The Showrunner

by Kim Moritsugu, Eliana Marianes (Narrator)

Rising-star showrunner Stacey McCreedy has one goal: to leave behind her nerd-girl origins and become a power player — like Ann Dalloni, her former mentor and current producing partner. Ann, meanwhile, is feeling her age and losing her mind. But she’ll be damned if she cedes control of their hit primetime TV show to Stacey.


After Ann hires Jenna, a young actress hoping to restart her stalled career, as an assistant, the relationship between Ann and Stacey deteriorates into a blood feud. Soon, Jenna must choose whom to support and whom to betray to achieve her own ends. And Stacey will find out if she possesses the killer instinct needed to stay on top.

Genres: Contemporary, Canada, Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Ebooks

7 pages, Audiobook

First published June 2, 2018

About the author

Kim Moritsugu was born and raised in Toronto. She holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Toronto, and worked for several years in a corporate setting before becoming a fulltime fiction writer.

Kim is the author of the romantic comedy Looks Perfect (shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award), the domestic comedy Old Flames, the literary mystery The Glenwood Treasure (shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Best Crime Novel Award), the domestic novel The Restoration of Emily (serialized on CBC Radio’s Between the Covers), the short Rapid Reads mystery novel And Everything Nice, and the suburban comedy of manners The Oakdale Dinner Club.

Kim conducts walking tours of Toronto’s North Rosedale neighbourhood for Heritage Toronto, teaches creative writing through The Humber School for Writers, and recaps TV shows online as The Hungry Novelist.

Coming in 2018: The Showrunner

Reviews

[Kim Moritsugu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm the author, so yes, I liked it!

[Robin Spano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am addicted to Kim Moritsugu's writing. I love her clever wit, her quick, light pacing, her chick lit that's written with flawless literary skill that doesn't push itself in your face to show you how clever it is, but the words are as skilfully placed in each sentence as any writer on the planet. (Ha ha, can you tell I don't lean too literary in my reading taste?)

The Showrunner is my favourite of her books yet, I think because the plot is so delicious and so far from my real world (of stay-at-home momming in Canada). Set in LA's show biz scene, the book is told from the points of view of three very different women who don't much like each other, but I liked each one (well, except the horrid one you love to hate). There's the old hag TV producer, the one with all the clout and can afford to be as mean as she likes--or can she? There's a younger, hipper, kinder TV producer whose career the old hag is trying to ruin. And there's an actress who was almost somebody until her career took a wrong turn and finds her fetching coffee for the nasty hag.

I normally read very slowly, a book a month is a good month for me, but I read The Showrunner in a few days, catching every spare second I could to get back into the pages that had me hooked from beginning to end.

I wish this author wrote faster, because I would read SO much more if she did.

[Ampersand Inc. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting; it was a fun and frothy read.

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with a copy of this book by our mutual publisher, Dundurn Press, in exchange for an honest review. Since I like smart showbizzy chicklit novels, this was right up my alley and I was often reminded of Candace Bushnell's novels as I was reading. Without elaborating on the plot, the novel features three power-mad back-stabbing women in the television industry who are willing to sink to any depths while climbing the Hollywood ladder. It is fast-paced and the writing sizzles. One caution: the reader should bear in mind that there are no likeable characters -- just as I was beginning to feel a tendril of sympathy for one of them, he or she ruined it by doing something truly disgusting.

[Ladz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read as an eARC from NetGally
DNF at 62%

I really wanted to like this one. I am a huge fan of the show UnREAL and from the blurb, I got huge vibes. Showrunners Ann and Stacey are supposedly partners, but one day, Ann hires Jenna, an actress, as her secretary and Stacey feels her position is threatened.

The plot kind of meanders with no one really taking an initiative. Every character is so unlikeable. No one has any real motivations except for being really catty. Every woman is a caricature of entertainment mean girls. I was expecting more nuance from the rivalry between Stacey and Ann, but instead, it's pages and pages of pointing out superficial flaws without so much as admiration for each other's work. How do these two women work together? I don't understand. Even in UnREAL, Quinn and Rachel have a horribly rough relationship, but at the end of all things, they have each other's back.

What I will admire is the descriptions of setting and how sexually liberated everyone is. It was pretty nice to read sex as a thing people want, but not something to drive the plot. Otherwise, kind of bland, really catty, and I can't even recommend it as a beach read.

[Bernadett · Rating 4 out of 5]

it gave me an incredibly homey fuzzy and excited feeling while reading it. a true page turner and one of the best chicklit I've read (I'm really fussy about my chicklit.) it had the sense of de ja vu leaning towards lipstick jungle and it felt so good to read it. the formatting is fun to read and unfold the story and anyone who liked Bridget Jones you'll love this one too a lot lot more. 4/5 stars. 
I got my copy from netgalley

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told in three perspectives from three women at various stages in their lives and careers, and set around the production of a new television drama. Ann has a long history of hit shows: brash, bold and not particularly nice, she’s selfish and demanding in person and at work. She’s also got a streak of paranoia and insecurity a mile wide: prone to snide put-downs and passive-aggressive slights, keeping all who work with and around her on eggshells. Stacey is her partner in the production gig: although with her degree, ideas and general competency, she tends to keep the ball moving forward. The idea for the new show was Stacey’s – an idea that she is getting little to no credit for, and she’s finding her position is slowly becoming more precarious as time goes on and she and Ann find themselves at odds over different choices for talent, content and wardrobe. Nothing says you are being pushed out more than Ann’s new hire, an actress turned PA named Jenna, as she grooms her using a combination of fear, baseless flattery and ego strokes.

The story is really one of relationships: from personal diary entries full of vitriol from Ann, Stacey’s careful reworking of her persona to be the “stable’ one, consciously making an effort to back-slap ideas and show that she’s available for concerns and questions, that she understands the stresses, concerns and worries, and perhaps has the ‘inside track’ to mediate with Ann. Jenna’s story is an intriguing one – she’s not getting the roles she believes he is due, has a sugar-daddy boyfriend, and her eyes on a recurring role in the drama –to build up her imdb. Appearing a bit naïve and genial, her best acting will be hiding her own upwardly mobile aspirations and securing her own position with a series of carefully orchestrated ‘info dumps’, in true manipulating fashion.

To be honest – I didn’t know what to expect in this story: it is NOT a ‘girl power’ let’s all bond together and support one another: it’s quite the opposite. Jockeying for position, supremacy, loyalty (if even for the moment and tidbits from different departments) and highlights the ‘let her take it” approach in the hopes that an event, assigned specifically to one person, will result in a disastrous series of events or feelings from the participants. With the machinations and politics behind the scenes, the friendships that never quite seem ‘real’ and the constant energy expended by all three women to secure and reinforce their positions in the pecking order: it’s enough to disabuse anyone of the idea of becoming a producer, or perhaps even entering the maelstrom. Utterly engaging, the story gradually shows its teeth as each character’s personality and intentions come clear – from first to last there are clear likes and dislikes – and each character moves into the position of primacy, while not completely engendering empathy because all three are so calculated and calculating.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Karly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Showrunner tells the stories of Ann, a rapidly aging but very successful t.v. showrunner, her partner Stacey, a young rising star in the television industry and Jenna, a semi-successful actress looking to make it big by working her way in through the backdoor as Ann's assistant. The women all work on a breakout show called The Benjamins produced by Ann and Stacey's company Two Women Walking. But early on it is clear that this is partnership not meant to last as Ann and Stacey can no longer take a walk together much less do anything else without wanting to claw each other's eyes out.

Ann and Stacey are both looking to get each other out of the way and have sole control of the successful show and Jenna is caught between the two and trying to determine who will end up on top.

I liked the behind the scenes look at the entertainment industry a lot. However, none of the characters in the novel were not very likable, so I wasn't very invested in who to pull for.and the third person point of view left me slightly detached. This one ended up being just okay for me.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the author's writing style. I liked all the movie references as well, and the story had a hint of All About Eve. It was light reading, and would be a great beach read or snowy day read!

[Emma L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read, and funny in a dark way.
Characters are interesting, and the LA/Hollywood setting is sharp.
Really liked it!

[Marianne Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Showrunner by Kim Moritsugu

The novel is a behind-the-scenes exploration of the twists and turns drama of those involved in the production of a Los Angeles television show entitled The Benjamins. The central characters include Ann Dalloni, the sixty-two year old head of production. Aging horribly, she is suffering secretly from wet macular degeneration. Married to John Nelligan, an older history professor, she discovers he is having an affair with a gal from the entertainment industry. Angry, desperate and frightened, she commits to doing whatever necessary to maintain power. Stacey McCreedy is Ann’s thirty-one year old former protégé. They have worked together for seven years and formed the production company, Two Women Walking. Stacey believes she is the mastermind behind the show's success. Weary of playing the subordinate role, she is determined to eliminate Ann and assume the superior position. Ann is the “showrunner” but Stacey covets to usurp her. Thrown into this bitter mix, is the twenty-eight year old once-upon-a-time actress, Jenna Kuyt whom Ann has hired as her assistant. Jenna manipulates both Ann and Stacey seeking to advantage both, raise her status and promote her floundering career. In return, Ann and Stacey manipulate her. A trio of toxic characters, for sure.

In addition to imagining a histrionic yet engaging plot, the book highlights Stacey’s complicated relationship with her doctor parents who dismiss her career. She has a convenient sort-of boyfriend and affection for a sick neighbor’s dog. The book also remarks on Jenna’s conniving choice of a partner, Andrew Medway, a make-do rich lawyer she co-ops until a better option emerges. Complicating matters between these emotional corrupt women, Stacey and Jenna become smitten with the same love interest. Doing so succeeds in adding depth to the characters; a clever author.

The Showrunner is an entertaining story concluding with a horrific and in my regards, shocking event. Well-done Kim Moritsugu. Thanks for a good read!

[Thebooktrail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not out until June 26 but it's all set in Hollywood's dark corners and ambitious corridors! Very timely in many ways:

Visit the location of the novelHollywood - where dreams are made of

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and fun read (unless you need characters to be likeable, in which case this book isn't for you). About the cut-throat world of television, behind the scenes. Similar tone to Unreal.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about the confluence of money – lots of it, direct power over a group of people and proximity to fame that attracts clever, aggressive, ambitious people and brings out the worst in many of them. Mix in a surfeit of beautiful, grasping, occasionally innocent, ambitious young people with little more to offer than their looks, riding their dreams to LA or New York and you are creating a fecund swamp for some of the most corrupt businesses in modern society: TV, film and fashion. This unholy alliance of greed and fame also produces fertile ground for writing, preferably novels, that we, who can never hope to be part of this life, lap up with glee, all the while congratulating ourselves for being wiser, smarter, more astute… Adding in a murder turns all of this into a spicy recipe for a fun reading experience.

Kim Moritsugu’s new novel, The Show Runner delivers bigly on all of the above. Stacey McCreedy is the nerd-girl from the Mid-West gone to the coast to find a job that will allow her to become rich and powerful without selling her body or her face. While an intern, she is picked up by legendary show-runner Ann Dalloni, holy terror, inveterate bully and aging, soon to be has-been. When Stacey brings her high concept for a new show, The Benjamins about a bi-racial family with lots of attitude and activity, some of it legal, to Ann, she is catapulted into forming a production company with her mentor. Although technically equal partners in Two Woman Walking, Ann still considers herself to be the Queen-bee, and Stacey, little more than her pencil pusher. Needless to say this is a situation that cannot long endure in this form.

When Ann introduces Jenna Kuyt a pretty semi-known actress, as her new assistant, Stacey smells a familiar rat and begins looking for a way to change the narrative. There is also a varied cast of other actors and Movie-land wanna-be’s. Ryan ??? (All the pretty boy leading men in LA seem to be named Ryan these days. I can’t keep track of their last names.) is one of the leads in The Benjamins, which looks like becoming a hit. There is also Toher, Stacey’s gay and ever so competent secretary.

It is almost a tenant of religious faith that all the pretty boys and girls flooding the streets of Sunset Boulevard or Broadway are dumb, ego-driven chickens with little in the way of grey cells to offer. The reality as I learned from several years working in NYC’s OOBA (Off-off Broadway) theatrical community is that actors who make it work damn hard. They train their mental and professional skills as hard as they train their bodies. This makes little newbie Jenna the cuckoo in the nest and the fulcrum for the realisation of almost everybody’s dreams.

Add in cheating husbands, girlfriends, a decent man or two and a murder and The Show Runner is well set up to deliver a delicious read. 4****

[Maddie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and snarky. Some sharp, funny, barbed stuff about what goes on behind the scenes in TV biz, and between executives in any workplace, really. The suspense builds gradually to a big, satisfying payoff. Couldn't put it down.

[Julie Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclosure: I read this novel as an ARC and the publisher is also my publisher, but I write nonfiction.
I have to start by saying that this is not the kind of book I usually read. It tells the story of two partners who are showrunners in Hollywood, a place and life is filled with stress, intrigue, sex, backbiting, and nasty competition at all levels. Egos skirmish all the time.
Showrunner is a different kind of murder story, being the prelude rather than the solving of the crime.
I appreciated the clear delineations of the main characters -- their personalities, speech, and motivations. Moritsugo, the author, did this well.
The book is an easy read, ideal for a long haul flight.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

This unbiased review is based on an ARC received from Netgalley.

"The Showrunner" is the story of a TV show in which the two showrunners loathe each other. It is surrounded by LA glitz and a subplot of struggling actors, but that's about it: Stacey was Ann's mentee and now is her producing partner. Now, for some reason, both despise each other and are plotting against one another.

What's good: The set-up is interesting and I liked the idea of seeing some backstage glimpses of a show in progress. (I don't know if that's really how it all works, but the backstage stuff was fun, at least.) The fact the story is focused on female characters who aren't all about love, marriage, or babies was a plus as well.

What's iffier: I was surprised when I was 2/3 of the way through the book, as I thought the set-up (the two leads hate each other, want each other gone) was just that, set-up, and not something that would linger on, without any significant activity moving this storyline forward, for 2/3 of the book. I kept waiting for something to happen. In addition, while I was initially amused that all 3 of the female leads were problematic, I found that I ultimately disliked all 3 of them to the point that I was glad the book was over. (It's absolutely possible to have a detestable lead character, but there has to be something magnetic, interesting, fascinating, amusing to keep you interested in the character. I saw none of that in the three main characters.) Related to that, some of their decisions are just not credible.

So, if you want a book to just relax, the sort of book to bide your time in a doctor's office, maybe this would do it. If you're like me, and you overthink things and constantly growl, "MORE!" at your texts, this might not be it for you.

[erin (readingwithremy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read an a advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Showrunner was a fun and light read. I liked the 3 main characters in the beginning and wasn't sure which one to root for but as the book went on it started to unravel as it became less believable. I loved the plot until the end and it was fun to read about the behind the scenes of a show. This book kinda reminded me of the show Unreal on lifetime with the behind the scenes drama between the mentor and her protege.

The plot twist brought this book down from 4 stars to 3. If you are looking for something fun to read at the beach I'd recommend it!

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really fun chick lit read that will be a perfect beach read. Focusing on three women who are producing an up-and-coming hit TV show, the drama between them, and what lengths they'll go to to come out on top, there's a twist toward the end of the book that I didn't see coming. I liked the format of the book - entries from one of the character's journals keeps the story moving along between scenes - and it will be great for summer vacations or road trips.

[Sue Fernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn publishing for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. I think this book matches the cover. If you like the cover, you'll like the book. I liked it, but as it went on, I found the plot getting more unbelievable. And the ending just left me feeling a little bit dirty. It's interesting, I loved the behind the scenes showrunner information, I liked the plot...until the end. I especially liked having the alternating narrative, which also involved 3 women at different points in their lives and careers. I'd recommend this, and I think it's an easy, beach or flight type of read. I just wish the ending had been a little less over the top.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid page turner. Great vacation read.

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their company was aptly named Two Women Walking, but it suited them in more ways than one. The original story behind the name was short and semi-sweet...Ann and Stacey were TWO WOMEN in the Television Production business that enjoyed WALKING, so yeah, an obvious choice. Little did they know that what once was the perfect working union would deteriorate into a caustic relationship where they were constantly second guessing the deeds of the other and plotting more than just the next show or story arc. *ahem* Let's just say, things get A LOT more than just tense, hence the second meaning of their businesses name, as in they should be TWO WOMEN WALKING...away from each other before it's too late!

While it had its exciting moments and a plot that I didn't truly see clearly until it actually HAPPENED (OMG...when it happened, it SO happened!), I had a hard time liking the characters. I mean, Stacey had her moments of likability, but honestly, she was still a few cards shy of a deck. Ann, on the other hand, was pretty much holding an empty card box...or marble bag...or domino container...if you catch my drift. Yes, she had a few good reasons to push herself over the edge, but still, the spiral, OH THE SPIRAL! Jenna was...a wild card. She came off sweet, and clueless, but I don't know...there was still something there, and in a passage or two that facade seemed to slip, if only for a moment...making me think there was a bit more calculation to that girl than met the eye.

In short, it was a crazy trip behind the scenes of how some of your favorite TV show dramas come to be...though as this is Fiction, hopefully without such an EXPLOSIVE end. *-* Once you start, you won't be able to stop as it compulsively drives you forward with its dark humor and jaw dropping moments. It surprises while it entertains, leaving the "viewing audience" with something to ponder after the "series finale".



**eARC received for review

[Jessica Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the more interesting plots I've had the pleasure of reading in a while. This book gives you a look into the cutthroat business of showbusiness, from the perspectives of both those in front of and behind the cameras. Stacey is the younger woman in a two-woman production partnership. She worked her way to the top, much to the jealous chagrin of her older partner, Ann. Ann is older, frumpier, with a mess of a personal life and failing health. She seethes at the sight (or sound) of Stacey. It can be chilling to read at times, as anyone who's ever been in a cutthroat business knows. Stacey is just as competitive as Ann, but not as obvious about it. Together, they wage a not-always-silent battle. And along comes Jenna, a young starlet, hired by Ann to be her personal assistant. She shakes up the power battle, as both women analyze her usefulness for their cause.

I loved the character development. I understood Stacey's actions because of the way the author laid out her backstory. And Ann's relevant backstory is actually her present life, her personal life and her health, which also perfectly explains her actions. And Jenna, wow. The author couldn't have written a more perfect and devious Hollywood starlet.

I admit I wasn't completely mesmerized by the plot. It wasn't one of those book that I feared finishing; however, the plot setup was done very well, and THIS is what kept me reading. So I give this book 4 stars instead of 5.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC of this fun book.

[Andréa Fehsenfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy summer read.

If you're looking for a read that takes you behind the scenes of a TV show, this novel does an accurate job portraying that world. None of the characters or their dilemmas gripped me in a I-can't-put-this-down way although I was intrigued enough to see where the story ended up.

It wasn't clear why Ann, the bitchy TV power player, hated her protege Stacey so much, and if so, why she was working with her. As a TV producer myself, one of the great things about being at the senior level is choosing who you work with; hence the longstanding creative partnerships in Hollywood. If Ann had the connections and success implied in the story she could've worked with anyone and saved herself the headache.

When the character of Jenna is introduced, the set up feels juicy, like some shit's gonna hit the fan, and it does - but it takes a long time to get there.

*Small spoiler alert.*

Interestingly, the jacket copy and trailer for the book hint at a suspense-type read which it really wasn't...until the final couple of chapters. The story didn't go off the rails or anything, although it felt out of context with the slow pacing and set up of the characters. Don't like to throw the word 'unbelievable' down because it is fiction and therefore will end with this: the hardest work for an author, imo, is bringing the characters and their actions to a believable point.

[Jill Jemmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was entertaining and unpredictable!

I enjoy stories that are about television or movie production. It’s an industry that I don’t know much about, in terms of the behind the scenes work, but I watch TV and movies. It’s interesting to see how movies and shows are created, as well as the drama behind the camera.

I liked the dynamic of the three main characters. Ann is the matriarch, who is close to retiring age, though she won’t give up the reins of the show. Stacey is her business partner, who is constantly put down by Ann. Jenna is a young actress who is trying her hand behind the scenes. This gave three different perspectives of the industry from three different generations and positions of power.

There was an interesting scene of inappropriate behaviour in the work place between a man and a woman. It was initiated by the woman, and made the man uncomfortable. This wasn’t taken as seriously, because she was a woman who was abusing her position of power, rather than a man. It’s interesting to see how these gender dynamics can play out, even though they aren’t right. Women can be abusers just like men.

The ending was so shocking! I never would have predicted what would happen when I started reading this book. It was very dramatic!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Deirdre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! This book was quite the ride. I did enjoy parts of this book but I also think it was a bit predictable.
This book follows two women who are Executive Producers of a popular show on network TV. One woman, Ann, is an aging producer who has built up credibility through decades of work. The second woman, Stacy, is a much younger producer who was once the assistant to Ann. There is constant tension between them as Ann’s main motive is to criticize and sabotage Stacy so that she can remain the top boss. Things progress as Ann spirals further down, lost in paranoia and becomes convinced that Stacy and others are conspiring against her.
Parts of this book had me laughing as it had some fun banter. However, I became frustrated by Stacy never sticking up for herself. Also, as Ann’s paranoia grew, I quickly knew how this would go down.
Despite all that, I did enjoy many parts of this book. I enjoyed the buildup of the characters decent into madness. I thought it was built up well over time and believable in that sense. I enjoyed getting the dual perspectives of the two women. I also enjoyed Jenna as a side character.
This book was fast paced read and very entertaining.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Showrunner tells the story of three women at different stages of their lives and careers in the television production game.

Other reviewers have mentioned the unpleasantness of the main characters, this could turn people on or off depending on mood and preference. The female protagonists are not afforded the luxury of a particularly sympathetic perspective. Each of the main characters is a self-involved, hypocritical, and vapid version of an archetype. The motivations of the characters are presented as superficial and the examination of them reads as somewhat shallow. The book parts from contemporary trends in that sexual harassment and assault of women are not a major focus. Instead, the ambition of the women involved in the industry and how they navigate relationships is the fuel behind the events of the book.

The purpose does not seem to be to sensitively analyse the subconscious motives of its protagonists but rather to entertain. It manages the task of executing a flashy and thrilling plot pretty well. I would recommend it to people who like a fast-moving, glib story set in the entertainment world.

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a mentor feels threaten no telling what might happen.

In the Showrunner by Kim Mortisugu, readers are introduced to producing partners, Stacey and Ann. Both produce a primetime TV show but behind-the-scenes, not so much. Ann is dealing with the issues about her age. Stacey is trying to build a platform to take her to the top. These ambitious ladies soon start to crash.

This contemporary novel reads like a catfight between two women with the third wheel thrown into the mix. I like Stacey's determination but Ann seemed to have a midlife crisis and became petty. Jenna is the character who sits back and watches everything unfold so she can step up and take her chance, the one who comes into it with an agenda.

This being the first book I've read by this author, I wasn't able to pick up on her writing style. I did like the plot of two women trying to work together but it not going as planned. However, the book was a slow read for me and made it hard to invest in the characters. Even though I did not connect with this particular book, I will try one of the author's books.

* This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes only.

[Shekenah · Rating 3 out of 5]

** I was provided with an advanced e-book via NetGalley**

As someone who worked in Hollywood for a number of years, the premise of this book was super intriguing to me. Crazy things happen in the business and the egos are large so it's the perfect setting for a darkly comic tale such as this. Thought the book is not as satirical as I would have liked, I do like the darker tone and the overall setting of the story. It's a quick, easy read-good for lazy afternoon. All of the main characters are not super likable so if you need your characters to be relatable and want root for them, this is not the book for you. I liked the first 3/4 of the novel, but I didn't like the ending. By no means do I think this is meant to emulate real life, but the way the ending played out was so far-fetched. In a way, it fits the novel, but I wish the way the ending happened was different. With all that said, I do appreciate having the chance to read this book and I think if you like Unreal or other Hollywood behind the scenes type books or show, you would like this.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is 'chick lit' but better. The writing isn't sophomoric. The story is captivating and rolls along once you get into it. Set in California in the television industry, the story evolves between the two producers of the series The Benjamins, but don't let the older producer Ann Dolloni hear you say there are two producers, she'd be pissed. Ann, her younger protege Stacey and an even younger protege, actress turned administrative lackey Jenna, are the main leads in this story.
I found it fresh, interesting and it took me into a world I do not know. It was catty, strategic, shallow and just a good story about career obsessed women in this case, but could apply to men, who are willing to lose the moral high ground to reach their goals.
Laugh out loud funny at times, and the author Kim Moritsugu is Canadian. The book version I read was published by Dundurn press from Hamilton. Very cool.
Read this if you want a fun, Calgon take me away moment, amidst your serious literary reading.