Private Lives

by Mimi Francis

Living in Hollywood, Chris Chandler has just about everything that he could ever dream of: a People’s Choice Award, lead actor in an acclaimed television series, anything and everything money could buy. Most people would be happy with all of that, but not Chris. As Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor, it is difficult to find the one person he wants to spend the rest of his life with, especially living under the constant scrutiny of the paparazzi. Every relationship he’s had with a woman--from friends only to dating to semi-serious--gets dissected until there’s nothing left. What he needs now, what he wants, is something with no strings attached.

Sofia Larson is not your typical escort. She works for Private Lives, a company where the women they employ and the men that seek their company sign contracts, swearing themselves to silence and secrecy. What happens with each encounter is up to Sofia; while companionship is a guarantee, sex is not. Having an obscene amount of bills to pay, Sofia is only in it for the money. Her motto is "Don’t get involved, don’t get emotional, and don’t bring the job home."

And then she meets Chris Chandler.

364 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2021

About the author

Mimi Francis is a sassy romance writer known for her steamy tales of passion that leave readers breathless. When she's not crafting what she hopes is the perfect happily-ever-after, you can find her sipping margaritas and binge-watching Marvel movies or the TV show Supernatural. But her true loves (after her husband, of course) are her four Shih Tzus who keep her company as she spins stories that will make your heart race and your toes curl. Get ready to fall in love with her characters and get lost in the worlds she creates. You can connect with Mimi on Instagram and Facebook at @author.mimi.francis or on her website mimifrancis.com.

Reviews

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great well written story in the background of Hollywood.

A highly regarded actor at the time tries to find a relationship where he isn't the price to take it up a notch, where he isn't the other's wallet, where the paparazzi will give him his privacy.
But every time his relationship breaks down. A friend gives him the tip to hire escort agency Private Lives. When he has made the decision, he is assigned to Sofia. She makes it clear to him from the start, sex is not part of her service. Although Chris also wants carefree sex, it doesn't stop him to meet Sofia again and again. They get to know each other and then Sofia expresses her desire for more.
Be careful what you wish for!

When it comes to light that they are in a relationship and how they got to know each other, both their worlds collapse. Pursued by the media, they must now choose. For each other or for a career? How strong is their love when it is public? And what lies and what insult is too much?
Highly recommended

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Sofia and Chris. The author does a wonderful job developing the story and painting her scenes in vivid detail. She had me hooked from start to finish reading. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a great love story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris and Sofia were such incredible characters. Chris is a Hollywood star, and Sofia is an escort who just so happens to steal his heart completely! This story was so well written and easily a new favorite✨️🙌

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for steam, angst and soulmate level romance, you will enjoy this book. Right from the start we are privy to the fact that while Chris is a famous actor, he is quite fragile emotionally. Sofia was also hit with a series of catastrophes that made it necessary to work as a high end escort since it paid well.

She was available to attend events with men who wanted a beautiful woman on their arm. Chris came employ her after another woman he was dating used his celebrity to open doors for herself, then broke up with him. He wanted an uncomplicated, out of the public eye relationship.

The chemistry between these two is really one to burn up the pages. One might even suggest they made rabbits look lazy. But the drama revolving around Chris’ career makes for some interesting reading and you won’t be able to put the book down until you find out who, if anyone, gets what they deserve.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Lui · Rating 5 out of 5]

After another disastrous relationship, Chris decides to hire an escort to pretend to be his girlfriend - no commitment, no emotions, just companionship. But slowly he finds himself wanting more from Sofia than originally expected. For Sofia, it's only supposed to be about the money - no sex, no serious involvement. But the more she gets to know Chris, the more she's ready to throw all of her rules out the window.

For me, this book started off a little slow. I was like "great. another book about a train wreck celebrity." But then I started to get into it and soon found myself wanting to know what happened next. Before I knew it, I had finished the book.
The storyline was interesting and it was different to see what lengths a celebrity would go to just to have the media stop scrutinizing his relationships. I like seeing how the other half lives because I wouldn't want that type of lifestyle. The characters were great and overall I really enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lívia Pond · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's impossible not to fall in love with these characters. You'll be frustrated, angry, sad, happy, and definitely fall in love with all the characters. Yes, you'll fall in love with main boy Chris and main girl Sofia, but Seth and Sasha are also so lovable. Mimi built up these characters so well, you feel like you know them well after just a couple of pages. They become your best friends and you'll want to shake them to make them come to their senses when they're straying from their path.
If you think this is just your regular escort/client relationship, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Just when you think it'll become predictable, Mimi throws a curve ball and changes the story. I could read a lot more of their story and not get bored. It's a steamy sweet romance that will make you want a cold shower!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Poonguzhali A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Private Lives is not the kind of book I usually enjoy. It is a romance novel with erotic elements. What actually made this book more interesting to read was the story of the lead characters. 

The story might seem a little preposterous to some,  but I actually liked how the characters found their happily ever after. The hindrance to their happiness is also not some trivial thing but a very big roadblock. I loved how the lead characters interacted with each other and found themselves through the other. 

The intimate scenes were hot and steamy without being very vulgar. The book is a good treat for those who are looking forward to that in their romance novels. But there were too many such scenes and make the book really long. It grew a bit tedious towards the end. That is the reason I am giving the book 4 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

After receiving this ARC copy of Private Lives, I was immediately drawn into the world of Chris and Sofia. I'm so intrigued if this is story was ever based on a real-life celebrity, as I do think it mirrors a lot of big movie star's reality, it must be super hard for them to date without hassle, to live their lives without being harassed and also makes you question whether what we see projected via social media is real, or are they manufactured relationships. This story had me hooked, I loved the romance and the author was very sympathetic towards the male lead and also created two very believable characters living in a world we can only imagine. I enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the story and would love to read more by the author!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Star Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris and Sophia aren't your average couple, and I think that's part of why I love this book.
Their secret relationship is an arrangement. For Sophia, who is not the run-of-the-mill escort, it's about saving enough money to pay off her crippling debt. She vows to not get attached, to not get personal, but that's hard to do when Chris walks into her life and scratches away at the wall she's built around her heart.
Chris, Hollywood's heartthrob, is looking for a distraction, someone to quiet the buzz in his head. He never planned on falling in love with anyone, let alone Sophia.
Their journey is filled with heartache and excitement that had me desperately wanting more.
Mimi's writing is descriptive and addictive. I can't wait to read more from her.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny The Spine Is Stitched · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥

I received a ARC copy of Private lives and this is my honest review.

My. Oh. My. Chris and Sofia!

Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor Chris just wants something out of the public eye. Something for him. In walks Sofia, not your typical escort. When Chris tells her what he wants, she can’t provide the service he wants. But something about Sofia draws Chris in.

The private life they enjoyed together, for a little while at least blows up in a big way. With betrayals you don’t see coming.

Sometimes I had a hard time remembering who was “speaking” just because I’m not use to the writing style, but it didn’t take too long to get the hang out it.

[Liz Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a well known Hollywood actor you would think Chris Chandler had it all. But something is missing in his life or maybe someone. So he hires an Escort. Sofia Larson is an escort who works for Private Lives she is eye candy to be seen on rich arm of rich men. If she has sex with a man who takes her out it is all up to her. When Chris and Sofia secret comes out. What will Chris be willing to sacrifice in order to save his career. This is a really great story and I look forward to reading more from this author

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris is a well known actor, who might seem to have it all, but besides his joy doing acting, he is not feeling happy. The press is always making stories and intruding in on his life, so much so that it seems to be destroying his relationship with women he feels he has feelings for. I enjoyed this complicated romance, Sofia is easy to like, but gets a hard deal because she is an escort. Chris just wants a break from his sole destroying fame and a connection with a woman, although sometimes I want to give him a good kick to wake him up (he still is a good guy, with a good heart).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author. This was a really good story. The story pulled me in and the only problem I had with it was that it was written in the third person, sorry deal breaker. But I will read more from this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rach H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Chris and Sofia's story.
It was a great story full of drama, steamy moments and great characters.
This is the first story from Mimi I have read and I will definitely be reading more from her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the 2nd chances in Hollywood Ceres. It is not your average couple which is refreshing and a good storyline

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LizKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was unexpectedly amazing! I found myself thinking about it while at work, I was so anxious to finish reading it. I fell in love with Chris in the very first chapter.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Pray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fun and easy read. The characters of Private Lives are relatable and well developed. Very steamy scenes and interesting storyline! I want more!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Second Chance in Hollywood series and it is Chris and Sofia’s story. Chris has a privileged life as a lead actor with money and is also Hollywoods most eligible bachelor but something in his life is missing because he can’t seem to find the right woman that wants him only for himself and not his money, status or to further there career opportunities so he decides to take a chance and hire a escort to have by his side with no strings attached only sometimes things don’t always go as planned. Sofia works as a escort for Private Lives which is a escort service and it allows her to make good money to help with all her bills and she never gets involved with any of her clients because she can’t afford to have the complications that getting involved would bring. When Sofia and Chris meet there is a attraction between them but she makes it clear that she is only his companion and nothing more is on the table but the more time that they spend together they are unable to deny how they feel about each other and that is when everything is revealed causing the complications that Sofia was trying to avoid at all costs so now they will have to make some very difficult decisions if they are ever going to have the opportunity and chance of having a future together. I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved Chris and Sofia together and even though things got very complicated and there relationship was definitely not plain sailing the ending was definitely worth everything that they both went through. I can’t wait t read the next book in this exciting series.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private Lives is the first story in the Second Chances in Hollywood series. When I first read the blurb for this book, I knew that I had stumbled upon an interesting book which I knew that I had to read to find out what was going to happen between the main characters. Private Lives is the journey of Chris Chandler and Sofia Larson. Chris has almost everything he could ever dream of; a People’s Choice Award, lead actor in an acclaimed television series, anything and everything that money could possibly buy. Sofia is not a typical escort, she works for Private Lives a company where the women they employ and the men that seek their companionship, sign contracts, swearing themselves to silence and secrecy. What is going to happen when Sofia meets Chris? Will her views on relationships be changed or will they stay the same? Will Chris and Sofia acknowledge the fact they have feelings for one another? Or will they ignore those feelings? One way to get the answers to these questions is to read this amazing book. Author Mimi Francis has written a spectacular romance story with a remarkable plot, incredible characters, and the outcome of Private Lives is mind-blowing. In other words, Private Lives is certainly a book that I would HIGHLY recommend readers to checkout. I can’t wait to read more amazing books from this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private Lives by Mimi Francis is a good, and enjoyable steamy sweet billionaire celebrity second chance romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line that is a well written read. The characters are great, strong, and they have great sizzling chemistry. This story is a very entertaining second chance romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the premise of this book is very unique. Sofia’s character was very interesting to me. The way she came into her profession and learning how to set boundaries showed her characters depth. With Chris, it is very easy to see how anxiety can lead to doubt that has you looking to other people, and in his case, the wrong people in life. It was nice seeing him step up and take charge.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, it's a fast-paced well-written quick to read instalove romance. Fun, captivating and steamy, the characters have a wonderful connection. Really enjoyed their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Mimi Francis; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Second Chances in Hollywood Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Sofia & Chris.

[Ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a great debut from an exciting author!! i loved the trope of escort and celebrity and it makes me excited to see where this author goes! will definitely keep reading mimi's books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read - the build up between the characters was good - really liked the development between them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ Learning to speak for himself isn't easy after being told what to say for so long. 

Chris Chandler is an award-winning actor. He just had a very public breakup with his latest girlfriend. She was the cheater, but he was made to look like a raving lunatic. He had again thought this relationship was the real deal. Maybe she was a better actress than he thought. Now his publicist, Wendy, was insisting he see his therapist, Ingrid. Seeing a therapist wasn't able to stop the voices in his head telling him that he was a fake and not good enough. 

Sofia Larson found work as an escort at Private Lives after a perfect storm hit her life. She had earned a master's degree in business with a minor in art, had a good paying job where she could earn promotions, a nice apartment with a great roommate, and a wonderful boyfriend. Then rapidly, one after another, things fell apart. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of her student loans came due. Her roommate's mother became ill, so she moved home to help her, thus doubling Sofia's rent. Her aged car died for good. But the worst of all was her ideal boyfriend cheating on her with her boss' daughter and the daughter's insistence that she be let go. She tried painting murals and doing art commissions, but the competition was too great. A job as a receptionist didn't begin to help her predicament. 

She had no one she could turn to. After the death of her father, her mother had turned to drugs and alcohol and had spiraled out of control. Then she discovered Private Lives. The owner, Georgia, explained that women hired by her were escorts; the job didn't include sex unless she desired it. She would have never worked for a company where sex was required. As soon as Chris told her he wanted hook-ups, she told him that she wasn't the right one for him and he needed to call Georgia to make other arrangements. She once made the mistake of falling for a client. After she spent a night with him, he ended it. He only wanted what he couldn't have, and when he got what he wanted, he was off to his next conquest. She feels that no one has ever wanted or needed her. Any time she gives her heart to someone, it ends up getting broken. 

His team came up with an idea to build hype for a movie he's to star in. The leading lady is an unknown to him, a reality TV star. She's also no one he'd ever remotely be interested in. They're to act as if they're a couple. Despite wanting nothing to do with her, he agrees to do it. 

When things spiral out of control, he continues to let his team lead him as to what he says and does. He finally begins to realize that continuing to do that will push Sofia completely out of his life. But after so many years of following orders, does he still have enough of a backbone left to stand up for himself?

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Hannah Morse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Private Lives is not only the title of this book or the name of the escort agency that Sofia, the fmc, works for, it is also what these two characters are battling to create for themselves. Chris is a big name actor who is tired of being on display, and Sofia's life as an escort means that her relationships are never real. Reality vs. just for show is a theme in this book, and I do wish strongly that theme had been linked more to Chris' acting job and maybe a little less with the character of Ginny (I listened to the audio so I'm not sure I'm spelling that name right). Ginny is more or less the antagonist of this novel, mostly because she's annoying and Chris doesn't like her. There's a lot about her being "fake" and I think that there's some reflection to be done there because having hair extensions and breast augmentation are not negative things by themselves. A lot of women need these things for many reasons, like being a cancer survivor, or to meet patriarchal beauty standards in a tough industry. They're not simply signs of a person being "worse" than another one that's "natural" but I see how this worked in accordance with the theme of the novel.

The writing is natural and flows well, even if the story itself needed a bit of an edit. There's plenty of description to keep the reader grounded in the scene, and dialogue is realalistic feeling. The characters are well-rounded and have more than just one side. I do think the language around Chris' mental health was a little bit of an issue, as the negative self-talk was framed as "voices in his head" which is not usually a phrase used with an anxiety disorder. But that's a minor thing and I don't think it'll bother many readers.

I loved Sofia's best friend and I hope she gets her own book! I also adored Sofia's long red hair, it's not something you see in many contemporaries. (Though it looks like Ginny on the cover with the blonde, lol)

The story structure is a bit loose and I ended up not knowing exactly what the main characters' goals were but in the end, I was happy they were together and felt that they had a happily ever after ahead of them. I also enjoyed the sex scenes, they're smoking hot and I never got lost as to what was happening. That's a real skill!

I'd recommend this book for readers who enjoy steamy Hollywood romances. I listened to the audio and appreciated the narrator, he did an excellent job.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. The first book in the Second Chances in Hollywood series is all about Chris and Sofia. He believes he will never find love because of being famous. She is just trying to do a job and is not looking for love. These two meet when she is an escort and things progress from there. When they least expect it love finds them. I thought both characters were perfect for each other. Regardless of money and social status, their hearts recognize each other. I really enjoyed their story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alexa Jaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍀If you want to try out different genres to read... Mimi Francis is the author for you! She sweeps you into the story from the very first page as her world and characters come to life.

🍀The more you read into Private Lives the more intensely you feel for the characters' predicaments. Chris and Sofia are after a second chance, although without a traditional beginning... it gets steamy... The characters feel so real and like old friends by the time the book finishes.

🍀Prepare for unexpected twists and turns...That's all I am saying!

🍀What are you waiting for?
💖Happy Reading!💖☕

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This is my second time reading Private Lives, and I need another book please. Is it possible I know who Chris is based on?