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Trashy Romance Novel

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"It all started with a crush. How cliché is that? I mean, of all the things to motivate a person to do something, how often does it go back to a silly infatuation? More often than most of us would probably care to admit. Of course, this wasn’t an ordinary crush on a cute coworker or a charming friend of a friend I hooked up with at a party. No, I’ve never met the man who inspired my books. But I’m about to." Delaney Brooks is the author of The Queen’s Surrogate, the “sinfully satisfactory” romance novel that swept readers around the world off their feet and into the fictional embrace of His Majesty, King Malcolm. When her book is adapted into an eight-part miniseries, Delaney and her best friend Gemma fly to Scotland for what promises to be two months of lush green mountains, historic castles, and hot celebrity co-workers, including the gorgeous Matthew Kent, British playboy Benjamin Wyndham, and Hollywood’s hottest reformed rebel, Colin Ward.* Author's Not Erotica *

376 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

11 people are currently reading
537 people want to read

About the author

Jacqueline E. Smith

44 books309 followers
I Love books, cats, and BTS.

https://linktr.ee/jacquelie

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica (Odd and Bookish).
713 reviews854 followers
July 11, 2018
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This was the third book I read by this author and so far it’s my favorite.

So basically I loved everything about this book. Even the dedication page. Smith writes, “Dedicated also to all of my celebrity crushes. Here’s hoping that none of them ever read it.” I literally laughed out loud when I read that.

I loved the fangirl aspect of Delaney. It made her so relatable, especially the whole writing fan fiction about your celebrity crush thing. Because yes, I have done that too. Many times. About multiple celebrities.

Moving on, I loved the friendship between Delaney and Gemma. They balanced each other out nicely.

The guys in this book were absolutely swoon worthy. Colin and Benjamin were both really hot but also really sweet, which is just the perfect combination.

description

I enjoyed how the author referenced her other works, Boy Band and Cemetery Tours. Those were really fun Easter eggs to find.

There was one quote I really liked. It’s when Delaney is exploring a castle and she says, “I’m thinking about magic. Not the fairy tale kind of magic…but the magic that we, as humans, typically overlook. Because it’s everywhere. It exists in everything. It exists in books and in castles, in forests and in mountains. It guards secrets and guides spirits and reassures time and time again that there is more to our existence than we could ever hope to know” (281-282). I just thought that was a really nice reminder to stop every once and while and just appreciate the vast world around us.

As I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think that this would make a great romantic comedy movie. It has all the ingredients. A funny yet relatable lead. A sassy sidekick. Drop dead gorgeous guys. A stunning location. Just picture it.

Overall, I have nothing but good things to say about this book. If you like rom-coms, you’ll love this.
Profile Image for Amy.
3,054 reviews623 followers
April 12, 2021
Well, this was unexpectedly delightful. BUT NOW I NEED A SEQUEL WHERE MAH POOR BOY BENJAMIN GETS THE GIRL.

Basically, this is a fluffy, wish-fulfillment novel about an author whose trashy romance series written on a whim goes viral and gets picked up for a mini-series. Everybody loves her books (I believe she's the only person to disparage them), a series of famous and hot actors all want to star in the show, and one of them falls madly in love with her. Because, oh yeah, as co-writer on the script, she's apparently very necessary on set and must spend her days schmoozing with her celebrity crush in Ireland.

Like I said, total fluff and fun. Lots of fade to black and some super contrived angst by the end (including some high school drama she really should have gotten over years earlier), but I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Smith.
Author 44 books309 followers
February 3, 2018
It started out as just a fun idea but it evolved into something that I'm really, really proud of.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,579 reviews119 followers
June 5, 2019
Interesting idea, but a little underwhelming. I thought the big conflicts in the story were a little unbelievable. The main character published several books under a pen name and she keeps it a secret from her real life friends. But, she still does book signings and takes pictures and gives interviews and no one is supposed to figure it out? I thought what happened to her in high school that makes her refuse to tell people her real name was going to be something really intense, but it was just some poor decisions and a little bullying. I felt like the characters should have been aged down a lot for that to still have such an impact.

I also thought it was odd that she was on set of the tv show for the whole shoot. She was a co-writer on the script, but she's never consulted or has to do any actual work on the script while she's there. She basically just stands around and watches them film. And the actors seem to get a whole lot of time off? I also HATED her best friend, Gemma. However, the romance was cute and there was some good banter here and there. It wasn't bad for a Kindle Unlimited selection.
Profile Image for Justine from Novels and Panda.
537 reviews236 followers
October 10, 2021
It was a quick paced read. It was funny, witty, heartbreakingly-warming and giddy to read. If you love to read contemporaries I say add this one, for it was funny hilarious, relatable, heartbreaking and romantically addicting. It was read and played out like a movie right before my eyes! I highly recommend it.

Read more here.
Profile Image for themugglereader.
36 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2018
I have received a paperback copy in exchange of an honest review. Thankyou Jacqueline for the opportunity to review this book!

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PLOT (4 stars)

The story was fast paced, fun to read, and full of adventures. Jacqueline made me believe that unexpected things will come into your life. It's my second time reading her works and it never failed to amaze me.



It is a story of Lorelei DuBois (pen name of Delaney Brooks and the author of "The Surrogate series") travels to Scotland where her medieval romance book series will be filmed as television adaptation. She had written a sixteen-century smutty fan fiction featuring a character who happens to bear a striking resemblance to British heart-throb and her ultimate celebrity crush, Matthew Kent. And to her delight, he was cast as the main character in her upcoming drama series.

In her journey to Scotland, she met new friends, talked to her handsome crush and met her unexpected man of her dreams.

Will she able to handle the sudden fame and the unexpected possibilities for her future?



CHARACTERS (4 stars)


Delaney was a bit of nerd, overachiever and a goody-two-shoes who would never, ever in a million years read a trashy romance novel, let alone write one. She was not proud and she belittle her own works. And when her book series become a television adaptation, she cannot believed that her boring work will come to life.

"I allow my mind and my heart to drift, to fantasize, to imagine scenarios that might, in fact, lead to me falling into Matthew's arms, not as a starry-eyed fangirl, but as sttrong, confident person, an equal.. a lover."



What I liked about Delaney was she's so cute when fangirling. I can relate to her whenever I see or someone mentions my ultimate crush. I also daydream what our future and our quality time together too.

The side characters like her best friend Gemma, her new celebrity friends, Benjamin and Colin were amazing too. They have a cool and awesome friendship.



"I'm not looking forward to the rest of the day without him."

I also liked about this book was the unexpected plot twist on characters. I didn't expect it in that way and I'm so happy. (I will not tell you what is it so you won't be spoiled) well, expect the unexpected lol.



"Since the moment I arrived in Scotland, I've been wondering how I'm supposed to leave this place and go back to life as I knew it before. How do I trade in the mountains and castles and small historic towns for the big cities and traffic jams and mindless days binge-watching movies online?"

Ugh! Because of this book, it makes me want to visit Scotland right away. All their escapades and adventures to different places feels like I'm traveling with them.



Well, as the story goes by, I have known that she's suffering from traumatic experience in her past. And it's good for her that she has a friend who will cheer her up and help her to overcome it.

What I've learned in this story was never let your past experiences ruin your future. I know it's hard but I know you will get through it with the help of the people who loves you. Live your life the way you want.



WRITING (4 stars)

The story was well-written, easy to understand and it's so relatable. It's amazing that her writings made me feel like I'm traveling in Scotland too.

"Seriously, if you want to live a life of luxury, don't be a writer."

HAHAHA. This quote was so hilarious. Good job to the author to put some hilarious scene in this book. Well, don't worry I will not become a writer (cause I don't write and I don't want lol)



OVERALL (4 stars)
I really enjoyed this book. If you want a break from fantasy and other genres, read a contemporary romance like this book. You'll get the vibes of Sarah Dessen or Nicholas Sparks here. I totally recommend it!

-
For more reviews, check out my blog: https://themugglereader1.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Kelli.
192 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2018
A fun, easy read, this story wasn't quite what I expected, but it was 200% enjoyable. This novel is the kind I always hope to discover when I'm looking for a beach book.

Yes, there's romance, and there's also funny, witty reparteé. The characters are real, and the protagonist is so down-to-earth and plain likable. The title is more of a theme than a label, as the heroine of the story is a writer whose books get turned into a miniseries. She ends up on set, meeting the stars in her show on location in Scotland. It's funny, fun, with what feels like real people having real life adventures, but some of them are hot movie stars, and there's romance!
Profile Image for James Peercy.
Author 36 books22 followers
November 2, 2017

If you want to make money, write a trashy romance novel. That is exactly what Delaney Brooks does. This fun, almost whimsical, story, written by Jacqueline E. Smith, takes you on the adventures of Delaney Brooks, who uses an alias and wants her real name to remain hidden, whatever the cost.


Not only is Delaney’s story a big hit, but also a production company picks it up for a miniseries to be shot in Scotland. It is a dream-come-true, a break from reality, and romance is in the air from the most unexpected source.


Trashy Romance Novel is a cross between Jacqueline’s Boy Band series and Nicholas Spark’s passionate-kisses-in-the-rain. It is light-hearted, soul-searching, and about learning to live life.


How does Delaney deal with all this? Find out for yourself and leave Jacqueline a review!


If this were a movie, I would rate it PG-13 to slightly R due to nudity-for-sexual-purposes.
Profile Image for April Wood.
Author 4 books64 followers
November 20, 2017
In Jacqueline E Smith’s tightly plotted contemporary romance, Trashy Romance Novel, Delaney Brooks writes medieval romance, hiding behind the pen name of Lorelei DuBois to protect her identity. When her book series The Surrogate is picked up for film, her and best friend Gemma venture out to Scotland where lo and behold, the object of her trashiest fantasies and the inspiration for her series is cast in a leading role.

What follows is a whirlwind romance set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands and a Hollywood scandal that threatens the identity that Delaney has struggled to keep.

Author Jacqueline E Smith effortlessly genre-hops from horror (Cemetery Tours series) to romance while still delivering the whimsical, almost poetic writing style I love about her storytelling. The setting of the Scottish Highlands was magnificent and the perfect backdrop for a romance. And the snippets of story within the story (The Surrogate) was fascinating and cleverly done.

I didn’t want this story to end and I hope to read many more romances from this talented writer in the future. Highly recommended.
89 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2019
Deliciously captivating, relatable, well defined characters with realistic problems. I really enjoyed it! It was a perfect light read with enough detail to give depth however not so much that your imagination couldn’t wander. And a happy ending. What’s not to like if you’re looking for a fun summer romance novel. I think aspiring authors would find it particularly relatable.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for this complimentary copy.
1 review
June 15, 2019
I really enjoyed how Smith managed to catch my attention from the first sentence to the last. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting! She really made me understand her character's feelings and reasonings behind her choices and also made me laugh out loud! I would recommend this to anyone who enjoy reading, especially those who feel as awkward as the main character does in her life. It was inspirational and has spurred me on to pursue my own dreams more.
9 reviews
January 25, 2018
Don’t let the title fool you. There’s nothing trashy about Jacqueline E. Smith’s latest book entitled “Trashy Romance Novel.” It’s a delightful account of a romance writer’s instant rise to fame, and how her series of romance books become the catalyst for her own romantic experiences. Delaney Brooks travels to the charmed setting of Scotland under the pen name of Lorelei DuBois, where she encounters her handsome crush, and possibly the man of her dreams. Are they the same? I won’t say, but you won’t be disappointed. Look for a twist as you escape within the story of young, naïve Delaney, who embarks on an adventure filled will an enchantment-like wonder. The book is a pure joy to read. Author Jacqueline Smith hit the mark in her latest novel.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,927 reviews100 followers
March 30, 2018
"I absolutely loved this book! It's my first book by Jacqueline E. Smith and I look forward to reading more from her. This book was so much fun to read. I love the unique (to me) storyline, the characters were well written, and the location was exciting. I love her writing style. It just flowed from paragraph to paragraph and I never felt like I was missing anything. The story played out like a movie and I missed it when it was over. I think you'll love this story as much as I did! I highly recommend it.
"
Profile Image for Morgan.
636 reviews17 followers
May 26, 2019
Rating: 3.5 Stars

This is such a fun story. Jacqueline creates a very relatable protagonist in Delaney. From fan girling to mistakenly stumbling upon the real wonders of life.

Not only is the story incredibly cute but Jacqueline really creates a sense of wanderlust with her descriptions of the beauty and history of Scotland.

I honestly cannot wait to read more from her.

* I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review by way of Voracious Readers Only *
69 reviews
December 6, 2017
Great read

Such a good book with little drama but lots of love. I so want to go to Scotland now. The descriptions were wonderful and transport you there. They fit so well into the story line.
Profile Image for Christina.
591 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2017
I really loved this book it's not just about romance it's about other things as well. I really identified with the main protagonist Delaney on more than one occasion. The Scotland descriptions were magical especially the castles. This book truly showed me that no matter what happens in life you should keep going and never give up. Jacqueline's books always keep me engaged and make me really enjoy the characters and this book was no exception. The concept of the novel that was in the novel reminded me alot of some of the medieval period movies and books that I have read in the past and if Jacqueline wanted to make that a full fledged series I wouldn't mind reading that too lol. Overall I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to see what other books come out for her. (Keep writing Jacqueline I would truly appreciate that lol)
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,291 reviews
March 26, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! It's my first book by Jacqueline E. Smith and I look forward to reading more from her. This book was so much fun to read. I love the unique (to me) storyline, the characters were well written, and the location was exciting. I love her writing style. It just flowed from paragraph to paragraph and I never felt like I was missing anything. The story played out like a movie and I missed it when it was over. I think you'll love this story as much as I did! I highly recommend it.
364 reviews7 followers
June 9, 2019
I received a Complimentary Copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only.
This book had a few stories in one novel.
There are a few chapters of the main Character’s—Lorelei/Delaney—life
then an excerpt of the book Lorelei/Delaney authored.
It is seamlessly integrated.
Lorelei/Delaney’s romance is sweet.
This book is a Great book
for the summer and/or a trip.
24 reviews
January 10, 2020

“Sweetie, I'm your best friend not a miracle worker.” At this line, I was hooked! Personally, I'm drawn to Indies, I love supporting self published authors. At once, what grabbed me with this story is how relatable the relationships are. From the first interaction between the main character Delaney and her best friend Gemma I felt at home immediately. The insecurities Delaney must overcome this story hold truth for many woman. I know friendships like this, I have a Gemma!

Can I say how refreshing it is to see a relationship between two female friends who love and respect each other. It’s a relationship without competition, cattiness, or jealousy! These women support and encourage each other, but more importantly they call each other on their bullshit when needed.

The story line... Delaney under a pen name has written a series of ‘trashy novels’ using her celebrity crush as the inspiration for the heart stopping, pantie dropping, male lead. In a twist of cosmic humor, her series has been adapted into a mini-series which has cast Delaney's crush in the lead role! Which means for the next two months, they will be working together. No one but her best friend knows he was the inspiration of all this steamy scenes he’s about to be acting out in front of her! The potential for humiliation has me hoping, just as much as Delaney, that her secret stays just between us girls.

I was pulled into Scotland along with Delaney and Gemma and had a hard time putting the book down. I even have a little peanut butter on one of the pages from reading while making sandwiches.

While it's called ‘Trashy Romance Novel’ it actually isn't trashy there is sex in the book between characters but it's never described in detail. So this romance is safe for teens, though it's more aimed towards young adults. This is definitely not a book you would have to hide. I even took it with me to doctors appointments and actually recommended it to my doctor.

Honestly, it's just a fun read. This is pure wish fulfillment fiction for anyone who’s ever had a celebrity crush. There's a small bit of escapism to it that I truly enjoyed and and recommended it to anybody who showed any interest in the book while I was reading it. It is defiantly a book I enjoyed and will read again.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
Author 8 books83 followers
January 9, 2022
I could have continued reading this story forever! Absolutely loved it. Smith's writing style is fun and quirky, and it pulled me in as if I were listening to my best friend tell me the most amazing story they'd just experienced. I must admit the title, Trashy Romance Novel, is a bit misleading, as this novel is quite clean and appropriate for most readers. I chose this book because it takes place in Scotland, and I completely geeked out on many occasions remembering my own experiences visiting the same places the characters did. This story is funny and steamy and a bit mysterious, with a host of characters that are truly lovable and relatable. One of my favorite parts of the story are the excerpts from the novel within the novel, The Queen's Surrogate -- if this is not a book already written by Smith, it needs to be (hint, hint)! I absolutely loved it and want to read the entire story. I also loved the shout out to the Red Hot Chili Pipers, a truly phenomenal band. Smith has instantly become one of my favorite writers, and I'm excited to read more of her work.

Some of my favorite lines from the book:

"This land has a long memory, and I can almost feel the ghosts of the centuries past watching as I climb out of the car."

"...like I've just shed my own skin to reveal Old Man Jenkins from the Scooby Doo cartoons." (LOL)

"...with the flicker of embers, the rustling of blankets, and the taste of a lover's kiss lingering on our lips."
Profile Image for P.A. Pursley.
Author 3 books3 followers
March 15, 2020
What a title for a book! What do you think this book has in it? Boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl break up, boy and girl remain friends, boy and girl realize all their dysfunctional issues and try to make it work. Yup! It has all of that in it! And it was really good!

This is the story of Delaney Brooks who is not who everyone thinks she is. Delaney meets the man of her dreams only to find out he isn't who she thought he was. But that's okay, because in the midst of trying to lose herself, she finds herself. And so does the world. That's where she finds herself, with all her issues exposed for all the world to see.

If you enjoy romance, foreign lands, stories of heartbreak and heart-mends...this book is for you!
Profile Image for Lizzy Seitz.
Author 2 books25 followers
December 26, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars

It’s just the Christmas of reading all of Jacqueline’s books and I’m loving every moment of it.

This is a pure masterpiece. The meta moments of her universe. The inspiration of not only being a successful author, but seeing your series coming to life AND falling in love with one of the actors- it’s what I hope my dreams will come true to be �� please please please pick this up if you haven’t already!

Especially because I want to see the fanfics of this I’m the future.
65 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2019
This story was exactly what the title promised, a good trashy romance full of really likeable characters, set in beautiful Scotland (a place I love almost as much as Delaney!). I liked that there were parts of the fictional story within the story and that there was no harrowing heartbreak-it was all things that readers can relate to.
Profile Image for JoAnna Grace.
Author 23 books45 followers
October 6, 2022
I loved the whole premise of this book! This clean & sassy romance covers the journey of an author whose books are being made into a miniseries. She travels to Scotland with her bestie & embarks on a romance all her own.
This book has excerpts from the novel the main character wrote so it’s like two books in one.
I truly enjoyed this read & am looking forward to the next book from this author.
Profile Image for Kayla R.
16 reviews
August 2, 2024
Wasn’t sure what to expect when I first picked up this book but I adored every moment of it. From the little Easter eggs of fellow authors to the truthfulness of writing fanfics that no one else knows about. You mean not everyone does that?

I really would love a sequel with Benjamin getting his happy ending. But overall I loved this book and will have to look into more books from this author.
Profile Image for Library_Dweller89.
98 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2019
I loved this book. I loved everything about it. It was fun, snappy, romantic, the setting was lovely. It is exactly what I want in a romance novel...including the not over the top “steamy” scenes. I love this author and will read anything she writes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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