rachael_45's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
missriki's review
5.0
I loved this first novella in Katee Robert's Hot in Hollywood Duet! There's something so wonderful about an A-list Hollywood director who isn't a total ass, and Jack is as straight-laced and swoon worthy as they come. When he gets black out drunk in Vegas and ends up married to an unknown woman, it's clear that foul play was involved. Enter Cora, who is an excellent leading lady up to the task of not only making sure Jack gets his divorce, but also finding her way back into his heart. I loved the little mystery in finding the truth about Jack's night in Vegas, and who doesn't love a little sordid Vegas tale, complete with drugs and wrongdoing. We get introduced to Brooklyn and Levi, who make an appearance as the lead couple in the next installment, and I loved Cora and Brooklyn's easy friendship. Some of my favorite scenes were of the two of them rehashing Cora's tendency to run away from the paparazzi-fest that surrounds being involved with Jack again. Okay, well my other favorite scenes are of Jack and Cora, because let me tell you- their chemistry if off-the-charts sizzling. Kate Robert writes incredibly moving and intimate love scenes, and this little novella is smoking hot.
In case it's not clear, I loved it from start to finish and couldn't wait to dive into the second installment, Animal Attraction!
In case it's not clear, I loved it from start to finish and couldn't wait to dive into the second installment, Animal Attraction!
kindlelovingmom's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this short, sexy story! It's the first book in a duology, and I can't wait to read the second one!
Cora Landers used to be America's Sweetheart when she was a kid. Her mom was the dreaded typical "momager", and she had Cora in TV and movies from when she was young. But, Cora wanted her own life, free from under the thumb of her mom, and her seriously binding contract. So, she took matters into her own hands and did something drastic to free herself. Now, 12 years later, she's no longer on Hollywood's A-List, but she is the divorce attorney all the A-List turn to when they are in need of her services.
Jack McArthur was involved in Cora's downfall, but it was far from the downfall of HIS career. Those crazy gender-based double standards were in full effect in that situation. He's now transitioned from acting to directing, and he mostly keeps his nose clean and stays off the paparazzi's radar by being boring. But, when he's in Vegas for a good friend's bachelor party, he must have let things go too far. He blacks out, and wakes up alone in his hotel room, but with paperwork claiming that he married some woman he doesn't remember even meeting. He knows he's in trouble, and he has only one person he can trust to help him: Cora.
Jack and Cora's instant connection is still evident, even 12 years after their initial meeting. They immediately realize they're in trouble again once they're in the same room together. I loved feeling their connection, as unwanted as it might be. They both don't know what to do with the other, and watching them flounder was quite fun. How they choose to handle their attraction is a joint decision, but they are both thinking vastly different things come morning. They both have to come to terms with their realities before they can decide if they'll continue with what's between them.
This was a fun bit of sexy banter and excitement, along with a bit of a mystery regarding Jack's MIA "wife". I really enjoyed the story, and I look forward to reading about Jack's best friend, Levi, and Cora's BFF and roommate, Brooklyn in book 2!
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Cora Landers used to be America's Sweetheart when she was a kid. Her mom was the dreaded typical "momager", and she had Cora in TV and movies from when she was young. But, Cora wanted her own life, free from under the thumb of her mom, and her seriously binding contract. So, she took matters into her own hands and did something drastic to free herself. Now, 12 years later, she's no longer on Hollywood's A-List, but she is the divorce attorney all the A-List turn to when they are in need of her services.
Jack McArthur was involved in Cora's downfall, but it was far from the downfall of HIS career. Those crazy gender-based double standards were in full effect in that situation. He's now transitioned from acting to directing, and he mostly keeps his nose clean and stays off the paparazzi's radar by being boring. But, when he's in Vegas for a good friend's bachelor party, he must have let things go too far. He blacks out, and wakes up alone in his hotel room, but with paperwork claiming that he married some woman he doesn't remember even meeting. He knows he's in trouble, and he has only one person he can trust to help him: Cora.
Jack and Cora's instant connection is still evident, even 12 years after their initial meeting. They immediately realize they're in trouble again once they're in the same room together. I loved feeling their connection, as unwanted as it might be. They both don't know what to do with the other, and watching them flounder was quite fun. How they choose to handle their attraction is a joint decision, but they are both thinking vastly different things come morning. They both have to come to terms with their realities before they can decide if they'll continue with what's between them.
This was a fun bit of sexy banter and excitement, along with a bit of a mystery regarding Jack's MIA "wife". I really enjoyed the story, and I look forward to reading about Jack's best friend, Levi, and Cora's BFF and roommate, Brooklyn in book 2!
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
bookbae96's review
5.0
Man, those mornings after following a night out in Vegas can be a bear. I mean, headache, hangover, marriage certificate...Yep, there's nothing quite like finding proof of a celebration that you don't remember attending to wake you right up, and Jack McArthur is bound and determined to figure out what the heck is going on.
Enter Cora Landers, Jack's one-time co-star in a film that she'd rather forget. Cora's left the bright lights of fame behind, and is making her mark as a divorce attorney. Cora would rather do most anything than help Jack out, but money talks, and having him at a disadvantage couldn't make her happier.
I love those stories that are jumping off points for more stories about the people you just have to know more about. When Cora showed up as one of Jessica's best friends in PROM QUEEN, part of the Bad Boy Homecoming series, I knew that she was someone that I wanted to see more of. In TIES THAT BIND, all of the bits and pieces come together in a short and sexy read to complete the picture.
This story is a truly enjoyable second-chance, sparks flying, what the heck really happened in Vegas read, and is an easy 4.5 stars for me. I'm looking forward to seeing more of what makes Brooklyn, the other best friend, tick in ANIMAL ATTRACTION, the second book in the Hot In Hollywood duet.
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
amym84's review
4.0
This was a quick read that I managed to finish in an afternoon. A somewhat sequel / spinoff of Robert's book Prom Queen Ties That Bind deals with former actress, now divorce lawyer to the stars, Cora, and the man who helped ruin her career back in the day, Jake, now famous Hollywood director.
Jake finds himself in a very precarious situation in which he wakes up married in Vegas. However, he doesn't remember a thing about getting married or the woman he's apparently married to. The first person he thinks to go to for help is Cora. Jake has often thought about Cora and their one night together over the years and time apart has not diminished this feel at all. First he needs to deal with his marriage, and then he and Cora need to deal with what happened between them in the past.
I'm not going to lie, I was intrigued by the whole "unwanted marriage" plot point to this story, so I was a little bit disappointed when that didn't get more use than as a means to get Jake and Cora back together again.
Honestly though the main storyline revolves around what happened between Jake and Cora in the past, and the fact that there's still obviously feelings between them.
It's a short read and I think Katee Robert did a great job of making the story feel complete in the limited "page number" without rushing things. The sex is hot and the idea that these two people could spend one night together and not see or talk to each other again for twelve years and still have that spark between them came across as plausible.
I wasn't too sure if I wanted to read book 2 Animal Attraction but after reading this one I definitely want to read Brooklyn's story and to learn more about Jake's friend Levi.
Jake finds himself in a very precarious situation in which he wakes up married in Vegas. However, he doesn't remember a thing about getting married or the woman he's apparently married to. The first person he thinks to go to for help is Cora. Jake has often thought about Cora and their one night together over the years and time apart has not diminished this feel at all. First he needs to deal with his marriage, and then he and Cora need to deal with what happened between them in the past.
I'm not going to lie, I was intrigued by the whole "unwanted marriage" plot point to this story, so I was a little bit disappointed when that didn't get more use than as a means to get Jake and Cora back together again.
Honestly though the main storyline revolves around what happened between Jake and Cora in the past, and the fact that there's still obviously feelings between them.
It's a short read and I think Katee Robert did a great job of making the story feel complete in the limited "page number" without rushing things. The sex is hot and the idea that these two people could spend one night together and not see or talk to each other again for twelve years and still have that spark between them came across as plausible.
I wasn't too sure if I wanted to read book 2 Animal Attraction but after reading this one I definitely want to read Brooklyn's story and to learn more about Jake's friend Levi.
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