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Mastering The Movie Star
He’s acting. She’s lying.
And that’s just how it starts…
Movie star Max has scored a big break movie role. He needs to play a submissive, and to make it convincing, he hires someone to teach him how to obey.
Only the woman he hires isn’t really a dominatrix. Ally’s a broke blogger desperate for money. She’s clueless about anything kinky.
Surely even shy girl Ally can fake it for a week. She just has to get over her confidence problem and figure out how to make a hot alpha male do her bidding.
Not as easy as it sounds.
Plus, there’s another hitch in her plan. One thing she hadn’t counted on.
Max.
He’s charismatic. Funny and charming. Movie star gorgeous. And he’s hers… at least for now.
But when the acting stops, real life barges in.
Can what they have survive reality?
And that’s just how it starts…
Movie star Max has scored a big break movie role. He needs to play a submissive, and to make it convincing, he hires someone to teach him how to obey.
Only the woman he hires isn’t really a dominatrix. Ally’s a broke blogger desperate for money. She’s clueless about anything kinky.
Surely even shy girl Ally can fake it for a week. She just has to get over her confidence problem and figure out how to make a hot alpha male do her bidding.
Not as easy as it sounds.
Plus, there’s another hitch in her plan. One thing she hadn’t counted on.
Max.
He’s charismatic. Funny and charming. Movie star gorgeous. And he’s hers… at least for now.
But when the acting stops, real life barges in.
Can what they have survive reality?
Unknown Binding
First published March 5, 2015
160 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Talia Hunter
30 books151 followersBestselling romance author Talia Hunter likes to include her three favorite things in her novels: toe-curling romance, snort-laughs, and heart-warming friendships.
She recently moved to Australia, where she's constantly amazed and not at all freaked out by the weird and wonderful critters. When she's not writing, you can usually find her with a glass of wine, a good book, and a jumbo-sized can of bug spray.
If you want to chat, you can often find her on Facebook. Usually when she’s supposed to be writing. www.facebook.com/taliahunter
Want a free book from Talia? Grab your limited-time freebie from her website now: www.taliahunter.com
She recently moved to Australia, where she's constantly amazed and not at all freaked out by the weird and wonderful critters. When she's not writing, you can usually find her with a glass of wine, a good book, and a jumbo-sized can of bug spray.
If you want to chat, you can often find her on Facebook. Usually when she’s supposed to be writing. www.facebook.com/taliahunter
Want a free book from Talia? Grab your limited-time freebie from her website now: www.taliahunter.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 4, 2017
This is the 3rd book I read by Talia Hunter. I'm sorry I stopped reading this story at chapter 3 because it didn't grab my interest.
March 6, 2015
What a super fun, super original read!
Actor Max Oberon needs help to nail the part of Thomas, a man who submitted himself to the whims of Cora. Blogger Ally ends up getting the job, even though she isn’t a dominatrix. But, needing the money to settle her sister’s debt, she agrees, with one rule – he can’t touch her unless she says so.
This is how everything gets started, and let me tell you, there’s a lot of laughter, smexy and fun from there on. Ms. Hunter’s writing style is air tight and humorous, and it was so easy to devour this book in one sitting!
Nicely done, I totally recommend this! 5 stars!!!
Actor Max Oberon needs help to nail the part of Thomas, a man who submitted himself to the whims of Cora. Blogger Ally ends up getting the job, even though she isn’t a dominatrix. But, needing the money to settle her sister’s debt, she agrees, with one rule – he can’t touch her unless she says so.
This is how everything gets started, and let me tell you, there’s a lot of laughter, smexy and fun from there on. Ms. Hunter’s writing style is air tight and humorous, and it was so easy to devour this book in one sitting!
Nicely done, I totally recommend this! 5 stars!!!
June 2, 2015
This was a fun story, I liked both Max and Ally. I wished they'd spent more time together before falling in love, it seemed a bit fast. On the other hand, it also gave it a fairy-tale vibe which worked out well.
March 9, 2015
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October 31, 2017
Better than book 2 (I didn't mean to read them out of order, lol) but I will not finish the series.
I liked Ally and the fact that she had trouble with all of the subterfuge. However, she was just so insecure. I got how awful her ex was but once she got involved with Max, I thought pretending to be a Domme would help. Fake it til you make it, right? I think the author tried to make it seem like she had gained confidence. I didn't see that at all.
She liked herself more but she still seemed to need the man in her life to validate her. Honestly, hooking her up with a famous movie star and having her watch him make out with beautiful actresses on set just seemed cruel (the convo about Kara at the end... The fact that she had to dress up just to feel confident enough to say something).
Max was really one dimensional and his voice felt a bit feminine. Like, the convo with Sandy about Ally towards the end. The author kept calling him alpha but again I never saw that.
Safety- No virgins, her ex is mentioned but never a real issue. Same with his ex. Aforementioned descriptions of Max on set with actresses. Most of the description is vague. I didn't like that it bothered Ally but it didn't bother me. YMMV.
I liked Ally and the fact that she had trouble with all of the subterfuge. However, she was just so insecure. I got how awful her ex was but once she got involved with Max, I thought pretending to be a Domme would help. Fake it til you make it, right? I think the author tried to make it seem like she had gained confidence. I didn't see that at all.
She liked herself more but she still seemed to need the man in her life to validate her. Honestly, hooking her up with a famous movie star and having her watch him make out with beautiful actresses on set just seemed cruel (the convo about Kara at the end... The fact that she had to dress up just to feel confident enough to say something).
Max was really one dimensional and his voice felt a bit feminine. Like, the convo with Sandy about Ally towards the end. The author kept calling him alpha but again I never saw that.
Safety- No virgins, her ex is mentioned but never a real issue. Same with his ex. Aforementioned descriptions of Max on set with actresses. Most of the description is vague. I didn't like that it bothered Ally but it didn't bother me. YMMV.
January 19, 2016
Originally posted on my blog: Tangled Up In Books
I received a copy of this book, from the author, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!
When Talia Hunter contacted me about reading her upcoming book I felt two things, the first of which was excited. I had read her other book, Her Hot Number, last year around the time of it's release and loved it and it left me looking forward to reading more from her. My second feeling was a slight bit of nervousness. When I got to the part about hiring a dominatrix I wasn't quite sure how I felt about that. Sure I've read other books set in the world of BDSM but I'm a girl who loves her alpha males. Though I figured since he was needing help to overcome his controlling side that maybe, hopefully, Max would still be alpha enough to keep my interest and not be so willing to submit. Plus with Ally actually not really being a dominatrix in the first place...I figured this book had fun written all over it. Boy was I right!
Ally's character is what really made this story for me. The thing about Ally is that she was the furthest thing from a confident, powerful, dominatrix type. Instead she is very insecure, fragile and in a sense weak. She had an ex who really did a number to her self-esteem. Plus she was very disorganized and chaotic. I loved watching her empower herself and she also made for some very humorous moments. And then Max was just...just wow. Not only is he controlled, powerful and very alpha but he's got all these other unexpected quirks that I found very endearing. He's neat, organized and plans everything in a very obsessive-compulsive manner. I mean Max would make a list to schedule their days; when to wake up, when to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, his morning workout. It was very detailed.
The thing is even as different as Max and Ally were, and we're talking complete polar opposites here, I felt like they complimented each other so well and just seemed to fit together. She helps him to go from completely rigid and controlled to learning how to loosen up a bit. Oversleep once in a while, be spontaneous. And in turn just being in his presence makes her realize how chaotic and messy her life is and inspires her to take control and become better. They make each other better and it was the sweetest thing.
Holy chemistry Batman, Max and Ally are overflowing with it! I mean it's explosive from the beginning, from the very first minute they were alone, and I knew that I could expect some very intense scenes. It was fun to watch insecure and inexperienced Ally pretend to be bold, comfortable in her own skin and in control when on the inside she was anything but. And in turn to see Max fight to keep all the power and yet slowly relinquish his control over time as he grew to trust her. Even see him trust her period. They make for a very steamy and incredibly sweet pair!
Overall this book was so much fun. It was funny and awkward at times (and I only say awkward to mean poor Ally's transformation from timid librarian type to total sex kitten), heartbreaking at others and the rest it bounced back and forth between sweet and very sexy. I'm hooked and can't wait for the next book in the series! Even though it may take me a bit to warm up to Ally's sister Geena whom I believe it said the next book is about. I will say I wasn't very happy at all with the way both Geena and Ally's partner Lacey treated her towards the end. Though my disappointment leaned mostly towards Lacey. I'm still looking forward to what will happen with Geena though. I mean the girl owns an adult toy store for goodness sake. Her story is just screaming fun!
Thank you so much Talia for the opportunity to read and review this book!!
I received a copy of this book, from the author, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!
When Talia Hunter contacted me about reading her upcoming book I felt two things, the first of which was excited. I had read her other book, Her Hot Number, last year around the time of it's release and loved it and it left me looking forward to reading more from her. My second feeling was a slight bit of nervousness. When I got to the part about hiring a dominatrix I wasn't quite sure how I felt about that. Sure I've read other books set in the world of BDSM but I'm a girl who loves her alpha males. Though I figured since he was needing help to overcome his controlling side that maybe, hopefully, Max would still be alpha enough to keep my interest and not be so willing to submit. Plus with Ally actually not really being a dominatrix in the first place...I figured this book had fun written all over it. Boy was I right!
Ally's character is what really made this story for me. The thing about Ally is that she was the furthest thing from a confident, powerful, dominatrix type. Instead she is very insecure, fragile and in a sense weak. She had an ex who really did a number to her self-esteem. Plus she was very disorganized and chaotic. I loved watching her empower herself and she also made for some very humorous moments. And then Max was just...just wow. Not only is he controlled, powerful and very alpha but he's got all these other unexpected quirks that I found very endearing. He's neat, organized and plans everything in a very obsessive-compulsive manner. I mean Max would make a list to schedule their days; when to wake up, when to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, his morning workout. It was very detailed.
The thing is even as different as Max and Ally were, and we're talking complete polar opposites here, I felt like they complimented each other so well and just seemed to fit together. She helps him to go from completely rigid and controlled to learning how to loosen up a bit. Oversleep once in a while, be spontaneous. And in turn just being in his presence makes her realize how chaotic and messy her life is and inspires her to take control and become better. They make each other better and it was the sweetest thing.
Holy chemistry Batman, Max and Ally are overflowing with it! I mean it's explosive from the beginning, from the very first minute they were alone, and I knew that I could expect some very intense scenes. It was fun to watch insecure and inexperienced Ally pretend to be bold, comfortable in her own skin and in control when on the inside she was anything but. And in turn to see Max fight to keep all the power and yet slowly relinquish his control over time as he grew to trust her. Even see him trust her period. They make for a very steamy and incredibly sweet pair!
Overall this book was so much fun. It was funny and awkward at times (and I only say awkward to mean poor Ally's transformation from timid librarian type to total sex kitten), heartbreaking at others and the rest it bounced back and forth between sweet and very sexy. I'm hooked and can't wait for the next book in the series! Even though it may take me a bit to warm up to Ally's sister Geena whom I believe it said the next book is about. I will say I wasn't very happy at all with the way both Geena and Ally's partner Lacey treated her towards the end. Though my disappointment leaned mostly towards Lacey. I'm still looking forward to what will happen with Geena though. I mean the girl owns an adult toy store for goodness sake. Her story is just screaming fun!
Thank you so much Talia for the opportunity to read and review this book!!
March 6, 2015
OMG if you want a brilliant read where the sex scenes are red hot, the chemistry between the two characters are electric this is the book for you.
We meet Max and Ally who need each other but for completely different reasons. You can feel the electric between these two individuals with every page you read.
I was lucky enough to read this as a arc but would happily buy this book. Thanks for giving me the chance Talia.
I can not wait to read more from this author
We meet Max and Ally who need each other but for completely different reasons. You can feel the electric between these two individuals with every page you read.
I was lucky enough to read this as a arc but would happily buy this book. Thanks for giving me the chance Talia.
I can not wait to read more from this author
March 6, 2015
Talia Hunter is going for gold with this series. Great concept, great titles, great series name, great cover and this first book is FAB-O! Max Oberon is the ultimate hero for me, a little vulnerable and with a heart of gold. All it takes is for Ally to unlock him to get the hawt times going. If you liked Her Hot Number from Talia, you're going to love this series.
February 15, 2015
From the moment I started this book until I finished, I was drawn in. The characters kept my interest throughout the entire book. I couldn't wait to see what Ally would do next and how Max would handle it. I can't wait to see what Talia write next!
May 21, 2016
Review to come in a few hours
Want to read
March 24, 2017This is probably going to be a DNF.
March 8, 2017
He's a movie star/ model looking for a dominatrix, but is he really a submissive??
She's a journalist/ blogger who's in a ton of debt but can she play the role I'd a dominatrix??
Max has to learn how to act like Thomas for his upcoming movie who is a submissive to Cora. He goes into several sex shops and places in the Cross looking for the right person to help him learn his role. He comes across Ally's sisters shop and meets Ally.
Ally's down and out because of her ex, who nearly broke her but her sister insists that Ally can fulfil the role to help Max.
After agreeing that Ally is the right person Max takes her away from it all for a few days so that they can work on the script.
After coming back thighs go wrong and Max abs Ally separate on bad terms but the forces of nature have other things in mind.
It is nice to read something a little different it was. Refreshing change and yes the book has a HEA.
Would I recommend this book YES
She's a journalist/ blogger who's in a ton of debt but can she play the role I'd a dominatrix??
Max has to learn how to act like Thomas for his upcoming movie who is a submissive to Cora. He goes into several sex shops and places in the Cross looking for the right person to help him learn his role. He comes across Ally's sisters shop and meets Ally.
Ally's down and out because of her ex, who nearly broke her but her sister insists that Ally can fulfil the role to help Max.
After agreeing that Ally is the right person Max takes her away from it all for a few days so that they can work on the script.
After coming back thighs go wrong and Max abs Ally separate on bad terms but the forces of nature have other things in mind.
It is nice to read something a little different it was. Refreshing change and yes the book has a HEA.
Would I recommend this book YES
May 17, 2017
Loved this book, if you love romances with a strong alpha lead and a sweet sexy female co-lead then you will enjoy this book, there are some steamy scenes but nothing to explicit, the characters are enjoyably and the plot is steady and well thought out.
there are parts of this book that make you feel sorry for both leads and also makes you admire them as well, I truly got wrapped up in this story whilst reading it and did not want to put it down. it was a decent length and gave enough backstory that you felt connected to the characters and there struggles.
I will most definitely be reading the rest of the series
there are parts of this book that make you feel sorry for both leads and also makes you admire them as well, I truly got wrapped up in this story whilst reading it and did not want to put it down. it was a decent length and gave enough backstory that you felt connected to the characters and there struggles.
I will most definitely be reading the rest of the series
May 6, 2017
What a cute story with lots of humor. Take two people who are not what they seem, each playing a role to gain more knowledge into another personality and further their careers. . A submissive who is not a submissive and a dominatrix who is really not a dominatrix, what could go wrong. Two people who come together under false pretenses and fall for each other. Lots of laughs, passion and steamy sex in this book. You will love the role reversals in this book. Well written with adorable characters
October 5, 2017
A steamy and interesting Aussie novel. It is a fun read with plenty of heat and redirection. The storyline is not so strange about a couple paring up in unexpected and dishonest circumstances. Nobody lays all their cards on the table. Still, Ally and Max hit it off in unexpected ways. Ally surprises herself with the ability to pull of a role she could never have imagined and Max falling for her despite all the blocks. I really enjoyed the story and couldn't wait to pick it up after having to depart for a while. The story was well written with good editing. Go for it!
November 29, 2018
Oh my word, Max and Ally are so terrific together!
These two prove the adage "opposites attract" except that they're each acting completely opposite of their own natures! This was such a fun story to read. Max is truly a swoon-worthy hero, a rising actor willing to do anything to perfect his role. Ally is a perfect blend of feisty and fearless, and so very relatable.
The push-pull between these two was exquisite, and the storyline was fresh and original. Plenty of humor and lots of steam make this a truly unforgettable romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
These two prove the adage "opposites attract" except that they're each acting completely opposite of their own natures! This was such a fun story to read. Max is truly a swoon-worthy hero, a rising actor willing to do anything to perfect his role. Ally is a perfect blend of feisty and fearless, and so very relatable.
The push-pull between these two was exquisite, and the storyline was fresh and original. Plenty of humor and lots of steam make this a truly unforgettable romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 16, 2019
Wrong title. How to Master a Movie Star.
This was such a lot of fun to read. Take one hunky underwear model\actor and one broke blogger with serious self image issues and throw them together for five days. The results are sexual tensions and laughs. Talia knows the art of writing without the need of f*cks in everyone's mouth ad nauseum. Many thanks, Talia.
Max and Aly are delightful characters and I enjoyed their story. So much so that I'd like to read more about them.
Do give this a read. Good news is there are more in the series.
This was such a lot of fun to read. Take one hunky underwear model\actor and one broke blogger with serious self image issues and throw them together for five days. The results are sexual tensions and laughs. Talia knows the art of writing without the need of f*cks in everyone's mouth ad nauseum. Many thanks, Talia.
Max and Aly are delightful characters and I enjoyed their story. So much so that I'd like to read more about them.
Do give this a read. Good news is there are more in the series.
March 1, 2019
Sexy and funny
Max and Ally met in a most unconventional way and live in 2 different places but they find love. Along the way Max helps Ally become stronger and I love how he helps her but she also helps him overcome his past. This is a sweet, sexy and funny book that I couldn't stop reading.
Max and Ally met in a most unconventional way and live in 2 different places but they find love. Along the way Max helps Ally become stronger and I love how he helps her but she also helps him overcome his past. This is a sweet, sexy and funny book that I couldn't stop reading.
April 27, 2019
There just aren't enough Domme stories in the world!
Yes, I recommend this book. While not a true Domme/submissive book, it is a sexy modern romance. Who doesn't want some control in their life?
Yes, I recommend this book. While not a true Domme/submissive book, it is a sexy modern romance. Who doesn't want some control in their life?
July 8, 2017
Really enjoyed Ma and his Dominatrix Ally!! Loved the premise and enjoyed Ally finding a side to herself she didn't know existed!! max definitely liked it!! SO glad she got her confidence back.
August 25, 2017
A quick, short, fun and steamy read.
October 23, 2017
This was an enjoyable read. It was fun and sexy and I really loved Max. I think the dominatrix role could have been played out better, it was predictable but overall it worked.
April 24, 2018
Potential to be better
Book had potential to be better but both characters were not developed well enough. Storyline petered out with lots of holes in it.
Book had potential to be better but both characters were not developed well enough. Storyline petered out with lots of holes in it.
July 10, 2018
Master/mistress
I liked how the author developed her story lines, it’s believable! Now I am really interested in reading the sequel(s).
I liked how the author developed her story lines, it’s believable! Now I am really interested in reading the sequel(s).
May 19, 2019
Funny story with romance. Adult themes and behavior.
February 5, 2021
It begins on a line, but turns into so much more.
A good start to the series and good choice in regards to the new covers on Amazon. Definitely suits the storyline.
A good start to the series and good choice in regards to the new covers on Amazon. Definitely suits the storyline.
March 1, 2017
Loved this book, if you love romances with a strong alpha lead and a sweet sexy female co-lead then you will enjoy this book, there are some steamy scenes but nothing to explicit, the characters are enjoyably and the plot is steady and well thought out.
there are parts of this book that make you feel sorry for both leads and also makes you admire them as well, I truly got wrapped up in this story whilst reading it and did not want to put it down. it was a decent length and gave enough backstory that you felt connected to the characters and there struggles.
I will most definitely be reading the rest of the series
there are parts of this book that make you feel sorry for both leads and also makes you admire them as well, I truly got wrapped up in this story whilst reading it and did not want to put it down. it was a decent length and gave enough backstory that you felt connected to the characters and there struggles.
I will most definitely be reading the rest of the series
March 23, 2015
How To Master a Millionaire has a plot line that would do the best sit-coms proud. Ally, a down and out blogger with more debts than readers and zero self-confidence after her recent breakup with a selfish, manipulative and abusive ex-boyfriend finds herself accepting a “coaching” job from the very hot Max Oberon, a model turned actor who’s preparing for his next role. Julliard graduate Max is pure method acting and he’s been struggling to understand the headspace and motivation of his new subject, a competent, confident cop who falls for Cora, a drug “king pin” he’s been assigned to investigate. Detective Thomas is so taken with her that he willingly plays submissive to his new “mistress” both in and outside the bedroom, willingly altering evidence, providing her with details of the police investigation and eventually even killing to protect her.
For Max, a hard luck kid from the streets, being willing to surrender that much control to anyone else is something he just can’t get his head around. To help him understand the role, he decides to hire a professional dominatrix for a week to help him get into the role. Ally has zero experience as a dom, but she really needs the money so she signs the contract. Max’s $10,000 retainer will go a long way to reducing the pile of bills scattered around her bedroom, and the week in a secret location will hopefully provide lots of material for numerous juicy blog articles which should boost the blog’s readership and attract loads of cash-generating advertising.
What follows is a funny, touching and smoking hot story that made me laugh and cry and want to take cold showers, sometimes all at the same time. Like the best of sit-coms, it touches on some very heavy issues and sometimes borders on tragedy but it does so in a sensitive and sympathetic way.
I LOVED Ally and Max’s story and I think you will too.
For Max, a hard luck kid from the streets, being willing to surrender that much control to anyone else is something he just can’t get his head around. To help him understand the role, he decides to hire a professional dominatrix for a week to help him get into the role. Ally has zero experience as a dom, but she really needs the money so she signs the contract. Max’s $10,000 retainer will go a long way to reducing the pile of bills scattered around her bedroom, and the week in a secret location will hopefully provide lots of material for numerous juicy blog articles which should boost the blog’s readership and attract loads of cash-generating advertising.
What follows is a funny, touching and smoking hot story that made me laugh and cry and want to take cold showers, sometimes all at the same time. Like the best of sit-coms, it touches on some very heavy issues and sometimes borders on tragedy but it does so in a sensitive and sympathetic way.
I LOVED Ally and Max’s story and I think you will too.
July 11, 2015
This is a beautifully written and wonderful book by talented Talia Hunter! Individually, the main characters, Max and Ally, are dynamic; but when they are together, the chemistry is electrifying. Ally is a bit of a mess, she's unorganized, messy and very laid back. Max is the polar opposite, he is very rigid in his schedule, a neat-nik and driven. Max has come into The Gee Spot, Ally's sister's sex shop, looking for a dominatrix to help him prepare for a movie role. Ally is a journalist that writes for a blog she started with her best friend. Ally's sister tells Max that Ally would be perfect for job, the only problem is that Ally has no idea what a dominatrix does or how to be one. After a meeting at his hotel, Max hires Ally thinking she'll be perfect for the job. He takes to her a private house in the mountains so they can work together for a week before he has to leave for filming. Max and Ally are attracted to one another, as they work together and get to know one another, the attraction intensifies. During their time together, they learn to be a little more like the other person and they feel better about themselves for it. Interestingly, there was a story within a story in this book. The movie Max is fiilming is about Cora, a dominatrix and narcotic distributor, and Thomas, the police officer who is supposed to be investigating Cora, but falls for her instead. As we get to know more about Max and Aly, we learn more about Thomas and Cora as well and their relationship. OF course there is a hiccup or two and seeing how the talented author brings things together is treat. I do recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more from this wonderful author!
I recieved a complimentary copy of this manuscript from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I recieved a complimentary copy of this manuscript from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2017
Love dominates in the end
Happy ending
Happy ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews