Picture Perfect

by Lucie Simone

For Lauren Tate, a high-powered TV producer, sex, lies, and scandal make for a great movie-of-the-week, but when she becomes the target of a smear campaign, even the most salacious of Hollywood's tales can't compare to her real life drama. With her soon-to-be-ex-husband leading the effort to sully her reputation, and her former assistant threatening to snatch her hard-earned position at Timeless Television out of her hands, Lauren's perfectly planned life quickly begins to unravel at the seams. Clawing her way back to the top of the TV food chain is no easy task, especially in an industry where backstabbing is a sport and gossip is a full time business. But Lauren learns just how cutthroat showbiz can truly be when the hottest scandal in Tinsel Town turns deadly and the Hollywood hunk who's stolen her heart is missing in action. Can she salvage her career, her reputation, and her love life? Or will Hollywood be the death of her?

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Adult

306 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2012

About the author

Lucie Simone has a passion for travel, romance and all things chick lit. She also has a degree in Journalism and a Master of Fine Arts in Television Production. Her love of comedy (and living under the delusion that she might one day be an actress) resulted in a stint studying improvisation at the LA Connection Comedy Theater and Improv Olympic West in Hollywood, which, ironically enough, taught her to be a better writer. She lives in Los Angeles (and loves it), but considers New York City her imaginary second home and visits the Big Apple as often as her bank account will allow. For more information on Lucie, please visit her website at www.luciesimone.com.

Reviews

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say when I read something and do that little gasp and then a hand goes to my mouth like holy ... this was that kind of book. The story had a few angles that I of course loved. I like Hollywood and love living in California so the scenery was perfect for me. Lauren Tate a Executive Producer is married to Alan an equally important Executive at the same company. So the beginning sets the fast pace and I mean buckle it up, at 30%o on my Kindle the think almost started smoking. It was Lauren and NO not the husband. You gotta read it.

The other best part was Justine! She was Lauren's NYC BFF who has a mouth like a truck driver and an attitude to match it. Hollywood is tough and TV is tougher sometimes, cable network is the toughest. The girl knows Lauren so well and although living across the country they are still in constant contact. She is the "tell it like it is" kind of girl.

So go ahead join the fun, and read about Alan (insert bad word for ex husband to be) and his fling Jennifer (insert tramp) who was Lauren's assistant and Giles the all around "know it all" fashion man who loves to spa it up and shop. A great MUST read.

Here is the contact stuff I gathered like a little CSI and read the quotes too so you can get a sneak peak!

Twitter link: https://twitter.com/LucieSimone @luciesimone

Website:http://www.luciesimone.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucie-...
Amazon: buy this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009...
Her Amazon page:

http://www.amazon.com/Lucie-Simone/e/...


Picture Perfect (Lucie Simone) Clippings:


I nod as he runs his fingers through my silky black hair (thanks due in no small part to the organic goat’s milk and berry extract shampoo my stylist charges me sixty-five dollars a bottle for). His hand pauses at my shoulder, and he rubs his thumb along my neck. Suddenly, every bit of saliva in my mouth is sucked dry.

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- Highlight Loc. 1565-68 | Added on Thursday, November 29, 2012, 08:12 PM

Whatever! I throw the last of my Buttery Nipple (it’s a drink, not a sex-food fantasy) down my throat, an ire rapidly building within me. “Damn straight, Justine! Fuck them!” “Fuck them!” she says, lifting her mug to toast my now empty glass. “Let’s go get some pizza and find a couple of cute boys to snog.”
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I open the box and shake out a smooth, white object shaped similarly to a small bullet. I hold it between my fingers, inspecting it. “So, this is how you cope with failure?” I say to myself. “Sticking foreign objects up your butt.”

==========
But there was one text message that stopped my heart, and it was from Jack. I’m coming for you.

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“Look, there are innocent people being murdered in Darfur. Homeless living in filth on Fifth Avenue. Toxins in our food and water. Polar Bears are disappearing from the earth.” “What’s your point?”

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I look to her, the helplessness overwhelming me, and say, “I swear I didn’t do this. I didn’t kill Alan. That’s the honest truth.” “The truth doesn’t matter, Lauren. Appearances do.”

“What are you doing here?” “After you hung up on me this afternoon, I booked the earliest flight I could to LAX. I even had to take a middle seat. A middle seat, Lauren.”

==========
My iPhone glows brightly again, and a new message bubble pops up from Jack. I miss you. The corners of my mouth turn up slightly as that same cotton candy feeling swells in my chest. Then, suddenly I realize something truly horrific. I’m in love with him.

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“I’m your best friend. And what good is a BFF if she won’t contaminate a crime scene with you?”

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“When you’re true to yourself, Lauren, when you really listen to what your heart wants, nothing can keep you from your joy.”

[Lydia Laceby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes


I really enjoyed Picture Perfect. A novel about finding yourself, figuring out love, and discovering the career you want amidst chaos, Picture Perfect is an easy, enjoyable, and funny read that had me frequently snorting with laughter.

Lauren Tate is a likeable heroine, even though at times I wanted to shake her and actually wondered how she got to where she was. She is so concerned about the paparazzi at times, but then she does nothing to stop inappropriate things from flying out of her mouth at inopportune times which struck me as odd because Lauren is smart. A bit naïve, yes, but smart. Her situation is anything but normal though and she is able to laugh at herself, so I could forgive her a little easier, but it still niggled at me on a couple of occasions. These situations did, however, make for some very amusing situations that had me laughing out loud.

I didn’t find Picture Perfect at all predictable, which is probably what I loved most about the novel. There were also many twists and turns I wasn't expecting which kept me guessing until the very end, and although I had a hunch, I could never put my finger on who done it. I was also never entirely sure what would happen with Lauren's love life which is always a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately though, I wasn’t entirely convinced about her potential love interest and for some reason found found I couldn't completely believe it. I loved Jack - he was definitely swoon worthy - but there was something about the two of them that I couldn’t grasp. Maybe it was how resistant Lauren was? Or how quickly it all developed. Or maybe its just me and some personal experience on the awkwardness of dating someone ten years my junior getting in my way, but something about them didn’t strike me as entirely realistic.

I did find myself becoming a bit more nit picky in the second half of the novel, noticing things like repetition (which is always an issue for me when I typically read a novel in two to three days and rarely forget little details that others might need reminding about) and even some unnecessary dialogue that I felt the characters would already know. There were also a few other situations that I felt were a little bit of a stretch, but with a little suspension of disbelief and shoving my inner-editor off a cliff, I was still able to really enjoy this novel.

All in all, I found Picture Perfect to be a really fun read and I'm looking forward to see what Lucie Simone has in store for us next!

Thank you to CLP Blog Tours for our stop on Lucie Simone's blog tour! All opinions are our own.

[Meredith Schorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly wasn't sure if I would dig a chicklit novel with a mystery edge to it but I did! I think what impressed me the most about Picture Perfect was how Author Lucie Simone managed to pack so much punch into a regular length novel without overwhelming the reader. On top of the mystery, there was the sassy banter and girlfriend bonding often found in chick lit novels, there was the sweet yet sexy love interest and the not-so-sweet "ex", there were numerous "bad guys" as well as several "I can't figure out if he/she is good/bad" guys and there was strong character development of the lead female character as she learned to rethink her priorities in life. As a New Yorker, I appreciated the detailed descriptions of New York City (which were spot on) but as someone not part of the Hollywood scene, it was also fun to peek into the unfamiliar territory of cutthroat Hollywood. Finally, as far as the mystery was concerned, I had no idea who did it until the author herself let the cat out of the bag. As fun as it was to try to solve the "whodunit" aspect of the book, it was such a fun ride that I was in no rush for it to end. Warning: Don't read this book while hungry as the descriptions of food had me salivating!

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review:
Picture Perfect was an emotional roller coaster of love, drama, scandal and Hollywood. I absolutely love the way Simone writes. She has a way of pulling you into the life's of the characters that causes you to become invested in their stories. I quite literally read this book in one sitting and was up well into the night to see how it would conclude. Picture Perfect has the elements that I love in a great novel; humor, drama, a bit of mystery, great dialogue and characters I care about. I highly recommend it and rate it 4.5 stars.

[Book-shelf Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloody brilliant book, lots of natural humor which never seems forced. The whole book gives an air of truth, where so many fail trying to get the balance of writing about movie life. Lucie Simone has got it bang on and never gives the reader a reason to doubt anything. There is no perfect world in the story and just when you think its settling down... Bang! Its action time again....Had me staying up late glued to it :)

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since reading Hollywood Ending, Lucie's first book, I've been looking forward to reading another one by her. Her books always contain so much scandal and intrigue...basically they are the perfect guilty pleasure reads. Therefore, when I was offered the chance to be part of the blog tour for Picture Perfect, I jumped at the chance. I couldn't wait to see what Lucie had for us this time, and thankfully, it was everything I had hoped it would and much, much more, as not only did Picture Perfect contain the drama and chaos that I love, but it also had so many fun twists and turns thrown in...twists that I almost never saw coming, which is always a pretty awesome thing in my book.

Picture Perfect is the story of Lauren Tate, a leading Hollywood TV Producer who's been down on her luck lately. It all started six months ago when Alan, her husband of five years, asked for a separation, but now he wants her to sign divorce papers! Lauren just can't believe it...Alan was supposed to be the love of her life. Then the shock of all shock comes...Alan is trying to overthrow her from her job so that his new girlfriend can take her spot. Lauren knows she needs to come up with a plan quick, but the fact that Hollywood's new leading man is showing an interest in her isn't helping move this plan any faster. All she knows, is she needs to make a decision between the man of her dreams or the career of her dreams...which one will she pick? Only time and more pages can tell!

As soon as I started this one, I was quickly caught up in the plot. I wanted to know everything about Alan and Lauren's separation as well as well as the plan Alan had to do her in. Plus, I just loved seeing Lauren's new romance develop with Jack as well as the twisty chaos that came with it. What really surprised me in this one, though, was the big plot twist in the middle. I didn't see it coming at all- believe it or not- but it really upped my love of it up, even though it was a bit crazy.

I have to admit I had a hard time liking Lauren throughout this one. She was always a bit too headstrong for my liking, but as the novel progressed, she really became her own person, one that was nicer and gentler than her former one. I really liked the change, especially since most of it had to do with Jack's influence. Jack was another character I enjoyed. He was different from the typical Hollywood persona, and the little twists with his background were always interesting. Lastly, Alan was the perfect villain in my book. He always managed to creep me out when he showed up.

Finally, I enjoyed Lucie's writing in this one. She did a great job of bringing the characters and plot to life as well as moving the novel along at a steady pace...I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeves next for us.

In all, Picture Perfect is a great woman's lit read, one that I suggest to fans of Hollywood scandal.

Grade: B+

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture Perfect is a sassy little Chick Lit story full of romance, drama, scandal, humor and even a murder that will keep you entertained!

Thirty-six year old Executive TV Producer Lauren Tate's life is having a streak of bad luck ... her six year marriage is on the skids, and husband Alan has filed for divorce. She found out that Alan is in cahoots with her ex-assistant Jennifer, they're trying to sabotage her career at Timeless Television cable network. And if that isn't enough, the sexy and younger new Hollywood actor Jack Ford is interested in her! Just when things can't get any more complicated in Tinsel Town, add scandal and murder to the mix, and watch the drama level go up another notch! Things aren't always Picture Perfect ...

Picture Perfect is an entertaining story written and told in the first person narrative by protagonist Lauren Tate. This bold, brass and sassy lady takes the reader along on a roller coaster ride through Tinsel Town as she unfolds the drama in her life. It's a no-holds barred, behind the scenes look into the inner workings of a Hollywood cable network industry where drama and scandal reigns.

Rich in detail and great descriptions of the Hollywood and New York City settings, the author transports the reader to these two larger than life cities full of exuberance and famous landmarks. I really loved the attention to detail and descriptions of the settings, you can close your eyes and imagine the sights and sounds of these two cities.

With a cast of characters who are realistic and exude power, sex appeal and attitude, the story comes alive with their gritty personality and humorous dialogue and interactions. You can't help but get drawn into their drama ... you'll either love em or hate em ... but they sure are a dramatic bunch that is so typical of the Hollywood elite. I really enjoyed following Lauren's story, I loved her strength, independence and sassy nature. I also loved her best friend Justine, another strong woman with a wicked sense of humor. Underneath all their armor, both ladies has a soft side that simmers below the surface. I really enjoyed the development of Lauren and Jack's relationship and the drama and scandal that evolves from it. Add in a great supporting cast of characters: Alan, Jennifer, Sally, Rebecca and Giles, who add their own variety of personalities into the mix, and you have a story that has enough twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages.

Picture Perfect is a fast-paced juicy little story that has enough Hollywood glitter added to the mixture of intrigue, drama, scandal, hot romance and a murder mystery that makes it so much more than your typical Chick Lit novel.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Laura Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

God help me, but I always love a good story set in Tinsel Town. Throw in a bit of mystery, and I am a deliciously happy reader. Picture Perfect did not disappoint and had me laughing as I quickly turned the pages on this one.

Accustomed to handling the issues in other people's lives as a producer, it's Lauren's turn to do damage control in her own world, which made for a fun read from the beginning. I found myself connecting with her quickly and cheering for her, even as I sometimes wanted to shake some sense into her. What good protagonist doesn't blow it from time to time, though? Reading would be so boring if a heroine didn't biff it upon occasion, and when Lauren misses a step it made for good reading as she figured out how to get back on the right path.

The other characters added a delightful mix, with me loving some (like Lauren's BFF) and wanting to rip the hair out of others (enter her ex assistant). With a good blend of people on her side, and against her, it made for a fun read.

I also enjoyed the younger romantic interest in Lauren's life, as someone who imagines the possibilities of being a cougar some day (Let that be a warning to the future Mr. Laura Chapman, now: if you act out, I'll be the one trading you in for a newer model. I joke. Or do I? You'll never know, so best to mind your manners once I find you and make you mine.). Will Lauren and Jack make it forever? I don't know, but I'm pulling for those two crazy kids.

Generally well-written, with a few slightly slow parts in middle, overall this was an enjoyable story.

Originally posted at www.change-the-word.blogspot.com.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture Perfect really revolves around a portion of the Hollywood industry, and it was really interesting, especially reading it from Lauren Tate’s POV. She was a great character that could be perhaps seen as relatable, is in her mid thirties, and within a few weeks faces so much including keeping her high power but demanding Job, deceit and lies from her now soon to be ex-husband who happens to be a cheater, a conniving ex assistant that wants Lauren's job, a hot romance with a leading actor...but wait, there’s MORE including a scandal, murder, very big surprises that just makes this Chick-Lit Novel an astounding and desirable read!

Some of the characters were really wonderful ones including Lauren’s BFF, Justine, who has a knack for Poetry and just seems like a great friend. Then there’s the Actor, Jack, and he was a very nice and sexy character to read about, and you can just tell from the first few chapters that Lauren and him have a crazy and good connection. This quick passionate romance has some obstacles though and you will read what they are.

What I also enjoyed was the writing as everything flowed very well, and by the end, I really wanted to read more, but I’m pretty satisfied! Also, I loved that it was of course in Los Angeles, with a few New York perks, and there was a slight mention of my hometown, so I liked relating to some of the locations mentioned.

Lastly, I just want to say that this is a lovely story! I really enjoyed it! This is one where I just kept on reading and I couldn’t stop and I hope you read it!

[Samantha March · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucie Simone is someone who I consider myself lucky to have met when I entered this crazy book-blogging world. Not only is she someone I look up to, but she is a virtual friend and a truly talented author – as showcased in her latest novel Picture Perfect. Ooh, this is a good one, and chick lit fans should not pass this up! Set in LA, the story revolves around Lauren Tate, a TV producer who wakes up early due to being served divorce papers. Awkward when she has to go to her job where her soon to be ex-husband also works. Even worse – it seems someone is out to get Lauren booted from her position. Is it her snarky former assistant? Her ex? Lauren’s life gets more complicated with the arrival of an up-and-coming Hollywood heartthrob and a murder rocking Tinsel Town...

I loved this book! Sometimes (especially with eBooks) I forget to read the blurb first, so I had no idea Simone was throwing in the mystery/murder aspect, and that catapulted this chick lit book to new depths. So much intrigue, scandal, a behind-the-scenes look into an interesting LA career choice, and a MC that rocked the pages. A 5 star book that you should read!

[Cat Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Picture Perfect by Lucie Simone. It's a great chick lit novel… combined with a murder mystery. Lauren Tate is a top TV exec who is caught in the middle of a nasty divorce. When her (soon to be) ex ends up dead, she is the main suspect. Scandal ensues. Adding fuel to the fire is Lauren's passionate affair with Jack Ford, the hot new face on the Hollywood scene. I have to admit that I'm not usually a fan of stories set in Hollywood—but Picture Perfect changed that for me. I enjoyed every minute of this fast-paced ride and rooted for Lauren from the very first pages. The supporting characters are great as well. BFF Justine is hilarious and a perfect sidekick and I loved to hate Jennifer, the evil assistant. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. Definitely a great read and I look forward to reading more from Lucie Simone.

[Libby Mercer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Picture Perfect. The heroine was a strong, successful, high powered TV exec, but at the same time, she was totally relatable. Even as her world was imploding, she handled it with grace - and still managed to look fabulous! Fast-paced and full of sass, this novel offers an insider's view of the cutthroat entertainment industry, full of memorable characters - many of whom may or may not have a hidden agenda. The story was full of twists and surprises, and it kept me wondering and guessing up to the end. And wow. What an end it was! A thoroughly enjoyable read. Can't wait to read Lucie Simone's other books!

[Samantha Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pairing chick lit with a murder mystery makes for a delicious, intriguing and addictive read. Add a Hollywood setting and the backstabbing world of the entertainment industry, and you've got a book that I couldn't put down. With relatable characters, laugh out loud scenes and twists and turns I never expected, Picture Perfect is a book I highly recommend.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.chicklitcentral.com/2013/1...

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren Tate would appear to be living the Hollywood dream. A powerful TV movie producer with several awards under her belt, a charming, successful husband, and two beautiful homes, she seems to have it all. The truth is, though, she doesn’t. She’s just been served with divorce papers, and now her ex-assistant is working for her husband, and together, they are doing whatever they can to bring Lauren down and ruin her career. Throw in a sexy young actor, a quirky poem-spewing bff, OH, and a murder, in which Lauren is the primary suspect, and you have one heck of a time in Hollywood!

This book was pure fun from page one! I’ve always been a fan of chick-lit, so combine that with mystery, another favorite genre of mine, and you have tons of drama and fun! I loved Lauren and could really feel for her, though I can’t imagine being a murder suspect! Everything came tumbling down at once for her, and it all kept escalating. She managed to (mostly) keep cool through all of it, and I really liked that. On the surface, there was a lot about Lauren that I didn’t relate to, namely her rich Hollywood lifestyle and pending murder charges, but inherently, Lauren was every girl: insecure, driven, heartbroken, desperate, in love with the wrong guy… we’ve all felt like Lauren at one point or another (am I right?), and that’s why I liked her, despite us seeming so different on the outside. I also really liked the setting of the novel. My fiance is from California, but I’ve never been there. Granted, he’s definitely not from Hollywood, but I got a sense of what Hollywood is like from reading this, as well as the lifestyle there. Not sure I want to live in Hollywood, but I sure would like to visit! Also, Lucie Simone is a marvelous writer. She definitely has a real talent for writing, and I am really excited to read more from her. If you’re a fan of chick lit and murder mysteries (of the cozier variety), I would strongly urge you to pick up a copy of Picture Perfect!

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

A self-published romantic comedy with a twist of thriller, Picture Perfect has a few cute moments but is overall a good reminder of why agents and editors and publishing houses matter. This tale of a Hollywood executive, a hot young actor, and the executive’s estranged husband could be a really fun beach read. But weak pacing, unlikeable characters, and a meandering plot result in a story that’s not likely to make it far in Tinseltown. Not recommended.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked it up thinking it would be chick-lit, Hollywood glitz and glamour and it was. But with murder mystery and suspense all thrown in. A very enjoyable read capturing Hollywood intrigue with some down to earth grit!

[happily_reader_after · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this one was pretty good. It wasn't super predictable like a lot of other chick lit novels. It was a quick read, and I loved the Jack character! So hot. Definitely going to give some of this author's other novels a try.

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's decent for romantic suspense (not my favorite genre). I definitely wouldn't classify it as a mystery. However, the author should learn to spell sheriff before writing another. Or stick to a setting with a police department...

[Melanie Tikalsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome mystery by Lucie Simone. This is a fast paced story that kept me flipping pages to see what happens next. I loved Lauren and Jack, and Alan and Jennifer you just wanted to strangle.

A great mystery and love story about being yourself.

[erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those books that is perfect for a vacation. Lots of fun and plenty of dirt. What's not to like?

[Lindsay]

Amazon Freebie 11/13/2012

[Therese]

$0.0

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the kind of book I normally read, but it was good. It was predictable if you don't mind that sort of thing.

[Tricia Chew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a fun lighthearted story. This is so much more than that!!!

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was free on amazon, and I got what I paid for. Pretty cheesy rom/com/murder mystery.

[✿Claire✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this books to start with but it redeemed itself when it got to the murder mystery!

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this free from the amazon kindle book store. Wasn't expecting much from the blurb, how wrong I was. Much deeper than the cliche chick-lit. Really enjoyed it!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another quick read, not a long book. I liked the characters and storyline good little romance and mystery wrapped up in a nice package.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised by this one! I would describe it as a murder mystery chick lit. Entertaining read.