Hollywood and Vine

Olivia Evans

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Expected release December 15, 2014

In the land of Hollywood, bright lights cover lies, truths hide in shadows, and the lives of the rich and famous are illusions created by smoke and mirrors.

When costume designer Josie Bane first lays eyes on Anders Ellis, she hates him instantly. Conceited and arrogant, he's the epitome of a Hollywood playboy. So it’s much to Josie’s dismay when he becomes the star of her sexual fantasies.

Never expecting to see him again, she gives in to her desires for a night she’ll never forget. However, Josie soon learns that life is full of surprises. When their paths cross again, sparks fly. With three little words, Anders changes everything.

He’s after one thing.

She refuses to give it to him... again.

When Josie realizes she’s falling for a man that will never let her in but refuses to let her go, she must decide if the risk is worth the reward.

With a relationship shrouded in secrets and outside forces poised to tear them apart, did they ever stand a chance? Before the smoke clears and the curtain falls, Josie and Anders must distinguish between what’s fact and what’s fiction in a place where the truth is never black and white.

Josie was strong willed, but also sensitive, emotional, and insecure too. We saw her softer side as well. But she was easily affected by the lies and drama swirling around. And when she got surprised or upset, she could be quite a firecracker.

Together they had potential to bring out both the best and the worst in each other. So it was quite an adventure of angst, mistakes, make ups, and passion. They had fun banter at times and full force fights at other times. And then there were times when they were alone in their little bubble where they could be vulnerable, sweet, and playful that really made me like them more. There was a lot deal with in the unforgiving and exposed world of Hollywood gossip, media attention, and paparrazzi. There were many secrets, lies, hidden agendas, and people out to get them. And in their relationship they had to face lack of trust, jealousy, anger, frustration, secrets, lies, bad timing, and poor communication. They often found themselves in hurt, volatile outbursts or defending themselves. There were times I alternately wanted to throttle both of them for continuing to make the same mistakes. It was one step forward and two steps back. They were both so stubborn, easy to react and get riled, and could be unforgiving. 

This story was told mostly in the main characters points of view, but at times did change into side characters view points. But I was able to follow the transitions. It was full of tension, passion, and many complications. The characters were flawed and definitely had issues...oh so many issues.  The story was long (431 pages) and at times the constant back and forth got a bit much for me. But all in all, I enjoyed it and I came to really like the characters together. The side characters especially her best friend Madison and brother Holden were supportive, but also not afraid to kick some ass. The antagonists especially one actress really pissed me off multiple times. The ending felt a bit rushed to me after going through so much with these characters and I would have liked an epilogue. But I think it is possible that maybe we will see them again if she does another book for perhaps his actor friend Owen. But this was a very interesting, complex, and engaging debut from Olivia Evans. 

Josie Bane, costume designer, has been attracted to the leading man on her current project. But Anders Ellis is a one-night stand kind of guy, and has a reputation for not going back for seconds. Ever. He is also known as an arrogant jerk who looks out only for himself. 

Josie knows that the cast party at the end of the movie is the perfect opportunity to scratch her itch for Anders without having to face him after the fact. Until a last minute cast change means he is working on her next project too, mudding the water even further is the fact that he wants her again.

Beginning a relationship full of secrets, this Hollywood pairing means sneaking around, hiding from paparazzi, and games galore. While I was interested in watching how long Josie would hold out and how long Anders would continue to chase her, part of me had a hard time liking either character enough to really devour the book.

But while I was reading this, there were quite a few times I just plain lost my patience waiting for the characters. The same mistake multiple times? I was over it after the first couple times. The back and forth, I want you, I hate you. There was just more angst that I usually like in a book, and at times it felt like I had been reading forever and making little progress. The first two thirds felt slow, but by the time I made it to the last 30-40% the story had picked up, additional elements were at play and I was finally pulled into the story. 

While it wasn’t always my favorite read, there were elements of the book that I really loved. From the beginning I loved the premise. Anders and Josie’s secret relationship had me always waiting to see who or when they would be discovered. The Hollywood movie set setting was a fun, dynamic location and backdrop for both their initial meeting(s) and their developing relationship.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Olivia Evans is a dreamer by day, writer by night. She's obsessed with music and loves discovering new bands. Traveling the world and watching the sun set in every time zone sounds like heaven to her. A true Gemini, she follows her heart blindly and lives life to the fullest with her husband, son, and friends. Her other loves are: Chuck Taylors, Doc Martens, concert tees, gangster movies, sports, wine, beer and her shih tzu babies.