The Talented Mr. Maxwell by Julia Harlow
Dorrie Applegate just stumbled into a career-launching opportunity. The small-town Kentucky girl landed a gem of a position at Omni Publishing in New York City. Her first major assignment—writing a biography of one of the most sought-after male models in the world.
Grant Maxwell is at the apex of his career. Unfortunately the end of his run looms before him. At thirty-four, scores of younger, hungrier models nip at his heels, vying for his spot at the pinnacle of the fashion realm. And he has no earthly idea what to do next.
In the midst of an unlikely and tumultuous love affair with Grant, Dorrie is suddenly forced into making an agonizing decision. It’s a decision that shatters Grant’s heart.
Step onto the volatile runway of fashion modeling packed to the hilt with clashing egos, impossibly gorgeous men, backstabbing, and biting jealousy. And caught in the snare of the dramatic intrigue? Dorrie Applegate and Grant Maxwell
Manda's 4 Star Review
This is my favorite book so far by Julia Harlow. I really enjoyed the story line and characters. At first it seems to be just like other journalist/celebrity books but quickly changes into something more. Dorrie and Grant have a instant connection to each other but their path is filled with all kinds of obstacles that keep them from really connecting. A horrible decision on Dorrie's part destroys everything she was working for in her life and costs her more than she ever dreamed. As the story progresses side story lines pop up and while at times can get a little complicated and confusing they help the progression of the main storyline. A few of the names of the non primary characters get changed as the story progresses but it isn't enough to take away from the main story. I liked that while Dorrie was surrounded by models, she didn't attempt to fit into their mold. She stayed true to herself and I think that was what made her so attractive to Grant. Grant was a fantastic character and his chemistry with Dorrie was fun to read. This is really a great story about forgiveness and love. Things move very quickly at the end of story and kind of sum up quickly but over all the story was really good and I enjoyed Dorrie and Grant.
Closed Set by Julia Harlow
Cassandra Carlson is working on her five-year plan. A professional dancer, she moved to Los Angeles to work at her best friend's Hollywood dance studio. She decides she can put up with the glitterati for the time being until she saves enough to open her own studio back home in Cincinnati. When soon-to-be A-list British actor, Christopher Edwards, comes to her for dance lessons for his new film, the attraction is instantaneous and intense. Both are young, available and strikingly beautiful, but while she finds Hollywood garish and superficial, he's on the brink of realizing his life's ambition with no inclination for a serious relationship. Or so he thinks. Just when their white-hot desire can no longer be denied, a jealous actress targets Cassandra in an insidious scheme, and a powerful studio head poses a formidable threat to them both. Cassandra puts herself in jeopardy in order to protect Christopher, but will she lose him in the process?
Manda's 3 Star Review
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really liked the premise of this story. The professional dancer working toward her goal of moving back home and opening her own studio, meets a handsome British actor who turns her world upside down and has her rethinking the future she had so carefully planned out. The idea is fantastic and I really liked both characters and the way they meet and most of the parts of how the story progressed. I gave this a 3 because for me the back and forth between the characters became a bit to repetitive. There seemed to be a lot of mind changing and hurt feelings that went well with the story, but just for me got to be a bit too much. The main events in the story caused emotions to run high and the characters to act out, which kept the story very engaging but also made it a bit to repetitive. Also I felt like this poor woman had the worst luck in the world as all these terrible things kept happening to her. The strength and determination Cassandra shows throughout the book handling all these situations is amazing. She goes from basically living in her own world and focusing on her skill to being the center of attention and catching the attention of everyone she meets. Over all I enjoyed the story and other than feeling the back and forth was a bit too much enjoyed the characters.
Cassandra Carlson is working on her five-year plan. A professional dancer, she moved to Los Angeles to work at her best friend's Hollywood dance studio. She decides she can put up with the glitterati for the time being until she saves enough to open her own studio back home in Cincinnati. When soon-to-be A-list British actor, Christopher Edwards, comes to her for dance lessons for his new film, the attraction is instantaneous and intense. Both are young, available and strikingly beautiful, but while she finds Hollywood garish and superficial, he's on the brink of realizing his life's ambition with no inclination for a serious relationship. Or so he thinks. Just when their white-hot desire can no longer be denied, a jealous actress targets Cassandra in an insidious scheme, and a powerful studio head poses a formidable threat to them both. Cassandra puts herself in jeopardy in order to protect Christopher, but will she lose him in the process?
Manda's 3 Star Review
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really liked the premise of this story. The professional dancer working toward her goal of moving back home and opening her own studio, meets a handsome British actor who turns her world upside down and has her rethinking the future she had so carefully planned out. The idea is fantastic and I really liked both characters and the way they meet and most of the parts of how the story progressed. I gave this a 3 because for me the back and forth between the characters became a bit to repetitive. There seemed to be a lot of mind changing and hurt feelings that went well with the story, but just for me got to be a bit too much. The main events in the story caused emotions to run high and the characters to act out, which kept the story very engaging but also made it a bit to repetitive. Also I felt like this poor woman had the worst luck in the world as all these terrible things kept happening to her. The strength and determination Cassandra shows throughout the book handling all these situations is amazing. She goes from basically living in her own world and focusing on her skill to being the center of attention and catching the attention of everyone she meets. Over all I enjoyed the story and other than feeling the back and forth was a bit too much enjoyed the characters.