Queen of the Universe

by Geralyn Corcillo

TV writer extraordinaire Lola Scott is about to lose her show because she STILL hasn't cast the role of Sam Destry, the dark, brooding bounty hunter. But then Arlen Black walks into her office and he is PERFECT for the part. One problem, though. He's not an actor there to audition. Nope. He's the handyman Lola hired to renovate her historic Hollywood house.

No problem. Lola gleefully offers him the dream job of a lifetime. No dice--the stoic recluse in a tool belt wants nothing to do with Lola and her show. But Lola doesn't give up. She goes after Arlen using every trick she can think of, but her Hollywood machinations just bounce right off him.

Why can't she get a bead on this guy?

A scrambling Lola is about to get the ax when Arlen surprises her socks off and signs on to play Sam. She has no idea why he changed his mind, but she doesn't have time to stop and think about it. Not when she has to get him camera-ready, suppress her totally unprofessional attraction to him, and hide from the studio exec, her million-dollar leading lady, and the world at large that her ace-in-the-hole leading man is really just her sexy handyman.

The stellar pilot garners media accolades, causing Hollywood gossip to sink its claws into Arlen. When one paparazzi photo threatens to destroy everything he holds dear, Lola finally understands why he upended his life to do the show and save her career. Now she's got to move heaven and Earth not to save the show ... but to save Arlen.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Amazon

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2015

About the author

First and foremost, Geralyn Corcillo loves reader reviews! In other news...When she was a kid growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Geralyn Vivian Ruane Corcillo dreamed of one day becoming the superhero Dyna Girl. So, she did her best and grew up to constantly pick up litter and rescue animals. At home, she loves watching old movies, British mysteries and the NY Giants.These days, she lives in Hollywood with her husband Ron, a guy who's even cooler than Kip Dynamite.

Visit Geralyn and even leave her a note at geralyncorcillo.com. She loves to connect with readers!

Geralyn Corcillo (who has also written under GVR Corcillo) has won the following for her debut novel, Miss Adventure:
Best Humor Book 2013 -Rebecca's Reads Choice Awards
Best Indie Book 2013 -Rebecca's Reads Choice Awards
Book Buyer's Best Finalist 2014 -Single Title Contemporary Romance
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter Finalist 2014 -Romance

Reviews

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release Date: October 17, 2015
Genre: Chick Lit and Humor

Lately it has been really hard to find a fun and engaging chick lit book that keeps my interest but Geralyn Corcillo has changed this for me. I really enjoyed reading this book. It's got the perfect amount of humor and romance and character development and banter (which is crucial) was perfect. I loved the whole idea surrounding the plot and really became invested in both of the characters lives. This my friends, is how all books should be written.

​If your looking for a fun and lighthearted chick lit novel with the right amount of romance and humor than I strongly suggest giving this book (and maybe a new author) a try.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Successful showrunner Lola Scott's dream of writing her own television drama series is about to become a reality. But she hasn't been able to cast the perfect leading man for the role of Sam Destry, a brooding bounty hunter, and the deadline to shoot the pilot show is two weeks away. That's all about to change when handsome handyman Arlen Black shows up at the studio and turns her world upside down! Lola knows that she has to get Arlen to agree to play the role, and she'll do whatever it takes!

In Queen of the Universe, the second book in the Love in the Limelight Series, author Geralyn Corcillo weaves a delightful romantic comedy set in Hollywood, that follows the trials and tribulations that Lola and Arlen face when their universe collides and brings them together on and off the set. From the time that they meet, there is an undeniable sexual attraction between sassy Lola and broody Arlen, and while both try to fight the attraction, they can't help but be drawn to each other, even when traumatic pasts, family and studio drama, and life's circumstances throws in some challenges that they need to overcome in order for their romantic attraction to blossom into true love.

Queen of the Universe is an entertaining tale that has a fun cast of characters; witty banter and comedic interactions; and the right amount of humor, romance, heartache, and drama that will captivate the reader's attention and leave them wanting more. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I really enjoyed Lola's quirky assistant, Ray Collier, he is hilarious and needs his own story! I look forward to reading Catch a Falling Star, the next book in the series that features the story of actress Wendy Hunter and Lola's younger brother Colin Scott.

Queen of the Universe is a wonderful romantic tale of letting go of the past and allowing yourself to find love.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Goddess Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Bethany Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the concept of this book! Real world meets Hollywood Glam! It will pull you in right from the very beginning!

Lola Scott is a TV Writer who can work wonders on just about any TV issue that can happen! Now, can she turn HER TV show into reality or will she go down in history for this one failure never to be heard from again?

Lola and Ray (her trusty sidekick who is truly hilarious on all accounts) are in trouble...they can't find anyone to play the part of Sam, the mysterious man that lives next store. What exactly will Lola do if she can't find a leading man in time?

Then HE walks in...Sam...the man she has always dreamed about...BUT WAIT, this man isn't even an actor?

Arlen Black stopped by the set to get details from Lola regarding renovations on her house and he doesn't realized what crazy dream he just walked into! He doesn't realize what just happened to him in the matter of a Hollywood Minute.

Lola manages to talk him into reading for the part with her and the kiss, wow that kiss! All in the name of the show right? Or was it?

And this is where the crazy whirlwind begins...Will Lola win Arlen over? Will her agree to play same? Will she fall in love with this man and not even know it?

Geralyn will keep you intrigued from beginning to end, you will never know what will happen from one chapter to the next!

Sit back and grab your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy every minute!

[Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Miss Adventure (aka She Likes It Rough/She Likes It Tough) by this author. I have re-read it a couple of times. When I saw the link to this one in the back of MA, I checked it out as a AMZ Prime Loan because I couldn't wait to read it. This one is a solid 3.5 star read for me. To round or not to round? Immediately after reading, I thought I would not round. Then, I kept thinking about it and decided to round.

The book blurb does a good job describing the basics of the book/plot/story.

What didn't work for me?
I didn't like Lola (the h) as much as I liked Lisa from MA. I thought Lola a little to whiny (not a whole lot, but definitely in comparison.) And that's the thing, in comparison. In comparison, I did not love it as much as MA - so it can't get a 4.5 or 5-star from me.

Also, the AIS - I have never read a book in which a character had this syndrome. I don't have a problem with people with this syndrome - it just threw me a little because I don't know much about it. However, it did explain Lola's belief in that she had to find "the one" to accept her in a HEA relationship.

What did work for me?
I loved Arlen (the H). He absolutely loved "his kids" even though he was not their biological father. He was devastated and little lost when he no longer had unlimited access to them. For anyone who has been involved in custody matters, this may resonate. The system was against him from the very beginning. Also, there is his wife's betrayal via her will. I liked that Lola fought for him and his kids by using her skills as "the fixer." I also liked some of the major side characters.

So what changed my mind about rounding?
Toward the end, the insights into the relationship with Lola's mother struck a note with me. Her mother's admission that she treated Lola differently based on jealousy was interesting and I liked that her mother acknowledged it and tried to work through it with Lola to help her not lose out on happiness. This one aspect was the deciding factor for me (also, because Lola's dad was on his way, but Mom stepped up to the plate to fix what she had broken.)

Will I re-read? At first I thought no - now, I'm not so sure. I may want to read the mom fixing the broken relationship parts again, or the part where Lola "fixes" things for Arlen and his kids, etc. If I do, I will change my rating.

3.5 rounded stars.

[Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2016/01...

I really enjoyed Geralyn Corcillo's debut, Miss Adventure, so I was very excited to read her second novel. In Queen of the Universe we meet TV writer Lola. She is talented, knows what she is doing and has been given the opportunity to run her own show, so everything needs to go perfectly. Slight problem though, they can't find their perfect leading man. Here's when Arlen enters the action, he is perfect for the role... but he is not actor!

I loved the concept for the story. Imagine taking a no one with no acting experience, who actually doesn't even want to be an actor, into the most anticipated comedy of the year in Hollywood. A recipe for disaster... but when everyone loves this no one and want to know more about him, that's when the story gets really interesting.

I love that Geralyn's style is so fresh and fun. While reading Queen of the Universe, I was able to totally disconnect from my everyday life and enter a complete new world for me, a studio in Hollywood. I love stories that have these behind the scenes story lines as I always enjoy knowing more about how this crazy world works and I think that Geralyn offers us the perfect glimpse into it. I felt like I was there with them, recording and avoiding paparazzi everywhere!

Plus, Lola and Arlen were fantastic characters. In fact, I might have a slight crush on Arlen myself. What a man! He was so much more than I was expecting and he had some secrets that I was not expecting at all. In fact, during the whole story, Geralyn managed to keep me wondering what was going to happen next and surprised me more than once.

So if you are in need of some laughs, romance and craziness, I highly recommend you pick Queen of the Universe, a refreshing Hollywood story that will surprise you. Geralyn's stories are original, fun and highly entertaining and I'm already looking forward to her next one.

[Les · Rating 3 out of 5]

On Amazon this book it titled "Queen of the Universe: a romantic comedy"

But it isn't it is a romantic drama.

While there are several funny premises and sitcom-esque misunderstandings there is a vast amount of drama and tragedy mixed in.

When Super Story runner, Lola Scott, is about to lose her big break because she can't cast Sam in her new 1 hour drama. When Arlen Black arrives she freaks him out, since he's a renovator not an actor. Of course he's a natural and she spends days luring him to the show.
He is hesitant because he is looking forward to visiting with his kids, tragedy number one. And when he and Lola seem to move from coworkers to lovers Lola has a secret too and it is tragic.

And Lola turns into a trope of I am a fabulous, talented successful woman but I can never find true love because I can't have a baby - so I am going to push this guy away rather than possibly act like an adult.

[Pippa Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen Of Creating Quirky Characters

Lola Scott is a TV writer in charge of putting together a pilot show. Everything is going well apart from one thing. She has no leading man. She despairs of finding the perfect Sam. Until she sees Arlen Black, the handyman hired to fix her house, that is. She knows he'd be perfect for the role and all she needs to do is convince him to give it a go. She tries everything in her power to win him over. And she does, in more ways than one.

Ms Corcillo has created not only two fabulous characters in Lola and Arden, but also in the supporting characters too. Her writing is well-paced with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Roll on the next book!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun-filled and delightful read! Talk about a lady on a mission with the backbone to go after what she wants to succeed - that's Lola for you. I was pulling for Lola and Arlen so I wasn't surprised with the outcome. The kids added an unexpected twist that added to the story. I am loving the In Love in the Limelight series and cannot wait to read Geralyn's next novel.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.

[Sandi Blaylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just plain fun

I have enjoyed this book from first word to the last. It's just a really really good book. Funny to sad back to funny to everything. It's different but I loved it. Again. Really really good!!!!!

[Hailey Mansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny! And unique - the characters are a breath of fresh air. You get to read dialogue that is completely original, spun in a way that only this author can deliver. Love this book!

[Giizis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't read this author before. Really glad I stumbled across this one. It's a really fun read!

[Patricia Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the book was great! Sensitive and saucy Lola Scott has finally written her own TV drama series. Now she just has to finish casting it. So far finding a moody handsome bounty hunter type man has been unsuccessful. To carpenter Arlen Black becoming an actor is not a dream come true. He has other obligations and responsibilities. He just came to go over some details about Lola's house renovations! but that doesn't deter Lola from roping him in. No Spoilers here...Lets just say that Arlen gets caught in a twister and he is not in Kansas anymore! This is a story of falling in love...meshing two different lives together which is a feat unto itself. You will smile and laugh on their crazy journey because after all , The best ratings are for the Happily Ever Afters!

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, funny and fabulous

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

There is a definite love story between Lola and Arlen, but love never comes easy. Sometimes, it can be a rocky road to romance, especially when you hold onto secrets and don’t want to divulge what could be damning information. I really appreciate the backstory for both characters. It helped to explain and define why they are the way they are, and for most of the book I wondered, “are they going to be together? Will this work out, or are they better off apart?”

I also appreciated the viewpoints from the supportive characters in "Queen." From assistants to parents, to siblings, I felt it really helped to round out this story and allowed us to see Lola and Arlen more clearly, which made them feel all the more real. When I review a book, I often remark on the realism of the characters, because I like to feel as though I’m right there. Geralyn has breathed life into her characters, which makes me love them all the more!

My only request: Continue their story! I’d love to see what the future holds for everyone in Queen. Will Lola and Arlen be together? Will Lola still devote her time to tv writing, or will she go off the beaten path? Is Arlen still content to be a handyman, and is he still acting? What adventures (or misadventures) are in store for them? I don’t want the fun to end!

[Arielle Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted on my blog www.livinglifewithjoy.com Check out my blog for more reviews, interviews, excerpts and giveaways!

This novel had me entertained and captured my attention from page one. I could tell it was going to be a fun read!

I absolutely loved this novel! It was filled with humor, drama and love. Geralyn wrote two fantastic leads with a wonderful supporting cast. A heart warming, fun story about learning to navigate life and above all things, love. This novel had me laughing the whole way through and even made me tear up a bit, but in a good way. Geralyn’s writing is charming, hilarious, and sheer perfection. This novel is a prime example of what I always hope to see in any romantic comedy I pick up. A story that entertains you, captivates you, and has you flipping the pages to find out more. A story about life and love and the importance of family. I completely devoured this novel but was so sad when I finished because it was over! I can’t wait to read the next novel!

‘Its not being with the ones you love that really hurts.’

5 stars for this fabulous novel. Can’t wait to read her next one!

[Glynis Astie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book to come out for so long! Ms. Corcillo took my breath away with her debut novel, Miss Adventure. (Seriously, I couldn't stop laughing!) Never in my life have I come across an author who is so full of humor, passion and good old-fashioned charm. From her novels to her short stories, I have been engrossed since the very beginning. She's THAT good. In Queen of the Universe, we meet the great Lola Scott, a woman who has finally achieved her dream of being a showrunner because she's not afraid of whatever challenges come her way. Enter the gorgeous and brooding Arlen Black who promptly turns Lola's world upside down. What follows is a magical mix of hilarity, heartache and just the right amount of romance. With a rich supporting cast, Ms. Corcillo rounds out her well-crafted tale and leaves you with a smile on your face. Then you realize the book is over and you have to wait for her to write another one!

[Jennifer Collin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen of the Universe is funny, heart-warming and original. Geralyn Corcillo creates one-of-a-kind characters I've previously described as delightfully flawed. I much prefer to read characters who are struggling their way through the emotional confusion of modern adulthood, than perfect characters whose story revolves around their circumstances. Geralyn's characters make mistakes. They do silly things. Sometimes you want to reach into the book and tell them to open their eyes. But their foolishness is never trite. You know how easy it is to make the same bad calls. 
These characters are original, and so is the story-line. You're never sure what's around the corner for Lola and Arlen, and you simply cannot put the book down until you find out. 
The supporting cast in Queen of the Universe is also magnificent. From Lola's co-worker Ray to her mother Charlotte, the supporting characters add humour and depth to the story.

[Grace Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible!

I can't remember when I've enjoyed a book as much as I did this one! It's a comedic, sweet, romantic, quirky book, and very difficult to put down. I immediately fell in love with the characters... Strong and of substance. Ms. Corcillo has captured my interest and I can't wait to read the next in this series. Hoping she will give Ray his own book. Great job of writing. I wasn't tripped up once with grammatical, spelling, or verbiage errors. Great uniquely original story line. I very very highly recommend reading this book.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great weekend read by Geralyn! I really enjoyed this novel, it was funny, well written and it flowed so well. Lola, the main character gives you a good laugh throughout the novel and I totally loved Arden, he’s welcome to come and fix my house anytime:) Well done to Geralyn Corcillo for another entertaining read!

[Regina · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 60-something %.

Weird mix of first (Lola) and third person (Arlen) narrative, also the heroine keeps repeating words words words. A lot lot lot.
Lola does have her moments, but somehow I liked her assistant better. :-/

I may give it another go in the future, but at the moment it's just not the right story for me.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend urged me to read this and I was like "yeah yeah" but I had insomnia so I started to read it...then I couldn't put it down. I stayed up all night, finished it, and now I'm dead tired but wanting more. Suffice to say, I adored this book. Humorous, quirky, fun fun fun!

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the span of a few days I became a huge fan of Geralyn Corcillo books.she is able to portray believable primary and secondary characters.
The storyline is also very good and I was hooked from the beginning.

[ItaPixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book,it was funny and sweet.
Lola and Arlen seem so different from each other,they come from two different worlds,the first is a crazy Hollywood showrunner and the other is a broody handyman, but the reader cannot not to grow fond of them and root for them.

[Janet Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second book I've read by this author (the other bein Miss Adventure). and I liked this one as much as the first. I will look for more from this author. The writing was easy to follow and the story flowed nicely. I like the characters she creates.

[Marianela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Change of pace

This is a cute story, even though it has elements of girl meets boy, it has some good twists and makes an interesting plot. The author really has a grip on the characters and reveals their past, & their problems in an empathic way. Good read for all age groups.

[Argie Maniati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I sense a slump coming my way I'm looking for something funny and light hearted to keep me out of it. Romance, contemporary and relatively short Queen of the Universe is just what I needed at the moment and I really enjoyed reading it!!

[Mary Stockwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

What an entertaining book this is. I so enjoyed reading this that I can't wait to read her other books . It's a new and unusual storyline dealing with things we all deal with every day . Humor , romance, self-doubt , and drama of every day life . I loved it

[Jennifer Henricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Really loved this book! A job well done. Liked the storyline and the characters. Really great love story and some funny stuff as well.

[Angel Timmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this story!!! even cried at the end!!!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a great book to read