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Smile ... You are Famous: A Second Chance Romantic Comedy
My name is Laura and I’ve always led a life free of surprises, which suits me perfectly. Imagine my bewilderment when, a few weeks before my wedding, I discover that everyone is identifying me with Daphne, a comic series heroine.
At first, I smile at the whims of the universe, but my smile fades away when I realize that Daphne and I are so alike because she was created by David, my ex-fiancé.
If only he’d portrayed me as a superb, intelligent creature … No, Daphne has to be depicted as stingy. Ever since then, I’ve only had one thing on my mind: to get revenge on him; and believe me, I have quite an imagination. And for those of you who are wondering … no, I’m not stingy. What do you mean you don’t believe me?
EXCERPT 1
“David!” I get up gracefully to embrace him. Everybody else watches on, dumbstruck, while David stares at me, wide-eyed. “Aren’t you going to hug me back?” I flash him a dazzling smile. For someone who tends to have her head in the clouds, I sure know how to react quickly. “How long has it been since we last saw each other? Three years, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.” He seems to have rapidly regained his outward composure but I can see his temple beating.
My mother is surprised to find peace and order when she returns from the kitchen. “Why are you all so quiet?”
“Everybody was expecting me to slap David across the face, and they are all surprised that I gave him a hug instead. They’re still in shock.” I find that I’m playing my part beautifully.
“I thought you would when you think of the state you were in this afternoon!”
Thanks, Mom, for revealing to everyone how much all of this has affected me.
“I’ve thought it over. There are worse things in life besides having thousands of people thinking you’re a cheapskate, right David?”
I avoid looking at him for longer than necessary for fear he would then realize that the only thing I truly want is to knock him out cold. However, when our eyes meet again, my gaze unfortunately gives it away. He’s onto me now.
“Of course. But, all the same, Laura … coming off as a cheapskate in front of the entire country, the whole world even, that’s probably not easy to take in, is it?”
What’s he playing at? Is he actually trying to provoke me now? Knowing him though, this shouldn’t have come as a surprise. He’s not one to refuse a confrontation against an opponent.
“I admit that if I were you, I wouldn’t be so cool about it. Congrats on controlling your emotions. It’s what I always loved about you.”
EXCERPT 2
“I see you two have gotten back together. And here I was, thinking I still had a chance.”
Fiona turns bright red.
“Oh well, I guess I’ll have to settle for some kind of financial compensation.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m sorry to disturb your morning, but I’m here on official business. I want my share of the profits from the comic books, and, not only that—I also want input on any future stories. I know you told me I couldn’t have both. but you don’t exactly have a choice because I’m not giving up until I get what I want.”
David, pouring himself a cup of coffee, seems completely at ease.
“But you have no right to any of that!” Fiona exclaims. “It’s David who did the work; I don’t see why he should give you anything.
At first, I smile at the whims of the universe, but my smile fades away when I realize that Daphne and I are so alike because she was created by David, my ex-fiancé.
If only he’d portrayed me as a superb, intelligent creature … No, Daphne has to be depicted as stingy. Ever since then, I’ve only had one thing on my mind: to get revenge on him; and believe me, I have quite an imagination. And for those of you who are wondering … no, I’m not stingy. What do you mean you don’t believe me?
EXCERPT 1
“David!” I get up gracefully to embrace him. Everybody else watches on, dumbstruck, while David stares at me, wide-eyed. “Aren’t you going to hug me back?” I flash him a dazzling smile. For someone who tends to have her head in the clouds, I sure know how to react quickly. “How long has it been since we last saw each other? Three years, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.” He seems to have rapidly regained his outward composure but I can see his temple beating.
My mother is surprised to find peace and order when she returns from the kitchen. “Why are you all so quiet?”
“Everybody was expecting me to slap David across the face, and they are all surprised that I gave him a hug instead. They’re still in shock.” I find that I’m playing my part beautifully.
“I thought you would when you think of the state you were in this afternoon!”
Thanks, Mom, for revealing to everyone how much all of this has affected me.
“I’ve thought it over. There are worse things in life besides having thousands of people thinking you’re a cheapskate, right David?”
I avoid looking at him for longer than necessary for fear he would then realize that the only thing I truly want is to knock him out cold. However, when our eyes meet again, my gaze unfortunately gives it away. He’s onto me now.
“Of course. But, all the same, Laura … coming off as a cheapskate in front of the entire country, the whole world even, that’s probably not easy to take in, is it?”
What’s he playing at? Is he actually trying to provoke me now? Knowing him though, this shouldn’t have come as a surprise. He’s not one to refuse a confrontation against an opponent.
“I admit that if I were you, I wouldn’t be so cool about it. Congrats on controlling your emotions. It’s what I always loved about you.”
EXCERPT 2
“I see you two have gotten back together. And here I was, thinking I still had a chance.”
Fiona turns bright red.
“Oh well, I guess I’ll have to settle for some kind of financial compensation.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m sorry to disturb your morning, but I’m here on official business. I want my share of the profits from the comic books, and, not only that—I also want input on any future stories. I know you told me I couldn’t have both. but you don’t exactly have a choice because I’m not giving up until I get what I want.”
David, pouring himself a cup of coffee, seems completely at ease.
“But you have no right to any of that!” Fiona exclaims. “It’s David who did the work; I don’t see why he should give you anything.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2012
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27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 8, 2015
Laura Green (archaeologist) & Paul Tyler (director, fiancée) live on an island in the Mediterranean Sea. This is a site of an archaeological excavation.
The marriage ceremony is only a few weeks away.
Laura is aboard the plane & a stewardess brings her the newest local newspaper.
David Addison (artist, Laura ex B/F) has created a comic strip character of her aka Daphne.
Laura is greeted by Paul’s parents. Laura’s mom & sister are also in the same town as Paul’s parents.
They all make comments on the newspaper comic strip.
Greg Green (Laura brother, architecture) introduces the family to Nora (G/F).
Polly (Laura BFF) invites the girls: Laura Green, Fanny, & Lea Green out for supper at Piment Vert.
Will David & Fiona Rolland (G/F, movie/commercial casting director) get married?
What about Dan & Polly?
Will Laura & Paul get married?
Will the Daphne newspaper comic strip continue?
& Greg & Nora?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written romantic comedy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great romantic comedy movie (the other woman), or mini TV series (Desperate Housewives). Boom it ended. You left me hanging. To be continued? A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The marriage ceremony is only a few weeks away.
Laura is aboard the plane & a stewardess brings her the newest local newspaper.
David Addison (artist, Laura ex B/F) has created a comic strip character of her aka Daphne.
Laura is greeted by Paul’s parents. Laura’s mom & sister are also in the same town as Paul’s parents.
They all make comments on the newspaper comic strip.
Greg Green (Laura brother, architecture) introduces the family to Nora (G/F).
Polly (Laura BFF) invites the girls: Laura Green, Fanny, & Lea Green out for supper at Piment Vert.
Will David & Fiona Rolland (G/F, movie/commercial casting director) get married?
What about Dan & Polly?
Will Laura & Paul get married?
Will the Daphne newspaper comic strip continue?
& Greg & Nora?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written romantic comedy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great romantic comedy movie (the other woman), or mini TV series (Desperate Housewives). Boom it ended. You left me hanging. To be continued? A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 26, 2017
I really tried to like this book, but couldn't finish. The premise was good, but Laura, the main character, just was too much and the story seemed to drag. I think I saw where this was going and I was (am) curious as to how things play out, but couldn't continue reading the book.
July 7, 2017
I'm only giving this 3 stars (and that is generous) because the main character was such a twit. To the story, she is getting ready to fly out and meet her future in-laws. She's nervous so she wakes up early. After her boyfriend leaves, she decides to take a swim in the ocean in her undies. A dog steals her clothes. When she gets them back, she is dirty and wants to shower and dress up more for this meeting. But she has locked her keys in the apartment. So she doesn't get in the apartment and she is running late. She finally gets to the airport and buys expensive shoes and outfit. She falls asleep on the plane and doesn't change like she plans. So she has to change once she lands. Of course, none of this is her fault. She never takes responsibility for her actions and she is always blaming her problems on others and looking for revenge. She is supposed to be 25 or so. Give me a break. The story was light and easy to read. It was entertaining, but I just can't get past the main character. I don't know if I would give this author another try or not.
July 29, 2017
The idea behind this book was interesting, which is why I decided to pick it up. However, I really struggled to feel any kind of sympathy, or even a desire for it, for the protagonist after about the first three chapters. Yes, I could see why she'd be upset, and I could also understand her feelings of betrayal from family & friends, but the bitterness & vengeful behavior went on far too long. Rather than seeing her as relatable, I just thought of her as a big idiot.
That being said, I was relieved, and grateful, when she finally let go of her negative feelings and faced her challenges, fears, etc., as one would hope. I like the premise of the book, and do believe that she had a very human response, but it just went on too long for my taste. The ending was very appropriate and allowed me to feel more satisfied with the book.
That being said, I was relieved, and grateful, when she finally let go of her negative feelings and faced her challenges, fears, etc., as one would hope. I like the premise of the book, and do believe that she had a very human response, but it just went on too long for my taste. The ending was very appropriate and allowed me to feel more satisfied with the book.
June 2, 2017
I enjoyed the story in "Smile... You are Famous". I found the pace to be a little on the slow side, but not so much that I felt tempted to quit the book. Yes, there's an element of revenge, but it sort of reminded me of a plot line from Dynasty - the wonderful 80s television drama. All in all, the story was entertaining, and helped me pass the time while I waited for my daughter to finish her volleyball practice. I wouldn't read it again (lol, I've been known to read books over and over) but I don't regret the time I invested in the book either, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a friend.
April 8, 2019
I never thought I would like books that had a narrative aspect to them but I’m finding I am enjoying them. This is the fourth book by Mary Kelly Reed that I have read. The first series that I read was, (My Romantic Comedy), for me better but I did enjoy this book as well. I can totally understand why Laura go some mad, to have people come up and ask if you are going to return something because you are stingy when in fact you are nothing like that would make me mad as well. Then to find out That her own brother helped David conceal the truth about why it and how it got published, I’d want to clobber him as well.
October 27, 2017
DNF at 18%
I tried. I did. But Laura is annoying. She's like me when I'm PMS-ing, but that's her normal self. When she caught herself wanting David to kiss her as they talked outside, I knew I couldn't take it anymore. Which is a shame, because the plot itself is quite interesting, had it not been for the dislikable heroine and the constant dialog with the reader.
I tried. I did. But Laura is annoying. She's like me when I'm PMS-ing, but that's her normal self. When she caught herself wanting David to kiss her as they talked outside, I knew I couldn't take it anymore. Which is a shame, because the plot itself is quite interesting, had it not been for the dislikable heroine and the constant dialog with the reader.
August 13, 2017
I received this book free for an honest review. I am so glad. This is a light fun and easy read. Just what I needed for a pick me up. The author did a good job with this book. I can honestly recommend this book.
July 14, 2018
Life's a cartoon
Loved it! Can a cartoon bring them together? This is funny, sweet and romantic. If you like books by Gibson or Cruise you are going to love this. I got this in a giveaway and thoroughly loved it. Tremendous stuff!
Loved it! Can a cartoon bring them together? This is funny, sweet and romantic. If you like books by Gibson or Cruise you are going to love this. I got this in a giveaway and thoroughly loved it. Tremendous stuff!
October 8, 2018
This is the second book in the Let's Fall in Love series another well-written book by this Author. These books make me smile when I am reading them. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2019
Sweet romance
A day that falls apart around her ultimately allows all the pieces to come back together right.
The story is told in pieces (flashbacks) at times, and that seems appropriate for this heroine. Interesting characters.
A day that falls apart around her ultimately allows all the pieces to come back together right.
The story is told in pieces (flashbacks) at times, and that seems appropriate for this heroine. Interesting characters.
April 12, 2017
Encore une heroine irrationnelle mais j'aime le style de l'auteure qui nous conte de belles romances sans qu'on soit oblige d'en passer par des scènes de sexe torride, c'est rafraichissant et j'en redemande !
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews