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Hollywood Dreams
She's fallen for his greatest role. But can she fall for him?
Former soap star Tom Calvert dreams of making movies that matter. To get the part of a lifetime he becomes a method actor, living as Beau Tennant, a war hero with a disabling injury. While in character he meets Maree Reynard, a costume designer, and takes her on a date. But when this practice date becomes all too real he realizes that he's made the mistake of a lifetime. Will he be able to get Maree to fall in love with Tom Calvert?
Maree Reynard's father is an actor and she has grown up on a studio lot. She has no illusions about the artifice of the movie-making business and has vowed she would never date an actor. When she meets and falls in love with Beau Tennant she knows that she's found her dream man who is genuine and real. But when Beau disappears from her life she is heartbroken. She meets Tom Calvert on the rebound and sees their flirtation as a way of recovering her shattered confidence. Will Tom Calvert be able to convince her he is the real deal?
Former soap star Tom Calvert dreams of making movies that matter. To get the part of a lifetime he becomes a method actor, living as Beau Tennant, a war hero with a disabling injury. While in character he meets Maree Reynard, a costume designer, and takes her on a date. But when this practice date becomes all too real he realizes that he's made the mistake of a lifetime. Will he be able to get Maree to fall in love with Tom Calvert?
Maree Reynard's father is an actor and she has grown up on a studio lot. She has no illusions about the artifice of the movie-making business and has vowed she would never date an actor. When she meets and falls in love with Beau Tennant she knows that she's found her dream man who is genuine and real. But when Beau disappears from her life she is heartbroken. She meets Tom Calvert on the rebound and sees their flirtation as a way of recovering her shattered confidence. Will Tom Calvert be able to convince her he is the real deal?
156 pages, ebook
First published July 24, 2014
22 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Mae Archer
5 books219 followersMae Archer knew she wanted to be a writer since she was a child. She loved listening to her grandmother’s war stories about English maidens falling in love with handsome Yankees while England burnt under the Luftwaffe’s blitz.
When she discovered romance novels as a teenager she soon realised that her dream job was to be a romance writer. After many career twists and turns she’s making her dreams come true.
Her real life is like one of her grandmother’s stories. She met a foreigner who travelled through Australia and it was love at first sight. She married him six months after they met and every day since has been an adventure.
She lives in Australia with her husband and daughter.
Mae Archer is the pen name that author Amra Pajalic uses for her romance fiction. Amra writes young adult under her own name and dark fiction as A.P. Pajalic.
www.amrapajalic.com
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
When she discovered romance novels as a teenager she soon realised that her dream job was to be a romance writer. After many career twists and turns she’s making her dreams come true.
Her real life is like one of her grandmother’s stories. She met a foreigner who travelled through Australia and it was love at first sight. She married him six months after they met and every day since has been an adventure.
She lives in Australia with her husband and daughter.
Mae Archer is the pen name that author Amra Pajalic uses for her romance fiction. Amra writes young adult under her own name and dark fiction as A.P. Pajalic.
www.amrapajalic.com
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 6, 2015
"...Love is not perfect. My favorite quote is "Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss and ends with a tear." No matter what the journey,the destination is the same" - Tom
(Tom)
(Maree)
"I know that sometimes you think I'm naive," Maree said. "But the one thing I do know is that there was something real between is. He felt it as much as I did. If he truly was a liar, he could have just left, but he told me the truth because he wanted me to know why he was leaving."
(in my defense, I didn't read the blurb nor the synopsis because I don't want to spoil the storyline)
What I love about this:
The hook To say that the 1st chapter is hooking would be an understatement, again: I had no idea what this book is about, because I didn't read the blurb but, Beau/Tom and Maree had me from the moment she handed him her books to help him with his current situation.
The Chemistry They're undeniably perfect for each other, even if Tom is just acting as Beau. (I hated the idea at first)
The Heroine I love Maree so much, because of her compassion and loyalty. And the way she she sees love is different from other fall-hard-break-hard heroine. She had her fair share of delinquent life. I know some will label her stupid and a martyr but that's just is, if you were to be in her situation, would you forgive Tom? I know I will, cause she's right, He didn't leave her completely, he was always there, maybe not as Beau but as Tom,
The Hero as Tom He's charming, a bit crazy but that's because he's in love. I was thinking on putting him below, under the things I didn't like, cause he overly insensitive! but the gay part definitely owned me.
The things I didn't like
The hero as Beau He's an asshole! He's actions are mostly stupid, if he had just confess the morning after, (the book would be shorter than it is) but at least, he would be redeemed, sure it was hard to confess to a girl that you slept with that you're an actor, who childishly played her but at aleast he would have know that Maree is the forgiving type, (hence the quote on the top)
overall
I wish they have paperback copies of this book! It's awesome!
(but it's just an ebook so, :| )
You must read this guys! read!
I recieved and ARC of this book, via netgalley in exchange of honest reviews, I was not required to give a good review
(Tom) (Maree)"I know that sometimes you think I'm naive," Maree said. "But the one thing I do know is that there was something real between is. He felt it as much as I did. If he truly was a liar, he could have just left, but he told me the truth because he wanted me to know why he was leaving."
(in my defense, I didn't read the blurb nor the synopsis because I don't want to spoil the storyline)
What I love about this:
The hook To say that the 1st chapter is hooking would be an understatement, again: I had no idea what this book is about, because I didn't read the blurb but, Beau/Tom and Maree had me from the moment she handed him her books to help him with his current situation.
The Chemistry They're undeniably perfect for each other, even if Tom is just acting as Beau. (I hated the idea at first)
The Heroine I love Maree so much, because of her compassion and loyalty. And the way she she sees love is different from other fall-hard-break-hard heroine. She had her fair share of delinquent life. I know some will label her stupid and a martyr but that's just is, if you were to be in her situation, would you forgive Tom? I know I will, cause she's right, He didn't leave her completely, he was always there, maybe not as Beau but as Tom,
The Hero as Tom He's charming, a bit crazy but that's because he's in love. I was thinking on putting him below, under the things I didn't like, cause he overly insensitive! but the gay part definitely owned me.
The things I didn't like
The hero as Beau He's an asshole! He's actions are mostly stupid, if he had just confess the morning after, (the book would be shorter than it is) but at least, he would be redeemed, sure it was hard to confess to a girl that you slept with that you're an actor, who childishly played her but at aleast he would have know that Maree is the forgiving type, (hence the quote on the top)
overall
I wish they have paperback copies of this book! It's awesome!
(but it's just an ebook so, :| )
You must read this guys! read!
I recieved and ARC of this book, via netgalley in exchange of honest reviews, I was not required to give a good review
July 28, 2014
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The gist: Maree is a costume designer. Tom is an actor. Tom is method acting for an upcoming roll in which he plays a paraplegic Army vet, Beau. Maree meets Beau and falls in love with him pretty much immediately. Tom feels guilty deceiving her, so he breaks things off with her as Beau. He tries to woo Maree as Tom because he wants her to him as himself. He has a stalker to add drama to the whole story.
Okay, here's the thing... I once read a review from a British reviewer. She was reviewing a contemporary romance set in London, but written by a chick in California. This reviewer was peeved by the cultural mistakes the author made. I thought that was a minor thing to be irritated about. Now I understand that reviewer's irritation. I knew in the first chapter the author wasn't American. I wouldn't say the translation aspect was a HUGE irritation, but it was enough of an irritation to warrant a mention in this review.
My biggest complaint is the writing style in general. I've read a few books with this writing style and I want to scream bloody murder EVERY time I do. This book was more or less a series of scenes vaguely tied together. There would be one scene with them having dinner or something and then the next thing you know, they're waking up and one of the characters thinks back on the previous night and THAT is when you find out what happened after dinner or whatever activity they were doing. I don't like that. And there was A LOT of TELLING about what happened. (The following is NOT a direct quote, but just an illustration of what I mean by that...): 'Maree was thinking about how much she really loved him and how she could forgive him for leaving the toilet seat up because when you love someone, you forgive them for small things like not putting the toilet seat back down.' Again, that's NOT a direct quote from the story, but that's how the WHOLE story was written. There was very little dialogue and what dialogue there was wasn't realistic. And then the whole climactic scene with the stalker was just ridiculous. I had a flash of a Tara Reid movie. Or a movie you'd see on the ScyFy channel. Like 'Attack of the Two Headed Shark' where the characters actually jump OUT of the boat in an effort to escape the two-headed shark circling the boat... It was THAT ridiculous! (And yes, there was a movie on just this morning where that actually happened...) I know, ridiculous, right?!?!? Anywho... I just couldn't get over the writing. The plot line was actually interesting and had SO MUCH potential! I wish a more experienced writer had actually come up with it or that more time was spent developing the characters and their story.
The characters were just alright. Again, the writing was ALMOST abismal, and that affected the characters. I don't even know anything about Tom other than he came from a town in Tennessee and moved to LA to pursue acting. Are his parents still alive? Do they live in Tennessee still? Does he have siblings? I don't know these things... I know about Maree's family, but zilch about Tom's... That is annoying. I'm not a believer of this love at first sight business because I'm a firm believer that you can't truly LOVE someone you don't know. It happens often in romance novels, so I can get over that little fantasy land, but it's obnoxious that they were SO IN LOVE yet Maree really knew NOTHING about him other than he was an actor who was doggedly pursuing her. Annoyed is a mild term for how I felt about that...
If I graded this book on it's POTENTIAL, it'd have a high star rating. As it is, 1.5 is the most I can give since I DID finish it and was interested in it enough to continue reading to see what would happen next... I wouldn't recommend it though, unless the writing of a book is of little to no consequence to you. If all you want in your books is a bit of entertainment, you probably wouldn't be disappointed. If you think the acting in movies like the one with the two-headed shark are Oscar-worthy performances, then you probably won't have the teensiest problem with this book. Only you know what you can tolerate...
The gist: Maree is a costume designer. Tom is an actor. Tom is method acting for an upcoming roll in which he plays a paraplegic Army vet, Beau. Maree meets Beau and falls in love with him pretty much immediately. Tom feels guilty deceiving her, so he breaks things off with her as Beau. He tries to woo Maree as Tom because he wants her to him as himself. He has a stalker to add drama to the whole story.
Okay, here's the thing... I once read a review from a British reviewer. She was reviewing a contemporary romance set in London, but written by a chick in California. This reviewer was peeved by the cultural mistakes the author made. I thought that was a minor thing to be irritated about. Now I understand that reviewer's irritation. I knew in the first chapter the author wasn't American. I wouldn't say the translation aspect was a HUGE irritation, but it was enough of an irritation to warrant a mention in this review.
My biggest complaint is the writing style in general. I've read a few books with this writing style and I want to scream bloody murder EVERY time I do. This book was more or less a series of scenes vaguely tied together. There would be one scene with them having dinner or something and then the next thing you know, they're waking up and one of the characters thinks back on the previous night and THAT is when you find out what happened after dinner or whatever activity they were doing. I don't like that. And there was A LOT of TELLING about what happened. (The following is NOT a direct quote, but just an illustration of what I mean by that...): 'Maree was thinking about how much she really loved him and how she could forgive him for leaving the toilet seat up because when you love someone, you forgive them for small things like not putting the toilet seat back down.' Again, that's NOT a direct quote from the story, but that's how the WHOLE story was written. There was very little dialogue and what dialogue there was wasn't realistic. And then the whole climactic scene with the stalker was just ridiculous. I had a flash of a Tara Reid movie. Or a movie you'd see on the ScyFy channel. Like 'Attack of the Two Headed Shark' where the characters actually jump OUT of the boat in an effort to escape the two-headed shark circling the boat... It was THAT ridiculous! (And yes, there was a movie on just this morning where that actually happened...) I know, ridiculous, right?!?!? Anywho... I just couldn't get over the writing. The plot line was actually interesting and had SO MUCH potential! I wish a more experienced writer had actually come up with it or that more time was spent developing the characters and their story.
The characters were just alright. Again, the writing was ALMOST abismal, and that affected the characters. I don't even know anything about Tom other than he came from a town in Tennessee and moved to LA to pursue acting. Are his parents still alive? Do they live in Tennessee still? Does he have siblings? I don't know these things... I know about Maree's family, but zilch about Tom's... That is annoying. I'm not a believer of this love at first sight business because I'm a firm believer that you can't truly LOVE someone you don't know. It happens often in romance novels, so I can get over that little fantasy land, but it's obnoxious that they were SO IN LOVE yet Maree really knew NOTHING about him other than he was an actor who was doggedly pursuing her. Annoyed is a mild term for how I felt about that...
If I graded this book on it's POTENTIAL, it'd have a high star rating. As it is, 1.5 is the most I can give since I DID finish it and was interested in it enough to continue reading to see what would happen next... I wouldn't recommend it though, unless the writing of a book is of little to no consequence to you. If all you want in your books is a bit of entertainment, you probably wouldn't be disappointed. If you think the acting in movies like the one with the two-headed shark are Oscar-worthy performances, then you probably won't have the teensiest problem with this book. Only you know what you can tolerate...
July 22, 2014
Maree doesn't date actors; Tom is an actor 'undercover' as Beau a wheelchair bound vet. When Beau and Maree meet one afternoon sparks begin to fly. When Tom begins to have real feeling for Maree, he has to find a way to get Maree to let go of Beau and fall for Tom instead. Tom finally starts to get Maree's attention, which only sparks more interest from his stalker.Can Tom figure out who this stalker is before Maree gets hurt?
This book is written from the POV of both Maree and Tom and is a well written romance with a bit of suspense thrown in. I found the way that the author melded Tom and Beau was fabulous, and I loved the way that Tom was to finally able to get back into Maree's life. Towards the end of the book, you're left sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what's coming next. I found the end of the book a bit surprising but I was also very happy with how it turned out.
*I was given an ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion*
This book is written from the POV of both Maree and Tom and is a well written romance with a bit of suspense thrown in. I found the way that the author melded Tom and Beau was fabulous, and I loved the way that Tom was to finally able to get back into Maree's life. Towards the end of the book, you're left sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what's coming next. I found the end of the book a bit surprising but I was also very happy with how it turned out.
*I was given an ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion*
March 8, 2025
Awful in every way
This book is bad in every way the writing is terrible, he crosses so many lines having a muscle relaxant so he can sleep with her without giving the game away and then he breaks her heart and even as himself he's still trying to scheme her.
This book is bad in every way the writing is terrible, he crosses so many lines having a muscle relaxant so he can sleep with her without giving the game away and then he breaks her heart and even as himself he's still trying to scheme her.
January 6, 2025
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I am very thankful to the publisher for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book.By reading the synopsis itself you get the rough idea of what this story is about.Tom Calvert is a former soap star trying to make it in Hollywood and he wants to be considered as a serious actor.He has gotten the role of a lifetime which will definitely boost his career.So in order to get into character he spends a large part of the day living in his charcter's skin.
His character is Beau Tennant, a war hero who is supposed to be paraplegic.On one such day his wheelchair(which Tom has been using in order to get a hang of Beau's disability) gets stuck in a crack in the sidewalk.None of the pedestrians passing by stop to help him except for Maree.He is surprised by her kindness and even more intrigued by the fact that a beautiful woman like Maree is interested in a handicapped guy like Beau.
Maree Reynard ,a costume designer for a famous soap opera, has always had a thing for sweet, shy and vulnerable guys like Beau(or as her friend Allegra likes to call them- "self- help projects").So she agrees to go out on a date with him.Tom is curious and is also interested in "researching" for his character and decides to go on with the charade.Maree hates actors.Her father himself is one and she has direct experience of how selfish and vain they can be.She is convinced that they are all self-centered ,arrogant and believe that the world revolves around them.So she doesn't date actors.
But as Maree and Tom(as Beau) spend more time together they both begin to fall foreach other and they realise that they have a deep understanding of each other.Tom feels very guilty about his lie and wishes to come clean.But he isn't supposed to, as the identity of the actor playing the role of Beau is supposed to be a secret till the release of the movie.
So after spending the night with Maree he decides(foolishly might I add ) to walk away from her life with just a note, leaving her heartbroken.He finishes the filming of the movie and returns two months later as Tom Calvert.He is determined to make her give him a chance and is very persistent.
Maree slowly begins to fall for Tom but there is another problem in the form of a stalker who is obsessed with Tom.So will Maree give him a second chance?Or will their fledgeling relationship be destroyed by the crazed stalker who is determined to torment Tom?
I enjoyed this book completely from the start to the end.Both Tom and Maree were wonderful characters with their own painful pasts.They had their flaws and still loved each other despite their imperfections.And even though they had spent only little time together they fell in love with each other in a believable manner.They bonded with each other based on their experiences and bitter events of betrayal.Thank God the author didn't use a case of insta-love or lust to bring them together!!
Maree was very kind hearted and loving.She had also made her share of mistakes and learned her lesson from them.I hate that she has self esteem issues because of her douchebag father.
"True love never dies.Not in Hollywood anyway.
True love is real.It's just our expectations that are not...
Maree was intrigued.Do tell.
Finding love,falling in love and staying in love is special enough.We don't need to complicate things more with ridiculous notions."
"She'd always thought of love as salvation,yet now she realised it was just a regular part of life and like everything it would someday end,That's why it was important to cherish it when it came along."
And when Beau leaves her she is even more devastated and her sense of self-worth drops even further.But with Tom in her life she slowly starts to put back the pieces of her heart together.Tom's character was also equally wonderful.He was strong willed and though he feels very guilty about lying to her, he knows that he loves her and wants to win her back.
"Even though I've been careless it doesn't mean that I haven't been in love and lost that love.I know the pain of wanting someone so much that every fiber of your being hurts, but not being able to have them because of your own stupid arrogance."
Gah!!I just wished he had told her the truth since she would have forgiven him anyway.And when it did come out she let him off the hook too easily.Yeah it was a life or death situation, but still some anger before forgiveness could have also worked..
The best part is that I was surprised by the stalker subplot.Since it is not mentioned in the blurb I wasn't expecting it and I loved the little bit of suspense.In conclusion I would definitely recommend this to all those looking for a sweet romance sprinkled with humor and a touch of suspense.I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author in the future.
*I was given a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Review: I am very thankful to the publisher for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book.By reading the synopsis itself you get the rough idea of what this story is about.Tom Calvert is a former soap star trying to make it in Hollywood and he wants to be considered as a serious actor.He has gotten the role of a lifetime which will definitely boost his career.So in order to get into character he spends a large part of the day living in his charcter's skin.
His character is Beau Tennant, a war hero who is supposed to be paraplegic.On one such day his wheelchair(which Tom has been using in order to get a hang of Beau's disability) gets stuck in a crack in the sidewalk.None of the pedestrians passing by stop to help him except for Maree.He is surprised by her kindness and even more intrigued by the fact that a beautiful woman like Maree is interested in a handicapped guy like Beau.
Maree Reynard ,a costume designer for a famous soap opera, has always had a thing for sweet, shy and vulnerable guys like Beau(or as her friend Allegra likes to call them- "self- help projects").So she agrees to go out on a date with him.Tom is curious and is also interested in "researching" for his character and decides to go on with the charade.Maree hates actors.Her father himself is one and she has direct experience of how selfish and vain they can be.She is convinced that they are all self-centered ,arrogant and believe that the world revolves around them.So she doesn't date actors.
But as Maree and Tom(as Beau) spend more time together they both begin to fall foreach other and they realise that they have a deep understanding of each other.Tom feels very guilty about his lie and wishes to come clean.But he isn't supposed to, as the identity of the actor playing the role of Beau is supposed to be a secret till the release of the movie.
So after spending the night with Maree he decides(foolishly might I add ) to walk away from her life with just a note, leaving her heartbroken.He finishes the filming of the movie and returns two months later as Tom Calvert.He is determined to make her give him a chance and is very persistent.
Maree slowly begins to fall for Tom but there is another problem in the form of a stalker who is obsessed with Tom.So will Maree give him a second chance?Or will their fledgeling relationship be destroyed by the crazed stalker who is determined to torment Tom?
I enjoyed this book completely from the start to the end.Both Tom and Maree were wonderful characters with their own painful pasts.They had their flaws and still loved each other despite their imperfections.And even though they had spent only little time together they fell in love with each other in a believable manner.They bonded with each other based on their experiences and bitter events of betrayal.Thank God the author didn't use a case of insta-love or lust to bring them together!!
Maree was very kind hearted and loving.She had also made her share of mistakes and learned her lesson from them.I hate that she has self esteem issues because of her douchebag father.
"True love never dies.Not in Hollywood anyway.
True love is real.It's just our expectations that are not...
Maree was intrigued.Do tell.
Finding love,falling in love and staying in love is special enough.We don't need to complicate things more with ridiculous notions."
"She'd always thought of love as salvation,yet now she realised it was just a regular part of life and like everything it would someday end,That's why it was important to cherish it when it came along."
And when Beau leaves her she is even more devastated and her sense of self-worth drops even further.But with Tom in her life she slowly starts to put back the pieces of her heart together.Tom's character was also equally wonderful.He was strong willed and though he feels very guilty about lying to her, he knows that he loves her and wants to win her back.
"Even though I've been careless it doesn't mean that I haven't been in love and lost that love.I know the pain of wanting someone so much that every fiber of your being hurts, but not being able to have them because of your own stupid arrogance."
Gah!!I just wished he had told her the truth since she would have forgiven him anyway.And when it did come out she let him off the hook too easily.Yeah it was a life or death situation, but still some anger before forgiveness could have also worked..
The best part is that I was surprised by the stalker subplot.Since it is not mentioned in the blurb I wasn't expecting it and I loved the little bit of suspense.In conclusion I would definitely recommend this to all those looking for a sweet romance sprinkled with humor and a touch of suspense.I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author in the future.
*I was given a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
December 6, 2022
~2.5 stars~
The premise of this book was really interesting, but I didn’t enjoy the plot as much as I had anticipated. While I liked how Tom had to convince Maree to fall in love with him a second time, I didn’t feel much of a connection between them. They fell in love so quickly, and Tom, in particular, never seemed to reveal much of his true self.
Furthermore, while there were some sweet moments, I was a little bit disgusted by how far Tom took his deception. There were times when he saw Maree as more of a challenge than a real person with feelings. The reveal of Tom’s lies was also rather strange with how Maree appeared to differ wildly in her reaction to his behavior. Additionally, although I liked the stalker angle, I wish the culprit hadn’t been quite so obvious.
Overall, this was a unique novel, but it lacked interesting twists and emotional depth. I don’t recommend it.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
The premise of this book was really interesting, but I didn’t enjoy the plot as much as I had anticipated. While I liked how Tom had to convince Maree to fall in love with him a second time, I didn’t feel much of a connection between them. They fell in love so quickly, and Tom, in particular, never seemed to reveal much of his true self.
Furthermore, while there were some sweet moments, I was a little bit disgusted by how far Tom took his deception. There were times when he saw Maree as more of a challenge than a real person with feelings. The reveal of Tom’s lies was also rather strange with how Maree appeared to differ wildly in her reaction to his behavior. Additionally, although I liked the stalker angle, I wish the culprit hadn’t been quite so obvious.
Overall, this was a unique novel, but it lacked interesting twists and emotional depth. I don’t recommend it.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
November 26, 2022
There were so many ways this novel could have gone bad, could have been a parody. There was one scene where the antagonist could have killed the heroine, but it became an odd scene after which the heroine seems to have been drugged , but maybe she wasn't.
I hated the typeface and the line spacing, I got frustrated a few times with injections that could have caused real harm. In the end, the book was over and I forgot all my complaints in the end. I'm even thinking the next book in the series might be interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I hated the typeface and the line spacing, I got frustrated a few times with injections that could have caused real harm. In the end, the book was over and I forgot all my complaints in the end. I'm even thinking the next book in the series might be interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 19, 2022
I was intrigued by the blurb at first, because it sounds promising and interesting. Even though at some part the relationship of Maree and Tom/Beau was based on deception--that eventually hurts both of them, I appreciate how Tom tried to make amend for the heartbreak he left her and his effort to make her fall for him. I enjoy how the characters have some depth to them, though there's something not quite right when she suddenly don't remember his confession, but overall I had a good time reading this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks BookSirens!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks BookSirens!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2014
Maree Reynard is a costume designer working on a soap opera in Hollywood. She was raised “in the business” as both her parents met on the set of another soap. Maree has known many people over the years and she’s had a few bad experiences. For this reason, she’s always made it a rule not to ever date actors.
When she meets Beau Tennant, she believes that she’s met and fallen for someone very real. Beau is a war veteran, in a wheelchair. Maree helps him out one day and the two of them go on several dates. Maree doesn’t see the disability, she just sees the vulnerable man behind it, a man who served his country and paid the price. They have fun together and she wants to spend more time with him…but then Beau vanishes, leaving behind only a note of apology.
What Maree doesn’t realise is that “Beau” doesn’t exist. Beau was really model turned actor Tom Calvert, who dreams of breaking away from the roles he’s been doing and making movies that matter. He was living as a ‘method actor’, becoming immersed in the character of Beau, who he is to play in an up and coming movie. At first, his friendship with Maree was just part of that – if he could pull off a date or two as a man in a wheelchair then he’s really living the life of someone paraplegic and negotiating all that they face. But he begins having feelings for Maree and he knows that what he’s doing to her is unfair. He can’t keep seeing her as Beau – he needs to get her to fall in love with Tom.
But Maree is heartbroken over the loss of Beau and she also has a firm policy not to ever date actors so Tom is going to have his work cut out for him. Especially as he has a pesky stalker who looks sure to become threatened by his serious interest in someone. It might not just be about getting Maree to fall in love with him – the stakes could be much higher than that.
I really liked the set up of this book. When we meet Tom, he’s already in the character of Beau, negotiating getting to a cafe in his wheelchair when he becomes stuck. He is living his life immersed in the role he has signed on for, that of a returned war veteran who is now in a wheelchair. He notices that most people tend to avoid him but only Maree, a young woman, comes to his aid. She’s pretty and friendly and there’s an instant attraction there. She gives him her card and tells him to call her and although Tom has second thoughts, he eventually does call her as part of his ‘research’ to see if he can pull off a date in his current situation.
As a good-looking and successful actor bent on shaping his career, Tom is a bit of a love them and leave them type. He’s not interested in settling down but in Maree, he also recognises the opportunity to date someone who has absolutely no idea who he is and can’t possibly want anything from him at all. This is further cemented when he awkwardly bumps into Maree when he is as himself and she not only doesn’t recognise him (as either Beau or Tom Calvert) but also gives him the brush off when he tests his disguise as Beau by attempting to talk to her. For someone who is instantly recognisable and has lots of young women clamouring to be with him, the chance to not only further his method acting and also go anonymous is an irresistable combination. The problems begin when he realises that he himself is falling for Maree but this cannot possibly ever work. For a start, “Beau” is just a character. Eventually the shoot would be over and he’d have to become Tom again. And once she finds out that she’s been betrayed, she’d never speak to him again.
Tom decides the only solution is to disappear as Beau and make Maree fall in love with Tom, the real Tom. But that’s going to be quite difficult when she obviously and openly doesn’t ever give actors a chance so he has to go very slowly, working hard at becoming her friend first. He always plans to tell her at some stage (which he has to do, given she’d figure it out when the movie of him playing a paraplegic named Beau is released!) but things keep getting in the way, leading to missed communication. When Maree does begin to fall for Tom, he’s even more panicked about what to do. He can’t take things to a certain level unless he’s confessed, otherwise everything is over. But the more she pushes, the more helpless he becomes and he just can’t seem to get the words out. Things keep happening to get in the way, including the stalker.
To be honest, the stalker story line did feel like a bit of overkill, I think the basic of story of Tom and Maree trying to negotiate through the awkward way in which they met (more so Tom as Maree doesn’t know for most of the book that they’re one and the same) was probably enough conflict. The suspense late in the book did feel a bit awkward and changed the tone and the stalker was rather easy to guess once they were introduced to the reader. However I think the core story was quite interesting and although I almost wanted to dislike Tom for being deceitful, he kept managing to bring it back and try and go about things with Maree the right way later on. He could have just been up front to her from the beginning but he was trying the method acting to stay in character for as long as possible and I understand that he didn’t want to jeopardise that or even the shooting of the movie, because the studio wanted the name of the lead actor kept under wraps as long as possible. I think he learned though that it was easy for things to get complicated and being up front is probably the best idea!
When she meets Beau Tennant, she believes that she’s met and fallen for someone very real. Beau is a war veteran, in a wheelchair. Maree helps him out one day and the two of them go on several dates. Maree doesn’t see the disability, she just sees the vulnerable man behind it, a man who served his country and paid the price. They have fun together and she wants to spend more time with him…but then Beau vanishes, leaving behind only a note of apology.
What Maree doesn’t realise is that “Beau” doesn’t exist. Beau was really model turned actor Tom Calvert, who dreams of breaking away from the roles he’s been doing and making movies that matter. He was living as a ‘method actor’, becoming immersed in the character of Beau, who he is to play in an up and coming movie. At first, his friendship with Maree was just part of that – if he could pull off a date or two as a man in a wheelchair then he’s really living the life of someone paraplegic and negotiating all that they face. But he begins having feelings for Maree and he knows that what he’s doing to her is unfair. He can’t keep seeing her as Beau – he needs to get her to fall in love with Tom.
But Maree is heartbroken over the loss of Beau and she also has a firm policy not to ever date actors so Tom is going to have his work cut out for him. Especially as he has a pesky stalker who looks sure to become threatened by his serious interest in someone. It might not just be about getting Maree to fall in love with him – the stakes could be much higher than that.
I really liked the set up of this book. When we meet Tom, he’s already in the character of Beau, negotiating getting to a cafe in his wheelchair when he becomes stuck. He is living his life immersed in the role he has signed on for, that of a returned war veteran who is now in a wheelchair. He notices that most people tend to avoid him but only Maree, a young woman, comes to his aid. She’s pretty and friendly and there’s an instant attraction there. She gives him her card and tells him to call her and although Tom has second thoughts, he eventually does call her as part of his ‘research’ to see if he can pull off a date in his current situation.
As a good-looking and successful actor bent on shaping his career, Tom is a bit of a love them and leave them type. He’s not interested in settling down but in Maree, he also recognises the opportunity to date someone who has absolutely no idea who he is and can’t possibly want anything from him at all. This is further cemented when he awkwardly bumps into Maree when he is as himself and she not only doesn’t recognise him (as either Beau or Tom Calvert) but also gives him the brush off when he tests his disguise as Beau by attempting to talk to her. For someone who is instantly recognisable and has lots of young women clamouring to be with him, the chance to not only further his method acting and also go anonymous is an irresistable combination. The problems begin when he realises that he himself is falling for Maree but this cannot possibly ever work. For a start, “Beau” is just a character. Eventually the shoot would be over and he’d have to become Tom again. And once she finds out that she’s been betrayed, she’d never speak to him again.
Tom decides the only solution is to disappear as Beau and make Maree fall in love with Tom, the real Tom. But that’s going to be quite difficult when she obviously and openly doesn’t ever give actors a chance so he has to go very slowly, working hard at becoming her friend first. He always plans to tell her at some stage (which he has to do, given she’d figure it out when the movie of him playing a paraplegic named Beau is released!) but things keep getting in the way, leading to missed communication. When Maree does begin to fall for Tom, he’s even more panicked about what to do. He can’t take things to a certain level unless he’s confessed, otherwise everything is over. But the more she pushes, the more helpless he becomes and he just can’t seem to get the words out. Things keep happening to get in the way, including the stalker.
To be honest, the stalker story line did feel like a bit of overkill, I think the basic of story of Tom and Maree trying to negotiate through the awkward way in which they met (more so Tom as Maree doesn’t know for most of the book that they’re one and the same) was probably enough conflict. The suspense late in the book did feel a bit awkward and changed the tone and the stalker was rather easy to guess once they were introduced to the reader. However I think the core story was quite interesting and although I almost wanted to dislike Tom for being deceitful, he kept managing to bring it back and try and go about things with Maree the right way later on. He could have just been up front to her from the beginning but he was trying the method acting to stay in character for as long as possible and I understand that he didn’t want to jeopardise that or even the shooting of the movie, because the studio wanted the name of the lead actor kept under wraps as long as possible. I think he learned though that it was easy for things to get complicated and being up front is probably the best idea!
Read
March 19, 2023Listen to chapter 1 of Return to Me by Mae Archer, a pen name for author Amra Pajalic, of AI narrated audiobook by Madelyn from Google. https://youtu.be/aGMebpEKqIw
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Audiobook narrated by AI purchase links:
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May 20, 2024
The books was good until mid-way through, where the connection between Tom and Maree became insta-lovey, instead of focusing more on building realationship. Author could spend a little bit more time on Maree's feelings regarding Tom and the familiarity she felt towards him, instead of focusing on ridiculous stalker plot.
There could be so much more focus on their feelings, how would they move on from Tom's betrayal and work on relationship between them, but only got overused clichés and "high-stakes" ending.
I'm salty about this book because I had high hopes for it.
There could be so much more focus on their feelings, how would they move on from Tom's betrayal and work on relationship between them, but only got overused clichés and "high-stakes" ending.
I'm salty about this book because I had high hopes for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
Interesting story with a bit of deception that was very in depth for understanding on both main characters. I really liked their characters. She could not fall for actors and he was an actor who fell for her. How that happens is pretty sweet.
Provided with a copy from Book Sirens for honest review.
Provided with a copy from Book Sirens for honest review.
November 24, 2022
Hollywood Dreams by Mae Archer is a good, and enjoyable romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 22, 2024
Honestly wasn’t sure how to feel about this book at the start because it was very slow in the end though it picked up and had me on the edge of my seat.
July 30, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I am very thankful to the publisher for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book.By reading the synopsis itself you get the rough idea of what this story is about.Tom Calvert is a former soap star trying to make it in Hollywood and he wants to be considered as a serious actor.He has gotten the role of a lifetime which will definitely boost his career.So in order to get into character he spends a large part of the day living in his charcter's skin.
His character is Beau Tennant, a war hero who is supposed to be paraplegic.On one such day his wheelchair(which Tom has been using in order to get a hang of Beau's disability) gets stuck in a crack in the sidewalk.None of the pedestrians passing by stop to help him except for Maree.He is surprised by her kindness and even more intrigued by the fact that a beautiful woman like Maree is interested in a handicapped guy like Beau.
Maree Reynard ,a costume designer for a famous soap opera, has always had a thing for sweet, shy and vulnerable guys like Beau(or as her friend Allegra likes to call them- "self- help projects").So she agrees to go out on a date with him.Tom is curious and is also interested in "researching" for his character and decides to go on with the charade.Maree hates actors.Her father himself is one and she has direct experience of how selfish and vain they can be.She is convinced that they are all self-centered ,arrogant and believe that the world revolves around them.So she doesn't date actors.
But as Maree and Tom(as Beau) spend more time together they both begin to fall foreach other and they realise that they have a deep understanding of each other.Tom feels very guilty about his lie and wishes to come clean.But he isn't supposed to, as the identity of the actor playing the role of Beau is supposed to be a secret till the release of the movie.
So after spending the night with Maree he decides(foolishly might I add ) to walk away from her life with just a note, leaving her heartbroken.He finishes the filming of the movie and returns two months later as Tom Calvert.He is determined to make her give him a chance and is very persistent.
Maree slowly begins to fall for Tom but there is another problem in the form of a stalker who is obsessed with Tom.So will Maree give him a second chance?Or will their fledgeling relationship be destroyed by the crazed stalker who is determined to torment Tom?
I enjoyed this book completely from the start to the end.Both Tom and Maree were wonderful characters with their own painful pasts.They had their flaws and still loved each other despite their imperfections.And even though they had spent only little time together they fell in love with each other in a believable manner.They bonded with each other based on their experiences and bitter events of betrayal.Thank God the author didn't use a case of insta-love or lust to bring them together!!
Maree was very kind hearted and loving.She had also made her share of mistakes and learned her lesson from them.I hate that she has self esteem issues because of her douchebag father.
"True love never dies.Not in Hollywood anyway.
True love is real.It's just our expectations that are not...
Maree was intrigued.Do tell.
Finding love,falling in love and staying in love is special enough.We don't need to complicate things more with ridiculous notions."
"She'd always thought of love as salvation,yet now she realised it was just a regular part of life and like everything it would someday end,That's why it was important to cherish it when it came along."
And when Beau leaves her she is even more devastated and her sense of self-worth drops even further.But with Tom in her life she slowly starts to put back the pieces of her heart together.Tom's character was also equally wonderful.He was strong willed and though he feels very guilty about lying to her, he knows that he loves her and wants to win her back.
"Even though I've been careless it doesn't mean that I haven't been in love and lost that love.I know the pain of wanting someone so much that every fiber of your being hurts, but not being able to have them because of your own stupid arrogance."
Gah!!I just wished he had told her the truth since she would have forgiven him anyway.And when it did come out she let him off the hook too easily.Yeah it was a life or death situation, but still some anger before forgiveness could have also worked..
The best part is that I was surprised by the stalker subplot.Since it is not mentioned in the blurb I wasn't expecting it and I loved the little bit of suspense.In conclusion I would definitely recommend this to all those looking for a sweet romance sprinkled with humor and a touch of suspense.I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author in the future.
*I was given a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Review: I am very thankful to the publisher for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book.By reading the synopsis itself you get the rough idea of what this story is about.Tom Calvert is a former soap star trying to make it in Hollywood and he wants to be considered as a serious actor.He has gotten the role of a lifetime which will definitely boost his career.So in order to get into character he spends a large part of the day living in his charcter's skin.
His character is Beau Tennant, a war hero who is supposed to be paraplegic.On one such day his wheelchair(which Tom has been using in order to get a hang of Beau's disability) gets stuck in a crack in the sidewalk.None of the pedestrians passing by stop to help him except for Maree.He is surprised by her kindness and even more intrigued by the fact that a beautiful woman like Maree is interested in a handicapped guy like Beau.
Maree Reynard ,a costume designer for a famous soap opera, has always had a thing for sweet, shy and vulnerable guys like Beau(or as her friend Allegra likes to call them- "self- help projects").So she agrees to go out on a date with him.Tom is curious and is also interested in "researching" for his character and decides to go on with the charade.Maree hates actors.Her father himself is one and she has direct experience of how selfish and vain they can be.She is convinced that they are all self-centered ,arrogant and believe that the world revolves around them.So she doesn't date actors.
But as Maree and Tom(as Beau) spend more time together they both begin to fall foreach other and they realise that they have a deep understanding of each other.Tom feels very guilty about his lie and wishes to come clean.But he isn't supposed to, as the identity of the actor playing the role of Beau is supposed to be a secret till the release of the movie.
So after spending the night with Maree he decides(foolishly might I add ) to walk away from her life with just a note, leaving her heartbroken.He finishes the filming of the movie and returns two months later as Tom Calvert.He is determined to make her give him a chance and is very persistent.
Maree slowly begins to fall for Tom but there is another problem in the form of a stalker who is obsessed with Tom.So will Maree give him a second chance?Or will their fledgeling relationship be destroyed by the crazed stalker who is determined to torment Tom?
I enjoyed this book completely from the start to the end.Both Tom and Maree were wonderful characters with their own painful pasts.They had their flaws and still loved each other despite their imperfections.And even though they had spent only little time together they fell in love with each other in a believable manner.They bonded with each other based on their experiences and bitter events of betrayal.Thank God the author didn't use a case of insta-love or lust to bring them together!!
Maree was very kind hearted and loving.She had also made her share of mistakes and learned her lesson from them.I hate that she has self esteem issues because of her douchebag father.
"True love never dies.Not in Hollywood anyway.
True love is real.It's just our expectations that are not...
Maree was intrigued.Do tell.
Finding love,falling in love and staying in love is special enough.We don't need to complicate things more with ridiculous notions."
"She'd always thought of love as salvation,yet now she realised it was just a regular part of life and like everything it would someday end,That's why it was important to cherish it when it came along."
And when Beau leaves her she is even more devastated and her sense of self-worth drops even further.But with Tom in her life she slowly starts to put back the pieces of her heart together.Tom's character was also equally wonderful.He was strong willed and though he feels very guilty about lying to her, he knows that he loves her and wants to win her back.
"Even though I've been careless it doesn't mean that I haven't been in love and lost that love.I know the pain of wanting someone so much that every fiber of your being hurts, but not being able to have them because of your own stupid arrogance."
Gah!!I just wished he had told her the truth since she would have forgiven him anyway.And when it did come out she let him off the hook too easily.Yeah it was a life or death situation, but still some anger before forgiveness could have also worked..
The best part is that I was surprised by the stalker subplot.Since it is not mentioned in the blurb I wasn't expecting it and I loved the little bit of suspense.In conclusion I would definitely recommend this to all those looking for a sweet romance sprinkled with humor and a touch of suspense.I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author in the future.
*I was given a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
May 6, 2023
Hollywood Dreams is a romance story… but it’s more than that. The romance between Tom/Beau and Maree had it’s share of obstacles - including Tom’s stalker.
Tom and Maree have a good dynamic. I found myself rooting for them. I also liked both Tom and Maree’s friends.
And although I figured out who the stalker was pretty quickly, I still really enjoyed the book.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tom and Maree have a good dynamic. I found myself rooting for them. I also liked both Tom and Maree’s friends.
And although I figured out who the stalker was pretty quickly, I still really enjoyed the book.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2016
When Maree and Beau meet, their connection is instantaneous. Maree is sick of fake Hollywood actors, but Beau is honest and true. Except he’s not. His name is actually Tom Calvert, and far from being the ex-soldier Maree believes, Tom is one of those actors she most despises. Despite the lies and deception, Tom believes his connection with Maree is real, and determines to win her over without his Beau-persona.
This novel has a bit of everything – romance, comedy, drama and suspense. I felt a little iffy about the romance and drama aspects. On the one hand, you can really feel the connection between Maree and Tom throughout, and you can’t help but root for them. However, Tom is lying to Maree for pretty much the entire novel. I really like the premise, the actor who falls in love within a role and then attempts to woo his heroine as himself, and of course, this premise requires a lot of lying from our hero. But the element of deception did drag on a little bit too long for me and required quite a suspension of disbelief – not only because Maree apparently can’t recognise a man she’s slept with, but also because of a later convenient moment of amnesia once she finally finds out. It was just a little farfetched.
However! A little implausibility of plot is hardly enough to put me off a romance if the characters and plot are interesting enough, and I really did become invested in Maree and Beau and Tom’s story. More than that, the first chapter is such a great hook, I can’t imagine many people could start this book and then easily put it down. I admit that I struggled somewhat with the excessive recounting of events after each point of view change (for example, Maree going over events that we’ve already experienced from Tom’s perspective), but again, it wasn’t enough to put me off the story as a whole.
The comedy element is fun, if not totally laugh out loud, and I liked the little sweet/funny moments such as when they watch reality TV over the phone together. These were some of the more real and endearing parts of this rather fantastical story.
The suspense side of Hollywood Dreams took me a little by surprise, but in a good way. I didn’t see it coming and I did not anticipate the outcome – which is pretty unusual and it kept me hanging out to discover the identity of Tom’s stalker right til the end. Mae Archer weaves the suspense into the rest of the plot really well, and oddly enough the crazed stalker storyline is one of the more convincing aspects of the novel.
While there were a few elements that didn’t win me over in this novel, it has a great hook and a well placed suspense sub-plot that makes it an easy and ultimately pretty fun read.
This novel has a bit of everything – romance, comedy, drama and suspense. I felt a little iffy about the romance and drama aspects. On the one hand, you can really feel the connection between Maree and Tom throughout, and you can’t help but root for them. However, Tom is lying to Maree for pretty much the entire novel. I really like the premise, the actor who falls in love within a role and then attempts to woo his heroine as himself, and of course, this premise requires a lot of lying from our hero. But the element of deception did drag on a little bit too long for me and required quite a suspension of disbelief – not only because Maree apparently can’t recognise a man she’s slept with, but also because of a later convenient moment of amnesia once she finally finds out. It was just a little farfetched.
However! A little implausibility of plot is hardly enough to put me off a romance if the characters and plot are interesting enough, and I really did become invested in Maree and Beau and Tom’s story. More than that, the first chapter is such a great hook, I can’t imagine many people could start this book and then easily put it down. I admit that I struggled somewhat with the excessive recounting of events after each point of view change (for example, Maree going over events that we’ve already experienced from Tom’s perspective), but again, it wasn’t enough to put me off the story as a whole.
The comedy element is fun, if not totally laugh out loud, and I liked the little sweet/funny moments such as when they watch reality TV over the phone together. These were some of the more real and endearing parts of this rather fantastical story.
The suspense side of Hollywood Dreams took me a little by surprise, but in a good way. I didn’t see it coming and I did not anticipate the outcome – which is pretty unusual and it kept me hanging out to discover the identity of Tom’s stalker right til the end. Mae Archer weaves the suspense into the rest of the plot really well, and oddly enough the crazed stalker storyline is one of the more convincing aspects of the novel.
While there were a few elements that didn’t win me over in this novel, it has a great hook and a well placed suspense sub-plot that makes it an easy and ultimately pretty fun read.
July 13, 2014
**Received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
"Hollywood Dreams" is the first book that I've read by Mae Archer, and it won't be the last. I've read a lot of romance novels, and this book was different from the typical storyline that can be found in one. It kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat. "Hollywood Dreams" is a story about actor Tom Calvert and costume designer Maree Reynard.
Tom is trying to get a once and a lifetime type of role, so he puts himself into character as a disabled war veteran named Beau Tennant. This is how Maree finds him. She's walking down the street, and sees "Beau" having trouble with his wheelchair. They instantly click. They have a camaraderie that is palpable, and their chemistry is hot! What worries Tom is that he has lied from the get-go to Maree. He doesn't know how she will take to the news of him not really being disabled and that he was simply acting out a part. He's upset with himself for starting this charade with her because he realizes Maree is different from the other women he has been with in his life.
"Beau" breaks up with Maree and leaves her heartbroken. Part of the reason why "Beau" broke up with Maree was because she doesn't want to date actors. She made that very clear to "Beau" when she told him about her relationship with her father, who also happens to be an actor. The one time Maree met Tom while she was going out with "Beau", Maree snubbed Tom.
Maree is in a state of mind where she's numb and anti-social for two months. Meanwhile, she gets an opportunity to be a costume designer for a new movie. While on the set, she meets Tom again. Tom wants a second chance with Maree as himself. He loves Maree. Maree misses "Beau", but she can't deny the feelings she's starting to have for Tom. Will his lie break them up for good, or can they have a second chance at love?
What I really enjoyed about "Hollywood Dreams" was not only was the love story interesting, but the other storylines meshed in perfectly. There was a crazy stalker, the secondary characters were great, family drama, etc. The only downside I had was I wish Tom was upfront to Maree from the get-go. Obviously, that would have taken away from a good bit of the story, but nevertheless, I will let that slide. Wonderfully written and endearing! Definitely check it out!
"Hollywood Dreams" is the first book that I've read by Mae Archer, and it won't be the last. I've read a lot of romance novels, and this book was different from the typical storyline that can be found in one. It kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat. "Hollywood Dreams" is a story about actor Tom Calvert and costume designer Maree Reynard.
Tom is trying to get a once and a lifetime type of role, so he puts himself into character as a disabled war veteran named Beau Tennant. This is how Maree finds him. She's walking down the street, and sees "Beau" having trouble with his wheelchair. They instantly click. They have a camaraderie that is palpable, and their chemistry is hot! What worries Tom is that he has lied from the get-go to Maree. He doesn't know how she will take to the news of him not really being disabled and that he was simply acting out a part. He's upset with himself for starting this charade with her because he realizes Maree is different from the other women he has been with in his life.
"Beau" breaks up with Maree and leaves her heartbroken. Part of the reason why "Beau" broke up with Maree was because she doesn't want to date actors. She made that very clear to "Beau" when she told him about her relationship with her father, who also happens to be an actor. The one time Maree met Tom while she was going out with "Beau", Maree snubbed Tom.
Maree is in a state of mind where she's numb and anti-social for two months. Meanwhile, she gets an opportunity to be a costume designer for a new movie. While on the set, she meets Tom again. Tom wants a second chance with Maree as himself. He loves Maree. Maree misses "Beau", but she can't deny the feelings she's starting to have for Tom. Will his lie break them up for good, or can they have a second chance at love?
What I really enjoyed about "Hollywood Dreams" was not only was the love story interesting, but the other storylines meshed in perfectly. There was a crazy stalker, the secondary characters were great, family drama, etc. The only downside I had was I wish Tom was upfront to Maree from the get-go. Obviously, that would have taken away from a good bit of the story, but nevertheless, I will let that slide. Wonderfully written and endearing! Definitely check it out!
July 26, 2014
Hollywood Dreams, Mae Archer
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
I love film star romances, so often they provide some lovely, jealous, bitchy ladies....so I was really looking forward to reading this. Add in that I'm a wheelchair user too so I was interested to see how Tom ( as Beau) would cope with that.
Sadly though the film element was barely there – it worked as a vehicle for the double persona but we didn't really get to connect with any film making, publicity, all the stuff that makes books fun. Instead we got a book very centered on Beau and Maree, and then Tom and Maree. The wheelchair bit – no, one week isn't enough to build muscles to the extent he could do what he did, as one section mentions. I liked that Tom mentioned how acting as Beau made him realsie how different life is when in a wheelchair – when I first became disabled it was like living in a whole new world with people bythely saying their premises were user friendly and then i'd find there were steps ( “well, it's only a couple”) or loos that may have had lowered handbasins but which didn't have space to get wheelchair in – not the time to find that out when you've had a few drinks and are dying for a pee....
I found it difficult to accept that Maree didn't recognise Tom – I know he was in disguise, and she was looking for someone disabled, but when they got closer she must have had some deja vu moments – even if she only thought maybe they were related or something? They did get really really close, something must have seemed familiar? Then the suspense angle, a good idea but I didn't feel it played out that well, it seemed a bit too contrived rather than natural. To be honest I'd rather have seen more of the romance and the film angle – the stuff I was hoping for. Still, subjectivity and all that, and for many this book will be just what they want. For me though it's an average romance, not great but not bad.
Stars: Three – its a decent read, just not one to make me hold my breath and be filled with emotion.
ARC supplied by Netgalley
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
I love film star romances, so often they provide some lovely, jealous, bitchy ladies....so I was really looking forward to reading this. Add in that I'm a wheelchair user too so I was interested to see how Tom ( as Beau) would cope with that.
Sadly though the film element was barely there – it worked as a vehicle for the double persona but we didn't really get to connect with any film making, publicity, all the stuff that makes books fun. Instead we got a book very centered on Beau and Maree, and then Tom and Maree. The wheelchair bit – no, one week isn't enough to build muscles to the extent he could do what he did, as one section mentions. I liked that Tom mentioned how acting as Beau made him realsie how different life is when in a wheelchair – when I first became disabled it was like living in a whole new world with people bythely saying their premises were user friendly and then i'd find there were steps ( “well, it's only a couple”) or loos that may have had lowered handbasins but which didn't have space to get wheelchair in – not the time to find that out when you've had a few drinks and are dying for a pee....
I found it difficult to accept that Maree didn't recognise Tom – I know he was in disguise, and she was looking for someone disabled, but when they got closer she must have had some deja vu moments – even if she only thought maybe they were related or something? They did get really really close, something must have seemed familiar? Then the suspense angle, a good idea but I didn't feel it played out that well, it seemed a bit too contrived rather than natural. To be honest I'd rather have seen more of the romance and the film angle – the stuff I was hoping for. Still, subjectivity and all that, and for many this book will be just what they want. For me though it's an average romance, not great but not bad.
Stars: Three – its a decent read, just not one to make me hold my breath and be filled with emotion.
ARC supplied by Netgalley
July 28, 2014
2.5 stars.
Not sure what to say about this book.
I didn’t hate but I didn’t love it either. I barely liked it, to be honest.
I’m not sure what it was, but the pace felt too slow, like things dragged and dragged. I was always waiting for something to happen, something exciting or whatever. There was a bit of mystery and action, but it felt forced and a bit out of place with the rest f the story.
I wasn’t much of a fan of Beau/Tom. I get why he did what he did. But in my opinion, if you lie to a girl about your identity and leave her without explanation, just don’t come back. You make things worse if you do, it’s just cruel now.
As for Maree, I truly don’t know about her. How could she fall in love after one week of meeting the guy? She never really knew him. That’s a huge no-no for me, the insta-love thing. And after he left she was depressed for about two months, I just don’t get it. She was left behind by a guy she barely knew, so her reaction felt too much like an overreaction.
Also, as readers we never truly knew either of these characters, aside from the fact that they loved each other. We heard a little about Maree’s story with her father, but there was never a resolution to that. I would’ve liked to have seen her face him on her own, to be strong. Her only interactions aside from Tom, were with her friend Allegra. The same for Tom, we barely knew he had family somewhere. Nothing much existed outside of these two when they got together.
In the end, it was more of tell versus show kind of thing. We were told a lot of things, but there was not much showing.
I did think the story had great potential, I love Hollywood stories, but it felt too flat for me in the end. I wanted to see more character development from them, what really moved them and how they went from there to being a couple.
I just wanted more.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Not sure what to say about this book.
I didn’t hate but I didn’t love it either. I barely liked it, to be honest.
I’m not sure what it was, but the pace felt too slow, like things dragged and dragged. I was always waiting for something to happen, something exciting or whatever. There was a bit of mystery and action, but it felt forced and a bit out of place with the rest f the story.
I wasn’t much of a fan of Beau/Tom. I get why he did what he did. But in my opinion, if you lie to a girl about your identity and leave her without explanation, just don’t come back. You make things worse if you do, it’s just cruel now.
As for Maree, I truly don’t know about her. How could she fall in love after one week of meeting the guy? She never really knew him. That’s a huge no-no for me, the insta-love thing. And after he left she was depressed for about two months, I just don’t get it. She was left behind by a guy she barely knew, so her reaction felt too much like an overreaction.
Also, as readers we never truly knew either of these characters, aside from the fact that they loved each other. We heard a little about Maree’s story with her father, but there was never a resolution to that. I would’ve liked to have seen her face him on her own, to be strong. Her only interactions aside from Tom, were with her friend Allegra. The same for Tom, we barely knew he had family somewhere. Nothing much existed outside of these two when they got together.
In the end, it was more of tell versus show kind of thing. We were told a lot of things, but there was not much showing.
I did think the story had great potential, I love Hollywood stories, but it felt too flat for me in the end. I wanted to see more character development from them, what really moved them and how they went from there to being a couple.
I just wanted more.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 14, 2014
Author: Mae Archer
Publisher: Momentum Books
Published: 07-24-2014
Genre: Romance
Overall Rating: Wonderfully Heartwarming
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: April S.
The story has the main characters of Tom and Maree. Tom is a famous actor who met Maree when he was dressed as “Beau” for a movie role he was researching. “Beau” was in a wheelchair and was only in Hollywood to meet some people regarding a movie about his life. Maree met Beau on her way to lunch and from there the story starts.
Tom continues to portray his “Beau” disguise, getting to know Maree more. He is conflicted; on one hand, he knows he is wrong for not being more honest but on the other hand, because of the conflict Maree has with her movie star father, with whom she is estranged , he doesn’t tell her because he doesn’t want to loose her. In the end, Tom decides to as “Beau”, to dissolve their relationship and call it a day.
Several months go by, where Maree is living in a state between being numb half the time and the other times feeling crushing pain. This time she is working on a movie set and meets Tom. Tom is ready for this second chance. Tom is so in love with Maree. The only issue is that Tom has a stalker. The pace picks up as Tom and Maree try to figure out who is the stalker.
I love the supporting cast of characters. Love how they really pulse on the pages. They literally have a life of their own.“Hollywood Dreams” is different from other contempary romance novels that I have read in the past. Only little peeve that I had is that I would get more interaction of Maree’s family. I know of them but not much else. Just would have liked to have something else to delve into.
Enjoyability: I'd happily do a re-read multiple times.
My Rating: *****
*****Received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*****
Publisher: Momentum Books
Published: 07-24-2014
Genre: Romance
Overall Rating: Wonderfully Heartwarming
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: April S.
The story has the main characters of Tom and Maree. Tom is a famous actor who met Maree when he was dressed as “Beau” for a movie role he was researching. “Beau” was in a wheelchair and was only in Hollywood to meet some people regarding a movie about his life. Maree met Beau on her way to lunch and from there the story starts.
Tom continues to portray his “Beau” disguise, getting to know Maree more. He is conflicted; on one hand, he knows he is wrong for not being more honest but on the other hand, because of the conflict Maree has with her movie star father, with whom she is estranged , he doesn’t tell her because he doesn’t want to loose her. In the end, Tom decides to as “Beau”, to dissolve their relationship and call it a day.
Several months go by, where Maree is living in a state between being numb half the time and the other times feeling crushing pain. This time she is working on a movie set and meets Tom. Tom is ready for this second chance. Tom is so in love with Maree. The only issue is that Tom has a stalker. The pace picks up as Tom and Maree try to figure out who is the stalker.
I love the supporting cast of characters. Love how they really pulse on the pages. They literally have a life of their own.“Hollywood Dreams” is different from other contempary romance novels that I have read in the past. Only little peeve that I had is that I would get more interaction of Maree’s family. I know of them but not much else. Just would have liked to have something else to delve into.
Enjoyability: I'd happily do a re-read multiple times.
My Rating: *****
*****Received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*****
August 19, 2014
4 DREAMING STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Finding love, falling in love, and staying in love is special enough. We don't need to complicate things more with ridiculous notions."
I really enjoyed this book. It definitely pulled at my heartstrings a few times but it also made me laugh. There was a love story, there was action, there was drama, there was heartache, there was pain, there was heart & soul, there was the spirit of being genuine and a good person, there was inner turmoil and self improvement... this books had a little but of everything. And although Tom isn't honest up front I still really liked him and ended up rooting for him.
"Love is not perfect. My favorite quote is "Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a tear." No matter what the journey, the destination is the same." - Tom/Beau
This book is told from third person point of view which really helped make the story better because you could see it from both Maree and Tom's perspectives but it still flowed so well. I very much liked this authors style of writing. The author managed to introduce the characters quickly and pulled me into the story all without even realizing it by the first chapter. (I read this book in less than 24 hours, which is saying something considering I have four kids.)
**My only complaint about this book, and it's a very minor one, is that it is very obvious even from the onset that the author is not American. Now, I don't mind that the author is not American but it is evident in some words and phrases that the author uses. Again, this is very minor considering that the words and phrases the author does use that are not American are easily understandable but when you're reading a book set in America, with Americans as the main characters, especially in Hollywood, it slightly ruins it and reminds you of this while you are reading.**
"Finding love, falling in love, and staying in love is special enough. We don't need to complicate things more with ridiculous notions."
I really enjoyed this book. It definitely pulled at my heartstrings a few times but it also made me laugh. There was a love story, there was action, there was drama, there was heartache, there was pain, there was heart & soul, there was the spirit of being genuine and a good person, there was inner turmoil and self improvement... this books had a little but of everything. And although Tom isn't honest up front I still really liked him and ended up rooting for him.
"Love is not perfect. My favorite quote is "Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a tear." No matter what the journey, the destination is the same." - Tom/Beau
This book is told from third person point of view which really helped make the story better because you could see it from both Maree and Tom's perspectives but it still flowed so well. I very much liked this authors style of writing. The author managed to introduce the characters quickly and pulled me into the story all without even realizing it by the first chapter. (I read this book in less than 24 hours, which is saying something considering I have four kids.)
**My only complaint about this book, and it's a very minor one, is that it is very obvious even from the onset that the author is not American. Now, I don't mind that the author is not American but it is evident in some words and phrases that the author uses. Again, this is very minor considering that the words and phrases the author does use that are not American are easily understandable but when you're reading a book set in America, with Americans as the main characters, especially in Hollywood, it slightly ruins it and reminds you of this while you are reading.**
July 29, 2014
I was lucky enough to be given a copy of this to read via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review - so here it is:
Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practise to deceive! Sir Walter Scott, Marmion, Canto vi. Stanza 17. Scottish author & novelist (1771 - 1832). This sums up this story! When an actor tries to live the part he is about to be filmed in and meets the love of his life - who doesn't trust actors and refuses to go out with any -you just know there are going to be complications! This story follows the trials and tribulations of their love, complete with stalker, attempted murder, the lot!! A well written romance with just the right amount of intrigue, mystery, adventure and suspense for a lovely summer reading experience - enjoy!
Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practise to deceive! Sir Walter Scott, Marmion, Canto vi. Stanza 17. Scottish author & novelist (1771 - 1832). This sums up this story! When an actor tries to live the part he is about to be filmed in and meets the love of his life - who doesn't trust actors and refuses to go out with any -you just know there are going to be complications! This story follows the trials and tribulations of their love, complete with stalker, attempted murder, the lot!! A well written romance with just the right amount of intrigue, mystery, adventure and suspense for a lovely summer reading experience - enjoy!
July 12, 2014
I don't want to give away any of the story. So I'm just going to let you know how great this book was..
It had a wonderful love story, great adventure, and I just fell in love with Maree and Beau/Tom! Even though Tom was not honest I really pulled for him. I can't wait to tell all my friends and people on my blog, twitter and goodreads what a gem this book is. You know it's a great book when you can't put it down and you end up finishing it in one day and writing a review at am at night. This is a must read Well Done Mae Archer!
It had a wonderful love story, great adventure, and I just fell in love with Maree and Beau/Tom! Even though Tom was not honest I really pulled for him. I can't wait to tell all my friends and people on my blog, twitter and goodreads what a gem this book is. You know it's a great book when you can't put it down and you end up finishing it in one day and writing a review at am at night. This is a must read Well Done Mae Archer!
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