Review: Stand-In Star
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 01 25, 2013
Having enjoyed another story by this author (One Perfect Night) I was eager to read this story. Unfortunately, I found it didn't quite live up to my expectations. It was okay, bordering on frustrating and annoying.Holly McCartney may be the sister to Hollywood's darling, but she isn't used to paparazzi and the limelight. She isn't prepared for the media spotlight when she arrives in LA to attend the Academy Awards for her recently deceased actress sister, Daisy. When Daisy's friend Nate Devlin comes to her rescue, she gladly accepts even though he seems to resent her. Photographer Nate can't help but assist Holly out of respect of his friend, Daisy. But he's still so mad at all the cruelty Holly heaped out on Daisy before Daisy passed. But as he spends more time with Holly, he finds Holly is very different than what he imagined.This story was a bit frustrating to read. Holly and Nate seem to lust after each other instantly. Nate is also extremely pissy, rude, and mean to Holly over her supposed crimes. They have never met, but when Nate comes waltzing up to Holly at the airport amid all the paparazzi, she just accepts his help and ride. I couldn't understand WHY they spent so much time with him being spiteful and her just taking it. WHY couldn't she just say "Why do you hate me so much? You don't know me." No, they had to dance around this issue for 41% of the story.Nate was extremely shallow. He didn't like anything real, from his women to family relationships. Holly was a bit too nave and needy.Things did progress. They finally do move pass the spitefulness, but it was hard to forget how malicious Nate was for a good half of the story.Holly did seem to grow. She didn't have a great relationship with Daisy before Daisy's death and carries a lot of guilt over it.All in all, I'd skip this story. The more I think back on this story, the more I don't like it.Would I recommend this story? NoWould I read this author again? Yes. I thoroughly enjoyedOne Perfect Nightand hope to find a better fit for me among her up-and-coming books.