Review: Emotional and thought provoking
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 7, 2013
4.5 StarsLast year Lauren Gallagher/L.A. Witt produced so many outstanding books, I had two in my top 20. This year is proving that wasn't an accident. I finished The Princess and the Porn Star last night and I couldn't sleep because it brought up so many questions and feelings that my mind was spinning out of control. That to me is the difference between a good author and a great author; a great author will make you think, make you feel, and make you question everything. Lauren Gallagher/L.A. Witt does that to me time and time again.It's hard not to escape the headlines we see every day about this musician or that actor spiraling out of control and ending up in rehab. Our heroine, Taylor (Rachel), has been there and done that. She's paid her dues and is making a comeback with strict guidelines set by her recording label. Their big idea, remake the pop princess into a sexy pop star by pairing her with porn star, Buck Harder (Lee), in her first new video. She feels this is a bad move, but her hands are tied so she goes along with it never expecting to get so much out of the experience.Right away I connected with both of these characters which surprised me for a number of reasons. I'm hardly in their demographic, I know little about their professions, and I've never been in the spotlight. However, they are written so brilliantly that we see past all their stage personas and we get to know the people behind the hype. I can't begin to describe how easy it was to fall in love with both of these characters. Once we see them in their "off time", it becomes quite clear they are just two normal young adults trying to make a living doing something they enjoy. Even more refreshing is they are both willingly to admit they love what they do, just not the BS that comes with doing it. Rachel loves performing for her fans and admits she gets a little high from it. Lee flat out states he enjoys his career as a porn star and the opportunities it has given him. They make no apologies for their careers and they both fully accept the mistakes they've made along the way.I found the relationship between these two to be endearing from the beginning. Over coffee, they find out so much about each other and share some amazing insights into their lives. This one meeting/date (whatever you want to call it) makes a huge difference in the way they relate to each other when they are filming. As a reader you really begin to understand the emotional attachment they form early on.That's not to say they don't have intense sexual feelings towards one another because they do, in spades. I'm surprised my Kindle didn't burst into flames when these two go at it. They are just so damn explosive, but every time they are together there is something special about it that makes you realize this is something big.To say Rachel's record company is less than thrilled about the rumors of her dating Lee are an understatement. What these to go through to see each other is a testament to how deep their feeling run despite their instance to each other they are "friends with benefits." I can't even imagine living in the fishbowl that becomes their life and I support them for taking a stand. I really have to applaud Lee for worrying so much about Rachel's career and how she's being raked over the coals because of his profession. Lauren's outrage over how the press treats Lee is equally admirable. What really bothered me more than anything is the obvious double standard there is in regards to stars and their sexuality. The author really brings this to light and you realize it's true, and it's been happening for decades. Have we really not learned anything over the years? Why are men applauded for their sexual misconduct and women labeled sluts? Makes you think, doesn't it? The thing is this character has done nothing wrong other than she's in a monogamous relationship with a man who happens to make adult films for a living....it really is enough to drive you crazy!Told from both the hero and heroines points of view, we get a true picture of what each of them is thinking and feeling. We are also treated to snippets of their life as told by the media which are quite fascinating when you pair them with their reality. You will absolutely get caught up in the craziness of being in the limelight, you will no doubt feel for what these characters are put through, and if you didn't have the understanding before you will now; "stars" really are just people trying to make a living and have a life outside of their public persona. The Princess and the Porn Star is a beautifully written fairy tale that will eat at your emotions, strip you bare, and make you think. Thank you Lauren Gallagher for keeping me on my toes, you never cease to amaze me!Review copy provided for an honest review.