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His Girl Hollywood
From Entertainment Weekly columnist Maureen Lee Lenker comes the standalone follow-up to It Happened One Fight, a rompy second-chance romance set in the glittering world of 1930s film.
Arlene Morgan has always dreamed of being a movie director, like so many women in the silent era before her. But when Evets Studios finally gives her a shot, a rare thing in 1930s Hollywood, she's dismayed to discover that her leading man is none other than Don Lamont. Born Don Lazzarini, Don was Arlene's next-door-neighbor growing up, two best friends with two big dreams. He's the only man she's ever loved…except he abandoned her to pursue his dance career in New York, and she hasn't seen or heard from his since.
But Don, despite his Broadway success, has been caught under the thumb of his gangster manager Frankie Martino for the last eight years, unable to come home. When he gets offered a role in a Hollywood picture, he leaps at the chance to free himself once and for all. But clashing with his director, the girl he once knew as Lena, leaves him scrambling to find his footing. As the two unpack old wounds and struggle to work together, Don starts to realize Lena might have been his dream girl all along. But she doesn't know about Frankie, and getting her involved in his contract would put her in danger, too. It's going to take quite the footwork to prove his feelings and help make Arlene's picture a success before Frankie takes drastic measures to keep his most valuable leading man.
Arlene Morgan has always dreamed of being a movie director, like so many women in the silent era before her. But when Evets Studios finally gives her a shot, a rare thing in 1930s Hollywood, she's dismayed to discover that her leading man is none other than Don Lamont. Born Don Lazzarini, Don was Arlene's next-door-neighbor growing up, two best friends with two big dreams. He's the only man she's ever loved…except he abandoned her to pursue his dance career in New York, and she hasn't seen or heard from his since.
But Don, despite his Broadway success, has been caught under the thumb of his gangster manager Frankie Martino for the last eight years, unable to come home. When he gets offered a role in a Hollywood picture, he leaps at the chance to free himself once and for all. But clashing with his director, the girl he once knew as Lena, leaves him scrambling to find his footing. As the two unpack old wounds and struggle to work together, Don starts to realize Lena might have been his dream girl all along. But she doesn't know about Frankie, and getting her involved in his contract would put her in danger, too. It's going to take quite the footwork to prove his feelings and help make Arlene's picture a success before Frankie takes drastic measures to keep his most valuable leading man.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 15, 2025
1937: Arlene Morgan might be a movie star, but her real dream is to be a director and in Hollywood there are only a couple of female ones. Evets Studios finally gives her a chance and she’s going to produce her first film called “It Girl”, staring Rita Carter and Don Lamont.
Arlene can’t believe her leading man in Don Lazzarini, her childhood neighbour and best friend and she has seen him since he caught a train to New York ten years ago hoping to become a dancer and she hasn’t heard from him since.
Don doesn’t know Arlene had a huge crush on him as a teenager, when he left and didn’t answer her letters he broke her heart. Don has been a big hit on Broadway, but what Arlene doesn’t know his manager is a gangster and he controls every aspect of his life. When Don is offered the role in a Hollywood picture, he wants to try again to escape the clutches of Frankie Martino and to do this he has to face his past and hope the gangster doesn’t find out his connection to Arlene and her family.
I received a copy of His Girl Hollywood by Maureen Lee Lenker from Edelweiss Plus and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review and I haven’t read her first book It Happened One Fight and it's about Arlene friends and fellow actors Joan Davis and Dash Howard.
While I did find the idea of the main character Arlene being one of the first female cinematographers in Hollywood and Don being likened to Fred Astaire and them reminiscing about their childhood and him wanting to escape his manager all interesting and possible.
I found the rest of the novel rather tacky and smutty, not to my taste and that’s just my opinion. I suggest reading His Girl Hollywood for yourself and making up your own mind and three stars from me.
Arlene can’t believe her leading man in Don Lazzarini, her childhood neighbour and best friend and she has seen him since he caught a train to New York ten years ago hoping to become a dancer and she hasn’t heard from him since.
Don doesn’t know Arlene had a huge crush on him as a teenager, when he left and didn’t answer her letters he broke her heart. Don has been a big hit on Broadway, but what Arlene doesn’t know his manager is a gangster and he controls every aspect of his life. When Don is offered the role in a Hollywood picture, he wants to try again to escape the clutches of Frankie Martino and to do this he has to face his past and hope the gangster doesn’t find out his connection to Arlene and her family.
I received a copy of His Girl Hollywood by Maureen Lee Lenker from Edelweiss Plus and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review and I haven’t read her first book It Happened One Fight and it's about Arlene friends and fellow actors Joan Davis and Dash Howard.
While I did find the idea of the main character Arlene being one of the first female cinematographers in Hollywood and Don being likened to Fred Astaire and them reminiscing about their childhood and him wanting to escape his manager all interesting and possible.
I found the rest of the novel rather tacky and smutty, not to my taste and that’s just my opinion. I suggest reading His Girl Hollywood for yourself and making up your own mind and three stars from me.
June 28, 2025
Yall know I love classic movies, and this book felt like a classic movie of the 1930s. I loved the world, and the characters were fun. I didn't love the romance, tho.
Don and Arlene grew up together, and Arlene always loved Don. When they were 18, Don left to go to New York to become a dancer. He completely ghosts Arlene for 10 years. In that time, Arlene moved to Hollywood and was given the chance to direct her first movie. Don is cast in the film and shows up after 10 years of no contact and is baffled as to why Arlene is not welcoming him with open arms.
??????
I mean could it be because you ghosted her for 10 fucking years.
Anyway, since it's a Romance, Arlene quickly forgives him, and they start seeing each other despite the fact that Don has in no way tried to win her over. He doesn't explain anything to her as to why he ghosted her, and she's just like I love him and completely trust him.
Why?
Why?
I didn't get the Romance, but I liked everything else.
Don and Arlene grew up together, and Arlene always loved Don. When they were 18, Don left to go to New York to become a dancer. He completely ghosts Arlene for 10 years. In that time, Arlene moved to Hollywood and was given the chance to direct her first movie. Don is cast in the film and shows up after 10 years of no contact and is baffled as to why Arlene is not welcoming him with open arms.
??????
I mean could it be because you ghosted her for 10 fucking years.
Anyway, since it's a Romance, Arlene quickly forgives him, and they start seeing each other despite the fact that Don has in no way tried to win her over. He doesn't explain anything to her as to why he ghosted her, and she's just like I love him and completely trust him.
Why?
Why?
I didn't get the Romance, but I liked everything else.
Want to read
April 19, 2024Don’t need a cover, barely need a blurb - I’m so excited!!
September 28, 2025
To get #real on my goodreads I am feeling sooo frustrated and sad and stupid because I can't really read tbh even normal run of the mill books rn (Lonely Planet guidebooks and NZ Thrillers as an example). v demoralising.. Bridgo as always has the Right Advice which is that I can take this time to fully indulge in The Culture at large. Any booktok books, hit me !! I might read Coolleen Hoover's entire back catalogue during #recovery !!
January 16, 2025
Book 2 of 2025 - ✅! Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media & Maureen Lee Lenker for the ALC of His Girl Hollywood, in exchange for my honest review.
His Girl Hollywood by Maureen Lee Lenker was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and it did not disappoint! I loved It Happened One Fight was one of my favorite reads of 2023 (and I think about it often), so you better believe that I requested His Girl Hollywood so quickly. Set in the same universe as IHOF, HGH follows the story of Oscar-winning screenwriter-turned-director, Arlene Morgan, and Broadway star turned screen actor, Don Lamont (born Don Lazzarini). This second chance romance set in the 1930s has all of the makings for an enjoyable rom-com, though I’d give the edge to IHOF - having Joan & Dash pop in made me miss them and their story, but I love that their still together in this book. (I still also stand by what I had in my review for IHOF - I want to see Monty’s story because I want him to get a HAE!) I was curious as to where the mafia storyline would go, and found Lenker seamlessly incorporated this into the world.
I love that Lenker included her inspiration(s) for each character at the end of the book - Don Lamont was clearly heavily inspired by Gene Kelly, and that Arlene was inspired by so many female directors of the 1930s.
If you know me, or you’ve been following my reviews, you know that I work in TV Production, so I’m always intrigued by stories set in Hollywood. This also tends to make me a little hyper-focused on the details, such as mentioning a grip moving a light (which wouldn’t happen in today’s world - an Electrician would move a light, but perhaps rules were different back then…).
Overall, I very much enjoyed the book, and I was happy to finish it before attending her book event. I’m ready for her 3rd book - A Star is Scorned - which is scheduled to be released in October. 4/5 ⭐️ overall, and 2.5/5 🌶️ (those scenes were quite good). 🎥 🕺🏽 💫 #HisGirlHollywood #NetGalley
His Girl Hollywood by Maureen Lee Lenker was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and it did not disappoint! I loved It Happened One Fight was one of my favorite reads of 2023 (and I think about it often), so you better believe that I requested His Girl Hollywood so quickly. Set in the same universe as IHOF, HGH follows the story of Oscar-winning screenwriter-turned-director, Arlene Morgan, and Broadway star turned screen actor, Don Lamont (born Don Lazzarini). This second chance romance set in the 1930s has all of the makings for an enjoyable rom-com, though I’d give the edge to IHOF - having Joan & Dash pop in made me miss them and their story, but I love that their still together in this book. (I still also stand by what I had in my review for IHOF - I want to see Monty’s story because I want him to get a HAE!) I was curious as to where the mafia storyline would go, and found Lenker seamlessly incorporated this into the world.
I love that Lenker included her inspiration(s) for each character at the end of the book - Don Lamont was clearly heavily inspired by Gene Kelly, and that Arlene was inspired by so many female directors of the 1930s.
If you know me, or you’ve been following my reviews, you know that I work in TV Production, so I’m always intrigued by stories set in Hollywood. This also tends to make me a little hyper-focused on the details, such as mentioning a grip moving a light (which wouldn’t happen in today’s world - an Electrician would move a light, but perhaps rules were different back then…).
Overall, I very much enjoyed the book, and I was happy to finish it before attending her book event. I’m ready for her 3rd book - A Star is Scorned - which is scheduled to be released in October. 4/5 ⭐️ overall, and 2.5/5 🌶️ (those scenes were quite good). 🎥 🕺🏽 💫 #HisGirlHollywood #NetGalley
February 8, 2025
FEMINISM IN GOLDEN ERA HOLLYWOOD
I LOVE (!) old Hollywood movies and especially musicals. Singing in the Rain with Gene Kelly was my gateway to that passion, so of course I had to read this book! I wish I was more engaged and exited about it, but I did still enjoy it.
What I liked
👍 Gene Kelly: For a true fan of old musicals, all the Gene Kelly references are easy to pick out. It was a bit of an easter egg hunt, which I really enjoyed.
👍 Arlene: Arlene is a passionate main character. She fights for what she wants and she goes for it with her all. I found that inspiring, especially with the historical setting.
👍 The mob: Frankie and his mob connections gave the story a bit of an edge, made it more action packed, which was a good counter weight to the romance.
What I didn't like
👎 Repetition: It felt a bit repetitive, especially Don and Arlene's inner monologues. It felt like reading the same bits over and over, and I really wanted to see more growth and self reflection.
👎 Pacing: Sadly, the pacing was too slow for me. Perhaps that was partly a by-product of the repetitiveness. For me, it was a bit hard to keep my interests engaged and I actually ended up skipping some portions of the story.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I LOVE (!) old Hollywood movies and especially musicals. Singing in the Rain with Gene Kelly was my gateway to that passion, so of course I had to read this book! I wish I was more engaged and exited about it, but I did still enjoy it.
What I liked
👍 Gene Kelly: For a true fan of old musicals, all the Gene Kelly references are easy to pick out. It was a bit of an easter egg hunt, which I really enjoyed.
👍 Arlene: Arlene is a passionate main character. She fights for what she wants and she goes for it with her all. I found that inspiring, especially with the historical setting.
👍 The mob: Frankie and his mob connections gave the story a bit of an edge, made it more action packed, which was a good counter weight to the romance.
What I didn't like
👎 Repetition: It felt a bit repetitive, especially Don and Arlene's inner monologues. It felt like reading the same bits over and over, and I really wanted to see more growth and self reflection.
👎 Pacing: Sadly, the pacing was too slow for me. Perhaps that was partly a by-product of the repetitiveness. For me, it was a bit hard to keep my interests engaged and I actually ended up skipping some portions of the story.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
January 23, 2026
i mean i knew this was gonna be good but DAMN it was good
December 20, 2024
I thought this book was okay. It's a bit slow paced and had a hard time keeping my attention at times but it wasn't all bad. I enjoyed the movie making scenes and the two main characters rekindling their friendship along with their love for each other. Would I recommend this... maybe. Depends on the person and what they are looking to read.
January 6, 2025
A really interesting and original read because, I think we don't have enough books set in this time period, at least not that I have read.
Arlene is one of those characters that I love, a strong female character, that's looking to be herself and grow. Her relationship with Don felt kind like a second chance (even if it they were just friends).
I loved all the Old Hollywood descriptions and story.
Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy
Arlene is one of those characters that I love, a strong female character, that's looking to be herself and grow. Her relationship with Don felt kind like a second chance (even if it they were just friends).
I loved all the Old Hollywood descriptions and story.
Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy
April 3, 2025
Too long for what it is.
January 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 Stars
This book reads like a classic 1950s film and if you like those movies you’ll like this book. It feels like you’re watching one of those with its humor, dance numbers, the friends-to-lover romance, the gangsters and the glamorous movie stars. Lenker even lists some classic films that were inspirations for the book and I watched Cover Girl while I was reading. I could easily picture Gene Kelly as Don and Rita Hayworth as Arlene and kept them in my mind's eye while reading. In fact, Kelly's famous shadow dance number is pulled directly from the movie and it’s fun to read and then watch it. Also, Rita Hayworth is the most incredible dancer with legs for days and I recommend watching her films!
Set during the 1930s Studio system, Arlene is one of the first female directors of her own picture and hires her former next-door neighbor turned Broadway dancer Don to be its star, and feelings ignite or reignite between them. It is dual POV which is nice to get their inner thoughts, however I did find the writing style a bit straight forward and repetitive. Since Don is mixed up with Frankie, a New York gangster, and gives 60% of his profits to him, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop which of course it did. The quirky solution Arlene organizes as a way to break Don free from Frankie’s hold is quite delightful and again reminiscent of a classic film.
My favorite part of the story is that it focusses on a strong, talented woman finding professional agency during a time when women weren't allowed to direct or have opinions or ambitions or power or anything at all. Arlene is a breath of fresh air who Don can’t help but fall for and they end up having a wonderful creative partnership, as well as a few mildly steamy love scenes. I also really loved her friend group of A-list actors and Oscar winners.
**Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC**
This book reads like a classic 1950s film and if you like those movies you’ll like this book. It feels like you’re watching one of those with its humor, dance numbers, the friends-to-lover romance, the gangsters and the glamorous movie stars. Lenker even lists some classic films that were inspirations for the book and I watched Cover Girl while I was reading. I could easily picture Gene Kelly as Don and Rita Hayworth as Arlene and kept them in my mind's eye while reading. In fact, Kelly's famous shadow dance number is pulled directly from the movie and it’s fun to read and then watch it. Also, Rita Hayworth is the most incredible dancer with legs for days and I recommend watching her films!
Set during the 1930s Studio system, Arlene is one of the first female directors of her own picture and hires her former next-door neighbor turned Broadway dancer Don to be its star, and feelings ignite or reignite between them. It is dual POV which is nice to get their inner thoughts, however I did find the writing style a bit straight forward and repetitive. Since Don is mixed up with Frankie, a New York gangster, and gives 60% of his profits to him, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop which of course it did. The quirky solution Arlene organizes as a way to break Don free from Frankie’s hold is quite delightful and again reminiscent of a classic film.
My favorite part of the story is that it focusses on a strong, talented woman finding professional agency during a time when women weren't allowed to direct or have opinions or ambitions or power or anything at all. Arlene is a breath of fresh air who Don can’t help but fall for and they end up having a wonderful creative partnership, as well as a few mildly steamy love scenes. I also really loved her friend group of A-list actors and Oscar winners.
**Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC**
March 23, 2025
Enjoyed stepping into Maureen’s fictional old Hollywood world once again. This is a cute second chance romance set amid the studio system of the 1930s. While not required, I recommend reading her debut novel “It Happened One Fight” first because there are some interconnected details and characters, but this could absolutely stand alone. I personally liked this one a little better, but the Gene Kelly inspired male lead probably had something to do with that haha. Delighted to learn there’s already a third book planned for this setting in the works. I will absolutely continue to read these.
Unrelated to my star rating I’m rather curious why the cover art style changed so drastically between this and It Happened One Fight. I prefer the cartoonish depiction of the main characters on that one…just food for thought. Curious how others feel about that.
Unrelated to my star rating I’m rather curious why the cover art style changed so drastically between this and It Happened One Fight. I prefer the cartoonish depiction of the main characters on that one…just food for thought. Curious how others feel about that.
March 10, 2025
The action scenes in this one really stand out to me, and it genuinely feels like a madcap classic Hollywood adventure! Love the romance, love the characters, love this time period.
January 24, 2025
Probably 2.5.
Thank You, NetGalley and the publishers for an opportunity to listen to His Girl Hollywood by Maureen Lee Lenker.
Well, this felt like a 1950s Hollywood movie. All the elements you can imagine in a movie set in that era could be found in this book.
My grouse with this was the flimsy excuse as to why the main characters were not communicating with each other or rather the reason for misunderstanding between them. It just didn't make sense to me.
So, all in all, not bad but not something you'll miss if you don't pick this up.
Thank You, NetGalley and the publishers for an opportunity to listen to His Girl Hollywood by Maureen Lee Lenker.
Well, this felt like a 1950s Hollywood movie. All the elements you can imagine in a movie set in that era could be found in this book.
My grouse with this was the flimsy excuse as to why the main characters were not communicating with each other or rather the reason for misunderstanding between them. It just didn't make sense to me.
So, all in all, not bad but not something you'll miss if you don't pick this up.
January 8, 2025
📖 +🎧: His Girl Hollywood- can be read as a standalone
✍🏾 Author: Maureen Lee Lenker, I read It Happened One Fight and gave 5 ⭐
📅Publication date: 1-14-25 | Read 1-7-25
Format: E-book 384 pgs. and Audiobook-Run Time: 12:28
🗣️Narrator: Patti Murin voices all the characters with standouts from Eleanor, Frankie, and Harry. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.
Genre:
* Historical Fic/ Romance
* Adult Fic
Tropes:
* Childhood crush/unrequited
* Celebrity romance
* 2nd chance romance
* Workplace romance
* Forced proximity
* Found family
⚠️ TW: child abuse, abortion-mentioned, misogyny, kidnapping
👆🏾 POV: 3rd person, dual
🌎 Setting: Hollywood
Summary: Arlene has been given her first director opportunity but must have her childhood crush Don Lamont as her leading man. They agree to keep things professional, but Don's gangster manager threatens his life and career.
👩🏾 Heroine: Arlene Morgan-28, Oscar winner and 1st time director of a musical. Her and Don were neighbors and friends as children.
👨🏾 Hero: Don Lamont/Lazzarini-28, a Broadway dancer gets his 1st movie w/ Arlene.
🎭 Other Characters:
*Eleanor Lester-Don's dance partner
*Frankie Martino-Don's manager
*Eddie Rosso- a choreographer, Don's friend
*Mabel Snyder -Don's ex-girlfriend, a model
*Rita Carter-Don's leading lady in new movie
*Joan Davis- Arlene's friend, a famous actress who was the main heroine from IHOF
*Harry Evets-studio head, Arlene's boss
🤔 My Thoughts: I loved the old Hollywood feel and how studio heads like Harry protected the talent. Don and Frankie's contractual relationship gave mob movie vibes with gambling and blackmail. Joan, Dash, and Flynn's cameos were funny especially when they rescued Don. I hope Flynn gets a story.
Rating: 4/5⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level 4/5🔥🔥🔥🔥
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, Dreamscape Media, and Maureen Lee Lenker for this ARC and ALC 🎭! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
✍🏾 Author: Maureen Lee Lenker, I read It Happened One Fight and gave 5 ⭐
📅Publication date: 1-14-25 | Read 1-7-25
Format: E-book 384 pgs. and Audiobook-Run Time: 12:28
🗣️Narrator: Patti Murin voices all the characters with standouts from Eleanor, Frankie, and Harry. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.
Genre:
* Historical Fic/ Romance
* Adult Fic
Tropes:
* Childhood crush/unrequited
* Celebrity romance
* 2nd chance romance
* Workplace romance
* Forced proximity
* Found family
⚠️ TW: child abuse, abortion-mentioned, misogyny, kidnapping
👆🏾 POV: 3rd person, dual
🌎 Setting: Hollywood
Summary: Arlene has been given her first director opportunity but must have her childhood crush Don Lamont as her leading man. They agree to keep things professional, but Don's gangster manager threatens his life and career.
👩🏾 Heroine: Arlene Morgan-28, Oscar winner and 1st time director of a musical. Her and Don were neighbors and friends as children.
👨🏾 Hero: Don Lamont/Lazzarini-28, a Broadway dancer gets his 1st movie w/ Arlene.
🎭 Other Characters:
*Eleanor Lester-Don's dance partner
*Frankie Martino-Don's manager
*Eddie Rosso- a choreographer, Don's friend
*Mabel Snyder -Don's ex-girlfriend, a model
*Rita Carter-Don's leading lady in new movie
*Joan Davis- Arlene's friend, a famous actress who was the main heroine from IHOF
*Harry Evets-studio head, Arlene's boss
🤔 My Thoughts: I loved the old Hollywood feel and how studio heads like Harry protected the talent. Don and Frankie's contractual relationship gave mob movie vibes with gambling and blackmail. Joan, Dash, and Flynn's cameos were funny especially when they rescued Don. I hope Flynn gets a story.
Rating: 4/5⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level 4/5🔥🔥🔥🔥
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, Dreamscape Media, and Maureen Lee Lenker for this ARC and ALC 🎭! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
January 31, 2025
3.75 - Thank you so much to Dreamscape Media for the complimentary audio!
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the free book!
This book is out now!
I was initially drawn to this book based off the title and the bright colorful cover. I did read a little bit of the synopsis and to know that it took place in the 1930s and that it was a romance. And from those factors alone, I was sold!
This is a second chance romance about Arlene/Lena and Don who were childhood friends that both made it in the entertainment world. Don left as soon as he could for Broadway whereas Lena stayed in California and worked in Hollywood. I love how the author made her already an Oscar winner (I believe this all came up in the first book) and put her in the prestigious position of director for her next role. Especially for that time frame, having a female director was not very common (still isn't).
The characters went through a lot throughout the book. More so Don who got himself wrapped up with a gangster. And he tries SO hard to keep Lena out of his mess but in the end she comes to the rescue. Lena always had a crush on Don but it took a little awhile for Don to catch up to her. I did think it was cute that the running theme of his lucky penny (from Lena) was brought up throughout the book.
I was really interested in the story but felt that it just kept going. Anytime I thought we would be wrapping up, I looked and still had time left. And as I mentioned there was just so much that happened in the book!
Queen Patti Murin was the narrator of this book and I always love the books I listen from her! She was able to change her voice for all the characters we encounter. It made listening very easy and following the story easy.
If you are looking for a sweet romance, childhood to coworkers to friends to lovers set against the golden age of Hollywood with a mob subplot - check this out!
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the free book!
This book is out now!
I was initially drawn to this book based off the title and the bright colorful cover. I did read a little bit of the synopsis and to know that it took place in the 1930s and that it was a romance. And from those factors alone, I was sold!
This is a second chance romance about Arlene/Lena and Don who were childhood friends that both made it in the entertainment world. Don left as soon as he could for Broadway whereas Lena stayed in California and worked in Hollywood. I love how the author made her already an Oscar winner (I believe this all came up in the first book) and put her in the prestigious position of director for her next role. Especially for that time frame, having a female director was not very common (still isn't).
The characters went through a lot throughout the book. More so Don who got himself wrapped up with a gangster. And he tries SO hard to keep Lena out of his mess but in the end she comes to the rescue. Lena always had a crush on Don but it took a little awhile for Don to catch up to her. I did think it was cute that the running theme of his lucky penny (from Lena) was brought up throughout the book.
I was really interested in the story but felt that it just kept going. Anytime I thought we would be wrapping up, I looked and still had time left. And as I mentioned there was just so much that happened in the book!
Queen Patti Murin was the narrator of this book and I always love the books I listen from her! She was able to change her voice for all the characters we encounter. It made listening very easy and following the story easy.
If you are looking for a sweet romance, childhood to coworkers to friends to lovers set against the golden age of Hollywood with a mob subplot - check this out!
September 21, 2025
⭐ (Story) 4
⭐ (Narrator) 5
🌶️ 2
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 17, 23, 28, 29, 33
📚 Tropes/Themes: Director x choreographer, gilded age, forced proximity, second chance, it's always been you, the one that got away, first love, childhood besties, childhood crush, old hollywood
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
🎙️ Single narration (Patti Murrin)
⏰ Approx 7.5 hours
💔 Triggers: mentions of CA and forced abortions
🛍️ Available: Now
💬 So this book kind of surprised me, in a good way. I requested this from netgalley because I liked the time period it was set in (the 30s) but when it finally came time for me to read it, I'll be honest, I had my doubts on if I had made a good choice or not.
Honestly, what was really holding me back was I didn't think there was going to be any spice in this book 😂 which is fine. I don't mind closed door romances but I was definitely pleasantly surprised lol.
I mean that's not the only thing I liked about the story. The plot was really good, Lena and Don were sympathetic characters and they definitely had me hooked to their cause right away. I'm also a just sucker for second chance/ it's always been you.
I also liked the way the climax resembled a movie. I can't say much more than that because it would give a lot of things away but I thought it was really cute how they did that.
I don't know, it was just a really enjoyable story overall. There's nothing in particular that sticks out other than I think it was a little bit too long. After everything resolved I felt like they could have just stopped the book there and it would have been perfect with a short epilogue to wrap everything up, but instead there were a few more chapters and I started to check out.
I really liked the narrator, Patty Murrin. She did an excellent job bringing the emotions to life and differentiating between the characters without sounding silly or cheesy. I also really enjoyed how she used the Mid-Atlantic accent to give it a more authentic feel
⭐ (Narrator) 5
🌶️ 2
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 17, 23, 28, 29, 33
📚 Tropes/Themes: Director x choreographer, gilded age, forced proximity, second chance, it's always been you, the one that got away, first love, childhood besties, childhood crush, old hollywood
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
🎙️ Single narration (Patti Murrin)
⏰ Approx 7.5 hours
💔 Triggers: mentions of CA and forced abortions
🛍️ Available: Now
💬 So this book kind of surprised me, in a good way. I requested this from netgalley because I liked the time period it was set in (the 30s) but when it finally came time for me to read it, I'll be honest, I had my doubts on if I had made a good choice or not.
Honestly, what was really holding me back was I didn't think there was going to be any spice in this book 😂 which is fine. I don't mind closed door romances but I was definitely pleasantly surprised lol.
I mean that's not the only thing I liked about the story. The plot was really good, Lena and Don were sympathetic characters and they definitely had me hooked to their cause right away. I'm also a just sucker for second chance/ it's always been you.
I also liked the way the climax resembled a movie. I can't say much more than that because it would give a lot of things away but I thought it was really cute how they did that.
I don't know, it was just a really enjoyable story overall. There's nothing in particular that sticks out other than I think it was a little bit too long. After everything resolved I felt like they could have just stopped the book there and it would have been perfect with a short epilogue to wrap everything up, but instead there were a few more chapters and I started to check out.
I really liked the narrator, Patty Murrin. She did an excellent job bringing the emotions to life and differentiating between the characters without sounding silly or cheesy. I also really enjoyed how she used the Mid-Atlantic accent to give it a more authentic feel
January 11, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the digital copy of this audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content warning: Open door romance, child abuse, kidnapping, abortion is mentioned, misogyny
There’s nothing better than a second-chance romance set in old Hollywood! This book is part of a series, but it is written as a stand-alone. I didn’t feel I was missing anything by not having read the first book, but I enjoyed this one well enough to look for the back catalog.
This book kind of reminded me a little of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo because of all the behind-the-scenes filmmaking of the golden age of Hollywood. Arlene is very rare in Hollywood in the 1930s: successful as a screenwriter, and an Academy Award to prove it, she’s gotten the chance to direct her first film. The film’s star is a famous Broadway dance man who is making his film debut, but the two actually grew up together. They had a falling out about a decade prior and haven’t talked to each other since.
Don, the leading man, is under the thumb of a mobster named Frankie, and he thinks this film is finally his chance to break free. Too bad that Frankie seems wise to the situation and won’t let Don go willingly. And Don can’t let Arlene know he’s controlled by the mob, yet as they mend old wounds and get as close as they were when they were younger, he faces the conundrum of risking it all to tell her about his “management.”
Will the two mend fences? Will Don break free from the mob? Most importantly, will the film be a success? You’ll just have to check out the book for yourself to find out!
Patti Murin, the narrator, does such an excellent job of bringing the characters to life! This audiobook just cruised along, and she did a great job of keeping me engaged throughout with her characterizations.
Content warning: Open door romance, child abuse, kidnapping, abortion is mentioned, misogyny
There’s nothing better than a second-chance romance set in old Hollywood! This book is part of a series, but it is written as a stand-alone. I didn’t feel I was missing anything by not having read the first book, but I enjoyed this one well enough to look for the back catalog.
This book kind of reminded me a little of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo because of all the behind-the-scenes filmmaking of the golden age of Hollywood. Arlene is very rare in Hollywood in the 1930s: successful as a screenwriter, and an Academy Award to prove it, she’s gotten the chance to direct her first film. The film’s star is a famous Broadway dance man who is making his film debut, but the two actually grew up together. They had a falling out about a decade prior and haven’t talked to each other since.
Don, the leading man, is under the thumb of a mobster named Frankie, and he thinks this film is finally his chance to break free. Too bad that Frankie seems wise to the situation and won’t let Don go willingly. And Don can’t let Arlene know he’s controlled by the mob, yet as they mend old wounds and get as close as they were when they were younger, he faces the conundrum of risking it all to tell her about his “management.”
Will the two mend fences? Will Don break free from the mob? Most importantly, will the film be a success? You’ll just have to check out the book for yourself to find out!
Patti Murin, the narrator, does such an excellent job of bringing the characters to life! This audiobook just cruised along, and she did a great job of keeping me engaged throughout with her characterizations.
January 15, 2025
Thank you to Bloom/Source Books for providing Advanced Reader Copies at BookBash this year so I had the opportunity to read this book! This book comes out 1/14 (today!)
3.5 ⭐️
A period romance set in Hollywood in the 1930s. Arlene is getting her big break as a female director after winning an Oscar for screenwriting. In an unfortunate twist, her childhood best friend and heartbreak, Don, has been cast as the leading man without her knowledge. It’s been a decade since they’ve spoken and she’s determined to keep him at arms length. Don has his own problems, coming from recent stardom on Broadway, but tainted by his gangster manager that he is desperate to get away from. They each have a lot riding on the success of this picture, but neither is communicating the extend of their hurt and circumstances to the other. Love wins out though, the question is, can their love share the same space as both of their dreams?
This gave me similar period vibes as the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I didn’t realize how much I love that old Hollywood era until I was smitten with the scenes and language of this book. It’s captivating and beautiful to imagine. It’s interesting to see a period of time where values are so different from what we live in now. I liked all the strong characters in this book, especially Arlene. I thought the storyline was interesting, and felt just like a movie, though the pacing was a little bit slow in the middle. For me that wasn’t a problem since I liked the setting, but I wasn’t always compelled to pick it up right away, it felt like something I could meander through. I think if there is an audiobook of this, it would be well suited for audio reading. I liked all the period specific vocabulary too, I never felt taken out of the work. The miscommunication/misunderstanding trope is used heavily throughout the narrative.
3.5 ⭐️
A period romance set in Hollywood in the 1930s. Arlene is getting her big break as a female director after winning an Oscar for screenwriting. In an unfortunate twist, her childhood best friend and heartbreak, Don, has been cast as the leading man without her knowledge. It’s been a decade since they’ve spoken and she’s determined to keep him at arms length. Don has his own problems, coming from recent stardom on Broadway, but tainted by his gangster manager that he is desperate to get away from. They each have a lot riding on the success of this picture, but neither is communicating the extend of their hurt and circumstances to the other. Love wins out though, the question is, can their love share the same space as both of their dreams?
This gave me similar period vibes as the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I didn’t realize how much I love that old Hollywood era until I was smitten with the scenes and language of this book. It’s captivating and beautiful to imagine. It’s interesting to see a period of time where values are so different from what we live in now. I liked all the strong characters in this book, especially Arlene. I thought the storyline was interesting, and felt just like a movie, though the pacing was a little bit slow in the middle. For me that wasn’t a problem since I liked the setting, but I wasn’t always compelled to pick it up right away, it felt like something I could meander through. I think if there is an audiobook of this, it would be well suited for audio reading. I liked all the period specific vocabulary too, I never felt taken out of the work. The miscommunication/misunderstanding trope is used heavily throughout the narrative.
August 5, 2025
His Girl Hollywood was such a cute romance that was rooted in classic Hollywood culture. This author like me loves classic movies, and the book was focused on some of the characters from Singin’ In The Rain.
It was clear that the author had a love of all classic movies. This book modeled some of the characters from characters in Singin’ In The Rain. Here, the male protagonist was modeled after Gene Kelly’s character Don Lockwood, and the female protagonist took the name of Lena, Don’s zany leading lady. Lena was a strong, independent woman. I loved that the author crafted Lena to be the first female director in Hollywood and incorporated some of the sexual harassment and discrimination issues that women are currently facing into the story. This story helped to raise awareness of some of the sexual harassment issues in a way that was direct but not overly negative.
Much of the book had the two leads dancing around their feelings for each other – pun intended. Their youthful friendship suddenly landed in Hollywood when Don was the leading man in the movie Lena was directing. Their budding romance was sweet and progressed so adorably. I liked that the author Incorporated Gene Kelly’s actual dancing into this story by having the musical numbers in the book’s film also choreographing numbers that mirrored actual famous dances of Gene Kelly. It was so cute to see the characters think up a dance where Don would walk down a street and splash in puddles! The end of the book turned into a mad cap comedy that was very classic to movies in the 1930s, complete with gangsters! These classic elements were a clever addition to the story. The story is fun and was a feel good romance.
It was clear that the author had a love of all classic movies. This book modeled some of the characters from characters in Singin’ In The Rain. Here, the male protagonist was modeled after Gene Kelly’s character Don Lockwood, and the female protagonist took the name of Lena, Don’s zany leading lady. Lena was a strong, independent woman. I loved that the author crafted Lena to be the first female director in Hollywood and incorporated some of the sexual harassment and discrimination issues that women are currently facing into the story. This story helped to raise awareness of some of the sexual harassment issues in a way that was direct but not overly negative.
Much of the book had the two leads dancing around their feelings for each other – pun intended. Their youthful friendship suddenly landed in Hollywood when Don was the leading man in the movie Lena was directing. Their budding romance was sweet and progressed so adorably. I liked that the author Incorporated Gene Kelly’s actual dancing into this story by having the musical numbers in the book’s film also choreographing numbers that mirrored actual famous dances of Gene Kelly. It was so cute to see the characters think up a dance where Don would walk down a street and splash in puddles! The end of the book turned into a mad cap comedy that was very classic to movies in the 1930s, complete with gangsters! These classic elements were a clever addition to the story. The story is fun and was a feel good romance.
January 16, 2025
I was so excited to see that Maureen Lee Lenker was putting out another romance book from the old Hollywood era! This was one of my most anticipated books of the new year. I loved her previous book, It Happened One Fight, and was thrilled to see His Girl Hollywood set in the same world. The story surrounds Joan Davis’ former assistant, Arlene and Arlene’s childhood crush, Don, receiving a second chance at romance while making a movie and dealing with the mob. Lenker does a great job of incorporating Joan, Dash and Flynn into the story without taking the spotlight from the two main characters.
Lenker continues to do well at molding her characters and plot into combinations of real old Hollywood stars, directors and movies. She’s taking some of the best elements of these and creating mashed up sequels while infusing them with more romantic drama. As a TCM fan, her style of writing is one I really enjoy.
Despite my excitement for the book, I found the pacing too slow in the beginning. The internal monologues of Don and Lena became too repetitive. The reader did not have to be reminded of the stakes of each character every chapter. But about half way through the book, the pace sped up and the end put a nice bow on everyone’s story.
While I didn’t think this book was as strong as It Happened One Fight, I still really love the world Lenker has created and I hope for more books in the series.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lenker continues to do well at molding her characters and plot into combinations of real old Hollywood stars, directors and movies. She’s taking some of the best elements of these and creating mashed up sequels while infusing them with more romantic drama. As a TCM fan, her style of writing is one I really enjoy.
Despite my excitement for the book, I found the pacing too slow in the beginning. The internal monologues of Don and Lena became too repetitive. The reader did not have to be reminded of the stakes of each character every chapter. But about half way through the book, the pace sped up and the end put a nice bow on everyone’s story.
While I didn’t think this book was as strong as It Happened One Fight, I still really love the world Lenker has created and I hope for more books in the series.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2025
It's hard to make a book that involves Old Hollywood movie stars, male dancers, and the historical New York mob boring for me, but this author suceeded in doing just that. And I can tell you exactly how she did it! By keeping the conflict at a minimum. That is to say, by introducing a male love interest who immediately realizes - and apologizes for - every minor misstep he makes regarding the female love interest.
I may not be an expert, but this isn't how a plot works???
Let them err! Let them be awful to each other! Let them miscommunicate! Let them not explain themselves! Let them suffer and grovel, then make up with each other!!! That irritation has to simmer and boil! Every internal conflict is, on the contrary, thoroughly ruminated upon, until the reader has followed the narrator in circles so many times, they have to wonder if they will ever find their way out of this novel again.
Not to mention the abhorred trope of the girl being in unrequited love with their best friend since childhood, while the guy only comes to realize what a hottie he's been sleeping on after returning from a prolonged stay away from home ("oh wow, she is all grown up now"). Though that might just be my personal preference speaking.
Still, the appeal of a 1930s romance remains. I'm such an idiot for not realizing sooner that there already was a loose previous installment in this Old Hollywood literary universe, although the different cover design choices make it heard to see the connection - maybe I'll still give that one a chance, just because I found Joan's parts in His Girl Hollywood to be the most exciting. Fear not! You can easily read and understand these books out of order, as proven by me.
***I received a digital copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
I may not be an expert, but this isn't how a plot works???
Let them err! Let them be awful to each other! Let them miscommunicate! Let them not explain themselves! Let them suffer and grovel, then make up with each other!!! That irritation has to simmer and boil! Every internal conflict is, on the contrary, thoroughly ruminated upon, until the reader has followed the narrator in circles so many times, they have to wonder if they will ever find their way out of this novel again.
Not to mention the abhorred trope of the girl being in unrequited love with their best friend since childhood, while the guy only comes to realize what a hottie he's been sleeping on after returning from a prolonged stay away from home ("oh wow, she is all grown up now"). Though that might just be my personal preference speaking.
Still, the appeal of a 1930s romance remains. I'm such an idiot for not realizing sooner that there already was a loose previous installment in this Old Hollywood literary universe, although the different cover design choices make it heard to see the connection - maybe I'll still give that one a chance, just because I found Joan's parts in His Girl Hollywood to be the most exciting. Fear not! You can easily read and understand these books out of order, as proven by me.
***I received a digital copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
January 13, 2025
This book attempts to recreate the zany comedies of the 1950s featuring actors like Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, and I suspect that the title was taken from their movie His Girl Friday. It does a pretty good job of it, too!
Following the story of a childhood friendship, a lost love, and the passionate desire of a young woman to become one of the first female directors in Hollywood, it also brings alive the realities of mobsters and molls in an era soon after prohibition has been repealed.
Don is a young man who has gone to New York in search of his dreams of success as a dancer, keen to leave everything behind him, including his terrible relationship with his father, a fisherman. In the process however, he also leaves behind his childhood best friend, Lena, even though they were once inseparable.
So when their paths unexpectedly cross again as Don is offered the opportunity to star in a Hollywood blockbuster directed by none other than his one-time best friend, sparks predictably fly. But Don is keeping dangerous secrets...
It was an entertaining romp, with an excellent cast of supporting characters. My only complaint would be that at times the regrets and romantic declarations felt a tad repetitive, but some judicious editing would take care of that. Overall, worth checking out - especially if you like old movies! It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Following the story of a childhood friendship, a lost love, and the passionate desire of a young woman to become one of the first female directors in Hollywood, it also brings alive the realities of mobsters and molls in an era soon after prohibition has been repealed.
Don is a young man who has gone to New York in search of his dreams of success as a dancer, keen to leave everything behind him, including his terrible relationship with his father, a fisherman. In the process however, he also leaves behind his childhood best friend, Lena, even though they were once inseparable.
So when their paths unexpectedly cross again as Don is offered the opportunity to star in a Hollywood blockbuster directed by none other than his one-time best friend, sparks predictably fly. But Don is keeping dangerous secrets...
It was an entertaining romp, with an excellent cast of supporting characters. My only complaint would be that at times the regrets and romantic declarations felt a tad repetitive, but some judicious editing would take care of that. Overall, worth checking out - especially if you like old movies! It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
February 2, 2025
In this fun new historical fiction novel, readers follow Oscar-winning screenwriter and rookie director Arlene Morgan on the cusp of her big break for Evets Studios, a movie musical starring Don Lamont who, before he made it big on Broadway, was Don Lazzarini, her next-door neighbor and first crush. Struggling against the sexism of 1930s Hollywood, Arlene’s movie will succeed -- because she has no choice but to succeed -- despite Don ignoring her for the last decade. However, Don’s Broadway success put him under the thumb of a gangster manager, and this movie is his chance to get away from this -- except Arlene has changed, and they can’t get along. With alternating perspectives and three fascinating conflicts throughout the book, readers will love this friends-to-lovers historical fiction novel set against old Hollywood. The characters are unique and complex, as the novel’s stars should be, while their relationship is layered and realistic after ten years of growth and separation. With so many unique conflicts in this novel, Lenker does a fantastic job bringing the challenges and corruption of the 1930s to life in fascinating and immersive detail, complementing the characters and their challenges incredibly well in this fun and fascinating new historical fiction title.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance copy.
December 17, 2025
After reading *It Happened One Fight* I was so obsessed with this concept of a romance book being set in the golden age of Hollywood. I hadn’t even known Lenker wrote a second book until I was browsing the new releases section in Barnes and Nobles. This story follows Arlene Morgan and Don Lamont. Two childhood best friends who get separated as Don heads off to New York to pursue a Broadway career. Arlene is devastated and is even more heartbroken because she’s had a crush on Don for years. For the 10 years he was gone, he did not call or write which made her think he’d forgotten about her. But when he shows up in Hollywood to be the leading man in her directorial debut, feelings resurface and new ones rise.
I love the plot of Arlene being a female director especially since in the 1930s that was not common and mostly frowned upon. I think her and Don’s relationship was really interesting but it did annoy me how Don acted so oblivious as to why Arlene would be mad at him when he first showed up.
Last half of the book was really interesting and action-packed. The twist was insane! I love how it turned from friends to enemies to loves rom com to borderline crime noir vibes! I will be reading this book again! Im also looking forward to reading the third installment in this little series, A Star Is Scorned.
I love the plot of Arlene being a female director especially since in the 1930s that was not common and mostly frowned upon. I think her and Don’s relationship was really interesting but it did annoy me how Don acted so oblivious as to why Arlene would be mad at him when he first showed up.
Last half of the book was really interesting and action-packed. The twist was insane! I love how it turned from friends to enemies to loves rom com to borderline crime noir vibes! I will be reading this book again! Im also looking forward to reading the third installment in this little series, A Star Is Scorned.
March 30, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape media for this book in return of my honest opinion and review.
1927 Don leaves for broadway and Arlene, eyes filled with tears gives him a lucky penny.
Don’s parents don’t support his dancing carrier, so he changes his family name and doesn’t contact anyone back home.
Ten years later, Don mixed up with a gangster as his agent goes back to Hollywood to work with Arlene, now an Oscar winner, hoping to start anew and buy his freedom.
The audio narration is very good and emotional. It changes with every character.
It’s a historical love story.
Storyline is predictable. There are no twists. There are no crossroads. The climax, the clue that Don left for Arlene, is mellowed when Elenor takes it to Arlene, with all the help she needs to get it, like our manager said I’ll take Don somewhere so he remembers where he has come from and that is fishy.
Characters are cliche. The hardworking good girl, the prodigal son, the rich and famous friend and the gangster. problems are solved through ex machina.
And character’s feelings and decisions are author-splained.
I give it 2.5 stars
1927 Don leaves for broadway and Arlene, eyes filled with tears gives him a lucky penny.
Don’s parents don’t support his dancing carrier, so he changes his family name and doesn’t contact anyone back home.
Ten years later, Don mixed up with a gangster as his agent goes back to Hollywood to work with Arlene, now an Oscar winner, hoping to start anew and buy his freedom.
The audio narration is very good and emotional. It changes with every character.
It’s a historical love story.
Storyline is predictable. There are no twists. There are no crossroads. The climax, the clue that Don left for Arlene, is mellowed when Elenor takes it to Arlene, with all the help she needs to get it, like our manager said I’ll take Don somewhere so he remembers where he has come from and that is fishy.
Characters are cliche. The hardworking good girl, the prodigal son, the rich and famous friend and the gangster. problems are solved through ex machina.
And character’s feelings and decisions are author-splained.
I give it 2.5 stars
December 13, 2024
This was an interesting historical fiction that I really found myself drawn to. During the 1930’s women weren’t given nearly the opportunities they are now (and they still don’t have as many as men) so I was excited to read about Arlene. She is such a well written female main character, she’s strong while still having flaws. I really enjoyed that she came across as mean, but in reality, she couldn’t show any weakness because so many were trying to undercut her at every turn. I know this feeling all too well, so it was nicely relatable to me. Don was also really interesting, and I enjoyed reading about his journey with the mob and then moving to Hollywood. The romance between Don and Arlene was nicely done, not quite a second chance, and not quite friends to lovers but good. The spice scenes were well done and fit the story nicely.
If you’re looking for a historical romance that will make you stop and think, then check this one out.
Thank you to @sourcebookscasa for sending me a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
If you’re looking for a historical romance that will make you stop and think, then check this one out.
Thank you to @sourcebookscasa for sending me a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
December 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
HIS GIRL HOLLYWOOD was a fun follow up to IT HAPPENED ONE FIGHT, continuing in the same Old Hollywood universe. Arlene was one of the best side characters from the first book, so it was a joy to follow her story in this one.
The once-unrequited love story feels almost like a second chance romance between Arlene and her childhood neighbor and crush Don. While I enjoyed the love story, I think my favorite part of their journey was their creative partnership. Seeing how Arlene and Don inspired each other to be better artists and creators kept me turning pages as they figured out how to handle the many external conflicts they faced. The cameos from previous characters were fun but not overwhelming, and the new characters helped to flesh out the world a bit more and expand the found family trope.
A good, fun read that may have strained credulity at times with the sheer dumb luck these characters experienced, but never made me regret suspending my disbelief.
HIS GIRL HOLLYWOOD was a fun follow up to IT HAPPENED ONE FIGHT, continuing in the same Old Hollywood universe. Arlene was one of the best side characters from the first book, so it was a joy to follow her story in this one.
The once-unrequited love story feels almost like a second chance romance between Arlene and her childhood neighbor and crush Don. While I enjoyed the love story, I think my favorite part of their journey was their creative partnership. Seeing how Arlene and Don inspired each other to be better artists and creators kept me turning pages as they figured out how to handle the many external conflicts they faced. The cameos from previous characters were fun but not overwhelming, and the new characters helped to flesh out the world a bit more and expand the found family trope.
A good, fun read that may have strained credulity at times with the sheer dumb luck these characters experienced, but never made me regret suspending my disbelief.
February 1, 2025
His Girl Hollywood is a cute story by Maureen Lee Lenker. It’s the 1930s, and Arlene has dreamed of becoming a director. She finally gets that chance after writing an Oscar winning screenplay. However, her childhood crush Don, who left for New York to become a broadway star when he was 18, is cast as her leading man. She hasn’t heard from Don in ten years and is hurt by his absence; meanwhile, Don is trying to break free of his mob ties, not wanting to get Arlene tangled in his troubles. Will they find a way to each other?
I enjoyed reading this book. The story was a fun caper, and I enjoyed the ties to Gene Kelly. The dual perspective was enjoyable. The characters complained a lot about why they couldn’t trust each other which got a bit frustrating but overall an enjoyable story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book. The story was a fun caper, and I enjoyed the ties to Gene Kelly. The dual perspective was enjoyable. The characters complained a lot about why they couldn’t trust each other which got a bit frustrating but overall an enjoyable story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 16, 2025
This book swept me into the dazzling yet tumultuous world of 1930s film, where Arlene Morgan fights for her dream of directing, despite the era’s glaring gender biases. Maureen Lee Lenker masterfully crafts Arlene as a resilient yet complex heroine, navigating a male-dominated industry while guarding her vulnerabilities. Her reunion with Don Lamont, her childhood best friend turned Broadway star under the control of a mobster, adds layers of tension and romance. The chemistry between Arlene and Don is palpable, with their romance striking a balance between second chances and friends-to-lovers tropes. The added stakes of Don's mob entanglements heighten the drama, making for an engaging read. The spice was tastefully woven into the narrative, enhancing their emotional connection. This novel blends romance, drama, and history very well.
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