Mamarazzi

by Brooke Williams

Danica Bennett isn't sure what she hates more...her job or the fact that she's good at it. As one of the many Hollywood paparazzi, she lives her life incognito and sneaks around trying to get the best shot of the latest star. When she is mistaken for an extra on a new, up and coming TV show, her own star rises and she becomes the one in the photographs. Add that to the fact that she's falling for her co-star, Eliot Lane, and Danica is in a whole heap of trouble.

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2015

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets layered on secrets layered on rumors and the glitter of Hollywood greed frame this story of a young woman trying to make her way in the world. As a photographer after her mother's fame, Danica Bennett bides her time and talent while building an undercover reputation as a paparazzi, one of the insidious interlopers who would do anything to get a candid photo to sell to the public. When she wandered onto the backstage of a new television show, she's mistaken for an extra, and one thing leads to another, including a mutual attraction and growing relationship with the megastar of the show. Danica's agent is the only one who knows the truth of her identity as the popular paparazzi nicknamed Mamarazzi and demands a photograph that would rock even Hollywood. When Danica learns a dearly-held secret, misunderstandings begin to weave a cruel web.

Danica's naiveté and innocence is the only thing that keeps her from falling into the depravity she abhors. As Danica's star rises and even her cousin crawls out of the woodwork to ask for favors, Danica comes under pressure from her agent who will spill her secret if Danica doesn't come through. As Danica learns what it’s like to be the one who's stalked by paparazzi, she realizes the enormity of the damage paparazzi can do. Coming clean has a high price. She wonders what could be left if she tells the truth.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will she find her hero...or blow it?

I've listened to a lot of audiobooks in the suspense and historical genres recently so I was looking for something on the lighter, Hallmarky, side. Mamarazzi from new-to-me author Brooke Williams was a good choice. It's a clean read with no language, bedroom scenes, or violence to worry about. Just romance and some fun insight into the ups and downs of Tinseltown.

Other than several instances of telling-not-showing, I enjoyed the story. I really liked Danica as her main motivation for her questionable occupation is taking care of her mother who is in a nursing home. There are even some poignant scenes between mother and daughter that will leave you tearing up a little. Lane is flat out a nice guy. I don't know if Hollywood really has any of those anymore but this fictional guy is exactly that. You just can't help but root for the two to be able to move past the secrets and lies and make it work.

I actually picked out this audiobook because of the narrator. She is one of my favorites and so far I haven't failed to enjoy a book she has narrated. Because of that I knew I could expect a top notch quality audio production and that's exactly what this audiobook delivered.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Penelope Marzec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was simply delightful. Danica, as the Mamarazzi, takes photos of celebrities. She's only doing what she has to do to support her mother who is in a nursing home. Keeping her identity a secret is important because someday she hopes to be a well-known, renowned photographer. Then she literally stumbles into a job as an actress and her life takes a surprising turn.

I loved this book!

[Sandy Samuel]

A perfect ending

I started reading this book to cheer myself up after reading a thriller. It was so worth it! Even though it was kind of predictable and had some sad parts, I really enjoyed it.

[Dusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read about a women who is used to being behind a camera but suddenly gets thrown out in front of it. She quickly learns that with fame comes the hard task of figuring out who to trust. I’ve had this book on my kindle for a long time and I’m glad I finally got to it 😊

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danica Bennett has a secret. A big one. One that could either hurt her fledgling photography career or help it soar. She takes pictures of the stars. And not just the official pictures. She's a member of the paparazzi and her pictures have hurt quite a few of the stars. Only her agent knows her true identity as all of her work is signed with a lip print and her nickname in the press is the "Mamarazzi." When Danica is mistaken for an extra on the set of the upcoming new comedy "Cousins", she hopes that she can snag a few pictures from behind the scenes. Then the unthinkable happens. She's noticed by one of the stars and their chemistry is literally shooting off sparks. Enough sparks that she ends up with a recurring role on the show. As she gets to know the cast and the crew, particularly one of the lead actors Eliot Lane, Danica hopes that she will be able to put aside her Mamarazzi persona for good. Yet like all secrets, they have a way of coming to light at the worst possible moment. When hers comes to light, will Hollywood forgive her? And will her relationship with the man she's fallen in love with hold up or crumble?

Months ago, the author emailed me to ask me if I would be interested in reading & reviewing her new release. I'd enjoyed the other book I'd read by her, and was thrilled to say yes.

This would probably be best classified as a romantic comedy. There are certainly some funny scenes. It is also VERY clean. I wouldn't go so far as to classify it as a Christian romance, but for those people who like clean romances, this is for them. And when I say clean, I mean there is no bad language, violence, or sex scenes. The romance is limited to kissing and that's it. So very clean.

Anyway, back to the book review. I enjoyed watching Danica grow. As she started to get more and more legitimate photography exposure, her need to sell to the tabloids grew less and less. She faces a turning point in the novel and I admire her decision. I also loved Lane. He's such a sweetheart with her. I loved how he helps her out while he falls in love with her.

Overall, it was a cute book. I'd like to know what happens to the TV show as well as Danica and Lane beyond what is listed in the epilogue.

I received the Kindle copy for free from the author for the purpose of reviewing .My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 4 stars

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)

Danica Bennett knows exactly what it’s like to live a double life. At first glance, you might not notice her. She projects herself as nondescript, simple. She blends into the background and never makes a scene, which is why she’s so successful at her job. She’s "The Mamarazzi," a photographer famous for taking pictures of the rich and (in)famous. No one knows of her true identity, other than her somewhat loyal agent, a loyalty based upon royalties with each and every photo Danica takes. Money talks. Danica would much rather take legitimate photos, but no one will hire a nobody.

What if she became a somebody?

During a routine paparazzi stalking, Danica finds herself thrust into the spotlight by accident. There’s a new television show in the works, and suddenly she’s been cast as an extra, right next to Elliot Lane, the hot “it” actor. They have immediate chemistry, just what the industry is looking for. Is Elliot falling for Danica, or is he merely acting the part? Secrets can only stay safe for so long in Tinseltown. What will he do if he ever finds out that she’s really "The Mamarazzi?"

While I went into this book already a fan of Brooke Williams (I loved Accept This Dandelion), Mamarazzi is another great read from start to finish! I imagined myself in Danica’s shoes, wondering what it would be like to not only become one of the most notorious individuals to hide among the famous (paparazzi), but to also find myself suddenly part of the rich and famous crowd, my name in tabloids, everyone knowing my business even when it’s something I would have preferred been kept private. In my younger years, I used to wish for stardom, certain I’d find my way on the big screen. The older I got, though, the more I realized just how little privacy I’d have in my life. Mamarazzi is a gentle reminder of that. The grass isn’t always greener, that’s for sure.

This is a sweet love story twist, with a passion for life’s true calling sprinkled in. When you think you’re a nobody, you’re still a somebody. Even when you’re "The Mamarazzi."

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Mamarazzi. This is a great, sweet, clean romance anyone can enjoy.
I fell in love with Danica instantly; completely understanding why she took the photos she did. Her desire was to take photos of the stars on personal shoots-glamour shots-beautiful spreads, not the paparazzi shots. But, she had to do what she did to pay her bills and those of her mother’s nursing home care. She still aspired to be THE photographer to the stars, hence the need for her pseudonym, Mamarazzi, she wanted to keep her identity hidden, didn’t want to tarnish her name as being associated with the paparazzi.
While hiding outside the studios, trying to find that perfect shot, she is discovered and mistaken as an extra. Danica decides to go with it, she can play that part for a day while scoping out the layout and maybe finding that photo that will get her by for the month. What she didn’t plan on was him…
Lane can’t keep his eyes of the extra on the set. He is distracted to the point they have to stop shooting while the director grabs his arm and drags him across the set to her… I laughed at his comments “Lane, this is extra number whatever. Extra number whatever, this is Eliot Lane….Well, go on, if we’re going to get through this scene, you have to stop looking at her. Look at her now, between takes, and again later if you’d like…” OMG how embarrassing would that be to be Danica at that moment!
Their chemistry is felt by everyone on set and involved in the show and this leads to her landing a sweet role in the show. Now, instead of her being behind the lens, she is now front-and-center as a new up-and-comer and Lane’s girlfriend.
How can she keep her secret hidden? Well, as we all know, secrets have a way to come out and bite us, especially when you are a celebrity.
Brooke Williams did a great job with this story. It’s unique and funny, definitely pulls at your heartstrings, and stock full of love and heartfelt romance.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was different from what I have read. I do not think I have ever read a book on paparazzi. Here we have Danica Bennett as Mamarazzi. She is very good at her job, but her conscience has been getting to her. She has to continue because of her bills and she has her mother's bills, too. When Danica sneaks onto a tv show, they think she is the extra they are missing. One of the stars, Eliot Lane can not keep his eyes off of her and their chemistry is seen by everyone in this scene. What happens now? She is Mamarazzi. She meets Eliot and likes him. How can she continue doing what she does for a living? She was beginning to realize that she does not want the actor and actresses to hate her. But, Danica did what she had to in order to survive. Now she is living with this huge secret. The attraction that Eliot has to Danica is not leaving. Danica feels it, too, but what about her huge secret if she is getting too close to him? Will he be ok or run the other way when he found out? All Danica wants to do is to take photos of the celebrities professionally done. Not like she has been. They would come to her.

Great story. I love Brooke William's writing. Her books are always well written. Each one of her books I have read I have enjoyed a lot. I can not wait to read more from her.

While I was reading this book, I was thinking about how celebrities liked having paparazzi following them around. Not having any privacy. I wonder if all/any/some Paparazzi regretted what they did for a living? Especially when it dealt with celebrities and their children? I know I could not do this.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[Carrie Lahain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A photographer forced to make her living as a member of the paparazzi unexpectedly finds herself on the other side of the camera lens and facing the sort of exposure that could ruin her career and her new relationship with a famous actor.

Danica Bennett has had a rough life. She gets her love of photography from her mom, who raised her alone and now suffers early-onset Alzheimer's. Paying for her mother's care is one of the main reasons Danica continues working in a profession that undermines her moral and artistic ideals. The one person who might have been able to give her a hand up in Hollywood, an actress cousin, doesn't want to know her. At least not until Danica falls into a role on a hot new situation comedy and becomes a popular up-and-coming actress in her own right.

Of course, if Danica's past publicly exposing fellow celebrities peccadilloes gets out--she's toast. Not that she's so in love with acting. But she may very well be in love with her handsome co-star Eliot Lane. There's a lot of excitement and tension as Danica's plan to silence the one person who knows her secret backfires and puts her into the power of someone even more vindictive and volatile.

MAMARAZZI is funny, fast-paced, and full of twists. I didn't predict the resolution, but even though it was unexpected, it made perfect sense. My only issue with the book is that I found Eliot's character a bit underutilized. He's a great guy, but we needed more of him. He kind of fades into the background for the middle of the book, but he is pivotal to the ending.

Even so, if you enjoy well-plotted, clean contemporary romances, you'll enjoy this book.

[Susan Baganz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how author Brooke Williams puts her characters into impossible situations, and she hasn't lost her touch with Mamarrazi.

Danica Bennett has always wanted to be a photographer.

A real professional shutterbug. But unlike her mom who specialized in landscapes, she wants to take photographs of people. Unfortunately in her desperate need to care for her ailing mother and pay the rent, she has to work undercover as one of the despised Hollywood paparazzi. She slips in and out of scenes and leaves a cherry lip balm kiss on the back of her photographs that are delivered through her back alley agent. When she tries to get the lay of the land for a photo of the star of the hour, she ends up being mistaken for an extra and now she becomes the star.

Falling in love with the lead actor, Eliot Lane, and keeping a secret from him while hiding her professional identity takes it toll.

Now she's the one whose photos are in the tabloids and whom gossip is written. When her secret is discovered, she could lose everything, including the love of a great man. And in the most publically humiliating way possible--in front of the very press she used to be a part of.

Brooke tells a compelling story and makes you want to root for the underdog. The physical comedy she adds to her romances exhibits a unique skill as a writer. If you want a romance that will make you smile, this is the story for you. Clean, wholesome romance anyone could enjoy. After all, don't we all want a guy like Eliot?

[Nadine Keels · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are the chances that Danica Bennett could go from being the notorious "Mamarazzi" with a hidden identity to being Hollywood's next darling on the other side of the camera? The impossible trip she's in for engagingly unfolds in Mamarazzi by author Brooke Williams.

This is the second book I've read by this author. There are some major and minor story similarities between this one and Williams's Accept This Dandelion, and a scene or two between Danica and her leading man, Eliot Lane, reminded me of Norman Maine and Esther Blodgett in the 1937 version of the film A Star is Born.

However, the Mamarazzi storyline really comes into its own, and after pleasantly enjoying most of it, the last third or so of the book had me especially hooked with turns I didn't expect.

Though the story does have comical moments, humor doesn't have a strong presence in much of the book, so despite its categorization, I wouldn't call this romance a romantic comedy. Honestly, the romance isn't what drew me in either, and there are places where the writing could've been less repetitive and more nuanced, leaving room for the reader to understand what didn't have to be said. But it was the unexpected turns that gripped me and the inward aspects of the heroine's journey that touched me, and as I like to say, a book doesn't have to be technically perfect (whatever that would be) to wow me.

And Danica's journey has left me with a definite, and even an emotional, "wow."
_________________
I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

From beginning to end, Mamarazzi is just plain fun! I found it very easy to identify with Danica, a woman who got into the paparazzi business to pay the bills but dreams of becoming a "legitimate" photographer. Her struggles—the moral dilemma of whether to submit a particular photograph, the guilt she felt due to leaving her Alzheimer's afflicted mother in a nursing home in Nebraska while she chased her dreams in Hollywood, and the question of when to reveal her identity to Lane—felt realistic and added depth to the novel.

I enjoyed the romance between Danica and Lane, but more than that, I loved watching Danica's journey. She began as a woman who hid in the shadows (out of necessity), and she became America's sweetheart. Of course, many other things happened before and after she became famous, but those are things you should experience for yourself!

Mamarazzi is definitely a fairy tale—I would be stunned if something like this happened in real life. But that just adds to the charm of the novel—what girl hasn't at some point dreamed that a famous actor would fall in love with her? A few times, I didn't necessarily buy what was happening (usually regarding Gage, one of Danica's co-stars on the TV show), but overall, Mamarazzi is a delightful romantic comedy, and I'm looking forward to reading Williams' next release.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Lynn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danica Bennett move to Hollywood to be a photographer. She needed to make enough to live and take care of her mother in a nursing home. She has dreamed about being a photographer to the stars. It is hard to get her foot in the door and she has to resort to taking those pictures the stars don't want anyone to see. Being mistaken for an extra at the studio where she was sneaking around. She figured it was a good chance to get some great unseen photos and maybe make a little extra money. She never planned on meeting the stars of the show and falling for one or have her life spin so out of control. When Eliot Lane walked on set that day he never expected to be so drawn to an extra. He couldn't look away. It was so unprofessional.

Cute story. Danica was great, loved her character. She didn't want to be that person that the actors and actress hated, but she had to do what she needed to survive. When her part as an extra becomes more and Eliot Lane takes an interest in her she tries her best to escape from that life and become the photographer she wanted to be. Sometimes your past just doesn't fade away. It comes to light. Eliot Lane wasn't you typical actor. He was down to earth and appreciated where he came from. The attraction he had to Danica wasn't something he could ignore. The story flows along smoothly and quite a few humorous moments. Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Brooke Williams. I absolutely love her writing style. Mamarazzi has a great unique storyline. You should definitely one click this one.

Danica is a photographer. She want to make her mom proud. She’s in Hollywood trying to become a great photographer. She ends up as a Hollywood paparazzi. She is really good at what she does. She stays out of the limelight. No one knows her true identity and they call her Mamarazzi. She falls into an acting part when she is caught on set. As the story goes on she now becomes the one paparazzi are following. I loved how she got to see both sides of Hollywood.

On set she meets Hollywood star, Eliot. Eliot is a super hot Hollywood star. He’s not cocky or a player. He’s nice. Eliot and Danica have instant chemistry. Their chemistry is what gets Danica the job on the show he’s on.

Eliot and Danica start off as friends but that doesn’t last long. They end up being more than friends but Danica has the secret of her being Mamarazzi. A couple of people threaten to expose her secret. While reading I was wondering how and when her secret would come out and how it would affect her and Eliot’s relationship.

4 1/2 Stars!!

A copy was received for a review.

[Rachel Skatvold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mamarazzi had me hooked from the first line. This author has a real talent for creating layered and interesting characters that you want to root for and Danica Bennett was one of them.

Danica’s uses a fake identity, the Mamarazzi to take photos of celebrities in secret and sell them to make a living. However, she dreams of becoming a professional photographer someday. When she stumbles upon an acting gig and finds herself falling for one of her co-stars, Danica struggles even harder to keep her fake identity as the Mamarazzi a secret. If it comes out, it could ruin her career and tear her from the man she loves.

I’ve never read a book quite like Mamarazzi and enjoyed that it took the viewpoint of one of the paparazzi. This angle made the storyline interesting and original. I loved the two main characters because they were both much more than they seemed and came from opposite sides of “the camera” you might say. The romance was sweet and clean, with just enough suspense to keep me flipping through chapters. This one’s a five star read for me!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mamarazzi took me on a fun ride from a different point of view. I love books that feature down to earth Hollywood types, but this one takes that premise a bit further by including the paparazzi. It's somewhat hard for me to reconcile Danica with the stigma of the paparazzi throughout the story, because she's described as so sweet and nice. I loved that she had morals and ethics even in a profession that is looked at as unfavorable. I also loved her driving force, family is everything.

Lane is so relaxed and caring, the exact opposite of what the press typically presents of stars. His actions make me swoon, as he's swept away by Danica and goes out of his way to take care of her in different ways.

I enjoyed the events of the story, although had a little trouble with the time frame, it seems to skip weeks at a time with just a sentence or two to detail what went on during the skipped time.

Overall, the story had a nice flow, fun characters (especially Noelle) and of course a HEA. It's an enjoyable and quick read with lots to love about it.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danica Bennett is doing a job she hates to pay the bills and keep her mother comfortable in the Alzheimer’s home. Danica is better than any other paparazzi in Hollywood, but her name is a secret since she soiled the reputations of many famous people.

Quite by accident, while she’s on the studio lot trying to get some scoop pictures, she’s mistaken for an extra and whisked on to the set of the new sitcom Cousins. There she meets Gage Malone and Eliot Lane, the co-stars. Lane can’t take his eyes off her.

She’s suddenly thrust into stardom and her life as the Mamarazzi starts to unravel. With threats from her agent and the vengeful appearance of her cousin Vesper, Danica must come clean with Eliot. They’ve fallen for each other and her past will ruin everything.

Ms. Williams delivers an interesting behind the camera view of the paparazzi. This is an enjoyable well-written novel with a sweet romance.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a person be a villain and a hero? Brooke Williams shows it's possible in Mamarazzi as she pens a story which captures the imagination...and steals your heart.

Danica Bennett's a brilliant photographer, but nobody knows it except her...and her agent. She'd happily toss her disguises in the trash for a "real" job except for the bills on her counter and her grumbling belly. When her search for the next great "shot" lands her as an extra in the next great sitcom, her life takes an unexpected turn, and she finds herself on the other end of the lens. Faced with pressure from her agent, the Mamarazzi must make a choice...to trust or leave love behind.

Ms. Williams layers this story with lessons in life which are important for all. From the fragmented heartbreak of Alzheimer's to the blunders of assumptions, she touches the heart and keeps the reader turning the pages.

I give Mamarazzi five stars.

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super story! What happens when you are paid to try and get pictures exposing secrets of the rich and famous, but you have your own secret that you are trying to hide? Danica has a dream but dreams won't pay her bills or her mom's bills, so she has to become someone she does not like. Thinking she is hidden as she sneaks on a closed set in order to get some pictures the tables are turned when the crew thinks she is the extra they have been waiting on. She goes with that and things snowball from there when one of the stars is drawn to her. She has feelings for Eliot as well, but what will he think of her if her secret comes out? This story is so very different from anything I have read in quite some time. It has such a funny side to it that you will find yourself giggling throughout. Ms. Williams is a terrific storyteller and takes the reader along with her for the ride.

[Leslie Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this light and easy romance. The main character is a paparazzi, so it was fun to see things from the other side of the camera. She unwittingly gets a job as an extra on an up-and-coming sitcom, and begins to see things from a reversed role. This book is a fast read/listen (I listened to the Audible audio version of the book), but the pacing is good, characters are well-developed, and the story line is clean and sweet. The narrator, Leonor A. Woodworth, does a good job and sounds as I would expect the characters to sound. Overall, this is a fun book, and if you are looking for a different, fresh and breezy romance, this is a great choice.

[Crystal Yawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollywood is full of secrets and lies. how does one handle it when her lie is exposing others secrets to the world.
Mamarazzi is an enjoyable story following Danica through her accidental part on a new comedy series. the tale is full of laughter, love, nail biting moments and even a few tears. with an expected plot played out in an unexpected way.
I rooted for Danica throughout the book, loved lane and am hoping to see more of Noelle-maybe in her own story. I hated Have at first but learned to like him towards the end. loved the story,.

[Sydney Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Brooke Williams' storytelling. I can always trust her books to be well-written/edited and thought provoking. I think this is the first book I've read from the POV of a paparazzi. Some are probably dirt bags, but not Danica, and that made her a great heroine for me.

If you love great storytelling and sweet romances, definitely give this book a shot. You won't regret it.

[Patricia Kiyono · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed everything I've read by Brooke Williams, and this story didn't disappoint. Danica has a taste of life that most of us can only dream about. But now that she's there, she's in a real predicament, and we have to keep turning the pages to find out how she finds her way out. This is a fun read!

[Melissa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the romance between these two! Kept me wanting more and more!