Review: Brilliant, left me wanting more!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 20, 2013
*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*This book was a surprise! I went into the story, thinking it was a New Adult romance, best friends falling in love story but didn't realise that it was also humorous. This is a good thing for me - I love books that make me laugh, and this book certainly did that! It also had me groaning in frustration at Miles. How dense can a boy get? Actually don't answer that, they're all dense at times! Miles took the biscuit though -boys like Miles don't do subtle hints, they need it spelling out in BIG LETTERS.This is the story of Claire and Miles - best friends since childhood, grew up in the same street, parents are friends... you get the picture. Claire has been nursing a secret crush on Miles since they were young teens, and needless to say Miles is oblivious.The story is set in the UK and when we first meet them, Claire is trying to give Miles some support and encouragement after he has been sacked from a play he was acting in. Miles is a 20 year old struggling actor, and Claire is studying History and English at Uni.When Miles is called to his agents office he assumes it's so he can get an ear-bashing from her about losing the part but to his surprise she tells him he's been offered an audition for a new film, which is based on a popular book called `Dazzled'. He has to fly out to Hollywood to meet the director and audition for the part, so he says his goodbyes and off he goes.The whole scenario was very reminiscent of a certain British actor, who also auditioned for a part in a movie based on a book, even down to the audition scene and I couldn't help but make comparisons.Miles is successful in the audition and has to then stay in Hollywood to prepare for his role. He feels alone in this new world of fake smiles and personalities, and feeling homesick he asks Claire to come out and stay with him. Claire keeps him grounded, and gives him a feeling of security and normality.The ensuing drama that comes with being an up and coming movie star had me laughing out loud. I loved Miles; he had a sort of childlike innocence where the movie industry was concerned. From the moment he went for his audition I knew it was going to be an education for him! He has no idea of what's in store for him, from the personal shopper, to the beauty salon, to the media training.The scenes with the media trainer were hilarious, I even felt sorry for Gayl, who was delivering the course. Miles didn't have a clue; she must have felt like it was a losing battle!"Now then, you're on the red carpet and I'm an interviewer ok?""Yep got it""Miles Stephens - can you tell us who dressed you tonight Miles?""Er... myself. I was by myself... er..."The book is told in dual pov's - so we get to hear what Claire and Miles are thinking, which is partly why (for most of the time when Miles is telling the story) I wanted to just smack him on the back of the head and tell him to take more notice! He was just totally oblivious to Claire's feelings. To him she was just one of the guys or maybe a sister. Or maybe that's what he was telling himself....I loved Claire too - especially when she came out with one of the best excuses for eating chocolate that I've ever heard!"I needed chocolate. I didn't care about that whole `moment on the lips, lifetime on the hips' thing. Everyone knows if you break the chocolate first, the calories fall out..."She can see how Miles is being manipulated and tries to be the voice of reason. She also handles the whole un-requited love thing pretty well. She's resigned herself to being his best friend, and won't admit her feelings for fear of losing the friendship. She believes that she will never be in Miles's league. She describes herself as being plain, short and chubby, and too normal for an up and coming famous movie star.When Miles asks her to be his assistant and accompany him on set while the movie is being filmed, I really felt for her. Miles is enthralled and probably a bit star struck by Lilia Purcell; his co-star and love interest in the movie. She is forced to stand by and watch as Lilia sinks her claws into an unsuspecting Miles, and then has to suffer the pain of watching them film a rather graphic love scene.For the whole book I was rooting for Claire, for Miles to realise what has been right in front of him the WHOLE time. Jeez Miles! WAKE UP!!I couldn't read the book fast enough; I was desperate to know what would happen. Would Claire ever `fess up?, would Miles ever wake up?I loved the end, but I felt like there was something missing. I wanted an epilogue or the hint of a second book or something. I felt like the story has so much more potential. I suppose that's the sign of a good book - leave them wanting more!