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The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Clara Wild
British biographer Lily Gray is going to LA for one To write the story of reclusive Hollywood actress, Clara Wild. Clara inexplicably stepped away from stardom at the height of her fame, leaving fans and the industry baffled. But as Lily dives deeper into the enigma surrounding Clara's retreat, she's met with more than writer's block—because Clara isn't exactly thrilled to spill her secrets. She's been pushed into the book in an effort to resurrect her career and doesn't know if she really wants to tell all.
But squeezing the truth out of Clara is about to get pushed down the list of Lily's problems. Because after a misinterpreted video leads people to believe that Lily and Clara might be a couple, the rumor captures the public's imagination and media attention surges. They decide to lean into the chaos, realizing that faking a love affair might save Clara's career and make Lily's book a hit.
But as they navigate the ups and downs of their faux romance, they find themselves tangled in a web of agents, paparazzi, ex-girlfriends, and counterfeit chihuahuas. And when the line between reality and make-believe starts to blur, that's when the real test begins.
Contains mature themes.
But squeezing the truth out of Clara is about to get pushed down the list of Lily's problems. Because after a misinterpreted video leads people to believe that Lily and Clara might be a couple, the rumor captures the public's imagination and media attention surges. They decide to lean into the chaos, realizing that faking a love affair might save Clara's career and make Lily's book a hit.
But as they navigate the ups and downs of their faux romance, they find themselves tangled in a web of agents, paparazzi, ex-girlfriends, and counterfeit chihuahuas. And when the line between reality and make-believe starts to blur, that's when the real test begins.
Contains mature themes.
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Published March 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 16, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was witty, amusing and made me laugh out loud a few times.
The story line is a combination of celebrity romance and fake dating with a few exes and a needy extended family thrown in for good measure.
And she talks about poo! Proper food poisoning and needs to go now and then look at the mess sort of talk. This made me laugh - 'Clean up needed here. Jesus - it's a right mess.' - said the person who went into the airplane toilet after her. Yeah - I'm just a teenage boy in disguise as a lesbian - anybody who knows me will verify that.
There are many misunderstanding in this book - miscommunications. Which ultimately lead to what I can only describe as airport farce - with loose dogs, security guards tackling them, and a trip in the back of a police car.
I can not describe it better than the character herself 'a walking Benny Hill sketch'.
There is of course an epilogue - which shows them 10 months into the future.
The story line is a combination of celebrity romance and fake dating with a few exes and a needy extended family thrown in for good measure.
And she talks about poo! Proper food poisoning and needs to go now and then look at the mess sort of talk. This made me laugh - 'Clean up needed here. Jesus - it's a right mess.' - said the person who went into the airplane toilet after her. Yeah - I'm just a teenage boy in disguise as a lesbian - anybody who knows me will verify that.
There are many misunderstanding in this book - miscommunications. Which ultimately lead to what I can only describe as airport farce - with loose dogs, security guards tackling them, and a trip in the back of a police car.
I can not describe it better than the character herself 'a walking Benny Hill sketch'.
There is of course an epilogue - which shows them 10 months into the future.
August 29, 2024
My notes aren’t working on here rn but I wish I could share them to show how many mistakes were in this book! This is by far the most amount of errors I have ever seen in a published book. Half way through I had almost convinced myself I was getting punked 😂. It was so jarring and totally took you out of the story. The author continuously mixed up who was speaking or whose internal dialogue we were supposed to be viewing. It’s such a shame because the story has so much potential but it was not executed well at all.
March 28, 2024
Fun read
Have to admit it, Natasha West has made a fan of me. I read this one because of her previous books. She didn’t disappoint with this one either. I love the characters, all of them. I’d like to read Zoya’s story starting from the end of this story. I’d like to see those fireworks!
Have to admit it, Natasha West has made a fan of me. I read this one because of her previous books. She didn’t disappoint with this one either. I love the characters, all of them. I’d like to read Zoya’s story starting from the end of this story. I’d like to see those fireworks!
April 11, 2024
And talking of romcoms… This would make a great one. It’s hilarious. From the lovably clueless MCs, plus tiny dog, to the family of dentists, right down to the walk-on extras, you have an entire cast of comedians. It’s laugh-out-loud funny. (I especially enjoyed the visit to Costco.) Suspend reality and I dare you to read this without laughing.
April 15, 2024
SUCH a funny, light-hearted book. Love love love.
Good for fans of the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo, if you want a palate-cleanser with a HEA ;)
Good for fans of the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo, if you want a palate-cleanser with a HEA ;)
April 23, 2024
2.5 This was... fine. Started strongly, but I didn't care very much by the end. Unfortunately, errors throughout were hugely distracting, like MC's names the wrong way round at least three times, 'queue' spelled 'cue', complete wrong word used. But most egregiously at all, the suggestion that an English person would say they wanted Yorkshire, PG or Tetleys tea. No one has loyalty to all three brands - so unrealistic, undermined the whole plot! 😂
June 22, 2024
I really wanted to rate this one higher, as I really enjoy the humor and characters like Zoya, but the frequent mistakes in names and the complete lack of anything resembling a spicy scene is jarring and feels like an editor and proofreader are needed.
July 12, 2024
I liked this book. Clara Wild was an extremely interesting character. I get that the book is about her, but it would have been nice to know a bit more about Lilly. That's a personal thing, though, I like to know everything there is to know about a character.
The plot was solid, and the prose was okay. When the inevitable 3rd act break up came along, I felt myself getting a bit deflated. I'm not one to enjoy miscommunication as a main form of conflict because I struggle to believe that two 40 year old women, one of them a Hollywood actress, who knows very well what is like to not know facts, would just succumb to words unsaid.
The chat they have at the back of the police car at the end eased this off a bit because Lilly's explanation of why she acted how she acted kind of made sense, but still, there's a bit of like "you're 40 mate. Get a grip." Also, her reaction to what happened is, in my opinion, also part of me not knowing much about her, I didn't really understand why she'd just think the mistake she made was so final when Clara was quite open about it all. So yea, that doesn't float my boat much.
At the end of the day, I enjoyed the read, but I do think it could have undergone some better editing. Mistaking the word "queue" for "cue", among other things, is not cute.
The plot was solid, and the prose was okay. When the inevitable 3rd act break up came along, I felt myself getting a bit deflated. I'm not one to enjoy miscommunication as a main form of conflict because I struggle to believe that two 40 year old women, one of them a Hollywood actress, who knows very well what is like to not know facts, would just succumb to words unsaid.
The chat they have at the back of the police car at the end eased this off a bit because Lilly's explanation of why she acted how she acted kind of made sense, but still, there's a bit of like "you're 40 mate. Get a grip." Also, her reaction to what happened is, in my opinion, also part of me not knowing much about her, I didn't really understand why she'd just think the mistake she made was so final when Clara was quite open about it all. So yea, that doesn't float my boat much.
At the end of the day, I enjoyed the read, but I do think it could have undergone some better editing. Mistaking the word "queue" for "cue", among other things, is not cute.
April 23, 2024
I love reading Natasha West books, so I immediately jumped to read Clara Wild. The book is set in Los Angeles, where Lily Gray, a professional biographer of celebrities, has been assigned to pen the bio for Clara Wild, an actress who had a very successful role in a TV series years ago, but has been keeping a very low profile since. The only problem is that Clara really isn't interested in writing a biography, as she has a lot of trouble opening up.
The two spend a lot of time together, and naturally, sparks fly, tangling up professional and personal matters. Natasha West has an impeccable knack for comedic writing that always makes for a super fun read. This was a hilarious comedy of errors that had me laughing, gasping in horror, biting my nails, and of course, smiling at the HAE. I love reading books set in Hollywood about celebrities, so if you enjoy that you will definitely enjoy this book!
The two spend a lot of time together, and naturally, sparks fly, tangling up professional and personal matters. Natasha West has an impeccable knack for comedic writing that always makes for a super fun read. This was a hilarious comedy of errors that had me laughing, gasping in horror, biting my nails, and of course, smiling at the HAE. I love reading books set in Hollywood about celebrities, so if you enjoy that you will definitely enjoy this book!
March 24, 2024
A ghost writer, a reclusive actor, a comedy of errors where things just keep happening, and of course that spark of attraction between Lily and Clara - a great mix for another hilarious rom-com. I've loved all of Natasha West's books thus far, and this one is no exception. It opens with both feet on the ground running, and just keeps getting better from there.
Of course, with all that happens, delving into Clara's past - which isn't easy with all that happened, the forces of nature, exes who just want to make things complicated - things aren't straight forward. Amongst all of the humor there is a decent amount of angst in the story, but it is tempered well, and of course written brilliantly.
I laughed, I stressed, and had an absolute blast with this story. Especially with how it all wrapped up too ^^
Of course, with all that happens, delving into Clara's past - which isn't easy with all that happened, the forces of nature, exes who just want to make things complicated - things aren't straight forward. Amongst all of the humor there is a decent amount of angst in the story, but it is tempered well, and of course written brilliantly.
I laughed, I stressed, and had an absolute blast with this story. Especially with how it all wrapped up too ^^
March 31, 2024
What An Ending!
Clara’s a former TV Star and Lily has been hired to ghostwrite her autobiography. And along the way, sparks fly. So they run with it as a fake romance to drum up exposure for Clara in the media as she tries to make her comeback in movies and for Lily’s book. As Clara finally begins to open up about her life, the fake romance becomes real.
But these two women both have baggage, and exes that keep scratching at the other’s insecurities. And that’s the final third of this book, which ends in a gloriously funny romantic way that I never saw coming.
Give this one a read! It will entertain you the whole way through!
Clara’s a former TV Star and Lily has been hired to ghostwrite her autobiography. And along the way, sparks fly. So they run with it as a fake romance to drum up exposure for Clara in the media as she tries to make her comeback in movies and for Lily’s book. As Clara finally begins to open up about her life, the fake romance becomes real.
But these two women both have baggage, and exes that keep scratching at the other’s insecurities. And that’s the final third of this book, which ends in a gloriously funny romantic way that I never saw coming.
Give this one a read! It will entertain you the whole way through!
April 5, 2024
I snorted
This is a fun book to read. So many hilarious moments along with untimely bad luck.
The initial meeting of the two main characters (along with the flight) had me in stitches. West certainly has a way with words.
I enjoyed both main characters awakening in this one, both start off a little broken and throughout the book heal and open up. A little bit of misunderstanding, an interfering family and ex’s all add up to make you keep turning the pages and wondering just what else can happen.
Ok, I’m laughing again as I just remembered the airport bit.
I’m just gonna end this by saying…read this book, it’s funny, it’s sweet and has a HEA.
This is a fun book to read. So many hilarious moments along with untimely bad luck.
The initial meeting of the two main characters (along with the flight) had me in stitches. West certainly has a way with words.
I enjoyed both main characters awakening in this one, both start off a little broken and throughout the book heal and open up. A little bit of misunderstanding, an interfering family and ex’s all add up to make you keep turning the pages and wondering just what else can happen.
Ok, I’m laughing again as I just remembered the airport bit.
I’m just gonna end this by saying…read this book, it’s funny, it’s sweet and has a HEA.
May 1, 2024
Such a Fun Read
Natasha West definitely has a gift for comedy. I laughed out loud several times at the comedy of errors that happen throughout this wonderful story. While these characters make you laugh, they also make you want to yell & scream - and hug them too! Her characters are real, flawed people that have a lot of baggage to get through before they get their happy ending. But they do get that very happy ending, after several mishaps along the way. So sit back and enjoy this delightfully touching rom-com that is such a fun read!
Natasha West definitely has a gift for comedy. I laughed out loud several times at the comedy of errors that happen throughout this wonderful story. While these characters make you laugh, they also make you want to yell & scream - and hug them too! Her characters are real, flawed people that have a lot of baggage to get through before they get their happy ending. But they do get that very happy ending, after several mishaps along the way. So sit back and enjoy this delightfully touching rom-com that is such a fun read!
July 21, 2024
The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Clara Wild combines fading actor and fake dating tropes into an enjoyable package. The story arc is basic with a few random events added for good measure, including bad kombucha and global warming induced rising ocean levels. The dialog is very well written, and many scenes are simply fun to read, regardless of their place in the story line. There is a large and varied supporting cast, many of whom appear at extremely inconvenient times. This is an amusing read with a frenetic airport scene and a satisfying conclusion.
April 5, 2024
I know why Clara's surname is Wild. Because it was a wile ride! Quite sweet of the half of it, and quite unbelievable (but still sweet) for the other half of it, this story was plain pleasure.
Good and quirky characters, an as well as secondary, and a story we know come to love as "the sadness of queers in the movie industry", make it a good read.
Good and quirky characters, an as well as secondary, and a story we know come to love as "the sadness of queers in the movie industry", make it a good read.
April 11, 2024
i’m still laughing.
And talking of romcoms… This would make a great one. It’s hilarious. From the lovably clueless MCs, plus tiny dog, to the family of dentists, right down to the walk-on extras, you have an entire cast of comedians. It’s laugh-out-loud funny. (I especially enjoyed the visit to Costco.) Suspend reality and I dare you to read this without laughing.
And talking of romcoms… This would make a great one. It’s hilarious. From the lovably clueless MCs, plus tiny dog, to the family of dentists, right down to the walk-on extras, you have an entire cast of comedians. It’s laugh-out-loud funny. (I especially enjoyed the visit to Costco.) Suspend reality and I dare you to read this without laughing.
May 27, 2024
Natasha West is a sapphic romcom master. I loved The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again). It is funny, sweet, slow burn, a bit angsty, and mild on the spicy scale which lefts room for the romance and swoony kissing. It has idiots in love, fake dating, great side character, nasty side characters, awesome British humour.
November 8, 2025
Laugh out loud romcom
I really enjoyed this romcom romp. It had all the classic romcom components and had me laughing at the MCs antics most of the way through.
As you’d expect, there were a few emotional touchy feely bits so no laughing during those. It didn’t take long to get back to the humour though. Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this romcom romp. It had all the classic romcom components and had me laughing at the MCs antics most of the way through.
As you’d expect, there were a few emotional touchy feely bits so no laughing during those. It didn’t take long to get back to the humour though. Highly recommended.
May 11, 2024
A laugh and a cheer
Another great story! Funny, endearing and one I'll probably reread another hundred times. I recommend this for anyone who has a sense of humor and wants compelling, well written characters.
Another great story! Funny, endearing and one I'll probably reread another hundred times. I recommend this for anyone who has a sense of humor and wants compelling, well written characters.
May 25, 2024
A Wonderful Romantic Comedy
I am still laughing after finishing this novel. Natasha West created two wonderfully imperfect heroines in this book. The secondary characters were also well developed and easy to identify with, especially Clara’s best friend and her wacky family.
I am still laughing after finishing this novel. Natasha West created two wonderfully imperfect heroines in this book. The secondary characters were also well developed and easy to identify with, especially Clara’s best friend and her wacky family.
July 2, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised that I liked this book seeing that I had read another of the author’s book and I didn’t enjoy it. I loved Clara’s family dynamics—it was funny and realistic. While it was frustrating that a simple miscommunication was almost the end of it all, but on the other hand, it was realistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2025
Funny, sweet, slow burn sapphic romance with a celebrity bio storyline. Three solid stars.
The narrator did a great job capturing Clara’s vulnerability as she shared her story and kept pace really well, which made this feel like one more chapter was always going to be the right choice.
The narrator did a great job capturing Clara’s vulnerability as she shared her story and kept pace really well, which made this feel like one more chapter was always going to be the right choice.
April 3, 2025
This was an alright read. I liked the character interaction and felt most of the character were fairly developed. This book could use some serious editing however. There are entire parts that have the wrong character speaking or Lily speaking to Lily. It was very odd.
October 5, 2025
Needs SERIOUS Editing
Run on sentences. Extra letters in words. But, my biggest issue was when the names got mixed up, backwards. A simple little edit would've alleviated that problem. It's a shame really, it's a good story.
Run on sentences. Extra letters in words. But, my biggest issue was when the names got mixed up, backwards. A simple little edit would've alleviated that problem. It's a shame really, it's a good story.
April 15, 2024
Loved it.
April 22, 2024
I didn’t hate it.
The airport run was very realistic for modern days lol
Over all it was a bit glitchy but I enjoyed it.
Needed spice.
The airport run was very realistic for modern days lol
Over all it was a bit glitchy but I enjoyed it.
Needed spice.
April 25, 2024
This book irked me tremendously.
April 26, 2024
They just didn't behave like actual adults and it irked me.
June 1, 2024
hmmm
Cute stories, quirky characters, but like a sloooow burn that never lights. Lacking in chemistry and really, no physical connection
Cute stories, quirky characters, but like a sloooow burn that never lights. Lacking in chemistry and really, no physical connection
June 27, 2024
Smiles and giggles
All sorts of good imagery here. One of the MCs gets into comedic situations a lot that are worth some huge laughs.
All sorts of good imagery here. One of the MCs gets into comedic situations a lot that are worth some huge laughs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews