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Hollyland: A Novel
What happens when a seemingly ordinary woman with a passion for the arts falls in love with a Hollywood star known for his bachelor status and quick temper with the paparazzi? Something extraordinary.
Dee Schwartz is a writer and arts researcher. Ryder Field is a famous actor descended from Hollywood royalty. On the night they meet outside a bar, their connection is palpable. Ryder’s mother—legendary actress Rebecca Field, half of Hollywood’s golden couple when she died—was kidnapped and murdered by a crazed fan in a shocking event that forever tarnished Tinseltown. Dee’s mother, too, died when she was young. Bonded by this loss, the two embark on a love story that explores their search for magic—or “gold dust”—in their lives. Everything changes, however, when Dee mysteriously disappears after an awards ceremony. Is history repeating itself? Can there truly be a happily ever after in Hollywood?
Set against the backdrop of contemporary Los Angeles, Hollyland is a poignant novel that moves fluidly between romance, humor, suspense, and joy.
Dee Schwartz is a writer and arts researcher. Ryder Field is a famous actor descended from Hollywood royalty. On the night they meet outside a bar, their connection is palpable. Ryder’s mother—legendary actress Rebecca Field, half of Hollywood’s golden couple when she died—was kidnapped and murdered by a crazed fan in a shocking event that forever tarnished Tinseltown. Dee’s mother, too, died when she was young. Bonded by this loss, the two embark on a love story that explores their search for magic—or “gold dust”—in their lives. Everything changes, however, when Dee mysteriously disappears after an awards ceremony. Is history repeating itself? Can there truly be a happily ever after in Hollywood?
Set against the backdrop of contemporary Los Angeles, Hollyland is a poignant novel that moves fluidly between romance, humor, suspense, and joy.
224 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2023
14 people are currently reading
3005 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Leavy
77 books325 followersPatricia Leavy, Ph.D., is a bestselling author. She has published over fifty books, earning commercial and critical success in both fiction and nonfiction, and her work has been translated into many languages. Patricia has received over 100 book honors as well as career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2024 the London Arts-Based Research Centre established "The Patricia Leavy Award for Arts-Based Research." She lives in Maine with her family. Patricia loves writing, reading, watching films, and traveling. These days, she's focused on writing feel-good love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 16, 2023
Well, at least it was short…
This book is pretty bad. It had such a promising premise but the writing is awkward and saccharine. It could have used another hundred pages to flesh out the characters and the romance, but instead it’s very rushed and a whole lot of telling with zero showing. And the big plot point touted in the synopsis of Dee going missing just like Rye’s mother - that doesn’t happen until around page 160. Of a 200 page book. Mostly, it’s just the two characters saying “I love you” over and over until we all vomit.
I’m so disappointed.
Thank you to the publisher and Book Sparks for the gifted copy; but I won’t be posting this review on IG.
This book is pretty bad. It had such a promising premise but the writing is awkward and saccharine. It could have used another hundred pages to flesh out the characters and the romance, but instead it’s very rushed and a whole lot of telling with zero showing. And the big plot point touted in the synopsis of Dee going missing just like Rye’s mother - that doesn’t happen until around page 160. Of a 200 page book. Mostly, it’s just the two characters saying “I love you” over and over until we all vomit.
I’m so disappointed.
Thank you to the publisher and Book Sparks for the gifted copy; but I won’t be posting this review on IG.
February 13, 2023
To critique Patricia Leavy's 'Hollyland', is to admit I didn't learn a thing from her book, which is a treatise on art disguised as an 'ordinary woman meets Hollywood star' fairytale love story.
It's insta-love for arts academic Dr Dee Schwartz and celebrity actor Ryder 'Rye' Field.
Dee bowls Rye over with her opinions on art and the pleasure of making art vs commerce (hell she bowled me over, I want to go back and drink those sentences back in as it expanded my mind). Both bond over losing their mothers at a young age, now 40 Dee lost her mum at 8, while 50-year-old Rye's actress mother was killed by a fan when he was 10.
She's shy, but passionate about art and pushing the boundaries of art. As she tells Rye 'I love art more than anything; it's sacred to me. Artists need to be free. Art shouldn't have to apologise for itself. It should provoke, inspire, unsetlle and disrupt - or at least aspire to'.
But Dee is no ordinary woman, in one of the standout scenes of the book, it turns out Dr Dee is a well-renowed arts/education researcher with best-selling books, sold out lectures and also as a bit of a 'fix it' woman for movies and music. Rye and his Hollywood actor friends are stunned at how well-connected Dee is, assisting an old family friend to fix a failing movie, which later won an Oscar. She also gives a more public demonstration of how she helps a rap star fix his song. It's over the top and fantastical but hey, go with it.
But despite that all, Dee just wants to enjoy art for the pleasure, rather than applying critical analysis.
'I'm just looking for that gold dust you mentioned. I want someone to stroll around a museum with me, someone to take me to a concert or film and ask me, 'Did you enjoy it?'.
This is a book where nothing really happens, with characters that are mostly perfectly evolved. The only remotely 'bad' thing that happens is resolved quickly.
Which is an interesting tension in of itself.
I kept reading it thinking 'wait, they're going to have the 80% break up'. Nope, instead this was external drama. And it was refreshing. No miscommunication, just two middle-aged characters in love and wanting to put the work in to stay in love, knowing what they know with their previous experiences. I think I'm so used to a 'formula' that as perfect this story was, at times borderline cheesy (I'm really not into marriage and babies as a happy ever after or phrases like 'make love'), but as Dee says:
Did you enjoy it?
Yes. And I smile and move onto to the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and She Writes Press for the ARC.
It's insta-love for arts academic Dr Dee Schwartz and celebrity actor Ryder 'Rye' Field.
Dee bowls Rye over with her opinions on art and the pleasure of making art vs commerce (hell she bowled me over, I want to go back and drink those sentences back in as it expanded my mind). Both bond over losing their mothers at a young age, now 40 Dee lost her mum at 8, while 50-year-old Rye's actress mother was killed by a fan when he was 10.
She's shy, but passionate about art and pushing the boundaries of art. As she tells Rye 'I love art more than anything; it's sacred to me. Artists need to be free. Art shouldn't have to apologise for itself. It should provoke, inspire, unsetlle and disrupt - or at least aspire to'.
But Dee is no ordinary woman, in one of the standout scenes of the book, it turns out Dr Dee is a well-renowed arts/education researcher with best-selling books, sold out lectures and also as a bit of a 'fix it' woman for movies and music. Rye and his Hollywood actor friends are stunned at how well-connected Dee is, assisting an old family friend to fix a failing movie, which later won an Oscar. She also gives a more public demonstration of how she helps a rap star fix his song. It's over the top and fantastical but hey, go with it.
But despite that all, Dee just wants to enjoy art for the pleasure, rather than applying critical analysis.
'I'm just looking for that gold dust you mentioned. I want someone to stroll around a museum with me, someone to take me to a concert or film and ask me, 'Did you enjoy it?'.
This is a book where nothing really happens, with characters that are mostly perfectly evolved. The only remotely 'bad' thing that happens is resolved quickly.
Which is an interesting tension in of itself.
I kept reading it thinking 'wait, they're going to have the 80% break up'. Nope, instead this was external drama. And it was refreshing. No miscommunication, just two middle-aged characters in love and wanting to put the work in to stay in love, knowing what they know with their previous experiences. I think I'm so used to a 'formula' that as perfect this story was, at times borderline cheesy (I'm really not into marriage and babies as a happy ever after or phrases like 'make love'), but as Dee says:
Did you enjoy it?
Yes. And I smile and move onto to the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and She Writes Press for the ARC.
April 1, 2023
Hollyland sounded like it would be right in my "wheelhouse," but I was completely wrong. Unfortunately for me, the characters fell flat and I was never able to connect with them. I didn't have an issue with the storyline. It was nice to not have unnecessary drama built in just to "juice up" a plot for a change. That said, there just wasn't enough to keep me pulled into the story. The interaction and conversation between the main characters often felt stilted and the book just became.a struggle to push through. I hate to leave reviews like this because I know that the author put her heart and soul into this work. So, I am the first to say it's a me thing. I firmly believe there is an audience out there for this book, it just wasn't me.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
April 3, 2023
In this book we meet Dee and Rye in a bar and to say they hit it off straight away is putting it mildly, this is Insta love at its best. This pair absolutely adore one another so much and decide very quickly to get married and spend the rest of their lives together.
Sadly though I put it down at 80% in, that may sound weird as I did enjoy what I read but I was missing the angst that I would normally read in a book. I read up to they got married then skimmed about 10% before finally deciding to finish it. I just felt it wasn’t going anywhere to keep me invested, so sorry to the author as I know it’s her baby. I still gave it 3 stars as I did enjoy what I read, just not enough going on for me to finish it.
If you love an Insta love with zero fights or break ups then this book is definitely for you.
Thank you so much to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
Sadly though I put it down at 80% in, that may sound weird as I did enjoy what I read but I was missing the angst that I would normally read in a book. I read up to they got married then skimmed about 10% before finally deciding to finish it. I just felt it wasn’t going anywhere to keep me invested, so sorry to the author as I know it’s her baby. I still gave it 3 stars as I did enjoy what I read, just not enough going on for me to finish it.
If you love an Insta love with zero fights or break ups then this book is definitely for you.
Thank you so much to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
April 22, 2023
Hollyland is the ultimate feel-good, romantic escape. Love the characters and how sweet and romantic they are with each other. A perfect novel for people looking for something light and fun, filled with kindness and affection. Sometimes good people find each other and just love with everything they have. It's so great to let that love live inside of you. Also, love that Dee is smart and accomplished, yet humble and kind. Not enough celebrity romances have such an admirable protagonist. In short, a super sweet read!
February 19, 2023
0.5/5 stars! Umm. I don't even know what to say about this book. This is one of the worst books I've read this year. There was no build-up or plot development, the chemistry was unrealistic, and I hated both of the main characters. So....yeah! That's all I've got.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 4, 2023
You know when you’re talking to someone, and they keep talking and telling stories for minutes on end, but nothing they’re saying is actually interesting? Well imagine reading a story, but the plot doesn’t come in until you’re 79% in. And then it ends at 88%. For that reason, I think the advertised summary is pretty misleading. What it should have been was “Dee and Rye are in love, sickeningly so. They go on a lot lot lot of dates, buy each other presents, and compliment each other all the time. They might confront a certain past trauma at some point…in a galaxy far, far away.” In the end, this book was way too character driven for a story with two unproblematic, non-dramatic, totally communicative people who just happen to famous (although fame barely affects their lives). I need more plot, I need that plot to be twisty, unexpected, or new in some way.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 11, 2023
Hollyland is unlike most books I enjoy reading. Dee and Ryder meet in an alleyway, are instantly attracted to each other, and fall in love. She is a scholar in the field of art, and he is a popular screen actor. They have similar childhood tragedies in common and a love of the arts. There is no great drama, no burning miscommunication, that we readers come to expect from a romance in the last third of a book. Just a gentle unfolding of daily life and the growth of their love for each other, their families and friends. There is some outside drama that is resolved quickly, but they’re adults and they act like it.
Like Dee who wants to enjoy art just for pleasure, not for critique, you will enjoy experiencing this book just for the pleasure of reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for this ARC.
Like Dee who wants to enjoy art just for pleasure, not for critique, you will enjoy experiencing this book just for the pleasure of reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for this ARC.
April 22, 2023
Hollyland by Patricia Leavy is one of the sweetest books I've ever read!
Synopsis: What happens when a seemingly ordinary woman with a passion for the arts falls in love with a Hollywood star known for his bachelor status and quick temper with the paparazzi? Something extraordinary.
This one is for you if you love:
-quick reads (205 pages)
-Hollywood
-sweet romances
-not having conflict/miscommunication
-instalove
-scholars
-art references
-saying "I love you"
-a sprinkle of suspense/mystery
-fairy tales
-family, both found and blood
-celebrity love stories
-"older" characters
-happily ever afters
-feel good stories
-gold dust
Sometimes, we just need a sweet little love story to escape from the reality that is life most days - and this is just the book for that!
Thank you Book Sparks for the complimentary copy to read and review.
Synopsis: What happens when a seemingly ordinary woman with a passion for the arts falls in love with a Hollywood star known for his bachelor status and quick temper with the paparazzi? Something extraordinary.
This one is for you if you love:
-quick reads (205 pages)
-Hollywood
-sweet romances
-not having conflict/miscommunication
-instalove
-scholars
-art references
-saying "I love you"
-a sprinkle of suspense/mystery
-fairy tales
-family, both found and blood
-celebrity love stories
-"older" characters
-happily ever afters
-feel good stories
-gold dust
Sometimes, we just need a sweet little love story to escape from the reality that is life most days - and this is just the book for that!
Thank you Book Sparks for the complimentary copy to read and review.
April 17, 2023
Toda la premisa suena excelente y es una bonita historia de amor, pero tengo que admitir que este libro no funcionó para mí. Fue entretenido de leer al principio, pero me cansé de que en cada página se profesaran su amor eterno (instalove) y no hubiera ningún conflicto-desarrollo para ningún personaje. Lo que describe la sinopsis como "el conflicto" ocurre en un par de páginas y pasa sin pena ni gloria.
Si buscan una historia bonita y que los haga sentir bien, este es el libro. El hecho de que no haya sido para mí, no quiere decir que a ustedes no les pueda gustar.
Si buscan una historia bonita y que los haga sentir bien, este es el libro. El hecho de que no haya sido para mí, no quiere decir que a ustedes no les pueda gustar.
February 25, 2023
Dee and Ryder are one of the most romantic couples I have ever encountered in all my years of reading. Ryder loves Dee’s brilliant mind and he enjoys listening to her talk about the arts. From the moment they met, it was love at first sight and they spent the next three days in a blissful cocoon as they shared a takeout dinner, danced in his living room and realized that the “magic gold dust” that Dee believed in, had brought them together. Ryder wasn’t afraid to show Dee his shy and vulnerable side because he felt as if he had known her forever. Their love only grew stronger as they got to know each other and it was a pleasure to read about such a special couple.
Dee seamlessly fit into Ryder’s world and impressed his friends and business associates with her intelligence and honesty. Dee was also a little shy and it was cute to see her blush at the many romantic gestures Ryder bestowed upon her. Dee encouraged Ryder to pursue his dream of songwriting and she often sat quietly by his side as he created beautiful music with meaningful lyrics. They were rarely apart and the world was their oyster as they planned their life together.
I love everything about Dee and Ryder’s story from their meet-cute, to their magical romance, and to the first time Dee introduced Ryder to her beloved father, Lou. I could feel the love Ryder had for Dee every time he glanced her way and held her hand. "Hollyland" is a dreamy, hopeful and charming tale that will make anyone believe in love at first sight and fairy-tale endings.
Dee seamlessly fit into Ryder’s world and impressed his friends and business associates with her intelligence and honesty. Dee was also a little shy and it was cute to see her blush at the many romantic gestures Ryder bestowed upon her. Dee encouraged Ryder to pursue his dream of songwriting and she often sat quietly by his side as he created beautiful music with meaningful lyrics. They were rarely apart and the world was their oyster as they planned their life together.
I love everything about Dee and Ryder’s story from their meet-cute, to their magical romance, and to the first time Dee introduced Ryder to her beloved father, Lou. I could feel the love Ryder had for Dee every time he glanced her way and held her hand. "Hollyland" is a dreamy, hopeful and charming tale that will make anyone believe in love at first sight and fairy-tale endings.
March 14, 2023
Dee Schwartz, an academic, and Ryder Field, a movie star, are unlikely star-crossed lovers in this enjoyable and inspiring read by Patricia Leavy. A fun beach read that features romantic possibilities even when your standards of art and life are high in the competitive world of Hollyland.
May 14, 2023
Uhhhh this was a book I got for free, it was interesting. A little aggressive on some tropes for me.
March 5, 2023
I love this book. It’s a love letter to art, but also a fabulous love story. Highly recommend.
February 9, 2023
Hollyland is a romance involving Ryder Field a big TV and movie star and Dee Swartz an author, poet and arts researcher, they meet in an alley where Ryder is having a quick smoke and Dee is taking a phone call which sounds very suggestive, they start chatting both being impressed with the other particularly their love of the arts. Ryder is bowled over by Dee’s knowledge and invites her back to his home. There is instant attraction which very quickly turns to love.
Both have had grief in the past, Dee’s mother dying when she was young and Ryders mother a big Hollywood star was kidnapped and murdered. They are both good characters with depth and you can’t help but like them. This is a nice read with a bit of drama towards the end that is soon over. A satisfying ending that wrapped everything up nicely.
For me this was just a nice romance, having read other reviews I’m wondering if I’ve somehow missed something. I did not find hilarious or rip roaring and dramatic, just a pleasant read. There were times when it became too sickly, I think they kept telling each other ‘I love you with all of my heart’ on nearly every other page.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Both have had grief in the past, Dee’s mother dying when she was young and Ryders mother a big Hollywood star was kidnapped and murdered. They are both good characters with depth and you can’t help but like them. This is a nice read with a bit of drama towards the end that is soon over. A satisfying ending that wrapped everything up nicely.
For me this was just a nice romance, having read other reviews I’m wondering if I’ve somehow missed something. I did not find hilarious or rip roaring and dramatic, just a pleasant read. There were times when it became too sickly, I think they kept telling each other ‘I love you with all of my heart’ on nearly every other page.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
April 7, 2023
First let me say that this is the first book that I've read in one sitting. This novel is so beautiful and beautifully written. An instalove Hollywood romance that needs to be your next read. You will fall in love with Dee and Rye in a way that no other Hollywood romance has made me. I love that this book explores themes of art, creativity, and building an extraordinary life.
Plus the wedding gift part🥹🥰 Such a feel good book with a page-turning plot!
Plus the wedding gift part🥹🥰 Such a feel good book with a page-turning plot!
March 16, 2023
This is difficult to review. So I’ll just list the thoughts I had while reading:
- Waiting for the other shoe to drop
- Is it a dream?
- Insta love x eleventy billion
- This is nonsense, but I can’t stop reading - that restaurant scene?!
- Dee - I’m shy but I’m kind of famous
- How many times can they say “I love you with all my heart?!”
- Seriously, we’re 80% through and that’s when the drama starts?
- Why is it called Hollyland?
This was readable but pretty bland to be honest. It started off with a good premise and great potential, but got pretty boring pretty quickly.
- Waiting for the other shoe to drop
- Is it a dream?
- Insta love x eleventy billion
- This is nonsense, but I can’t stop reading - that restaurant scene?!
- Dee - I’m shy but I’m kind of famous
- How many times can they say “I love you with all my heart?!”
- Seriously, we’re 80% through and that’s when the drama starts?
- Why is it called Hollyland?
This was readable but pretty bland to be honest. It started off with a good premise and great potential, but got pretty boring pretty quickly.
February 12, 2023
I really struggle bringing myself to write negative reviews, especially for books that aren’t even out yet but I found this extremely difficult to read from page one. We got no scene setting, no lead up, no backstory before the two main characters had their chance meeting, and even that was unrealistic and so cheesy I just cringed the entire time.
The only reason this wasn’t a DNF is because I was holding onto a shred of hope that the writing would improve or the overall story would be enough to save the book. It wasn’t.
Dee steps outside the club (in the literal first line) and ends up standing in an empty alley with Ryder while talking about some really explicit shit on the phone while he stands and blatantly listens. Then she waxes on about how she’s so different than other LA women and obviously he finds this so alluring and mind blowing that he has to kiss her 2 minutes after meeting her?
The writing was poor, the dialogue was stunted and jarring and the whole execution was poorly done. The characters were unrealistic and surface level. There was nothing about them that made me feel anything at all for them beyond boredom.
The promise of normal girl meets and falls in love with hot megastar drew me in but ultimately left me aggravated and disappointed.
*ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The only reason this wasn’t a DNF is because I was holding onto a shred of hope that the writing would improve or the overall story would be enough to save the book. It wasn’t.
Dee steps outside the club (in the literal first line) and ends up standing in an empty alley with Ryder while talking about some really explicit shit on the phone while he stands and blatantly listens. Then she waxes on about how she’s so different than other LA women and obviously he finds this so alluring and mind blowing that he has to kiss her 2 minutes after meeting her?
The writing was poor, the dialogue was stunted and jarring and the whole execution was poorly done. The characters were unrealistic and surface level. There was nothing about them that made me feel anything at all for them beyond boredom.
The promise of normal girl meets and falls in love with hot megastar drew me in but ultimately left me aggravated and disappointed.
*ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2023
I received a copy of the ARC from NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
Hollyland by Patricia Leavy is an insta-love romance between Dee Schwartz, a writer and art researcher, and Ryder Field, Hollywood's leading man. When the two of them meet, sparks instantly fly. From the first paragraph through the rest of the book, the two are inseparable. They just know they've met the love of their lives. What follows is a romance full of sweet moments between the two, however, the story often feels as if something is missing.
Because the characters meet in the first couple paragraphs, we never get to see Dee and Rye on their own. They're almost never apart. Because we don't see the characters separate, it feels as if the characters are not complete. It's never really clear who they are as individuals. I think there are only a handful of scenes where the two aren't together. There is no character growth throughout the whole novel. The characters feel very stagnant.
Because there is little character growth, there is also almost no conflict. The couple gets together, and then have a series of very happy interaction through the whole book. There's no will they or won't they, or question about whether or not things are happening too quickly. While this might be a very realistic story, it doesn't make for a very interesting one.
In the end, the book wasn't the best thing I've read this year, but it certainly wasn't the worst. If you enjoy sweet insta-love romances, and just want something fluffy to read, this book is for you. If you want something with more meat, then you should probably skip.
Hollyland by Patricia Leavy is an insta-love romance between Dee Schwartz, a writer and art researcher, and Ryder Field, Hollywood's leading man. When the two of them meet, sparks instantly fly. From the first paragraph through the rest of the book, the two are inseparable. They just know they've met the love of their lives. What follows is a romance full of sweet moments between the two, however, the story often feels as if something is missing.
Because the characters meet in the first couple paragraphs, we never get to see Dee and Rye on their own. They're almost never apart. Because we don't see the characters separate, it feels as if the characters are not complete. It's never really clear who they are as individuals. I think there are only a handful of scenes where the two aren't together. There is no character growth throughout the whole novel. The characters feel very stagnant.
Because there is little character growth, there is also almost no conflict. The couple gets together, and then have a series of very happy interaction through the whole book. There's no will they or won't they, or question about whether or not things are happening too quickly. While this might be a very realistic story, it doesn't make for a very interesting one.
In the end, the book wasn't the best thing I've read this year, but it certainly wasn't the worst. If you enjoy sweet insta-love romances, and just want something fluffy to read, this book is for you. If you want something with more meat, then you should probably skip.
April 21, 2023
I actually give this book 3.5 stars.
Dee is a writer and arts researcher who is a genius when it comes to different forms of art. She is hanging out with her friends when Ryder Field, a super famous actor, approaches her and somehow gets Dee to leave her friends to hang out with him. Ever since that night, they haven't left each other's side. They are so smitten with each other that it is really cute and it's the love story everyone wants to hear.
The two really bond with each other when Dee tells Ryder how she lost her mom at a young age. Ryder has lost his mom too as his mom was a famous actress who was kidnapped and murdered by a crazy obsessed fan. It's truly heartbreaking at the two of them have lost their mother, but being able to understand and relate to one another with something so tragic has helped the two of them.
One day, after an awards ceremony, Dee goes home early and when Ryder comes home, he sees that things are out of place and Dee is missing, but her wallet and cellphone are still at home. What happened to Dee? Does Ryder have an obsessed fan that would hurt Dee? Did Dee leave Ryder?
This story was absolutely cute and I really enjoyed reading about Dee and Ryder's relationship and how it grows into a healthy loving one. They don't seem to argue and they both appreciate each other. While I really enjoyed reading the book, I was well over half way through the book and I didn't know where this book was going, so I read the blurb again. I thought this book took a bit too long to get to Dee missing and the conclusion was pretty quick. I really enjoyed the ending of the book.
Dee is a writer and arts researcher who is a genius when it comes to different forms of art. She is hanging out with her friends when Ryder Field, a super famous actor, approaches her and somehow gets Dee to leave her friends to hang out with him. Ever since that night, they haven't left each other's side. They are so smitten with each other that it is really cute and it's the love story everyone wants to hear.
The two really bond with each other when Dee tells Ryder how she lost her mom at a young age. Ryder has lost his mom too as his mom was a famous actress who was kidnapped and murdered by a crazy obsessed fan. It's truly heartbreaking at the two of them have lost their mother, but being able to understand and relate to one another with something so tragic has helped the two of them.
One day, after an awards ceremony, Dee goes home early and when Ryder comes home, he sees that things are out of place and Dee is missing, but her wallet and cellphone are still at home. What happened to Dee? Does Ryder have an obsessed fan that would hurt Dee? Did Dee leave Ryder?
This story was absolutely cute and I really enjoyed reading about Dee and Ryder's relationship and how it grows into a healthy loving one. They don't seem to argue and they both appreciate each other. While I really enjoyed reading the book, I was well over half way through the book and I didn't know where this book was going, so I read the blurb again. I thought this book took a bit too long to get to Dee missing and the conclusion was pretty quick. I really enjoyed the ending of the book.
April 17, 2023
This book started off strong for me for the simple fact that both main characters are a bit older than your average romance read.
We meet Dee, 40, an author and art researcher, and Ryder, 50ish, a movie and TV star, at the same time they meet each other. Ryder is in an alley behind a club grabbing a quick smoke and Dee has stepped out into the alley to take a phone call. Hearing only her side of the call, it sounds a bit suggestive and Ryder laughs. They strike up a conversation, end up leaving together and that's all she wrote.
Ryder is a bit of a ladies man, and Dee's friends are concerned. But it's easy to see their connection.
Both lost their mothers as children and bond over this. Dee's mom passed away quickly, and Ryder's mom (his parents were also Hollywood) was kidnapped and murdered while he was a child.
To be honest, I wasn't sure I would like Ryder at first. I loved Dee from the start. And seeing how he loved Dee, you can't help but love him too. There's a great supporting cast of characters as well.
There is a little excitement and drama late in the book that had me holding my breath. But it passed and I loved the ending.
Thanks so much to BookSparks from sending me a #gifted paperback!
We meet Dee, 40, an author and art researcher, and Ryder, 50ish, a movie and TV star, at the same time they meet each other. Ryder is in an alley behind a club grabbing a quick smoke and Dee has stepped out into the alley to take a phone call. Hearing only her side of the call, it sounds a bit suggestive and Ryder laughs. They strike up a conversation, end up leaving together and that's all she wrote.
Ryder is a bit of a ladies man, and Dee's friends are concerned. But it's easy to see their connection.
Both lost their mothers as children and bond over this. Dee's mom passed away quickly, and Ryder's mom (his parents were also Hollywood) was kidnapped and murdered while he was a child.
To be honest, I wasn't sure I would like Ryder at first. I loved Dee from the start. And seeing how he loved Dee, you can't help but love him too. There's a great supporting cast of characters as well.
There is a little excitement and drama late in the book that had me holding my breath. But it passed and I loved the ending.
Thanks so much to BookSparks from sending me a #gifted paperback!
March 13, 2023
I never like writing negative reviews but unfortunately I am unable to find anything I liked about this book.
I went into this book thinking it would give the same vibes as ‘how to fake it in Hollywood’ but was disappointed. I found this book extremely hard to read and actually DNF’d at 20%. The main characters Dee and Ryder meet outside a nightclub and within 2 minutes of their single interaction, Ryder kisses Dee. An hour later they are falling in love with each other.
There was no backstory for either of the characters besides their instant love for each other. The characters were very surface level. The dialogue was very stagnant and story was so rushed I had to go back and make sure that I was actually reading the start of the book and didn’t accidentally start halfway through. You can’t connect with the characters since the whole storyline was unrealistic and very poorly executed.
I always try to stick out reading a book even if I struggle to enjoy reading it but unfortunately I just couldn’t read this book.
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review
I went into this book thinking it would give the same vibes as ‘how to fake it in Hollywood’ but was disappointed. I found this book extremely hard to read and actually DNF’d at 20%. The main characters Dee and Ryder meet outside a nightclub and within 2 minutes of their single interaction, Ryder kisses Dee. An hour later they are falling in love with each other.
There was no backstory for either of the characters besides their instant love for each other. The characters were very surface level. The dialogue was very stagnant and story was so rushed I had to go back and make sure that I was actually reading the start of the book and didn’t accidentally start halfway through. You can’t connect with the characters since the whole storyline was unrealistic and very poorly executed.
I always try to stick out reading a book even if I struggle to enjoy reading it but unfortunately I just couldn’t read this book.
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review
April 4, 2023
Thank you to She Writes Press & Patricia Leavy & Rylee Warner for the advanced reader copy.
Dee Schwartz is living her best life and is happy. She doesn't really feel like anything is missing and then she meets Ryder Field outside a bar. She's on a phone call with her publisher who wants to tone down some of her racy scenes and she is not willing to budge. Ryder hears half the conversation and is intrigued. They both fell an instant connection and decided to leave together and get to know each other. Oh yeah...Ryder is a famous movie and tv actor and is NOT hard on the eyes. They bond over losing their mothers young and decided to go with their feelings and it progresses from there.
This book has InstaLove, which I'm usually not the biggest fan of but Dee is such an interesting character that I'm willing to let it slide. She knows her mind and she knows her art and doesn't compromise on either one. As they merge their worlds it's interesting how easily she fits into Rye's celebrity life. I enjoyed the intelligent humor in this book, and the side characters were interesting in their own ways. If you like happily ever afters this is for you.
Dee Schwartz is living her best life and is happy. She doesn't really feel like anything is missing and then she meets Ryder Field outside a bar. She's on a phone call with her publisher who wants to tone down some of her racy scenes and she is not willing to budge. Ryder hears half the conversation and is intrigued. They both fell an instant connection and decided to leave together and get to know each other. Oh yeah...Ryder is a famous movie and tv actor and is NOT hard on the eyes. They bond over losing their mothers young and decided to go with their feelings and it progresses from there.
This book has InstaLove, which I'm usually not the biggest fan of but Dee is such an interesting character that I'm willing to let it slide. She knows her mind and she knows her art and doesn't compromise on either one. As they merge their worlds it's interesting how easily she fits into Rye's celebrity life. I enjoyed the intelligent humor in this book, and the side characters were interesting in their own ways. If you like happily ever afters this is for you.
April 30, 2023
"What happens when a seemingly ordinary woman with a passion for the arts falls in love with a Hollywood star known for his bachelor status and quick temper with the paparazzi? Something extraordinary"
Dee Schwartz is a writer, arts researcher, and a fix-it person of sorts. She's a genius in the arts with a special gift of "fixing" songs, films, etc. She's had a hand in many hit albums, Academy award winning movies, and more but refuses to take credit as it's something she just has a passion for. Ryder or "Rye" Field is a gorgeous Hollywood actor whose parents were also famous actors. Sadly, his mother was kidnapped and murdered when Rye was a child.
Dee and Rye have an insta-love type relationship and seem to be heading toward happily-ever-after. But one night Dee disappears after an award ceremony. Is Rye's history repeating itself? Or will the couple get the perfect ending?
💕 This was a short one, but cute. I read it in 1 day so I recommend it if you're wanting a quick romance. I really enjoyed the dinner scene when all the friends were impressed by Dee "fixing" the famous hip-hop artist's song.
Dee Schwartz is a writer, arts researcher, and a fix-it person of sorts. She's a genius in the arts with a special gift of "fixing" songs, films, etc. She's had a hand in many hit albums, Academy award winning movies, and more but refuses to take credit as it's something she just has a passion for. Ryder or "Rye" Field is a gorgeous Hollywood actor whose parents were also famous actors. Sadly, his mother was kidnapped and murdered when Rye was a child.
Dee and Rye have an insta-love type relationship and seem to be heading toward happily-ever-after. But one night Dee disappears after an award ceremony. Is Rye's history repeating itself? Or will the couple get the perfect ending?
💕 This was a short one, but cute. I read it in 1 day so I recommend it if you're wanting a quick romance. I really enjoyed the dinner scene when all the friends were impressed by Dee "fixing" the famous hip-hop artist's song.
March 26, 2023
I requested Hollyland thinking it would be more Women’s Fiction than Romance. I was wrong. The plot is simple. Writer Dee meets movie star Rye and they fall passionately in love/lust within minutes. Four months later they are married. There’s a “situation” but they triumph and love happily ever after. I’m ok with this. What I didn’t like was the dialogue and the impossible events. For instance, when Rye brings Dee to a restaurant dinner to meet his equally famous movie star friends, Dee impresses them by knowing the producer who is the “most powerful person in Hollywood.” He asks her to critique his latest movie. If that’s not enough, a famous rapper comes to the table to ask Dee to take a few minutes to improve the song he has just written. Dinner can wait.
I hate to write bad reviews. Hollyland just wasn’t for me. 2 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, She Writes Press and Patricia Leavy for this ARC.
I hate to write bad reviews. Hollyland just wasn’t for me. 2 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, She Writes Press and Patricia Leavy for this ARC.
April 7, 2023
This is a very interesting book. It’s unlike anything I would have normally grabbed to read, but overall, I really enjoyed it. The first half was kind of dramatic and confusing, like everything happened so fast and left you no time to recover before the next thing happened, but I was still sucked into it and couldn’t put the book down. The rest of the book was such a enthralling ride. This was literally a movie inside a book; I lost sense of everything as I read this and I could picture everything as if it was on a screen in front of me due to how much magic Leavy poured into this work of art. Leavy’s writing is beautiful and lyrical and instantly reminds me of old Hollywood documentaries, I felt like I was watching Dee and Ryder being so extravagant and elegant in black-and-white the entire time I was reading. This is such a good pick for book club and I’m incredibly thankful for this copy sent to me for an honest review.
April 18, 2023
Thank you BookSparks for my gifted copy of your April Book Club Pick!
I enjoyed this fast paced romance about Dee and Rye. In a true celebrity love insta fashion, Rye stumbles upon Dee outside a music venue and their chemistry is instantaneous
After spending a long weekend together, it’s obvious to the two that they are meant for each other. Dee is insanely smart and well versed in art or all kinds and Rye is a hotshot actor.
If you are looking for a closed door, romance heavy novel featuring a powerful female main character, then look no further! You can tell the author is very well versed in art and studying art which shines throughout her novel and within Dee. I also appreciate that both of the main characters were a bit older, so their instalove felt more genuine than some of the other books I’ve read with this trope. And let’s not forget about Dee’s shining moment at the dinner table
I enjoyed this fast paced romance about Dee and Rye. In a true celebrity love insta fashion, Rye stumbles upon Dee outside a music venue and their chemistry is instantaneous
After spending a long weekend together, it’s obvious to the two that they are meant for each other. Dee is insanely smart and well versed in art or all kinds and Rye is a hotshot actor.
If you are looking for a closed door, romance heavy novel featuring a powerful female main character, then look no further! You can tell the author is very well versed in art and studying art which shines throughout her novel and within Dee. I also appreciate that both of the main characters were a bit older, so their instalove felt more genuine than some of the other books I’ve read with this trope. And let’s not forget about Dee’s shining moment at the dinner table
April 29, 2023
This was a light, easy fictional read that helped me escape to Hollywood and enjoy the whirlwind romance of artistic genius Dee and famous actor Ryder Field.
This novel was fast paced and focused on the pair’s love story - how they connected immediately and grew to love each other more and more each day. They get married after four months of dating, but is it really meant to be? When Dee suddenly disappears after and awards show, Ryder is afraid history is repeating itself as something very similar happened to his mother… but it wasn’t a happy ending. Will Ryder and Dee have the happy ending they always dreamed of, or will their love story just be another Hollywood tragedy?
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. It is also only about 200 pages, so it was also a quick read that can be read in a couple of days.
This novel was fast paced and focused on the pair’s love story - how they connected immediately and grew to love each other more and more each day. They get married after four months of dating, but is it really meant to be? When Dee suddenly disappears after and awards show, Ryder is afraid history is repeating itself as something very similar happened to his mother… but it wasn’t a happy ending. Will Ryder and Dee have the happy ending they always dreamed of, or will their love story just be another Hollywood tragedy?
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. It is also only about 200 pages, so it was also a quick read that can be read in a couple of days.
June 9, 2023
I wanted to like this book so much. It is totally my kind of story — celeb romance. But it was so juvenile and stilted that I could barely finish it. They fell in love in five minutes, told each other they loved the other all day long and there was no conflict. That is what makes sparks. Instead, the main female character was the center of attention and nearly every scene underscored how beautiful, talented, riveting and intelligent she was. When I see that in a book, I always feel as if the author has a self-esteem problem and needs the character created perfect and deserving of praise, something the author longs for in real life. it was just hard to stomach after awhile.
If you like a book with no discernible plot, no character development and almost no story details, this is the book for you.
If you like a book with no discernible plot, no character development and almost no story details, this is the book for you.
February 20, 2023
Hollyland is a cute celebrity love story featuring Ryder a movie star and Dee a Phd art researcher. They meet on a whim, and the rest is history, they seem to have found each other’s missing piece. This book was very quick paced and engaging, I was able to read it in one sitting but found that it felt a bit rushed in that there could have been more details about pivotal events. It felt like there was often lots of build up to events that were then almost brushed over. I wish that there had been a little bit more depth, and it often felt like everything just went write (besides the event after the awards show - which happened way closer to the end of the book than I was expecting). Overall this was a quick heartwarming love story. I would recommend to those into stories about fame and love!
Big thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Big thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
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