Author: Alessandra Torre
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Humor
Publisher: Alessandra Torre
Pub Date: September 7, 2015
Rating: 5 Stars
Our thoughts...
Classic ~ Moxie ~ Strong
Hollywood Dirt is fit to be a classic romance novel. The
story, characters, and writing are sophisticated and entertaining enough to
maintain momentum for years to come. Alessandra Torre has, yet again, improved
upon her well-oiled skills and outdone herself with this one.
I enjoyed the way Torre set the scene for the whole book
right at the beginning. She introduces us to the town of Quincy, the general
feel of The South, the concept of a Southern Woman. It set not only the scene
but solidified the tone of the whole book while preparing the reader to view
events through the eyes of a southerner.
I fell in love with Summer Jenkins immediately. I didn’t
have to warm to her or wait to click with her. She is sassy, strong,
intelligent, witty, and full of moxie! Even with all of that personality she is
never too much, never over-the-top (rehearsal dinner scene aside). I see
components of not only myself but friends I adore, making her impossible not to
love. Cole is easy to like as well. He is wounded but not broken, strong but
not over-bearing. He is attractive because of his strong positive traits, such
as unyielding loyalty and a dedicated work ethic. The reader doesn’t need to
ignore glaring negative traits that would typically have any sane woman running
for the hills. Chauvinistic bad boys can be fun to read about but no
self-respecting woman like Summer would settle down with someone who treated
her with anything less than the respect she deserves.
There are a lot of short chapters told from multiple
perspectives. I really enjoyed this change up. Not only did it allow me to get
roped in because I had to know what was
next but it also allowed me to take more regular pauses during my busy
schedule (a schedule that didn’t really allow for reading). That’s a win-win
for me. I was also able to enjoy this flow because it was done so well. The
brief chapters were smooth glimpses, as opposed to abrupt interruptions, and
completed scenes.
I loved the secret. That’s all I’m going to say because I am
not going to be the one to spoil it. Just know that if you are a fan of Torre’s other works you will be a fan of this surprise, too. This secret
is nothing to be afraid of; it’s not a Black Lies-style twist.
Hollywood Dirt is full of sass, fun dialogue, witty banter, and
strong personalities. The characters are flawed but not in an over-dramatic
fashion. Meaning, the characters’ flaws are realistic but not over-the-top to
the point of being for showy. The love/hate relationship, the sexual tension,
the struggle to be friendly to each other is all happening at a relatable
level. Nothing about this story feels forced or gimmicky. This story is just
plain ol’ fun and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Wonderful review, Jenny! While I haven't been the biggest fan of some of this authors' previous books, I do want to read this (especially after reading your review). I read another review that said it was a hate to love kind of story and I'm such a freaking sucker for those. It's always nice to click with a character from the very beginning. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's definitely a great love/hate relationship. It isn't one where they are acting ridiculous pretending to hate each other; they really believe it and the passion shines through. I hope you enjoy it! It is unlike anything Alessandra has written before so I'm hoping it'll be a great match for you. ~Jenny
DeleteThanks, Jenny!
DeleteThanks for the awesome review Jenny this sounds like a great book, and I will be reading it tonight after all the Grandkids go home! (Got babysitting duty while all their parents went on vacation! Of course you know I did not mind!) Can't wait to start it, and this review makes me glad I preordered it!
ReplyDeleteI bet it was fun having the grandkids over! Enjoy the renewed peace and quiet and Hollywood Dirt! ~Jenny
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