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Elize Lapsene #1
The Big Set
After moving to New York City to attend a prestigious acting school, Elize suddenly finds herself in a roller coaster of her life, filled with VIP parties, theatre auditions, film projects and even more excitedly chance-meeting her irresistible crush far too often for it to be anything less than fate.
One of her friends becomes a French lingerie model and the other marries a millionaire, while Elize’s biggest success is a leading role in a young adult drama where she unfortunately has to die from an overdose in the first scene and the man she’s madly falling for seems simply unattainable. What will it take to achieve that one thing that more and more girls nowadays dream of - to become an A-list celebrity? And will Elize be able to pay the price?
While her journey to self discovery is slowly turning out to be a lot less about sex and a lot more about the city that tends to send both devastating and hilarious reality checks on a regular basis, the people she meets and the experiences she survives are bound to change Elize’s life forever, for there is nothing more self-rewarding than giving yourself at least one shot at something really BIG.
Reminder: this story is loosely based on the author’s adventures in New York City back in the day when she was trying to become an actress. While most characters and events happened in real life, no actual names and titles have been used to retell the story.
One of her friends becomes a French lingerie model and the other marries a millionaire, while Elize’s biggest success is a leading role in a young adult drama where she unfortunately has to die from an overdose in the first scene and the man she’s madly falling for seems simply unattainable. What will it take to achieve that one thing that more and more girls nowadays dream of - to become an A-list celebrity? And will Elize be able to pay the price?
While her journey to self discovery is slowly turning out to be a lot less about sex and a lot more about the city that tends to send both devastating and hilarious reality checks on a regular basis, the people she meets and the experiences she survives are bound to change Elize’s life forever, for there is nothing more self-rewarding than giving yourself at least one shot at something really BIG.
Reminder: this story is loosely based on the author’s adventures in New York City back in the day when she was trying to become an actress. While most characters and events happened in real life, no actual names and titles have been used to retell the story.
204 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
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May 1, 2021Perhaps I'm over thinking but there were some things that bothered me.
June 26, 2014
Elize Lapsene has a tendency to fall into the most unlucky, ridiculous situations, but also the most unbelievable, mind-blowing good fortune! As she stumbles (sometimes quite literally after a night of partying!) through Manhattan, she makes her way through gorgeous men, whirlwind adventures, and people who seem to want to make Elize's dreams come true. And you can't help but cheer her on.
Ilze Powell has created a thoroughly enjoyable character. At times you can't help but roll your eyes (with a smile on your face) as another man finds Elize irresistible, and another acting coach/director/agent thinks Elize has something no one else has. But the author does a very good job of keeping Elize grounded and keeping the reader invested in not only her character's successes but also her disappointments and heartbreaks.
I look forward to the next Elize Lapsene novel. This book was good for a laugh and made for an easy, enjoyable read.
Ilze Powell has created a thoroughly enjoyable character. At times you can't help but roll your eyes (with a smile on your face) as another man finds Elize irresistible, and another acting coach/director/agent thinks Elize has something no one else has. But the author does a very good job of keeping Elize grounded and keeping the reader invested in not only her character's successes but also her disappointments and heartbreaks.
I look forward to the next Elize Lapsene novel. This book was good for a laugh and made for an easy, enjoyable read.
May 31, 2014
I loved this book. It had the sassiness that is captured in Sex in the City.
It was a light-hearted & humorous read of young Elize’s struggle to become noticed as a serious actress in the tough performance world. During this she was also finding her feet as a young woman with her on again off again relationship of her dream man. With all of this going on and such a busy lifestyle, she was starting to border on being a little crazy but always had a reliable friend to help her through.
A very enjoyable read.
It was a light-hearted & humorous read of young Elize’s struggle to become noticed as a serious actress in the tough performance world. During this she was also finding her feet as a young woman with her on again off again relationship of her dream man. With all of this going on and such a busy lifestyle, she was starting to border on being a little crazy but always had a reliable friend to help her through.
A very enjoyable read.
August 26, 2016
I loved this book - read it within one weekend.
Elize, the protagonist is a multi-layered and likeable character- she has big dreams but also the right amount of neurosis for most women to relate to...
It's clear that the author has plenty of experience in the performing arts industry and I enjoyed a behind the scenes perspective.
The dialogue is fun and light, the story flows well, the descriptions are fresh and the pace is just right.
I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
Elize, the protagonist is a multi-layered and likeable character- she has big dreams but also the right amount of neurosis for most women to relate to...
It's clear that the author has plenty of experience in the performing arts industry and I enjoyed a behind the scenes perspective.
The dialogue is fun and light, the story flows well, the descriptions are fresh and the pace is just right.
I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
February 4, 2014
Big city glam, parties, intriguing love, friends or maybe more...This book is pleasant rest after hard day at work.
April 12, 2014
Funny story. At the beginning of this week, I hadn't read a romance novel. Ever. I'm okay with chick flicks and being a little soppy in my own personal life but reading about it never appealed to me.
Then this week happened.
In the space of a week, I've read two romance novels. The latest is The Big Set, the first (I hope) in the Elize Lapsene series. I say 'I hope' because despite the fact this book falls into the romance category, at times it feels like a different type of book. I would happily read another instalment...colour me intrigued. I'm not a romance fan by any means but if I was, this would be a hell of an introduction to the genre.
Three things appeal to me in a novel. Character, vivid locations (I want to imagine it, put myself in that location, feel it) and decent, realistic dialogue. For me, these three things a novel makes.
The Big Set has it in droves. The dialogue is excellent, realistic, fluid and...well, authentic. I found myself reading conversations between the characters and thinking...'I'd say that'. The reactions seem genuine, the chit-chat comfortable. It's a testament to the author who creates a realistic, lively world, a world you can be part of for several hours without complaint. It really brings the characters alive.
On that note, the characters too are authentic. So often in novels, one character will be out of place, underdeveloped or inappropriately included. Not so here. Every character has their place and that combined with the sparkling dialogue helps you appreciate the characters on every turn. It's all part of the easy story telling that the author has created.
Which leaves the locations. Perfect, exquisite, glorious. I felt like I was there. I looked out of the window every now and then and was disappointed I was still at home. My imagination was going haywire on the descriptions which only increased the enjoyment of the book.
So five stars? Definitely. For a non-romance fan to come into this book, stay hooked, miss valuable sleep and come out at the end wanting more, is proof that the author is one to watch in the future. I would recommend this highly to any romance fan and any non-romance fan wanting to burst their romance cherry (no pun intended).
Then this week happened.
In the space of a week, I've read two romance novels. The latest is The Big Set, the first (I hope) in the Elize Lapsene series. I say 'I hope' because despite the fact this book falls into the romance category, at times it feels like a different type of book. I would happily read another instalment...colour me intrigued. I'm not a romance fan by any means but if I was, this would be a hell of an introduction to the genre.
Three things appeal to me in a novel. Character, vivid locations (I want to imagine it, put myself in that location, feel it) and decent, realistic dialogue. For me, these three things a novel makes.
The Big Set has it in droves. The dialogue is excellent, realistic, fluid and...well, authentic. I found myself reading conversations between the characters and thinking...'I'd say that'. The reactions seem genuine, the chit-chat comfortable. It's a testament to the author who creates a realistic, lively world, a world you can be part of for several hours without complaint. It really brings the characters alive.
On that note, the characters too are authentic. So often in novels, one character will be out of place, underdeveloped or inappropriately included. Not so here. Every character has their place and that combined with the sparkling dialogue helps you appreciate the characters on every turn. It's all part of the easy story telling that the author has created.
Which leaves the locations. Perfect, exquisite, glorious. I felt like I was there. I looked out of the window every now and then and was disappointed I was still at home. My imagination was going haywire on the descriptions which only increased the enjoyment of the book.
So five stars? Definitely. For a non-romance fan to come into this book, stay hooked, miss valuable sleep and come out at the end wanting more, is proof that the author is one to watch in the future. I would recommend this highly to any romance fan and any non-romance fan wanting to burst their romance cherry (no pun intended).
February 11, 2014
Captivating book with interesting moments and funny characters.
Reading this book was kind of like drinking a cocktail that has everything you crave - romance, men, friendships, parties, funny moments and thrilling drama scenes. Some parts of the character I identified myself with, and those parts of the book really made me laugh out loud.
There were times I wanted to simply leap into her world and have as much fun as possible while chasing those big screen roles. Her view of life and discoveries made me remember what it was like being young, inexperienced and still wanting it all.
I adored Elize’s ability to laugh at herself and take tough things lightly. I loved how easy it was to go through her journey - no extra descriptions, no overwhelming amounts of characters, no unnecessary dialogue. But the best of all was how she made me feel about myself, like it’s OK to be fragile and human, it’s OK not to look great at all times and it’s fine to be miserable and show it because tomorrow will be another day when to wake up and fight for your dream because a real woman is beautiful no matter what and can never lose her true value.
On and on the author guides the reader through the adventures of a young girl’s life in the in Big Apple. Can’t wait to read the second part to know what happens next.
Reading this book was kind of like drinking a cocktail that has everything you crave - romance, men, friendships, parties, funny moments and thrilling drama scenes. Some parts of the character I identified myself with, and those parts of the book really made me laugh out loud.
There were times I wanted to simply leap into her world and have as much fun as possible while chasing those big screen roles. Her view of life and discoveries made me remember what it was like being young, inexperienced and still wanting it all.
I adored Elize’s ability to laugh at herself and take tough things lightly. I loved how easy it was to go through her journey - no extra descriptions, no overwhelming amounts of characters, no unnecessary dialogue. But the best of all was how she made me feel about myself, like it’s OK to be fragile and human, it’s OK not to look great at all times and it’s fine to be miserable and show it because tomorrow will be another day when to wake up and fight for your dream because a real woman is beautiful no matter what and can never lose her true value.
On and on the author guides the reader through the adventures of a young girl’s life in the in Big Apple. Can’t wait to read the second part to know what happens next.
June 5, 2014
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
The Big Set offers an irreverent, behind the scenes portrait of life in New York City, seen through the lens of Elize Lapsene, a twenty-something wannabe actress with dreams of taking Hollywood by storm. She’s young and talented. She wants it all, and she’s prepared to do whatever it takes.
Through settings ranging from acting classes and film shoots to glamorous parties and bartending, Elize’s sharp-witted, self-deprecating perspective makes for an entertaining read and a compelling coming-of-age story. The writing style is immersive, drawing us into Elize’s mind and emotions as she lives through highs and lows, opportunities and disappointments, love and heartbreak.
Strong writing, sparkling dialogue, and a unique, authentic heroine combine to make The Big Set a fun read and an impressive debut novel.
The Big Set offers an irreverent, behind the scenes portrait of life in New York City, seen through the lens of Elize Lapsene, a twenty-something wannabe actress with dreams of taking Hollywood by storm. She’s young and talented. She wants it all, and she’s prepared to do whatever it takes.
Through settings ranging from acting classes and film shoots to glamorous parties and bartending, Elize’s sharp-witted, self-deprecating perspective makes for an entertaining read and a compelling coming-of-age story. The writing style is immersive, drawing us into Elize’s mind and emotions as she lives through highs and lows, opportunities and disappointments, love and heartbreak.
Strong writing, sparkling dialogue, and a unique, authentic heroine combine to make The Big Set a fun read and an impressive debut novel.
June 13, 2014
I was lucky to have received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads, and this was my first win and I was pleasantly surprise by how much I enjoyed the book. I read it over two weeknights as I couldn't put it down on the second night as I was rooting so much for Elize, the main character. Elize is a very likable character and having moved to New York in my early twenties also, I could sympathize with her and also remember the awe of the city at the same time. You can feel her joy, excitement, nervousness and hangovers as it is told so well. I can’t wait for the next installment although the ending left me a little flat as I thought the book ended suddenly. Ah well, I must be patient for the next installment.
July 14, 2014
This was a fascinating read! I love a book that shows you a world you'll never be part of, and describes the joys and sorrows and everything in between. New York as a place is high on my list of must visits, and to read about the real New York, and the inner workings of what it's like to try and break into acting was riveting. I loved the main character and felt she stayed true to herself when that kind of environment could make anyone go crazy in the race for the next great role, or to fit or be moulded into that particular lifestyle. There's a great bunch of supporting characters, who came across very life-like and real. A fun, sassy read that'll make immerse you in the New York lifestyle while you never leave your house. Looking forward to the second book.
July 16, 2014
I absolutely LOVED this book.
A quick witted, light hearted read, perfect for putting a smile on your face as you follow the life of an up and coming actress in New York. With fabulous friends, glamorous parties and a no shortage of swoon worthy men, Elize Lapsene sure sounds like she has the perfect life.
The moment I started this book I was hooked and read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I really did feel for her in parts though, you want her to succeed in both her private and professional life and I found myself wanting her to give the main man in her life more second chances than are really acceptable.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book and continuing to follow Elize as she carries on her search for that one big break and one true love.
A quick witted, light hearted read, perfect for putting a smile on your face as you follow the life of an up and coming actress in New York. With fabulous friends, glamorous parties and a no shortage of swoon worthy men, Elize Lapsene sure sounds like she has the perfect life.
The moment I started this book I was hooked and read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I really did feel for her in parts though, you want her to succeed in both her private and professional life and I found myself wanting her to give the main man in her life more second chances than are really acceptable.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book and continuing to follow Elize as she carries on her search for that one big break and one true love.
February 11, 2014
I loved it!!!
Reading this book was like reliving my own twenties. Only funnier and much more entertaining.
For those of us who've slaved most of our good years behind office desks this story might feel like a sad food for thought (or not).
Seeing Elize go through all those misfortunes and crazy fun adventures made me want to have her life instead.
I must say I am intrigued about what comes next.
Reading this book was like reliving my own twenties. Only funnier and much more entertaining.
For those of us who've slaved most of our good years behind office desks this story might feel like a sad food for thought (or not).
Seeing Elize go through all those misfortunes and crazy fun adventures made me want to have her life instead.
I must say I am intrigued about what comes next.
June 1, 2014
What a wonderful book to read while lounging in the sun… A great story. Wonderful dialogue. And a main character that you really can't help but care a lot about. The reader feels like the are transported to Elize's word….. And it is a world that I found fascinating… I look forward reading more by this talented writer.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review...
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review...
December 29, 2015
I liked this very much. Fun, exciting and enjoyable. I liked the character Elize, actress/bartender, trying to get established in New York.
It was easy to read/follow. The characters were well thought out. It moved at a nice pace...wasn't bogged down with unnecessary information. Nice coming of age tale. I've got book #2 on hand, so I think I will continue the story soon, if not now.
Yes, I would recommend this book.
It was easy to read/follow. The characters were well thought out. It moved at a nice pace...wasn't bogged down with unnecessary information. Nice coming of age tale. I've got book #2 on hand, so I think I will continue the story soon, if not now.
Yes, I would recommend this book.
April 21, 2016
This book is seriously funny. The main character is so gutsy while still mostly out of her own league.
It was like reading about the worst/funniest times back in school. Plus, imagining that they have happened in a place like New York City.
I liked the language a lot. Short sentences and fun dialogue. Will be looking out for this writer.
It was like reading about the worst/funniest times back in school. Plus, imagining that they have happened in a place like New York City.
I liked the language a lot. Short sentences and fun dialogue. Will be looking out for this writer.
August 28, 2014
The Big Set was a lot of fun to read. Every time Elize lost herself in a bottle of something, I felt like I was right there with her, laughing and sometimes crying my head off. What a great character. The Sex and the City comparisons are spot on.
February 3, 2014
Surprisingly fun read. Elize's world drew me in so much I found myself reliving it even after putting the book down. Can't wait to see what happens next.
September 5, 2014
Light and flirty chick-lit.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews