79 reviews for:

Hollywood Scandal

Louise Bay

3.68 AVERAGE


This was a super sweet story that I went into expecting a little more drama than there actually was. The lack there of did not diminish my enjoyment of this story one bit. I loved that both characters are extremely likable and neither created unrealistic drama just for the sake of drama. Louise Bay portrayed her characters as normal people with realistic insecurities and concerns about having a relationship. It was very low angst and an enjoyable light story.

I actually listened to Hollywood Scandal and it was really the perfect listen while I was folding laundry and driving kids to school, both tasks that were made immensely better by having a fun story and amazing voice actors in ears. Both Sebastian York and Andi Arndt gave the excellent performances that they are known for and they both work well together.

Merged review:

This was a super sweet story that I went into expecting a little more drama than there actually was. The lack there of did not diminish my enjoyment of this story one bit. I loved that both characters are extremely likable and neither created unrealistic drama just for the sake of drama. Louise Bay portrayed her characters as normal people with realistic insecurities and concerns about having a relationship. It was very low angst and an enjoyable light story.

I actually listened to Hollywood Scandal and it was really the perfect listen while I was folding laundry and driving kids to school, both tasks that were made immensely better by having a fun story and amazing voice actors in ears. Both Sebastian York and Andi Arndt gave the excellent performances that they are known for and they both work well together.

Merged review:

This was a super sweet story that I went into expecting a little more drama than there actually was. The lack there of did not diminish my enjoyment of this story one bit. I loved that both characters are extremely likable and neither created unrealistic drama just for the sake of drama. Louise Bay portrayed her characters as normal people with realistic insecurities and concerns about having a relationship. It was very low angst and an enjoyable light story.

I actually listened to Hollywood Scandal and it was really the perfect listen while I was folding laundry and driving kids to school, both tasks that were made immensely better by having a fun story and amazing voice actors in ears. Both Sebastian York and Andi Arndt gave the excellent performances that they are known for and they both work well together.

Full review to come
amrobe17's profile picture

amrobe17's review

3.75
adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

imlisaok's review

3.0

3.5 stars!

Merged review:

3.5 stars!
readers_together's profile picture

readers_together's review

5.0

I loved this book. It was perfect. This is the first book I’ve read from Louise Bay – now don’t all start shouting at me, I know I’m late to the party, I do have other books, I just haven’t had the time to dive into them yet. After reading Hollywood Scandal, I am moving them up the TBR list, because, damn, I loved the writing style, the way I reacted to the characters and the story, I need more of this goodness in my life.

Matt Easton is a movie star on location, he’s a reformed playboy that just wants to do his job and become the best. That is until he meets Lana Kelly, she comes marching into his life when he least expects it, now he doesn’t want to let her go. Problem is, Lana Kelly is a private person, she loves living in a small town and has no desire to be on the cover of magazines, and she definitely doesn’t want to be tabloid fodder. Can their summer fling become something more? Can they overcome the differences in their lives and make the relationship work?

Plot
When I read the synopsis for this book I was giddy, it sounded amazing. The girl next door and the sexy movie star! Sign me up. I thought it would be a fun book to listen to, and I was right. I loved everything about this book. I loved how Lana didn’t know who Matt was and fell for him anyway. I loved that Matt liked that she didn’t fall at his feet, she was a challenge for him. It’s a sweet romance that captured my heart and attention early on and once I started it, I didn’t want to put it down.

Characters
I fell completely in love with Matt Easton, he was such a sweet, swoon-worthy character. I was completely taken with him, pretty much from the get go. He was funny and charming. Respectful and supportive. Sure, he might have made some mistakes; I had a facepalm moment and even made a Facebook update of my listening percentage that said ‘Oh, Matt, what have you done?’ His heart was in the right place. I also may not be able to see past his awesomeness lol.

I really liked Lana, I did get a little mad at her at times, how could she not see how perfect Matt was? I mean, come on girl! I’ll take your place lol. She came around to my way of thinking, in the end, so all was forgiven. I liked her backstory, and her reasoning made sense, even though I wanted to tell her to get over it, I understood her reluctance. Her interactions with the locals were cute and gave insight into her character.

I had an instant dislike of Brian and Sinclair, I wanted to punch them both in the balls. Who the heck did they think they were? I’d have fired them. But, they did redeem themselves in the end so I kind of forgave them.

The older residents of Worthington were great, I loved their little additions to the story and they really brought the small-town vibe to life.

I loved Ruby, she totally needs her own book and HEA. She reminds me so much of a friend, who happened to be reading the book at the same time and I kept sending messages that consisted of ‘This is so you!’ I liked that she was the one person that knew Lana and her history, that she could offer support and advice that others couldn’t, even though she played a small part in the scheme of things, the effect was huge.

Relationship
I loved how this relationship played out. It was very sweet. I loved the interactions between the characters and the banter they had. Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing and I may have suggested Matt marry me instead of Lana at times (I know, I know. Stop judging me!) but the conflict made the ending so much sweeter. The sex scenes were steamy and well placed, none of the sex was for the sake of it, it played a part in the story and made sense…and was written incredibly well.

A couple of scenes really stood out for me with this couple. The first kiss…wowser, what a kiss that was. I don’t know how they managed to pull away, it was hot. I think that might have been when I fell in love with Matt. The second was the first sex scene, it is a perfect example of this couple and how they react to each other, the trust and respect they have. I thought it was beautifully done. Another scene, I know I said a couple but I just remembered this one, I loved it, and it’s not really a spoiler, but Matt gives an acceptance speech and it was so beautiful, I may have teared up…just a little.

mooncricketjp's review

3.0

Maybe it is my current mood but this book didn’t grab me like others I have read from this author. I think it was cute and easy to read, though. Definitely worth the time.

Merged review:

Maybe it is my current mood but this book didn’t grab me like others I have read from this author. I think it was cute and easy to read, though. Definitely worth the time.

ladycivic's review

5.0

You've knocked it out of the park once again Louise Bay!! Lana is perfectly content in her small coastal Maine town. She has her store, her little cottage, and the locals. She doesn't need a man. Or a big city. Then her rental next door gets a new tenant. And he's HOT. Matt is filming a movie in Portland, but instead of staying in the city with the rest of the cast and crew, he decided to stay in a small town on his own. Their first meeting---woah!! Perfect for them! This book had just enough angst and drama to keep me reading straight to the end. And the steam factor-HOT! I highly recommend this fabulous book!!

Merged review:

You've knocked it out of the park once again Louise Bay!! Lana is perfectly content in her small coastal Maine town. She has her store, her little cottage, and the locals. She doesn't need a man. Or a big city. Then her rental next door gets a new tenant. And he's HOT. Matt is filming a movie in Portland, but instead of staying in the city with the rest of the cast and crew, he decided to stay in a small town on his own. Their first meeting---woah!! Perfect for them! This book had just enough angst and drama to keep me reading straight to the end. And the steam factor-HOT! I highly recommend this fabulous book!!

bailey_tennis's review

4.0
emotional funny medium-paced

1.5⭐

This could have been better if only I'm not annoyed with the FC. Haha!

Merged review:

1.5⭐

This could have been better if only I'm not annoyed with the FC. Haha!

Lana and Matt were such a cute couple.

Lana is a businesswoman. She designs and sells jewelry in the small town she grew up in. She had big dreams to make it in the Big Apple , but a betray sent her home.

In her home turf she dedicated herself to her business and is content.

Matt is a movie star who made some bad decisions. He has to clean up his act to land big roles and secure his future financially.

When those two meet, Lana has no idea who Matt is. The attraction is mutual and they occasionally flirt. They bot know getting involved is a bad choice but they do it anyway.

I enjoyed Lana's journey in the book. She had to live again, take chances with her heart and believe in her partner.

Being in a relationship with Matt wasn't easy, but she tried.

Matt was a sexy sweetheart. As much as I enjoyed the sexy times, seeing him in LA, trying to prove he is a good actor and not just a pretty face, was inspiring.

I liked how he went after who and what he wanted be it Lana or a good script.

He was part of Hollywood and had to play the game, but he also tried to pave his own way.

I admired Matt for the decisions he made professionally and for fighting for Lana even if it meant giving her space and waiting for her to decide if they have a future.

I could have done without the ex boyfriend plot but overall, the book was enjoyably.