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Miami Famous #1
Scandal in the VIP Suite
Two strangers. One bed.
And a kiss as scorching as the Miami heat!
When Nina Taylor peeks into the luxury hotel suite that should have been hers, she's caught by the room's occupant, Julian Knight. The Hollywood bad boy quickly offers a compromise: why not share? Soon, the paparazzi is jumping to scandalous conclusions--and Julian and Nina share an incredible kiss. Good thing they're only booked for a week...because, boy, is she in trouble!
And a kiss as scorching as the Miami heat!
When Nina Taylor peeks into the luxury hotel suite that should have been hers, she's caught by the room's occupant, Julian Knight. The Hollywood bad boy quickly offers a compromise: why not share? Soon, the paparazzi is jumping to scandalous conclusions--and Julian and Nina share an incredible kiss. Good thing they're only booked for a week...because, boy, is she in trouble!
219 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 10, 2020
19 people are currently reading
1046 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 28, 2020
Scandal in the VIP Suite is the story of a scandalous (in the public's eyes), yet heart-warming (for the protagonists), staycation.
Synopsis:
Nina Taylor is on a solo trip to Miami, to stay at a place that her late mother, a Broadway actress, always dreamed of staying at. A writer by profession, she is there to let her hair down, or just sleep her exhaustion away.
Julian Leroy Knight or JL Knight is an action hero who has been receiving flak for his latest movies which are all about toxic masculinity. So, he decides to escape for a few days to Miami. But he didn't expect an alluring beauty to already be there on his getaway.
When these two are assigned the same room due to a mix-up by the hotel, does it lead to something significant?
Review:
Nadine Gonzalez is back with another story set in Miami and this time it's Hollywood hotness. Or should I say, hot mess? The author promises in her letter to readers right at the beginning that this series will have Caribbean and Latinx characters freely pursuing love and happiness, while simultaneously dealing with a scandal.
A thirty-one-year-old Caribbean heroine and a Jamaican British hero whose meet-cute starts with an eye lock which proceeds to an unexpected flirty banter (him, of course, flirting unabashedly).
I can't pinpoint what exactly it is that brings out a flavour in my reviews whenever I read a book by Nadine Gonzalez. I feel my reviews become fun and flirty too.
Scandal in the VIP Suite has a spark to it. This has so many sweet spots, a perfect Harlequin Desire in the best contemporary setting ever. A situation where a Hollywood heartthrob, looking to lay low, meets a writer who is feeling out of sorts. I was swooning the entire time I was reading it.
The characters listen to audiobooks, the protagonists are on an equal footing, gender equality is being discussed (and implemented) and yet it isn't overdone! A film is being made, life-changing decisions are afoot, and … what more could I have asked for!?! Sharing a line because I love it when they rhyme:
Just something offbeat that I wanted to mention in my review.
As the story progressed, it went from sweet to sweeter. But there were also doubts, about each other, about getting into a relationship, especially considering the baggage that it comes with for both of them. Oh, don't worry, the baggage is not that heavy.
I loved how open they Nina and Julian are with each other. Neither overly dramatic nor any pretences. There are celebrity stalkers and the dangers that come with dating a celebrity, and writing life have been discussed too. This is such a wholesome story, carrying so many elements which blend smoothly.
For someone who doesn't write professionally but still writes here and there, and for those who do write, this is such a sweet book, particularly the world as seen through Nina's eyes. It warmed my heart, through and through, the way a writer's life was described, a writer who has tasted success but still hasn't reached her pinnacle.
It has a beautiful epilogue that sums up the story nicely.
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of the book.
Other books that I have read by the author:
Unconditionally Mine
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
Synopsis:
Nina Taylor is on a solo trip to Miami, to stay at a place that her late mother, a Broadway actress, always dreamed of staying at. A writer by profession, she is there to let her hair down, or just sleep her exhaustion away.
Julian Leroy Knight or JL Knight is an action hero who has been receiving flak for his latest movies which are all about toxic masculinity. So, he decides to escape for a few days to Miami. But he didn't expect an alluring beauty to already be there on his getaway.
When these two are assigned the same room due to a mix-up by the hotel, does it lead to something significant?
Review:
Nadine Gonzalez is back with another story set in Miami and this time it's Hollywood hotness. Or should I say, hot mess? The author promises in her letter to readers right at the beginning that this series will have Caribbean and Latinx characters freely pursuing love and happiness, while simultaneously dealing with a scandal.
A thirty-one-year-old Caribbean heroine and a Jamaican British hero whose meet-cute starts with an eye lock which proceeds to an unexpected flirty banter (him, of course, flirting unabashedly).
I can't pinpoint what exactly it is that brings out a flavour in my reviews whenever I read a book by Nadine Gonzalez. I feel my reviews become fun and flirty too.
Scandal in the VIP Suite has a spark to it. This has so many sweet spots, a perfect Harlequin Desire in the best contemporary setting ever. A situation where a Hollywood heartthrob, looking to lay low, meets a writer who is feeling out of sorts. I was swooning the entire time I was reading it.
The characters listen to audiobooks, the protagonists are on an equal footing, gender equality is being discussed (and implemented) and yet it isn't overdone! A film is being made, life-changing decisions are afoot, and … what more could I have asked for!?! Sharing a line because I love it when they rhyme:
Aphrodite being the goddess of love and beauty and all. Shouldn’t she stand tall?
Just something offbeat that I wanted to mention in my review.
As the story progressed, it went from sweet to sweeter. But there were also doubts, about each other, about getting into a relationship, especially considering the baggage that it comes with for both of them. Oh, don't worry, the baggage is not that heavy.
I loved how open they Nina and Julian are with each other. Neither overly dramatic nor any pretences. There are celebrity stalkers and the dangers that come with dating a celebrity, and writing life have been discussed too. This is such a wholesome story, carrying so many elements which blend smoothly.
For someone who doesn't write professionally but still writes here and there, and for those who do write, this is such a sweet book, particularly the world as seen through Nina's eyes. It warmed my heart, through and through, the way a writer's life was described, a writer who has tasted success but still hasn't reached her pinnacle.
It has a beautiful epilogue that sums up the story nicely.
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of the book.
Other books that I have read by the author:
Unconditionally Mine
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
January 7, 2021
Scandal in the VIP Suite by Nadine Gonzalez is the first in her Miami Famous series and features a writer and Hollywood bad boy who end up in the same suite at a luxury hotel and turn their experience into a permanent arrangement.
Nina Taylor is honoring her late mother’s wish by staying at Miami’s Sand Castle resort’s top floor suite, a place her mother had always dreamed of staying and never got the chance. Nina is hoping that staying there will help break her writer’s block. But there’s a snag when it turns out that the room has been given to a more important guest, Hollywood actor Julian Leroy ‘JL’ Knight.
Because of the last minute change, Nina’s valet brings her to her original room and she’s not about to correct him. Thus Julian finds Nina taking a selfie in the infamous bedroom of the suite. When Julian finds out that the hotel management has kicked Nina out of the room so he could have it and that the room she was supposed to get instead is also rented out, he proposes a compromise – they could share the suite. After all, there is enough room for them both. And when Julian finds out that Nina is a writer, he wonders if she can help him in return. He’s trying to rehabilitate his image with a new film that he wants to produce and he needs help with the screenplay. Nina agrees and what starts out as a working relationship leads to a steamy affair. But when intimate details of their lives turn up in the tabloids, will they weather the scandal or call it quits?
I loved this story! The setting is well described, the opulence and sunny tropical locale of Miami’s Ocean Drive and the boutique Sand Castle hotel sound inviting and luxurious. Nina is most famous for a memoir she wrote of her experience growing up with a famous mother through entries in her diaries and to this day she still records her daily life in journals. Although she’d thought of making another book from her writings, the idea of writing a screenplay and getting a different kind of recognition is appealing.
Julian is well known for the role he played in a TV series as a paramedic and then as an action star but his career has been on the rocks lately with the way his characters interact with women and after a very public split with his last girlfriend. He’s still followed around by the paparazzi of course, and when they spot him and Nina together it causes a stir. I really enjoyed how they met, how their relationship both professionally and personally progresses and how Julian is able to turn around his reputation with Nina’s advice and help. I thought the backstage view of an actor’s life was also interesting. Of course, there are some bumps on the road to their happy ending, but it all ends in a very satisfying way. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-sc...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.
Nina Taylor is honoring her late mother’s wish by staying at Miami’s Sand Castle resort’s top floor suite, a place her mother had always dreamed of staying and never got the chance. Nina is hoping that staying there will help break her writer’s block. But there’s a snag when it turns out that the room has been given to a more important guest, Hollywood actor Julian Leroy ‘JL’ Knight.
Because of the last minute change, Nina’s valet brings her to her original room and she’s not about to correct him. Thus Julian finds Nina taking a selfie in the infamous bedroom of the suite. When Julian finds out that the hotel management has kicked Nina out of the room so he could have it and that the room she was supposed to get instead is also rented out, he proposes a compromise – they could share the suite. After all, there is enough room for them both. And when Julian finds out that Nina is a writer, he wonders if she can help him in return. He’s trying to rehabilitate his image with a new film that he wants to produce and he needs help with the screenplay. Nina agrees and what starts out as a working relationship leads to a steamy affair. But when intimate details of their lives turn up in the tabloids, will they weather the scandal or call it quits?
I loved this story! The setting is well described, the opulence and sunny tropical locale of Miami’s Ocean Drive and the boutique Sand Castle hotel sound inviting and luxurious. Nina is most famous for a memoir she wrote of her experience growing up with a famous mother through entries in her diaries and to this day she still records her daily life in journals. Although she’d thought of making another book from her writings, the idea of writing a screenplay and getting a different kind of recognition is appealing.
Julian is well known for the role he played in a TV series as a paramedic and then as an action star but his career has been on the rocks lately with the way his characters interact with women and after a very public split with his last girlfriend. He’s still followed around by the paparazzi of course, and when they spot him and Nina together it causes a stir. I really enjoyed how they met, how their relationship both professionally and personally progresses and how Julian is able to turn around his reputation with Nina’s advice and help. I thought the backstage view of an actor’s life was also interesting. Of course, there are some bumps on the road to their happy ending, but it all ends in a very satisfying way. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-sc...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.
January 29, 2021
When one of my favorite authors talked about how good Scandal in the VIP Suite was, I knew I had to read the book. Nadine Gonzalez is a new to me author, and Scandal marks her debut as a Harlequin Desire author. I have to agree, Scandal was a good read. It even left me wanting more from Nadine.
Scandal in the VIP Suite contains a meet-cute that will have you laughing. This diverse, own voices romance is full of characters you will immediately fall in love with. Nina Taylor is in Miami to honor her mother on the one year anniversary of her death. Nina’s plan is to stay in the Oasis suite, at the Sand Castle, just as her mother had wanted to do. JL “Julian” Knight, is an action hero movie star. He has had an unsuccessful run at the box office as of late, due in part to a scandal involving his ex who he previously worked with.
In a spur of the moment decision, Julian decides to fly from Los Angeles to Miami and stay at the Sand Castle. He has no idea that his showing up will force Nina to be kicked out of her room. With it being the 4th of July weekend, all rooms at the Sand Castle are booked, as well as nearby hotels. Julian convinces Nina to stay and share his two-bedroom hotel suite with him and soon sparks fly. What was supposed to be a one-week vacation fling turns into a months-long relationship with the two becoming friends, lovers, and partners. Things are great until the intrusiveness of Hollywood comes knocking.
Nadine does a wonderful job of transporting you into the pages of the story, where you can visualize Miami in all its glory and picture the characters at play and work. Nina and Julian are a fun couple to watch. They’re playful with each other and it translates to them being trusting and open. When their conflict arises it’s like your heart is being torn to pieces as well. I saw a little of myself in Nina and loved the way she handled herself.
I have to say, when I first started reading this story I couldn't help but immediately think of Naima Simone. If you are a fan of Naima, you are going to be a fan of Nadine's. I am definitely looking forward to reading more books from Nadine.
~ Favorite Quote ~
“Women have plans. Girls have hopes and wishes.”
**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. Also purchased a paperback copy.**
Scandal in the VIP Suite contains a meet-cute that will have you laughing. This diverse, own voices romance is full of characters you will immediately fall in love with. Nina Taylor is in Miami to honor her mother on the one year anniversary of her death. Nina’s plan is to stay in the Oasis suite, at the Sand Castle, just as her mother had wanted to do. JL “Julian” Knight, is an action hero movie star. He has had an unsuccessful run at the box office as of late, due in part to a scandal involving his ex who he previously worked with.
In a spur of the moment decision, Julian decides to fly from Los Angeles to Miami and stay at the Sand Castle. He has no idea that his showing up will force Nina to be kicked out of her room. With it being the 4th of July weekend, all rooms at the Sand Castle are booked, as well as nearby hotels. Julian convinces Nina to stay and share his two-bedroom hotel suite with him and soon sparks fly. What was supposed to be a one-week vacation fling turns into a months-long relationship with the two becoming friends, lovers, and partners. Things are great until the intrusiveness of Hollywood comes knocking.
Nadine does a wonderful job of transporting you into the pages of the story, where you can visualize Miami in all its glory and picture the characters at play and work. Nina and Julian are a fun couple to watch. They’re playful with each other and it translates to them being trusting and open. When their conflict arises it’s like your heart is being torn to pieces as well. I saw a little of myself in Nina and loved the way she handled herself.
I have to say, when I first started reading this story I couldn't help but immediately think of Naima Simone. If you are a fan of Naima, you are going to be a fan of Nadine's. I am definitely looking forward to reading more books from Nadine.
~ Favorite Quote ~
“Women have plans. Girls have hopes and wishes.”
**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. Also purchased a paperback copy.**
March 1, 2021
Loved this romance between Nina and Julian. Nina is a writer and Julian is an actor. I loved seeing them blend their passions together to create something amazing. I loved the spin on close proximity in this one. Loved the Miami setting. This is my second Nadine Gonzalez but she is quickly becoming a new favorite author.
January 13, 2021
Good book. I enjoyed reading a Desire line book with all of the expected sparks and a hero who starts as a decent human being rather than a jerk who needs to learn a lesson. Julian is a Hollywood action film star whose star is on the way down thanks to the "toxic masculinity" of his films and his reputation as a bad boy. His self-confidence has taken a hit, and he is in Miami to lay low and consider his next steps. The last thing he expects to find is a woman who could derail all of his plans.
Nina is the daughter of a Broadway actress. She honors her mother's last wish by staying in the hotel's premier suite and hopes that staying there will help break her writer's block. Nina is a writer and wrote a memoir about life with her mother. Her agent wants her to do another book, but Nina hasn't come up with anything so far. However, when Nina arrives at the hotel, she finds that the room has been given to a more important guest.
I loved the first meeting between Julian and Nina. Because of the last-minute change, the bellhop takes Nina to her original room instead of the new one. Nina can't resist taking a few minutes to explore the space she should have had and expects to be gone before the new occupant arrives. Though he initially suspects Nina of being an intrusive fan, his reaction does a complete turnaround when he finds out the circumstances. When Julian finds out that Nina will have to go to another hotel, he offers to share the suite with her.
Sparks fly between Julian and Nina from the beginning. Nina is wary. With her background, she has no interest in getting involved with an actor. I liked that Julian respects her decision, and they begin by becoming friends. I loved watching them get to know each other. Nina had no idea that he was a movie star - she isn't a fan of most Hollywood productions. I loved the scene where he catches her watching one of his movies and confesses that he is listening to her book. It isn't long before Julian is comfortable enough with Nina to share his other reason for being in Miami. He's written a script for a movie he wants to produce and gives it to her to read. Though her reaction isn't quite what he expects, I loved that he listened to what she had to say and recognized its worth.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop from friends to lovers to more. Though initially they expected a short fling, once Nina began working with Julian on his script, what they had deepened. I liked their obvious respect for each other's abilities, and seeing them work so well together was wonderful. It is clear that they are in love, though neither is ready to take that final step. It looks promising until an excerpt from Nina's very private diary turns up in a tabloid. Julian blames Nina and says some very harsh and hurtful things. I ached for Nina, who expected better of him, and her reaction was undoubtedly justified. Of course, by the time he cooled down and realized what he'd done, it was too late. Though it took several months, I thought the time apart was good for them as both had some baggage to deal with. The ending was terrific. The scene at the premier was sweet and romantic. I loved his heartfelt speech and its effect on Nina, especially her bit of pushback at the end. The epilogue was fantastic.
I loved the lush descriptions of the hotel. I frequently felt as if I was right there with Julian and Nina. I also liked the behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process. I could feel Julian's anxiousness as he put his dream out there and cheered as it became a reality.
Nina is the daughter of a Broadway actress. She honors her mother's last wish by staying in the hotel's premier suite and hopes that staying there will help break her writer's block. Nina is a writer and wrote a memoir about life with her mother. Her agent wants her to do another book, but Nina hasn't come up with anything so far. However, when Nina arrives at the hotel, she finds that the room has been given to a more important guest.
I loved the first meeting between Julian and Nina. Because of the last-minute change, the bellhop takes Nina to her original room instead of the new one. Nina can't resist taking a few minutes to explore the space she should have had and expects to be gone before the new occupant arrives. Though he initially suspects Nina of being an intrusive fan, his reaction does a complete turnaround when he finds out the circumstances. When Julian finds out that Nina will have to go to another hotel, he offers to share the suite with her.
Sparks fly between Julian and Nina from the beginning. Nina is wary. With her background, she has no interest in getting involved with an actor. I liked that Julian respects her decision, and they begin by becoming friends. I loved watching them get to know each other. Nina had no idea that he was a movie star - she isn't a fan of most Hollywood productions. I loved the scene where he catches her watching one of his movies and confesses that he is listening to her book. It isn't long before Julian is comfortable enough with Nina to share his other reason for being in Miami. He's written a script for a movie he wants to produce and gives it to her to read. Though her reaction isn't quite what he expects, I loved that he listened to what she had to say and recognized its worth.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop from friends to lovers to more. Though initially they expected a short fling, once Nina began working with Julian on his script, what they had deepened. I liked their obvious respect for each other's abilities, and seeing them work so well together was wonderful. It is clear that they are in love, though neither is ready to take that final step. It looks promising until an excerpt from Nina's very private diary turns up in a tabloid. Julian blames Nina and says some very harsh and hurtful things. I ached for Nina, who expected better of him, and her reaction was undoubtedly justified. Of course, by the time he cooled down and realized what he'd done, it was too late. Though it took several months, I thought the time apart was good for them as both had some baggage to deal with. The ending was terrific. The scene at the premier was sweet and romantic. I loved his heartfelt speech and its effect on Nina, especially her bit of pushback at the end. The epilogue was fantastic.
I loved the lush descriptions of the hotel. I frequently felt as if I was right there with Julian and Nina. I also liked the behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process. I could feel Julian's anxiousness as he put his dream out there and cheered as it became a reality.
January 24, 2022
Annnnnd my first Harlequin of the year!
My first novel of 2021 by Nadine Gonzalez is a tropetastic delight. Nina and Julian end up in the Oasis Suite - the most luxurious digs in the X hotel in Miami. The attraction is instantaneous - eyes locking on a magnificent staircase, a mixup that leads to an aspiring writer and her scandal-prone leading man finding love in the Miami heat.
The chemistry between Julian and Nina was palpable throughout the story and it just made sense that they should be together. The novel is fun and grows sweeter as you read, the heavy emotions of doubt and drama balancing well with the delight of falling in love. There's everything you would expect from an action-star leading man and an aspiring writer but the story felt unexpected and fresh nonetheless.
And wooh, how about that cover?
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
My first novel of 2021 by Nadine Gonzalez is a tropetastic delight. Nina and Julian end up in the Oasis Suite - the most luxurious digs in the X hotel in Miami. The attraction is instantaneous - eyes locking on a magnificent staircase, a mixup that leads to an aspiring writer and her scandal-prone leading man finding love in the Miami heat.
The chemistry between Julian and Nina was palpable throughout the story and it just made sense that they should be together. The novel is fun and grows sweeter as you read, the heavy emotions of doubt and drama balancing well with the delight of falling in love. There's everything you would expect from an action-star leading man and an aspiring writer but the story felt unexpected and fresh nonetheless.
And wooh, how about that cover?
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
December 19, 2020
Scandal was addicting! It was so easy to fall into this forced proximity/celebrity romance. Nina and Julian both had their struggles but were very relatable and very fun to read. I loved the fast pace and the steam and how thir story really came full circle.
July 22, 2021
There’s only one bed because she’s not giving up her room for a Hollywood hottie!
Nina is on vacation to honor her last mother while Julian is fleeing both a literal and career wildfire. As they clash over their double booked room they realize they have more in common than their chemistry and that are exactly what the other needs most.
I really liked that Julian got Nina and her writing right away and that she saw through is reputation to the real him. I also really liked the way her journaling of their most intimate moments fit into the story. The epistolary style of the physical intimacy made this one feel a little more “fade to black” than other Desire titles but it really workers for the story for me.
I’m really excited to read more Desire titles from Nadine Gonzalez!
Nina is on vacation to honor her last mother while Julian is fleeing both a literal and career wildfire. As they clash over their double booked room they realize they have more in common than their chemistry and that are exactly what the other needs most.
I really liked that Julian got Nina and her writing right away and that she saw through is reputation to the real him. I also really liked the way her journaling of their most intimate moments fit into the story. The epistolary style of the physical intimacy made this one feel a little more “fade to black” than other Desire titles but it really workers for the story for me.
I’m really excited to read more Desire titles from Nadine Gonzalez!
January 1, 2021
This was my first book by the author and I enjoyed it. I love a good celebrity romance! 3.5 stars.
Nina Taylor is on a vacation to Miami she planned specifically to celebrate the life of her mother, who had died a year before. But, so far, everything is going wrong. When she gets to her hotel, she finds the fancy suite she booked has been given to some VIP, and she's out of luck. When she goes upstairs for a sneak peek at the room that should've been hers, she's caught by the VIP in question, a Hollywood action star.
Julian Knight is trying to reinvent himself. He got rich and famous starring in action movies, but after his last film flopped, he's been hiding out a bit, figuring out his next move. When he catches a beautiful woman in his room, and finds out he inadvertently caused her to lose her reservation, he offers for her to stay with him, in the 2-bedroom suite. She accepts, but only until they can find a room for her. Neither of them expect what they will become to each other.
Julian and Nina had excellent chemistry, and their witty barbs back and forth were perfect. I loved that they were able to get to know each other for a while before they ever considered actually being together. They had a great connection, and learned quickly to work well together. But before they knew it, the paparazzi were on to them, which caused issues as well. They both had to make a decision about whether it was worth the hassle for them to be together.
The side characters here were fun and helped move the story along, but Julian and Nina were definitely the main attraction. The hotel was also a character unto itself, and I could picture it in my head perfectly.
I enjoyed this story, but ultimately I didn't love the length of the separation between Julian and Nina, and it caused the story to lose a bit of luster for me in the end. The way they got back together was lovely, but I just needed more somehow? I'm not sure, but something about it didn't completely work for me. This was a short, sweet read, with a little steam, and I would still recommend it.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Nina Taylor is on a vacation to Miami she planned specifically to celebrate the life of her mother, who had died a year before. But, so far, everything is going wrong. When she gets to her hotel, she finds the fancy suite she booked has been given to some VIP, and she's out of luck. When she goes upstairs for a sneak peek at the room that should've been hers, she's caught by the VIP in question, a Hollywood action star.
Julian Knight is trying to reinvent himself. He got rich and famous starring in action movies, but after his last film flopped, he's been hiding out a bit, figuring out his next move. When he catches a beautiful woman in his room, and finds out he inadvertently caused her to lose her reservation, he offers for her to stay with him, in the 2-bedroom suite. She accepts, but only until they can find a room for her. Neither of them expect what they will become to each other.
Julian and Nina had excellent chemistry, and their witty barbs back and forth were perfect. I loved that they were able to get to know each other for a while before they ever considered actually being together. They had a great connection, and learned quickly to work well together. But before they knew it, the paparazzi were on to them, which caused issues as well. They both had to make a decision about whether it was worth the hassle for them to be together.
The side characters here were fun and helped move the story along, but Julian and Nina were definitely the main attraction. The hotel was also a character unto itself, and I could picture it in my head perfectly.
I enjoyed this story, but ultimately I didn't love the length of the separation between Julian and Nina, and it caused the story to lose a bit of luster for me in the end. The way they got back together was lovely, but I just needed more somehow? I'm not sure, but something about it didn't completely work for me. This was a short, sweet read, with a little steam, and I would still recommend it.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
October 23, 2020
Thank you so much to the author for providing an ARC in exchange of an honest review!
This is a very quick read about writer Nina staying in a Miami hotel's suite only to realize that due to am error she now has to share the suite with movie star Julian. The story follows their developing relationship through fun outings and ambitious projects that they start to bond over.
The story had a little bit of everything which ultimately made it feel a little too rushed for me, I couldn't feel the character's chemistry and attraction towards each other. The story felt fun and sweet but at the same time dealt with serious emotions that didn't balance themselves well enough for how I usually enjoy my romances.
Overall, I think it's a great read if you're looking for Hollywood drama and a couple that is shooting their shot at each other
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This is a very quick read about writer Nina staying in a Miami hotel's suite only to realize that due to am error she now has to share the suite with movie star Julian. The story follows their developing relationship through fun outings and ambitious projects that they start to bond over.
The story had a little bit of everything which ultimately made it feel a little too rushed for me, I couldn't feel the character's chemistry and attraction towards each other. The story felt fun and sweet but at the same time dealt with serious emotions that didn't balance themselves well enough for how I usually enjoy my romances.
Overall, I think it's a great read if you're looking for Hollywood drama and a couple that is shooting their shot at each other
YouTube
November 24, 2020
Reading Scandal in the VIP Suite felt like I had unwittingly bumped into a gorgeous billionaire who took one look at me, then sent me a garment box from a designer I can’t afford with a magnificent dress inside that fit me like a glove and an intriguing note saying, “Pick you up at eight. We’re flying to Miami for a show.” It is such a luxurious feast for the senses! I truly enjoyed watching Nina and Julian’s instant attraction heat from a simmer to a rolling boil and then mature into lasting love.
Read
February 12, 2021I adored this. It was a fun romance with lovely characters. And it was just so perfectly to my specific tastes in so many ways: down-to-earth celebrity (and celebrity-adjacent) characters who are very kind-hearted and who are being thoughtful about being creative and what they want from a creative life; lots of good humor in the dialogue and in the exposition; deeper networks of friends and family surrounding the protagonists, with the protagonists low-key navigating and figuring out those relationships during the book; and details about what the characters order when they go out to eat. :)
November 12, 2020
3.5/5
This is the first book I've been able to get into after the stress of last week. I don't typically enjoy books with celebrities, but I enjoyed Scandal in the VIP Suite. It was a fast and romantic read and that's exactly what my sleep-deprived brain needed.
RTC
October 26, 2020
I always look out for the novels from this author because I love the way she captures the Miami setting and her writing style. This one is the best romance I've read all year.
February 4, 2022
My first book by Nadine Gonzalez and I enjoyed it! I'm trying to read more books by Caribbean authors so I've been meaning to check out Nadine's. Both of our MCs are also of Caribbean heritage. I loved watching Julian and Nina's relationship grow from strangers to more.
Most of the action was kept to the hotel where they both were staying and I do wish we saw a bit more of Miami but overall I loved this!
I already have the next book in the series, so looking forward to that.
Most of the action was kept to the hotel where they both were staying and I do wish we saw a bit more of Miami but overall I loved this!
I already have the next book in the series, so looking forward to that.
March 21, 2021
4.5? I loved this. I loved it. I also read it from start to finish in one day, which absolutely never happens, which definitely is a plus in my book.
I loved Nina and Julian so much. Nina is such a strong character but, she's also constantly crying without noticing that she's crying and I awkwardly related to that cause like, I'm an emotional mess, but that doesn't mean I can't be tough. I loved how jealous Julian would get every time she fangirled about an actor that wasn't him. Yes, she was attracted to him right away, but she 100% was not in it for Julian the actor, she was into Julian the man in the hotel.
Nina and Julian have to share a hotel suite, because of reasons, and they end up forming this friendship, which then turns romantic, which then also develops into a working partnership where they both support each other so much and I loved it. I just adored it.
I loved Nina and Julian so much. Nina is such a strong character but, she's also constantly crying without noticing that she's crying and I awkwardly related to that cause like, I'm an emotional mess, but that doesn't mean I can't be tough. I loved how jealous Julian would get every time she fangirled about an actor that wasn't him. Yes, she was attracted to him right away, but she 100% was not in it for Julian the actor, she was into Julian the man in the hotel.
Nina and Julian have to share a hotel suite, because of reasons, and they end up forming this friendship, which then turns romantic, which then also develops into a working partnership where they both support each other so much and I loved it. I just adored it.
January 7, 2021
I loved the cover of this book and the premise seemed interesting so I requested it from NetGalley. I'm not a huge Harlequin reader these days but this book reminded me why I used to be. A great story, well-developed, with a happy ending in a short format. I didn't love the ending because it was telegraphed so clearly and I wasn't sure I really believed it because up until that point, Nina and Julian had been communicating so well with each other, the Big Misunderstanding seemed out of character. I also don't love public declarations and, whoo baby, this one was public. Otherwise, Nina was a great character whose flaws we got to see as well as her journey getting past some of her fears. Julian also has a past and I loved that, even though she could have been, his ex wasn't vilified but was instead shown to be a human.
When Nina Taylor arrives at the luxurious Sand Castle hotel (which, even the author notes is sort of a ridiculous name for a hotel), she is expecting to honor her mother's legacy by getting to stay in The Oasis, their most opulent suite. But, instead, she's been kicked out so that a movie star can stay instead.
Julian Knight doesn't feel much like a movie star. His shine has been tarnished with a bad film and even worse press. Staying at the Sand Castle means he'll get a respite from all the press. He's not expecting to find someone sleeping in his bed. Nor that he'll impulsively offer to let him stay. Even more shocking is that she accepts...
When Nina Taylor arrives at the luxurious Sand Castle hotel (which, even the author notes is sort of a ridiculous name for a hotel), she is expecting to honor her mother's legacy by getting to stay in The Oasis, their most opulent suite. But, instead, she's been kicked out so that a movie star can stay instead.
Julian Knight doesn't feel much like a movie star. His shine has been tarnished with a bad film and even worse press. Staying at the Sand Castle means he'll get a respite from all the press. He's not expecting to find someone sleeping in his bed. Nor that he'll impulsively offer to let him stay. Even more shocking is that she accepts...
November 2, 2020
A new voice for Harlequin Desire
“Scandal in the VIP Suite” by Nadine Gonzalez and is the first book in her Miami Famous series (and also her first book with Harlequin Desire).
Writer Nina Taylor is in Miami to honor her mother’s memory by staying at the Sand Castle hotel, once a mansion and now catering to the rich and famous. She is ousted from her room upon the arrival of actor Julian Knight.
Julian is at a crossroads with his career. After some bad press, he is looking to have his screenplay become a movie. Meeting Nina, being attracted to her, is unexpected. But when Nina has ways to improve his screenplay, the two begin collaborating in more ways than one (wink wink).
I’ve always heard that books with actors and writers aren’t reader favorites, but I can honestly say reading “Scandal in the VIP Suite” was refreshing compared to books with ranchers and CEO’s. Add in the fact that Ms. Gonzalez has a unique voice, the Miami Famous series will become a reader favorite.
“Scandal in the VIP Suite” by Nadine Gonzalez and is the first book in her Miami Famous series (and also her first book with Harlequin Desire).
Writer Nina Taylor is in Miami to honor her mother’s memory by staying at the Sand Castle hotel, once a mansion and now catering to the rich and famous. She is ousted from her room upon the arrival of actor Julian Knight.
Julian is at a crossroads with his career. After some bad press, he is looking to have his screenplay become a movie. Meeting Nina, being attracted to her, is unexpected. But when Nina has ways to improve his screenplay, the two begin collaborating in more ways than one (wink wink).
I’ve always heard that books with actors and writers aren’t reader favorites, but I can honestly say reading “Scandal in the VIP Suite” was refreshing compared to books with ranchers and CEO’s. Add in the fact that Ms. Gonzalez has a unique voice, the Miami Famous series will become a reader favorite.
November 13, 2020
Nina Taylor ventures to Miami to celebrate her mother's death. She arrives at the Sand Castle only to learn that the two bedroom suite that should have been hers has been given to actor, Julian Knight. Because of a mix-up, she gets a chance to peek into the suite and encounters the actor. Once they realize that the hotel is booked, Julian offers for her to stay in the guest room. She accepts his offer and soon they share a scorching kiss.
From the moment they met, the electricity between them could not be denied. This is my first time reading this author. She brings a vivid description of Miami and Florida life. I enjoyed the storyline and thought the attraction between Nina and Julian sizzled. I finished this read really quickly and would recommend it to others. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you, #Netgalley and #Harlequin
From the moment they met, the electricity between them could not be denied. This is my first time reading this author. She brings a vivid description of Miami and Florida life. I enjoyed the storyline and thought the attraction between Nina and Julian sizzled. I finished this read really quickly and would recommend it to others. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you, #Netgalley and #Harlequin
January 4, 2021
4 1/2 STARS!
Lust at first sight has never been yummier! With the first book in her Miami Famous series and making her Harlequin Desire debut, Nadine Gonzalez shines with a story that takes on a feel of old Hollywood glamour! The plot had my attention quickly, the characters did not disappoint and though it was a little slower paced, the happily ever after was divine.
Nina is a joy. She stole my heart with her journey to keep her mom's dreams alive and watching her sass and strong spirit woo Julian was so satisfying.
Julian is a sweetheart. He doesn't hesitate to show his true self and interact with the people who touch his life.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a Hollywood feel to their romance!
Lust at first sight has never been yummier! With the first book in her Miami Famous series and making her Harlequin Desire debut, Nadine Gonzalez shines with a story that takes on a feel of old Hollywood glamour! The plot had my attention quickly, the characters did not disappoint and though it was a little slower paced, the happily ever after was divine.
Nina is a joy. She stole my heart with her journey to keep her mom's dreams alive and watching her sass and strong spirit woo Julian was so satisfying.
Julian is a sweetheart. He doesn't hesitate to show his true self and interact with the people who touch his life.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a Hollywood feel to their romance!
February 6, 2021
Nina has planned a once-in-a-lifetime retreat at a luxury hotel in Miami. When she arrives, she learns that she's being bumped from the penthouse suite she reserved, in favor of Hollywood actor Julian. Not wanting to spoil her vacation, he offers to share. There's a second bedroom, after all. An attraction quickly forms between them, and it's not long before the paparazzi are following them around. Can their relationship endure the public scrutiny?
This book was lovely to read. Nina and Julian have a sweet friendship in addition to their steamy romance. This was a slow build, the passion balanced with the developing relationship. I loved this hot, emotional read.
I received and read an advance copy of this book. This is my honest and unsolicited review. All opinions are my own.
This book was lovely to read. Nina and Julian have a sweet friendship in addition to their steamy romance. This was a slow build, the passion balanced with the developing relationship. I loved this hot, emotional read.
I received and read an advance copy of this book. This is my honest and unsolicited review. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2021
I loved Scandal in the VIP Suite by Nadine Gonzalez. It's full of glamor, sensuality and romance. Featuring a movie star hero whose career isn't as dynamic as it used to be, and a writer who is visiting Miami in remembrance of her mom, it gets off to a steamy start. Due to a reservation snafu, they end up sharing the same suite at a luxury hotel. The chemistry is immediate and I really enjoyed their banter. It's so easy to get swept away in this story. Between the luxurious setting and the peek into the life of a movie star, it provides such wonderful escapism. I really enjoyed this author's voice and I'm already looking forward to seeing where the series goes. Such a fun read!
December 19, 2020
Had the opportunity to be one of the rare people to read an advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review and it did not disappoint. First if you are looking for novels with Latinx representation this is a great start. You want to be Nina and you root the attraction and tension between the main characters, and can’t help swoon when it blossoms to something more. it’s an amazing fantasy and a great read that you will not want to put down. Looking forward to what comes next !!!
July 23, 2021
Love the rep--Caribbean and Latinx representation. Sad to say I just could not support the characters as a couple. That typically spells a warped-edge reading for me.
Uhm...I am going to try and start doing some reviews on *NEW* Authors that I see coming through the HQ imprints I already read. Gonzalez is from the old Kimani line, so it's awesome to see her graduating over to Desires with her old colleagues who have made it over before her.
And both Julian [JL Knight:: action STAR] and Nina [memoirist/biographer] are kind of from the "spotlight"...and, erm, I find that I don't mind them as singular people. But together? Not so much.
This never bodes well for a romantic story toward coupling up, especially once so deeply enmeshed in smexy times. I always feel 95%-more squeamish...because after 20-30% of slow-burnness...then the book wants to amp up the last percentage to put them in bed, so we can immediately have a last-minute break-up or miscommunication where massive mistrust and fears show their ugly faces.
One of the things I am unsure about is...okay, this book is nothing but a massive FORCED PROXIMITY trope [not an Oh! NOEZ!! There is Only ONE Bed, because it's a freakin' palatial Presidential suite with a master bedroom and then a Study that has some Italian-made sofa bed...], and I was having a difficult time wrapping my head around how rude and pandering this stupid Boutique Hotel appears to be.
It's being touted as something of a prestigious resting spot in Miami's Ocean Drive where A LOT of celebrities/Diva-type stars came to spend their precious vacays in the late 1970s-1980s...but the current manager is kind of a mess. By now, I have learned she had some private/personal shit going on, but man, was her professionalism in serious question HALF the time she interacted with Nina. eesh...
She basically shoves Nina aside to give Julian HER room that she had already booked online a month ago...simply because HE IS THE MORE FAMOUS ONE between them...and, yeah, I'd be calling the BBB [Better Business Bureau] on this place and making a claim on them. Pronto. And even worse, anything that happens...the Hotel never seems to accommodate Nina--who feels like a "regular folk with some money" being overlooked and treated awfully for someone like Julian.
And this book does something I typically find really annoying. I generally enjoy a book's storyline that dives into Hollywood/Tinseltown: dealing with scriptwriters/writers... and sometimes Directors and Actors/Actresses, what-have-you. But I kind of want to focus on movies & TV shows to be well known to me. I don't want to find myself stretching the limits of my imagination because everything that exists for this book...is not based on any reality but its own. blergh!
And, yeah, I get it...you have a world built on this faked reality around this particular book series [a trio, it seems], but yet...everything is NOT REAL.
Julian, aka JL Knight...seems as if he has been in ONE Blockbuster movie that put him on the map, then its consequential sequels [2 more movies]. But he has also starred in a TV show, prior...and the unreality of this book's reality is tough to wrap my head around because it's all FAKE.
Nina is talking about this role Julian had on this fake TV show...and I cannot feel the same "reality". It's empty and wasteful...because I don't know what she is supposed to equivocate it within MY REALITY.
Same with Julian's BLOCKBUSTER movie...where he is supposedly showcasing toxic masculinity and being dragged through press and media for it. I cannot figure out what this is "equal to"...is it like a Dwayne Johnson-action flick?... a Keanu Reeves/John Wick action flick?... a Jason Bourne/Matt Damon-action flick?...or a Liam Neeson TAKEN Trilogy?...and I find myself NOT CARING. And this makes me like Julian even less if I cannot SEE him in my mind's eye through what this story attempts to tell me about him.
The one thing I never like about Hollywood-esque Romances...or even when there is a slight lean of Celebrity-dom [people who Become Famous for no reason] to a Hero or a Heroine... the way-out-there belief that EVERY famous person, no matter how they achieve fame...is being chased and mowed down...secretly filmed by paparazzi...and then sometimes, in this day and age, the way regular people who spot these famous folk suddenly become, like Mini-Paps...and somehow make an INSTA-hashtag off Instagram or Twitter and social media overruns with these really ridic "articles" that take you out of any real base.
Of course because Julian and Nina made a choice to share this hotel room [because of its size and having 2 bedrooms]...people are still outside the "famous" boutique hotel snapping random pics off balconies and spreading them on Twitter/Instagram/wherever...
The Millennial feel of this book rubs me wrong. Julian and Nina are complete strangers. After they agree to share the suite, they each go off to their bedrooms, laying on their beds...and then BOTH proceed to spend each at least a page and half worth of Internet dumping Info [articles, pictures, social media fluff, etc] so they can learn about one another.
Nina then downloads Julian's movie to her phone and then Julian downloads Nina's Best Selling memoir to his phone...
Oh, ya know...instead of just going to bed, taking the much-needed sleep they said they needed from exhaustion, and then MAYBE? the next morning being like normal human beings and asking one another questions and having regular folk conversations.
The story is constantly being interrupted by each of them breaking out their phones to show one another the newest HASHTAG movement they have created for that day. It is becoming old really fast.
Okay, so...hmm, I am unsure if this story didn't just shoot itself in its own foot. The book tries to make this inclusive story...taking a male action star SERIOUSLY because his last few movies were chock full of toxic masculinity. And he had a major falling out with his co-star/fiance, Bettina [who was a side character in all his movies, yet subjected to side-chick status IN EVERY FILM]... I think with his new journey with his pet project script, we are supposed to soften his sharp edges and shine some light on WOMEN IN FILM...because his movie has a woman's lead role.
... so, Uhm, I guess Nina is brought into Julian's world to TEACH HIM about how his pet project screenplay for a movie called MIDNIGHT SUN can come to fruition--where there is a MAIN woman protagonist who threads the whole movie. I guess it's supposed to be "based on a true story"...about a woman who gets conned by her con-artist boyfriend. And the whole idea of the con on the woman takes place during a solar eclipse...hence the title MIDNIGHT SUN.
Anyway, first Julian just wants to be the secondary male role [just acting], even though he did write the entire script. He is in Miami while his home, somewhere in the Hollywood Hills, is being singed by brush fires or something...but he is in Miami to do some major research and hob-nobbing to locate people, get investment money and find locations for his movie.
The thing that becomes fantastical for me is how Nina gets roped into Julian's script. Just because she is a writer and has written a best-selling memoir about her Stage Actress Mom...uh, does not make her someone with experience to know how to help "doctor" or "fix/repair" a lagging or incomplete manuscript. So, right there...my mind is not willing to accept this as FACT or plausible. Nina feels like a "convenience" almost-->Julian is, like, "ah-ha!...here is a Lady Writer...maybe I can ask her to help me w/my lackluster script" [eh, of course, it is superb...he IS an HQ Hero--everything he does turn to sparkling gold...]
Secondly, when Julian asks Nina to help him broaden his screenplay...like make sure he is doing a good service to not just his female lead but also... Do the other pieces of dialogue suck ass? Because he has been an actor for years, so he is unsure he is THAT good of a scriptwriter.
Of course...Julian will be great at EVERYTHING he touches...because he is a Harlequin Hero...part Alpha and part Teddy Bear...I don't know why, but even with the guy they have on the cover... the "Julian" in the book feels like an Idris Elba to me, mostly [I'd even say, maybe Regé-Jean Page for recent media attention]...
Anyway, by then Julian and Nina are off into Smexy Times, like every time they are in their rooms...they either have sex or just had sex, and we sit in the afterglow.
I just...it became even more squeamish for me. Not only am I not liking them together...but it is so obvious to me, Nina, and probably to many other Readers that the man hired to drive Julian around, Pete...is selling Pics and Info of the two of them together...and then, the shit hits the fan, eventually... especially when Nina has WARNED Julian to be watchful of Good Ole Hard-Workin' PETE...
Here is the thing... when Nina and Julian agreed to co-write the script... Nina promised she would not write anything about whatever they did or do together in private. Nina is a diary/daily journal writer, in private, since childhood---this is how she was able to write a great best-selling memoir of her Mom because she had years of childhood diaries to fall back on. So...something very obscure happens inside this book...where instead of Nadine Gonzalez just writing her story with her OCs...suddenly Italics appear... and now Nina is telling HER OWN LOVE STORY with Julian...and I mean, she even writes in her diary about the SMEXY TIMES...
And, eesh...there is a very strange, mysterious scene where Nina goes into her purse to "look" for something she typically carries with her, but she cannot locate it. It is not until much, much later we find out... SOMEONE HAD STOLEN HER PERSONAL DIARY OUT OF HER PURSE!!!! and then guess what gets posted to social media outlets THE VERY NEXT DAY...?!?!?!?
And Julian gets pissed at Nina...and they break up...and Nina goes off to sulk and fret...all the while...the very point of this book is undercut by its own HASHTAG moment for its Heroine, Nina...where she is being dragged through all kinds of mud and shit is slung at her... being called a "fame whore"... and a "slut" and it isn't until SO MANY MONTHS have passed....and we are in March for film festival season...
And those who were on Julian's side notice how Nina retreated and hid, never coming out to put her own REAL story into the press. Nor trying to clear her name or smear Julian's name even more.
Then comes the most uncomfortable PUBLIC GROVEL/TOO LATE APOLOGY TOUR from Julian and then ADMITTING LOVE-to-then-PUBLICALLY PROPOSE to Nina...which is the night MIDNIGHT SUN is shown at a film festival...and Nina is there to support the film she helped write and see what Julian did as the director/screenwriter and not one of the male stars...
Ugh, Nina told him NOT to do it, but he went and did it anyway---to build on the HQ Romance of it all. And I cringed for her...because Julian NEVER GOT IT!!! He never understood exactly what he did and needed to apologize for...and then when he eventually does... he MAKES EVERYTHING BETWEEN THEM PUBLIC AND IN YOUR FACE--he basically uses the screen behind him that showed his first directed movie about 5minutes ago...and splashes Nina's face on-screen, showing ALL OF THE PICS he took of her and them during their Miami vacay together--???...when Nina clearly asks him NOT to do this in public so openly.
I felt kind of awful for her, especially as Julian had some idea proclaiming his love, and then proposing was some new-fangled way to grovel/apologize and make up for what he has allowed to happen to her all these long-separated months.
This story wanted to show strong, powerful women who took some agency and had "control of the narrative"...which is always profound for women to do...but, man, the balls kept being dropped one after another...
When Julian returned Nina's stolen diary...he makes empty I'M SORRIES for everyone else but HIMSELF...who was the person who hurt Nina the most, then he ghosts her, assuming that leaving her alone, on her own was the way to "protect her" from further harm from the media. He still allowed the bullshit to be said about her remain in existence...so she was called umpteen amount of foul names--in the same breath fans, and whoever, were fawning over Julian and the stupid breakout movie he directed...
It's only when people shove Julian that he even considers what he did to leave Nina in the cold...where she had to come out and write some kind of really flimsy Op-Ed in a Feminist Blog post...and just...someone wanted to hail her as The NEXT ROSA PARKS?!?!?!
WOw, just wow...no, nu-uh...this seems so wrong-footed to me. In so many ways. I understand wanting to take a stand on certain very important and highly controversial avenues inside of the patriarchy in Hollywood for WOMEN IN FILM and to shut down toxic masculinity?? I feel like though we took some steps forward, we faltered and took a step or two backward. This was NOT the executions to take this kind of story down...there could've been a better coherent way to do this.
Nina...poor, poor in-love/infatuated Nina has no idea to how much she was dragged in Julian's name...not just because she helped COWRITE and FIX his script...but then Julian did piddly to stick up for her and make sure she never got mashed in social media as she did.
And Julian...I am sorry...but even if you look or sound like Idris Elba... an asshole is an asshole, especially when the toxicity of not just masculinity is in play...but the idea of "celebrity"...and regular folk who appear to work hard for a living...like Pete the Uber driver or whatever car service he employed with...Pete became THE PRESS...and despite Nina warning Julian, he managed to ignore the biggest culprit of what ruined his relationship with Nina causing their massive breakup...and Julian never takes responsibility for it. EVER. Not even at the very end when he is shamefully embarrassing Nina with his public admittance of LOVE and then his PROPOSAL...
ugh... save me from the awesome perfect HEA where Julian's movie is up for a Bajillionty awards and he will "win" them all, of course...then they end up buying the Miami Hotel, Sand Castle, as it was going out of business right around the time they stayed there...[double] ugh...this ended a little too perfectly for me...
Uhm...I am going to try and start doing some reviews on *NEW* Authors that I see coming through the HQ imprints I already read. Gonzalez is from the old Kimani line, so it's awesome to see her graduating over to Desires with her old colleagues who have made it over before her.
And both Julian [JL Knight:: action STAR] and Nina [memoirist/biographer] are kind of from the "spotlight"...and, erm, I find that I don't mind them as singular people. But together? Not so much.
This never bodes well for a romantic story toward coupling up, especially once so deeply enmeshed in smexy times. I always feel 95%-more squeamish...because after 20-30% of slow-burnness...then the book wants to amp up the last percentage to put them in bed, so we can immediately have a last-minute break-up or miscommunication where massive mistrust and fears show their ugly faces.
One of the things I am unsure about is...okay, this book is nothing but a massive FORCED PROXIMITY trope [not an Oh! NOEZ!! There is Only ONE Bed, because it's a freakin' palatial Presidential suite with a master bedroom and then a Study that has some Italian-made sofa bed...], and I was having a difficult time wrapping my head around how rude and pandering this stupid Boutique Hotel appears to be.
It's being touted as something of a prestigious resting spot in Miami's Ocean Drive where A LOT of celebrities/Diva-type stars came to spend their precious vacays in the late 1970s-1980s...but the current manager is kind of a mess. By now, I have learned she had some private/personal shit going on, but man, was her professionalism in serious question HALF the time she interacted with Nina. eesh...
She basically shoves Nina aside to give Julian HER room that she had already booked online a month ago...simply because HE IS THE MORE FAMOUS ONE between them...and, yeah, I'd be calling the BBB [Better Business Bureau] on this place and making a claim on them. Pronto. And even worse, anything that happens...the Hotel never seems to accommodate Nina--who feels like a "regular folk with some money" being overlooked and treated awfully for someone like Julian.
And this book does something I typically find really annoying. I generally enjoy a book's storyline that dives into Hollywood/Tinseltown: dealing with scriptwriters/writers... and sometimes Directors and Actors/Actresses, what-have-you. But I kind of want to focus on movies & TV shows to be well known to me. I don't want to find myself stretching the limits of my imagination because everything that exists for this book...is not based on any reality but its own. blergh!
And, yeah, I get it...you have a world built on this faked reality around this particular book series [a trio, it seems], but yet...everything is NOT REAL.
Julian, aka JL Knight...seems as if he has been in ONE Blockbuster movie that put him on the map, then its consequential sequels [2 more movies]. But he has also starred in a TV show, prior...and the unreality of this book's reality is tough to wrap my head around because it's all FAKE.
Nina is talking about this role Julian had on this fake TV show...and I cannot feel the same "reality". It's empty and wasteful...because I don't know what she is supposed to equivocate it within MY REALITY.
Same with Julian's BLOCKBUSTER movie...where he is supposedly showcasing toxic masculinity and being dragged through press and media for it. I cannot figure out what this is "equal to"...is it like a Dwayne Johnson-action flick?... a Keanu Reeves/John Wick action flick?... a Jason Bourne/Matt Damon-action flick?...or a Liam Neeson TAKEN Trilogy?...and I find myself NOT CARING. And this makes me like Julian even less if I cannot SEE him in my mind's eye through what this story attempts to tell me about him.
The one thing I never like about Hollywood-esque Romances...or even when there is a slight lean of Celebrity-dom [people who Become Famous for no reason] to a Hero or a Heroine... the way-out-there belief that EVERY famous person, no matter how they achieve fame...is being chased and mowed down...secretly filmed by paparazzi...and then sometimes, in this day and age, the way regular people who spot these famous folk suddenly become, like Mini-Paps...and somehow make an INSTA-hashtag off Instagram or Twitter and social media overruns with these really ridic "articles" that take you out of any real base.
Of course because Julian and Nina made a choice to share this hotel room [because of its size and having 2 bedrooms]...people are still outside the "famous" boutique hotel snapping random pics off balconies and spreading them on Twitter/Instagram/wherever...
The Millennial feel of this book rubs me wrong. Julian and Nina are complete strangers. After they agree to share the suite, they each go off to their bedrooms, laying on their beds...and then BOTH proceed to spend each at least a page and half worth of Internet dumping Info [articles, pictures, social media fluff, etc] so they can learn about one another.
Nina then downloads Julian's movie to her phone and then Julian downloads Nina's Best Selling memoir to his phone...
Oh, ya know...instead of just going to bed, taking the much-needed sleep they said they needed from exhaustion, and then MAYBE? the next morning being like normal human beings and asking one another questions and having regular folk conversations.
The story is constantly being interrupted by each of them breaking out their phones to show one another the newest HASHTAG movement they have created for that day. It is becoming old really fast.
Okay, so...hmm, I am unsure if this story didn't just shoot itself in its own foot. The book tries to make this inclusive story...taking a male action star SERIOUSLY because his last few movies were chock full of toxic masculinity. And he had a major falling out with his co-star/fiance, Bettina [who was a side character in all his movies, yet subjected to side-chick status IN EVERY FILM]... I think with his new journey with his pet project script, we are supposed to soften his sharp edges and shine some light on WOMEN IN FILM...because his movie has a woman's lead role.
... so, Uhm, I guess Nina is brought into Julian's world to TEACH HIM about how his pet project screenplay for a movie called MIDNIGHT SUN can come to fruition--where there is a MAIN woman protagonist who threads the whole movie. I guess it's supposed to be "based on a true story"...about a woman who gets conned by her con-artist boyfriend. And the whole idea of the con on the woman takes place during a solar eclipse...hence the title MIDNIGHT SUN.
Anyway, first Julian just wants to be the secondary male role [just acting], even though he did write the entire script. He is in Miami while his home, somewhere in the Hollywood Hills, is being singed by brush fires or something...but he is in Miami to do some major research and hob-nobbing to locate people, get investment money and find locations for his movie.
The thing that becomes fantastical for me is how Nina gets roped into Julian's script. Just because she is a writer and has written a best-selling memoir about her Stage Actress Mom...uh, does not make her someone with experience to know how to help "doctor" or "fix/repair" a lagging or incomplete manuscript. So, right there...my mind is not willing to accept this as FACT or plausible. Nina feels like a "convenience" almost-->Julian is, like, "ah-ha!...here is a Lady Writer...maybe I can ask her to help me w/my lackluster script" [eh, of course, it is superb...he IS an HQ Hero--everything he does turn to sparkling gold...]
Secondly, when Julian asks Nina to help him broaden his screenplay...like make sure he is doing a good service to not just his female lead but also... Do the other pieces of dialogue suck ass? Because he has been an actor for years, so he is unsure he is THAT good of a scriptwriter.
Of course...Julian will be great at EVERYTHING he touches...because he is a Harlequin Hero...part Alpha and part Teddy Bear...I don't know why, but even with the guy they have on the cover... the "Julian" in the book feels like an Idris Elba to me, mostly [I'd even say, maybe Regé-Jean Page for recent media attention]...
Anyway, by then Julian and Nina are off into Smexy Times, like every time they are in their rooms...they either have sex or just had sex, and we sit in the afterglow.
I just...it became even more squeamish for me. Not only am I not liking them together...but it is so obvious to me, Nina, and probably to many other Readers that the man hired to drive Julian around, Pete...is selling Pics and Info of the two of them together...and then, the shit hits the fan, eventually... especially when Nina has WARNED Julian to be watchful of Good Ole Hard-Workin' PETE...
Here is the thing... when Nina and Julian agreed to co-write the script... Nina promised she would not write anything about whatever they did or do together in private. Nina is a diary/daily journal writer, in private, since childhood---this is how she was able to write a great best-selling memoir of her Mom because she had years of childhood diaries to fall back on. So...something very obscure happens inside this book...where instead of Nadine Gonzalez just writing her story with her OCs...suddenly Italics appear... and now Nina is telling HER OWN LOVE STORY with Julian...and I mean, she even writes in her diary about the SMEXY TIMES...
And, eesh...there is a very strange, mysterious scene where Nina goes into her purse to "look" for something she typically carries with her, but she cannot locate it. It is not until much, much later we find out... SOMEONE HAD STOLEN HER PERSONAL DIARY OUT OF HER PURSE!!!! and then guess what gets posted to social media outlets THE VERY NEXT DAY...?!?!?!?
And Julian gets pissed at Nina...and they break up...and Nina goes off to sulk and fret...all the while...the very point of this book is undercut by its own HASHTAG moment for its Heroine, Nina...where she is being dragged through all kinds of mud and shit is slung at her... being called a "fame whore"... and a "slut" and it isn't until SO MANY MONTHS have passed....and we are in March for film festival season...
And those who were on Julian's side notice how Nina retreated and hid, never coming out to put her own REAL story into the press. Nor trying to clear her name or smear Julian's name even more.
Then comes the most uncomfortable PUBLIC GROVEL/TOO LATE APOLOGY TOUR from Julian and then ADMITTING LOVE-to-then-PUBLICALLY PROPOSE to Nina...which is the night MIDNIGHT SUN is shown at a film festival...and Nina is there to support the film she helped write and see what Julian did as the director/screenwriter and not one of the male stars...
Ugh, Nina told him NOT to do it, but he went and did it anyway---to build on the HQ Romance of it all. And I cringed for her...because Julian NEVER GOT IT!!! He never understood exactly what he did and needed to apologize for...and then when he eventually does... he MAKES EVERYTHING BETWEEN THEM PUBLIC AND IN YOUR FACE--he basically uses the screen behind him that showed his first directed movie about 5minutes ago...and splashes Nina's face on-screen, showing ALL OF THE PICS he took of her and them during their Miami vacay together--???...when Nina clearly asks him NOT to do this in public so openly.
I felt kind of awful for her, especially as Julian had some idea proclaiming his love, and then proposing was some new-fangled way to grovel/apologize and make up for what he has allowed to happen to her all these long-separated months.
This story wanted to show strong, powerful women who took some agency and had "control of the narrative"...which is always profound for women to do...but, man, the balls kept being dropped one after another...
When Julian returned Nina's stolen diary...he makes empty I'M SORRIES for everyone else but HIMSELF...who was the person who hurt Nina the most, then he ghosts her, assuming that leaving her alone, on her own was the way to "protect her" from further harm from the media. He still allowed the bullshit to be said about her remain in existence...so she was called umpteen amount of foul names--in the same breath fans, and whoever, were fawning over Julian and the stupid breakout movie he directed...
It's only when people shove Julian that he even considers what he did to leave Nina in the cold...where she had to come out and write some kind of really flimsy Op-Ed in a Feminist Blog post...and just...someone wanted to hail her as The NEXT ROSA PARKS?!?!?!
WOw, just wow...no, nu-uh...this seems so wrong-footed to me. In so many ways. I understand wanting to take a stand on certain very important and highly controversial avenues inside of the patriarchy in Hollywood for WOMEN IN FILM and to shut down toxic masculinity?? I feel like though we took some steps forward, we faltered and took a step or two backward. This was NOT the executions to take this kind of story down...there could've been a better coherent way to do this.
Nina...poor, poor in-love/infatuated Nina has no idea to how much she was dragged in Julian's name...not just because she helped COWRITE and FIX his script...but then Julian did piddly to stick up for her and make sure she never got mashed in social media as she did.
And Julian...I am sorry...but even if you look or sound like Idris Elba... an asshole is an asshole, especially when the toxicity of not just masculinity is in play...but the idea of "celebrity"...and regular folk who appear to work hard for a living...like Pete the Uber driver or whatever car service he employed with...Pete became THE PRESS...and despite Nina warning Julian, he managed to ignore the biggest culprit of what ruined his relationship with Nina causing their massive breakup...and Julian never takes responsibility for it. EVER. Not even at the very end when he is shamefully embarrassing Nina with his public admittance of LOVE and then his PROPOSAL...
ugh... save me from the awesome perfect HEA where Julian's movie is up for a Bajillionty awards and he will "win" them all, of course...then they end up buying the Miami Hotel, Sand Castle, as it was going out of business right around the time they stayed there...[double] ugh...this ended a little too perfectly for me...
January 4, 2021
Scandal in the VIP Suite had a lot of the hallmarks of a solid category romance, most especially the fact that it was a very quick read and when I had to sit it down, I was anxious to pick it back up. It wasn't quite a perfect book for me though, which I think is because I really didn't understand Nina or Julian as characters. The build up of their relationship was interesting but it moved alternately too fast and too slow at times for me to ever feel like I really understood the emotional development. However, all things considered, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Gonzalez in the future! She appears to have quite a category backlist so I'm looking forward to exploring some of those.
Scandal in the VIP Suite follows Nina Taylor, a memoirist who wants to write fiction who has come to Miami specifically to fulfill her mother's dream of staying in the Oasis room at this fancy hotel. When she arrives at the hotel, she's told that her room has been given away to a Hollywood hot shot. Through a series of events, Nina and Julian wind up sharing the Oasis suite for a few days until another room can be prepared for Nina. There are a lot of hijinks that ensue, including, but not limited to, Nina falling into a pool and Julian rescuing her.
I really enjoyed all of the creative elements that came into this story. Julian is in Miami because he wants to make a film based on a screenplay he wrote. Although we don't learn much of the script, what we did learn and what we saw was definitely intriguing! I wish there had been more behind the scenes once that plot line really took off, but category length means some things must be sacrificed, I suppose. There's also the fact that Nadine keeps a journal and so occasionally we would see snippets of what she would write in her journal.
As I said at the beginning, I enjoyed this book, but never managed to be completely invested in the romance because of the pacing. I think category romances can be really wonderful and fulfilling, which is why I keep reading them, but sometimes the scope of a story means I wind up feeling like we're missing scenes I really wish we could see. That was definitely the case with this book. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to reading more from Gonzalez in the future!
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the review copy of this book!
Scandal in the VIP Suite follows Nina Taylor, a memoirist who wants to write fiction who has come to Miami specifically to fulfill her mother's dream of staying in the Oasis room at this fancy hotel. When she arrives at the hotel, she's told that her room has been given away to a Hollywood hot shot. Through a series of events, Nina and Julian wind up sharing the Oasis suite for a few days until another room can be prepared for Nina. There are a lot of hijinks that ensue, including, but not limited to, Nina falling into a pool and Julian rescuing her.
I really enjoyed all of the creative elements that came into this story. Julian is in Miami because he wants to make a film based on a screenplay he wrote. Although we don't learn much of the script, what we did learn and what we saw was definitely intriguing! I wish there had been more behind the scenes once that plot line really took off, but category length means some things must be sacrificed, I suppose. There's also the fact that Nadine keeps a journal and so occasionally we would see snippets of what she would write in her journal.
As I said at the beginning, I enjoyed this book, but never managed to be completely invested in the romance because of the pacing. I think category romances can be really wonderful and fulfilling, which is why I keep reading them, but sometimes the scope of a story means I wind up feeling like we're missing scenes I really wish we could see. That was definitely the case with this book. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to reading more from Gonzalez in the future!
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the review copy of this book!
April 3, 2023
If you are looking for glitz, glam, Hollywood charm, a VIP hotel room mix-up, a strangers to lovers spicy sweet adventure with a fast paced story, dive in. The infusion of diary entries, texts, social media posts and witty banter move the plot along.
Nina is ready for vacation at the swanky boutique Miami hotel remembering her mother while getting some much needed rest and pampering. When her dream VIP room is downgraded to accomodate a vacationing Hollywood celebrity, she can't believe her misfortune and wonders if the allure and charm have already lost its luster.
Julian Leroy Knight is staying in Miami to attempt a career resuscitation and stay out of the headlines. When he discovers why his VIP suite has an unexpected guest, an intriguing and captivating woman, his curiosity and imagination get the best of him and he counter offers Nina a different option. Will Nina regret not taking the hotels alternative arrangements?
Will there be a scandal if the media discovers they are together? If only they weren't attracted to each other, can they fight the connection and trust the other not to reveal intimate details to the press? Both have reasons to question trust, and overcoming expectations and obligations.
Are you ready to see if what the tabloids say is true, Is JL Knight trouble? Or, does he have a heart of gold? Is Nina only out to gather research for her next book? All is fair in love and career advancement, do these two have what it takes to balance both and find love?
I received an advance reader copy for an honest and fair review.
Nina is ready for vacation at the swanky boutique Miami hotel remembering her mother while getting some much needed rest and pampering. When her dream VIP room is downgraded to accomodate a vacationing Hollywood celebrity, she can't believe her misfortune and wonders if the allure and charm have already lost its luster.
Julian Leroy Knight is staying in Miami to attempt a career resuscitation and stay out of the headlines. When he discovers why his VIP suite has an unexpected guest, an intriguing and captivating woman, his curiosity and imagination get the best of him and he counter offers Nina a different option. Will Nina regret not taking the hotels alternative arrangements?
Will there be a scandal if the media discovers they are together? If only they weren't attracted to each other, can they fight the connection and trust the other not to reveal intimate details to the press? Both have reasons to question trust, and overcoming expectations and obligations.
Are you ready to see if what the tabloids say is true, Is JL Knight trouble? Or, does he have a heart of gold? Is Nina only out to gather research for her next book? All is fair in love and career advancement, do these two have what it takes to balance both and find love?
I received an advance reader copy for an honest and fair review.
January 4, 2021
Nina has a suite at a hotel in Miami booked for a week. Her mom passed away a year ago, and always wanted to stay in this suite because of how many celebrities had stayed there before her. Nina is planning to stay there to remember her mom. There is a mix up, and Nina ends up sharing the suite with a famous actor named Julian. They are attracted to each other and quickly develop a relationship. They end up working together on a new movie, and fall in love in the process.
The romance was cute. I appreciated the forced proximity of them sharing the same room. They were together so early on in the book though I wasn’t sure what else would happen. There was a lot of book left to fill. Turns out there is a conflict right at the end that was caused due to distrust. I don’t love a conflict at the end of the book, and especially not if it is caused by distrust or lack of communicating.
3 stars
I recieved this book for free in return for an honest review.
The romance was cute. I appreciated the forced proximity of them sharing the same room. They were together so early on in the book though I wasn’t sure what else would happen. There was a lot of book left to fill. Turns out there is a conflict right at the end that was caused due to distrust. I don’t love a conflict at the end of the book, and especially not if it is caused by distrust or lack of communicating.
3 stars
I recieved this book for free in return for an honest review.
February 5, 2021
This was a fun little romance with surprisingly interesting characters. Nina is an author who is frustrated with the fact that her only published works are memoirs and Julian is a well-known actor making his first foray into trying to write and eventually direct his own films. My favorite aspect of this story was actually the character development for both Julian and Nina. There are moments where they both identify and try to improve the areas that they're weak in both as individuals and as a couple. A fun, light read if you want a quick seductive romance. I'm really grateful to the publisher for giving me an early copy!
December 5, 2021
Nina Taylor is in Miami for a family's reunion but before joining them, she booked a room to Sand Castle, as a way to honor her mother's memory. But when she arrive at the villa, they gave her room to famous (or maybe unfamous would be more accurate, according to the tabloids) actor Julian Knight. While the man and the hotel's staff are occupied elsewhere, Nina decide to take a look into the room. But being caught by the celebrity is the start of a brand new story for the once published writer.
I really enjoyed the second book in the Miami Famous series but unfortunately, I couldn't connect with the characters in this one.
I really enjoyed the second book in the Miami Famous series but unfortunately, I couldn't connect with the characters in this one.
April 11, 2022
Nadine is an amazingly talented romance writer. This book has so much catnip: a Hollywood star trying to be a better man and reframe his career after his action film life has started to fade, a heroine whose mother was famous trying to find her passion for writing again, lots of drama, a gloriously opulent Miama hotel, forced proximity, scandals, drama...it's a beautiful interpretation of the category romance with a flair inspired by telenovelas.
The dialogue in particular is just perfection. If you want your romance with a strong amount of external conflict, excellent chemistry and characterization, and start-to-finish excellence...this is the fucking mood.
The dialogue in particular is just perfection. If you want your romance with a strong amount of external conflict, excellent chemistry and characterization, and start-to-finish excellence...this is the fucking mood.
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