What do you think?
Rate this book
Reality Check
Listening Length 11 hours and 41 minutes
Portia Daniels' life is sorted. She has a perfect man (Jason, a hot TV producer from Ireland), a perfect apartment (in lower Manhattan), a perfect job (writing for TV). Best of all for her, unlike the rest of her family, she lives in perfect obscurity.
On the other hand, it's all drama with her mother, Dessie, Kerry-born queen bee of hit reality show, Ladies of Los Angeles, and sisters, Vinnie, a supermodel-turned-Insta-guru and Ariel, a Tik-Tok teen sensation.
When Jason drops a bombshell that leaves her life in tatters, Portia flees to be with her family. Her timing could not be worse though as scandal engulfs Vinnie's empire and Ariel bratty behaviour gets out of hand. As for Dessie, she is clearly hiding something. It seems like the glamour and gossip on which Dessie built her empire might just be its downfall.
But maybe Portia has been fooling herself about living a 'real' life? She might be about to get as big a wake-up call as her mother and sisters.
From the bright lights of LA to the rugged charm of west Kerry, Reality Check is a delicious look behind the scenes of what really goes down in Tinseltown.
Portia Daniels' life is sorted. She has a perfect man (Jason, a hot TV producer from Ireland), a perfect apartment (in lower Manhattan), a perfect job (writing for TV). Best of all for her, unlike the rest of her family, she lives in perfect obscurity.
On the other hand, it's all drama with her mother, Dessie, Kerry-born queen bee of hit reality show, Ladies of Los Angeles, and sisters, Vinnie, a supermodel-turned-Insta-guru and Ariel, a Tik-Tok teen sensation.
When Jason drops a bombshell that leaves her life in tatters, Portia flees to be with her family. Her timing could not be worse though as scandal engulfs Vinnie's empire and Ariel bratty behaviour gets out of hand. As for Dessie, she is clearly hiding something. It seems like the glamour and gossip on which Dessie built her empire might just be its downfall.
But maybe Portia has been fooling herself about living a 'real' life? She might be about to get as big a wake-up call as her mother and sisters.
From the bright lights of LA to the rugged charm of west Kerry, Reality Check is a delicious look behind the scenes of what really goes down in Tinseltown.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 9, 2024
101 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Read
July 23, 2024Reality Check is the perfect summery read, and an absolute tonic for me in between the many depressing books I like to wallow in 😅
Portia Daniels has a great life.
She lives in New York with her long term boyfriend Jason, she has a dream job as a scriptwriter, and is very close with her super famous family, although she herself enjoys a certain amount of anonymity.
Her mother Dessie, a good Kerry woman, is now queen of reality tv and everyone’s fave on tv show “Ladies of Los Angeles”, while Portia’s sisters Vinnie and Ariel are internet famous and enjoying the perks that can bring. All is going well then until Jason drops a bombshell that could ruin their relationship, and several scandals rock the family.
Portia heads to LA to be with her clan and regroup, but can she get all their lives back on track?
Firstly I have to say that I’m a huge Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fan, so this was the perfect read for me. I love a bit of reality tv but the kind of lifestyle depicted on those shows can feel a bit vacuous after a while, so it felt utterly genius on the author’s part to have all of that excess balanced so perfectly in this book with lashings of Irish humour.
Several of the characters are Irish, and there’s a fun visit to Kerry in there which made the story feel much more realistic than it would have been if I had just been reading about Kardashian level wealth all the time (although that is enjoyable too 😅).
I also loved the relationships between the characters; so many of whom are chosen family for Portia et al, and there was a real coziness to their interactions and support of each other that I would love to read more of in the future.
I don’t always gravitate towards a rom-com read, but an entertaining book like this that also tackles real life issues, like the decision women face as they get older whether or not to start a family, will always be a winner in my eyes.
A comforting, easy read, with substance; pack it in your case for your holidays, you won’t be able to put it down!
Portia Daniels has a great life.
She lives in New York with her long term boyfriend Jason, she has a dream job as a scriptwriter, and is very close with her super famous family, although she herself enjoys a certain amount of anonymity.
Her mother Dessie, a good Kerry woman, is now queen of reality tv and everyone’s fave on tv show “Ladies of Los Angeles”, while Portia’s sisters Vinnie and Ariel are internet famous and enjoying the perks that can bring. All is going well then until Jason drops a bombshell that could ruin their relationship, and several scandals rock the family.
Portia heads to LA to be with her clan and regroup, but can she get all their lives back on track?
Firstly I have to say that I’m a huge Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fan, so this was the perfect read for me. I love a bit of reality tv but the kind of lifestyle depicted on those shows can feel a bit vacuous after a while, so it felt utterly genius on the author’s part to have all of that excess balanced so perfectly in this book with lashings of Irish humour.
Several of the characters are Irish, and there’s a fun visit to Kerry in there which made the story feel much more realistic than it would have been if I had just been reading about Kardashian level wealth all the time (although that is enjoyable too 😅).
I also loved the relationships between the characters; so many of whom are chosen family for Portia et al, and there was a real coziness to their interactions and support of each other that I would love to read more of in the future.
I don’t always gravitate towards a rom-com read, but an entertaining book like this that also tackles real life issues, like the decision women face as they get older whether or not to start a family, will always be a winner in my eyes.
A comforting, easy read, with substance; pack it in your case for your holidays, you won’t be able to put it down!
August 6, 2024
Reality Check / Vicki Notaro
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ I never thought that the beginning of my life imploding would happen at a gender reveal party, but I've heard since that people have died at those things. I guess they're pretty dangerous… ~
There’s a new Queen in town, however my Queen will always be Desdemona ‘Dessie’ Daniels!!
I really enjoyed this book, it was the perfect light summer read after a few heavy set reads but having enough bits to keep you going.
Loved the Daniels family, Dessie especially, and Livinia was a dream. I struggled with Portia, she stood up for herself and her beliefs…but I did find she was a bit of a drip. I’m glad how her and Jason’s relationship turned out.
I had a few twists called - The Leo the Leak was one I was very proud of 😂 But the fame, from LA to NYC to Dingle was captured elegantly and excitedly.
In glad the family have each other, and that Dessie gets to live her dream. As well as all the other characters. Sometimes the right decision is to do the predictable!
This was a feel good book, with the right amount of drama and the right amount of spice 🌶️
Looking forward to more!
Audiobook Length: 11hrs, 51mins
Narrator: Stephanie Dufresne
Listened to on @spotifyuk 🎧
Read: 01/08/24 - 06/08/24
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ I never thought that the beginning of my life imploding would happen at a gender reveal party, but I've heard since that people have died at those things. I guess they're pretty dangerous… ~
There’s a new Queen in town, however my Queen will always be Desdemona ‘Dessie’ Daniels!!
I really enjoyed this book, it was the perfect light summer read after a few heavy set reads but having enough bits to keep you going.
Loved the Daniels family, Dessie especially, and Livinia was a dream. I struggled with Portia, she stood up for herself and her beliefs…but I did find she was a bit of a drip. I’m glad how her and Jason’s relationship turned out.
I had a few twists called - The Leo the Leak was one I was very proud of 😂 But the fame, from LA to NYC to Dingle was captured elegantly and excitedly.
In glad the family have each other, and that Dessie gets to live her dream. As well as all the other characters. Sometimes the right decision is to do the predictable!
This was a feel good book, with the right amount of drama and the right amount of spice 🌶️
Looking forward to more!
Audiobook Length: 11hrs, 51mins
Narrator: Stephanie Dufresne
Listened to on @spotifyuk 🎧
Read: 01/08/24 - 06/08/24
June 9, 2024
If you love reality TV as much as I do, then this book will be right up your alley. It features an LA family whose drama unfolds on TV and Social Media (think Housewives of Beverly Hills), with the intriguing twist that the matriarch is a famous actress from Kerry.
The blend of settings—New York, LA, Palm Springs, and Kerry—adds a vibrant backdrop to the story, enriching the story with a mix of glamour and authenticity. The author's portrayal of these locations is vivid and captivating and most of all FUN, making me feel as if I was right there with the characters living a glamorous/chaotic life.
I loved Portia, our main character, who choses to live out of the public eye, unlike the rest of her family. She is grappling with the decision of whether to become a mother, and I enjoyed her reflections and personal growth throughout the book.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a juicy, drama-filled read with a touch of Hollywood glamour and a splash of Irish charm.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General UK for providing a copy of this book for review. As always, you will receive my honest opinion, regardless of the book's source.
The blend of settings—New York, LA, Palm Springs, and Kerry—adds a vibrant backdrop to the story, enriching the story with a mix of glamour and authenticity. The author's portrayal of these locations is vivid and captivating and most of all FUN, making me feel as if I was right there with the characters living a glamorous/chaotic life.
I loved Portia, our main character, who choses to live out of the public eye, unlike the rest of her family. She is grappling with the decision of whether to become a mother, and I enjoyed her reflections and personal growth throughout the book.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a juicy, drama-filled read with a touch of Hollywood glamour and a splash of Irish charm.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General UK for providing a copy of this book for review. As always, you will receive my honest opinion, regardless of the book's source.
January 28, 2025
Perfect for fans of reality TV and a bit of Hollywood glamour (and drama), Reality Check follows Portia Daniels, a TV writer and the daughter of reality TV housewife star Dessie Daniels, and sister to model turned influencer Vinnie. Portia prefers life out of the limelight and is totally loved up with Irish man Jason when he drops a bombshell on her and she has to figure out what to do.
I listened to this on audiobook and genuinely had a fun time with this! It’s fun, dramatic, glamorous and sexy all at the same time while also tackling topics such as aging, motherhood and sister/mother relationships. The family dynamic in this was one of my favourite things in this - they all truly love each other and are there to support one another. Dessie may be a Real Housewife but she’s also a terrific Momager and very inspired by Kris Kardashian and who doesn’t love a ‘you’re doing great honey’ moment.
I’m not a viewer of Real Housewives (more so because I’m afraid of delving into the vast world and getting hooked and I don’t know where to start) but I could still appreciate the inspiration and nods to the reality show empire.
Portia clearly comes from a very privileged background. Not everyone can afford to skip off to their mom’s mansion for months on end and hang out by a pool, rebound with celebrities and go get a colonic to reset. But I didn’t mind this, it was part of the fun of the book.
I do think there was an issue with pacing in the middle of this book and the story lagged a bit but not unexpected considering this is the author’s first book, and overall it was pretty good! Despite this, I’m really looking forward to reading Vicki Notaro’s next book. I really hope her books are all set in the same world as I would love a Dessie Daniels mention in her future books.
I listened to this on audiobook and genuinely had a fun time with this! It’s fun, dramatic, glamorous and sexy all at the same time while also tackling topics such as aging, motherhood and sister/mother relationships. The family dynamic in this was one of my favourite things in this - they all truly love each other and are there to support one another. Dessie may be a Real Housewife but she’s also a terrific Momager and very inspired by Kris Kardashian and who doesn’t love a ‘you’re doing great honey’ moment.
I’m not a viewer of Real Housewives (more so because I’m afraid of delving into the vast world and getting hooked and I don’t know where to start) but I could still appreciate the inspiration and nods to the reality show empire.
Portia clearly comes from a very privileged background. Not everyone can afford to skip off to their mom’s mansion for months on end and hang out by a pool, rebound with celebrities and go get a colonic to reset. But I didn’t mind this, it was part of the fun of the book.
I do think there was an issue with pacing in the middle of this book and the story lagged a bit but not unexpected considering this is the author’s first book, and overall it was pretty good! Despite this, I’m really looking forward to reading Vicki Notaro’s next book. I really hope her books are all set in the same world as I would love a Dessie Daniels mention in her future books.
August 18, 2024
Such an easy read, and really likeable characters. A great book for any reality tv lovers - the perfect holiday read! ♥️
October 4, 2024
I read Reality Check for the Tired Mammy Book Club July choice and am only now getting to my review; that is totally on me and does not reflect my enjoyment of the book.
Reality Check follows Portia Daniels, the screenwriter daughter of Dessie Daniels – an original momager – and sister to two social media-famous siblings. Portis is the ‘unknown’ family member but still sees her life as perfect: a fulfilling job, a stunning apartment in New York City and a doting, pure, gorgeous producer boyfriend, Jason.
Much as she eschews the bright lights of celebrity, Portia also rejects the more traditional milestones of marriage and motherhood, and Jason is in complete agreement, isn't he?
Early in our story, Jason hurls a conundrum into their imagined future together, and Portia’s serene life descends to chaos; theirs is now a relationship in crisis. She turns to her family for support. Soon ensconced back in the bosom of the Daniels, it becomes all too clear that Portia isn't the only one with problems.
I loved the use of mixed formats, like interview segments and social media comments, to intersperse the narrative, but the overall story structure is a bit loose. I did find myself forgetting who some of the characters were at some points, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the plot.
Reality Check reminded me of a reality television show with plenty of humour, sass and sex, but the "reality" side makes this book so engrossing. 4⭐
Thank you to the publisher for kindly sending me a copy in return for an honest review.
Reality Check follows Portia Daniels, the screenwriter daughter of Dessie Daniels – an original momager – and sister to two social media-famous siblings. Portis is the ‘unknown’ family member but still sees her life as perfect: a fulfilling job, a stunning apartment in New York City and a doting, pure, gorgeous producer boyfriend, Jason.
Much as she eschews the bright lights of celebrity, Portia also rejects the more traditional milestones of marriage and motherhood, and Jason is in complete agreement, isn't he?
Early in our story, Jason hurls a conundrum into their imagined future together, and Portia’s serene life descends to chaos; theirs is now a relationship in crisis. She turns to her family for support. Soon ensconced back in the bosom of the Daniels, it becomes all too clear that Portia isn't the only one with problems.
I loved the use of mixed formats, like interview segments and social media comments, to intersperse the narrative, but the overall story structure is a bit loose. I did find myself forgetting who some of the characters were at some points, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the plot.
Reality Check reminded me of a reality television show with plenty of humour, sass and sex, but the "reality" side makes this book so engrossing. 4⭐
Thank you to the publisher for kindly sending me a copy in return for an honest review.
January 29, 2024
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof in exchange for a review.
Unfortunately, this book just didn't quite hit right with me. I don't think I'm the target audience for it. I am completely not interested in reality tv, so everything to do with it annoys me. The MC is also way above my age and in a whole different era of life than me (divorce, kids, etc), so I can't relate to her problems as much. (The book also felt like it was trying to be too relatable to everyone- References to Taylor Swift "All Too Well" 10 minute version just felt out of place rather than a good addition).
Otherwise, the story can be quite fun, such as Portia's dating experiences from the app and trying to find her feet. The plot twists were a little obvious but keep you curious enough to carry on reading. The family dynamic is sweet and all the references to Ireland were fun and accurate.
As I said, I rated this a 3 because it's personally not for me. HOWEVER, I think this book is perfect for anyone into celebrities and reality tv, and who want a glimpse into their lives behind the cameras. It's just as dramatic as a soap.
Unfortunately, this book just didn't quite hit right with me. I don't think I'm the target audience for it. I am completely not interested in reality tv, so everything to do with it annoys me. The MC is also way above my age and in a whole different era of life than me (divorce, kids, etc), so I can't relate to her problems as much. (The book also felt like it was trying to be too relatable to everyone- References to Taylor Swift "All Too Well" 10 minute version just felt out of place rather than a good addition).
Otherwise, the story can be quite fun, such as Portia's dating experiences from the app and trying to find her feet. The plot twists were a little obvious but keep you curious enough to carry on reading. The family dynamic is sweet and all the references to Ireland were fun and accurate.
As I said, I rated this a 3 because it's personally not for me. HOWEVER, I think this book is perfect for anyone into celebrities and reality tv, and who want a glimpse into their lives behind the cameras. It's just as dramatic as a soap.
February 2, 2025
This book was just not for me. When it was first published, I heard loads of buzz about it and immediately reserved it at my local library. Finally got around to reading it and honestly, I was disappointed. I didn’t really think it had any overarching storyline (not any that I was invested in anyway) and I didn’t think the writing was very good. Nearly a DNF for me but I had put so much time into it I wanted to finish it.
April 17, 2024
Review 21:2024
Reality Check by Vicki Notaro
ARC Available 2nd May!
Over the weekend I spotted on Insta when Vicki asked if anyone wanted a proof, half in jest, and I popped my hand up quickly enough to snare one and by Tuesday I had a proof in my hands!
I sat down on my teabreak to see what Vicki had in-store for me and I pretty much read it every spare minute I had until I had it finished by bedtime!
🚨Spoiler alert! It's a page turner!
Set in the holy trinity of cosmopolitan locations: NYC, L.A. and An Daingean (!!) we get a peak into the chaotic lives of our chief protagonist Portia and her reality t.v. famous family.
Portia is the daughter of Irish born, Dessie Daniels, and Portia thinks she has it all sussed out. She has a truly great boyfriend, is a free spirit living life by her own rules. Or at least that is the case until suddenly everything she knew to be real seems fake and her world is turned upside down by a confession from her boyfriend Jason. As good timing goes, while Portia is having a crisis herself, the rest of her family's lives start to implode too!
The blurb gives nothing away about the challenges the family members face and my review will contain no spoilers either 😇 but Vicki has done a really great job of writing a book that on the face of it seems quite light hearted in theme but actually has a lot of depth. She has excellently captured some difficult real-life choices women face, while trying to remain true to themselves versus expectations attached to social and relationship norms. And, also how difficult it is becoming to protect our mental health when our daily lives are more and more frequently displayed and portrayed on social media apps.
This is a book of real "characters", particularly Dessie Daniels herself. Vicki cleverly wrote Dessie with strong Irish roots and there's plenty of humour and great use of Irish coloquisims and very funny turns of phrase. In my opinion, had the book been based entirely in L.A. with American born characters it wouldn't have had half the charm or wit or landed as well. A smart move and well played!
I think this is going to be very well received when it is released in early May, it certainly grabbed my attention and I found myself very invested in the characters who on the face of it I had little in common with only to find they were me and I were them!
Fair play Vicki, a great debut!
4 stars
Reality Check by Vicki Notaro
ARC Available 2nd May!
Over the weekend I spotted on Insta when Vicki asked if anyone wanted a proof, half in jest, and I popped my hand up quickly enough to snare one and by Tuesday I had a proof in my hands!
I sat down on my teabreak to see what Vicki had in-store for me and I pretty much read it every spare minute I had until I had it finished by bedtime!
🚨Spoiler alert! It's a page turner!
Set in the holy trinity of cosmopolitan locations: NYC, L.A. and An Daingean (!!) we get a peak into the chaotic lives of our chief protagonist Portia and her reality t.v. famous family.
Portia is the daughter of Irish born, Dessie Daniels, and Portia thinks she has it all sussed out. She has a truly great boyfriend, is a free spirit living life by her own rules. Or at least that is the case until suddenly everything she knew to be real seems fake and her world is turned upside down by a confession from her boyfriend Jason. As good timing goes, while Portia is having a crisis herself, the rest of her family's lives start to implode too!
The blurb gives nothing away about the challenges the family members face and my review will contain no spoilers either 😇 but Vicki has done a really great job of writing a book that on the face of it seems quite light hearted in theme but actually has a lot of depth. She has excellently captured some difficult real-life choices women face, while trying to remain true to themselves versus expectations attached to social and relationship norms. And, also how difficult it is becoming to protect our mental health when our daily lives are more and more frequently displayed and portrayed on social media apps.
This is a book of real "characters", particularly Dessie Daniels herself. Vicki cleverly wrote Dessie with strong Irish roots and there's plenty of humour and great use of Irish coloquisims and very funny turns of phrase. In my opinion, had the book been based entirely in L.A. with American born characters it wouldn't have had half the charm or wit or landed as well. A smart move and well played!
I think this is going to be very well received when it is released in early May, it certainly grabbed my attention and I found myself very invested in the characters who on the face of it I had little in common with only to find they were me and I were them!
Fair play Vicki, a great debut!
4 stars
August 15, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
When I spotted that Vicki Notaro was publishing a book I straight away pre-ordered it as I loved her writing in Stellar magazine! And reality check is definitely a very easy to read, summery book that although is mainly fun and light also delves into some harder topics. I enjoyed this one, but I did find it took me a good few chapters to really get into the story but that could also have been due to me reading a lot of high pace fantasy at the moment. From the middle to the end I really enjoyed this and exploring the dynamics of the Daniels family and their dramas. Vicki doesn't shy away from some big topics that do hit women especially in their 30s surrounding the future, societal pressures around discussions of having children. She also does a fantastic job at exploring family dynamics throughout even with this not so normal celebrity family. I loved the dynamics of the family and the differences between the characters. There are also loads of Irish wit and humor in this book with loads of Irish isms along the way too!
Reality Check tells the story of Portia Daniels a TV writer who also happens to be the daughter of Dessie Daniels the queen of the hit reality show, Ladies of Los Angeles. Her sister is a former model turned Instagram guru while her younger sister is a tik tok sensation. Her life seems perfect from the outside with her perfect for boyfriend, Jason who also happens to be a TV producer and a perfect apartment in Lower Manhattan. Everything is perfect until Jason drops a bombshell that leaves her life in tatters. Portia flees to her family for comfort and to figure out what she really wants. With lots of ups and downs reality check explores the aftermath of this bombshell for Portia and will she get her happy ending.
Overall, I think you'll really enjoy this book if you're a fan of reality TV especially the real housewives and you want an easy to read, escape from reality book!
When I spotted that Vicki Notaro was publishing a book I straight away pre-ordered it as I loved her writing in Stellar magazine! And reality check is definitely a very easy to read, summery book that although is mainly fun and light also delves into some harder topics. I enjoyed this one, but I did find it took me a good few chapters to really get into the story but that could also have been due to me reading a lot of high pace fantasy at the moment. From the middle to the end I really enjoyed this and exploring the dynamics of the Daniels family and their dramas. Vicki doesn't shy away from some big topics that do hit women especially in their 30s surrounding the future, societal pressures around discussions of having children. She also does a fantastic job at exploring family dynamics throughout even with this not so normal celebrity family. I loved the dynamics of the family and the differences between the characters. There are also loads of Irish wit and humor in this book with loads of Irish isms along the way too!
Reality Check tells the story of Portia Daniels a TV writer who also happens to be the daughter of Dessie Daniels the queen of the hit reality show, Ladies of Los Angeles. Her sister is a former model turned Instagram guru while her younger sister is a tik tok sensation. Her life seems perfect from the outside with her perfect for boyfriend, Jason who also happens to be a TV producer and a perfect apartment in Lower Manhattan. Everything is perfect until Jason drops a bombshell that leaves her life in tatters. Portia flees to her family for comfort and to figure out what she really wants. With lots of ups and downs reality check explores the aftermath of this bombshell for Portia and will she get her happy ending.
Overall, I think you'll really enjoy this book if you're a fan of reality TV especially the real housewives and you want an easy to read, escape from reality book!
May 18, 2024
Title: Reality Check by Vicki Notaro
Release Date: May, 9th, 2024
3.5 Stars
Portia Daniels seemingly has it all - the perfect man, a dream apartment, and a fulfilling job in TV writing. However, her life takes a drastic turn when her boyfriend drops a bombshell, prompting her to seek solace with her drama-filled family. As scandal rocks her sister Vinnie's empire and her younger sister Ariel's behaviour spirals out of control, Portia begins to question the authenticity of her own life. With secrets lurking beneath the glamour of her family's reality TV world, Portia finds herself facing a wake-up call that could change everything.
In my opinion, Vicki has crafted a book that, despite its seemingly lighthearted tone, tackles deep themes and the real-life challenges women face, especially concerning societal pressures and mental health in the age of social media. The characters, particularly Dessie Daniels, are depicted vividly, and Vicki's clever incorporation of Irish elements adds humour and warmth to the narrative.
The infusion of humour and wit enhances the story's appeal, giving it a distinctive and charming flavour. Although some plot twists were foreseeable, the engaging family dynamics and authentic representation of Irish culture contribute to making the book an enjoyable read.
Thank you to The Publisher Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business | Sandycove ,The Author Vicki Notaro & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Release Date: May, 9th, 2024
3.5 Stars
Portia Daniels seemingly has it all - the perfect man, a dream apartment, and a fulfilling job in TV writing. However, her life takes a drastic turn when her boyfriend drops a bombshell, prompting her to seek solace with her drama-filled family. As scandal rocks her sister Vinnie's empire and her younger sister Ariel's behaviour spirals out of control, Portia begins to question the authenticity of her own life. With secrets lurking beneath the glamour of her family's reality TV world, Portia finds herself facing a wake-up call that could change everything.
In my opinion, Vicki has crafted a book that, despite its seemingly lighthearted tone, tackles deep themes and the real-life challenges women face, especially concerning societal pressures and mental health in the age of social media. The characters, particularly Dessie Daniels, are depicted vividly, and Vicki's clever incorporation of Irish elements adds humour and warmth to the narrative.
The infusion of humour and wit enhances the story's appeal, giving it a distinctive and charming flavour. Although some plot twists were foreseeable, the engaging family dynamics and authentic representation of Irish culture contribute to making the book an enjoyable read.
Thank you to The Publisher Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business | Sandycove ,The Author Vicki Notaro & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
May 22, 2024
Reality Check by Vicki Notaro
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 9 May 2024
In her perfect apartment in Lower Manhattan, Portia thrives in her ideal job writing for TV, revelling in the blissful anonymity her family lacks. However, drama reigns supreme with her mother, Dessie, the Kerry-born queen bee of the hit reality show, Ladies of Los Angeles, and her sisters, Vinnie, a supermodel-turned-Insta-guru, and Ariel, a TikTok teen sensation.
When Jason delivers shocking news that shatters her world, Portia seeks refuge with her family. Yet, her timing couldn't be worse, as scandal consumes Vinnie's empire and Ariel's bratty antics spiral out of control. Meanwhile, Dessie harbours secrets of her own, and it becomes apparent that the glamour and gossip upon which she built her empire might also lead to its downfall.
This book certainly grabbed my attention, and I found myself deeply invested in characters. I believe Vicki has skilfully crafted a book that, beneath its seemingly light-hearted tone, delves into profound themes and the genuine struggles women encounter, particularly amidst societal pressures and the digital age's impact on mental health.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business | Sandycove and the author, Vicki Notaro, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 9 May 2024
In her perfect apartment in Lower Manhattan, Portia thrives in her ideal job writing for TV, revelling in the blissful anonymity her family lacks. However, drama reigns supreme with her mother, Dessie, the Kerry-born queen bee of the hit reality show, Ladies of Los Angeles, and her sisters, Vinnie, a supermodel-turned-Insta-guru, and Ariel, a TikTok teen sensation.
When Jason delivers shocking news that shatters her world, Portia seeks refuge with her family. Yet, her timing couldn't be worse, as scandal consumes Vinnie's empire and Ariel's bratty antics spiral out of control. Meanwhile, Dessie harbours secrets of her own, and it becomes apparent that the glamour and gossip upon which she built her empire might also lead to its downfall.
This book certainly grabbed my attention, and I found myself deeply invested in characters. I believe Vicki has skilfully crafted a book that, beneath its seemingly light-hearted tone, delves into profound themes and the genuine struggles women encounter, particularly amidst societal pressures and the digital age's impact on mental health.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business | Sandycove and the author, Vicki Notaro, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
July 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5) Reality Check by Vicki Notaro
This book is like its very own reality show where the main stars are the Daniels family. The mother Dessie, originally from Co. Kerry, is now a top dog on the reality show Ladies of Los Angeles. She has built up quite an empire for herself but she is hiding a secret that may see it all crumble around her.
Daughter Portia is engaged to hot TV producer Jason, who is also Irish, has a great job writing for TV shows, and has a beautiful apartment but best of all she keeps herself under the radar so she can have a normal life. However, nothing looks the same again after Jason reveals a change in what he wants out of life.
Unlike her sister Vinnie a supermodel and social media sensation who is married to famous Hollywood agent Billy Schwartz and is super famous. His philandering ways finally catch up with him and Vinnie’s life is changed forever in a second.
The last of the clan is the youngest sister Tik Tok sensation and spoilt brat Ariel who feels left out which causes a heap of trouble for the rest of the family. I won’t even mention the ex-husband, the gay hairdresser, the single aunt who is also the PR Guru, the photographer, the pool guy, the list goes on and on.
I detest reality TV of any sort so I should have known this was not going to be a hit with me. I find the money, the fame, and the third-world problems so tedious and when they do encounter any real problems their solution is always to throw money at it. I did start to get into it towards the end and switching to and from audio did help but not enough for me to remember anything of this book. My copy was sent straight to a charity shop after taking this picture.
This book is like its very own reality show where the main stars are the Daniels family. The mother Dessie, originally from Co. Kerry, is now a top dog on the reality show Ladies of Los Angeles. She has built up quite an empire for herself but she is hiding a secret that may see it all crumble around her.
Daughter Portia is engaged to hot TV producer Jason, who is also Irish, has a great job writing for TV shows, and has a beautiful apartment but best of all she keeps herself under the radar so she can have a normal life. However, nothing looks the same again after Jason reveals a change in what he wants out of life.
Unlike her sister Vinnie a supermodel and social media sensation who is married to famous Hollywood agent Billy Schwartz and is super famous. His philandering ways finally catch up with him and Vinnie’s life is changed forever in a second.
The last of the clan is the youngest sister Tik Tok sensation and spoilt brat Ariel who feels left out which causes a heap of trouble for the rest of the family. I won’t even mention the ex-husband, the gay hairdresser, the single aunt who is also the PR Guru, the photographer, the pool guy, the list goes on and on.
I detest reality TV of any sort so I should have known this was not going to be a hit with me. I find the money, the fame, and the third-world problems so tedious and when they do encounter any real problems their solution is always to throw money at it. I did start to get into it towards the end and switching to and from audio did help but not enough for me to remember anything of this book. My copy was sent straight to a charity shop after taking this picture.
July 28, 2024
This was this months @tiredmammybookclub pick and is definitely not something I would have picked up myself.
I'm not a reality TV fan so this Kardashian-esque story would never have appealed to me usually and I was tempted to give it a miss however I'm glad I decided to give it a go.
Portia Daniels and her beautiful mega successful family have the perfect life until things start unravelling at breakneck speed! The story follows Portia, a screenwriter in Manhattan; Her mother Dessie, Reality TV sensation ; sister Vinnie, supermodel and Insta lifestyle guru; sister Ariel who is a Tiktok star. Bringing us from shiny LA to beautiful West Kerry we get a behind the scenes look at the problems facing these beautiful ladies and how they navigate their relationships.
It was maybe a a little longer than I'd like for this kind of book I still really enjoyed it and found myself getting teary eyed a few time as you really get invested in their stories.
I listened to the audiobook of this and actually gasped out loud when a certain revelation was made as I was driving along listening 😂
A fab debut from an Irish author, it's definitely worth a read. It was a great summer read, although the Christmas scenes and glittery cover would make it a perfect cosy Christmas read as well!
I'm not a reality TV fan so this Kardashian-esque story would never have appealed to me usually and I was tempted to give it a miss however I'm glad I decided to give it a go.
Portia Daniels and her beautiful mega successful family have the perfect life until things start unravelling at breakneck speed! The story follows Portia, a screenwriter in Manhattan; Her mother Dessie, Reality TV sensation ; sister Vinnie, supermodel and Insta lifestyle guru; sister Ariel who is a Tiktok star. Bringing us from shiny LA to beautiful West Kerry we get a behind the scenes look at the problems facing these beautiful ladies and how they navigate their relationships.
It was maybe a a little longer than I'd like for this kind of book I still really enjoyed it and found myself getting teary eyed a few time as you really get invested in their stories.
I listened to the audiobook of this and actually gasped out loud when a certain revelation was made as I was driving along listening 😂
A fab debut from an Irish author, it's definitely worth a read. It was a great summer read, although the Christmas scenes and glittery cover would make it a perfect cosy Christmas read as well!
June 13, 2024
I’d probably give this 3.5 stars, it took me a while to get on board with the story line and I initially found the RHOBH references in the story line a bit bland - the main character is the daughter of a reality tv legend on a Real Housewives style show called Ladies of LA. I also struggled with how Dessie Daniels Irishness is portrayed as though written from the perspective of an American and almost a caricature of an Irish ex-Pat, with absolutely zero explanation as to how a family from Kerry had three children called Desdemona, Rosalind and Orlando (!!).
All that being said, it was a fun read and each character was well developed and interesting and the story line moved along nicely. I read this while sick and it was the perfect antidote. Reality tv kind of comfort from a book, which I think might be exactly the point.
All that being said, it was a fun read and each character was well developed and interesting and the story line moved along nicely. I read this while sick and it was the perfect antidote. Reality tv kind of comfort from a book, which I think might be exactly the point.
February 11, 2025
Reality Check is the first book from former magazine journalist Vicki Notaro and in this book we meet TV writer Portia Daniels who, despite keeping herself on the DL, comes from a very famous family with her mum the star of an American TV show and her sister a model turned influencer.
Reality Check sees Portia and her family's lives upended through a series of major life events. The family went through it all -- break-ups, engagement, rekindling, marriage, babies and illness.
I enjoyed the book, it was the perfect escapist novel and felt like I was reading an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians.
Reality Check sees Portia and her family's lives upended through a series of major life events. The family went through it all -- break-ups, engagement, rekindling, marriage, babies and illness.
I enjoyed the book, it was the perfect escapist novel and felt like I was reading an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians.
May 28, 2024
Such a fun read and a must for your summer book list! A host of characters with spicy personalities and backstories, settings that you can visualize, and a main character you are genuinely rooting for until the last page.
I briefly met the author on a walking coffee tour of Seattle and she was just lovely. She casually mentioned the book and I pre-ordered it same day. Any chance to support women authors. A few weeks later, the book arrived and I read it over two days. Wishing Vicki all the best with this (and future) books :)
I briefly met the author on a walking coffee tour of Seattle and she was just lovely. She casually mentioned the book and I pre-ordered it same day. Any chance to support women authors. A few weeks later, the book arrived and I read it over two days. Wishing Vicki all the best with this (and future) books :)
August 14, 2024
4 Reality Stars
Reality Check by Vicki Notaro is like its very own reality show. You have the main characters the Daniels family and all there entourage. Originally from West Kerry and now living in LA were Dessie the mother is a famous reality TV Star.
This book was so easy to read and the perfect holiday read. The characters were fab and it's a perfect blend of glamour and real life.
I defiantly recommend this book and can't wait to see what Vicki brings out next
Reality Check by Vicki Notaro is like its very own reality show. You have the main characters the Daniels family and all there entourage. Originally from West Kerry and now living in LA were Dessie the mother is a famous reality TV Star.
This book was so easy to read and the perfect holiday read. The characters were fab and it's a perfect blend of glamour and real life.
I defiantly recommend this book and can't wait to see what Vicki brings out next
June 5, 2024
A brilliant escape full of eccentric, loveable characters!
A world that’s unattainable for most, yet still conveys everyday, normal life problems, creating clear connections to the characters!
My favourite thing about books is the world your brain creates based on descriptors and scenes laid out and this book makes it so easy to imagine every setting and interaction!
A world that’s unattainable for most, yet still conveys everyday, normal life problems, creating clear connections to the characters!
My favourite thing about books is the world your brain creates based on descriptors and scenes laid out and this book makes it so easy to imagine every setting and interaction!
July 20, 2024
I just want to start by saying that I don't actually watch or like reality TV but I really enjoyed this.
Narrated by the oldest, relatively unknown, daughter of a Kardashianesque style family, the story revolves around how their seemingly impenetrable empire starts to fall apart for various reasons.
Very funny and clever. I would recommend it. ☺️
Narrated by the oldest, relatively unknown, daughter of a Kardashianesque style family, the story revolves around how their seemingly impenetrable empire starts to fall apart for various reasons.
Very funny and clever. I would recommend it. ☺️
August 24, 2025
Such a fresh new idea for a book. I love the combination of NYC, LA and Irish living. The family bond was such a comforting aspect. In spite of being a long enough read, the book kept me engaged for the entirety of its length, with twists and turns every chapter or two! Recommend to anyone who enjoys Hollywood / Reality Tv themes books or has read the 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
May 22, 2024
OMG I ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS BOOK. It’s the debut novel by an Irish author and set in LA, NYC & Ireland. Perfect for fans of reality tv, esp RH etc. I laughed and cried and laughed some more and really didn’t want it to end. I could have read 500 more pages about Portia, Dessie & family.
April 14, 2025
3.75 stars - enjoyment factor 4. This was so much fun! It wasn't deep, but it was well crafted, and it neither glorified celebrity culture, nor went too deep with its critique. The characters were great, and the whole thing was such a pleasant surprise.
June 8, 2025
This was a really fun sort of beach read
Part Real Housewives and part cute romcom
I do feel like the book was maybe 100 pages too long, there didn't seem like enough story to fill the pages and there was quite a bit of filler
Part Real Housewives and part cute romcom
I do feel like the book was maybe 100 pages too long, there didn't seem like enough story to fill the pages and there was quite a bit of filler
June 27, 2025
A very delayed review of a Netgalley ARC. Well paced and easy to read. There were times when I thought perhaps there was too much crammed into the one book and I'd happily read separate books about the main characters. Heartwarming story of big blended/found family.
May 14, 2024
Not for me.
May 14, 2024
It was a really easy and enjoyable book to read, especially if you like reality TV.
May 28, 2024
Loved it 😍
June 20, 2024
Listened on Audible
June 20, 2024
What a debut from Vicki. If you're looking for the perfect summer read or present for that reality fan in your life, then Reality Check is highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews