and alcohol. Their work together is critical to Logan and Pierre breaking beyond what people expect as they step into their own. To that end, they’re both real people with flaws and all. It makes them relatable and I found myself never completing “liking” either. I rolled my eyes at some of their situations, cursed some of their decisions, but also found myself celebrating the wins they had.

Despite the “Hollywood” vibe, this is all happening in Las Vegas. Some of CCJ’s memorable characters from show-biz have cameos as family and friends, and add more perspective. The book presents the world behind the camera not only on a practical level but on a personal level as well. The good, bad, and ugly are here with commentary about entertainment, public consumption of media, and more.

Behind the Scenes is a substantial read, which I love from CCJ. I’m all about novellas, but nothing compares to being immersed in her literary world. I absolutely recommend it and am anxiously hoping some of the characters introduced make their way to the forefront of another book soon. ( )