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Devious Ingenues
In 1947, Montgomery Studios is one of the biggest and most successful movie studios in Hollywood, churning out hit after hit and taking normal, everyday young men and women and turning them into stars.Once a year, Montgomery Studios hosts a contest through The Next Ingenue Magazine to find a new Hollywood starlet. The finalists are brought to Hollywood for a screen test, and a contract is awarded to one lucky girl who Montgomery Studios will turn into a movie star.The previous year’s winner, Myrna Moran, already the studio’s most popular actress, will be hosting the finalists in her Hollywood Hills home.These girls will do anything to be the next Hollywood ‘It’ girl. Some are hiding racy pasts, others are fresh from the farm, a few are beauty contest winners. But nothing will stop their quest to win the Hollywood crown and unseat Myrna Moran (who has a few tricks up her sleeve).
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2019
About the author
Natalie-Nicole Bates
158 books612 followersNatalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author.
Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.
She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos.
Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.
She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 7, 2019
I liked this story, I think overall perhaps more of a 3.5 - I find most anthologies get a lower rating from me only because there are stories that I don't necessarily enjoy in them, so they bring the whole book down.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the majority of these stories - lots of them were well written and had a great plot. there were of course, a few stories that made no sense to me. I did find it hard to keep track of all of the girls names in each story, so I can't tell if there were new names thrown in when I thought all the names were read or if I was just dumb and forgetful.
I thought the last story was very apt, it really was well done as an ending to the book.
Exciting, murderous, thrill filled book.. well done!
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the majority of these stories - lots of them were well written and had a great plot. there were of course, a few stories that made no sense to me. I did find it hard to keep track of all of the girls names in each story, so I can't tell if there were new names thrown in when I thought all the names were read or if I was just dumb and forgetful.
I thought the last story was very apt, it really was well done as an ending to the book.
Exciting, murderous, thrill filled book.. well done!
March 30, 2019
Since this is a collection of multiple authors, I'm going to review first the overall book and then each author. I can't promise the individual authors won't include spoilers, so be careful how far you read.
Overall, this was a fun and dramatic idea. Myrna is the current holder of a prestigious title won during a competition sponsored by a film studio and magazine. It's been a year and time for a new winner. Despite having made a name for herself that is unlikely to fade, she isn't interested in anyone else winning the title and becoming the next new thing. She is willing to do anything to keep anyone she decides doesn't meet her impossible standards from winning. Each subsequent story is one of the contestants point of view.
The first "story" is Myrna herself. It's a bit bland for my taste, but it kinda has to be to lay the groundwork for the rest. A lot of information comes in a short space. Timelines are a continuous issue throughout the book,and it starts here. A year isn't a believable length for everything that she claims to have happened since she won, including a lengthy honeymoon.
Next is Anna. I really enjoyed her story. She is ruthless and willing to do whatever it takes to shake off the blemish her father's highly publicized incarceration has put on her name. Lacking morals, but desperate and ambitious. There were a couple scene changes with no gap between paragraphs. It was a bit confusing but soon sorted out. Her struggle between her personal ambition and her feelings toward Courtney (romantic or just platonic? Could be either way) felt very real.
Next up, Rosemarie or just Rose. Unfortunately, this story was COMPLETELY unbelievable and a badly played advertisement for a new series the author has coming out. Poor Rose, an innocent and wholesome farm girl, is drugged and sold by Myrna to a man who rapes and brutalizes her. She escapes with the help of one of her guards, who she falls in love with THE NEXT DAY, after completely forgiving both her rapist and the woman who drugged her. *Cue eyeroll*
Next, Virginia. As a character and a story in general, I liked Virginia. Again, innocent small town girl. She gets tricked into coming and replacing a contestant that vanished (because they very closely resemble each other). Swept up in the chaos and glamour, she goes along with everything only a little reluctantly. Now, the negative. I don't think this story was proofread AT ALL. Besides the frequent punctuation, grammar, and spelling errors, the amount of time she had been married before becoming a widow was changed at least 3 times. At the longest, it was 2 years. This doesn't mesh with the claim that her husband joined the military after pearl harbor and served for 2 years... And the story takes place in 47. Referred to "Hollywood Land" a minimum of 20 times, once 5 times on a single page. "Hollywoodland", as the sign originally read, referred to a single neighborhood and not the area as a whole. While it was poorly edited and researched, the writing itself had merit.
Next- Carolyn/Margaret. I think this one was actually my favorite. There are some continuity errors with previous stories, but that's kinda the nature of this type of work and not the fault of any one author. I loved the interaction between characters, and the shy relationship forming was sweet and realistic.
Next, Sandra. Her asshole cousin helps her escape from overprotective parents and right into the arms of a "madam". Despite pissing me off personally (trigger warning to what is essentially rape) I felt this story developed logically and enjoyed the writing style.
Finally, Jenna. Plot twist! I devoured this story, with it's spooky paranormal slant and final plot twist at the end that both broke my heart and made me cackle with malicious glee. A very unexpected ending and worth the read just for that.
Overall, this was a fun and dramatic idea. Myrna is the current holder of a prestigious title won during a competition sponsored by a film studio and magazine. It's been a year and time for a new winner. Despite having made a name for herself that is unlikely to fade, she isn't interested in anyone else winning the title and becoming the next new thing. She is willing to do anything to keep anyone she decides doesn't meet her impossible standards from winning. Each subsequent story is one of the contestants point of view.
The first "story" is Myrna herself. It's a bit bland for my taste, but it kinda has to be to lay the groundwork for the rest. A lot of information comes in a short space. Timelines are a continuous issue throughout the book,and it starts here. A year isn't a believable length for everything that she claims to have happened since she won, including a lengthy honeymoon.
Next is Anna. I really enjoyed her story. She is ruthless and willing to do whatever it takes to shake off the blemish her father's highly publicized incarceration has put on her name. Lacking morals, but desperate and ambitious. There were a couple scene changes with no gap between paragraphs. It was a bit confusing but soon sorted out. Her struggle between her personal ambition and her feelings toward Courtney (romantic or just platonic? Could be either way) felt very real.
Next up, Rosemarie or just Rose. Unfortunately, this story was COMPLETELY unbelievable and a badly played advertisement for a new series the author has coming out. Poor Rose, an innocent and wholesome farm girl, is drugged and sold by Myrna to a man who rapes and brutalizes her. She escapes with the help of one of her guards, who she falls in love with THE NEXT DAY, after completely forgiving both her rapist and the woman who drugged her. *Cue eyeroll*
Next, Virginia. As a character and a story in general, I liked Virginia. Again, innocent small town girl. She gets tricked into coming and replacing a contestant that vanished (because they very closely resemble each other). Swept up in the chaos and glamour, she goes along with everything only a little reluctantly. Now, the negative. I don't think this story was proofread AT ALL. Besides the frequent punctuation, grammar, and spelling errors, the amount of time she had been married before becoming a widow was changed at least 3 times. At the longest, it was 2 years. This doesn't mesh with the claim that her husband joined the military after pearl harbor and served for 2 years... And the story takes place in 47. Referred to "Hollywood Land" a minimum of 20 times, once 5 times on a single page. "Hollywoodland", as the sign originally read, referred to a single neighborhood and not the area as a whole. While it was poorly edited and researched, the writing itself had merit.
Next- Carolyn/Margaret. I think this one was actually my favorite. There are some continuity errors with previous stories, but that's kinda the nature of this type of work and not the fault of any one author. I loved the interaction between characters, and the shy relationship forming was sweet and realistic.
Next, Sandra. Her asshole cousin helps her escape from overprotective parents and right into the arms of a "madam". Despite pissing me off personally (trigger warning to what is essentially rape) I felt this story developed logically and enjoyed the writing style.
Finally, Jenna. Plot twist! I devoured this story, with it's spooky paranormal slant and final plot twist at the end that both broke my heart and made me cackle with malicious glee. A very unexpected ending and worth the read just for that.
March 25, 2019
This was an interesting book, a different kind of read for me. It followed a bunch of different girls entering the Ingenues competition to become a famous Hollywood actress but mysterious bad things keep happening to these girls during the competition. Each of these girls come with their own set of issues of something they're trying to hide in their past.
It’s kinda of a who done it scenario to figure out who and why this is happening. I found it very interesting and fascinating. I would definitely recommend. You won't believe how it ends.
It’s kinda of a who done it scenario to figure out who and why this is happening. I found it very interesting and fascinating. I would definitely recommend. You won't believe how it ends.
April 16, 2019
I love Anthologies, I love having different authors come together with their unique writing techniques and make one story. Each author is so talented that the short stories they produce just slide into place like a puzzle.
This was awesome! The good, the bad and the ugly was all covered about becoming a star, participating in a high end pageant and the really bad side of Hollywood. I love how each girl came from different backgrounds and all were just as excited as the next. I love the individual stories of each girl, some are jaw dropping and some are so sweet in the end. I found that I couldn’t wait to read about the next girl to get to the part of who wins. I kept changing my mind on the winner, but in the end, I never saw coming what happened and who won. The mystery was awesome, the suspense was tense, emotions all over the board and a shocking ending made this book as fabulously awesome as it is.
Here are my reviews with no spoilers::
Perfectly Poisoned Anthology Presents: Devious Ingenues
All About Myrna by Natalie-Nicole Bates
This was excitingly interesting to say the least. Learning about Myrna Moran was fascinating and I was at awe on how far she had come in life. She wasn’t a stuck up actress, instead she was very honest and down to earth. I learned how to and how not to approach Hollywood and the acting community. This was so real feeling, that I actually started to believe it was true. Excellent!
Daddy's Girl by Casia Courtier
Wow Oh Wow! There is a huge lesson to be learned in this one. Now, I think there is three or four total, but you are so engrossed with the storyline to realize it until your done. I found myself reading faster and faster as I turned the pages. Awesome! Just Awesome!
Starlet (Black Oleander Book 0.5) by Mila Waters
This was very intense. Farm girl meets the bad part of Hollywood. My heart went out to Rosemarie and tears came to my eyes. Unfortunately this really does happen and poor innocent girls have their lives changed forever. But Rosemarie was very luck to have the help of a man that thought she was the most beautiful creature on this earth, stood by her side and wants to do nothing more than to love her and make her happy. Now that’s a man to keep!
This was the beginning of Rosemarie’s story, I am looking forward to the rest of her story.
Falling Stars by Krystle Able
Wow, I didn’t see the ending to this one coming. Widowed and in Hollywood with her best friend to start a new life. She found a life that she didn’t ask for, but instead she found betrayal, anger, sex and a whole other person. In the end, darkness prevails as it does for everyone. This was so good!
In Her Shadow by K.L. Bone
Mystery, excitement, pending love and disguise is one way to sum this story up. I found myself on the edge of my seat and reading faster to see what is next. This story shows the true sister bond and that you would do anything for your sister. The suggestion of romance is just the icing on the cake. This was fantastic!
Bordello by J. V. Stanley
Let this story be a lesson to any girl thinking of running off to Hollywood for Fame and fortune. Think first, is it worth the outcome that can not be what you expected. Sandra found that out the hard way. Once you stood in that life style, it follows you for ever.
The Judas Pact by Natalie-Nicole Bates
What a way to end this Anthology. I never in a million years saw it coming and I was struck dumbfounded. Awesome!
Watch what you wish for because someone might hear you and you might make a deal with the devil or even worse.
Two best friends from a small farming town, living together, waitressing together and joining the pageant together. Who will win and what will it coast? Only one person knows and he is having the time of his “life”.
This Anthology had many surprises and twists and turns in it. It kept you on your toes as you read it. The Authors fit together like a glove and complemented each other in their style of writing. You weren't left disappointed at all and the thrill of the ride was crazy. I loved each and every one of the stories and the storyline as a whole. Well done ladies! Well Done!
This was awesome! The good, the bad and the ugly was all covered about becoming a star, participating in a high end pageant and the really bad side of Hollywood. I love how each girl came from different backgrounds and all were just as excited as the next. I love the individual stories of each girl, some are jaw dropping and some are so sweet in the end. I found that I couldn’t wait to read about the next girl to get to the part of who wins. I kept changing my mind on the winner, but in the end, I never saw coming what happened and who won. The mystery was awesome, the suspense was tense, emotions all over the board and a shocking ending made this book as fabulously awesome as it is.
Here are my reviews with no spoilers::
Perfectly Poisoned Anthology Presents: Devious Ingenues
All About Myrna by Natalie-Nicole Bates
This was excitingly interesting to say the least. Learning about Myrna Moran was fascinating and I was at awe on how far she had come in life. She wasn’t a stuck up actress, instead she was very honest and down to earth. I learned how to and how not to approach Hollywood and the acting community. This was so real feeling, that I actually started to believe it was true. Excellent!
Daddy's Girl by Casia Courtier
Wow Oh Wow! There is a huge lesson to be learned in this one. Now, I think there is three or four total, but you are so engrossed with the storyline to realize it until your done. I found myself reading faster and faster as I turned the pages. Awesome! Just Awesome!
Starlet (Black Oleander Book 0.5) by Mila Waters
This was very intense. Farm girl meets the bad part of Hollywood. My heart went out to Rosemarie and tears came to my eyes. Unfortunately this really does happen and poor innocent girls have their lives changed forever. But Rosemarie was very luck to have the help of a man that thought she was the most beautiful creature on this earth, stood by her side and wants to do nothing more than to love her and make her happy. Now that’s a man to keep!
This was the beginning of Rosemarie’s story, I am looking forward to the rest of her story.
Falling Stars by Krystle Able
Wow, I didn’t see the ending to this one coming. Widowed and in Hollywood with her best friend to start a new life. She found a life that she didn’t ask for, but instead she found betrayal, anger, sex and a whole other person. In the end, darkness prevails as it does for everyone. This was so good!
In Her Shadow by K.L. Bone
Mystery, excitement, pending love and disguise is one way to sum this story up. I found myself on the edge of my seat and reading faster to see what is next. This story shows the true sister bond and that you would do anything for your sister. The suggestion of romance is just the icing on the cake. This was fantastic!
Bordello by J. V. Stanley
Let this story be a lesson to any girl thinking of running off to Hollywood for Fame and fortune. Think first, is it worth the outcome that can not be what you expected. Sandra found that out the hard way. Once you stood in that life style, it follows you for ever.
The Judas Pact by Natalie-Nicole Bates
What a way to end this Anthology. I never in a million years saw it coming and I was struck dumbfounded. Awesome!
Watch what you wish for because someone might hear you and you might make a deal with the devil or even worse.
Two best friends from a small farming town, living together, waitressing together and joining the pageant together. Who will win and what will it coast? Only one person knows and he is having the time of his “life”.
This Anthology had many surprises and twists and turns in it. It kept you on your toes as you read it. The Authors fit together like a glove and complemented each other in their style of writing. You weren't left disappointed at all and the thrill of the ride was crazy. I loved each and every one of the stories and the storyline as a whole. Well done ladies! Well Done!
May 17, 2019
KL. BONE. DOES. IT. AGAIN.
She is a multi-genre talent that surprised me with her short story, In Her Shadow. When I began my journey reading her books I started with her YA High Fantasy, to her Dark Adult Fantasy, to her Paranormal Fantasy and now to MYSTERY! And all I can day is WOW!
In this story we follow the Montgomery Studios' contest through The Next Ingenue Magazine to discover the next hottest Hollywood starlet.
Carolyn Rodgers enters the contest with a purpose!! Her motives are to win. Win the contest?? Game of Hollywood Politics? Game of Life?? OR is it a mystery???
KL Bone's writing is poslished, intriguing and begs to he read! I didn't want it to end. I hope she continues with this genre. FIVE stars and a tip of my Nerd Girl hat.
*This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official Book Blog.
She is a multi-genre talent that surprised me with her short story, In Her Shadow. When I began my journey reading her books I started with her YA High Fantasy, to her Dark Adult Fantasy, to her Paranormal Fantasy and now to MYSTERY! And all I can day is WOW!
In this story we follow the Montgomery Studios' contest through The Next Ingenue Magazine to discover the next hottest Hollywood starlet.
Carolyn Rodgers enters the contest with a purpose!! Her motives are to win. Win the contest?? Game of Hollywood Politics? Game of Life?? OR is it a mystery???
KL Bone's writing is poslished, intriguing and begs to he read! I didn't want it to end. I hope she continues with this genre. FIVE stars and a tip of my Nerd Girl hat.
*This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official Book Blog.
February 8, 2022
Each individual Short story was unique in its own diverse way. Each character had to struggle with their own issues. With all the good, the bad, and ugly that comes to becoming a starlet. Participating in a high-end pageant. Being judged by picky Judges. Behind the scenes in Hollywood can be so dirty.
April 5, 2019
I loved having do many awesome authors books together in one place. I grabbed this in particularly for K.L. Bones story and it was great love having a different style of story line from her. A straight up leading lady mystery, was wonderful. All other stories are great as well
April 8, 2019
I really enjoyed the stories in this book. I loved how they were all relating to one another but also how they were each diverse and exciting. I definitely recommend reading this book! I loved the era that was portrayed through the stories.
April 10, 2019
Initially, I downloaded this anthology so I could just listen to Author Krystle Able's story while at work. But after listening to it, I was left in awe. So, I had no choice but to be attentive to the entire book. It is original, well-written and captivating.
April 1, 2019
Great read. I am a fan of short stories and several of the authors in this collection. i recommend this book highly.
April 5, 2019
Devious Ingenues is an Anthology by several incredible authors. For now, this review focuses on K.L. Bone’s contribution, In Her Shadow.
This is a wonderful and moving (not to mention fast-paced) story about a girl searching for her missing sister. The lengths she is willing to go to, and the dangers she faces, illustrates beautifully the connection between these two small town sisters, one with a dream for bright lights, another dreaming of a quiet life teaching.
Ms. Bone had a few short pages to tell her story, and it was well done. You were immersed in the story, and felt deep ties to the main character, from the start. 4.5 stars rounded to 5, well deserved.
I was invited to sample this Anthology by K.L. Bone, and volunteer this honest review of her story.
This is a wonderful and moving (not to mention fast-paced) story about a girl searching for her missing sister. The lengths she is willing to go to, and the dangers she faces, illustrates beautifully the connection between these two small town sisters, one with a dream for bright lights, another dreaming of a quiet life teaching.
Ms. Bone had a few short pages to tell her story, and it was well done. You were immersed in the story, and felt deep ties to the main character, from the start. 4.5 stars rounded to 5, well deserved.
I was invited to sample this Anthology by K.L. Bone, and volunteer this honest review of her story.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews