Etoile

The Mannequin Series #1

by Olivia Besse-Whitaker

Out of print

The Mannequin series is an exciting erotic romance journey that gives readers an intimate look into the not-so-glamorous sides of the fashion and modelling industries. This book contains explicit content and is not intended for younger readers! From afar, Elodie Marais is just a typical 19-year old girl roughing it in Manhattan. She hates her job, her love life sucks and she's totally getting ripped off by her landlord. Like most of her starry-eyed peers, she'll do anything for the Triple P's—Prada, a Promotion and the elusive Perfect Boyfriend. But Elodie and her friends aren't your average new adults who are bored to tears by their uninspiring lives—they're fashion models. So what's a girl to do when her life is turned upside down as two irresistible bachelors vie for her doe-eyed attention, just as she's starting to make waves in the modelling world? Will she go with charming and sensitive James, a handsome financier, or reckless and unpredictable Tyler, the stunning male model du jour? Follow Elodie's adventures from Manhattan to Paris as she navigates the terrifying worlds that are the modeling industry and her love life, one effortlessly chic outfit at a time.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fashion, Humor, Erotica

307 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2013

Reviews

["That's All" Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay.

I’m going to say three negative things about this book.

And then I’m going to get over it. :)

NUMBER ONE

----> *The constant clothing descriptions.* <----

Look, I don’t CARE what the heroine is wearing.

Unless:

a.) A hot and sexy alpha billionaire is ripping the clothes off of said heroine.
b.) Said heroine is a secret assassin and is hiding weapons under said clothes.
c.) A vampire wants to kill said heroine and all she has as self defense is her wooden stiletto.

Okay?

And even then… I really don’t need to know the designer that made these things. And I get that Elodie’s a model living in the material world and all that jazz… but I don’t need a full rundown on every brand name the chick wears everyday at every event. Know what I mean?

NUMBER TWO

---->*Elodie’s diet.*<----

Iced coffee.
Licquor.
Cigarettes.
And some cocaine.

Oh! And some veggies.

Now, I don’t care that this is all she ate. I’m not here to give a fictional character nutrition advice.

However I don’t really want to read about it over and over and over about how she just lit up another cigarette or is having hunger pains or she’s hungover.

Sweetheart, I get it. You’re a model and you’re suffering for your craft and while I respect that…



Eat some more celery and hop back on that treadmill.

You’ll be alright.

NUMBER THREE

---->*The story.*<----

What story?

Exactly.

Basically what we have is a model strutting the concrete catwalks of New York, trying to further her career while sleeping with two guys. And neither one of said guys are all that great. Tyler’s a gorgeous narcissist who’s unpredictable and reckless, and James is a cute guy who’s boring and safe.

That’s it.

That’s all there is this book.

Riveting.

♥♥♥ What I LOVED: ♥♥♥

I was hands-down enamored with Olivia Besse’s writing. I thought it was edgy and gritty with a slight romantic reverie to it. And it was SO refreshing. If it weren’t for such amazing talent, this would have definitely been a one-star book, for me.

Sadly, the writing was the only thing that carried the book.




That’s all.

*This copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

[Georgia ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Modelling, Models, Hopes, Dreams and the Reality of all

That's the thing with modelling. The standards for perfection are insane.



Behind the unforgiving lights, hidden under heavy make-up, expensive clothes and jewels, a harsh world is a well-known secret. A world full of insecurities, drugs and abused souls. Girls and boys with stars in their eyes once, turned puppets and porcelain dolls, empty and so fake...
Sacrificed to the demands of an industry that devours the weak and breaks the strong. Modelling sets impossible to compete with standards, destroying dreams and bodies.



Etoile takes us in a wild journey, introducing us and following the career, hope and dreams of a 19-year-old model. A little star named Elodie Marais .



Elodie, a French orphan will do anything to achieve her goals and become a supermodel. Lie, cheat, drink, starve and fuck her way to the top. But when unexpected feelings for two very different men will awaken her slumbering heart, will she change her life. Appearing deceivingly strong, but unexpectedly delicate and fragile. Will she conquer her deep rooted fears and insecurities and learn how to fly?

“You care too much about what other people think, and I can tell that you're always worried and insecure. Even though you pretend to be strong, I know that you're delicate and scared as hell. You're pure. It makes me want to protect you or something, even though you don't need me to.”

A man that represents everything she fears and another that seems a safe bet. A choice that will break her heart. And the man from her wildest dreams...

TEAM TYLER

“I'm going to cuddle the fuck out of you.”



Riveting, exciting and brutally honest this book pulls no punches. Emotional and heartbreaking, it delivers a hard to swallow truth that we all suspect but noone acknowledges. It lays the modelling industry bare in front of us and the ugliness hidden beneath glamour and beauty. Olivia Besse, writes with almost effortless style, dark and edgy. A great debut and an author to watch out for.

Of course not all is perfect. Constant descriptions, modelling references that may confuse, too much alcohol, too little food and a whole lot of sleeping around, might deliberately screw with your mind and make your lip curl in distaste.

But in the end, it is worth it. For a girl that life, made grow up too soon and completely alone.

"She wanted romance. She wanted an education and a real career. She wanted purpose and direction. In essence, she wanted so many things that she could never have."



Add a surprising cliffhanger that totally blindsided me and color me intrigued!Definitely, reading the next and rooting for... ELODIE!. This girl deserves a life...

*Copy courtesy of the author, the very kind and apparently really talented, Olivia Besse in exchange for an honest review*

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Etoile is an erotic contemporary romance which takes the reader inside the mind of nineteen year old, New York fashion model; Elodie Marais. It closely follows Elodie's struggle through the not so glamorous world of fashion, where the once naive, sweet girl soon learns that to get ahead in the modelling world you have to put your morals on the back burner and learn to please the people that can help you get the furthest, by any means possible.....



The story follows Elodie on her journey through the highs of successful photo shoots and champagne parties, and the lows of eating disorders, drug use and using her body to get ahead of the game, but its during this journey that Elodie attracts the attention of not one, but two, eligible bachelors.

First there's Tyler; the gorgeous male model, who is the first to pop Elodie's cherry and gives the reader some highly erotic, "fan yourself vigorously, I need a cold shower" sex scenes.





And then comes along James, the equally gorgeous but very sweet, thoughtful banker (yes i said Banker!) who decides he wants to take things slowly and do the right thing by Elodie.



Oh sorry there James, I almost fell asleep my lovely..........



This is a love triangle at its best and all throughout the book I switched from Team James to Team Tyler and back again.

"While James was cautious and responsible, Tyler was utterly reckless and impulsive. She felt safe with the handsome banker, but disconcertingly alive whenever she was near the gorgeous model."

If I'm honest I did find the first few chapters more difficult to get into, just because I was lost with all the references to fashion and clothing, but in fairness to the author, this is a book about fashion after all and the only reason I struggled is because I know next to nothing about fashion!
The author however really grabbed my attention by the mid way point and what started as a solid three star book soon jumped to a four star story that drew me in and got me hooked. When I got to the real heart of the story, the parts where we started to see much more emotion from all the characters, I really could not put it down. It was a lot more emotional that I thought it would be and I soon felt a strange emotional connection to Elodie. Yes there were times when I wanted to smack her around the head and shout "MAKE A BLOODY DECISION MY LOVE" at the top of my voice!



.....but then I found that I actually cared about what was going to happen. That's the clever thing about this authors beautifully engaging writing, she really got me as a reader, to connect to the characters, to a point where I really wanted Elodie to have her happy ending and choose the right guy. (*chanting* Tyler, Tyler, Tyler........)



This is a story that I was expecting to be light hearted and sweet but that actually ended up being quite raw and gritty. I will warn you it does end on a cliff hanger, in fact it's was one of those cliff hangers where I kept swiping my iPad screen, thinking there must be more pages surely.....but alas no.....which means I will be waiting on the edge of my seat to see which guy wins Elodie's heart......



This is the first book I have read by author Olivia Besse but it certainly will not be the last.

Copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. First, I should note that I love fashion so I really enjoyed all the clothing descriptions. This story is really interesting and well written. The problem I had with this book is that I couldn't connect with any of the characters and just didn't find anyone likeable enough. Overall, this is a really good story but it just wasn't what I was looking for.

*ARC received by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

4.0 Smoking Stars

I read this book several months ago under the title Mannequin. It ended with a cliff hanger and I was unable to read anymore (not available). Then I was contacted by the author, Olivia Besse, that she was making some changes and the books would be rereleased. I was thrilled when given the opportunity to read this whole series. Mannequin is only the first half of Etoile, so it was worth the wait.

Elodie Marais did not have the easiest start in life. She was born in France and left orphaned by her parents. She was raised in an orphanage. She had her first love at the early age of 14 and then had her heart broken by that same boy. It was during that time that she was discovered by a modeling agency scout. Elodie had big dreams of making it big in the fashion industry to only realize that the industry is brutal and she had to grow up very quickly. Elodie is now living in New York, trying to make some money and a name for herself. She lives in a flat with several other models who become her family. After being on her own for so long Elodie finds herself with the attention of two men, James, an investment banker (every models dream) and Tyler, a very sought after famous male model.

The two men in Elodie's life are very different, yet there are things about each one that she is drawn to. The question is should she listen to her heart or her head.

First I have to say that this book does not paint a glamours life of modeling. I am sure it is actually very realistic and it shows how hard it is on the people who work in the business. I am also pretty sure that I have lung cancer now from reading this book, all they do is smoke. In fact there was one point in the book that I swear I could smell the smoke.

I am going to do my best on this review but I am afraid I will not do it justice. I really enjoyed it and I really liked Elodie. She is in a tough business and she is all alone but she is a good person and this book shows her growth as a person. She is learning about the business but also who she is. She is also learning what she believes may not be what is actual.

Elodie meets James in a bar with her model friends. He is perfect, he is handsome, kind, thoughtful. He has a great job (every model dreams of ending up with an investment banker) and he really seems to care about Elodie. Tyler was Elodie's first. She meet him at an agency party and he was gorgeous. She decided it was time to trade in the V card and who better to give it to. Then a few years later she runs into him again and there is still such a pull between the two. However, Elodie just can't seem to let herself trust Tyler, afraid he will end up hurting her. She must decide who to give her heart to.

Okay at first I really liked James but as the book went on I felt the pull toward Tyler, he is just such a great guy. He is the reason she gets her big break. I felt myself cheering for him more and more (often to my frustration).

I will say I really like the characters and the story and it was unlike anything I have read lately but all the credit to this story goes to the author Olivia Besse. Her writing is fantastic, it is so descriptive and really sucks you into the world she is describing. I really felt everything this book described and couldn't wait to read the next one in the series.

[Lola Standish · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆☆

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion and review, I gave Etoile 5 stars and here is why:
Etoile was a modern and sexy insight to the world of modelling, A fresh perspective on what you may think is a very glamorous lifestyle but turns out is quite the opposite. It was well written and in some parts even funny and please don't let me forget the sex, it was mind-blowingly perfect!

I loved Edolie, she was honest and fair and someone you really wouldn't expect to be a high-end couture fashion model - She starts from a sweet little orphan girl and claws her way to the top using everything she can!
Edolie is stuck between two men - The first, James is a wall street banker who treats Edolie like a princess most of the time but there were some moments where she was more like a piece of meat to him and it wasn't something I liked! The second gorgeous being is Tyler - The oh-so-sexy top of the range model with the extremely good looks and the most mouth watering sex scenes I think I've ever read - Trust me I will never look at a window in the same way again!
I loved the first in The mannequin series and I can't wait to venture through the rest!

Here is the link to my review on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R11AF0...

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

From a young age, Elodie has always be one to turn heads. It isn't until her first love breaks her heart at 14 that she is determined to make something of herself as a model.
As the years go by and she matures, Elodie decides it's time to take things to the next level, at any cost.
Despite her bad girls ways trying to make it to the top.. Elodie find herself struggling to decide between two men she has falling for. Who will she choose and will it be for the right reasons?


I had a total love, hate relationship with this book... Because I literally wanted to claw my eyes out the first 20 percent of this book. If I had not read previous reviews on it, I would have quit reading long before then.
It's about that point though, the books starts to pick up.
The last few chapters were by far the best IMO
Another thing that knocked points off for me was that the POV was often split between the characters from one sentence to the next. That became confusing at times.
For example, one minute it is Elodie's POV and then it's talking about two models and how they posed (which one was Elodie!) ect.
I finally started scanning at times when it rattled on.

Overall I enjoyed the book and glad I stuck with it. Looking to see what happens with Elodie in the next book.

**I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review**

[Lavender Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was kindly given as a freebie in return for an honest reveiw.

First of all I would like to say that after a shaky start the writing was good. It was gritty and edgy, which suited the story of a model in the cut throat world of high fashion. If you like programmes like America's Next Top Model you will love all the model details and the desriptions of the clothing, which are very well done.

Unfortunately I am not a big fan of hearing about other people's diets or hearing about what they are wearing so that did become a bit tedious for me. I also found Elodie a bit self absorbed and whiny (although maybe that is what models are like).

I liked the dialogue it was snappy and funny and really brought her characters to life. Especially Tyler, he was cocky and smart-mouthed but funny - basically he was a bit of a tosser but sexy and funny with it.

To sum this book up I would say: If you love fashion and modelling and hot sexy scenes this is definitely the book for you!

[Pao · Rating 3 out of 5]

So... I liked this ;)



It annoyed me a bit at the begining but mostly because I couldn't connect with Elodie.

And at the end I didn't. She's a model, kinda slutty, drinks a lot, smokes like a chimeney, is into drugs, parties almost every day...yeah, I can't relate to any of that.

People complain about this book being shallow...What were you expecting? It's is what it is. I was curious and searching at the author's website, I found out that she was in the model/fashion industry, so I guess she knows what she's writing about and she's right to mention that it's a not-so glamorous world.

Talking about her writing: Fabulous.

And the steamy scenes:


Tyler, Tyler, Tyler...Oh myyyyy.

I'm willing to give it a shot to the second book and see what happens ;).

[Daphne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elodie was sheltered and quiet from the beginning; living in an orphanage until she was given the opportunity to start a life as a model. She learned the ropes from her agent and also the deep throat business from her fellow colleagues.

This book is basically about Elodie deciding not to give into her emotions. Sleeps around to get the gigs she wants and finding herself in a tug of war between two guys trying to get her affection. James the finance guy who seems to be extremely boring and Tyler the reckless model.

I found myself bored with the story; description of clothes was too much and then it seems there is more of narrator giving the story then a dialogue between characters. Hopefully the next book will be more exciting.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

*copy courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

Etoile is the first book in Olivia Besse's Mannequin Series. I had a bit of a tough time getting into this story, but once I stuck with it and got a little further, I really started to like this one. I did have a few issues with this story, but I ended up really enjoying the story despite any criticisms I had. Etoile was different than anything I have read before, and I really enjoyed Olivia Besse's writing style. Her style is a little gritty and raw feeling, and I thought it was perfect for this story. After ending this one on a cliffhanger, I am anxious to read the next two books in there series and see what happens.

Elodie Marais was abandoned as a baby and grew up in an orphanage in France. When she is fourteen she gets discovered and is offered the chance to be a model. She begins modeling at age fifteen and is taken under the wing of the woman who discovered her. Elodie enters the world of modeling and fashion and begins to learn how to advance her career using everything that she has available to her. She ends up in Manhattan at nineteen, living with a group of models and trying to land bigger and better shows and jobs. While in Manhattan Elodie meets an in demand male model named Tyler. They hit it off right away and the passion between them is explosive. She also ends up meeting James, a sweet and sensitive guy in finance. At first she thinks that James is the guy for her and that Tyler is just a cocky model looking to hook up. But the more she gets to know Tyler, she realizes that he is different than what she had first thought.

At first I wasn't sure what to think of Tyler. He comes off as this cocky narcissist, but the more you get to see of him the more he grows on you. I liked getting to see that he is completely different than what you get at first glance with him. He definitely is cocky and a bit arrogant, but he also uses a lot of that to sort of protect himself.You could tell that he was afraid to sometimes admit his feelings out loud. I thought that he did some really sweet things for Elodie and most of the time he did them when she had no clue and he wasn't looking to use them to get her. He just seemed to care about her and was trying to do nice things for her. James on the other hand I liked right off, but as the story went on he completely lost me. At first he is sweet and a bit shy. He is sensitive and seems to really like Elodie, so he takes things slowly. We are talking almost glacial when it comes to slow with this guy. But as the story goes on, we really don't get to know James. I feel like there is very little depth or development with him, and he ran extremely hot and cold. I just could never quite figure out what was going on with him, and by the end of the story I was completely over his character. Elodie was what I would imagine a model to be. She was able to adapt to situations as they called for and could mask her emotions and feelings easily. She was at times a bit shallow and was willing to do whatever it took to get to the top. I can't say that I identified with her character at all, but I really enjoyed reading about her. I thought that Elodie had a ton of chemistry with Tyler and I really liked how they were together. I thought that they were a great couple and that they had a great foundation considering they really understood each other and the business. Elodie and James just didn't seem to really work for me, despite the sweet things that he did for her.

I really loved the writing in this story though. I thought that edge and grit that Olivia Besse brought really enhanced this story, and it felt so real to me. Being an outsider looking in on this world I would have no way of knowing how accurate or real things are when it comes to fashion and modeling, but I imagine that it would be just like Besse described. I did get a bit annoyed with the constant brand name dropping that happened in this book though. I get that that would be a huge part of Elodie's world, but I honestly got a bit sick of seeing so many brands and I could care less who/what so and so was wearing. I wanted to skip whole paragraphs at times because of it, and I think the story would have been fine without as much as there was. I also felt like the plot of this book was almost nonexistent. I was more than half way through the book and still trying to figure out what was going on and where the story was headed. I did still find it interesting though and I am glad that I stuck with it. It was also a bit confusing at times because in the beginning the book sort of jumped around a bit. I think that is why I had a hard time getting into the book at the start. I really did end up liking this one though, and I am interested to see where Besse takes these characters. I can't wait to see what happens next, especially with Elodie and Tyler. If you are looking for a story that is real and raw, I would recommend checking this one out. It is not your typical love story and I think that is what makes it so great.

**Copy provided by Itching For Books**

[skywalker (uninspired) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh man, this is not for me, clearly.

This is not a book to get back to reading after a sabbatical (more than 30 days. And don't take that lightly, that's an eon in reading time) that was triggered by a chain of uninspiring books. What can I say? I am bad at decision making.

Anyways, I can’t connect with these characters. They are flat, with no personality whatsoever. All they seem to do is bicker, drink, smoke and sleep around. Of course one cannot expect anything different, seeing that the setting is the world of fashion. But still.

I also can’t stand the detailed description of the clothing and accessories. I mean I loved Devil wears Prada, THE MOVIE and am from a creative field myself and appreciate good art but this is fucking over the top. It would work well for a movie script.

This is where my wisdom tells me to drop this book for good, at 23%-
... "Your skin's so soft," he mumbled as he began to nuzzle her neck. "You smell like a fucking baby."
There’s nothing wrong with the expletives, even if used in association with babies and other innocent things. We all often do sometimes, without really meaning them. But talking here is a guy, with an incredible hard on, while making a move on his sleeping partner.
WHAT. THE. FART.

So do I stop there? No.

Having given up on reading with so many hopeless stories to blame for the almost complete lack of interest, I picked up this book. So I want to give this book a second chance. I mean there is a love triangle, as much I hate those, I hope that the other character would make up for my suffering with two flat MCs. Nope, the third one also had to be wrought from the same pile of shit.

Fuck this review. Here’s a gist to save you some time.

At 14, Heartbroken Elodie looks to modeling to distract her from all the pain.

At 19, she is struggling to make it big in NY, constantly smoking, drinking and sleeping around to climb up the professional ladder and basically not being a good example for teenagers. I am not being judgmental but she is confused about what she wants in life. Doing the above said things she is pretty hypocritical about her competitors. Her paranoia wears me out.

And somewhere in all that mess, Tyler happens. She’s like He’s cute. He’s hot-cute. He’s like she’s cute. She’s innocent-cute. HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. DON’T BRING THAT SHIT INTO THIS. AM GOING TO EXPLODE. IF ANYTHING I HATE MORE THAN MANWHORE GUYS. IT IS MANWHORE GUYS THAT GET TURNED ON BY VIRGINITY/INNOSCENCE/WIDE EYED-SPACED OUT LOOKS.

So curbing my impatience, I skim some.

And then James happens. Same deal. She’s like He’s cute. He’s like she’s cute. Notice that these are just assessments of cuteness only, I decide to stick around. I mean, it is not exactly promising if the two of them are brought together by each other’s looks alone, but still the meet-cute tells me that I can hang on to this to turn into something more.

There are moments like these which make me ask whatever am I doing with this book-
What was it about him that made her so unnerved? Speaking of which, she only had eight and a half hours to get ready for her date. How would she ever get ready in time?

Come on, You’re a model. You have a closet that’s worth my entire… my what...? Never mind. And you don’t have much else to do in the next EIGHT AND A HALF HOURS. Go figure.

Elodie left the two lovebirds to their carbs as she went back to her room to ready herself for a hectic day. She didn't bother to shower, choosing instead to gather her rumpled hair into a messy ponytail while leaving her face bare. Her all-black blasé outfit du jour consisted of a Free People slip dress and Isabel Marant ankle boots, accompanied by a giant pair of Prada sunglasses.

Then everything goes to shit. There’s cheating or something of the nature, insecurity, ficlemindedness and I know I should not have given my time to this book for this is going nowhere with this drama continuing into two more books.

And there’s no redeeming quality- Humor. None. At all.

Now tell me, a few days sabbatical feels very right, yes?

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW, I just got so completely wrapped up in this story and hit next page again and again to find that it was the end and now I’m completely hanging here and desperately wanting the next book!

I was lucky enough to sign up in time for a read/review of Mannequin when it first came out and really enjoyed the story. Then I was fortunate enough to have been asked if I’d like to read Etoile (Mannequin) again as the author combined the first two stories together. I definitely wasn’t going to say no that opportunity. Especially because I remembered how the first part ended and couldn’t wait to find out what happened. Let me just say I am left again wondering how this story will end and loving it.

Such an interesting story, this story takes you on a journey teaching you about the life of a model (aka mannequin). The life of a model seems as though it would glamorous but have you ever really thought about how sad it actually could be? At such a young age of only 19, Elodie is already into partying, smoking, drugs, drinking, sex, while being shut down and insulted as she’s just trying to make something of herself.

She could barely function, let alone relax, without the help of barrels of alcohol and hoards of prescription and illegal drugs.

What’s worse is when she doesn’t even really want to be a model but life kind of took her down that path because there wasn’t anyone around to love and guide her. An agent discovered Elodie when she was just 14years old. Her heart ends up being broken by a boy which pushes her to decide to take a different route and give modeling a shot. Five years later she’s still struggling to get her name out there to the big wig’s while making wrong choices along the way because she honestly doesn’t know any better, doesn’t help either that someone offered her poor advice. She’s a sweet and smart girl who deep down really knows what she wants just not quite sure how to grab a hold of her life and go down another track.

She wanted romance. She wanted an education and a real career. She wanted purpose and direction.

On top of discovering the life of a model, Elodie also finds herself in a triangle with two men she’s torn between. She first meets Tyler whom she has an incredible passion with (and so much more). Then she meets James who just seems like the right guy to be with. So do you choose a guy who seems like the safe choose or do you go for the guy who you have full blown-out passion with? If it was me, I’d take the passion over safe any day! But it’s not such an easy decision for Elodie. I think she’s blinded by what people tell her instead of opening her eyes and seeing what the truth really is and realizing who it is she truly wants.

While James made her feel like a fairy tale princess, Tyler made her feel raw and passionate in ways that she never had before.

Elodie’s life sucks you in from the very beginning and keeps you fascinated the whole way through. Author Olivia Besse did a fantastic job for your debut novel and I am on the edge of my seat for the next book. I need to know who Elodie ends up with, fingers are crossed for Tyler!

[AmberLanae - Addicted Souls · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Copy for review provided by author.

Etoile is the first book in The Mannequin series by Olivia Besse. It follows Elodie on her journey of becoming a world famous model and finding love.
Elodie is a sweet character. She is from France, abandoned as an infant and grew up in an orphanage never feeling like she was loved or fit in. When she turned 16 she was picked up for a modeling contract and moved to London.
~The first part of this book was pretty slow for me. There was not a lot of dialogue, mainly descriptive stuff about the model life.
Elodie finally makes her way to New York and soon learns that there are a lot of pretty models out there and not enough jobs to go around. She figures out quickly that to get ahead you need to leave your emotions at home and sleep with anyone who can help you get to the top. During this time she meets Tyler, at HOT up and coming male model. They share a super sexy night together and then Elodie never returns his calls. They hook up again months later after Tyler becomes more famous. He is clearly infatuated with Elodie, but she holds herself back.
~This is when the book really started to pick up for me. There was a lot more interaction with the characters, and Tyler seemed like a really great guy despite being a model. I wish there was more of this. Elodie and Tyler make sense, but she is so worried about keeping focused on her career and listening to her friends tell her that she needs a “Banker” to make her happy.
Enter James, investment broker extraordinaire. He is sweet and attentive, let’s not forget very attractive! He wants to take things slowly with Elodie and this confuses her. While dating James, she gets s a HUGE contract thanks to Tyler. While she is in London at the photo shoot, things get more complicated for her. She cannot decide who she wants more so her friends convince her to date both of them, but we all know that never works out.
~At this point I’m not sure who I like…..Tyler or James. Scratch that, I LIKE them both. What I’m not sure about is who I think is best for Elodie. When she is with James….I think he is best. Even though he is taking things a little slow with her. But then she spends time with Tyler and it is obvious that he has feelings for her and their chemistry is CRAZY! GAH!! I can’t pick. And that is how the book ends. Defiantly a cliff hanger. Her model career is taking off, but her love life is flailing. Like I said, this book started slow, but at the end I was totally hooked! I want….NEED to know what happens next. Who does Elodie choose…..and does he still want her?? Luckily I don’t have to wait for the next book in the Mannequin Series, Bijou.

[Lade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Source: free copy courtesy of author


My Review
The Cover
4 stars for the cover. I love it. It's really simple and nice. And I love the pop of colour with the red font.


The Characters
There are a lot of characters. The major ones are Elodie, Tyler & James [Love triangle]

I like Elodie. She's brutally honest.
Tyler is hoooot. I love his character. He's cocky but not in a get-over-yourself-you-d*ck way. He has a smart mouth and is funny.
And James. Oh sweet, loveable, charming James.

It's so hard to pick who I want Elodie to be with. I love both James & Tyler and they do different things for her.

I think we didn't really get to meet James. His character isn't really developed.

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The Story
I love the story. I love how it starts.
It was like watching a movie.
I love that there are no
billionaires or BDSM dungeons or tatted rock stars
like we see in a lot of NA books lately.
I didn't like the unnecessary constant descriptions,
a lot of modelling references that didn't need to be there, too much
alcohol, too little food. Too much talk about food(or lack of it).

I love the writing style. Olivia Besse is amazing. She writes almost effortlessly. Her writing is edgy and gritty. This is a great debut by the author
The dialogue was snappy and funny and brought the characters to life

Generally
Sometimes, I forgot I was reading about a 19 year old. I loved a lot about the book. The author's writing style reminds me of Jackie Collins.


Recommended To
If you love Jackie Collins, fashion, modelling and romance, this book is for you.

my review is a bit long so I just posted the short version here. to read the full version, go here.

Read more reviews at We Blog About Books

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for an honest review*

4 STEAMY, SEXY, HOT!HOT!HOT! STARS

Okay so I really loved this book from the very first chapter. It had me hooked. It's a very fun and entertaining read. If your looking for something hot, sexy, and fun, this is a book you'll want to read :)

Okay, lets talk characters! Elodie was abandoned by her parents when she was just a baby and she grew up in an orphanage in Paris. As a teenager she gets noticed by a modeling scout, and refuses at first but eventually decides to model. She moves to NY (she's 19, not sure when she moved, some things got a little confusing) and lives in a cheap apartment with 3 other girls. After going to so many casting calls and not ever getting chosen, she learns from a very successful model. you pretty much have to sleep with men to get what you want. And other models get her into using coke to help with food cravings. So she goes on the sleep with any man she can, but not until she loses her virginity to Tyler! Oh, sweet Tyler.

Tyler is a male model who was born in the south, who moved to NY for school(where he was discovered by a modeling scout) and he is pretty much the hottest of hot modes every where. He is the Brad Pitt of the modeling world! After that first time together, to don't talk for a while(Not sure how long really, not sure it really said, I think months) Then one day Elodie goes to the store for a roommate and runs into Tyler.

THEN one night Elodie and her roommate go to a club and this is where she meets boy number 2, James! He's the sweet, nice guy that every girl really wants, we just can't ever get past the bad boy needs;)...ok...well now Elodie is stuck having to choose between bad boy, sexy model Tyler or sweet, kind, cute, loving James. Who will she choose?? Maybe she wont choose either, you'll just have to read to find out!

(I'm pulling for Tyler:) )

[Daydream Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly savoured the quips of Elodie's character as she progressed through the highs and lows of Paris, Manhattan and London modelling. Olivia Besse's descriptions were interesting and informative, I liked the level of detail about her clothes, it is something I would have expected in a book from that industry so would have been disappointed if it had been lacking.

The backstory of Elodie trying to make it is a poignant one, she tries to do it the straight-laced way at first, letting her work do the talking but in the end she has to do the dirty that other models are stooping to get her name selected for the top notch campaigns.

“Modelling…it is all about selling your body,” Maarja explained as she lit a cigarette and took a long sensual drag. “You are your body. Your body get you power. It get you money.”

“It is all very easy once you know how to play the game,” she divulged as she tossed her glossy brown ponytail over her shoulder. “It is not about who you know, it is about who you fuck.”

“Fuck?” Elodie repeated, gulping down the tiny lump that had formed in her throat.

“You are just a prop. All of us are. We are just…how do you say in French…mannequins,” Maarja continued as she let out a tired laugh. “Bat your pretty little eyes and you have anything you want. Remember that.”

You cannot help feel for her plight throughout. I am probably more Team James than Team Tyler overall, but they both bring qualities to the coveted position of Elodie's potential boyfriend.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elodie Marais is an orphan girl who became a model when she turned fifteen years old. After her break up with her first boyfriend Felix, nothing was holding her back in her native country so she went to London to take the opportunity she was given. But the thing is, modeling isn't really glamorous at times and she had to learn fast how to grow numb to all the criticisms. It wasn't what she expected and now she has a hard time to take real compliments from men she likes.

This book was a little hard to get into in the beginning, I wasn't hooked but I just wanted to finish reading. There wasn't really anything at first that let me know that it was going to be a great book with an interesting plot. The story was lacking, we learn about Elodie's past, how she get where she is now and how she found herself between two potential boyfriends: James and Tyler (and that's it). While James would be the safe choice, Tyler would be the passionate one. I loved the chemistry between Tyler and her, when there wasn't a lot of drama, they were really good together and they made a nice couple.

The ending was a little predictable and I'll admit that I'm pretty pissed at the heroine myself. I mean, seriously? Who said it was a good idea to try dating with two guys at the same time to see which one you prefer and really want to be with ... So yeah, I ended up a little frustrated over the characters. I'm still not sure if I'll read the next book even if I want to know what will happen next.



***ARC received through Netgalley***

[Christine Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

FOR MORE REVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS, DO CHECJK OUT MY BLOG:


Etoile

Cover: 3
Plot: 3
Characters: 2

OVERALL RATING: 3 STARS



This book was filled with passion and hot models. Elodie has been an orphan and was spotted by a talent manager and was given a chance to become a model. Due to her young age, she was very naive. After a few years she learns the in and outs of modelling and now learns how to play the game. She then meets two guys who she feels something for.

The attention to detail was great but sometimes it was just too much. The clothes that the characters were wearing was described in a way that I felt I could have just searched it in Google.

The plot was about the glamorous lives of models and also the sacrfices they have to make in order to stay in business. The book was okay, nothing too bad but it did not catchy attention well. Also the ending was too abrupt for my liking.

Received digital edition from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Everything Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I DECIDED TO PICK THIS BOOK JUST BASED ON THE COVER; YES, THAT'S TERRIBLE, BUT IT JUST CAUGHT MY ATTENTION. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DIFFERENT READ COMPARED TO MY USUAL STACK. THE BEGINNING WAS A LITTLE ROUGH FOR ME; IT WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE AND I GOT CONFUSED, BUT THAT COULD BE MY INCOMPETENCE. HOWEVER, THE STORY DID PICK UP AND I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT. THE WRITING IS DARK AND EDGY, NOT WHAT I EXPECTED AT ALL FROM A STORY LIKE THIS.
THE CHARACTERS WERE WELL DEVELOPED BUT AT TIMES, ELODIE'S CHARACTER GOT ON MY NERVES. THE CONSTANT TALK OF DIETING AND WHO DESIGNED THE CLOTHING WAS A LITTLE REPETITIVE, BUT THE STORY TAKES PLACE IN THE FASHION WORLD, SO THAT'S EXPECTED. I REALLY FELT BAD FOR ELODIE; THE GIRL COULD NOT CATCH A BREAK. HER LIFE IS FULL OF TWISTS AND TURNS AND AT SOME POINTS, I FELT A FULL ON DEPRESSION FOR THIS GIRL. ALL SHE WANTED WAS TO FULFILL HER DREAM OF BEING A HIGH-END FASHION MODEL BUT SHE GOT MORE THAN SHE CAN BARGAIN FOR.
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS OF THIS BOOK WAS THE LOVE TRIANGLE!! WHEWWW! BOTH OF THE GUYS WERE HOT AND THE SEX SCENES WERE ON FIRE! CAN I JUST SAY THAT I AM TEAM TYLER! HE HAD ME FROM THE VERY BEGINNING WITH HIS CHARM, TENDERNESS, AND DAMN, I CAN PICTURE HIM NOW! LOL
OVERALL, THIS WAS A WELL WRITTEN STORY AND I WILL DEFINITELY CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE SERIES.
*I RECEIVED AN ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elodie was abandoned as a child. She grew up in orphanages in France. Where she is scouted at the ripe old age of 14. She blows off the recruiter but when her boyfriend breaks up with her shes heartbroken she gives the recruiter a call. From there everything happens quickly. She is thrust into a world that just sounds terrible to me.

After being in the business for 5 years she really doesnt have anything to show for it. She lives in a model apartment with 4 other models. She spreads her legs to help get gigs. Shes in debt to her agency. The only thing going for her is shes go 2 super hot guys after her. One is a super male model, Tyler. The other some kinda banker. At least I think I remember him being a banker, James. I really cant tell you which guy I prefer for her. They both had their wonderful points.

Tyler happens to get get Elodie a pretty snazzy modeling job. Which sends her off to France with him. Despite the fact shes dating James, Elodie messes around with Tyler. The poor girl is somewhat of a mess.

I was sometimes confused with the writing. I was unsure of what tense the story was being told. One minute it was past then present with little cueing to me which tense we were in. I did enjoy the realism of Elodie. She was definitely a mess but she ws so honest about it. And well thats refreshing to me.

[Brittany · Rating 1 out of 5]

*ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for honest review*

1/5 depressing stars

I really wanted to like this book, I really did!
The reviews were good so I figured I would really enjoy it... But unfortunately I didn't. I was so close to not finishing the book so many times but I figured I couldn't give it an accurate review unless I actually read the whole thing.
There was a lot of attention to detail regarding the clothing that the characters were wearing, which I guess is fitting since the setting is the modelling world. Personally I thought it was a bit much because it gets to the point where I really just don't care - but I guess some people might enjoy that aspect.
I couldn't connect with Elodie and some of her choices really annoyed me and half of the time I just wanted to slap her. Most of the book is just filled with her bad decisions and how she doesn't eat, how she does drugs, and how she learns she can sleep her way to the top. I wasn't really feeling the love triangle between Elodie, Tyler, and James because I don't think she should have been with either of them.
There wasn't really any character development and Elodie didn't really further herself as a person or learn anything.
It really pains me to give a book a 1 out of 5 because I like to believe that there's something good in every book but this one just definitely wasn't for me.

[Dawn Brazil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book to provide an honest review.

I was reluctant to read this story initially. The prologue is off putting. After completing the story, I understand why the author wrote the prologue but I honestly think the book would fair better without it. Start the story with her in the orphanage and she gets scouted...and move on from there. There is little to no dialogue in the beginning of the story and all the narration turned me off. There was also an abundance of characters to keep track of. I understand that to make the world seem real it had to have these characters but it was a lot of characters to juggle. It took a considerable amount of time for me to get into the actual story because of these things.

But, eventually, you will get sucked into the life of the MC and you will love it. The writing picks up a quarter of the way into the book and so does the story. The author immerses the reader into the modeling world. And it is engrossing, disgusting, and you won't be able to put it down. The end of the book left me whirling. I didn't understand what happened. But it made me want to find out in the next book...which I'm going to read, if for nothing more than resolution.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just couldn't relate to Head Over Heart at all by Olivia Besse. I don't like to give bad reviews on anything and always try and see at least some good on something, but this book just went on and on.

The constant clothing descriptions, I love fashion. I've read so many books with excessive clothing descriptions and its something you expect with a book set around a model and the fashion industry, but there is such a thing as too much.

I didn't like Elodie as a character, I couldn't relate too her and didn't feel any empathy towards her, her situations or her life. In fact she wound me up more than anything.

No, the only thing I can say about this book was that I felt it was beautifully written. In the opening chapters in France, the descriptive choices, locations etc where wrote so I could imagine everything and this was continued throughout the book. Olivia does have an amazing way of describing things and that's my positive about this book.

However, this book just wasn't for me and I really struggled reading it. I gave it a 3 (But it is barely a 3) because I liked Olivia's use of language and her writing style, I just didn't like the characters unfortunately and because of that the book didn't work for me.

[Lauren Harrell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book through NetGalley in turn for an honest review.

Boy am I going to be honest...
I didn't like the book at all. It is very hard for me to rate a book a 1. This one...I had no problem with. I didn't respect nor like the character. You would think having such a difficult upbringing being raised in an orphanage in a foreign country would make someone more appreciative for the better things in life. All I heard throughout the book from Elodie was complaining. She did drugs. She didn't live a healthy lifestyle. Instead of eating she smoked cigarettes and drank coffee. I don't think that is a good example as to what a heroine is supposed to be. Maybe my expectations are too high. The boys were also nothing exceptional. Tyler was needy and full of himself. While James, was controlling and obsessed with his job. I don't think Elodie deserved to be with either one of the guys. I didn't like her personality at all. I will not be reading any more of this series nor would I refer it to anyone. A total waste of my time. I have never came so close as to putting down a book and quitting mid read. So aggravating.

For more reviews..check out my blog:
thelatenightlamp.blogspot.com

[Jennifer Seay · Rating 4 out of 5]

" I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review "

I love that the author combined the first two books in the series into one larger novel. I enjoyed reading it the second time around and was so glad to watch the characters develop more. I'm starting to really like Tyler and find myself almost on team Tyler. I can't wait to read the next in the series to see what happens between Elodie, Tyler and James!

Elodie is a model living in New York City, after being discovered at the age of 14 as an orphan in France. This does not show the glamorous life that many people associate with models. It shows hunger, eating disorders, drug use as well as excessive drinking and smoking. In a way it made the characters appear to be more human as opposed to what everyone usually associates models today. Unlike some of her friends, Elodie has goals and aspirations for a life beyond modeling. Now that she has hit the big time though, I wonder if she will forget this part of herself. She has a steamy love triangle between two gorgeous men, one who is stable and safe, and the other who is passionate and completely unsafe.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Left in a basket for someone to find on a river , just like Moses. Elodie is left to grow up in an orphanage. A striking young girl, she has captured everyone's hearts but some parents see her as a threat and white trash as that's where little Orphan girls belong. While out one day, Elodie is approached by a fashion model scout and soon her world is thrown upside down as one modelling job leads to another and soon Elodie is being flown all over the world and living a life far from her days as an orphan girl. Elodie soon discovers though that to get places in the world of modelling , you have to learn a few tricks and that includes using your best assets to get the best jobs and perks that come with modelling as in the world of modelling, it really is - who you know and where they can get you.
The Mannequin Series Book #1 follows Elodie on her whirlwind adventures of the inside modelling world from Paris to London to New York.
Etoile is the perfect read for those who are fascinated with the Modelling industry and love to read the insider scoop of what happens behind the scenes of the glitz , glamour and fame.

[Sabrina Olteanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Itching for Books and Olivia Besse for giving me he opportunity to read Etoile!

You have a story that takes you into a world of glory, modelling and exquisitely luxury. But not everything that looks perfect, really is like that. The expensive life isn't so wonderful, it has it's downs and a lot of them.

Elodie is our main character. She has lost her parents when she was only a baby, and after that she grew up in an orphanage in Paris. But, when she grew up someone noticed her and she decides to make a career in modelling. Elodie leaves Paris and move to NY, thinking this is going to be great, perfect!

Soon after she arrives she notices not everything it's as she wished. She lives in an ugly apartment with 3 other girls, and since Elodie arrived in NY she hasn't been able to get a contract because she is not paying the right attention, to say so.

Everything it's ups and downs for this girl. The author really managed to create the perfect mess and at the same time a great story. Really interesting point of view and the story flew well. I can't wait to read the next story. I recommend this book!

[Tamra LeValley · Rating 1 out of 5]

NetGalley Free Book

Elodie was abandoned as an infant and raised in the Foster System. Her childhood was lacking in alot so when she was approached by a modeling firm she took her chance. By the age of 15 she was living in an apartment with other models and her life was set. Or was it? She soon learns that her situation is just as bad as it was in the foster system. The Firm took almost all of her money for fees and she had no real friends. She learns that by sleeping around her career "could" get a boost. When she meets Tyler, a successful male model, and the two hit it off she gets even more confused when another man enters the picture. Torn between the two she must make a decision.

This book was so dark and unhappy. It was hard to continue to read it through until the end. Once I did however I was even more disgusted because it leaves you hanging. I cannot bear to read another installment or I might fall into a deep depressoin for Elodie.

This book shows that even a person who is given a gift, such as Elodie did, that we find ways to just be unhappy and find disappointment everywhere we go.