Synopsis:
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.
MY REVIEW:
4.5 Star-struck stars!!!
Wow!!! I’m absolutely blown away by Olivia Evans’ debut novel! It’s award season now in Hollywood and I can’t think of a better time to dive into this engaging story. I am a huge fan of Hollywood romances and very few authors get it right. Hollywood and Vine is right up there with Love Unscripted and Eversea. I loved everything about this book, the insider peek into the movie business, scheming actresses, the nightmare of gossip magazines and paparazzi, and the difficulties of having a “normal” relationship in Hollywoodland.
She had no idea how he could be so infuriatingly perfect sometimes. How the man who caused her more hurt than she’d ever experienced still managed to make her ache for him.
I thought this book would be a predictable insta-love sorry but I was so wrong! I fell in love with superstar actor Anders (even though he was a Grade A a**hole) and was absolutely taken with Josie’s sass and smarts. I am still reeling from the ending of this book. Seriously, if you are looking for a story to pull you out of a book slump, Hollywood and Vine is it. It’s got smoking hot sexy times, engaging and well-written characters and a fast-paced, unpredictable story. I hope Ms. Evans has more books planned because I can’t wait to read more from her!
Excerpt
“Josie, are you sure about this?” Madison sat on the bed, her face pinched with concern.
“Look, I know you’re worried. Christ, I want to throw up every time I think about what I’m doing. But…” Josie scooted onto the bed and turned to Madison. “I think about him, Maddie. I think about him a lot. And not all of those thoughts involve burying his body.” Josie laughed and looked at her hands. “The truth is, he makes me feel. I’ve dated, you know that, but the relationships always fizzle out, and that’s if there is even a spark to begin with. I thought it was me, you know? That I was the problem. Because it’s weird, right? That I’ve never fallen in love? I’ve barely even been in lust. I thought something was wrong with me. And shit, I’m not saying there isn’t, because of all the people who could make me feel that spark, it has to be the most impossible man in the world.”
“Josie, you’re not broken. You’re just, guarded. You…you don’t give yourself a chance.”
“Exactly, I’ve never cared enough to bother. But now, with this crazy, complicated, infuriating man, I want to. God help me, but I do. I don’t know where it will go. For all I know, it could just be a fluke—ridiculous sexual chemistry that fizzles out like the rest. Or I could end up really liking him and he could break me. Right now I can’t think that far ahead. I like him, but I’m also leery, and it’s still early enough that if I bail, or if he bails, I can walk away unscathed. I just, I need you to be there for me because I’m terrified and I need my best friend.”
Madison squeezed Josie’s hand and smiled. “Of course I’ve got your back. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what. Whatever you need—a shoulder, a shovel, or an alibi—you know I’m your girl.”
Hollywood and Vine Book Trailer from Heather Maven on Vimeo.
About the Author
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, craft beer and her shih tzu’s.
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