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Red
Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in Bend, Mississippi, Becky Lynn Lee doesn't have the luxury of dreaming. With an abusive father and a broken mother, she always thought that this was it. But after the ultimate betrayal, Becky Lynn can no longer live the nightmare.
Determined never to go back, Becky Lynn escapes to Hollywood. As a photographer's assistant, she discovers a talent for spotting beauty and capturing the perfect shot. When the camera eventually turns on her, the awkward, shy Becky Lynn of her childhood disappears. But when the success she's achieved is threatened, Becky Lynn must find the strength to embrace her new identity and put the ugliness of her past behind her forever.
Determined never to go back, Becky Lynn escapes to Hollywood. As a photographer's assistant, she discovers a talent for spotting beauty and capturing the perfect shot. When the camera eventually turns on her, the awkward, shy Becky Lynn of her childhood disappears. But when the success she's achieved is threatened, Becky Lynn must find the strength to embrace her new identity and put the ugliness of her past behind her forever.
537 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
39 people are currently reading
1199 people want to read
About the author
Erica Spindler
99 books2,544 followersA New York Times and International bestselling author, Erica Spindler's skill for crafting engrossing plots and compelling characters has earned both critical praise and legions of fans. Her stories have been lauded as “thrill-packed page turners, white- knuckle rides and edge-of-your-seat whodunits.”
Erica loves meeting and interacting with her fans, both in person and online. She has a wicked sense of humor, an optimistic spirit and loves coffee, chocolate and red wine, not necessarily in that order.
In 2002 her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a four-time RITA® Award finalist. In 1999 Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998.
Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons.
Erica loves meeting and interacting with her fans, both in person and online. She has a wicked sense of humor, an optimistic spirit and loves coffee, chocolate and red wine, not necessarily in that order.
In 2002 her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a four-time RITA® Award finalist. In 1999 Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998.
Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
August 19, 2015
**4 "Valley Of The Dolls" Stars!!!!**
I am so happy right now! Thank you God! I have been in the wilderness of Badreads the last few day and out of nowhere a sudden glimmer of light. I have no idea how this book got onto my TBR list but I am incredibly glad it did. Erica Spindler is better known for writing suspense romance novels but Red was the novel that launched her career in 1995, it is a great introduction and her talent at holding the reader's interested and engaged is pretty impressive.
This story revolves around two central characters Becky Lynn Lee and Jack Gallagher. Growing up on the "wrong side of the tracks" and labeled as "white trash," Becky Lynn can only look and dream at the pictures in the fashion magazines- not only at the 'beautiful' people but the artistry in the photography. Living in a family that is ruled by a tyrannical, alcoholic father, all Becky Lynn has is her dreams, her hope. One night hope is snatched away from her in a wave of violence and Becky Lynn realise the only way to survive is to run, run as far away from Bend, Mississippi as she can get, the destination she arrives at is as different to Bend as Mars is to Earth; welcome to the city of angels - Los Angeles.
Becky Lynn is skillfully, realistically and authentically characterised. After everything that happens in her early life, she is determined to put the past behind her and move forward, stumbling, yes, but she keeps moving forward, her heart gets broken, her friends let her down and still she's steadfast, strong, determined and kind. One of only a handful of heroines I've actually liked this year.
By eight-years-old Jack Gallagher has travelled all over the world with his make-up artist mother, Jack's seen it all, including what goes on behind the smoke and mirrors of a fashion shoot, he has no illusion on how babies are made. After learning his father is top fashion photographer, Giovanni Triani, Jack reaches out to him looking to connection, and is cruelly rebuffed. At that moment, Jack makes a promise to himself: one day, he'll be a better photographer than Giovanni, even if he has to do it alone.
Jack....The flawed hero. His determination to strike back at his negligent father fills his heart with anger and bitterness and in many ways, he is in danger of becoming a carbon copy of his father. His inability to allow any vulnerability, any shift away from his goal has shaped him into great photographer but a rather sorry, empty, excuse of a man. He walks a long road before his eyes are opened to the truth.
This book took me back to the summer I was 13 years old, my family and I were in the caribbean, bored as only an only child can be in paradise I wondered off, and in a small hotel bookshop I found an old copy of The Valley of The Dolls. I can still remember the thrill, not so much with the obvious salacious elements but that feeling that I was lifting the curtains and peeping at something I shouldn't, looking, observing at a whole other world. This time, with Red, the thrill comes from seeing a world I know very well, the world I work in, reflecting pretty darn accurately. A world where young women are a commodity, sex is used as currency and loyalty is harder to come by than a Birkin bag.
Ms Spindler promises a lot of drama in her author's note and she wasn't kidding. Spindler highlights the mercurial court of the fashion industry in all its superfluous glory: successful designers and editors are kings and queens, photographers the barons and knights and models, cannon fodder. Spindler fills her tale with strong secondary characters such as Carlo Triani, Jack's half brother, fighting to live up to and in the shadow of his famous father, all the while hiding who he really is. Zoe Tucker a young girl with deep emotional wounds hidden by a beautiful facade so left untended to fester, until they almost destroy her. Well rounded and artfully crafted, there are times when the age of this book is felt. It was written in the nineties but there's an eighties vibe surrounding it, especially when she references things like a young Madonna and her entourage. But whatever the time period it makes very little difference to the essence of this book.The power struggles, the vulnerabilities, the sleaze, Ms Spindler has captured it all.
I am so happy right now! Thank you God! I have been in the wilderness of Badreads the last few day and out of nowhere a sudden glimmer of light. I have no idea how this book got onto my TBR list but I am incredibly glad it did. Erica Spindler is better known for writing suspense romance novels but Red was the novel that launched her career in 1995, it is a great introduction and her talent at holding the reader's interested and engaged is pretty impressive.
This story revolves around two central characters Becky Lynn Lee and Jack Gallagher. Growing up on the "wrong side of the tracks" and labeled as "white trash," Becky Lynn can only look and dream at the pictures in the fashion magazines- not only at the 'beautiful' people but the artistry in the photography. Living in a family that is ruled by a tyrannical, alcoholic father, all Becky Lynn has is her dreams, her hope. One night hope is snatched away from her in a wave of violence and Becky Lynn realise the only way to survive is to run, run as far away from Bend, Mississippi as she can get, the destination she arrives at is as different to Bend as Mars is to Earth; welcome to the city of angels - Los Angeles.
She wouldn’t be a freak here. Becky Lynn smiled, optimism and excitement moving through her. Here, she wouldn't stand out as different. Everybody was different. Here, no one would know she was Becky Lynn Lee, poor white trash and outcast of Bend, Mississippi. She could start over, forge a fresh identity, a new life. Just as she had hoped.
Becky Lynn is skillfully, realistically and authentically characterised. After everything that happens in her early life, she is determined to put the past behind her and move forward, stumbling, yes, but she keeps moving forward, her heart gets broken, her friends let her down and still she's steadfast, strong, determined and kind. One of only a handful of heroines I've actually liked this year.
By eight-years-old Jack Gallagher has travelled all over the world with his make-up artist mother, Jack's seen it all, including what goes on behind the smoke and mirrors of a fashion shoot, he has no illusion on how babies are made. After learning his father is top fashion photographer, Giovanni Triani, Jack reaches out to him looking to connection, and is cruelly rebuffed. At that moment, Jack makes a promise to himself: one day, he'll be a better photographer than Giovanni, even if he has to do it alone.
“What do you mean?” He drew his eyebrows together. “Get what out of my system?”
“Carlo, Giovanni, the whole thing. This obsession you have isn’t healthy. I sympathize, I do. But—”
“Obsession?” he interrupted. “You think I’m obsessed with them? Great, Mom. Just great.”
“What do you expect me to think?” She crossed to stand before him and looked him directly in the eye. “Why do you want to be a fashion photographer?”
“It has nothing to do with him.” He glared at her, so angry he could hardly speak. “I…I just like it. It’s cool.”
“Oh, Jack.”
Jack....The flawed hero. His determination to strike back at his negligent father fills his heart with anger and bitterness and in many ways, he is in danger of becoming a carbon copy of his father. His inability to allow any vulnerability, any shift away from his goal has shaped him into great photographer but a rather sorry, empty, excuse of a man. He walks a long road before his eyes are opened to the truth.
This book took me back to the summer I was 13 years old, my family and I were in the caribbean, bored as only an only child can be in paradise I wondered off, and in a small hotel bookshop I found an old copy of The Valley of The Dolls. I can still remember the thrill, not so much with the obvious salacious elements but that feeling that I was lifting the curtains and peeping at something I shouldn't, looking, observing at a whole other world. This time, with Red, the thrill comes from seeing a world I know very well, the world I work in, reflecting pretty darn accurately. A world where young women are a commodity, sex is used as currency and loyalty is harder to come by than a Birkin bag.
“That’s not fair!” She stubbed out the cigarette. “We're in totally different positions. You, as the photographer, have all the power. You give the jobs, you decide who works. The only power I have, I have to make. And there are only two ways I can do that, and both are with my body. You know that."
She took a step closer to him, and laid her hands on his chest.
“You’re special to me, Jack. More special than anyone else. And the things you do for me in bed, well…nobody comes close. Nobody ever has.” She curled her fingers into his chambray shirt. “But he can do things for me, for my career, that you can’t.”
“I’ll be able to someday,” Jack said, frustration building inside him. And with it, hatred so intense it burned. “Just wait and see.”
“I believe you,” she said softly. “I believe in you. But I can’t wait. My career is now, a few years from now, I’ll be too old. If I’m going to get anywhere near the top, I have to do it now and any way I can. We both know it.”
Ms Spindler promises a lot of drama in her author's note and she wasn't kidding. Spindler highlights the mercurial court of the fashion industry in all its superfluous glory: successful designers and editors are kings and queens, photographers the barons and knights and models, cannon fodder. Spindler fills her tale with strong secondary characters such as Carlo Triani, Jack's half brother, fighting to live up to and in the shadow of his famous father, all the while hiding who he really is. Zoe Tucker a young girl with deep emotional wounds hidden by a beautiful facade so left untended to fester, until they almost destroy her. Well rounded and artfully crafted, there are times when the age of this book is felt. It was written in the nineties but there's an eighties vibe surrounding it, especially when she references things like a young Madonna and her entourage. But whatever the time period it makes very little difference to the essence of this book.The power struggles, the vulnerabilities, the sleaze, Ms Spindler has captured it all.
December 12, 2017
I have read this book many times in my lifetime and I still love it as much as I did the first time. To be honest, I don’t know what it is exactly about this story that makes me love it so. I enjoy the main character, Becky Lynn, and appreciate that Spindler didn’t write a romance novel about a girl who shuts down every time something bad happens to her. Instead, Becky Lynn fights and gets revenge. I like that her male lead, Jack Gallagher, is so driven that it blinds him to just about everything else only to realize, in the end, that the thing he thought he wanted doesn’t really matter that much (which I feel is something that just about everyone can relate to - the dream is better than the reality). I like the supporting cast, though I would have liked to see more with Jack’s mom later in the story. Overall, it’s a good romance novel without being too cheesy or predictable.
February 20, 2009
Fast-paced, Spindler strikes straight to your heart.
**Spoiler Alert: Do Not Read Beyond This Point If You Don’t Want To Know**
Growing up on the “wrong side of the tracks” and labeled as “white trash,” Becky Lynn can only look at the pictures in fashion magazines and dream - not only of the people in the pictures, but the pictures, the photography itself. She works for Ms. Opal at the Cut & Curl, sweeping and shampooing customers. Her abusive father takes most of her paychecks, her mother too broken to defend herself or her children against his abuse, a brother who’s the football star at school, Becky Lynn feels completely alone in her little world. After an attempted rape, Becky Lynn is confronted by Ms. Opal, who believed Becky Lynn to be sleeping around until she realized the fear was real. When she pressed Becky Lynn to tell the authorities or the boys’ parents, Becky Lynn begs her not to. They would just jump to conclusions, much as Ms. Opal had at first, for Becky Lynn was nothing but “white trash.”
Ms. Opal drove Becky Lynn to and from work every day, and Becky Lynn became a prisoner in her home, the fear of Ricky and Tommy so strong she never went anywhere but work, school and home. A few months go by and Becky Lynn starts to relax. One night, Ms. Opal leaves early for a pep rally and one of the girls promises to give Becky Lynn a ride home. But after Ms. Opal leaves, Becky Lynn waves away the offer of the ride, for she knew Tommy and Ricky would be at the pep rally. She was dead wrong. They waited for her on her route home, and that’s when it happened.
At the same time, she learns of the ultimate betrayal, for Ms. Opal had broken her promise and had gone to the boys’ parents. When she finally makes it home, her father calls her a whore and that she better not get pregnant. Her brother looks at her guiltily; he knew what was happening, what happened, and didn’t stop it. Her mother simply says to go to bed, everything would be better in the morning. That was the final straw: Becky Lynn is gone. That night, she takes her meager savings out from under the loose floorboard in her room and takes off for Hollywood.
Jack Gallagher, eight-years-old, has already been all over the world. His mother, Sallie Gallagher, is a make-up artist for fashion shoots, and Jack’s seen it all. After learning his father is the top photographer, the amazing and incredible Giovanni, Jack confronts him, only to find out that Giovanni and Sallie have an “arrangement,” and that Giovanni has only one son, Carlo. At that moment, Jack makes a promise to himself: One day, he’ll be a better photographer than Giovanni, even if he has to do it alone.
Becky Lynn makes it to Hollywood, and just when desperation sets in, Becky Lynn meets Sallie, who gives her a job in her salon. Becky Lynn meets Jack, and Jack is curious about the girl, for she refuses to be alone in the room with him or any male, but she has a determined mind, and quickly learns that Becky Lynn has a natual talent for photography. He offers her a job as his assistant, and Becky Lynn is eager to learn.
What she didn’t count on was falling in love with Jack. But Jack refuses to give his heart, for his heart is cold with his own determination to beat Giovanni and his son, Carlo.
**I worried at first. At the beginning of the book, Ms. Spindler admits that “Red” might surprise us, the readers, for it doesn’t hold her trademark suspense/thriller and high body count, but she does promise her hallmark drama, fast-paced plot with complex relationships and an emotional edge. I soon learned that I had nothing to worry about.
She wasn’t kidding. Lots of drama - I was an emotional reck in the first half of the book! Ms. Spindler aims right at the reader’s heart and you cry just as much in sadness and bitterness as in anger. Immediately you feel for Becky Lynn, and you end up wondering how she’d ever trust men again.
Becky Lynn, everything that happens to her so early in life, grows to be one of the strongest, most determined characters I’ve ever read. Determined to put the past behind her and move forward, she’s taking baby steps, but she gets there, even when her heart gets broken, she trudges on. And even with all of the backstabbing, she still remains a kind person, reading to help at a moments notice, without hesitation.
Jack… What can I say about Jack. In many ways, he became his father, until the realization breaks through when he hurts Becky Lynn in the only way that matters. His determination to be better than his father, than his half-brother, filled his heart with anger and bitterness, and it’s a shame, for Giovanni pitted Jack and Carlo against each other. Deep down, I believe that Jack and Carlo could have really cared about each other, could have become great friends. Giovanni, a man you will hate right to your core. I hate saying that, as I’m Italian, but that man gives Italians a bad name.
But Jack does get Becky Lynn back. Randy, her brother, finally stands in her corner, and when her father figures out where she is and tries to destroy her by making accusations, Becky Lynn fights back.
An emotional roller-coaster. I highly recommend this book. I’ll bet you you’ll feel the same way about this book as I did. I guaranty you won’t regret it.
**Spoiler Alert: Do Not Read Beyond This Point If You Don’t Want To Know**
Growing up on the “wrong side of the tracks” and labeled as “white trash,” Becky Lynn can only look at the pictures in fashion magazines and dream - not only of the people in the pictures, but the pictures, the photography itself. She works for Ms. Opal at the Cut & Curl, sweeping and shampooing customers. Her abusive father takes most of her paychecks, her mother too broken to defend herself or her children against his abuse, a brother who’s the football star at school, Becky Lynn feels completely alone in her little world. After an attempted rape, Becky Lynn is confronted by Ms. Opal, who believed Becky Lynn to be sleeping around until she realized the fear was real. When she pressed Becky Lynn to tell the authorities or the boys’ parents, Becky Lynn begs her not to. They would just jump to conclusions, much as Ms. Opal had at first, for Becky Lynn was nothing but “white trash.”
Ms. Opal drove Becky Lynn to and from work every day, and Becky Lynn became a prisoner in her home, the fear of Ricky and Tommy so strong she never went anywhere but work, school and home. A few months go by and Becky Lynn starts to relax. One night, Ms. Opal leaves early for a pep rally and one of the girls promises to give Becky Lynn a ride home. But after Ms. Opal leaves, Becky Lynn waves away the offer of the ride, for she knew Tommy and Ricky would be at the pep rally. She was dead wrong. They waited for her on her route home, and that’s when it happened.
At the same time, she learns of the ultimate betrayal, for Ms. Opal had broken her promise and had gone to the boys’ parents. When she finally makes it home, her father calls her a whore and that she better not get pregnant. Her brother looks at her guiltily; he knew what was happening, what happened, and didn’t stop it. Her mother simply says to go to bed, everything would be better in the morning. That was the final straw: Becky Lynn is gone. That night, she takes her meager savings out from under the loose floorboard in her room and takes off for Hollywood.
Jack Gallagher, eight-years-old, has already been all over the world. His mother, Sallie Gallagher, is a make-up artist for fashion shoots, and Jack’s seen it all. After learning his father is the top photographer, the amazing and incredible Giovanni, Jack confronts him, only to find out that Giovanni and Sallie have an “arrangement,” and that Giovanni has only one son, Carlo. At that moment, Jack makes a promise to himself: One day, he’ll be a better photographer than Giovanni, even if he has to do it alone.
Becky Lynn makes it to Hollywood, and just when desperation sets in, Becky Lynn meets Sallie, who gives her a job in her salon. Becky Lynn meets Jack, and Jack is curious about the girl, for she refuses to be alone in the room with him or any male, but she has a determined mind, and quickly learns that Becky Lynn has a natual talent for photography. He offers her a job as his assistant, and Becky Lynn is eager to learn.
What she didn’t count on was falling in love with Jack. But Jack refuses to give his heart, for his heart is cold with his own determination to beat Giovanni and his son, Carlo.
**I worried at first. At the beginning of the book, Ms. Spindler admits that “Red” might surprise us, the readers, for it doesn’t hold her trademark suspense/thriller and high body count, but she does promise her hallmark drama, fast-paced plot with complex relationships and an emotional edge. I soon learned that I had nothing to worry about.
She wasn’t kidding. Lots of drama - I was an emotional reck in the first half of the book! Ms. Spindler aims right at the reader’s heart and you cry just as much in sadness and bitterness as in anger. Immediately you feel for Becky Lynn, and you end up wondering how she’d ever trust men again.
Becky Lynn, everything that happens to her so early in life, grows to be one of the strongest, most determined characters I’ve ever read. Determined to put the past behind her and move forward, she’s taking baby steps, but she gets there, even when her heart gets broken, she trudges on. And even with all of the backstabbing, she still remains a kind person, reading to help at a moments notice, without hesitation.
Jack… What can I say about Jack. In many ways, he became his father, until the realization breaks through when he hurts Becky Lynn in the only way that matters. His determination to be better than his father, than his half-brother, filled his heart with anger and bitterness, and it’s a shame, for Giovanni pitted Jack and Carlo against each other. Deep down, I believe that Jack and Carlo could have really cared about each other, could have become great friends. Giovanni, a man you will hate right to your core. I hate saying that, as I’m Italian, but that man gives Italians a bad name.
But Jack does get Becky Lynn back. Randy, her brother, finally stands in her corner, and when her father figures out where she is and tries to destroy her by making accusations, Becky Lynn fights back.
An emotional roller-coaster. I highly recommend this book. I’ll bet you you’ll feel the same way about this book as I did. I guaranty you won’t regret it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2010
I'm a relatively new reader of Spindler & had read that "Red" was her breakthrough novel & the beginning of her transitioning from Romance to Mystery/Suspense, so I really wanted to see what her earlier works are like & picked up "Red".
I really liked the over-all story. It follows 17 year old Becky Lynn, a poor white-trash girl from Mississippi who escapes an abusive childhood and travels across country to Hawaii. She lucks out and finds a kind woman, Sallie, who takes pity on her & gives her a job in a high-end beauty salon that caters to the rich & famous. Sallie's 20 year-old fashion photographer son Jack discovers Becky Lynn's hidden love of photography and the story takes off from there.
"Red" is definitely a Romance (there is no mystery here!)....there are a lot more bedroom scenes that the other Spindler books I've read, but not enough to turn me off from the book. The book touches on jealousy, betrayal, & different forms of love, between several different characters. Your heart can't help but hurt for Becky Lynn & the pain she lives with day in & day out.
For readers who enjoy Spindler's mystery novels, I do recommend "Red" as a different style of book by an author who knows how to captivate her reader.
I really liked the over-all story. It follows 17 year old Becky Lynn, a poor white-trash girl from Mississippi who escapes an abusive childhood and travels across country to Hawaii. She lucks out and finds a kind woman, Sallie, who takes pity on her & gives her a job in a high-end beauty salon that caters to the rich & famous. Sallie's 20 year-old fashion photographer son Jack discovers Becky Lynn's hidden love of photography and the story takes off from there.
"Red" is definitely a Romance (there is no mystery here!)....there are a lot more bedroom scenes that the other Spindler books I've read, but not enough to turn me off from the book. The book touches on jealousy, betrayal, & different forms of love, between several different characters. Your heart can't help but hurt for Becky Lynn & the pain she lives with day in & day out.
For readers who enjoy Spindler's mystery novels, I do recommend "Red" as a different style of book by an author who knows how to captivate her reader.
December 21, 2019
This reminded me of Jackie Collins back in the 80s, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Entertaining but not a keeper.
August 19, 2012
I have read most of Erica Spindler’s books and Red is quite different from her usual romance/suspense genre.
This is one of those glorious and an unforgettable story that has you believe that dreams can and do come true. From the first page it grabs your heart and never lets go.
Becky Lynn is one of the most incredible characters I have read. Despite her painful and cruel childhood, coming from the wrong side of the “tracks” and labeled as “poor white trash” and all the heartbreak and obstacles in her life, she remained the kind, sweet and caring person she was, never giving in to the sordid, fickle world that is Hollywood. I became so emotionally involved in her life, sharing her rise from an unknown to the top as a supermodel and touched by her courage and her strength and how she slowly started to believe that she was a person of worth.
I loved the whole world of fashion and photography, which I know well from having a husband who is a fashion photographer; I was well versed in the everyday life of fashion shoots, models, fashion editors and the world that creates the illusion of beauty and fashion to the masses. Filled with so many lost and sad people that get lost and discard along the way, it also has others who refuse to give in to the lies and falseness of the people in this industry and though Red was written in the 90’s it remains very current and it could quite easily had been a story of today’s glamorous world of supermodels and fashion.
People using each other to get to the top – Giovanni, the egotistical famous photographer, Carlo, his sad and unhappy son, struggling with his dark secrets and trying to please his father, Jack Gallagher, the bastard son whose ambition is to show the father who has never recognized him that he can become even a bigger star than him without his help and without realizing, becomes just like the father he despises.
Betrayed by Jack who breaks her heart, Becky Lynn allows Carlo to make her into a supermodel and along the way discovers that both men have been using her for their own selfish purposes. Zoe, who had hurt Becky Lynn so much. And despite it all, never gave up on her humanity to care and help others. So much emotional baggage.
You will travel to locations that are exciting and beautiful, from Paris, Milan, LA, St Barts, New York, live in gorgeous homes, drive fabulous cars, attend parties and meet the rich and famous….a world most of us will never be part of but here….you can be!!!!
Carlo and Jack – two brothers who realize too late how much they care for each other and who allowed their cruel father to keep them apart – such sadness, such loss, such waste. Sins of the fathers who damage their children so badly that some never fully recover from it.
Letting go of the past, and finally coming to terms with what they truly feel for each other, Jack and Becky Lynn overcome the obstacles that have stood in the way for them to be together.
You will be touched by this unforgettable story, filled with passion, love, sadness, surviving the odds and how believing in yourself will really make your dreams come true. A modern, believable fairytale that will have you wanting to read it again and again.
And I absolutely loved the cover with the red hair and lips. Gorgeous….somehow just as I imagined Becky Lynn to look like.
Synopsis: Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in Bend, Mississippi, Becky Lynn Lee doesn't have the luxury of dreaming. With an abusive father and a broken mother, she always thought that this was it. But after the ultimate betrayal, Becky Lynn can no longer live the nightmare.
Determined never to go back, Becky Lynn escapes to Hollywood. As a photographer's assistant, she discovers a talent for spotting beauty and capturing the perfect shot. When the camera eventually turns on her, the awkward, shy Becky Lynn of her childhood disappears. But when the success she's achieved is threatened, Becky Lynn must find the strength to embrace her new identity and put the ugliness of her past behind her forever.
Becky Lynn was a nobody in Mississippi, or so everybody told her. So she fled to a world where dreams come true. Jack wanted to be a somebody. He wanted to be the top fashion photographer in the world. Now, supermodel Becky Lynn and high-priced photographer Jack Gallagher are in constant demand. But beneath the surface lurk secrets that threaten to destroy all they've achieved. Original.
This is one of those glorious and an unforgettable story that has you believe that dreams can and do come true. From the first page it grabs your heart and never lets go.
Becky Lynn is one of the most incredible characters I have read. Despite her painful and cruel childhood, coming from the wrong side of the “tracks” and labeled as “poor white trash” and all the heartbreak and obstacles in her life, she remained the kind, sweet and caring person she was, never giving in to the sordid, fickle world that is Hollywood. I became so emotionally involved in her life, sharing her rise from an unknown to the top as a supermodel and touched by her courage and her strength and how she slowly started to believe that she was a person of worth.
I loved the whole world of fashion and photography, which I know well from having a husband who is a fashion photographer; I was well versed in the everyday life of fashion shoots, models, fashion editors and the world that creates the illusion of beauty and fashion to the masses. Filled with so many lost and sad people that get lost and discard along the way, it also has others who refuse to give in to the lies and falseness of the people in this industry and though Red was written in the 90’s it remains very current and it could quite easily had been a story of today’s glamorous world of supermodels and fashion.
People using each other to get to the top – Giovanni, the egotistical famous photographer, Carlo, his sad and unhappy son, struggling with his dark secrets and trying to please his father, Jack Gallagher, the bastard son whose ambition is to show the father who has never recognized him that he can become even a bigger star than him without his help and without realizing, becomes just like the father he despises.
Betrayed by Jack who breaks her heart, Becky Lynn allows Carlo to make her into a supermodel and along the way discovers that both men have been using her for their own selfish purposes. Zoe, who had hurt Becky Lynn so much. And despite it all, never gave up on her humanity to care and help others. So much emotional baggage.
You will travel to locations that are exciting and beautiful, from Paris, Milan, LA, St Barts, New York, live in gorgeous homes, drive fabulous cars, attend parties and meet the rich and famous….a world most of us will never be part of but here….you can be!!!!
Carlo and Jack – two brothers who realize too late how much they care for each other and who allowed their cruel father to keep them apart – such sadness, such loss, such waste. Sins of the fathers who damage their children so badly that some never fully recover from it.
Letting go of the past, and finally coming to terms with what they truly feel for each other, Jack and Becky Lynn overcome the obstacles that have stood in the way for them to be together.
You will be touched by this unforgettable story, filled with passion, love, sadness, surviving the odds and how believing in yourself will really make your dreams come true. A modern, believable fairytale that will have you wanting to read it again and again.
And I absolutely loved the cover with the red hair and lips. Gorgeous….somehow just as I imagined Becky Lynn to look like.
Synopsis: Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in Bend, Mississippi, Becky Lynn Lee doesn't have the luxury of dreaming. With an abusive father and a broken mother, she always thought that this was it. But after the ultimate betrayal, Becky Lynn can no longer live the nightmare.
Determined never to go back, Becky Lynn escapes to Hollywood. As a photographer's assistant, she discovers a talent for spotting beauty and capturing the perfect shot. When the camera eventually turns on her, the awkward, shy Becky Lynn of her childhood disappears. But when the success she's achieved is threatened, Becky Lynn must find the strength to embrace her new identity and put the ugliness of her past behind her forever.
Becky Lynn was a nobody in Mississippi, or so everybody told her. So she fled to a world where dreams come true. Jack wanted to be a somebody. He wanted to be the top fashion photographer in the world. Now, supermodel Becky Lynn and high-priced photographer Jack Gallagher are in constant demand. But beneath the surface lurk secrets that threaten to destroy all they've achieved. Original.
October 6, 2023
I loved Red by Erica Spindler! The story was not at all what I was expecting, in a good way. The characters felt very real, and the plot made me really feel for them. I really enjoyed it, and I think you will too!
July 11, 2016
This book really surprised me. I was expecting something like category romance. Easy, uncomplicated, sweet romance and what I got was so much more. It was more like Nora Roberts kind of thing but even more serious and darker. I'm not sure it is even contemporary romance, it's more like just contemporary fiction or women's fiction.
This is a story of Becky Lynn Lee struggle to find out who she really is and to find a strength in herself. The story begins when she is just a teenager from a bad side of the small town in Mississippi. After some tragic events in her life, she lefts home and goes to Los Angeles hoping for a life she saw in magazines. There she meets Jack, an ambitious photographer, who has his own dreams and battles to fight.
I liked this story even though I didn't expected to be so dark and serious. There is a chance that if I knew that, I wouldn't read this book because I don't usually read books like that, they make me sad. And there is a lot of drama in this one. I think I wish it was a bit less complicated and lighter but it's only because that's how I like my stories.
Even though this book is a bit out of my comfort zone, I'm giving it 3.5 star.
This is a story of Becky Lynn Lee struggle to find out who she really is and to find a strength in herself. The story begins when she is just a teenager from a bad side of the small town in Mississippi. After some tragic events in her life, she lefts home and goes to Los Angeles hoping for a life she saw in magazines. There she meets Jack, an ambitious photographer, who has his own dreams and battles to fight.
I liked this story even though I didn't expected to be so dark and serious. There is a chance that if I knew that, I wouldn't read this book because I don't usually read books like that, they make me sad. And there is a lot of drama in this one. I think I wish it was a bit less complicated and lighter but it's only because that's how I like my stories.
Even though this book is a bit out of my comfort zone, I'm giving it 3.5 star.
June 4, 2014
Hmmmm. Where to start? I was not a huge fan of this book. It didn't suck me in and I was able to put it down.....easily. Too predictable and quite boring. Same story told a hundred times by Danielle Steele. Poor, white trash girl from wrong side of the tracks flees said white trash town to Hollywood. Ends up as a gofer for a high end salon and is discovered by salon owners son - who is fighting his own demons. Big surprise he's a womanizer yet poor girl sparks more feeling in him. She catches him being unfaithful and runs to his brother who makes her a star. Brother is upset and wants her back. Waaaaaa.
Read only if you're desperate for something to read. Normally I am a big Erica Spindler fan.
Read only if you're desperate for something to read. Normally I am a big Erica Spindler fan.
March 11, 2012
Damn. I was so psyched about this initially. I mean, talk about an abused, traumatized heroine. But then it just got bad. One, I didn't like the multiple perspectives. There were like six at different points. Unnecessary and confusing. Two, fucking hell did this make me feel gross and hate Hollywood. I like fiction for escapism - this was just freakin depressing and ugly. and third, and most importantly, I am so disappointed.
October 19, 2012
What a wasted six days of reading....there was no suspense....too much description if things that didn't matter.....and absolute predictability. I can't believe how many people loved this book....it is NOTHING like any Spindler boo I have ever read.....very disappointed.
October 20, 2015
very deep emotionally charged book.
December 30, 2019
Currently wondering why I didn’t chuck this book at the wall sooner. I just had to go on and finish it.
January 6, 2024
I read this book years ago, like in high school, and loved it. Becky Lynn is a character that has stuck with me. After my hangover from my last book, I downloaded the audio, and I still love it.
Becky Lynn is such a complex character, and my heart aches for her and the choices she makes and the things that happen to her.
Becky Lynn is such a complex character, and my heart aches for her and the choices she makes and the things that happen to her.
November 12, 2020
Very good read. Not her usual stuff but a really good story.
August 23, 2013
This book is like an episode of gossip girl, everyone sleeps with everyone, they use everyone for their own 'games' and it's hopelessly addictive. At the beginning of the book the story is about 17 year old Becky Lynn's life. Which to be honest, sucks. Her father is a drunk and beats her,her mom looks the other way to protect herself, her brother hangs out with a terrible group of boys, Who do horrible things to her. She finally has had enough and takes her money and runs to California. Throughout the middle of the book she meets an up-and coming photographer named Jack. Jack is a playboy who sleeps with all his models. But he's different towards Becky Lynn, gradually the 2 become closer and things heat up in a way that terrifies Jack. He's never been a commitment kinda man so he lies to himself about his feelings. Later on we meet Carlo his half brother who has his fair deal of trauma and problems but actually treats Becky Lynn likes she deserves. I honestly felt bad that Becky Lynn had to go through so many things in this book, but the end was satisfying to me. This book has about everything you can imagine:
Loss, Lust,Jealousy,Love,Tragedy,Passion,Healing,Understanding,Grief etc. All around a great read it really inspires people that no matter who you are or where you come from you decide how your life is, you change yourself and become who you want, who you need to be, and that is one of the greatest things you can read about. Definitely a must read.
Loss, Lust,Jealousy,Love,Tragedy,Passion,Healing,Understanding,Grief etc. All around a great read it really inspires people that no matter who you are or where you come from you decide how your life is, you change yourself and become who you want, who you need to be, and that is one of the greatest things you can read about. Definitely a must read.
June 3, 2014
Ms. Spindler says of this book, “If you know me through my thrillers, Red may surprise you. Red is a reissue of the 1995 novel that launched my career. Although this novel doesn’t contain my trademark mystery and high body count, it does offer readers other hallmarks of a Spindler novel.” The book is also categorized as a Romance. I can’t say it surprised me – it was still Spindler’s writing style...and it was fast paced and completely engaging from the first page to the last. Yes there was romance for sure, but it wasn’t all roses and rainbows and unicorns.... it was gut wrenching sickening in some parts, stirring anger inside me especially in the beginning. The characters, whether they were lovable, likable, or sickening, were well developed, authentic and engaging. If you love Erica Spindler, don’t pass this one by like I did for so long because it was ‘different from her others.’ Solid 4.5 stars from me.
June 2, 2010
Becky Lynn Lee grew up on the wrong side of the tracks in Bend Missippi .With an abusive father and a broken mother , She always thought this was her life forever but after the ultimate betrayal. She escapes to Hollywood determined never to go back . She gets a job in an upscale beauty salon , than discovers she has a talent for photography . and spotting beauty When the camera eventually turns on her and than her success is threatened she finds the courage to embrace her new identity and put the ugliness of her past behind her.
August 13, 2016
This book is brilliant anyone who says otherwise needs to re read this again!! Fantastic book love the characters! I love how it's from different characters point of view and how each character develops. You can really see the passion Erica puts into this novel along with the characters. And the message in this book is evidently strong. Best book I've read in a while. Anyone who hasn't had the chance to read this it's a must! It's worth way more then a 5 star rating can't praise this book enough!
January 8, 2010
Strong passions, well written, good turns of events, very real descriptions. Found strong minded characters similar to first novel by Spindler I read, Forbidden Fruit, so slightly redundant. Good fast beach read.
February 10, 2015
Great book :) The main character endured so much pain from her past but showed so much bravery when she went in search of a better life.She had such a love for photography and pushed until she achieved her dream.
October 1, 2014
An oldie but goodie!
January 17, 2015
Angst overload!
July 20, 2019
Boring, sleazy, predictable...thought about just putting it in the “didn’t finish” bin but kept hoping it would get better. It didn’t.
September 1, 2020
Waste of time. Pure trash. DNF
February 23, 2025
This is the best book I’ve read in months!
*TW: Sexual Assault, Rape, Suicide and Drugs*
Set from 1984-1994, Red is a story about multiple people, all of whom are riddled with trauma but somehow all end up connected.
We start with Becky Lynn, her dad is a raging, physically aggressive alcoholic and her mum is so shut off from reality that she might as well not be there. Very early on in the book, Becky Lynn is graphically assaulted and raped by two of her brothers friends, and we go on to find out that her brother, Randy, knew it was going to happen. She runs away, and she ends up in California.
Jack Gallagher grew up on fashion shoot sets. His mother is a makeup artist for the models and his dad is one of, if not the most famous fashion photographer in the world. Unfortunately for him, he was born out of wedlock and his father wants nothing to do with him. His father instead gives all of his attention to his ‘real’ son, and Jack’s half brother, Carlo. This develops a toxic, hungry hatred in Jack for both his dad and brother, and he is determined to do anything he can to prove his father that he was wrong to ignore him. His life goal is essentially to become a famous photographer like his dad, and win over his affection.
Zoe is a beautiful girl that later goes on to model for Jack and Becky Lynn (who is his assistant at the time). We find out that she had a very close, too close, relationship with her dad when she was younger before he left. She has memories of him telling her how beautiful and wonderful she is, and since he left when she was little, she has longed to be loved like that again. She also has some disturbing memories of her dad which I won’t go too deeply into, but we get the vibe he is a bit of an incestuous pedo. Later in life, she develops a really bad drug problem which gets her into a lot of dangerous situations with men.
Carlo is Jack Gallaghers half brother, and despite what Jack thinks, Carlo has also had to battle for his father’s affection. Carlo found his mother dead (suicide) in the bathtub when he was just fourteen and it has haunted him ever since. He begs to know why she didn’t love him enough to stay alive. Carlo spends a lot of his time sleeping with women. There is a lot of speculation that Carlo is gay, and he goes to great lengths to prove this wrong to his father. Spoiler alert, he is gay.
To make this as simple as possible, when Becky Lynn arrives in California, she gets a job at a professional salon/boutique which is run by Jacks mother. She obviously meets Jack and eventually becomes his photo assistant. Becky Lynn develops a raging crush on Jack but Jack is not the relationship type. Zoe is then introduced when Becky Lynn scouts her out at a mall. She begins modelling for Jack and develops a good friendship with Becky Lynn. Becky Lynn walks in on Jack sleeping with another woman (not sure why she didn’t see that coming) and it devastates her. To get revenge on Jack, she runs away to Carlo and begins to work for him instead.
Carlo sees the beauty in Becky Lynn, and asks her to model. This is also partly to get under Jacks skin. Becky Lynn is a big success and ends up becoming very famous. Becky Lynn and Carlo develop a really lovely friendship, arguably the best relationship in the book. Lots of people are sceptical about Becky Lynn and Carlo’s relationship, and so to protect themselves (Becky Lynn from being alone, and Carlo from being found out as gay) they decide to get married. Yeah. That shocked me too.
Carlo and Jacks father finds out about his sexuality. Carlo can’t take the damage to his reputation, and the public humiliation and unfortunately takes his own life in the same way his mother did.
Zoe ends up going to rehab, and Becky Lynn and Jack rekindle their relationship.
I made it sound boring, but it’s not, I promise!
Now for my comments:
I have not been engaged by a book like this in months, maybe years. I was GRIPPED. This book pulls at your heartstrings, even though the characters and their backgrounds are the most insane, bizarre concepts I have ever read.
There are some crazy bits that had me gobsmacked, some include:
- Gina (jacks first lover) slept with jacks dad!!! And Jack was okay with it???
- Jack decides to sleep with Becky Lynn for the first time when she just found out her mother has died and she is incredibly vulnerable. Weird.
- Zoe has slept with some of the men her Mum sleeps with? And they supposedly like Zoe better? Zoe finds joy in this?
- Despite being gay, Carlo still sleeps with Becky Lynn on their wedding night.
- THESE ARE ALL ABOUT SEX
The only negative comment I have is that I feel like Carlo’s suicide was a cheap way out of the marriage storyline, an easy way for Becky Lynn to have an excuse to go back to Jack.
I picked this book up for fifty pence at a charity shop and I can gladly say I got my money’s worth. I LOVED this and I would love to read some more of Erica Spindlers books. An easy five stars!
*TW: Sexual Assault, Rape, Suicide and Drugs*
Set from 1984-1994, Red is a story about multiple people, all of whom are riddled with trauma but somehow all end up connected.
We start with Becky Lynn, her dad is a raging, physically aggressive alcoholic and her mum is so shut off from reality that she might as well not be there. Very early on in the book, Becky Lynn is graphically assaulted and raped by two of her brothers friends, and we go on to find out that her brother, Randy, knew it was going to happen. She runs away, and she ends up in California.
Jack Gallagher grew up on fashion shoot sets. His mother is a makeup artist for the models and his dad is one of, if not the most famous fashion photographer in the world. Unfortunately for him, he was born out of wedlock and his father wants nothing to do with him. His father instead gives all of his attention to his ‘real’ son, and Jack’s half brother, Carlo. This develops a toxic, hungry hatred in Jack for both his dad and brother, and he is determined to do anything he can to prove his father that he was wrong to ignore him. His life goal is essentially to become a famous photographer like his dad, and win over his affection.
Zoe is a beautiful girl that later goes on to model for Jack and Becky Lynn (who is his assistant at the time). We find out that she had a very close, too close, relationship with her dad when she was younger before he left. She has memories of him telling her how beautiful and wonderful she is, and since he left when she was little, she has longed to be loved like that again. She also has some disturbing memories of her dad which I won’t go too deeply into, but we get the vibe he is a bit of an incestuous pedo. Later in life, she develops a really bad drug problem which gets her into a lot of dangerous situations with men.
Carlo is Jack Gallaghers half brother, and despite what Jack thinks, Carlo has also had to battle for his father’s affection. Carlo found his mother dead (suicide) in the bathtub when he was just fourteen and it has haunted him ever since. He begs to know why she didn’t love him enough to stay alive. Carlo spends a lot of his time sleeping with women. There is a lot of speculation that Carlo is gay, and he goes to great lengths to prove this wrong to his father. Spoiler alert, he is gay.
To make this as simple as possible, when Becky Lynn arrives in California, she gets a job at a professional salon/boutique which is run by Jacks mother. She obviously meets Jack and eventually becomes his photo assistant. Becky Lynn develops a raging crush on Jack but Jack is not the relationship type. Zoe is then introduced when Becky Lynn scouts her out at a mall. She begins modelling for Jack and develops a good friendship with Becky Lynn. Becky Lynn walks in on Jack sleeping with another woman (not sure why she didn’t see that coming) and it devastates her. To get revenge on Jack, she runs away to Carlo and begins to work for him instead.
Carlo sees the beauty in Becky Lynn, and asks her to model. This is also partly to get under Jacks skin. Becky Lynn is a big success and ends up becoming very famous. Becky Lynn and Carlo develop a really lovely friendship, arguably the best relationship in the book. Lots of people are sceptical about Becky Lynn and Carlo’s relationship, and so to protect themselves (Becky Lynn from being alone, and Carlo from being found out as gay) they decide to get married. Yeah. That shocked me too.
Carlo and Jacks father finds out about his sexuality. Carlo can’t take the damage to his reputation, and the public humiliation and unfortunately takes his own life in the same way his mother did.
Zoe ends up going to rehab, and Becky Lynn and Jack rekindle their relationship.
I made it sound boring, but it’s not, I promise!
Now for my comments:
I have not been engaged by a book like this in months, maybe years. I was GRIPPED. This book pulls at your heartstrings, even though the characters and their backgrounds are the most insane, bizarre concepts I have ever read.
There are some crazy bits that had me gobsmacked, some include:
- Gina (jacks first lover) slept with jacks dad!!! And Jack was okay with it???
- Jack decides to sleep with Becky Lynn for the first time when she just found out her mother has died and she is incredibly vulnerable. Weird.
- Zoe has slept with some of the men her Mum sleeps with? And they supposedly like Zoe better? Zoe finds joy in this?
- Despite being gay, Carlo still sleeps with Becky Lynn on their wedding night.
- THESE ARE ALL ABOUT SEX
The only negative comment I have is that I feel like Carlo’s suicide was a cheap way out of the marriage storyline, an easy way for Becky Lynn to have an excuse to go back to Jack.
I picked this book up for fifty pence at a charity shop and I can gladly say I got my money’s worth. I LOVED this and I would love to read some more of Erica Spindlers books. An easy five stars!
September 19, 2020
Ce livre, écrit dans les années 90, s'est révélé une très bonne surprise.
Loin d'une romance harlequin classique, il s'agit ici de l'histoire de Becky Lynn Lee, jeune fille au passé difficile, et de son ascension spectaculaire dans le monde de la mode.
Mais au-delà de ça, cette histoire montre aussi les aspects peu reluisants derrière les strass et les paillettes.
C'est aussi une histoire de vengeance et de rivalité entre deux frères ennemis, l'un dans l'ombre et l'autre dans la lumière, et les conséquences de cette lutte fratricide sur l'héroïne.
Dés le début du roman, le ton est donné, et on s'attend à ce que va vivre Becky Lynn, et ce qui amène la jeune fille à changer son destin.
Malgré quelques longueurs parfois, le roman prend le temps de s'installer et s'étends sur plusieurs mois et plusieurs années. On suit avec attention le parcours de l'héroïne, et l'histoire monte crescendo.
Sceptique au départ, j'ai finalement été totalement happée par ce roman. Et c'est toujours un régal d'être surpris par un roman.
Loin d'une romance harlequin classique, il s'agit ici de l'histoire de Becky Lynn Lee, jeune fille au passé difficile, et de son ascension spectaculaire dans le monde de la mode.
Mais au-delà de ça, cette histoire montre aussi les aspects peu reluisants derrière les strass et les paillettes.
C'est aussi une histoire de vengeance et de rivalité entre deux frères ennemis, l'un dans l'ombre et l'autre dans la lumière, et les conséquences de cette lutte fratricide sur l'héroïne.
Dés le début du roman, le ton est donné, et on s'attend à ce que va vivre Becky Lynn, et ce qui amène la jeune fille à changer son destin.
Malgré quelques longueurs parfois, le roman prend le temps de s'installer et s'étends sur plusieurs mois et plusieurs années. On suit avec attention le parcours de l'héroïne, et l'histoire monte crescendo.
Sceptique au départ, j'ai finalement été totalement happée par ce roman. Et c'est toujours un régal d'être surpris par un roman.
December 31, 2020
Book review of Red by @erica.spindler.author
So I've finally finished reading this book,Red was such a great book and I am so sad that I wasn't able to read it earlier. This is the first book from Spindler which I was able to read and I am so happy I found this book since it was so amazing.
This is one of those glorious and an unforgettable story that has you believe that dreams can and do come true. From the first page it grabs your heart and never lets go.
Becky Lynn is one of the most incredible characters I have read. Despite her painful and cruel childhood, coming from the wrong side of the “tracks” and labeled as “poor white trash” and all the heartbreak and obstacles in her life, she remained the kind, sweet and caring person she was, never giving in to the sordid, fickle world that is Hollywood. I became so emotionally involved in her life, sharing her rise from an unknown to the top as a supermodel and touched by her courage and her strength and how she slowly started to believe that she was a person of worth.
Read detail book review on my Instagram @Areeba_az
So I've finally finished reading this book,Red was such a great book and I am so sad that I wasn't able to read it earlier. This is the first book from Spindler which I was able to read and I am so happy I found this book since it was so amazing.
This is one of those glorious and an unforgettable story that has you believe that dreams can and do come true. From the first page it grabs your heart and never lets go.
Becky Lynn is one of the most incredible characters I have read. Despite her painful and cruel childhood, coming from the wrong side of the “tracks” and labeled as “poor white trash” and all the heartbreak and obstacles in her life, she remained the kind, sweet and caring person she was, never giving in to the sordid, fickle world that is Hollywood. I became so emotionally involved in her life, sharing her rise from an unknown to the top as a supermodel and touched by her courage and her strength and how she slowly started to believe that she was a person of worth.
Read detail book review on my Instagram @Areeba_az
January 17, 2022
Pros: Angsty, well written, classic-feeling book akin to SEP, McNaught, etc. Heroine leaves hero immediately after he cheats and wants revenge - here for that. Nuanced, complex characters - villains have understandable motivations and we get to see some of their POV.
Cons: HFN, unsatisfactory ending. No epilogue. Heroine is celibate for years upon years during their separation while the hero is not (I HATE THIS TROPE)..even though he cheated on her. Moreover, the cheating hero is not fully redeemed in my opinion and not much is discussed about the extent to which he cheated and his reasoning. Aka we know he cheated with at least 1 woman and multiple times with her...but not if he cheated with any more women. Also the hero's reasoning being about business and wanting to get the OW to sign a contract was BS because he slept with her multiple times after she had signed...It's told to us (much more than shown) that he's a different person now and less selfish...but given that we don't really see any examples of that I'm not really convinced he will be faithful.
Cons: HFN, unsatisfactory ending. No epilogue. Heroine is celibate for years upon years during their separation while the hero is not (I HATE THIS TROPE)..even though he cheated on her. Moreover, the cheating hero is not fully redeemed in my opinion and not much is discussed about the extent to which he cheated and his reasoning. Aka we know he cheated with at least 1 woman and multiple times with her...but not if he cheated with any more women. Also the hero's reasoning being about business and wanting to get the OW to sign a contract was BS because he slept with her multiple times after she had signed...It's told to us (much more than shown) that he's a different person now and less selfish...but given that we don't really see any examples of that I'm not really convinced he will be faithful.
May 20, 2017
It was extremely hard to rate this book - - as the ending was pretty predictable...........however I will say the train ride to get to that end was all over the map....
Becky Lynn came from the wrong side of town.....alchoholic father, un-involved mother, and a brother who simply wouldn't stand up for her.
She found her way to Hollywood where she became involved in the Fashion Industry. Also she became involved with Jack, a photographer who also came from a non-involved father - - so in a lot of ways their lives twinned each other. Lots of learning.....lots of twists - - I learned more about the Film industry than I truly cared to know - even though it wasn't a big surprise.....
Becky Lynn came from the wrong side of town.....alchoholic father, un-involved mother, and a brother who simply wouldn't stand up for her.
She found her way to Hollywood where she became involved in the Fashion Industry. Also she became involved with Jack, a photographer who also came from a non-involved father - - so in a lot of ways their lives twinned each other. Lots of learning.....lots of twists - - I learned more about the Film industry than I truly cared to know - even though it wasn't a big surprise.....
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