Main Attraction

by Ava O'Shay

Jessica Hunter lost her heart and her husband at the same time. He died, and she discovered his infidelities, leaving her a shattered mess.
Five years later, Jessica still isn’t interested in a relationship. That is, until she meets sexy, lead actor Penn Jackson on the set of a popular tween movie—and her life gets turned upside down. Swept away by Penn’s carefree attitude, she lets him into her heart—and her bed—even though Penn warns her that being with him will change her life.
Penn’s warning doesn’t mean much to her. But when his publicist begins a campaign to get rid of her, and a trip to the emergency room turns into a tabloid explosion, she doesn’t just lose her anonymity, but also her job. Now, Jessica will have to choose between the man she loves and the life she’s always known.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Erotica

280 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2013

About the author

After many years trudging through the social awkwardness of high school and the whirl wind of college romances I finally landed in the Seattle area writing about the hell, horror, and don't forget the hot romance of youth. I love all things outdoors and can be found hiking, kayaking, mountain biking or doing anything that will work up a good sweat *winks*. I love to interact with my readers and meet them at signings.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jessica Hunter accompanies her niece on the set of Hollywood's hottest actor Penn Jackson, she never expects that her life will change. Penn has been with women, but they have never held his interest like Jessica. Everything about her is refreshing and new, but the strain of keeping her in the shadow of his spotlight is hurting everything they are trying to build.

I thought this was an enjoyable read, I liked that the road was not smooth and Penn is a bit clueless about how to be in a relationship. If you like Hollywood romances, this is a good pick for you.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Main Attraction where to start this review.... man I love a good romance but this story took me by surprise. This is a story about a broken woman who had love and lost everything in the blink of an eye only to find out what she had was a lie.

Jessica Hunter had it all, she had a great husband a life she loved. Then her husband died and she found out that everything she thought she had and was was a lie. Her husband was a cheater and a liar and had another side to him that no one knew about until he died. So she did what any sane woman would do and she walled up her heart and shied away from guys. She worked and lived her life and then one day she went to the studio with her Niece and she sees the most gorgeous guy she has seen in a while. Penn Jackson is the lead actor and Jessica is intrigued by him.

Penn Jackson has had his fair share of women but he has never met one he would give it all up for, that is until he meets Jessica. Lord when Penn sees Jessica he knows he wants her and has to have her but he also knows that being with him may be an issue because of who he is. But to Penn it doesn't matter because he needs her and the minute he and Jessica come together the sparks are flying and they can't get enough of each other. As their relationship blossoms things start to happen to Jessica and they soon face the reality of being with someone famous.

Penn warned Jessica but will his warning be enough to keep her safe? Will Jessica fight for the man that has awakened her dead heart? Will they be able to get the HEA they both seek with the one they love?

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never heard of this author or this book until it dropped in my email. What a total surprise it turned out to be.
This is a lovely romantic story of a teacher called Jessica who meets an actor called Penn. Jessica has been hurt in the past & isn't going to give her heart away too easily. Penn has never given his heart away before. This is their story of trying to put their past behind them & moving on. Their journey certainly isn't plain sailing. Grab a coffee, get comfortable & enjoy their journey.
I really hope this author is busy writing some more fantastic books for me to enjoy.
Received this in return for an honest review.

[Bookworm Betties · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m sorry we haven’t actually been introduced. Penn Jackson, nice to have met you.”
The glow of his pale make-up sent a chill down my spine.
“Jessica Hunter. Your make-up is creeping me out.” I smiled




****4 ½ -Hott for Teacher- Stars
this review contains minor spoilers


Hello angst & sexiness overload-That was intense!! The addition of a British accent was just super hott icing on the cake....I really do love me an accent ;)

“I bet the kids love you. You’re hot and you’re a good teacher. I bet you have every boy in your class picturing you while they’re masturbating to Green Eggs and Ham.”
“Not a thought I want in my head come Monday morning. Thanks for that image.”
“I’m just saying. I was a guy once and I know it’s what I’d be doing.”
I laughed. “You were a guy once?”
“And now I’m all man. Let’s blow this popsicle stand, Ms. Hunter.”

Jessica Hunter lost her husband five years ago. What's worse than becoming a widow at such a young age is learning that her high school sweetheart husband spent what time he had left cheating on her with any woman that crossed his path. What he left behind was a lonely, broken woman with trust issues out the ass and no self-esteem to speak of. The only thing left in her life that she cares about are the few friends and family members that she has, and her job as a high school English Lit teacher. She has no desire to ever get involved with another man, she is not a one night stand kind of girl & shes terrified of giving her heart to anyone ever again...until her niece Emily wins a contest. At only sixteen years old, Emily needs an adult to accompany her on her trip to Vancouver where she gets the opportunity to visit the set of the latest tween movie that's being filmed, Aunt J gets the honor of being that adult. What she wasn't prepared for was the intense attraction she would feel when she quite literally runs into the star of the movie, Penn Jackson. She doesn't know how to handle the emotions running through her after all these years of not feeling anything for another man, and it doesn't help that every time she turns around there is another woman warning her off from him.

Between his high & mighty publicist Melanie....

“You’re out of your league here. Stay away from Penn.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.” I knew I was out of my league, but I wasn’t sure why she felt it needed to be mentioned. He’d run into me…he’d kissed me. I hadn’t done anything but get a smack down into the asphalt.
“Just remember your place. You’re a guest for today. Nothing more. He won’t even remember you.”

And starlet co-star Ashley, who lays claim on him....

“You’re just his flavor of the day.”
“He loves them and leaves them. Well, love isn’t the word I’d use, but we are in public. Just want you to know what to expect. He won’t give you the time of day tomorrow,”

Despite everyone's warning, she agrees to meet up with him to talk....

“How did you see it going?”
“I don’t see it going into my bedroom if that’s what you’re asking. You already seem to have gotten the Penn is a douchebag memo. I don’t want them to be proven correct.”

She sees the man beneath all the glitz and glamor of Hollywood and finds herself wanting to spend more time with him. But with her trust issues, his man-whore past, a ruthless publicist, a slew of scorned women and the threat of paps around every corner, things are far from easy. Neither of them are sure of how to navigate this new relationship and this causes more than a few problems, there is no shortage of drama or tears. But the one thing they are both absolutely sure of is their chemistry, they can barely be in the same room and keep from attacking each other. I do have to admit that they both annoyed me a little bit, but just a little. While I understood Jessica's insecurities, she did tend to take them to the extreme from time to time and as hott as Penn was (and believe me-that man was smokin') he made some truly bonehead decisions. I got the reasons, but they still annoyed me a little. That doesn't change the fact that I would absolutely recommend this book, sexy as hell & full of angst....I loved it!!

“Jess, you’re the guiding light in my fucked-up world. You give me direction. You show me where I want to be. How I want to be. But the mistakes of my past continue to haunt me. I’m afraid now the one person I really want to spend time with is going to leave because of my baggage.”

[Jenn Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m sorry we haven’t actually been introduced. Penn Jackson, nice to have met you.”
The glow of his pale make-up sent a chill down my spine.
“Jessica Hunter. Your make-up is creeping me out.” I smiled




****4 ½ -Hott for Teacher- Stars
this review contains minor spoilers


Hello angst & sexiness overload-That was intense!! The addition of a British accent was just super hott icing on the cake....I really do love me an accent ;)

“I bet the kids love you. You’re hot and you’re a good teacher. I bet you have every boy in your class picturing you while they’re masturbating to Green Eggs and Ham.”
“Not a thought I want in my head come Monday morning. Thanks for that image.”
“I’m just saying. I was a guy once and I know it’s what I’d be doing.”
I laughed. “You were a guy once?”
“And now I’m all man. Let’s blow this popsicle stand, Ms. Hunter.”

Jessica Hunter lost her husband five years ago. What's worse than becoming a widow at such a young age is learning that her high school sweetheart husband spent what time he had left cheating on her with any woman that crossed his path. What he left behind was a lonely, broken woman with trust issues out the ass and no self-esteem to speak of. The only thing left in her life that she cares about are the few friends and family members that she has, and her job as a high school English Lit teacher. She has no desire to ever get involved with another man, she is not a one night stand kind of girl & shes terrified of giving her heart to anyone ever again...until her niece Emily wins a contest. At only sixteen years old, Emily needs an adult to accompany her on her trip to Vancouver where she gets the opportunity to visit the set of the latest tween movie that's being filmed, Aunt J gets the honor of being that adult. What she wasn't prepared for was the intense attraction she would feel when she quite literally runs into the star of the movie, Penn Jackson. She doesn't know how to handle the emotions running through her after all these years of not feeling anything for another man, and it doesn't help that every time she turns around there is another woman warning her off from him.

Between his high & mighty publicist Melanie....

“You’re out of your league here. Stay away from Penn.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.” I knew I was out of my league, but I wasn’t sure why she felt it needed to be mentioned. He’d run into me…he’d kissed me. I hadn’t done anything but get a smack down into the asphalt.
“Just remember your place. You’re a guest for today. Nothing more. He won’t even remember you.”

And starlet co-star Ashley, who lays claim on him....

“You’re just his flavor of the day.”
“He loves them and leaves them. Well, love isn’t the word I’d use, but we are in public. Just want you to know what to expect. He won’t give you the time of day tomorrow,”

Despite everyone's warning, she agrees to meet up with him to talk....

“How did you see it going?”
“I don’t see it going into my bedroom if that’s what you’re asking. You already seem to have gotten the Penn is a douchebag memo. I don’t want them to be proven correct.”

She sees the man beneath all the glitz and glamor of Hollywood and finds herself wanting to spend more time with him. But with her trust issues, his man-whore past, a ruthless publicist, a slew of scorned women and the threat of paps around every corner, things are far from easy. Neither of them are sure of how to navigate this new relationship and this causes more than a few problems, there is no shortage of drama or tears. But the one thing they are both absolutely sure of is their chemistry, they can barely be in the same room and keep from attacking each other. I do have to admit that they both annoyed me a little bit, but just a little. While I understood Jessica's insecurities, she did tend to take them to the extreme from time to time and as hott as Penn was (and believe me-that man was smokin') he made some truly bonehead decisions. I got the reasons, but they still annoyed me a little. That doesn't change the fact that I would absolutely recommend this book, sexy as hell & full of angst....I loved it!!

“Jess, you’re the guiding light in my fucked-up world. You give me direction. You show me where I want to be. How I want to be. But the mistakes of my past continue to haunt me. I’m afraid now the one person I really want to spend time with is going to leave because of my baggage.”

[Berls · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

My Initial Reaction…
I really enjoyed the concept of Main Attraction, but in the end it didn’t really deliver for me. It felt like I was in the fantasy of a crazed Robert Pattinson fan, and unfortunately the story never advanced enough beyond that for me to forget the similarities and get lost in the characters’s tumultuous love story.

The Characters…
The love interest in Main Attraction is Penn Jackson, movie star in a popular tween film. Jessica, from whose point of view the story is told, meets him when her niece wins some time at the filming of the movie and Jessica is on chaperon duty. I was frustrated with Penn from the get-go, because there was no way of ignoring that he was meant to be Robert Pattinson, and the unnamed tween film was clearly Twilight. I have nothing against Rob or Twilight. Hell, I like them both, own all the movies, and have read the books many times.

My problem was that I couldn’t see Penn for all the Rob shinning through. And that gave the whole story the uncomfortable quality of being inside a raving fans fantasy, where they somehow are the one that made him give up all the starlets because he loved them. What made it worse was the way it happened. Penn didn’t fall for Jessica in some natural and endearing way. He knocks her over on the set and kisses her, just like that. And suddenly he’s madly in lust with her, and falling quickly in love. I’m all for fantasy scenarios, but I like them to have a realm of believability and this just didn’t for me.

And then there’s Jessica. She got on my last nerve. I get insecurities and I like my characters to be flawed and all. But Jessica’s insecurities got the better of her, me, Penn, and every erotic scene in the first 50% of the book. I wanted to feel bad for her and for how her husband had treated her, but it felt so forced and overdone I couldn’t.

Unfortunately I really didn’t like any of the characters. I came close to liking Micah, Penn’s friend turned valet driver. But the friendly endearing guy I first met somehow turned into the stereotypical Hollywood playboy. Jessica’s best friends kept trying to excuse Jessica’s husband’s behavior because of his diabetes, which served the purpose of both continuing to over-dramatize the relationship and render it less understandable. The rest of the characters could either be paired with a tabloid version of a Twilight star, like Kristin Stewart, or summed up in a Hollywood stereotype.

The Story…
I think I read all of Main Attraction because I wanted to believe it would get better. As a Twilight fan, I could have enjoyed a story that used those characters as a point of departure. It just never departed enough for my taste.

The potential was there. Jessica is deeply scarred from her late-husband’s cheating on her and getting into a relationship with a movie star with a play-boy reputation doesn’t exactly help foster trust. I enjoyed the moments where they dealt with real relationship issues and the complications of Hollywood life really added a neat dimension. It was unfortunately weighed down by failed attempts to be erotic and some lackluster romantic lines that fell very flat.

Concluding Sentiments…
When I sat down to right this review, I though three stars might be possible, but the more I tried to write what I like about the Main Attraction the more I realized things I didn’t like. I think it could be a fun read for some and maybe the sex scenes will work for you. Unfortunately, none of it really worked for me.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

[review also posted on my blog http://beentherereadthatreviewedthebo...]

Main Attraction was one of those stories which I was expecting to enjoy but actually completely took me by surprise as I found I loved it!

The plot had a lot going for it. As well as the hot erotic parts, it had some strong characters, some sweet moments and a bit of intrigue. Ava O’Shay wrote a fast-moving and really enjoyable romance story.

I loved Penn right from the beginning. I was so rooting for him. He seemed hot and charming and sweet and I kinda felt like one of his young admirers! I thought his chemistry and interaction with Jessica was fun to read. Although Jess had her insecurities and weaknesses, I liked how she wasn’t just a typical pushover of a character like a lot of lead females in other books. Maybe it’s because I’m used to reading books with younger personalities but I really liked how Jessica seemed to be rid of any naivety.

I’m hard-pressed for any criticisms of Main Attraction. I was drawn into the story right from the beginning and it never lost its edge for me. Ava O’Shay wrote characters you could care about and want to hear more from and this helped the story flow really well.

Everything had its place too. Although this is erotica mixed in with a contemporary romance, those parts didn’t seem to just be thrown in for the sake of having a hot sex scene. The plot was consistently good and overall, Main Attraction was a really entertaining book which I just couldn’t put down.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[LJT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most women at some time in their lives dream about being involved in some way with a famous, good-looking actor. Main Attraction by Ava O'Shay successfully explores that dream along with the obstacles and advantages that naturally go along with it.

Thirty-three year old high school English teacher Jessica Hunter has lived a lonely existence for a long time. Over five years ago, she got hit with a double whammy; her husband was cheating on her and he was also fatally ill. As angry and as heartbroken as she was, she cared for her him until he took his last breath. Jessica was destroyed both emotionally and physically and as a result, has not looked for any male companionship.

Penn Jackson is a hot commodity these days. His films have skyrocketed him to stardom and all ages of the female population find him hot, sexy and gorgeous. His reputation as a playboy is somewhat true, however the press embellish even the most innocent encounters. Penn meets Jessica while he is making his latest film and their chemistry is magnetic.

Jessica and Penn are a unique couple. Talk about opposites! Their feelings evolve from lust to love, which enables them to work through the hardships within their relationship. If you are looking for a solid, fast-paced erotic romance about love with a celebrity, give this book a shout.

I was given an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

[Drue DePompei-Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, when I began reading 'Main Attraction' I was immediately weary because of the whole setup. British actor, vampire movie, rumored to be dating leading lady, based off a highly successful book series...you get the idea. However, I kept reading and was pleasantly surprised by the dynamic, lust-filled chemistry between Jessica and Penn and a really great story.

- See more at: Drue's Random Chatter

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for free off of amazon so I wasn't expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the story, it kind of reminded me of Eversea. The only part was the end, I was hoping for more and the flu to be something different, regardless of what she knew.

[Kim Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come.

[Ava O'Shay]

New cover for Main Attraction! It will be re-released in May.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰]

review to come during blog tour