Taylor Jenkins Reid

Oh I enjoyed this a lot. I can't really explain exactly what had me so hooked. Something between really enjoying every character (including the side and scummy ones), the way it was written neither too blandly nor too flowery, and the fact that reading about parties getting out of hand is always fun to me.

I only started to form this opinion about 40% into the book though. Honestly, I was getting really bored reading about the backstory of the Riva family. I understand the context was important in understanding what was happening in the present, but I was looking forward to that section ending. Maybe it being slightly dull to contrast the flashy part was part of the point, but it didn't make it any easier to read.

Without any spoilers though, I did appreciate how grief was portrayed through a certain character. It felt so realistic to me, and it gave me one of those moments where I feel so connected to a character that I pause and get a bit emotional.

Very happy I picked this up :)… (more)

Wow! This was much better than I expected. It has been given such great reviews that I was leery of the hype, particularly about a Hollywood expose type story. A Hollywood legend tricks a little-known writer into agreeing to do an in-depth interview only to offer a full authorized biography instead. Monique, the writer, is sure there is a catch. Evelyn, the star assures her all the relevant players are deceased and she wants the truth known. The story alternates between Evelyn and Monique, present day and Evelyn's life story. Despite the questionable actions of a strong willed ambitious actress and the plethora of self-serving egos around her you can't help liking Evelyn and many of her cohorts. The complex personalities of the main characters and the complicated life that unfolds just draws you in. The last secret and its exposure was handled beautifully. It could have gone many ways but I liked how Reid ended the story. Bravo!… (more)