Review of Beyond Hollywood Strip by Shamron Moore w/a book giveaway!

Blurb:

Callie Lambert is the hottest starlet in Hollywood. With a hit TV show under her belt, the tabloid-targeted actress–christened one of “The 20 Most Tantalizing Angelenos”–leads a charmed life, hobnobbing with fashionistas in Paris and industry bigwigs in Los Angeles . She’s sexy, sassy, and unsinkable….and currently unemployed. 

Beyond Hollywood Strip offers an inside look into the realities of being famous and beautiful, following Callie as she navigates the seedy underbelly of the entertainment industry. Juggling hunky ex-boyfriends, battling lawsuits from rival actresses, staying one step ahead of the press, organizing a charity event to honor her murdered friend…Callie’s got it all under control. But when she receives a mysterious letter from a young woman claiming to be her long-lost sister, Callie’s world begins to crack around the edges and all bets are off. 

An ode to the literary popcorn of Jacqueline Susann, Beyond Hollywood Strip is a steamy, action-packed ride down Sunset Boulevard. Better buckle your seat belt…it’s going to be bumpy…

You know when I started reading this book I wasn’t sure what to think of it…at first.  But once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down.  What really made the book for me was the scandals, backbiting but more importantly, Callie herself.  I didn’t read the first book and I don’t really think that you need to in this one.  Yes, I was a little lost at times but I figured it out.

Callie finally has made it big to only have to deal with, what I call, the underbelly of Hollywood.  Back biting, lawsuits, jealousy, exe’s and trying to find her next job.  I was fascinated by it all.  I don’t watch reality television, haven’t seen a “tabloid” show in at least a decade and the rags…forget it.  So that’s where the fascination started with me.  Really?  People actually do these things to get ahead in the world?  I’ve heard of the casting coach but DANG!  In some parts, I just shoke my head.  I couldn’t believe what I was reading and then thought back to that horrible family that still is on television and thought…Yep, it really does happen sometimes.

Callie was a breath of fresh air in a world of smog.  Finding out that she had a sister really threw her off her game.  Again…secrets, this time from family and what is she supposed to do now?  I loved how their relationship evolved.  It wasn’t rushed nor over the top.  Callie’s morals and deep sitted roots really come into play in the sub plot.  She has to realize what is important to her first and foremost.

I will caution you that while there is a romance, its not the focus of the book.  Its more of a woman’s fiction book with strong romantic elements.  I liked that.  I liked Callie a lot and found her journey fascinating.  Its a fun book to read and now I need to read the first book to find out what happened first.

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