The Modeliser

by Havana Adams

When Hollywood bad-boy and legendary womanizer Alex Golden’s beloved grandfather dies he returns to London and is thrown into the path of the women from his past. There is ex-lover Tamara, a super-bitch actress who never lets anything get in her way: until she falls head over heels in love with a powerful billionaire, that is. Then we have Alex’s sister, Helena, who dreams of stepping out from her family’s shadow and carving out a career as a photographer. And finally there is Talia, Helena’s best friend, whose hopes for a career writing for the big screen are dashed when she is unfairly fired from her job in the script department on a successful soap opera.

Alex’s fate is caught up with these three women as ambition, lust and love collide against the drama-fuelled backdrop of the film world...

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

Genres: Romance

ebook

First published May 22, 2013

About the author

Hello! I'm Havana Adams and I write sexy, romantic novels. I love reading across many different genres and also discovering great novels and new favourite authors. When I'm not plotting my novels I work in the film and TV industry, which is the inspiration behind my first novel The Modeliser.

I'm eager to connect with readers and writers and book lovers. Please do get in touch.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/havanaadams
Facebook: www.facebook.com/havanaadamswriter
Blog: www.havanaadamswriter.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Smitten's Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've gone backward and forward over how to rate this book and I've settled on 3.5 stars, simply because I ended up skimming large portions of the book.

For me, there were parts I really loved about this book, parts I found tedious and parts that I felt there could have been more of.

This is a story of having what you think you want, but realising that, perhaps, there is more to life.

"Sometimes you've got to bet on yourself. If you won't who else will?"

As you might have noticed from my casting pics, this is not a simple boy-meets-girl romance. It has many different avenues, plots, sub plots, characters and relationships. For me, it was too much. I loved the Alex/Talia story, and I quite enjoyed the Helena/Gabe story... but I really felt that the book could have done without the Tamara/Vassily story.

I didn't care for Tamara at all. I felt like Talia was our main heroine and very early on in the book Talia is burnt by Tamara's scheming, vindictive ways. From then on, I had no love for her whatsoever. I didn't care if she fell in love, I didn't care if she had a hard time, I didn't care if she was reformed. I just didn't care about her. I ended up skim reading most of her scenes. I just couldn't develop any ounce of emotion for her. I honestly felt like her story was completely irrelevant to everything else. Yes, she has some history with Alex, and yes, she was a bitch to Talia... but other than that, she was totally pointless in my opinion.

"You know me, what I am - materialist, vain, a bitch..." she blurted as the old fears surfaced. How could he want her? Vassily shrugged.
"Even bitches need love," he drawled.

I wish we'd had more of Alex and Talia. The book is called The Modeliser but there are so many threads to this story that Alex is just one of the components. I felt he had so much more to give.

It had started quite by accident this reputation of his, but slowly it had transformed into an unmistakable part of his reputation.

This is going to be hard to explain, but I felt as if there was so much going on in this book, and yet, kind of nothing at all. Does that make any sense? We were thrown into the lives of lots of different characters. The book flicked between all of them, following their lives, and yet... there were parts of the book where I was just waiting for some drama. Some conflict. And, it kind of didn't really come, a lot of the time.

I really wanted Talia and Alex together, I think it was obvious that that was going to happen from the beginning... and yet, when it did happen, I was like 'eeerm, wow, ok, where did that come from?' But, again, I think it's because, due to the lack of depth in their story, and the twoing and froing with all of the other plotlines, I hadn't had a chance to feel that connection build. I felt like there had only been fleeting glimpses of what could have been, between them.

She had finally seduced a man and not just any man, a movie star.

I feel that if the author had focused more on this character relationship, she could have built a much stronger, evocative novel. I liked their banter and the build up in the relationship. I craved more of that. I craved the flirting, the realisation that there is more there than just friendship, but the hesitancy to do something about it.

"Your duties will include reading scripts, writing coverage, sourcing books and plays, dealing with producers in LA night or day." Talia nodded as she felt herself back on safe ground. "Of course sometimes you'll have to make my coffee, draw my bath and maybe even suck my..."
"Go fuck yourself," Talia burst out as Alex began to laugh.

I liked the Helena and Gabe storyline. It threw a bit of shock and scandal into the mix and was a good sub plot, as Helena is Alex's sister and Talia's best friend.

At the beginning, The Modeliser really put in me in mind of a Jackie Collins book. The glamour, the glitz, the celebrities, the bitchiness, the array of characters and twisting plot-lines that all eventually tangle up together... but unfortunately, it fell a little short. I love the idea of the book. A playboy Hollywood movie star, a serial 'Modeliser', who falls in love with his sister's girl-next-door best friend. But unfortunately, it just didn't entirely work for me. I felt that it started off well, slumped in the middle and then picked up again at the end.



The Modeliser Statistics
Steam Rating (out of 5): ♥♥♥♥
Ending: HEA
Series: ✗
Can this be read as a standalone? Yes
Themes:
Movie star hero
Multiple storylines
Fame
Glamour
Warning. This book includes...
Sexual references
Drug use
Writing: OK

UK AMAZON: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Modeliser...
US AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/The-Modeliser-e...

Like This Review...?
To read more reviews go to my Book Blog: http://smittensbookblog.wordpress.com/
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmittenSC
Find me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/smittensc/
'Like' me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmittensBook...

[Dawn Keeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review 4.5 Stars

Fantastic read!! I’ll start by saying it was refreshing and drama-filled at the same time. The author, Havana Adams, did a wonderful job of working with a large cast of characters and telling essentially 4 different stories that all came together in the end.

First, we meet Alex, the Modeliser, who is famous for his exploits with models and actresses. He’s riding high on his movie star fame but that is on the cusp of changing rather quickly. He’s sexy but also comes across at the first as an uncaring jerk. Then we meet Talia. She’s working hard to make her way in the British soap writing scene. Love her and her pluckiness! Her life is woven closely with Tamara, a soap star, and one who’s not above fighting and scheming to keep herself in the spotlight. We also meet Helena, Alex’s sister; Vassily Romanov, Gabe, Sula, Max and Simone.

The transitions between stories were handled very seamlessly and as the stories began to collide with each other, the transitions still flowed smoothly. I was caught up in the story from beginning to end! I loved all the drama, the sex, the different personalities that Havana Adams was able to portray (hated some fiercely!!), the pain, and the developing relationships and growth of characters. The main thing that drew me from a 5 to 4.5 stars was that initially I was put off by some of the designer names that were included. As the story developed, it seemed to fit better and was not as off-putting.

Overall, I loved this one and will definitely pick up Havana Adams’ next story!

ARC provided by author for honest review.

Review originally posted on www.upallnightbookblog.com

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found here: http://brittanyandbiancablabbooks.blo...

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a different read for me, but I truly enjoyed it. It was pretty refreshing to read a steamy romance story with different twists. This author took a chance and broke up the monotony of romance novels.

We are first introduced to Alex Golden, the ‘modeliser’. At first I was like oh, another gorgeous man story. But, this was not the case. Soon after, we are thrown into the lives of 3 other characters, Helena, Alex’s sister, Talia, whom is her best friend, and his ex-girlfriend (the horrible), Tamara. This story takes you on a whirlwind where you can’t stop reading because you just have to know what happens next. At first all stories are told about each character, and the author strategically brings everything back into focus and you are allowed to see the connection. The lives of these people are entertwined and become drama filled!

The author did a great job at character development. There are not many authors that can pull off a book having so many characters at once, but I believe it was a job well done. I loved how everything came together and developed into a beautiful love story. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It is a great debut for the author and I look forward to more of her work. I recommend this story to anyone looking for a drama, steamy filled story with some interesting characters.

[AKA · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a word... WOW!I cannot get over how polished and fast paced this novel is, especially with it being Ms.Adams first novel. But, I am getting ahead of myself.

At the beginning of the novel we meet Alex and his Walking Hanger With Nipples. He comes across as trite and boring, something he quickly comes to realize. Next, we're introduced to Talia. She's young and ambitious, but typical in a Bridget Jones way. She wants more, but thinks that hard work is all that's needed to get it. Then, we meet HBIC Tamara. Primetime soap queen, on the hunt for a permanent meal ticket. She is everything you expect an overpaid, under-fed actress to be, but in an darkly entertaining way. A villain I kind of want to root for. Last, we meet Helena. Alex's younger sister and the story's real woman of substance. The four mix and mingle in unexpected ways and come to new heights in life largely because of their actions towards one another. Lots of secondary characters, some are plot devices (most notably Max and Angelina) and some actually added substance to the story (Sula, Vasilly, Gabe etc).

Loved:The book was a globe trotting, plot twisting "why am I not reading this on a beach somewhere?" romp. The cast was multinational, multiracial and not too full of cliches. If you've ever enjoyed a Jackie Collins novel, you will love this!

Not so much:The constant designer label name dropping got old.* I was slightly disappointed that in the end the only woman who didn't need to be saved by a big, strong (rich) man was Helena. And Talia' s makeover caused a little eye rolling.

All in all, this book was really, really good. The romances start off as one thing, but become something sweet and you'll end up enjoying all of the characters(which is rare in books with large casts, at least for me). I think there is something here for everyone. I look forward to reading more of your work, Ms. Adams!



*I didn't let this bother me too much because the author got it all right. How tedious is it when you are reading about the super rich eating at Olive Garden, shopping at Victoria's Secret and driving mini Coopers?


*I received an ARC for an honest review*

[Natalie TBGWP · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Havana Adams offered me a review copy of this I wasn't to sure it was my kind of book. I was wrong, It had absolutely everything I adore in a book. Havana on her website says 'She's bringing sexy back' with this book and she has indeed done that.

The Modeliser follows Hollywood heartthrob Alex Golden in his quest to stay at the top of his game after word gets around he is no longer Hollywoods number 1. After losing his grandfather he returns to his hometown of London, were we see a brand new side to him. The story is not just all about Alex mind, we are introduced shortly after Alex's UK return to his high end magazine worker sister Helena, her best friend and soap script writer Talia, and soap star and mega bitch Tamara. Combined together these four make a time bomb of drama and brilliance. They all have so much depth as characters and the interlocking of them all has you very intrigued to find out what happens next.

I really enjoyed the Modeliser, it was fast-paced and full of lust, drama, bitchyness and romance. Everything fell right into place and I found myself deeply engrossed. I must admit there were a few tiny times I found myself wandering though as I found it getting a tad repetitive hence the mark down on stars, but overall I thought it was great. A cracking read.

I Fully recommend this to the romance lovers who love a gritty and thorough read. It is truly ideal for you.
​
4/5

[Deborah Sastroredjo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It read like a movie to me and I really loved that it was from a few different angles. But instead of being "messy", it added to the story. I also liked the "background" of the story. Movies, movie writers, a little bit of the magazine world.

I really enjoyed this story and I hope you do to!

[Desirae (Dee) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book. This book was infuriating and maddening and a whole slew of emotions all at the same time. It had me mad and irritated and happy and confused for some reason. Alex is a typical Hollywood playboy actor. He's hot, he knows it and he sleeps with everyone. So he's a bit of a manwhore. Usually only models, but you see at the start of the story- as long as they're pretty they're fair game. That's all that matters. He's so caught up in his own world he doesn't even notice when his sister calls with a family emergency and needs him home. What a dick right!?!? Immediately I don't like this guy. He's so irritating. Talia works on a soap opera as a writer. And one of the actresses she works with is a major bitch. I mean HUGE. Her name is Tamara and she thinks she is the queen bee and the world should fall at her feet. Tamara gets Talia fired with no second thought about it. It's all about getting what she wants at any means necessary, stepping on the little people is no sweat off her back. All this happens at the same time Talia's room mate tells her she is selling the flat. So now she's jobless and homeless. So okay immediately you feel bad for her. Like something's gotta give and cut her some slack. This is where everything starts to intermingle. Talia's best friend is Alex's sister Helena. So she does get a break. She can stay in Alex and Helena's grandfather's home and Helena is determined to help her get a job. She's still searching for a new job, which her old boss surely squashed, but is not having luck, so Alex gets her to work for him. So I'm wondering is he going to try to sleep with her? Surely she'll say no. She knows what he's like. She too real for that. Slowly you see they're relationship build into a nice friendship. This is the cool part about the book. It's almost written like a soap. As you're reading this storyline, you bounce to the other characters an their story lines. Like how Tamara is trying to land a billionaire for a husband...and failing ... INSERT EVIL LAUGH. Let me tell you she goes balls to the wall. She doesn't ever fail to get what she wants .. By Any means necessary. Target has been acquired. But he's not biting. All the while Helena is working on a huge magazine edition. She has to work with a famous photographer and it's a mother/daughter issue. Small problem, she hates her mother. Of course things heat up between them and then she finds the scarf. I think I vomited in my mouth at the same time steam came out of my ears. She handled it better than I would have, I will say that. See all these storylines are going on at the same time and they are linked in some way. Talia and Alex get closet and closer, neither realizing they're falling in love. Of course we resist and lash out when were hurt , so that puts a kink in the plans. The take down of the queen bee puts a kink in Tamara's plans. All these things going on.. Can we straighten it all out!?! SO MUCH GOING ON.. must follow story line. And surprisingly it does work out, all of it. And well...I liked the book. The only thing I didn't like is it moved slow in some parts. I liked that it kept me on my toes and it threw surprises at me whenever possible. I still think Sula deserves more revenge or something. That's just horrible. Who does that to their kid.gah! that aside, i really did like this book!

[ratherread · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This novel is not your typical love story about a movie star hottie; it is a drama involving a cast of characters. It is actually 4 separate stories merging into one…the stories of 4 people, Alex, the movie star; Helena, his sister and fashion magazine assistant editor; Talia, his sister’s best friend and scriptwriter; and Tamara, his bitch of an ex-girlfriend and famous English soap opera star. Each of the main characters are reaching a cross-roads in their lives within the entertainment industry’s world of cut-throat, superficial relationships. The majority of the setting is present-day London and the author does an excellent job of transporting the reader. The story takes place over a one year period and the growth of the characters is amazing. But more than anything else, in the end, it is a beautiful love story with an awesome HEA.

A-list movie star Alex Golden was dubbed “The Modeliser” by tabloid rags because of the string of beautiful, glamorous models he bedded and dumped. He is a tall, handsome, charismatic Englishman. I love Alex!! I’m not going to lie, the first 40% of the book, I was like, “What the Hell!?!” There were 4 separate stories going on and although the stories were good, I WANTED MORE ALEX!!!!! But as I continued reading, it all started coming together and I was hooked! It was like watching a really good movie in my imagination; which I also found fascinating since the book revolves around the movie industry.

Havana Adams is truly a gifted writer, and "The Modeliser" is her debut novel. Her writing reminds me of Jackie Collins. Although the book was written in 3rd person, I felt connected to all the characters and the story. This book is full of plot twist, steamy sex and explosive drama. I loved it. I recommend it!!! Havana did an excellent job and I plan to read more of her books.

[Havana Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my book.

If you'd like some teasers and excerpts from The Modeliser check out the following links:

Prologue and First Chapter

Teaser

Teaser

Teaser

Or you can watch the book trailer here:

The Modeliser Book Traiker on YouTube