Image Adjuster

Image #1

by Lily Alexander

Rule #1: Don't fall for a client.

Their fake relationship was scripted for ratings, no matter how real their dates started to feel.

Then came a sensational public break-up.

A chance meeting on the beach opens the door for another shot.. but this time at something real.

Will they take it?

Lily Alexander delivers a second-chance, Hollywood romance with a guaranteed happily ever after in this standalone contemporary story.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2020

About the author

Lily is a Colorado native enjoying the fantastic climate of Southern California with her family and cranky cat after surviving more than a decade in hot, humid places where hurricanes get their own season and Winter is a myth.

The written word is her favorite thing - reading or writing, she doesn’t discriminate. Left to her own devices she can read about a book a day; that HEA is a powerful drug!

As an only child she grew up inventing elaborate stories for her dolls to act out. She started word processing on a computer around age 10 and never looked back. After suffering the heartbreak of catastrophic drive failure a regrettable number of times, she has finally learned to back things up appropriately and often.

Follow her antics on social media! (If she disappears for a bit around late August, don’t worry, that’s just her wanderlust kicking in. She’ll be back soon.)

Sign up for New Release notifications here: https://forms.gle/VgR9iqKYMkm4mrzn6

Facebook: https://bit.ly/LilysReaderLounge

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyalexand...

Reviews

[Katherine Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by Lily Alexander, but definitely won't be my last! I'm a sucker for a Hollywood romance, friends-to-lovers, and slow burn, and Image Adjuster hits this trifecta beautifully!

This is a really clever, original take on a Hollywood romance, with Stephanie as what's known as a Celebrity Image Adjuster, and a fake girlfriend for hire! The story is fast-paced and a perfect summer read that starts out with a completely crazy, edge-of-your-seat opening, and then you are completely immersed in the glamour and lavish lifestyles of Hollywood. Lily's writing is incredible and her descriptions of the clothes and settings just sparkle on the page. Devon is totally swoony, and I loved that their relationship was natural and progressed at a believable pace.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

I voluntarily requested an ARC and the review is my own! Well done, Lily!

[That Chubby Unicorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the first time I read one of Lily's books! We became friends last year and I was absolutely thrilled when she asked if I wanted to be one of the first people to read Image Adjuster!

I've never read anything else she's written... except her Facebook posts and please don't think I'm bias because we're friends! I'm about to be totally honest about this book!

It took me less than 8 hours to read it! I normally read after I've dropped my son off at school and wait for traffic to calm down before I drive back home! An hour later I was still sitting in my car, in front of the school! The book sucked me in and I had no idea what was happening outside of the book!

The first chapter had me hooked and I could not stop readind! I had to know what was going on! And I needed to know now!!!

At first something felt off about Lily's writing style. It felt sort of clinical and cold and I got a bit anxious because I didn't want to tell my friend that her writing threw me off kilter. But I soon realized it's not the why she writes - it's the way Stephanie's mind worked! She tried to protect herself from the outside world and when you find out why, you will have sympathy with the poor girl!!

But you soon get to see her fun "vacation" side and it's all because off Devon... also my newest book boyfriend... I called it! I knew I was going to fall in love with the actor with the black hair and blue blue eyes... Between you and me, review reader, Devon gave off a lot of Damon Salvatore vibes and Lily confirmed my suspicions by saying she loves Ian so much and he sneaked into Devon's character!

There were a few times where I thought that one of the nefarious characters would pop up and kidnap or attack Stephanie or that someone would reveal her secret and I don't know if I should feel relieved or disappointed that they didn't! I was suspicious of everyone! Even her best friend and I waited for them to backstab her! Yeah... I'm jaded AF! Too many books have broken my heart lately!

Another thing I loved about this book is that the sex scenes happened when they were supposed to happen. A lot of books have a forced sex scene in the first or second chapter to... I don't know get the reader sucked (giggles) in but... and don't get me wrong, I love my sexy times just as much as the next girl... but sometimes you have to wait fir the characters to tell you when they're ready and Lily listened to Stephanie and Devon!

I love how Lily describes the love scenes. It's not hardcore porn but not so innocent that you have to figure out what actually happened... so did they do it yet??

Lily sure knows how to build the suspense because I really thought Devon and Stephanie was meant for each other and in the middle of the book they just say goodbye and I'm like... but... but you were supposed to end up together!

Another thing I'm suspicious of now is the legitimacy of Hollywood relationships! I mean are there really people who's being paid to act in real life? What's real and what's not? I don't know any more!!

When I noticed I had about 2 chapters left, I got sad because now I had to say goodbye to these wonderful characters! I hate stand alone books! But Lily... sweet sweet adorable Lily had a surprise at the end of the book... but you have to buy the book and read it to find out what it is!

Don't even think about it! Just buy the book and fall in love with Devon and his lopsided grin!! You can thank me later!!

Lily, I'm sorry if I start fangirling over you and treat you like one of my all time favorite authors and not a friend any more! I will try to keep the curtsies down to a minimum but if I fall to my knees and kiss your feet, when I meet you one day, don't think I'm weird please!

[Sia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Alexander... girl, can write! She gave me a chance to read this book and I was so happy she did.

The way this story starts grabs everyone's attention. And honestly? The idea of the story is brilliant. So many could have taken on this story line and made it completely unbelievable. Lily though has a knack for describing the Hollywood lifestyle and making you really believe her characters are a part of it. Her readers will be able to picture every part of this story with ease. The dresses, the houses, the lavish lifestyles...I was in it, seeing everything!

And I just loved how the characters grew to be friends. Normally, I read angsty, angsty enemy to lovers romance. What I loved about this story was the pacing, the heat, the banter, everything was on point for a friends to lovers romance. Their relationship had a slow burning build even with the obstacles they had to overcome.

This book is surely one you want to grab for a beach or summer read. It’s light-hearted but gives you all the feels! Devon is swoon worthy gentleman that will melt your heart.


Don’t pass up this friends to lovers romance!

PS Maxwell's story is coming and I am SO ready #waitingimpatiently

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow burn romance set in the glamorous world of Hollywood!

I struggled with a 3 or 4 * for this book so settling in the middle at 3.5. The story line was a good one I just struggled personnel with how some of the scenarios played out. Would it put me of reading the next book in the series? Definitely Not!

Image Adjuster is a slow burn story set in the glamours world of Hollywood. Stephanie Von Feldt only daughter of Hollywood Royalty Marlowe legendary actress and Peter world renowned film composer. Stephanie is the C.I.A - Celebrity Image Adjuster, once a child actress she now spends her time helping actors who's image requires a makeover. And when not doing that she is making a name for herself as a painter under another name. Stephanie's one friend is Max - the only one she knows isn't out because of who her parents are - they are more like brother and sister.

When she is asked to act as girlfriend of Dean Greene to boost his shows rating for a couple of months she doesn't have a problem as he is just another client. Dean is a laid back kind of guy doesn't get into trouble but doesn't have time for a serious relationship using the Celebrity Image Adjuster makes life that little bit easier.

The two months fly by and the two go their separate ways - both feeling the loss of each other company but neither willing to do anything about seeing each other again - a chance meeting away from the glamour of Hollywood and the two reconnect - but Stephanie's been badly burnt once before by a Hollywood star and when it looks like history has repeated itself Steph does the only thing she can put her walls back up and retreat back to her life at the beach!

As I said at the beginning this is a slow burn book just slightly to slow burn for me!

[Shamiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book to read by the author.

This book was so much fun. I loved diving into the characters and living in style! It was a sweet friends to lovers romance that could really hook a reader.

Normally, I don't read third person books but I found this narrator kept readers close enough to really still enjoy the character development and banter. Loved the banter!

Loved it!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY HELL! Lily Alexander is a descriptive genius, as I was transported into the glitzy world of Hollywood like I had wanted to be as a teenager into young adulthood. Stephanie is Hollywood royalty, and has created her own business as a Celebrity Image Adjuster in the form of being a fake girlfriend to those famous folks who needed some good optics. Normally it's an easy job to do until she was hired by Devon, which is when lines got blurry. I'm not saying it was an instant anything, their journey went at a very realistically, natural progression, especially for Hollywood. They had chemistry in spades, which wasn't about to be denied for any long lengths of time, which made the tension top notch. This story was everything when to comes to Hollywood romance, and frankly, I couldn't get enough of it! I'm telling you that you want to know how it all pans out, so hit that one click button immediately! As for me, I CANNOT WAIT for more of this series! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Laura John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great read! I loved the theme behind the book and was really invested in the characters! I couldn’t put it down and read it really fast! Can’t wait for book 2

[Cyd Highfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and romantic

I adored this book. No word of a lie, the idea of fake girlfriends to boost one’s image in Hollywood isn’t something I’ve seen a lot.
The characters were relatable, personable, and fun.

I’m looking forward to the next in the series!

[Alexa Rivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Image Adjuster by Lily Alexander is a slow burn romance with a lovely summer vibe. It features Stephanie, a former child actress raised by a celebrity power couple in L.A. and now a fake girlfriend for hire, who works primarily with men who need their public image rehabilitated. I love the premise of this, and the idea that there’s a network of fake girlfriends available for hire if you know the right people. It was very fun. The love interest is Devon, a T.V. star who needs to appear like he has a love life to raise his show’s ratings.

Stephanie has been burned before by men using her to get close to her parents and bolster their own career (which is actually what gave her the idea for her fake girlfriend gig – talk about making a positive from a negative), and she’s rightfully wary of them. She also has a few insecurity issues, courtesy of her cheating ex and her earlier rejection from leading lady roles because of her “too big” athletic frame.

The book is entirely from Stephanie’s point of view, which is different from the dual-POV books I usually read. There were times when it I wanted to see more into Devon’s head, but the story really was Stephanie’s rather than his, and keeping it strictly inside her head let me experience her uncertainty and confusion more than splitting the POV would have done.

I particularly enjoyed the beachiness of the second half of this book. On the whole, it’s a lovely summer read that’s lots of fun.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st in a new series as well as being a new author to, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. Stephanie is an actress who poses as a fake girlfriend for Hollywood celebrities and Devon is a client. This is a well written fast paced story which has me hooked and intrigued from the very beginning and has relatable characters and plot. I recommend for all.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Stephanie and Devon. She’s from Hollywood royalty and contracts with Hollywood male celebrities to be their fake girlfriend to improve their image. When the contract is done they each walk away unscathed since everything is scripted. It’s all fun and works well until she makes a contract with Devon. They have a sizzling chemistry. Will they figure out where this is going? Great story. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ana * · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Stephanie, life revolves around fixing other people's images, it works for her and she gets to act day and day out. But she's about to find out that between all the acting she's done there's a man whose about to cross all her lines and she may not be able to walk away at the end of the contract

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

[Michele Rios Petrelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline, unique from typical romance settings. I've only ever read about Hollywood Red Carpet Girlfriends in TMZ type based sites, so it was interesting to read it in a novel format.

Loved the men in Stephanie's life; Marty, Maxwell, Alan etc., they all had distinct and diverse voices.

I enjoyed the imagery details of the California coastal towns. I felt as if I were there sitting on the beach.

Cute and fun book overall.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Great Book

This book was definitely worth the read. I can’t wait for the next book. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need something to catch your attention and not want to put it down...this is the book. What a great idea for a “PR” relationship to boost your image and then become amazing friends that leads to love.....swoon...great book that jumps right in and catches you from the beginning...can’t wait for more!!!!

[Sharee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Alexander's debut is wonderful. It has a unique story line set in Hollywood. Friends-to-lovers romance, slow-burn with a HEA. You will fall in love with all the characters.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

If you're a fan of Lauren Blakely then pick up this book!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew all my expectations away! I wasn't sure what to expect from the blurb, but it sounded so intriguing, I had to check it out! A woman who helps make men's image look better? It sounded like a Pretty Woman scenario, but it was so so much better. I loved how Stephanie took charge and did what she wanted, and knew all her boundaries (heels included!) and Devon. Ugh, I want a Devon!

[Danielle Keil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Stephanie and Devon's story! What a creative twist for a love story. I loved Stephanie's take on LA and all the actor madness-- we've all been in the situation of wondering if people we know are being fake, but this takes it to a new level. Also, want to move to california just because of this book.

[Downward dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Hollywood story.

[Barb Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Good couldn't put it down. Way to go Lily! Can't wait for the next one

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. True she hid her true feelings
but then realized he was worth it...

[Gina Leaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great rom com, easy to read and has a great storyline. Holywood royalty meets up and coming actor with all the feels

[Kathryn E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the entire series (that I read in 2 weeks). This characters and intereactiin was great. And I found her through Tik Tok! 😳

[Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, unfortunately

Almost one month ago I was posting a book blitz for this book (link here). Goodreads has such high opinions and I was expecting a “wow” book. Unfortunately, it was not the case. I seriously am debating my rating at the moment, so let me put my thoughts together and see where I end up with my stars.

“Image Adjuster” brings us Stephanie, whose profession is C.I.A. – Celebrity Image Adjuster. After an unsuccessful contract with an actor that got too handsy and overstepped the rules in the contract, she reluctantly accepts a new customer: Devon Greene. He is at the top of his game, being the star of a new TV show that puts him in the spotlight. However, his PR team advises him to show he is capable to have a relationship. So they hire Stephanie to pose as his girlfriend for a while. The written rules are clear as black ink on white paper and so are the unspoken ones: this is a fake relationship, no feelings allowed. Still, they form a beautiful friendship and they come to realize they have quite a lot in common. Their dates feel more natural and at some point, the line blurs.

During the entire book I was waiting for that BOOM. That big fire that would consume me until the end. Sadly, it never came. I was constantly waiting for something scandalous to happen that would up the rhythm. Devon is definitely a good guy, not the playboy you may expect. There are many items that did not fall into place, such as Devon’s best friend and co-star, how for a moment, in the beginning of the book is portrayed as a potential negative character. Also, Stephanie stopped acting for a while, still she remains in the spotlight simply because of her last name and her business would tarnish her reputation (going out with different men, in the eyes of the press, should look strange). To top it all, the ending felt dragged and one thing regarding her passion for art felt off – not gonna say what so I won’t spoil.

I would read book 2, hoping is far better than book one in the series. The second book follows Stephanie and Devon’s best friends and I hope I will enjoy it more. I’ll move forward with 2.5 stars and I’ll round it to 3 for Goodreads and Amazon purpose. Still, I am very conflicted.

[Beth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story grabs you and doesn't let go.

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh!

I got to the end of Chapter Two and said "That's it." The Arnold Schwarzenegger move then the bragging, I am the it person. I am not going to waste my time with this.

[Lea-Ann Kamionka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! Lily Alexander is an amazing writer! The story, the details! Absolutely amazing! I love Stephanie and Devon’s relationship and couldn’t put the book down!

[Karen Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh fake dating at its best… I really enjoyed this book. It had all the romance I needed

[Lily Alexander]

Here's the quick and dirty about this story:

★ It's my debut novel
★ It's my first Contemporary Romance
★ It's a Hollywood romance with second-chance, workplace and friends-to-lovers elements
★ It's got the feels!
★ Guaranteed HEA
★ It's NOW AVAILABLE

✩ Buy link for ANYWHERE: https://geni.us/ShppFcQ

Keep reading for a Goodreads EXCLUSIVE sneak peek!



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"Sounds like I'm barely needed at all."

"Oh, quite the contrary." He wiggled his black eyebrows at her suggestively. "I need you. I want you. You are an integral part of this scheme." He playfully sandwiched one of her hands with his own and cradled it gently before releasing it again.

Stephanie shook her head, trying desperately to ignore the tiny flash of heat in her chest at his words and touch.

"You sure you haven't done this before?"

"Absolutely." He reached across the table and took both of her hands into his. Stephanie sobered for a moment and was caught up in the serious expression of his icy eyes that were anything but cold. "Stephanie Von Feldt? Would you please help me con the press and general public into believing that we are a hardcore devoted couple? Then have a fantastic blow-out breakup fight with me in public so everyone knows it's over?" His playfully serious expression was just too much.

"Why, Devon Greene, I would be so honored to charge you a small fortune for providing just such a service."

As Devon planted a gentle kiss on her knuckles, the quiet sound of a camera shutter went off just on the other side of the patio.

"Whoops, spotted." Devon's bright smile faded a bit, then brightened again. "Guess today that guy got lucky. That'll be worth a couple weeks' pay with TMZ."

"I'll never understand why the ones with just a phone don't turn that fake shutter sound off. Seems silly to give yourself away if you've managed to ninja stealth yourself an exclusive picture."

Devon threw his head back in laughter, nodding his agreement.

Momentarily distracted, he tapped out a text to someone after his phone pinged, and glanced around, a half-grin on his face.

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "Someone from work is giving me a hard time. I think she's around somewhere or drove by or something."

After a few watchful moments, he let it go and they chatted a bit more, his attention split between Stephanie and his phone.

It was silly to feel jealous, but she couldn't help it. Said co-worker was a she, and he was amused by her.

Giving herself a mental slap, Stephanie pushed those thoughts and feelings away and focused on their conversation and her coffee.

Not long after, they finished their drinks and went their separate ways, Stephanie torn between being nervous about spending so much time with Devon all at once with minimal script planning time and being relieved that it would be over before she could make a fool of herself or lose her professional edge.

Who was she kidding – she was already losing her edge. The worst part was that for the first time since she could remember, she actually genuinely got along with a client.

She liked him.

The very idea made her shiver and tingle with long-repressed feelings like want and need.
Stephanie was in big trouble.


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RELEASE DAY: March 11th 2020
KINDLE UNLIMITED? No... for now

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.