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Tinseltown
A-list actress Deb Atkins hasn’t allowed her glamorous lifestyle to go to her head. She owes this to her wonderful family, who keeps her grounded. So, for Deb, not just any man will do, especially if he’s part of the Hollywood elite. Most actors have one thing on their mind, and happily ever after isn’t it. Until she meets Zach Sparks, her new co-star. Zach Sparks is famous not just for his acting skills, but his quick wit and good looks. One glance at Deb, and he's smitten. After a drunken night at a Vegas premiere after-party, one thing leads to another. The marriage. Deb is appalled by her actions. So much so, she and Zach can't get along on the set. Their producer demands they spend Christmas holidays together to work out their differences or they're both fired. Driven by selfish motivations, they don't expect to fall in love over Christmas or for their marriage to turn into a real one. But can their tenuous relationship withstand a bigger test than either of them ever imagined?
202 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2010
5 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Taylor
10 books34 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Stephanie Taylor is a mommy of three by day but moonlights as a writer/editor and business owner by night. She lives in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband.
Stephanie Taylor is a mommy of three by day but moonlights as a writer/editor and business owner by night. She lives in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 28, 2013
Boy there are sparks all over the place in this book and not just because the character's last name is Sparks. Believe me, it's tension and sparks all over the place.
The story line was good. I like the marriage (I wouldn't call it so accidental) and the struggle both characters face in deciding to either work it out or trash it. I'm not so sure that each were driven by selfish motivations, maybe just Deb. Zach seemed to want the marriage and love from Deb from the very beginning even though he had to pretend not to for fear of having Deb freak out.
I enjoyed Zach's character a whole lot more than I did Deb's. She was seriously not very nice to Zach for a whole lot of the book. That guy seriously had his work cut out for him in trying to prove himself to her. She just never believed him, no matter what he did. It was sad.
That said, this book was definitely pushing my comfort level in the clean romance zone. While there was no described sex scene, there was an awful lot of sexual talk, sexual innuendo, and even sex without description. This is probably the first Astraea Press book that has pushed the boundaries for me. I'm not sure I would label this book as "clean" but it did have some great tension, witty moments and a great happily ever after. :)
The story line was good. I like the marriage (I wouldn't call it so accidental) and the struggle both characters face in deciding to either work it out or trash it. I'm not so sure that each were driven by selfish motivations, maybe just Deb. Zach seemed to want the marriage and love from Deb from the very beginning even though he had to pretend not to for fear of having Deb freak out.
I enjoyed Zach's character a whole lot more than I did Deb's. She was seriously not very nice to Zach for a whole lot of the book. That guy seriously had his work cut out for him in trying to prove himself to her. She just never believed him, no matter what he did. It was sad.
That said, this book was definitely pushing my comfort level in the clean romance zone. While there was no described sex scene, there was an awful lot of sexual talk, sexual innuendo, and even sex without description. This is probably the first Astraea Press book that has pushed the boundaries for me. I'm not sure I would label this book as "clean" but it did have some great tension, witty moments and a great happily ever after. :)
March 31, 2011
Tinseltown kicks off with sparks all right.
Deb Atkins, actress, falls for ... what a surprise: her leading man. And, with all honesty, we have to wonder just how she managed to fall for Zach Sparks. He may have looks, but he's angry, resentful and obnoxious. He's also all too ready to blame her for all his problems. From Deb's first conciliatory remarks, we really just want to suggest a sharper pair of spiked heels and a boot up the ...
However, he's got it all: looks, charm, intelligence, and better - he's attracted to her. We certainly establish that. So, what could be better? Well... this reader would suggest a little more heartfelt romance right at the start, but the power of sexual attraction is definitely believable here and no one could complain that Tinseltown suffers from a dull moment.
Gradually, we sort out how it all started: with Deb's comment about her "nightmare" mistake, following their first big date and drunken decision. I have to admit she was pretty unfeeling with her comment - so it's hardly surprising that things go bad. In light of this, perhaps we must soften a bit about Zach... and certainly it becomes clear that they both "rushed it" and had their whole deal turn into what will apparently be just another "Hollywood Romance."
Or will it? There are moments that give us hope, then moments when we feel they are both too shallow for words. Their mistakes 'make them even' as if love were some sort of competition...and yet we cannot deny that a certain feeling continues to exist between them -- even if that feeling is what fuels the conflicts! At no moment does this story become predictable.
The cast of characters is limited, but important - film director Stephen lays down a challenge that neither of them may be able to rise to, and the dialogue throughout is strong and interesting. Semi-friend Brad provokes strong emotion as well.
This is a fun and fast paced read, and tension certainly builds as the story progresses. The odd light-hearted moments might have brought some contrast, but overall this is a solid read and Ms. Taylor manages to deliver a few surprises, too. Do add this one to your reading list.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Deb Atkins, actress, falls for ... what a surprise: her leading man. And, with all honesty, we have to wonder just how she managed to fall for Zach Sparks. He may have looks, but he's angry, resentful and obnoxious. He's also all too ready to blame her for all his problems. From Deb's first conciliatory remarks, we really just want to suggest a sharper pair of spiked heels and a boot up the ...
However, he's got it all: looks, charm, intelligence, and better - he's attracted to her. We certainly establish that. So, what could be better? Well... this reader would suggest a little more heartfelt romance right at the start, but the power of sexual attraction is definitely believable here and no one could complain that Tinseltown suffers from a dull moment.
Gradually, we sort out how it all started: with Deb's comment about her "nightmare" mistake, following their first big date and drunken decision. I have to admit she was pretty unfeeling with her comment - so it's hardly surprising that things go bad. In light of this, perhaps we must soften a bit about Zach... and certainly it becomes clear that they both "rushed it" and had their whole deal turn into what will apparently be just another "Hollywood Romance."
Or will it? There are moments that give us hope, then moments when we feel they are both too shallow for words. Their mistakes 'make them even' as if love were some sort of competition...and yet we cannot deny that a certain feeling continues to exist between them -- even if that feeling is what fuels the conflicts! At no moment does this story become predictable.
The cast of characters is limited, but important - film director Stephen lays down a challenge that neither of them may be able to rise to, and the dialogue throughout is strong and interesting. Semi-friend Brad provokes strong emotion as well.
This is a fun and fast paced read, and tension certainly builds as the story progresses. The odd light-hearted moments might have brought some contrast, but overall this is a solid read and Ms. Taylor manages to deliver a few surprises, too. Do add this one to your reading list.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
February 25, 2011
Lena's Review
What happens when you go to bed drunk with the woman of your dreams? Well your life is turned upside down especially for an actor like Zach Sparks. For months he has loved Deb Atkins and admires her in every way. As an actor and she an actress he knows how work can be tough and no private life. He expected a lot of things after the morning but never expected marriage. Yet even though it was a game he is starting to love her. He has dated many women before but something about Deb intrigues and enchants him. Hollywood sure has its ups and downs but he never expected that he would be content with a life with Deb. Now that he’s experience and lived a life of full love he doesn’t want to let it go. Can he convince his wife that they belong together and not to divorce?
Deb Atkins has always wanted to be an actress and swore she wouldn’t let love interfere. She expected a lot of things after drinking to many wine but never marriage. Deb knows that Zach Sparks has a reputation of women but never thought she would be another notch to his bed post. The thing is she never been near his bed expect intoxicated. Now that she is sober she wants to know more about her husband. Her family always told her she needs to relax and have fun. As an actress she has seen many things but never felt real love like she has in Zach’s arms. Can she just walk away from Hollywood to be a wife and possibly a mother?
Tinseltown sure has a lot of fun things happening right now with Zach Sparks and Deb Atkins. Two movie stars who don’t know what to do in their love lives yet end up finding out what they have been missing all their lives. The love is definitely there yet Deb wants bigger things and Zack just wants life to be simple. These two may be opposite yet the attraction is stronger than ever till the end. It was fun to read how Zack attempts to make Deb see they belong together. Love is sure strong in this book and readers will enjoy Stephanie’s flair of romance and happily ever after. Great job.
4 Tea Cups!
What happens when you go to bed drunk with the woman of your dreams? Well your life is turned upside down especially for an actor like Zach Sparks. For months he has loved Deb Atkins and admires her in every way. As an actor and she an actress he knows how work can be tough and no private life. He expected a lot of things after the morning but never expected marriage. Yet even though it was a game he is starting to love her. He has dated many women before but something about Deb intrigues and enchants him. Hollywood sure has its ups and downs but he never expected that he would be content with a life with Deb. Now that he’s experience and lived a life of full love he doesn’t want to let it go. Can he convince his wife that they belong together and not to divorce?
Deb Atkins has always wanted to be an actress and swore she wouldn’t let love interfere. She expected a lot of things after drinking to many wine but never marriage. Deb knows that Zach Sparks has a reputation of women but never thought she would be another notch to his bed post. The thing is she never been near his bed expect intoxicated. Now that she is sober she wants to know more about her husband. Her family always told her she needs to relax and have fun. As an actress she has seen many things but never felt real love like she has in Zach’s arms. Can she just walk away from Hollywood to be a wife and possibly a mother?
Tinseltown sure has a lot of fun things happening right now with Zach Sparks and Deb Atkins. Two movie stars who don’t know what to do in their love lives yet end up finding out what they have been missing all their lives. The love is definitely there yet Deb wants bigger things and Zack just wants life to be simple. These two may be opposite yet the attraction is stronger than ever till the end. It was fun to read how Zack attempts to make Deb see they belong together. Love is sure strong in this book and readers will enjoy Stephanie’s flair of romance and happily ever after. Great job.
4 Tea Cups!
December 11, 2010
I enjoyed this sweet story about how two people who come from such different backgrounds can choose whether to let the past tarnish their chances for future happiness, or elect instead to move away from the old crippling attitudes and thoughts. The chemistry and humor between Zach and Deb make for delightful reading. There are a few poignant scenes that made me want to hug them both as each struggled with separate demons. At times I really questioned Deb’s decision-making skills and wondered how she could be so churned-up inside. Overall, the story kept me and on pins and needles wondering if this glitzy Hollywood marriage could survive the unrelenting camera flashes of insatiable paparazzi.
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May 21, 2015
Two movie stars wake up married (Vegas style) and then have to make the most of it during the holiday season.
The sweet and lonely, Deb Atkins jumps at marriage with Zach Sparks during a crazy weekend in Vegas, but then when she wakes up the next morning with a ring and a hangover, she does not deal well with her situation. The real problem in the story is that Deb and Zach are strangers so there is no trust or communication until they are thrown together at Deb's family's place for the holidays.
Cute sweet romance that is very close to 'clean' in contemporary romance. There is some drama but that is normal family holiday stuff which this author describes in a very realistic way. The family interactions are the best part.
200ish pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
The sweet and lonely, Deb Atkins jumps at marriage with Zach Sparks during a crazy weekend in Vegas, but then when she wakes up the next morning with a ring and a hangover, she does not deal well with her situation. The real problem in the story is that Deb and Zach are strangers so there is no trust or communication until they are thrown together at Deb's family's place for the holidays.
Cute sweet romance that is very close to 'clean' in contemporary romance. There is some drama but that is normal family holiday stuff which this author describes in a very realistic way. The family interactions are the best part.
200ish pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
July 3, 2013
If you are looking for a light read for the holidays that you will keep you entertained and eager to see what's going to happen next then you are going to love this book! Deb and Zach have to figure out how to make a relationship work when they barely know each other at all. One drunken night in Vegas took them from co-stars to husband and wife. Zach accompanies Deb home for the holidays and sets about trying to win her heart. I enjoyed seeing their relationship unfold and how they overcame the obstacles they encountered.
April 15, 2014
A good storyline, although predictable. There were a few grammatical errors and the huge fight towards the end was annoying. I honestly felt like the book was progressing perfectly and then they got into a huge fight and it aggravated me. It felt like the book was supposed to go in a different direction and then the author changed her mind at the last minute. I wasn't a fan of the ending. I would give the book a 3.5.
September 20, 2012
I loved the plot; two Hollywood idols wake up after a night of drinking to find themselves married. Will they try to make the marriage work, or will they head to the nearest divorce court? Both of them are carrying some baggage from the past which will complicate things.
Want to Read
August 1, 2013I have a limited print edition from the author. Not for review, AP book.
September 13, 2013
If like mushy love, this is it. It's a good story, just too lovely for me. If it is a little more believable, it would have been five stars
September 3, 2015
Cute story. Free book on Goodreads.
September 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this story line very much. It kept me riveted to the book. Definitely going to check out others by Stephanie Taylor!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews