Between private jets, designer labels, and lavish resorts, Tandy Owens should be having the time of her life. Her celebrity author best friend is getting married and all of Hollywood’s elite have turned out for the event. Unfortunately, Tandy’s mood is far from celebratory.
For over a year her heart has been torn between two men: Matthew Cruz, the brilliant, well-educated entrepreneur who makes her feel like a queen, and Mateo, his womanizing musician alter ego, who is known for collecting platinum records, and the panties of his sexual conquests. Matthew assures her that Mateo’s antics are all a show. Even so, with her being the only one to witness his softer side, Tandy begins to wonder which persona is truly the act.
In the sizzling heat of Miami, Tandy reaches the breaking point with their secretive romance, and finds herself asking if a hidden love is truly worth fighting for?
Review 4*
This is the second book in the Reel Romance series and is a fantastic contemporary romantic comedy. I loved it!
Tandy Owens is a fantastic character and I really liked her when I first met her in the first book, Adapted for Film. She is the flamboyant friend of Aubrey Evans. Now working as Matthew/Mateo Cruz's manager, and his secret lover, Tandy finds herself questioning whether her love is strong enough to survive the demands of his career.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author with no expectation of a positive review.
I was eager to start reading this book as I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of the series. It is told through the eyes of Tandy, though I would have liked to have a little of Matthew's POV too. This is because, although he was introduced in book one as Mateo, I wanted to see behind his cheesy Mateo persona and understand the man (Matthew) that Tandy had fallen in love with. Most of this story seemed to focus on Tandy and her angst about her relationship, as well as the wedding of Aubrey and Kole, rather than focusing on the relationship between her and Matthew itself. They had very little interaction for most of the story, which saddened me. Don't get me wrong, I loved the buildup to the wedding and all the comical goings on with a mysterious teddy bear mascot, but I just didn't have the same enthusiasm for this tale like I had for the first one. I must admit that there are some interesting characters that pop up, like the teddy bear mascot and a goth chick called Willa, who has a habit of popping up when things get sticky/awkward, but I felt that the story focused on the wrong things.
The story is peppered with the sarcastic humour and wit that I have come to love from this author, and has several twists that kept things interesting. The secret identity of the mascot was revealed and I must admit that I was surprised when I found out who it was. However, after thinking about it, I shouldn't have been. I reached the end of the story with mixed feelings; sad that it had finished, but happy at the conclusion.
Stacey Rourke has written a fantastically comedic contemporary romance. I love her characters, who are extremely lifelike and feel like friends. I also love her writing style, which is fast paced, and the story flows wonderfully. I am a huge fan of this author. The wit and charm she brings to her books makes them a joy to read. I am looking forward to reading more of her books, whether they be YA like her Gryphon Series, Dark Fantasy like her Legend Series or Contemporary Romance such as this one, or any other genre she attempts in the future.
Although this is not really a YA story as such, I highly recommend this book to teens aged 15+ and adults who love light-hearted contemporary romances. - Lynn Worton
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Tamara had never really liked parties. But in her old life she had attended many. But now she hid behind a column at the charity event she was at even if it was to benefit the theater - The Ellen- that she worked for but also loved. Tamara was drinking champagne for liquid courage. Tamara’s parents loved parties and would have loved this one. Things had changed a lot in six years. Tamara was much happier with her new life, job, and friends she had now. Tonight’s theme was classic movies stars. Her roommate and best friend Marc who knew nothing of her past and her as Tammy Vanguard. Tamara had wanted to attend this charity event as Ginger Rogers but Marc’s boyfriend Alec had other ideas and Tamara ended up being Veronica Lake. Parties made Tamara uncomfortable and then to be wearing such a revealing dress didn’t help how uncomfortable Tamara felt. It was al Tamara could do to make herself stay at this event. Tamara had several glasses of champagne and then Tamara seen him…. Gregory Blanehart. Gregory Gregory had been a friend of Tamara’s brother Jonathan close but untouchable for Tamara. Gregory had just gotten out of a two year relationship with Vanessa. As A favor to his friend Ben. Gregory noticed Tamara and he went over to talk to her using the excuse he wanted to know the history of the theater. Gregory didn’t seem to recognize Tamara as Tammy so maybe her secret was still safe. Tamara when she was Tammy had been engaged to Billy who was mentally and physically abusive. He lied to her parents and told them he felt she was losing it and her parents believed Billy and didn’t listen to Tammy and had her institutionalized. When Tammy got out she changed her name and her whole life and left her old life behind and everything in it even dancing as a ballerina and Tamara had been talented. Gregory bought the theater and Tamara went to his office to quit her job. While in the office Gregory kissed her and then his father walked in and instantly recognized Tamara as Tammy. Tamara decided she was not giving up the home she had made for herself and decided to stay working for the Ellen.
I really loved this book. It was a warm sweet romance. This was about inner growth and letting go of the past. I loved Gregory and Tamara together. I loved how how Tamara didn’t act all uppity and like a snob. After what she had been through she was still a sweet and caring I also liked how Marc was there for Tamara and always had her back even if he had to push her at times. I also loved how Gregory was willing to help his friends. I was happy when Gregory’s father finally explained to Gregory why he had acted toward Gregory as he had. I just really loved this book and didn’t want to put it down. It held my attention from beginning to end. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.
