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The Princess and the Porn Star
She's got the moves. He's got the heat. Will their hearts catch the rhythm? Rachel Taylor's manager has to be kidding. A porn star dancing beside her in her next music video? She didn't claw her way back from near obscurity in the pop music world only to become a laughingstock all over again. Yet the moment she meets Lee, a.k.a. the infamous Buck Harder, their chemistry sizzles. There's much more to the man behind the stage name than the obvious attributes that make him so successful, and soon she's fantasizing about sharing more than just a stage. In only a few steps, they find a perfect, dance-floor groove hot enough to melt the camera lens. But when the video's release blows up in their faces, her record label exercises an obscure but ironclad clause-stay away from each other. Or else. Meeting in secret seems the most delicious solution. But they can't hide this kind of heat for long...and when the paparazzi sniff them out, she realizes choosing to stay with the man she's fallen for could cause her to fall off the pop music map-permanently. Warning: Let's just say there's a reason Buck Harder went into his line of work, and it ain't his pretty smile. Wink wink.
266 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
May 13, 2013
2 STARS
Just when I thought I was out...
The fact that the heroine is a Britney Spears prototype alone, I'm just asking for a world of hurt reading this... but it has PORN STAR in the title! How. Can. I. Not?! It's like asking the family tiger not to eat the family dog inside the house.
Well it didn't hurt. Much. If anything, the amount of fucks that dog is giving the tiger closely approximates mine. I did finish it without gettingtoo offended so I'm giving it a star for delivering exactly what it promised: a story about a pop princess and an adult entertainment actor falling for each other. And another star for this exchange at the Rock N Rhapsody (insert snort here) Awards from Lee's POV:
"Ooh, you're the porn star, aren't you?" the singer, Ronnie, asked as he shook my hand.
"Yeah, I am." I extended my hand to the guitarist but he didn't take it.
Instead he asked with a hint of slime, "So have you ever been to an event like this?"
I just smiled. "A few actually."
"Have you now?"
"Your industry isn't the only one that gives out awards," I said.
Burned! By the five time Skinman Award AND Lifetime Achievement Awardee no less (show some respect, dude).
There's a terrible dearth of meaty (pun intended) porn star novels out there and the few that do tackle them were mediocre at best. This has been such a disappointment because I find adding "porn star" to any book makes it doubly interesting for me (as I fine-tune my expectations of course). Making some of my favorite book boyfriends porn actors in my head is making my brain explode as it is (Dex 'Bigfoot' Foray, the porn star, investigating supernatural forces with Perry Palomino... tell me that didn't make your day a little shinier).
This one had definite anorexia in the plot and character depth department. The story doesn't evolve beyond the issues and implications of a wholesome pop star on a comeback getting involved with Buck Harder, star of Skanks & Scrubs II and the Nasty Cheerleaders franchise. Both MCs are trapped in the black hole of "we should-we shouldn't" that we fail to see them beyond it. This book expected me to believe that a pop star and a porn actor can fall in love over Call of Duty, Sex and Coffee. Which is such a waste because the book failed to explore Olivia/Rachel's previous issues (the woman had a breakdown for crying out loud, couldn't that have at least played in the story?) nor Buck/Lee's interesting quirks (the implausibility of him being a ComiCon trooping geek wasn't even exploited).
The writing was decent but the "too much telling without any showing" hampered my enjoyment of the already thinned out story. Things do not happen in this book, they get discussed while walking on the beach, in the dressing room and yes, even in the middle of sex. Speaking of the sex scenes it bothered me quite a bit how Lee and Rachel's intimate moments came across porn-ish itself to a certain extent. Given the nature of Lee's work I was expecting a bit more depth in this aspect of their relationship than it was given (there was none).
There was some attempt to make a commentary on the entertainment industry's double standards when it comes to female artists but it only highlighted the plot's weaknesses. The secondary characters were dull and gay bestie Quinn didn't dish anything worth quoting. I'm not going to go over the scenes that severely cheesed me off (there were far too many and I'm all snarked out) but overall, this was like the little book that could've but didn't.
Now I'm gonna go off to that little dark corner of my mind, re-imagining my favorite book boyfriends as porn stars in their stories to tide me over until the next porn hero/heroine read comes along. Pervy, yes I know.
Just when I thought I was out...
The fact that the heroine is a Britney Spears prototype alone, I'm just asking for a world of hurt reading this... but it has PORN STAR in the title! How. Can. I. Not?! It's like asking the family tiger not to eat the family dog inside the house.
Well it didn't hurt. Much. If anything, the amount of fucks that dog is giving the tiger closely approximates mine. I did finish it without getting
"Ooh, you're the porn star, aren't you?" the singer, Ronnie, asked as he shook my hand.
"Yeah, I am." I extended my hand to the guitarist but he didn't take it.
Instead he asked with a hint of slime, "So have you ever been to an event like this?"
I just smiled. "A few actually."
"Have you now?"
"Your industry isn't the only one that gives out awards," I said.
Burned! By the five time Skinman Award AND Lifetime Achievement Awardee no less (show some respect, dude).
There's a terrible dearth of meaty (pun intended) porn star novels out there and the few that do tackle them were mediocre at best. This has been such a disappointment because I find adding "porn star" to any book makes it doubly interesting for me (as I fine-tune my expectations of course). Making some of my favorite book boyfriends porn actors in my head is making my brain explode as it is (Dex 'Bigfoot' Foray, the porn star, investigating supernatural forces with Perry Palomino... tell me that didn't make your day a little shinier).
This one had definite anorexia in the plot and character depth department. The story doesn't evolve beyond the issues and implications of a wholesome pop star on a comeback getting involved with Buck Harder, star of Skanks & Scrubs II and the Nasty Cheerleaders franchise. Both MCs are trapped in the black hole of "we should-we shouldn't" that we fail to see them beyond it. This book expected me to believe that a pop star and a porn actor can fall in love over Call of Duty, Sex and Coffee. Which is such a waste because the book failed to explore Olivia/Rachel's previous issues (the woman had a breakdown for crying out loud, couldn't that have at least played in the story?) nor Buck/Lee's interesting quirks (the implausibility of him being a ComiCon trooping geek wasn't even exploited).
The writing was decent but the "too much telling without any showing" hampered my enjoyment of the already thinned out story. Things do not happen in this book, they get discussed while walking on the beach, in the dressing room and yes, even in the middle of sex. Speaking of the sex scenes it bothered me quite a bit how Lee and Rachel's intimate moments came across porn-ish itself to a certain extent. Given the nature of Lee's work I was expecting a bit more depth in this aspect of their relationship than it was given (there was none).
There was some attempt to make a commentary on the entertainment industry's double standards when it comes to female artists but it only highlighted the plot's weaknesses. The secondary characters were dull and gay bestie Quinn didn't dish anything worth quoting. I'm not going to go over the scenes that severely cheesed me off (there were far too many and I'm all snarked out) but overall, this was like the little book that could've but didn't.
Now I'm gonna go off to that little dark corner of my mind, re-imagining my favorite book boyfriends as porn stars in their stories to tide me over until the next porn hero/heroine read comes along. Pervy, yes I know.
May 10, 2013
3 light and fluffy stars.
I feel like I'm breaking up with this book - "It's not you, it's me." I mean, it's obviously meant to be a lighthearted sexy read - and it is! The title, Lee's stage name, the awesome gay BFF. They all point you down the same path. Nothing too serious, just fun. A "friends with benefits" kind of book.
But see, it gave me little glimpses. Just tiny hints at something deeper. The effect that celebrity has on relationships. The importance of image over substance in the entertainment industry. The separation of "work life" from real life. How we as a society love to see people at their worst, and how we like to speculate when we all full well know we don't know jack about what's going on. The double standard - women who enjoy sex are sluts, and men who enjoy sex are, well, men.
So, I made the classic mistake. I tried to take the story out of the little box it wanted to be in, and make it something more. I tried to make a relationship out of what was clearly something casual, and it didn't work. I was just left wanting more, and a bit disappointed.
So, if you are in the mood for something fun - something sexy, that will give your brain a nice vacation, pick it up and give it a try. Just remember, if you start thinking about trying to make something more out of it, just don't.
I feel like I'm breaking up with this book - "It's not you, it's me." I mean, it's obviously meant to be a lighthearted sexy read - and it is! The title, Lee's stage name, the awesome gay BFF. They all point you down the same path. Nothing too serious, just fun. A "friends with benefits" kind of book.
But see, it gave me little glimpses. Just tiny hints at something deeper. The effect that celebrity has on relationships. The importance of image over substance in the entertainment industry. The separation of "work life" from real life. How we as a society love to see people at their worst, and how we like to speculate when we all full well know we don't know jack about what's going on. The double standard - women who enjoy sex are sluts, and men who enjoy sex are, well, men.
So, I made the classic mistake. I tried to take the story out of the little box it wanted to be in, and make it something more. I tried to make a relationship out of what was clearly something casual, and it didn't work. I was just left wanting more, and a bit disappointed.
So, if you are in the mood for something fun - something sexy, that will give your brain a nice vacation, pick it up and give it a try. Just remember, if you start thinking about trying to make something more out of it, just don't.
March 1, 2017
I've rewritten this review 4 fucking times and changed my mind on a rating at least a dozen times. I respect this author because she blazed trails in this genre during its 50 shades rebirth with her own version of taboo...
Damaged Goods, anyone???
Serious love/hate with that book.
I knew what I was getting into here; this is my secret corner of angsty shame. So my rating has nothing to do with the H getting paid for it...
My number one issue with this book, one I just couldn't get past, is the h's absolute lack of concern about what the H does for a living. I got all ranty about this in several predecessors of this review. But, all bitchy aside...I find it difficult to believe on any level that a woman, Popstar or girl next door, could be 1000% on board with her man, and later, husband, "filming scenes" on the regular with multiple women...and not have any qualms about that whatsoever.
It was like:
"Oh, baby girl, no worries, it don't mean shit when I stick my dick in a chick on set"
"For realz?!?!?"
"Oh, yeah, it's like work and no fun at all...most of the time."
"K. Since it isn't like having real sex. Keep on fucking on camera then. I don't mind at all."
:/
This just isn't believable.
And I don't mean it in a "suspend your disbelief" way...I mean in a "complete fucking lobotomy" kinda way.
I have to believe in the motivations of the characters or I can't empathize with their situation. And here, you have to swallow her acceptance whole hog to feel the rest of the novel. I don't have the "pornstar for an H" hang up in my reads, but personally, it would bother me on some level even if I could come to terms with it. It's just yanking my chain as a reader to think she's "cool with that" cuz she can see beyond their personas/careers to who they truly are.
Which brings me to issue #2:
The whole world calling her a whore.
Just stop. Please.
Without any other issues to keep the couple apart, the plot descended ino the bad guy being the villainous record company and the evil court of public opinion keeping them apart because of double standards I just rolled my mf'ing eyes. If you can't give me a believable character, I can't go down the path of make believe with you.
Magical Healing Dick strikes again.
I read this shit to see how authors get characters to cope with this type of relationship. To just deny there's any more problem with their situation than the h's villainous record company completely disregards the aspect of human emotion and experience, and, once again, why I read this shit.
THAT keeps this from a 4 star book. Ignoring his career or just giving him a pass with no depth and total naïveté and I'm 2 starring this puppy. And the assertion that it'd be ok with "the world" if the roles were reversed. No, I'm not buying that bullshit either.
SG Ladies, never any on page OW sex but it's implied until the epilogue where we learn he finally quit sometime after they're married. If she'd had issues with his career, the OW wouldn't have bothered me because there's barely any reference to his current work...as is, SHE'S the fucking unicorn in this story.
Damaged Goods, anyone???
Serious love/hate with that book.
I knew what I was getting into here; this is my secret corner of angsty shame. So my rating has nothing to do with the H getting paid for it...
My number one issue with this book, one I just couldn't get past, is the h's absolute lack of concern about what the H does for a living. I got all ranty about this in several predecessors of this review. But, all bitchy aside...I find it difficult to believe on any level that a woman, Popstar or girl next door, could be 1000% on board with her man, and later, husband, "filming scenes" on the regular with multiple women...and not have any qualms about that whatsoever.
It was like:
"Oh, baby girl, no worries, it don't mean shit when I stick my dick in a chick on set"
"For realz?!?!?"
"Oh, yeah, it's like work and no fun at all...most of the time."
"K. Since it isn't like having real sex. Keep on fucking on camera then. I don't mind at all."
:/
This just isn't believable.
And I don't mean it in a "suspend your disbelief" way...I mean in a "complete fucking lobotomy" kinda way.
I have to believe in the motivations of the characters or I can't empathize with their situation. And here, you have to swallow her acceptance whole hog to feel the rest of the novel. I don't have the "pornstar for an H" hang up in my reads, but personally, it would bother me on some level even if I could come to terms with it. It's just yanking my chain as a reader to think she's "cool with that" cuz she can see beyond their personas/careers to who they truly are.
Which brings me to issue #2:
The whole world calling her a whore.
Just stop. Please.
Without any other issues to keep the couple apart, the plot descended ino the bad guy being the villainous record company and the evil court of public opinion keeping them apart because of double standards I just rolled my mf'ing eyes. If you can't give me a believable character, I can't go down the path of make believe with you.
Magical Healing Dick strikes again.
I read this shit to see how authors get characters to cope with this type of relationship. To just deny there's any more problem with their situation than the h's villainous record company completely disregards the aspect of human emotion and experience, and, once again, why I read this shit.
THAT keeps this from a 4 star book. Ignoring his career or just giving him a pass with no depth and total naïveté and I'm 2 starring this puppy. And the assertion that it'd be ok with "the world" if the roles were reversed. No, I'm not buying that bullshit either.
SG Ladies, never any on page OW sex but it's implied until the epilogue where we learn he finally quit sometime after they're married. If she'd had issues with his career, the OW wouldn't have bothered me because there's barely any reference to his current work...as is, SHE'S the fucking unicorn in this story.
May 9, 2013
What I really love about this author is that she can make you second guess your choice(s). Can you really really see yourself with a porn star? It's nice to dibble dabble and have fun but then it would be thrown in your face that he fucks other girls for a living. Could you get past that? Even if there are no emotions in it, there is the motion that they're doing it.
Confession time... I have a huge crush on porn star Xander Corvus. I would put gifs on him but I don't know how to do gifs. Google him. It's the eye contact that he gives that I really like.
Anywho, the story follows Olivia Taylor, comeback kid who had a huge meltdown in her younger years. She's shooting a music video for her new single and the record executives cast porn star Buck Harder(LOVE THAT NAME)as her love interest. The sparks are immediate and they try to be together. It's very hard for her cause of his profession. They go thru trials and tribulations but not within themselves. It's her fame that puts a damper in their relationship. Olivia doesn't mind what he does and he tells her repeatedly that there's no emotions whatsoever. There is a HEA and the story was enjoyable plus the sex wasn't so bad. ;)
My only thing was that the author could have given angst to the book. It was wide open but the story still works.
*side note* Me, I don't think I could be in a relationship with a porn actor who is still in the business. Maybe even after he retired. My mind can be wonderful but it's also the devil. I'd be searching him and his job on the internet. I know me.
Confession time... I have a huge crush on porn star Xander Corvus. I would put gifs on him but I don't know how to do gifs. Google him. It's the eye contact that he gives that I really like.
Anywho, the story follows Olivia Taylor, comeback kid who had a huge meltdown in her younger years. She's shooting a music video for her new single and the record executives cast porn star Buck Harder(LOVE THAT NAME)as her love interest. The sparks are immediate and they try to be together. It's very hard for her cause of his profession. They go thru trials and tribulations but not within themselves. It's her fame that puts a damper in their relationship. Olivia doesn't mind what he does and he tells her repeatedly that there's no emotions whatsoever. There is a HEA and the story was enjoyable plus the sex wasn't so bad. ;)
My only thing was that the author could have given angst to the book. It was wide open but the story still works.
*side note* Me, I don't think I could be in a relationship with a porn actor who is still in the business. Maybe even after he retired. My mind can be wonderful but it's also the devil. I'd be searching him and his job on the internet. I know me.
May 8, 2013
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
Last year Lauren Gallagher/L.A. Witt produced so many outstanding books, I had two in my top 20. This year is proving that wasn’t an accident. I finished The Princess and the Porn Star last night and I couldn’t sleep because it brought up so many questions and feelings that my mind was spinning out of control. That to me is the difference between a good author and a great author; a great author will make you think, make you feel, and make you question everything. Lauren Gallagher/L.A. Witt does that to me time and time again.
It’s hard not to escape the headlines we see every day about this musician or that actor spiraling out of control and ending up in rehab. Our heroine, Taylor (Rachel), has been there and done that. She’s paid her dues and is making a comeback with strict guidelines set by her recording label. Their big idea, remake the pop princess into a sexy pop star by pairing her with porn star, Buck Harder (Lee), in her first new video. She feels this is a bad move, but her hands are tied so she goes along with it never expecting to get so much out of the experience.
Right away I connected with both of these characters which surprised me for a number of reasons. I’m hardly in their demographic, I know little about their professions, and I’ve never been in the spotlight. However, they are written so brilliantly that we see past all their stage personas and we get to know the people behind the hype. I can’t begin to describe how easy it was to fall in love with both of these characters. Once we see them in their “off time”, it becomes quite clear they are just two normal young adults trying to make a living doing something they enjoy. Even more refreshing is they are both willingly to admit they love what they do, just not the BS that comes with doing it. Rachel loves performing for her fans and admits she gets a little high from it. Lee flat out states he enjoys his career as a porn star and the opportunities it has given him. They make no apologies for their careers and they both fully accept the mistakes they’ve made along the way.
I found the relationship between these two to be endearing from the beginning. Over coffee, they find out so much about each other and share some amazing insights into their lives. This one meeting/date (whatever you want to call it) makes a huge difference in the way they relate to each other when they are filming. As a reader you really begin to understand the emotional attachment they form early on.
That’s not to say they don’t have intense sexual feelings towards one another because they do, in spades. I’m surprised my Kindle didn’t burst into flames when these two go at it. They are just so damn explosive, but every time they are together there is something special about it that makes you realize this is something big.
To say Rachel’s record company is less than thrilled about the rumors of her dating Lee are an understatement. What these to go through to see each other is a testament to how deep their feeling run despite their instance to each other they are “friends with benefits.” I can’t even imagine living in the fishbowl that becomes their life and I support them for taking a stand. I really have to applaud Lee for worrying so much about Rachel’s career and how she’s being raked over the coals because of his profession. Lauren’s outrage over how the press treats Lee is equally admirable. What really bothered me more than anything is the obvious double standard there is in regards to stars and their sexuality. The author really brings this to light and you realize it’s true, and it’s been happening for decades. Have we really not learned anything over the years? Why are men applauded for their sexual misconduct and women labeled sluts? Makes you think, doesn’t it? The thing is this character has done nothing wrong other than she’s in a monogamous relationship with a man who happens to make adult films for a living….it really is enough to drive you crazy!
Told from both the hero and heroines points of view, we get a true picture of what each of them is thinking and feeling. We are also treated to snippets of their life as told by the media which are quite fascinating when you pair them with their reality. You will absolutely get caught up in the craziness of being in the limelight, you will no doubt feel for what these characters are put through, and if you didn’t have the understanding before you will now; “stars” really are just people trying to make a living and have a life outside of their public persona. The Princess and the Porn Star is a beautifully written fairy tale that will eat at your emotions, strip you bare, and make you think. Thank you Lauren Gallagher for keeping me on my toes, you never cease to amaze me!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
Last year Lauren Gallagher/L.A. Witt produced so many outstanding books, I had two in my top 20. This year is proving that wasn’t an accident. I finished The Princess and the Porn Star last night and I couldn’t sleep because it brought up so many questions and feelings that my mind was spinning out of control. That to me is the difference between a good author and a great author; a great author will make you think, make you feel, and make you question everything. Lauren Gallagher/L.A. Witt does that to me time and time again.
It’s hard not to escape the headlines we see every day about this musician or that actor spiraling out of control and ending up in rehab. Our heroine, Taylor (Rachel), has been there and done that. She’s paid her dues and is making a comeback with strict guidelines set by her recording label. Their big idea, remake the pop princess into a sexy pop star by pairing her with porn star, Buck Harder (Lee), in her first new video. She feels this is a bad move, but her hands are tied so she goes along with it never expecting to get so much out of the experience.
Right away I connected with both of these characters which surprised me for a number of reasons. I’m hardly in their demographic, I know little about their professions, and I’ve never been in the spotlight. However, they are written so brilliantly that we see past all their stage personas and we get to know the people behind the hype. I can’t begin to describe how easy it was to fall in love with both of these characters. Once we see them in their “off time”, it becomes quite clear they are just two normal young adults trying to make a living doing something they enjoy. Even more refreshing is they are both willingly to admit they love what they do, just not the BS that comes with doing it. Rachel loves performing for her fans and admits she gets a little high from it. Lee flat out states he enjoys his career as a porn star and the opportunities it has given him. They make no apologies for their careers and they both fully accept the mistakes they’ve made along the way.
I found the relationship between these two to be endearing from the beginning. Over coffee, they find out so much about each other and share some amazing insights into their lives. This one meeting/date (whatever you want to call it) makes a huge difference in the way they relate to each other when they are filming. As a reader you really begin to understand the emotional attachment they form early on.
That’s not to say they don’t have intense sexual feelings towards one another because they do, in spades. I’m surprised my Kindle didn’t burst into flames when these two go at it. They are just so damn explosive, but every time they are together there is something special about it that makes you realize this is something big.
To say Rachel’s record company is less than thrilled about the rumors of her dating Lee are an understatement. What these to go through to see each other is a testament to how deep their feeling run despite their instance to each other they are “friends with benefits.” I can’t even imagine living in the fishbowl that becomes their life and I support them for taking a stand. I really have to applaud Lee for worrying so much about Rachel’s career and how she’s being raked over the coals because of his profession. Lauren’s outrage over how the press treats Lee is equally admirable. What really bothered me more than anything is the obvious double standard there is in regards to stars and their sexuality. The author really brings this to light and you realize it’s true, and it’s been happening for decades. Have we really not learned anything over the years? Why are men applauded for their sexual misconduct and women labeled sluts? Makes you think, doesn’t it? The thing is this character has done nothing wrong other than she’s in a monogamous relationship with a man who happens to make adult films for a living….it really is enough to drive you crazy!
Told from both the hero and heroines points of view, we get a true picture of what each of them is thinking and feeling. We are also treated to snippets of their life as told by the media which are quite fascinating when you pair them with their reality. You will absolutely get caught up in the craziness of being in the limelight, you will no doubt feel for what these characters are put through, and if you didn’t have the understanding before you will now; “stars” really are just people trying to make a living and have a life outside of their public persona. The Princess and the Porn Star is a beautifully written fairy tale that will eat at your emotions, strip you bare, and make you think. Thank you Lauren Gallagher for keeping me on my toes, you never cease to amaze me!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 21, 2013
Closer to 4-1/2 stars. I just love a Lauren Gallagher story. She comes up with the most interesting characters in the most interesting situations. And all her stories seem so different. This one is maybe a little bit like Damaged Goods in that you have a male in a profession most women wouldn't be able to handle and a woman who has a lot to lose by opening herself to a relationship with that person.
I loved how Rachel and Lee met. It wasn't Rachel's idea, but the record label thought a porn star would spice up her new video. This was the first video from her album that was supposed to be her comeback. She'd had some substance abuse issues and really fell hard before her assistant, Quinn, kicked her in the ass and made her get help. Lee could tell Rachel was uncomfortable, so he suggested they get to know each other over coffee, which turned out to be an hours-long conversation of them truly getting to know Rachel and Lee, not Olivia and Buck (their alter egos). It made the chemistry in the video really good, but once the public got ahold of it and thrashed Rachel for including a porn star and being "too sexy", her label blamed her. And by then, Rachel and Lee had been seeing a lot of each other. On the down low, of course. Rachel had a morality clause in her record contract.
Boy, Ms. Gallagher got the double-standard right. First, with how anything can be twisted into something catty if you're talking about a girl, but second that a girl dating a porn star monogamously is apparently so much worse than a rock star taking two women to his hotel.
Ultimately, it became a struggle between Rachel trying to do the right thing and trying to do what's best for herself emotionally. And Lee was such a good guy, trying to do what would be right for Rachel, even if it's a 180 from what he needed.
HEA but angsty to get there. My heart was breaking for them so many times.
I loved how Rachel and Lee met. It wasn't Rachel's idea, but the record label thought a porn star would spice up her new video. This was the first video from her album that was supposed to be her comeback. She'd had some substance abuse issues and really fell hard before her assistant, Quinn, kicked her in the ass and made her get help. Lee could tell Rachel was uncomfortable, so he suggested they get to know each other over coffee, which turned out to be an hours-long conversation of them truly getting to know Rachel and Lee, not Olivia and Buck (their alter egos). It made the chemistry in the video really good, but once the public got ahold of it and thrashed Rachel for including a porn star and being "too sexy", her label blamed her. And by then, Rachel and Lee had been seeing a lot of each other. On the down low, of course. Rachel had a morality clause in her record contract.
Boy, Ms. Gallagher got the double-standard right. First, with how anything can be twisted into something catty if you're talking about a girl, but second that a girl dating a porn star monogamously is apparently so much worse than a rock star taking two women to his hotel.
Ultimately, it became a struggle between Rachel trying to do the right thing and trying to do what's best for herself emotionally. And Lee was such a good guy, trying to do what would be right for Rachel, even if it's a 180 from what he needed.
HEA but angsty to get there. My heart was breaking for them so many times.
March 29, 2015
*4.5 STARS*
Honestly, Lauren Gallagher has the uncanny ability to make me root for the most unlikely of relationship. Ones that I would never in a million years have thought that I would root for.
Things are no different with THE PRINCESS AND THE PORN STAR. Ms. Gallagher spins the tale of the Pop Princess Olivia Taylor and Porn King, Buck Harder aka Rachel and Lee.
The meet, fall for each other and face a lot of scrutiny. Ultimately, they have to decide if their burgeoning relationship is worth all the strife.
And I kid you not, I am agreeing with Rachel/Olivia that she's should be ok with her man screwing other women on camera for money because he's just that perfect in every other way. I closed the book at the end, and I'm like...wait a minute. What did I just say? LOL, it's like this author just makes me forget everything except for her story. It's amazing.
Now, the story wasn't perfect. I thought there could have a been a little more development in Lee's character. But, overall it was just so engrossing, I couldn't put it down. It had the perfect blend of hot, steamy sex (I mean you don't date a porn star for nothing, right?) and plot, and had a lovely HEA that just had me grinning from ear to ear.
All the Lauren Gallagher's stories I've read thus far have had interesting characters and even more interesting plots. She really sneaks up on you, but she's definitely becoming one of those go to authors that I KNOW I can depend on for quality erotica.
Honestly, Lauren Gallagher has the uncanny ability to make me root for the most unlikely of relationship. Ones that I would never in a million years have thought that I would root for.
Things are no different with THE PRINCESS AND THE PORN STAR. Ms. Gallagher spins the tale of the Pop Princess Olivia Taylor and Porn King, Buck Harder aka Rachel and Lee.
The meet, fall for each other and face a lot of scrutiny. Ultimately, they have to decide if their burgeoning relationship is worth all the strife.
And I kid you not, I am agreeing with Rachel/Olivia that she's should be ok with her man screwing other women on camera for money because he's just that perfect in every other way. I closed the book at the end, and I'm like...wait a minute. What did I just say? LOL, it's like this author just makes me forget everything except for her story. It's amazing.
Now, the story wasn't perfect. I thought there could have a been a little more development in Lee's character. But, overall it was just so engrossing, I couldn't put it down. It had the perfect blend of hot, steamy sex (I mean you don't date a porn star for nothing, right?) and plot, and had a lovely HEA that just had me grinning from ear to ear.
All the Lauren Gallagher's stories I've read thus far have had interesting characters and even more interesting plots. She really sneaks up on you, but she's definitely becoming one of those go to authors that I KNOW I can depend on for quality erotica.
August 7, 2019
This was quite intriguing, and avoided almost all of the tropes suggested by the title. there are some angsty bits, but the H and h stay true to themselves and each other. The entertainment leaches are out in full force, as are the paparazzi and tabloid writers. The author really shows them to be the lowest scum. This couple navigates these nasty waters quite well.
Caution to some readers: he doesn't quit his day job, and she accepts that aspect of their relationship. There is very little discussion about his profession, though it is chum in the water for the sharks. So if you really really hate any hint of cheating - which this isn't - you'd best skip it.
The biggest let down for me was the sex scenes. Yes they were intense and hot, but they were oddly short and repetitive. Take off 1 star for that.
Caution to some readers: he doesn't quit his day job, and she accepts that aspect of their relationship. There is very little discussion about his profession, though it is chum in the water for the sharks. So if you really really hate any hint of cheating - which this isn't - you'd best skip it.
The biggest let down for me was the sex scenes. Yes they were intense and hot, but they were oddly short and repetitive. Take off 1 star for that.
January 24, 2015
All I have to say is that the Princess and the Porn Star was a heck of a lot of fun to read, and I just couldn't put it down! The biggest thing that stuck out to me in this book was just how natural and real it felt. But that is also what I love most about Lauren Gallagher/L.A. Witt. She has definitely set herself apart from so many authors with her emotional and compelling characters, and she has landed herself on a very small list of auto-buy authors for me.
From the start of the book, I could totally picture a studio trying to help a star make the wrong type of comeback to break them out of a preconceived role. Using a porn star to do so just wasn't smart on their behalf *shaking head*, but it definitely drew attention to Olivia and brought Lee into the picture. This book was packed full of intense chemistry between Rachel and Lee! Whew it was off the charts guys! When they were dancing for the music video, I had to stop a few times and fan myself off. It was sizzling hot!
Now Olivia Taylor and Buck Harder maybe have been two mismatched people for Hollywood, but Rachel and Lee were beyond perfect for each other in the real world. I seriously couldn't get enough of these two! :) The Princess and the Porn star gets my seal of approval, and I definitely encourage you to give it a try. :) You won't be sorry!
From the start of the book, I could totally picture a studio trying to help a star make the wrong type of comeback to break them out of a preconceived role. Using a porn star to do so just wasn't smart on their behalf *shaking head*, but it definitely drew attention to Olivia and brought Lee into the picture. This book was packed full of intense chemistry between Rachel and Lee! Whew it was off the charts guys! When they were dancing for the music video, I had to stop a few times and fan myself off. It was sizzling hot!
Now Olivia Taylor and Buck Harder maybe have been two mismatched people for Hollywood, but Rachel and Lee were beyond perfect for each other in the real world. I seriously couldn't get enough of these two! :) The Princess and the Porn star gets my seal of approval, and I definitely encourage you to give it a try. :) You won't be sorry!
June 11, 2015
3.25 stars
Gosh, but this was a tough read for me. I just didn't see how this could end on a positive note. And, although I'm satisfied with the final pages, it did seem to have a big bow slapped on to cover up a not quite perfect wrapping job.
Would I recommend? Yes, with reservations. I think the ramifications of dating could have been pushed even further and it deserved more pages and more humor, IMHO.
Would I reread? Truthfully, no, except the beginning (see below).
Steam: Sprinkled throughout, they're very steamy, but what really fogs up your glasses are the music video scenes described in the very beginning.
Gosh, but this was a tough read for me. I just didn't see how this could end on a positive note. And, although I'm satisfied with the final pages, it did seem to have a big bow slapped on to cover up a not quite perfect wrapping job.
Would I recommend? Yes, with reservations. I think the ramifications of dating could have been pushed even further and it deserved more pages and more humor, IMHO.
Would I reread? Truthfully, no, except the beginning (see below).
Steam: Sprinkled throughout, they're very steamy, but what really fogs up your glasses are the music video scenes described in the very beginning.
January 21, 2018
lights, camera, ....action
I liked the story and tension. It was balanced and held the reader's interest. The charcters felt real despite the glamor of the pretense. The emotional entanglement made the story worth investing into rather than a sweaty string of positions and cliches.
I liked the story and tension. It was balanced and held the reader's interest. The charcters felt real despite the glamor of the pretense. The emotional entanglement made the story worth investing into rather than a sweaty string of positions and cliches.
May 18, 2013
I think I found a 5 star author. She puts it all out there and I don't think she gives a shit.... Her morality issues on sex is there and whether we agree or not she has made some convincing effort of persuasion. I loved her storyline and the way she put our society issues relating to every relationships was brilliant. A job is a job it does not define us and even if us being parents or any other label does not mean we deserve negative connotations when we do something that is not kosher. I am excited about other books this author read and hopeful to read all of them.
Here goes... A pop star who has been through the ringer finds out her record company is putting controversial shit in her music. she does not have a leg to stand on and appears to have her back against the wall. The character is strong and confident and even though she has been through so much she still keeps it together.
Buck Harder has no idea what he is in for when he meets the girl of his dreams. He thinks he is there to do a job but it turns out he is farther from the truth.
The best quote is this:
"It's not the fact that he's having sex with other women right now that bothers me." I ran my hand through my hair to get it out of my face. "It's the fact that everyone in the goddamned world has an opinion about it."
I agree and disagree the running commentary is that if you do not want your shit out there than do not put it out there. A job like the both the characters have put that out there and unfortunately they have to deal even though in some aspects their life is not a magazine and we as outsiders do not belong or have the right to know.
Here goes... A pop star who has been through the ringer finds out her record company is putting controversial shit in her music. she does not have a leg to stand on and appears to have her back against the wall. The character is strong and confident and even though she has been through so much she still keeps it together.
Buck Harder has no idea what he is in for when he meets the girl of his dreams. He thinks he is there to do a job but it turns out he is farther from the truth.
The best quote is this:
"It's not the fact that he's having sex with other women right now that bothers me." I ran my hand through my hair to get it out of my face. "It's the fact that everyone in the goddamned world has an opinion about it."
I agree and disagree the running commentary is that if you do not want your shit out there than do not put it out there. A job like the both the characters have put that out there and unfortunately they have to deal even though in some aspects their life is not a magazine and we as outsiders do not belong or have the right to know.
May 11, 2013
I'm not saying I wasn't impressed of it by rating 3 stars, but this is not the first book I've read by this author. While I really loved Damaged Goods with its unusual theme (a first for me), the topic and the story was impressively covered. Neither was there cowering on the situations nor was it simply made to a happily ever after. It really talks about dealing and being with a male prostitute, and with that I swore I would read another book by her.
And so this came along. Admittedly I was drawn by the title. I guess, right now, Lauren had a thing for provocative males as she doesn't hold back on bringing them to life through her writing. Lee isn't very much that different with Sabian. They both deal purely on sexual affairs as a means to live. While Sabian was a male prostitute, Lee was a porn star.
I liked the idea of he plot very much, and like some reviews I've read, it's somewhat different with all the rocker books out there. So, yeah there's the ever present push and pull of both the characters; the overbearing people behind the careening success you are in and threatens to end it should you not follow there will; and of course, fighting for what your heart really desires. All that jazz and some.
The Princess and the Porn Star is a light and easy read. It's fast-paced and shorter than a normal book. A good recommendation for those who are looking for a sexy, fast read.
xx
November 22, 2015
Surprisingly enough, this was a sweet love story that wasn’t filled with any unnecessary drama or angst. It’s essentially the story of the pop princess, Olivia Taylor—aka Rachel—and the porn star, Buck Harder—aka Lee—who fell in love and the subsequent ramifications. The characters were extremely likable. There wasn’t any insta-love and the two seemed to handle everything very rationally, which was refreshing and truly made you hope they’d get their HEA. And yes, the chemistry was HOT, HOT, HOT! Quinn, Rachel’s tremendously supportive yet hilarious assistant, had me laughing on numerous occasions. There really wasn’t any wow factor, but the writing was strong and the storyline was sweet and simply a pleasure to read. 3.5-Stars!
February 14, 2016
4.5 stars (because a few scene changes were not seamless and caused a bit of confusion)
I think you would have to be an open-minded reader to enjoy this book. I'm so glad I'm open-minded. I really enjoyed this book more then I thought I would. I have to applaud Lauren Gallagher. I certainly appreciate the fact that she not only writes unusual romance novels but that she writes them so well. Bravo!!
I think you would have to be an open-minded reader to enjoy this book. I'm so glad I'm open-minded. I really enjoyed this book more then I thought I would. I have to applaud Lauren Gallagher. I certainly appreciate the fact that she not only writes unusual romance novels but that she writes them so well. Bravo!!
May 9, 2013
My favorite part of this book is the heroine: She is relatable, realistic. She is talented, yes, but she's also made mistakes--and will make more. She is, in other words, a flawed, well-rounded character with whom I actually felt like I would enjoy spending time. Loved her!
Also, the porn star's name is Buck Harder. BUCK HARDER. Yeah, 'nuff said.
Also, the porn star's name is Buck Harder. BUCK HARDER. Yeah, 'nuff said.
July 10, 2013
Lee and Rachel... A well deserved 4.5 Stars for this book!!
I loved the dinamics of the story (light, flirty, sexy and full of giggles) and it was O.M.G-I-need-to-change-my-panties-yesterday-H..O..T!! Lee is sooooo sweet, I felt really bad for poor Rachel at one stage. But all ended well, so that's all that counts!!
Highly recommended read!
I loved the dinamics of the story (light, flirty, sexy and full of giggles) and it was O.M.G-I-need-to-change-my-panties-yesterday-H..O..T!! Lee is sooooo sweet, I felt really bad for poor Rachel at one stage. But all ended well, so that's all that counts!!
Highly recommended read!
May 4, 2015
4 Stars for writing
5 Stars for Quinn :-)
4 stars for quantity of hotness
3.5 stars for plot
The writing on this one was so much better than some of than the usual dreck. Funny, hot, a tad angsty, but we get our HEA. Minor quibbles would be that some of the issues were repeated ad nauseum, and as hot as the sex scenes were, they were also somewhat vanilla.
5 Stars for Quinn :-)
4 stars for quantity of hotness
3.5 stars for plot
The writing on this one was so much better than some of than the usual dreck. Funny, hot, a tad angsty, but we get our HEA. Minor quibbles would be that some of the issues were repeated ad nauseum, and as hot as the sex scenes were, they were also somewhat vanilla.
April 20, 2015
4 stars
Nice and quick read. It's relaxing and non stressful, exactly what I needed these days... ;)
Nice and quick read. It's relaxing and non stressful, exactly what I needed these days... ;)
May 22, 2013
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed it, and boy was it hot!
Every time I read the name 'Buck Harder' I giggled.
I really enjoyed it, and boy was it hot!
Every time I read the name 'Buck Harder' I giggled.
Want to read
May 17, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/30/2020)! 🎁
July 9, 2018
So, I picked this up from the RT Grab Room in Reno. I love myself a good rock star romance. This had an interesting twist. The girl was the rock star, or rather pop star, ie Taylor Swift or Katy Perry like. And the guy was a porn star. So the premise grabbed me.
It was a real steamy read, and a lot of roller coaster ups and downs. But it was a bit predictable, which I guess, didn't get my heart racing as in other books. Also, the behind the scenes was a bit plastic. I really like the behind the scenes look at rock/pop stars. Some of it just seemed along the surface. Plastic record label suits giving her a bad time. It wasn't really gripping me. But that could just be me. I've had some promo experience, and getting back stage and being a groupie was a thing for me back in the day. So, I guess, I longed for more realism there.
But other than my own personal beefs, I enjoyed it. I think it was well written and enjoyable. It's definitely a different twist on the rock star romance. Anybody that enjoys that trope should like it.
It was a real steamy read, and a lot of roller coaster ups and downs. But it was a bit predictable, which I guess, didn't get my heart racing as in other books. Also, the behind the scenes was a bit plastic. I really like the behind the scenes look at rock/pop stars. Some of it just seemed along the surface. Plastic record label suits giving her a bad time. It wasn't really gripping me. But that could just be me. I've had some promo experience, and getting back stage and being a groupie was a thing for me back in the day. So, I guess, I longed for more realism there.
But other than my own personal beefs, I enjoyed it. I think it was well written and enjoyable. It's definitely a different twist on the rock star romance. Anybody that enjoys that trope should like it.
October 16, 2020
Any other author would have taken this story of a pop icon and a porn star in a shitty direction. It's a perfect prompt to get lazy with. Just have them miscommunicate, then get her jealous, then throw in a fight where she's a bitch and belittles his profession. I see it in my mind's eye, almost any other writer would have gone that way.
But not my LG. Because she's ALWAYS great at writing real stories. Real characters. Real passion and love. This book doesn't hit ANY shitty tropes you'd think it would. It's just two people navigating life in the spotlight while they fall head-over-heels for each other. It's kind of heart breaking but also just so sweetly romantic.
It doesn't have to be the best thing I've ever read for me to just enjoy the fuck out of reading about grown-ups. It's ridiculously refreshing. Lauren Gallagher just hits different than most other writers, and I friggin love her for it.
But not my LG. Because she's ALWAYS great at writing real stories. Real characters. Real passion and love. This book doesn't hit ANY shitty tropes you'd think it would. It's just two people navigating life in the spotlight while they fall head-over-heels for each other. It's kind of heart breaking but also just so sweetly romantic.
It doesn't have to be the best thing I've ever read for me to just enjoy the fuck out of reading about grown-ups. It's ridiculously refreshing. Lauren Gallagher just hits different than most other writers, and I friggin love her for it.
July 25, 2021
Way cuter than I expected it to be. The characters were both so likable and their chemistry was awesome. It was a great read, I just could have done without constant interactions of the male lead reminding the female lead “I’m a porn star. I have sex with women in front of cameras for a living.” Yes. She gets it. She told you she’s fine with it and she knows what porn star means. And yes it’s obvious how much you two care about each other from the start, so any premise that they only came to realize it over time didn’t really work. They just liked each other too much to pretend that was the case. Great character interaction and them getting along and not having petty misunderstandings is the most important thing for me so in the end it was a good book and I recommend it to people looking for a lighthearted and sexy romance with characters they’ll like.
July 20, 2021
3.5 Stars for me.
This one was a decent story that could have been really good. When the MCs go on a talking binge in the middle of oral sex, that is very odd. The story itself is good in the fact that it shows that preconceived notions are often fueled by other issues. In this case, the woman is treated differently because she is in a relationship with a person who does porn. If it was a male with a female porn star, half the guys would be giving him high fives.
The other thing that I liked about both characters is that they acted like adults throughout the story.
This one was a decent story that could have been really good. When the MCs go on a talking binge in the middle of oral sex, that is very odd. The story itself is good in the fact that it shows that preconceived notions are often fueled by other issues. In this case, the woman is treated differently because she is in a relationship with a person who does porn. If it was a male with a female porn star, half the guys would be giving him high fives.
The other thing that I liked about both characters is that they acted like adults throughout the story.
December 29, 2024
3.5 rounding up.
Fun and lighthearted read. I listened on audio. Definitely a very romantic read. I loved how Lauren treats the plot and explores all the double standards of the celebrity world where sex workers are concerned and how it affects their image. Female performers get the raw end of the deal no matter what, and it was a really interesting read from that perspective. The relationship was extremely cute and romantic, but the spice was very vanilla and basic considering his line of work, definitely a starter book for Lauren’s work.
Fun and lighthearted read. I listened on audio. Definitely a very romantic read. I loved how Lauren treats the plot and explores all the double standards of the celebrity world where sex workers are concerned and how it affects their image. Female performers get the raw end of the deal no matter what, and it was a really interesting read from that perspective. The relationship was extremely cute and romantic, but the spice was very vanilla and basic considering his line of work, definitely a starter book for Lauren’s work.
July 2, 2017
3 out of 5
This just wasn't for me. I liked the premise, it started out well. But the further I read, the more problems I had. For one, I didn't buy the record label's angle, for two, I didn't buy Rachel's either. Even as I'm trying to believe that, there was so much sex, I was bored reading it and started skimming. It was an ok read, I just thought Gallagher could've taken it in many other directions for a better read.
This just wasn't for me. I liked the premise, it started out well. But the further I read, the more problems I had. For one, I didn't buy the record label's angle, for two, I didn't buy Rachel's either. Even as I'm trying to believe that, there was so much sex, I was bored reading it and started skimming. It was an ok read, I just thought Gallagher could've taken it in many other directions for a better read.
dropped
April 5, 2025While I was reading this book, a friend of mine ended up in a situation which made us suspect that there had been a porn shooting in his flat. What a time to be alive.
Anyway, I am dropping this book at 28%. It feels a bit self-indulgent and too dragging for a romance. The dialogue was alright at first, but then it got a bit over-the-top. I feel like it would have made a nice rom-com movie, but as a book, it's a bit tedious.
Anyway, I am dropping this book at 28%. It feels a bit self-indulgent and too dragging for a romance. The dialogue was alright at first, but then it got a bit over-the-top. I feel like it would have made a nice rom-com movie, but as a book, it's a bit tedious.
July 24, 2017
Don't be so fast to judge.
We can't help who we fall in love with. If we had to live by others condemnation, no one would be happy. Lee and Rachel found each other, loved each other and made it against all odds. Good read, if people would let everyone live their own lives it would be a much better world.
We can't help who we fall in love with. If we had to live by others condemnation, no one would be happy. Lee and Rachel found each other, loved each other and made it against all odds. Good read, if people would let everyone live their own lives it would be a much better world.
April 15, 2018
People need to mind they own lives
I have never thought about how hard it would be to be in the spotlight but this book makes me what to never know anything about my favorite stars lives. I was so annoyed with everyone that had something to say about the two main characters but thank god for Quinn who helped them each step of the way.
I have never thought about how hard it would be to be in the spotlight but this book makes me what to never know anything about my favorite stars lives. I was so annoyed with everyone that had something to say about the two main characters but thank god for Quinn who helped them each step of the way.
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