Georgie York, once the costar of America's favorite television sitcom, has been publicly abandoned by her famous husband, her film career has tanked, her father is driving her crazy, and her public image as a spunky heroine is taking a serious beating.
What should a down-on-her-luck actress do? Not go to Vegas . . . not run into her detestable former costar, dreamboat-from-hell Bramwell Shepard . . . and not get caught up in an ugly incident that leads to a calamitous elopement. Before she knows it, Georgie has a fake marriage, a fake husband, and maybe (or not) a fake sex life.
It's a paparazzi free-for-all, and Georgie's nonsupporting cast doesn't help. There's Bram's punk-nightmare housekeeper, Georgie's own pushy parent, a suck-up agent, an icy studio head with a private agenda, and her ex-husband's new wife, who can't get enough of doing good deeds and saving the world. As for Georgie's leading man, Bram's giving the performance of his life, but he's never cared about anyone except himself, and it's not exactly clear why.
Two enemies find themselves working without a script in a town where the spotlight shines bright . . . and where the strongest emotions can wear startling disguises.
©2009 Susan Elizabeth Phillips; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers
"Good not Great!"
I have read all of Susan's books. This is not her best. I think Anna Fields might be whats missing. Narration can change the book. This one is still a good listen, but dont even think you will laugh like you did with Natural Born Charmer......
I have been an audible member sinc 2001. Fiction is my preferance. A good narrator can make or break any book
"Ok, not great"
The book was ok, the story was ok. My favorite SEP book is Ain't She Sweet, followed by Kiss and Angel
I am a big fan of SEP but Julia Gibson is one of my least favorite narrators anyway. I don't think she does not do men well, as her voice is just too high and she does not have enough variation in her female voices to handle the number of people in the book. she also lacks the nuances of delivering the humor and personality of the characters I have grown to love in the SEP books. I have listened to over 300 books and often a narrator will help me choose my next book
I hope the SEP crew read these reviews, I would recommend Joyce Bean for her next book. If Julia narrates the next one, I will not be getting it on audible.
"Jennifer Aniston needs to read this book..."
I have been counting the months, no the days, in anticipation of this book. Last time I did this was for Harry Potter's last book. This story is inspired by Jennifer Aniston's break up with Brad Pitt, no doubt. In SEP's book, Jennifer or Georgie gets her happy ending (this is an SEP book, so the happy ending is a given) with a hollywood bad boy that does not come without his own baggage and problems. I enjoyed tremendously the SARS incident and the characters of Jade (Angie) and Lance (Brad). They are as naive, self centered and silly as I would have imagined them to be. The only reason I give it 4 stars is that I could not connect with the main characters as I usually do with SEP's books. Georgie and Bram were sometimes quite mean to each other which tainted the comic atmosphere for me. The sexually charged banter was replaced sometimes with demeaning comments and resentment. Compared to any romantic novel out there, this would rank as 5 stars for me. Yet this novel comes on the heels of Natural Born Charmer and Match Me If You Can, so I expected more. I truly loved the banter between the housekeeper and the Personal Assistant which is typical SEP for me. I echo Mrs Phillips words about Kate Fleming who is a big loss to audiobook listeners, but appreciated the choice of Julia Gibson who did a good job despite of having big shoes to fill. You won't regret this book, but it is not SEP's best.
"I'm trying to finish it but I can't"
Anna Fields brought sarcasm, humor and different voices to each of SEPs books. This reader is hard to follow and makes the book uninteresting. I'll eventually finish it, but I
She should really find a better reader.
"Not SEP's best and with a mediocre narrator"
I've enjoyed most of SEP's books, but this one lacked the humor that I was expecting. Maybe it was the narrator. She added a whine to the characters that drove me nuts. If SEP uses the same narrator for her next book, I will definitely pass. This was one of my least favorite books from SEP. The characters didn't seem to be all that likeable. To me, the book dragged on and on until everything ended in a rush. I'll still buy her next book, but without the anticipation I usually have.
"Pretty Good"
I see that alot of people hated this book. I must admit, it was out of SEPs ordinary storylines and was a bit stretched. It had a Jackie Collins-esque feeling but if you like that type of novel, you'll like this one. Don't be afraid to download this book, just don't expect the feeling you get with Anna Fields fantastic narrations. The bad news, I'm no longer anticipating SEP's next book; previously, I downloaded all of her books without first reading the reviews. Now its a must, sorry Susan.
"Rip Off!"
What a complete rip off. I love SEP, but this one was no good. She completely uses the story line of Brangelina/Aniston. I would not recommend this one because of the price and the lack of creativity on the part of SEP.
"Not as good as her others"
After reading "Match Me if You Can," "Natural Born Charmer," and "Ain't She Sweet" this was a let-down. Not very interesting. Rather blah the whole time and the narrator sounds a little bit like a computer for a lot of it. I wouldn't buy it again.
"Disappointed"
I enjoyed the earlier books from SEP, but unfortunately this was long winded and not really that interesting. I listened to the end, but more to see if anything exciting happened. It didn't. I hope the next one whenever it comes brings back the old pizzaz and sassy characters.
"Could not stop listening"
Literally could not stop listening to this fabulous and entertaining story. Once again, Susan Elizabeth Phillips has created characters who can make you laugh and then cry within minutes. Her romantic comedy is unmatched because the heroine is someone you love and understand. When she hurts, the reader hurts. One of the best things about Ms. Phillips' books is there is always a happy ending and you feel so good when the end comes, although, I always want more when it is over!