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Dawn Hathaway is a realist. She’s not the smartest girl at Allenhurst College. She’s not the prettiest, either. So if she wants to be popular, she’ll need something else: power. What better way to get it than to start a gossip column in the campus newspaper? If she has to commit a few minor crimes in pursuit of the latest scoop, what’s the harm?

Arturo Perez loves being a campus cop. He knows Allenhurst’s nooks and crannies—and lately he’s been finding the campus gossip snooping into every one of them. He can’t deny that he enjoys bantering with the sassy schemer. But he also can’t shake the sense that there’s more going on with Dawn than meets the eye.

When tragedy strikes and Dawn needs help, how far will Arturo go to protect her?

110 pages, ebook

First published October 4, 2016

1 person is currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

Jenny Holiday

31 books1,824 followers
Jenny Holiday is a USA Today-bestselling and RITA®-nominated author whose books have been featured in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, and Buzzfeed. She grew up in Minnesota and started writing at age nine when her fourth-grade teacher gave her a notebook to fill with stories. When she's not working on her next book, she likes to hang out with her family, watch other people sing karaoke, and throw theme parties. Jenny lives in London, Ontario, Canada.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,884 reviews136 followers
October 2, 2016
I had thoroughly enjoyed the first book, The Fixer, so jumped at the chance to read this, the next book in this series. Both books concern students working on the College newspaper and this one ‘stars’ Dawn Hathaway. Her attempts to get into one particular Frat house are thwarted by the vigilance of Arturo Perez, a campus cop, an attractive man who is nine years older than her. With that path to being popular gone, Dawn manages to convince the newspaper bosses to let her write a gossip column. Over the years at college, every time she does something that could get her into bother of any kind, Art seems to be there to save or protect her. Her column isn’t the usual hate/denigrating gossip, she tries to make a difference through it but one of her articles has unforeseen, tragic consequences and again, Art is there to help her survive. As both have family dramas and the attraction between them grows, will they turn to each other for solace and support - and can it lead to more in future?

This is a poignant romance with an 80s theme throughout it. The song it is based around is “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler and there are other references to this era, for instance when she describes Art as a “younger Erik Estrada from CHiPS”. The novel doesn’t glorify or look at college life through rose coloured glasses - it shows the striving for popularity and the steps some people are conned into doing to achieve this. It also shows how Dawn matures over the years in a realistic and easy to relate to manner. The characters are complex, their backgrounds seriously affecting their behaviour and showing how family pressures to meet with their expectations can also impact on students, sometimes with negative effects. There is plenty of emotional turmoil and tribulations in this second in the series and I have no hesitation in highly recommending both this book and the series to anyone who enjoys coming of age romances with a well structured plot, plenty of action and a romance that grows rather than being instant-love.

I was gifted a copy of this book by the author, via Barclay PR, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,635 reviews267 followers
November 6, 2016
This review appears at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...

The Gossip is the second novella in Jenny Holiday’s ‘80s themed New Adult series, the New Wave Newsroom. It focuses on the staff working at a college newspaper and with a modern historical setting of the 1980s, will bring a wave of nostalgia to readers of a certain age (like myself) with its references to the pop culture and music of the day (and big hair, and blue eyeshadow – those yearbook photos speak for themselves). Our heroine is Dawn, a young woman struggling to find her place and choosing the newspaper as a way to gain some recognition. But she soon finds out that fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in a story that takes some emotional twists and turns before settling us with a happy ending.

Dawn’s first run in with twenty-eight year old campus Cop Arturo Perez comes when he catches her in the act of procuring vodka for a frat party, part of her sorority pledge duties. She’s eighteen, and desperate to get in with the popular crowd but no match for Arturo’s ability to spot trouble a mile away. When her pledge bid fails, she takes a new route, joining the campus newspaper as the gossip columnist, a sure fire way to get invited to all the best parties and find out all the behind the scenes juicy tidbits. But sure enough, Arturo always seems to find her in the thick of things (especially the somewhat illegal adventures) and they develop a real friendship. Some of Dawn’s stories have real consequences though, and when a sexual harassment complaint against a professor leads to a tragedy, it’s Arturo who is there to help her through them. If anyone sees the real woman behind the makeup, it’s him. When her college years are over, will it be the end of their time together too?

The story takes place over the span of Dawn’s school enrollment from 1980 to 1984. In the beginning she seems a little shallow with her desire to be a ‘queen bee’, high up on the popularity list. She believes that with her average looks and intelligence, the only way to get some attention is to be a social butterfly, and taking the gossip section of the paper ensures that she’ll always be noticed. But her reasons for wanting that attention stem from the lack of it at home, in particular because her father has always been more interested in her achievements than in her as a person. Over the course of the story, she matures and becomes less self-centered, especially when the reality of the effects of her reporting hit home. But she’s also funny and sweet and bubbly and really a genuinely nice person. It’s these things that attract Arturo to her, even as his position of authority keeps him at arm’s length, at least until she’s in her last year of school.

Arturo is the good guy hero. Tall, well-built and handsome, he catches many a female eye on campus. His family hails from Boston, where his father is a cop, as is his sister; and Arturo has followed in their footsteps – except for one small detail. He likes working on the college campus. He’s not interested in joining the Boston police force, despite his family constantly nagging him to do so. Every semester he puts them off, feeling a responsibility to the students at the college and knowing that he’s providing a valuable service. And after he meets Dawn, he wants to make sure that she’s safe and protected especially with the antics that she seems to always get involved in. And when she needs a friend and a shoulder to cry on, he’s there for her in a heartbeat.

This is a slow burn romance, not unexpectedly, given their age difference and the time Dawn and Arturo need to really get to know each other. But they do eventually end up in some intimate scenes together that are well written and show the depth of feeling that has developed between them. It is a coming of age story for Dawn, who learns a lot about herself and what she really wants for her future. Arturo’s compassionate nature and strength are the grounding Dawn needs to find her way, and I really like the way the story plays out from beginning to end. There are some teary parts, some laugh out loud parts and some swoonworthy parts, too. In the end, it’s a lovely romance with a satisfying happy ending, and I look forward to reading more of the series.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Y..
175 reviews34 followers
October 8, 2016
*I received a free digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

The second entry in the New Wave Newsroom series is just as good as the first! While connected to the first, The Fixer, through a campus newspaper and setting, this book can easily be read as a standalone so don’t worry if you missed reading the first (but I am sure you’ll want to read the first book and I do recommend it because it is really good).

In The Gossip, we meet Dawn, a college student and writer of the newspaper’s gossip column and Art, a campus security officer. The book follows the couple’s various run-ins with one another over the years all leading up to a wonderful conclusion where the couple finally discover and give in to their mutual respect and feelings for each other.

Art always seems to be there for Dawn when she needs him and after one of Dawn’s columns has devastating results, he seems to be the only one who is there. Together the couple helps one another discover who they want to be as individuals and encourages each other to stand up for themselves. Despite their age difference and other obstacles that stand in their way, they somehow keep finding their way back to each other. It is a really touching and sweet romance…with some sexy moments, of course.

As with the first book in the New Wave Newsroom series, The Gossip was also inspired by a song from the 80s, “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” The song is perfect for this couple and an eclipse plays an important part in the relationship between them. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of the New Wave Newsroom series.
Profile Image for Amanda.
Author 22 books3,837 followers
December 15, 2016
I liked this one even better than the first book in the series. Both the main characters were more mature, especially the hero, who was very, very yummy.
Profile Image for Christine.
847 reviews18 followers
September 20, 2016
Not quite as romantic or passionate as Jenny's story in The Fixer, but hello, this one had a campus cop with huge, muscled arms. Officer Arturo Perez was just darling. A protector at heart, this guy was made to be a NA hero. Bonus points to the author for describing him as a younger, more serious Erik Estrada from CHiPs. Best 80s moment ever.

Dawn was harder to like. Her poor little rich girl woes started to grate, especially in light of Art's real family issues. Dawn was just so driven to be popular, to please Daddy, that she came off as far too immature for Art. Given how she was constantly described as a small, pretty girl, I had a hard time imagining her with the far older (9 years) and steadier Art.

A refreshing change from the typical NA insta-luv, Dawn and Art's story took months to unfold. This time gave them the opportunity to get to know each other, but also Dawn needed to get know herself and feel more comfortable in her own skin. By taking the time for Dawn and Art to finally come together, their first time in bed together was both poignant and smoking hot. I just wish the ending hadn't been so abrupt, almost like the author didn't quite know what to do with Dawn and Art.

Note: I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ea_reader.
1,051 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2018
wow, this was a great novella! equal to the first in the series in terms of good writing and enjoyment to read, but with a slightly darker undertone (in contrast to its title). I really liked the slow build up of the friendship between Dawn and Arturo and I liked that the book didn't take the relationship in the direction of a hidden/guilty affair while she was a student - that would have been a bizarre and awful juxtaposition with the other plot point, the gossip/news story Dawn writes.

my only tiny complaint is that the end was a little abrupt - I wanted a little more at the end to revel in!
Profile Image for Katherine.
5,400 reviews42 followers
May 31, 2017
So good. There is high angst, painful & precise. Watching the romance between Dawn and Arturo evolve over four years was so satisfying. And it’s not just lust that brings them together, it’s emotional & physical support. Highly recommend the entire series.

Bought from kindle
Profile Image for Sharrice.
1,215 reviews64 followers
November 3, 2016
EEEK I am so excited to have gotten a copy of Jenny Holiday’s The Gossip! Loved the first book (The Fixer) so much I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.

Dawn Hathaway’s story starts her freshman year where she’s trying to get alcohol to a sorority she’s trying to get into. Sadly, that doesn’t work out when she gets ticketed by campus officer Arturo Perez. The two don’t start off friendly, but later on they begin to form a friendship through the years they’re at Allenhurst college together. Sometimes with Arturo bursting Dawn for things she’s not supposed to be doing, and other times when Dawn needs help. The line between student and campus officer blurs more and more as the years go by and when Dawn’s time is finally up and Arturo is supposed to become a police officer, the two need to decide who will dictate their lives; themselves or their families.

I loved Dawn and Arturo’s story. I like that they didn’t start off as love interests and that over time they began to fall for each other. Jenny Holiday did a great job of building up the suspense for their relationship.

Dawn wanted to be powerful and so after being rejected by the sorority she joined the newspaper and started the first ever gossip column. She learned a lot about what made for good journalism in that time and she became very good at breaking stories. Sadly, some of the stories don’t work out so well and Dawn has to deal with the fall out of that for some of this story which really brought to light Dawn’s strength. I liked Dawn a lot and thought she was a super quirky relatable female lead who brought in some insecurities and some strengths.

Arturo’s whole family are police officers and while he knows his whole family expects him to follow suit he really enjoys being a campus cop. Throughout the story he deals with trying to live up to his family expectations, wanting to be there for Dawn and being happy.

I like that so much story is packed into such a short story. Jenny Holiday is just amazing!!! Grab this whole series if you can.
Profile Image for Lynn Cheryl.
725 reviews34 followers
October 3, 2016
Before reading The Fixer, the first book in this New Wave Newsroom series, I was a bit apprehensive because of the covers for each title. Now that I've read the first two books, I can see how clearly they fit the personality of each female protagonist.

Dawn Hathaway's plans sensationally backfire when she's caught trying to illegally acquire alcohol for an upcoming party hosted by the Delta Chi Fraternity. With a $50 fine and missing out on getting into the Alpha Phi Sorority, she decides to reinvent herself as a gossip columnist for the campus newspaper. When a story she writes ends with a death, she needs help and the cop who's had her on his protective radar since their first run-in is more than happy to comply.

Arturo Perez loves his job as a community police officer at Allenhurst. Yet, lives with the guilt of not living up to his father's expectations...moving back home to join Boston PD. When he meets Dawn Hathaway, he knows deep down, he needs to put his plans on hold and stay in his current role. When a family emergency occurs, he decides to implement his plans but doesn't expect the local gossip columnist to make him see his predicament from an entirely different angle.

This time around, I know the song this novella is based on "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" and equally love all the references to 1980's...Erik Estrada and LEG WARMERS! Both the protagonists have daddy issues and are equally complex as they try to make life changing decisions which make them happy rather than pleasing other people. There's no sugar coating the serious issues the plot throws up however the novella maintains a fun and entertaining vibe. A lot packed into the pages and the author does a magnificent job by showing palpable character development.

You don't have to read the series in order, but be warned...once you've read one, you'll want to read the others.

***arc received courtesy of the publisher via Barclay PR***
Profile Image for Isabelle MBTL .
749 reviews59 followers
October 4, 2016
4.5 stars

review by

cropped-Imbtl.jpg
Amazing series!!!
 

review 1

 

Cover- This cover is so perfect! Really, if you want to meet Dawn you only have to look at the cover. Plus, we can definitely guess the 80's vibes.
Plot- Even better than The Fixer, The Gossip has a more mature content. I like how the author has intertwined both stories in time. We see characters from the first book and we start going back and forth to understand that all this was happening at the same time all of that with the art building and Royce happened on The Fixer. This plot is denser, it has even more depth than on the first book. One half of the couple is a full adult already and their relationship felt more grown up than Jenny's and Matthew.
Plot- Ms. Holiday fantastically wrote a full novel inside this novella. Really, one of my usual problems with novellas is that I feel them rushed. Novellas usually don't give enough time for the plot to build and thickens. This doesn't happen here. In the first 30% of the book, the author built the setting, the plot ground work was laid and we saw how the couple built on their awareness of each other during the first three years of Dawn's college time. Only after that, their relationship started to grow into something more meaningful.
Characters- I love them both. I understood, connected and related to them. Yes, Dawn was a lot more immature than Arturo, but this was exactly what the author wanted portrayed here. The age difference, their life experiences, this was all part of what created their differences in personalities, in whom they were and what they had to overcome to get to that right place when you are ready to a more mature, meaningful relationship with another person.
Addictiveness- Yes, this is a short book, that you will read in one sitting and won't feel the need to do anything else. You can't let go. I've finished last night, and I'm still feeling the aftereffects of the story. I can't wait to jump on The Pacifist.
Freshness- Being a teen on the late 80's I totally love the vibe of this series. The idea of writing something of the past, never felt so new as it does at the New Wave Newsroom series. Kudos to Ms. Holiday.

 

 

Review 2

 

I don't know if this could be any better. Probably being a full novel, so I would get a huge epilogue for my favorite couple. :)

 

 

You MAY read this because you enjoy New Adult romances; you SHOULD read this if you like college lifestyle type of reads; you MUST read this if you would like to reminiscent on the 80's with a powerful romantic series!!!
4.5

arc-tour

This review was originally posted on More Books Than Livros
Profile Image for Carol.
419 reviews33 followers
September 22, 2016
THE GOSSIP BY JENNY HOLIDAY



I received this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review from NetGalley.com


What this book is about :Dawn Hathaway is a college student who dreams of nothing more than popularity and fame she would rather party than study and she dreams of getting into the top sorority Alpha Phi and climbing the social ladder from there . Dawn knows the only way to do that is to impress the sisters and other frat houses by stealing mascots ,signs and buying liquor for an underage annual party . There is only one problem ,Officer Perez the schools security cop stops her at every turn ,every time they meet there is an argument between them. If Dawn even thinks of doing something wrong he's right there on her heels to stop her .

Tired of being written tickets all the time for breaking rules and being looked down on by Officer Perez whose she starting to have a crush on though she wont admit it , Dawn turns to the only other thing left that could possibly get her to where she wants to be ,the college newspaper. Dawn starts writing a gossip column about all the goings on , and her queen bee status starts to rise . When Dawn starts writing gossip that is closer to the truth and less like an episode of Gossip Girl she stirs up trouble and someone dies. Can she survive the rest of college with her head held high ? Dawn soon finds out that standing up for what you believe in makes mortal enemies become friends and the cool kids no longer want to play with you .



What I liked about this book: I liked that the author of this book didn't over glorify college so many times while reading a book about college the author goes in to great detail about this or about that and how amazing it is .This was more of an eye opener that no matter how much a lot of people might deny it college is still at times just like high school of course the main character Dawn kind of made it that way by trying to scale the popularity ladder instead of focusing on her grades .Dawns gossip columns stories were realistic and believable I could see a college student on the paper writing the things that she wrote . It was also realistic how the newspaper staff lawyered up before publishing some of the more damaging articles that Dawn wrote for the paper . I was also ecstatic at the change and growth of Dawn I hated her in the beginning I found her shallow and dumb but her character development and increasing maturity and depth were awesome .Dawn and Officer Perez both dealt with pressures from their families to do what their families wanted them to do and I liked that both characters found their own path in the end .The plot and the characters were well written .




I would recommend this book .

PUBLISH DATE: OCT 4TH ,2016


Profile Image for Bobbie Stanley.
143 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2016
Going into this one, I was expecting a light, fun read. I got so much more than that! The characters in this story are so beautifully well developed. I found myself so incredibly attached to Dawn and related to her in ways that I hadn’t expected. The depth of her character is so well written and completely thought out that I’m still realizing elements that I missed while I was actually reading the story. Arturo operates in much the same way, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. They balance one another very well and draw out elements of one another’s personalities that might otherwise be missed. They really are a great pair!

This is the second book in a series, and I was concerned at first that I might not have all the information I needed because I did not have the opportunity to read the first. If you’re approaching it with similar concerns, definitely don’t worry! I’m sure the first book is just as excellent as this one, but whatever action happened in that one is not necessary to this story. You can understand it perfectly well even if you’re reading books out of order.

Probably my favorite part of this story is the way that the author was able to explore perception vs. reality. The things that we perceive as success and believe we want may play out to be so very different from what we expect. We see this in a number of ways as Dawn progresses through her college years and the many challenges she faces. I don’t want to spoil anything for any of you, but just know that by the time you’ve made it to the end of this story, you will find yourself thinking about all of the things you’ve been sure you wanted until you had them, wondering if they were really worth all it took to get there. This is a fairly quick read, but it packs quite a punch! I’m so glad I had the chance to check it out and I can’t wait to read the next in the series!
Profile Image for Keanna (JustKey).
921 reviews159 followers
October 2, 2016
*Received this ARC from Netgalley*

Characters:
Dawn doesn't call herself the prettiest a room nor does she think she's the smartest. So when she discovers that she wants to work for the newspaper on a gossip column. Dawn wants to be popular like most people our age want to be known for something. But every time she needs information for a piece she always gets caught by none other than Officer Perez. Dawn really doesn't like him catching her in the act every time and she has to ride around in his cop car. But Dawn doesn't realize the pieces she writes have a powerful effect in a good way, but she still has doubts about not pursuing journalism, because of her dad. Throughout the years, she and Officer Perez or Art has been in contact and knowing each other for years as he saves her from going too far and she starts to fall for him.

Art: His dad doesn't approve of a job he loves. But for some reason he keeps catching Dawn since her freshmen year in compromising situations. Her zeal for getting gossip and as he gets to know her as he continues to bail out situations that she thinks she can handle while no realizing that she has someone who will support her and they actually have something in common. Art realized despite the age between he and Dawn; he really likes her. She gives him the inspiration to actually be happy and not have to defend where he works and don't care what his dad says.

Final Thoughts:
The romance didn't take over, but showcased on both characters personality and growth and love was over a period of Dawn's college career rather than aall at once. It was like a slow 80's song and when you take a listeni comes together like flipping through a stack of Polaroids.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,403 reviews624 followers
June 8, 2019
What a great addition to the New Wave Newsroom series. It was fun and flirty and heart-warming but best of all it had heart and growth. The story spans thru Dawn's four year college adventure and in that time we see the most beautiful transformation I have ever seen in a young character. She stays true to herself and who she is at her core but learns focus and determination in a more productive way (that's gonna mean a heck of a lot more once you read the book lol).

Dawn and Arturo's journey and growth maturity also transformed beautifully. There's an attraction there from the beginning, but Arturo knows that not only his position at the college but also Dawn's age would make it impossible for a relationship. But he's willing to see where the chips fall and they form a friendship first .... **happy sigh**

There is nothing insta about this story and it was perfect. It had the fabulous Jenny Holiday signature all over it. She grows and develops everything in her stories and it's a pleasure to read because it's real and relatable. She doesn't sugar-coat the struggles young adults face when the go off to school on their own. Making friends and being accepted is a huge part of higher learning and Dawn struggles with this throughout the book is presented very well. And there's also outside pressures from family and friends and everyone else who has an opinion. LOL Again .... very real.

HUGE PROPS to you Jenny Holiday for once again writing a story that represented diverse characters, not only in background and pasts, but also in present day and making it enjoyable and real and fun and ridiculously heart-warming :)

Copy provided for blog tour review
Profile Image for Brandy.
426 reviews
October 20, 2016
I was given an ARC document copy for an honest review. The second in Jenny Holiday's newswave series, set in the 80's and the second book I have read by this author. I liked the first one in the series, The Fixer, I really, really liked The Gossip. Oh liked the heroine and hero even better than the first. Especially the hero, Arturo 'Art' Perez. Who is described as a younger, hotter, Erik Estrada, 'Ponch' from CHIPS. The 80s theme is fun. And different. I like that I can relate, in that I was alive. A kid during this time period. So I totally get the time period references. The clothes, music, etc. I even remember eating smurfberries, like Dawn does. They're spot on accurate. Subtle. Dawn and Art had a sweet chemistry. I got that even though he was attracted to Dawn, he struggled if he should go there. Being that he was 9 years older and in a position of authority as the campus cop. Just a fun book. I'm really enjoying this story.
Profile Image for Helen Beasley.
83 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2016


I don't know what to say about this book really. It is about a girl called dawn who wanted to set up a column so she could become popular. When she gets a ticket for under age drinking she sees the campus police as officer perez of allenhurst college he seem to go everywhere she went they eventually form a friendship but one gossip column she actually does comes back to bite her on her butt. She gets a lot of abuse from the people of where she attends college after she gets a proffersor in to trouble after he has been blackmailing students for better grades and outs him but after that she finds some horrifying news.

I am not going to give anything away it had comedy in it heartbreak and some really nice scenes in it.

I am giving this book 3/5
Profile Image for Jess.
3,590 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2016
I am deducting a star for the fact that they never had sex with handcuffs in this book, because they both clearly wanted to VERY BADLY. Don't get me wrong, the continuous consent thing was hot (if feeling a little anachronistic from the 80s), but when both of them were very attracted to their power dynamic and a lot of that was built up in their foreplay, not having it when they did have sex felt like I had been cheated.

THAT SAID, I really enjoyed this a lot. I love that Arturo does see Dawn and can't quite manage to stop. I liked her as a somewhat aimless person, because too often we see college characters who have incredibly determined paths and that is ultimately so rare.

I just really liked this.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
2,911 reviews90 followers
December 3, 2016
Who knew that Arturo would get his own story? Well it's Dawns too....but I was happy to see she wasn't going to let the "older" person in the story go by the wayside. A gossip column this story might be about, but it's more about strength, moving forward, and falling in love.
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