What do you think?
Rate this book
Enemies Closer
Fortyish movie studio publicist Marcee Brookes feels ordinary; she's stuck in a mid-level job, struggles to accept her size-16 figure and dreams of a man who might look past her waistline and into her heart. When Claire, the seemingly affable wife of screen legend Rox Madison, befriends her during a work project, Marcee's life instantly turns from drab to dazzle. She zooms into the Los Angeles fast lane with Claire's circle of glamorous pals who, until now, were merely faces on the pages of People magazine. Marcee's tight relationships with her sometimes overbearing mother, Rhonda, and her gay BFF, Jordan, provide a support system that helps her navigate her improbably fabulous new status and a potential romantic relationship with up-and-coming movie star Brent Wetherley. Their counsel becomes even more important as Marcee starts to see her fantasy life unravel and gets wise to the duplicitous nature of her "clique." She quickly finds that all that glitters isn't gold and that when Hollywood heavy-hitters give you a pat on the back, they're looking only for a place to stick the knife. " The Devil Wears Prada meets Bridget Jones's Diary with a sinister Hollywood twist, Josh Sabarra's Enemies Closer is a hilarious and crazy-making journey inside the entertainment capital, shining a shocking spotlight on entitlement and foul play." -Gigi Levangie Grazer, bestselling author of Maneater and The Starter Wife
386 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2017
3 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 19, 2019
I loved the story and ploughed through the whole thing in less than 24 hours. Slightly spoiled by the clichéd “men writing women” character descriptions. It became a point of irritation for me that each new female character was introduced by weight and height first. Constant dress size and even bra size references, armpit hair reference (!?) and one detailed boob description, so OTT that it made me laugh out loud (no woman ever uses the word ‘areola’!!). Real shame, as the plot is cool, bitchy and really fun!
June 5, 2023
➫ 2.5 Stars
What are you willing to put yourself through to have a life that all your friends and family are jealous of?
An intriguing blend of Smile and Look Pretty and Bridget Jones's Diary, Marcee Brookes is feeling a smidge defeatist after working under a Miranda Presley-level boss for over six years. Coupled with a lackluster dating life and insecurities about her body, Marcee is waiting for the tables to turn in her favor. But... that's Hollywood for you.
Then, after a chance meeting that Marcee's boss misses, she is swept off her feet by Claire Madison, wife to Hollywood's #1 heartthrob, who brings promises of luxury items, celebrity connections, and a potential set-up with an up-and-coming actor. It's better than Marcee could ever ask for but, as Claire's attitude begins to turn sour, she has to wonder: what's the catch?
This book had a super interesting premise and an even cooler cover (I may or may not have picked up this book because of it). Although the pacing is a bit slow in parts, the writing keeps you hooked and Marcee is a splendidly well-constructed character. While Marcee was undoubtedly this book's shining star, Josh Sabarra does a genuinely good job at providing motive and individuality to each character.
However, Sabarra falls into the major pitfall of the "man writing woman" cliché: his writing displays subtle sexism and major fatphobia.
I was so disgusted by his descriptions of women I sometimes wanted to stop reading; he introduced every new female character by weight or pant size. He frequently talks about women's breasts (how they defy gravity, how they're weighed down by gravity, once even writing about areolas for some reason) and explicitly references Marcee's BRA size as a character descriptor. He delineates any woman over a size 4 as chubby or fat, and once described Marcee as the "unloveable fat girl" when she is a size 14.
Further, while on the topic of questionable writing, Marcee has a best friend -Jordan- who is explicitly stated as being her "gay bestie" every time he's re-introduced to the plot. While I'm glad this book has a modicum of representation, I don't need to be reminded of his sexuality every single time the character is brought up; this is in special consideration of the fact that Jordan seems to be a stereotype of a gay man, possesses no other personality traits, and his sexuality is used as an excuse for his blatant use of AAVE (notably, Jordan is also described as being "white as sourdough"). This is coupled with the fact that Jordan's character served no purpose other than driving the MC forward and providing insight to her that is implied that only a gay person can possess.
It is for these reasons that I felt compelled to give this book a three-star rating. If you can find yourself willing to look past the weird stereotypes and size descriptors, however, I would absolutely recommend this book for its plot.
What are you willing to put yourself through to have a life that all your friends and family are jealous of?
An intriguing blend of Smile and Look Pretty and Bridget Jones's Diary, Marcee Brookes is feeling a smidge defeatist after working under a Miranda Presley-level boss for over six years. Coupled with a lackluster dating life and insecurities about her body, Marcee is waiting for the tables to turn in her favor. But... that's Hollywood for you.
Then, after a chance meeting that Marcee's boss misses, she is swept off her feet by Claire Madison, wife to Hollywood's #1 heartthrob, who brings promises of luxury items, celebrity connections, and a potential set-up with an up-and-coming actor. It's better than Marcee could ever ask for but, as Claire's attitude begins to turn sour, she has to wonder: what's the catch?
This book had a super interesting premise and an even cooler cover (I may or may not have picked up this book because of it). Although the pacing is a bit slow in parts, the writing keeps you hooked and Marcee is a splendidly well-constructed character. While Marcee was undoubtedly this book's shining star, Josh Sabarra does a genuinely good job at providing motive and individuality to each character.
However, Sabarra falls into the major pitfall of the "man writing woman" cliché: his writing displays subtle sexism and major fatphobia.
I was so disgusted by his descriptions of women I sometimes wanted to stop reading; he introduced every new female character by weight or pant size. He frequently talks about women's breasts (how they defy gravity, how they're weighed down by gravity, once even writing about areolas for some reason) and explicitly references Marcee's BRA size as a character descriptor. He delineates any woman over a size 4 as chubby or fat, and once described Marcee as the "unloveable fat girl" when she is a size 14.
Further, while on the topic of questionable writing, Marcee has a best friend -Jordan- who is explicitly stated as being her "gay bestie" every time he's re-introduced to the plot. While I'm glad this book has a modicum of representation, I don't need to be reminded of his sexuality every single time the character is brought up; this is in special consideration of the fact that Jordan seems to be a stereotype of a gay man, possesses no other personality traits, and his sexuality is used as an excuse for his blatant use of AAVE (notably, Jordan is also described as being "white as sourdough"). This is coupled with the fact that Jordan's character served no purpose other than driving the MC forward and providing insight to her that is implied that only a gay person can possess.
It is for these reasons that I felt compelled to give this book a three-star rating. If you can find yourself willing to look past the weird stereotypes and size descriptors, however, I would absolutely recommend this book for its plot.
November 19, 2023
Marcee Brookes is a single woman in her 40s who is stuck in a mid-level publicist job. When the wife of screen star, Rox Madison, takes an interest in her, Marcee is launched into the fascinating world of LA's most elite. While she becomes enamored with the glitz and the glam, she starts to realize that things aren't exactly as they seem.
This book was such a fun read! Sabarra clearly used his professional experience working in marketing and television production to highlight the absurdity of celebrity life. Marcee is a relatable FMC, and her journey is equal parts hilarious and shocking. It was the perfect mix of The Devil Wears Prada, Bridget Jones's Diary, and Real Housewives.
This book was such a fun read! Sabarra clearly used his professional experience working in marketing and television production to highlight the absurdity of celebrity life. Marcee is a relatable FMC, and her journey is equal parts hilarious and shocking. It was the perfect mix of The Devil Wears Prada, Bridget Jones's Diary, and Real Housewives.
September 30, 2017
A fun, sizzling novel that gives readers a little glimpse at how Hollywood can be while endearing them to the slowly empowered Marcy. While a little over the top at times (I mean, Marcy, get your big girl pants on and shine baby) but otherwise a great light read a la Jackie Collins. Full of LA hotspots, this book is a love letter to all the people who may or may not fit the Hollywood archetype. Now what are you waiting for? READ THYSELF INTO AN LA RESTAURANT FOOD COMA. Oh, and totally have a good time!
October 10, 2017
Let me begin with just saying how much I loved this book. From it subtle wise cracks to the sharpness of a Witches Tongue! I live in Hollywood and this book opened up my eyes to way more than I thought I knew. it is true what the cover says it is a beautiful mix of Devil Wears Prada and Bridget Jones Diary. You follow a lovely character named Marcee through the what she thought was the ever so sparkly world of HOLLYWOOD. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a light and fun read. Josh knocked this one out of the park!
May 31, 2021
Bring this one to the beach...
I wouldn’t last a single hour with Claire, Claudia, Jill, and Risa: the true definition of Mean Girls Hollywood-style.
it was nice much nicer to watch it all play out on these pages from a very safe distance! Laugh out loud and jaw-dropping moments throughout left me wondering how our heroine Marcee Brookes would fare.
No spoilers but suffice to say, I am #teammarcee
I wouldn’t last a single hour with Claire, Claudia, Jill, and Risa: the true definition of Mean Girls Hollywood-style.
it was nice much nicer to watch it all play out on these pages from a very safe distance! Laugh out loud and jaw-dropping moments throughout left me wondering how our heroine Marcee Brookes would fare.
No spoilers but suffice to say, I am #teammarcee
May 16, 2022
A delicious book of scandal, intrigue and foul play by characters you love to hate at the ending. While the ending trope is not a new one Mr. Sabarra delivers such twists and turns that it does become not only new but scandalously wonderful with the inset of social media. Truly a MUST read!
May 30, 2022
lighthearted read and had its interesting moments. didn’t love the ending and some parts were pretty offensive (but i think that added to the satire/humor). would recommend if you’re into modern day/gossip column side hollywood.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews