In this captivating strangers to lovers, standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author, A.M. Madden, Hollywood’s hottest actor meets his dream woman: a free spirit who has no idea who he is.
After personal heartbreak and professional setbacks, Landon Price is running on empty. If he doesn’t take a break from the public eye soon, he’ll risk becoming another cautionary tale in a town that’s full of them. So in between film projects, Landon asks his agent to clear his schedule and then he simply . . . vanishes.
Renting a discreet home on a remote Hawaiian beach for the summer, Landon begins to recharge. And in the process of finding himself, he meets a beautiful, feisty local who challenges everything he thinks he knows. Zara Jobert has no interest in being a conquest for a cocky playboy from the mainland—even one with undeniable charisma and movie-star good looks. So, she’s pleasantly surprised when the handsome newcomer’s persistent advances mellow into cozy banter and sneakily seductive intimacy. When Landon reveals his true identity, Zara’s hurt that he lied, but she doesn’t care that he’s famous.
Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. And falling for Landon might come with a heartbreaking choice—between Zara’s old life, and a new love.
Vanishing Act is a strangers to lovers stand-alone romance.
A USA Today bestselling, award-winning author, A. M. Madden is also a Jersey girl whose addiction to romance started at twelve after reading Judy Blume’s Forever.
As a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she truly believes that true love knows no bounds.
In her books, she aspires to write fun, sexy, realistic love stories that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. She creates realistic characters and believes there’s no better compliment than when readers feel they know the characters personally.
When not writing, she’s busy being a wife to her soul mate, and a mother to two boys who she believes are the most handsome men on earth. She loves to cook, hates to bake, and dreams about living at the beach someday.
AWARDS: 2016 eLit Gold Medalist - Best Romance Ebook - The Shortstop 2016 IPPY Silver Medalist - Best Romance Ebook - The Shortstop 2018 Book Excellence Finalist - Finding Mr. Wrong (co-written with Joanne Schwehm). 2019 Book Excellence Finalist - Scoring Mr. Romeo (co-written with Joanne Schwehm).
Sign up for A. M. Madden’s newsletter at www.ammadden.com to get up-to-date information on new releases, cover reveals, and exclusive excerpts.
He has it all: wealth, fame, an Academy award under his belt and women who throw themselves at his feet. But something's missing from Landon Price's life. He despises the lack of privacy and craves normalcy. Add to that a bone-deep exhaustion Landon decides he needs a break. Disappearing sounds heavenly. Under a pseudonym he travels to paradise, Lanai, Hawaii, to refuel his depleted energy tanks. He writes his story, about the death of his twin brother, about his grief.
A little Maltese dog leads him to Zara. He is attracted at first sight. In order to stay anonymous he feeds her lies. Being with Zara makes him realize him even more how shallow his life has become and how much he takes his privileged life for granted.
Zara and Landon start spending time and the more they do the bigger becomes Landon's desire to open up about himself, to tell her the truth about himself. When he starts with telling her about his brother it isn't only cathartic but also deepens their connection. They share a deep grief about the loss of a sibling. But how will Zara, this beautiful, shy and sheltered young woman, react when she learns who he really is?
The first 20% I really liked where this was going. I was looking forward to getting some angst. The hero was very likable, sweet and funny and a bit of a horndog which provided some comic relief. Unfortunately the story fell apart for me when Landon tried to get to know the heroine better. It started to drag to a point where I got a bit frustrated. What added to it was that Zara was shy, guarded and sheltered and I missed the feistiness and fire we were promised. I was waiting for her to show some kind of liveliness but to me she felt too bland. A dog called Marshmallow provided some hilarious moments. . Landon insisted on calling him Spike, because, you know...Marshmallow. Spike was super cute.
I would have loved to learn more about the heroes struggle to come to terms with his brother's death. The premise of the superstar actor trying to find himself again was so good unfortunately the execution didn't work for me. It was too slow for me to enjoy it completely. The saving grace was the good writing and the sweet hero. Since they worked for me I'll gladly try something else from A.M. Madden.
This was an ok romance between a regular nobody girl with a "Hot Hollywood Actor". The hero saw, fell in lust, chased the heroine. Hero has a lot experience while the heroine was inexperienced. 🙄😒
From the blurb, it promises an angsty romance. I mean a famous movie star went into hiding and found the girl of his dream. I thought the story will be dealing a lot with the girl finding out who he was.
But it turns out this is more vacation story. A story you enjoy during sun bathing in Hawaii. There is no angst. Only a lot of vanilla romance. The banters are OK. I found myself a bit bored with the romance. It is 10 hours long audiobook with no major twist/ drama.
The characters are likeable. Enough to keep the story going. Overall this is OK read for mundane Monday.
Let me first say that this book doesn’t work out the way you may think. (Oops! Hope that’s not a huge spoiler.) But for those of you who would choose not to read it because you’ve read the story of the famous hero who lies about who he is and all the angst that results from that lie…this is not that story.
Instead, it is a beautiful love story of a man who is isolated in an industry where he is never alone. No one knows the real Landon Price. Making the decision to take a break he heads to an isolated Hawaiian island. While there he meets Spike. Let me just say that Spike is the most charming, charismatic secondary character I’ve read in a very long time. He eventually leads our hero to our heroine who has lived her life in a community where the tv program Friends is still considered current viewing. There is no wi-fi and cell reception can only be found in a few spots. We are talking i-s-o-l-a-t-e-d.
Landon and Zara’s romance is slow but steady and totally organic. Much like real life. They meet, they date, there is no fast and furtive sex but there is immediate attraction to each other. One of the things I appreciated the most about this story is that this couple actually refrain from having sex until they are in love. It’s a novel idea, right?
Zara is one of the sweetest heroines I’ve read in a while and Landon loves everything about her. You’re not going to get knocked over the head with an alpha hero that thumps his chest, but you’ll meet a man who will give his woman what she needs in order for her life to be fulfilling. Well, he can be a little possessive when confronted by anyone who threatens his position in that life.
I’m not going to tell you how the lie resolves itself and I’m not going to tell you what the huge conflict is. What I will tell you is that this couple are together emotionally throughout this whole book. And I loved every single word of it.
All the feels for Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden. I loved everything about this book, especially Marshmallow/Spike. It was the perfect romantic book for my current mood.
I rated this only 3 stars because it was very predictable and there wasn't anything dramatic that happened to keep my attention. It was just a typical romance with not much awe factor. I won't rule this author completely out. I would still try another book by A.M. Madden in the future and hope for the best. Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely adored this story! I was hooked from the first sentence, plus it was staged in Hawaii, my favorite place in the world!
Landon is at the top of his game, an A-list actor that is burnt out. He is still grieving the loss of his brother and is tired of the Hollywood life. Once he wraps his latest project, he checks out. His manager is furious, as he has projects lined up, but Landon has had enough. He makes his arrangements under the name Lance White, instead of Landon Price for obvious reasons. He doesn’t want to be found. I cracked up in how he came up with his alias. Lance, for the Lance Peanut Butter crackers that he loves and White, because he was wearing white boxer briefs the day he made his arrangements! He leaves behind his phone, buys a burner phone and the only people that knows his whereabouts are his parents. They are under strict instructions to not give out any information.
Landon arrives on the island of Lanai and is settled in his tropical paradise. He has been trying to write a book about his brother, but the words just aren’t coming. He is starting to feel lonely until a visitor shows up at his door. A small white dog that he names Spike, totally has Lance White wrapped around his little paw. The next day he goes into the small town trying to find the owner. The town is tiny enough that everyone knows everyone. Then by chance, Spike spots his owner and Lance is not prepared for what he is about to see. The most beautiful woman he has ever seen makes her way to him and then she calls the dog Marshmallow and he comes back to reality. They banter about the dog’s name and Lance tries to charm Zara, but she politely brushes him off. Thus, begins the pursuit and the epic love story of Lance and Zara!
I won’t tell you anymore about this magically romantic story. The swoon worthy journey that I took while reading this book, just melted my heart. It is sweet, tender, romantic, funny, passionate and everything you want in a love story. The secondary characters are endearing and frustrating all at the same time, but oh what they add to this plot. There is so much going on in this story that you are just swept away.
I loved it from start to finish and everything in between!
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Prepare to spend the afternoon reading. Vanishing Act is a quick, fun, smart, sexy “actor in hiding” read!
From the first day, Landon’s seen the beauty and intelligence in Zara’s actions and body, and he’s fighting his desires to make her his. Doesn't matter that he's trying to take a break from the spotlight—he just wants her any way he can have her!
Faith has put her family first in every aspect of her life—until she finds that she can’t hold back her feelings for Landon any longer. She’s been fighting for her independence from her strong minded father for years, trying to break out from under his overbearing, fearful protection.
I really loved these two characters individually and as a whole. Loved that they were smart in resolving issues as their fears as the “real world” and all the pressures and problems tried to break through their bubble. I loved how they made the best of the situation and the distance. I loved Landon’s interactions with Spike/Marshmallow. So much fun.
Vanishing Act is a perfect beach read and really makes me want to travel to an island oasis. ~ Missy, 4 stars
So, I requested this book thinking it was J.M. Madden - my bad!
Landon Price is a famous actor, he runs away to Hawaii to recharge where he meets a beautiful South African girl, who has no idea who he is! They bond over her dog, which keeps running away and who can blame him with a name like Marshmallow and then proceed to fall instantly in love.
This was just too NA/YA cliched for me, nothing seemed to be happening and I couldn't see the chemistry, it was more like they were the first person of the opposite sex that each other had seen and so it was insta-lurve.
I tried to get into this book three times but finally gave up when a sandy beach and a large gin and tonic didn't help. Recommended for the younger and less cynical.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. I really liked the story-line and found it to be unique. I liked the characters and thought that their romance was sweet. However, I had a pretty big issue with the pacing of the story. This story started off really slow for me, so I had a hard time really getting into Landon and Zara's story. Sometimes, I don't mind a slower paced story, but for me, the slower pace just didn't work for this story. I kept waiting for it to grip me, and it just never did.
Vanishing Act is my first read by this author and while it wasn't a 100% hit for me, I'd still be open to reading more from this author in the future. I think the idea of this story was great and that it had a ton of potential, I just wished the pacing had been better. This book is definitely one that I think will be a hit for some and miss for others.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
I've been a fan of A.M. Madden since her Back-Up Series and I will read anything that she writes. So when Vanishing Act became available, I gobbled it up. I always have fun with the highly sought after actor going into seclusion only to come out with the love of his life, which is what this book is basically about.
Zara has been living on her small island in Hawaii for a long time now and it's pretty clear that she isn't that emerged in current pop culture. They lead a simple life but you can tell that she's always wanted to break free and do something else. When her dog takes off on her and ends up in the arms of one of the most handsome men she has ever seen, Zara's life takes off in a new direction.
Landon ends up in Hawaii after needing a moment to escape everything. He's pretty much off the grid and absolutely no one knows where he is. He quickly adapts to the peaceful life that Hawaii is offering him but one look at Zara and she consumes him. He will do whatever it takes to make her his.
Here's the thing about this book. It certainly has some great moments and I seriously enjoyed the relationship between Marshmallow and Landon. In fact, I might have enjoyed a little bit more than the relationship between Zara and Landon. The moments between man and dog were absolutely hilarious.
I enjoyed Landon's banter and the fact that he goes after what he wants. He certainly has charm and swagger and he is easy to connect to. Separately, I liked Zara as well. I think she has her moments and can banter just as well but I fell short with them together. I honestly think it was because the first part of the book moved way too slow to me. It was almost 50% before the two of them figured out what was really going on with them and I just felt the pace and progression to that point was slow. Of course, this is my own opinion and I think others might not think that at all.
Don't let my rating fool you, I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it. I just needed to be honest about my own struggle to really connect to the main characters and the pace. Honestly, if you like the actor falling for someone who has absolutely no idea who he is and that bit of freshness, then give this book a go. I think you might enjoy it.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
Vanishing Act is a lovely, really well developed story about a burned-out movie star and the beautiful young local woman he meets when he goes off the "grid". Life has gotten to be too much for Landon Price and he just needs a break from it all. Against the advice and wishes of his agent he trades in the limelight and heads for some much needed down time on a remote, scarcely inhabited Hawaiian island. There, thanks to one match-making ball of fur, he runs into the gorgeous and slightly sheltered Zara. There's an instant attraction on his part, but Zara, even without knowing who he really is, doesn't have much interest in the handsome stranger. He's too cocky, too overwhelming, too unrelenting. But he's determined to break down her walls and show her resistance to him is futile!
Landon, or Lance as he's known on the island, and Zara have a sweet romance that really blossoms over the weeks he's in Hawaii. After initially pushing him away, Zara discovers there's so much more to Lance than what she expected. And even after finding out who he really is, her feelings are too deep and she decides he's worth being with.
Zara and Lance encounter a few obstacles on their path to a happily ever after, namely her father, Lance's career, and the distance between them. But thanks to an unexpected ally, Zara realizes she needs to finally take charge of her own life, even knowing her father won't be happy with the choices she makes. It's time she started living on her own terms, instead of continually letting the past stifle her.
***Copy received courtesy of Loveswept, via NetGalley.
I liked Vanishing act. I was hoping to love the hell out of this novel, but it was just okay for me.
Landon is a famous Hollywood movie star that simply needs a break from the limelight. He decides to vanish to a rural area in Hawaii. While there, fate steps in and he meets the woman that he will soon find is his other half and the love of his life...ZARA. Landon is not the only one hiding secrets though....Zara and her family are also hiding out for reasons you will soon find out.
The start of this novel is pretty slow and I had a hard time keeping my attention on this novel. I also found the plot rather predictable.
Enough of the heavy, now onto the positives. I loved Landon/Lance, I loved his commitment to Zara and the fact that he was the one to come forth and reveal his truths. Vanishing Act also has a rather adorable puppy...Zara calls him Marshmallow, Landon calls him Spike. This puppy is definitely a matchmaker.
Overall, Vanishing Act was just okay for me. I may try picking it back up and giving it a reread in the future to see if it was just me and my reading preferences at this time but as of right now it was just okay.
Prepare to spend the afternoon reading. Vanishing Act is a quick, fun, smart, sexy “actor in hiding” read!
From the first day, Landon’s seen the beauty and intelligence in Zara’s actions and body, and he’s fighting his desires to make her his. Doesn't matter that he's trying to take a break from the spotlight—he just wants her any way he can have her!
Faith has put her family first in every aspect of her life—until she finds that she can’t hold back her feelings for Landon any longer. She’s been fighting for her independence from her strong minded father for years, trying to break out from under his overbearing, fearful protection.
I really loved these two characters individually and as a whole. Loved that they were smart in resolving issues as their fears as the “real world” and all the pressures and problems tried to break through their bubble. I loved how they made the best of the situation and the distance. I loved Landon’s interactions with Spike/Marshmallow. So much fun.
Vanishing Act is a perfect beach read and really makes me want to travel to an island oasis. ~ Missy, 4 stars
I just gone done beta reading Vanishing Act. I'm in love. Landon Price was everything one would want in a book boyfriend and the leading lady, Zara was a breath of fresh air. I've been a fan of AM Maddens from the very beginning and there's a reason why..she can write a fabulous story. I'm not a huge Contemporary Romance fan but this was so well done. She makes you reconsider that decision you made to be a star stalker....LOL. She showcases the plight of never having your life to yourself if you're a star...of never being able to go anywhere or do anything in public without subterfuge. She also makes you realize that you have to live your life for yourself. You can take into consideration what those around you think and feel, but ultimately it is YOU who have to be happy with the decisions you make... And Marshmallow (aka Spike) LOVE that little fella and he added to much levity! An all around fantastic read and very entertaining. Loved it! 5 Stars
Landon Price is an actor who is ready for his next career move as well as a break. He knows he can't have it if he stays in California, he wants to be himself without fans flocking for attention. He heads to a small island in Hawaii looking for peace and to work on a book he wants to write It doesn't take long before his isolation is breached by a dog. Then he meets Zara Jobert.
Zara has no idea who Landon is but Landon feels something for Zara. He wants to date her, he wants to do more than that while hiding his identity. Zara though has parents who, even though she is an adult, are protective. Can Landon win the girl and will the girl accept him for who he is?
I was on pins and needles with this one waiting for Zara to figure out who Landon is. The chemistry is off the charts and I thought the story behind her parents was one I could understand. Great read, quickly paced and you pulled in from page one.
What does a movie star do when things are getting to be too much for him? He leaves everything behind (including his phone…now who does that. lol) and rents a remote place in Hawaii. Zara who is a local girl has no idea who Landon actually is which surprises Landon because who doesn’t know of him. Landon has to work hard to get Zara because even though she doesn’t realize who he is, she does think that he is too cocky for his own good. Even if Zara would fall for Landon her father would not approve. Does Landon even have a chance of becoming someone special in Zara’s life because of all of the obstacles in their way?
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a freely given and honest review.
A Great Love story all true romantics need to read.
An Endearing Love Story!! One of those special kind of stories that keeps you smiling throughout all the pages of the book. Vanishing Act had me hugging my kindle when I was done, sighing happily and yearning for a romance as passionate as (Landon) Lance's & Zara. I read this entire book in one sitting. Everything captivated me from the romance to the back stories even the beautiful location that was so easy to picture thanks to the detailed writing of A.M. Madden. I love Vanishing Act. It's a heart warming feel good story. It just what a true romantic needs to read!
As a movie star fed up with all the fuss where would you go to get away from it all? Apparently, Lanai in the islands of Hawaii is pretty remote. Small dogs get away from their owners sometime and actors are just getting lonely in self isolation that little dog seems a distraction. Along with the dog comes the owner. This story is well thought out. You get a small taste of what Landon is getting away from and then you get a treat of rural Hawaii. We get culture and simple ways from a refreshing innocent like young woman. I loved the characters. Landon was older and more experienced but Zar had a great personality too. What a sweet love story!! NetGalley ARC
I just can't get into this story right now. I was involved in the beginning and then it slooooowed down for me so I am going to shelve this for a bit. Have other books I want to read. Will try and come back to it later.
After personal heartbreak and professional setbacks, Landon Price is running on empty. If he doesn’t take a break from the public eye soon, he’ll risk becoming another cautionary tale in a town that’s full of them. So in between film projects, Landon asks his agent to clear his schedule and then he simply . . . vanishes. Renting a discreet home on a remote Hawaiian beach for the summer, Landon begins to recharge. And in the process of finding himself, he meets a beautiful, feisty local who challenges everything he thinks he knows.
Zara Jobert has no interest in being a conquest for a cocky playboy from the mainland—even one with undeniable charisma and movie-star good looks. So she’s pleasantly surprised when the handsome newcomer’s persistent advances mellow into cozy banter and a sneakily seductive intimacy. When Landon reveals his true identity, Zara’s hurt that he lied, but she doesn’t care that he’s famous. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. And falling for Landon might come with a heartbreaking choice—between Zara’s old life, and a new love.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--VANISHING ACT by A.M. Madden is a stand alone, contemporary, adult erotic, romance story line focusing on blockbuster movie star Landon Price, and Zara Jobert.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Landon and Zara) VANISHING ACT follows Hollywood movie star Landon Price as he takes time out to recoup and regroup on a remote Hawaiian beach. Vanishing from the public eye Landon arrives in Lanai City, Hawaii under the name of Lance White where he will meet the woman that calls to his heart. Enter Zara Jobert, a young woman of South African descent, sheltered from the outside world and all things current and popular. What ensues is the building romance between Zara and Landon (Lance), and the fall out when the truth is finally revealed.
Landon Price needs a break from Hollywood, a break from the paparazzi, and a break from his agent who is all about the next big thing. In between movies, Landon decides it is time to take a well-deserved vacation-a vacation that finds our hero falling in love with a woman who has no idea about Landon’s true identity. Zara Jobert hasn’t always lived in the Hawaiian Islands, but a family tragedy landed the Jobert’s in the secluded and remote sandy beach where anonymity and privacy is afforded those who work and live.
The relationship between Landon (Lance) and Zara is predicated on a lie. Landon continues to lie about his identity to the woman that calls to his heart, and when the truth is revealed the fall out is far greater than either one expected. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic, language and text. The character building reveals the backgrounds, history and tragic losses for our story line couple.
We are introduced to Zara’s parents Talia and Andres , her sister Annia and husband Kai, and Lanai City mayor Palu, as well as Landon’s mother Caroline, and his agent Roger. Of course, we can’t forget Spike aka Marshmallow who brought out story line couple together. Conflict occurs when Landon’s identity and whereabouts is revealed for all of the world to see.
VANISHING ACT is a slow building story of romance; a sexy tale about two people fated by chance, a dog, and a sandy beach. The premise is heartwarming and idealistic; the characters are passionate and spirited; the romance is sweet and sexy. VANISHING ACT is a playful and delightful romance story for a lazy, sunny afternoon on your very own sandy beach.
From a steady start to an explosive ending, this book gave me all of the feels.
Initially fearful that Marshmallow/Spike the dog would be the driving force behind this story, it soon became apparent that this would be a gentle and more serene love story than perhaps I have been used to. Reminiscent of Samantha Young’s easy going writing style, AM Madden tells a story that is happy, sad, funny and sweet, all in equal quantities. Yes, two characters who fall in love thanks to an errant dog does sound a little cliche, but this storyline worked and in doing so, takes readers on a journey that is fraught with difficulties, especially once Landon Price reveals who he really is.
Zara Jobert lives a now protected life, having fled from South Africa, so much so that she doesn’t recognise Landon when he chooses her remote Hawaiian island to hide away on. With the press left behind, Landon is able to reinvent himself as Lance White and in doing finds that Zara sees him for who he is deep down, as opposed to his public persona. Together they ease into a relaxed romance albeit a tentative one thanks to Zara’s father who is keen to protect his daughter from men at all costs.
As the story progresses, so do Landon and Zara’s problems and once the press find them, their secret love affair becomes fully embedded in the public, and also in Zara’s father’s, eye. Landon knows that Zara didn’t sign up to a lifestyle like his and tries to free her from his Hollywood shackles but will Zara give up on their love affair or will she, and Marshmallow, fight for the man they love?
This really was an enjoyable and sweet romance and an easy summer read. I have been torn over whether to give this 4 or 5 stars but something, for me, was perhaps missing in its simplicity. Maybe I’m too much of a drama queen now or maybe I just can’t accept an uncomplicated love story for what it is. Either way, I wholeheartedly recommend this book and I will definitely be reading more from AM Madden.
This ebook was kindly provided by the author, publisher and Netgalley prior to release date in return for an honest and unbiased review.
We are proud to provide honest and unbiased reviews written from the heart.
*** ARC provided by author an exchange for honest review ***
When a Hollywood actor vanishes to an island to escape fame, can he find normalcy? Or will his fame follow him?
‘Vanishing Act’ by A.M. Madden follows Landon Price, the hottest movie actor in Hollywood, to the islands of Hawaii. He seeks escape from the fame and fortune of his everyday life. A single bag, a burner phone and his computer is all he takes with him. Under the alias of Lance White, he starts to unwind on the island and begins the much needed relaxation. When a dog shows up on his porch, who knew that little dog will change his life for the better and lead him to a beautiful woman… Zara Jobert.
Zara, a South African native, is now living in Lanai with her family. Her little island is behind in time, about 10 years. Left living with her overprotective family she has a pretty mundane life: working to save money to move to the big island and taking care of her dog, Marshmallow. With her island being so outdated, she doesn’t recognize Landon aka Lance when she finds her dog in his possession.
Landon can’t get enough of Zara. She fascinates him all kinds of levels and wants to be in her life. Zara is falling fast for this handsome and persistent tourist, but can she let go once he eventually goes back home?
Since making an alias name for himself when he vanishes to seek relaxation and peace, he soon realizes even on the smallest of islands his fame still follows. Can Zara see past his true nature once she finds out who “Lance White” truly is? Or will his fame cause more damage in their relationship?
At first glance I was apprehensive in how the story will unfold. Being honest, I didn’t like how Landon pursued Zara. He was overly cocky and arrogant on a small level, however as I kept reading I slowly fell in love with him. This is a great romance capitalizing on how fame can really take a tole on a relationship. I loved how Landon stood by her side when she finds out his true identity. The chemistry is pretty spectacular and will have your heart pumping!
I'm relatively new to A.M. Madden's books but I can tell you with all certainty that she has become one of my go-to authors and I'm an automatic 1-click on new releases!
This is one of those stories just grabbed me from the first page. Landon is this big time, sexy and handsome movie star that just wants to get away from it all and "re-find" himself away from all the paparazzi that comes with being in Hollywood.
Zara on the other hand lives on this tiny island that Landon has come to so he can "vanish" from the public eye. Neither one of them were looking for or expecting to find love. And isn't that when it's supposed to happen? When you least expect it?
Watching these two fall in love was beautiful. The way Ms. Madden developed the characters and setting the scenes up with such amazing descriptions, I really felt like I was on an island in Hawaii...I could feel the cool ocean breeze and the sun beating it's rays on my back. This are two of the things that have drawn me to her books. She has the uncanny ability to make the reader actually feel like they're right there smack dab in the middle of it all.
I digress Landon and Zara have one of those sweet love stories, that I love reading about. Throw in Marshmallow and you're sure to have some laughs too. I could say more, but then I'd give something away and I NEVER do that.
This book is a definite must read and I'm so honored that I was given the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.
The first pages of Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden had me guessing if I choose the right book to read because the beginning of the story just feels a little to “Made up”. Everything about the male lead felt kind of fake. YES I KNOW it is a book and that means everything is “Made up”. But I believe the trick is to let the reader imagine that it could actually happen and that feeling was missing for me.
Maybe it was because the story seemed to only scratch the surface of the characters at that point and I was kind of waiting for it to dig deeper.
After a while I kind of started to like the other characters of the story and so somehow the male lead snuck up to me from behind again and there I was suddenly liking the story … because of a PET … The Blurb really gives away most of the story so the little left I would hate to spoiler.
Therefore I can only say that the story itself is an enjoyable read and I can fully recommend it to anyone who feels that this blurb might be something for him.
Vanishing Act is a sweet romance leading to an even sweeter hea.
A slow start with the getting to know you stages with both characters going over 50%
Landon escapes his busy lifestyle as an actor and goes to stay on a small island in Hawaii where he meets first a little dog that he gets attached to and talks to then even more attached to the owner Zara when she finally finds her dog.
Zara doesen't know who Landon is, the small town doesen't even have Internet.
So what do you do with no Internet, no cell phones and only 80's t.v? you talk and they talked and talked and talked for a majority of the book.
Like I said, a long drawn out dating process where Landon who has called himself Lance omits his identity until both have completely fallen in love with each other.
There's no drama's or angst in Vanishing act, the occasional hot scene in the latter part of the book, it is what it is and that's a sweet romance told in dual pov's. My mother would like this book me I like more angst and something more going on.
The moral of the story I suppose is it doesn't matter what you are or what you do, you have to push the world aside and focus in the relationships that matter that's your real world.
Arc gratefully received by netgalley for review purposes
Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden 3 stars M/F Romance Trigger: Sibling death I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This was a very romantic, Pretty Woman type story. Famous actor needs break, hides away on an island and meets a local girl. Local girl is SO local that she doesn't recognize the heart throb.
Zara is such a sheltered woman that I actually found her to be hard to believe. Yes, while I understood that her family had tragedy in their life, what teenager / early 20 year old isn't somehow connected to social media or the outside world?
Then you have Landon Price (aka Lance). He was more believable in his story of wanting to just get away from everything. He also has suffered a tragic loss and feels somewhat responsible. While he's trying to figure out what he wants from his life, he meets Marshmallow (aka Spike). From there, he has an ally when it comes to Zara.
I actually found Marshmallow (aka Spike) to be the most endearing character in this story. He is what brought the couple together and kept them coming back.
Overall, this is a sweet story with very predictable twists and turns. It's an easy read for a day when you don't want to have to think of anything but romance.
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley and I'm freely giving my honest review.*
Landon(Lance) is hiding away from his acting career on a little island in Hawaii to write a book. When he meets a beautiful woman who doesn't know who he is he feels liberated and avoids telling her the truth in the beginning.
This was a warm heartfelt story with som hot love scenes. I liked it very much because it left me feeling warm and satisfied after reading. This is how a good love story should be. The characters are well described and the relationship building between Landon and Zara is beautiful written and it builds slowly. Normally I don't like this slow build up but I felt like this was how it should be for them. Another thing I really liked was the lack of intense drama, it was some issues, yes but they were not overly dramatic so it almost felt like this could have been anyone's life.
There's no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and enough dialogues to hold my interest.
If you want a wonderful story about love with some great love scenes and a HEA, this is perfect. 5 lovely stars.