I have to admit that I am NOT a fan of reality of shows and don't follow the "so you want to be a star" type reality shows at all. I suspect that this lack of enthusiasm held me at bay when I first started reading MONSTER OF FAME by Aimée Duffy but once I was knee deep into the story, I was glued to it, eager to find out how things turned out. I will say that I was a little disappointed in that the tension between Miles and Annabelle was too one-sided. Miles was obviously on the edge at all times as to what he should about Annabelle even while his attraction to her was growing in leaps and bounds. Annabelle, on the otherhand, I felt gave in to her attraction to Miles too quickly. I recognize that she came into the competition with a crush on Miles Oliver. But, after the first time out and Miles gives her a bad review, she was over the crush and recognizing him for the controlling man that he is. Yet, it wasn't long at all before she was over that, too.
Aimée Duffy is a debut author and it's really only the rare talent that can hit the mark right out of the box, so I may have my criticisms but overall, Aimée did a wonderful job of creating charaters that we could relate to and enjoy. At first, I thought I wasn't going to like Miles at all but quickly fell under his spell just as Annabelle did. I loved that his insecurities were right there, for the reader to angst through with him, right up to the end when he lays his heart out to Annabelle and still worries that he's about to get stomped on.
MONSTER OF FAME by Aimée Duffy is a delightfully sweet romance with a very up-to-date feel with its reality show environment. If you're a fan of such shows as American Idol, you will definitely enjoy the background, the tension, and the nervous energy as well as some of the jealousies and back-stabbing that come into play but best of all is the falling in love that happens between Annabelle and Miles. Also, Aimée writes one of the best happily-ever-after endings and so, I will say that this romance is a successful debut novel for a talented new author who I expect to see good things from in the future.
I do recommend reading, MONSTER OF FAME by Aimée Duffy, if you love contemporary romance with a big city feel. If you love reality shows and the idea of someone down and out hitting it big as a star. If you believe that dreams really can come true, if you've got the talent and guts to go after it, then this debut contemporary romance is for you.
***eARC supplied by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.