Primetime Princess

by Lindy DeKoven

High heels, hijinks, and head honchos in Hollywood

Alexa Ross has risen to the top of the Hollywood boys’ club. As the vice president of comedy development at Hawkeye Broadcasting System, Alexa has put her early years working as an assistant to Jerry Kellner, her sex-crazed former boss, behind her.

However, nepotism lands Jerry a plum spot at HBS…reporting to Alexa! Soon Jerry’s malicious behavior is destroying everything good in Alexa’s life, from the young student she tutors to the romance she thought she’d never find. Can Alexa win the battle for ratings and break through the glass ceiling, even if it destroys her—and everything she loves?

Sharp, witty, and heartwarming, Primetime Princess is an unforgettable sneak peek into the exclusive behind-the-scenes drama that occurs over the course of one TV development season.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Humor

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2013

About the author

Lindy was born in Chicago, Illinois. When she was a teenager her family moved to Los Angeles, but soon after her father passed away. This devastating incident forced her to work part-time while still in high school.

Lindy developed excellent typing skills which, upon college graduation, earned her numerous clerical positions in the entertainment field where she spent most of her career, eventually rising from secretary to executive vice president of NBC. Later she was appointed to several boards, including the California Commission on the Status of Women and the California Film Commission.

But in 2010, she was finally able to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. Something she wanted since high school. She wrote her first novel, PRIMETIME PRINCESS and just completed her second, THE SECRET LIFE OF WISHFUL THINKING. She's currently at work on her third.

Lindy lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two crazy border collies. She continues to believe that anything is possible.

Reviews

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. It's an incredible mixture of real life, drama, sexual harassment in the work place, the plight of women today, romance, and a woman torn between career and love.


Having recently watched a documentary that talked about how despite the fact the population of the U.S. is OVER 50% women, the percentage of women in politics is less than 17 and the number of women having a say in what goes on television is even smaller, I wasn't one bit surprised by the content in this novel. I mean, in a country over half women, who is representing them?

I thought the aviation industry was bad...In male-dominated professions, women are harassed and bombarded with inappropriate jokes and comments all day long. The television industry is even worse.

Alexis has been working her tail off and turning the other cheek at HBS industries for years. Suddenly, she's a victim of the Good Old Boys' System. She has to compete with the most appalling man and her former employer for a president's position...or risk working for him again--and little flashbacks show us just how bad it is to work for Jerry.

But then her job takes over her life...it seems it's okay for men to let this happen, but not women.

The story is heart breaking, insightful, humorous, frustrating...I went through every emotion imaginable in its 336 pages. I laughed, screamed, cussed, and cried.

Through her coworkers, we see the other forms of sexual harassment that go on. Men looking for affairs. Men ridiculing women. Men peeing and not closing the door. Behind the scenes drama regarding what's appropriate on TV. We see men who think they know what women want and don't have the first darn clue.

The romance was a really small part, but that story helped show us what happens when a job and/or a thirst for revenge consumes one to the point, they become incredibly selfish and self-absorbed...and lose it all.

I'm not done. Come read my favorite passage and my final conclusion: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book should be a must-read for all young women in the working world. It's not a literary masterpiece by any means (and it's not meant to be), but it was fun, and it was educational. This book is disguised as a lighthearted piece of chicklit (which is why I picked it up) but instead it is educational, on a topic that is too often forgotten. Yes, the book was lighthearted and fun, most of the time, but it was so much more than that. Regardless of the industry in which you work (although definitely more extreme in the TV industry as shown), the issue of a glass ceiling, sexual harassment, and the idea of an executive "boys club" still exists. Alexa's experience is the experience of so many women today whether or not they realize it. Even in a more progressive work environment, many behaviors are still present simply from the difference in how men and women approach the world. I loved Lindy DeKoven's insight into life as a high-powered female, and it definitely gave me a lot to think about as a young and driven woman. Please read this book. It will inspire you, depress you, but also make you think. It's fun, it's easy, and it's worth your time.

[Aziza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed and loved this book. I picked this book up thinking it was going to be a complete chick-lit book. Although it was, there was also another whole part to this. I really liked how DeKoven describes a women in a man's world... or better yet, the "power" of women in a man's world. This novel had me turning pages continuously, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed Alexa's character and her development throughout the novel, I was rooting for her hahaha. I loved, loved, loved Gordon's character and Jerry's character was funny. To be honest, was not expecting the ending to be like that; glad it ended that way.... it was good. Can't wait to read another book by DeKoven.

[Jennie Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primetime Princess is a witty look at Network TV from a young female executive's point of view. You will be rooting for Alexa Ross from page one, wincing and laughing as she navigates her way up a very slippery corporate ladder. It's an upside-down, sexist world and she has to balance her rise towards that glass ceiling with her personal life and new love interest. I couldn't put it down. It's well-paced, thoroughly entertaining and a rare inside look at Hollywood from a female point of view.

[Treacy · Rating 1 out of 5]

struggled to finish this one !!!

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost didn't want to finish this book.

The story started out fine, but as it progressed, I found myself frustrated with Alexa more and more.

The gist is that Alexa is in a "man's word" in her career. It is clearly seen that in her line of work in the entertainment business company HBS, there is clear discrimination between men and women. When Alexa's former boss, Jerry, is hired Alexa's world is destroyed.

While I was able to sympathise with Alexa's position within the company that resembled a "men's locker room", the final choices that Alexa makes nullifies that. She becomes someone completely different, pushing away her friends and love interest. She justifies her reason, and while she sometimes does see she has neglected them, she argues her reason being reasonable. At least until the last few pages of the book.

[Ixby Wuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

High heels, hijinks, and head honchos in Hollywood

Chauvinism. Cutthroat competition. It’s all in a day’s work for Alexa Ross, vice president of comedy development at Hawkeye Broadcasting System. After years of fighting her way through the Hollywood boys’ club, Alexa thinks she’s finally free of Jerry Kellner, her sleazy ex-boss — until she learns that Jerry is her newest employee.

Now it’s all-out war at HBS, and Jerry is determined to destroy Alexa. Good thing Alexa has her charming boyfriend, Gordon, and her best girlfriends for emotional support. But the pressure in her life forces her to a breaking point, and she finds herself wondering what matters most — and if she has the strength and the determination to finally shatter the glass ceiling without ruining the rest of her life.

[Natalie T · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book wasn't for me. It was a little bit boring and very cliche. Alex and Gordon to me didn't have the feel of a great romance. I didn't get invested in any of the characters and i couldn't wait till the end of the book.

[Amelia Lim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. It gave an insight to how Hollywood is and how the “Me Too” culture started.
Of course the chick lit part helped to lighten the mood.
There are humanised parts as well that makes the reading bearable, cos all the testosterone wasn’t very palatable to me.

[Lynn Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry, I gave up on this one. Liked the concept, but the writing is heinously bad. Way too much reliance on brand names in the endless descriptions of clothes and decor. Clunky prose, cartoonish characters.

[Erica Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Along with my recently reviewed book by Alison Sweeney I was also asked if I wanted to review a book from Amazon Publishing called Prime Time Princess. The author of this book Lindy DeKoven was a real life TV producer for major companies her in the United States. Her book is a take on the industry as well as a lovely little romance and change your life book. What I mean by change your life book is that is one of those books where the main character is headed in one direction in their life and because of a major event/s they change their life. The book centers around the main character Alexa and her life as a TV executive. It starts out as the classic girl works to hard has no life meets a guy story but goes so much farther than that. It almost acts in some ways as an expose of what life is like in a business that is run main by men and how a woman fits into the world-or in this case doesn't. There are several great characters in this book that I enjoyed including the main character Alexa's arch nemesis Jerry. I loved that this character was so well written that you hated him....you really do. He is such a piece of work you love to hate him. For me one of the qualities that I look for in a book is how well are the characters fleshed out...are there enough details that you get invested in them good or bad. Do you find yourself wanting to know more about the characters then what is offered...for me this is the mark of a well written book. DeKoven does this very well in Prime Time Princess. My only critique of the book is that I felt that there were a few sections that dragged and bit and could have been trimmed but other than that I feel that it is a great summer beach read. I would give the book 4 out of 5 stars.

[LaurieH118 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is chick lit, not high art, and viewed through that prism it was an OK read. I liked Alexa, our heroine, and Gordon, her tentative love interest, and in a book like this, liking the characters is key. The setting of a TV network was new and interesting, and Alexa has good girlfriends. I appreciated how supportive the women characters were of one another, especially when the chips are down.

It was the little things that got on my nerves. Sloppy details that distracted me from the story. Alexa, a high-tech working woman who is always checking her phone for calls and texts and emails and says she can't live without her tablet still has a landline with an answering machine at home? Not even voicemail, an old school answering machine. It was a lazy plot device so that a call could interrupt a romantic encounter. Also, early on, we meet Joe, Alexa's dog. He's been alone in the house ALL DAY. She brings home a date and he pees on the stranger's leg. And this does not interrupt their evening. Um ... Joe must have the tiniest bladder on the planet or her date doesn't mind being *soaked*. And those are only two instances. I could go on but I don't want to bog down this review of a book I did kinda like.

I know these things don't sound like a big deal, but each "huh?" moment distracted me from what matters. Also, Ms. DeKoven works with writers in her other job as network executive in real life. Either she or her editor should have caught this stuff.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description of the book sounded so much MORE. The book started out a bit tedious and pedestrian. The writing style seemed more suited to teens or young adults rather than adults. However, as the story progressed, the writing and story seemed to improve, as the writer warmed to her storyline and subject and I warmed to her subject.

This is the story of Alexa Ross and her attempt to rise to the top of a national broadcasting system as President of Entertainment. Her competition emerges as a former boss, who is nothing short of a pig. Jerry Kellner has problems with women, how he treats them, talks to them and reacts to and with them. But, the male dominated environment does not seem to see the true treasure they have in Alexa, but instead gravitate to the pig.

Needless to say, Alexa sets out to re-invent herself to compete in this pig dominated environment. But, along the way she loses herself, her friends and her boyfriend. Somewhere along this journey it dawns on her that the sacrifice could destroy everything, she awakens and finds herself. She also finds herself as a rallying figure for other sexually harassed women.

The book has a strong finish and leaves you wondering, what next for Alexa Ross.

I might have given the book four stars, but, with the slow, tedious whiney beginning, I did not reward it, as such.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexa Ross is one tough cookie and she intends to make it to the top of the heap at the HBS TV Network. She's on her way to a major promotion until her former boss is given a position working for her. The guy is a real sleaze and takes every opportunity to undermine her success. It just makes Alexa more determined than ever to succeed.

Along the way Alexa volunteers to tutor a student and falls in love with a teacher. It's difficult to juggle a high pressure career with a romance with someone not in the business. It's more than just a bumpy ride for Alexa and Gordon.

Although the book started off a bit slow, it picked up right away and kept on going. With the author's background in network TV, she is obviously writing with from her own personal knowledge and experience in the field. She describes everything in a way that makes the reader feel as if they are right there on the studio floor.

She also points out how difficult it is for women to crack into the Hollywood "Boys Club", although I do believe it's that way in many other types of business too.

Readers will feel strongly for Alexa and cheer her on, but it's not an easy road. I would love to read a sequel to this book.




FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Nenette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women power - just one of many themes tackled in this fast-read debut from Lindy DeKoven. It relates that how even in our ultra-modern, global society, it can still happen that women may be relegated to a lesser status. The story is about Alexa, and how she rose (almost, but not quite to the top), and survived in the male-dominated TV network business. It posed the question of whether the rewards of surviving are worth the sacrifices one has to make along the way. I believe that there will just be very few or probably none in my circle who will say it is.

Contrasting to the fast-paced rhythm of Alexa's career, there is Gordon's world as a teacher and outdoorsman. His stability and calm are major attractions for Alexa. He is the perfect anchor to Alexa's upward yet entangled shot to the top. Being a career and family woman myself, I know how important it is to have a balancer and anchor - be it a person or an activity, someone or something that will keep one rooted, where one can go to hide or take a breather.

I like a feel-good story such as this. Even with a simple plot, a well-thought out writing and excellent presentation spell the difference. Though her first, this is the second book by the author that I've read. I'm sure to watch out for more.

[Lorilin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost didn't finish reading this book. It has a very hectic vibe from the start--which I think is supposed to be the point--but I found it abrasive.

The longer I read, however, the better the book became. I think it helped that I was increasingly sympathetic to Alexa's (the protagonist's) position within a company that resembled a men's locker room rather than a professional place of business, a place where women are sexually harassed on a daily basis and routinely overlooked for crucial promotions. I began wanting Alexa to succeed, and while I could see that she sometimes made decisions that weren't necessarily in her best interest, I also couldn't really blame her. She is a flawed character, but she's trying, and her desire to succeed in both personal and work settings puts her in an interesting predicament.

This book may have started slowly for me, but once I got into the story, I breezed through the whole thing in a day. It was a light read, but it kept me interested and actually made me think about serious issues.

[Shakti Salgaokar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, nothing relaxing like a chic lit novel that gives you goosebumps. But Alexa's story does that for a whole different reason. It's a great story, but while love is a part of it, it's not the start all and end all of it. DeKoven builds a real, vivid universe, taking you into Hollywood & the American tv industry. The book deals with sexism and the glass ceiling -- a very real, a very serious issue.
The goosebumps do happen when the protagonist gets kissed, but they also happen when she wins at work, and when she stands up for her female employees.
It's great to have a fun read that highlights a serious issue. This book will entertain young women but it will also give them strength to stand up to sexism & unfairness at work.

[Laura Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first graduated from college, I spent a couple of years working in the Entertainment Industry. After all those years, this book really took me back to that time and some of the experiences (good and bad) that I had.

I really enjoyed this book -- from the character development (I actually thought I knew these people and didn't like the people I was supposed to not like -- Jerry, for one) to the storyline to the writing style and substance.

The sad truth is that some of this really isn't fiction. That sexism continues today for women and it is accepted or ignored (as it was in the book).

If you are looking for a well-written, but easy to read book, then pick this up and enjoy!

[Ami Abreu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great and Simple Read

This book is very relatable to the women in corporate America that have to survive each and every day, myself including. Trying to break the mold of what an executive should be, white and male, is something that the lead character Alexander Ross has to deal with. Reading about her internal struggles is something that every person can relate to, male or female because deep down we all want the same thing: to be appreciated and respected. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a simple and light read. I only wish Gordon and Alexa's story would have been more elaborated on.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. there was so much in it that I could truly identify with. This writer takes you right into the board room with the executives of Hollywoood. I laughed and cried with the main charecter, Alexa. And prayed that she would make the best choice for her life. This book takes you behind the scenes of Hollywood and the writer does an awesome job of building her charecters and the scenes. Good job!

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

A fun read with great characters and some interesting and, at times, heavy topics. In a cut throat world with stiff competition there is bound to be some antics and shenanigans. But under the fun lies some real world issues, like gender inequality in the work force. This is a book with a message told in truth. 4 stars.

[Anna Bez · Rating 1 out of 5]

So poorly written, I am at a loss to understand how anyone made it past Chapter 1? I certainly did not since the writing was rife with clichés and the main character is materialistic and annoyingly insecure. If you are looking for a well written book set in a "glamorous" industry, read The Devil Wears Prada instead.

[Lindsay Ewing · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story, but not what I was expecting. I was thinking of something much more comedic whereas this is a story of sexual discrimination in the work force. I found it infuriating at times, and honest. Its a good read, but not exactly light.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a free book I borrowed via my Amazon Prime. It was enjoyable but not great Literature. I kept imagining the main character as a version of Tina Fey with the theme song "I am Woman, Hear Me Roar."

[Virginia Latta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great chick read:!

Great chick read:!

I really liked the feeling that the glass ceiling can and does exist in many fields. being nearly seventy-one years old I can look back and see the progress we've made but also the challenges still ahead.

[Keeley Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book defies the standards of "chick-lit". I loved seeing the main character be a strong, independent woman that is driven in her career and working through her problems. There were times where it was slow, but it continuously picked up and left you with a great feeling of "can-do" as a woman.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Horribly written. I hated the main character, her future beau was creepy af, the plot and everything surrounding it was literally nausea inducing cliche and over the top... this is all coming from a reader that mainly enjoys cheesy chic lit. It was just so sub par that I couldn't even finish it.

[Sreetama Pal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It made for a pretty inspirational read and a good reality check !
This is must-read if you are a career-woman and are sick of the chauvinistic mode of categorizing working women into ONLY two classes : "Nice but incompetent" and "Competent but horrible to work with".
Loved it !!

[Alex Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read about the entertainment business

It is my goal to work in the entertainment industry some day very soon and I could totally relate to the protagonist's struggles of staying true to herself while making her presence felt. I took it in as a lesson learned.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chit lit to the max.