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Red Carpet #2
Hollywood Holiday
All she wants for Christmas is for Hollywood to love her again. But once she meets him, her Christmas list changes.
Jen’s only Christmas wish: Hollywood falling back in love with her. Meeting ex-Marine Gunner was a bonus. She likes that he isn’t impressed by celebrities or the movie biz. She likes that he’s funny and sweet … and drop-dead gorgeous. And she loves that he has no idea who her alter-ego is: Jen Fleming, Hollywood bad-girl and paparazzi target number one. Why ruin an amazing affair when he’s leaving after the new year?
But the closer they get, the harder she falls, and the more she wants to tell Gunner everything. Especially once he shares his secret with her.
Her new Christmas wish: Gunner accepts and loves her for who she really is.
Jen’s only Christmas wish: Hollywood falling back in love with her. Meeting ex-Marine Gunner was a bonus. She likes that he isn’t impressed by celebrities or the movie biz. She likes that he’s funny and sweet … and drop-dead gorgeous. And she loves that he has no idea who her alter-ego is: Jen Fleming, Hollywood bad-girl and paparazzi target number one. Why ruin an amazing affair when he’s leaving after the new year?
But the closer they get, the harder she falls, and the more she wants to tell Gunner everything. Especially once he shares his secret with her.
Her new Christmas wish: Gunner accepts and loves her for who she really is.
Paperback
First published December 5, 2012
292 people want to read
About the author
Sasha Summers
137 books832 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Sasha Summers writes stories that celebrate the ups and downs, loves and losses, ordinary and extraordinary occurrences of life. Sasha pens fiction in multiple genres and hopes each and every book will draw readers in and set them on an emotional and rewarding journey. When not writing, she’s reading or spending time with her family somewhere in the Texas Hill Country. With a puppy on her lap and her favorite Thor mug full of coffee, Sasha is currently working on her next novel.
She adores hearing from fans and invites you to visit her online.
Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: www.sashasummers.com
She adores hearing from fans and invites you to visit her online.
Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: www.sashasummers.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 12, 2013
Hollywood Holiday is a wonderful romantic story. I haven't read the first book in the series. I didn't need to. Ms Summers wrote this sequel in a way that one doesn't need to read the first book in order to read the second.
Jen is going back home after spending time in rehab. Inside the plane she meets Gunner, who is also flying to LA to visit his family. Jen has a phobia: She doesn't like flying. But the goodlooking man-Gunner-sitting next to her helps her through the turbulences until they arrive to LA.Gunner doesn't have any idea who Jen is, and knowing he might reject her, Jen decides not to tell him-For just a little bit longer.
Hollywood Holiday was a wonderful read. Ms Summers did a great job with the characters and the attraction between Jen and Gunner. Both characters have secrets that they fear if the other knows, they will be rejected. The characters in this story aren't perfect, and that is a good thing. Personally I don't like perfect characters. Flawed is way much better.
I look forward to reading more of Ms Summer's work.
Jen is going back home after spending time in rehab. Inside the plane she meets Gunner, who is also flying to LA to visit his family. Jen has a phobia: She doesn't like flying. But the goodlooking man-Gunner-sitting next to her helps her through the turbulences until they arrive to LA.Gunner doesn't have any idea who Jen is, and knowing he might reject her, Jen decides not to tell him-For just a little bit longer.
Hollywood Holiday was a wonderful read. Ms Summers did a great job with the characters and the attraction between Jen and Gunner. Both characters have secrets that they fear if the other knows, they will be rejected. The characters in this story aren't perfect, and that is a good thing. Personally I don't like perfect characters. Flawed is way much better.
I look forward to reading more of Ms Summer's work.
October 11, 2017
Rate: 4.5
Hollywood Holiday is the sequel to Hollywood Ever After which I previously reviewed and loved. In this book you have Jenny, a famous Hollywood actress who is returning home after a stint in rehab for a problem with alcohol. She's terrified to fly (unless she's drunk), but the man she ends up seated next to on the plane is more than kind and helpful to her while she's freaking out, and he doesn't even know who she is. By the time they arrive in L.A., they both are interested in seeing each other again even though Jen is afraid that Gunner, the ex-Marine she befriended, will hate her if he finds out who she really is.
Gunner is headed to L.A. to visit his family for Christmas after several years of not seeing them, one year of which was spent in a military hospital. There is something about Gunner that makes him shy away from closer relationships with woman, but he really liked Jenny and is hoping to see where it might lead.
This is another great story by Sasha Summers. I loved that Jen was not in anyway like you might expect a Hollywood starlet to be: mean, arrogant, selfish, etc. She is very down to earth, humble, and caring. She's not above taking public transportation due to having her license revoked for a drunk driving accident. She wants to put her life back on track and be a better person than she was before. And she just hopes that Gunner can see her for who she is now and not the person she was before. The problem is ... telling him.
Gunner doesn't like actors, or liars. An incident from his past has made him a bit prejudiced against them. Even when Gunner finds out that Jen is an actress, though he is still unaware of who she really is, he's accepting of her job choice and realizes that he was being unfair. I absolutely loved Gunner! He is perfect. I don't know what else to say about him.
There were a couple things that didn't add up for me though ... and I read the book three times. As I'm sure you can imagine, Gunner does find out what Jen's professional name is. But I don't understand his reaction; I don't understand his anger. Sure, he feels lied to even though Jen tried to tell him more than once. He never once recognized her as someone famous. He'd never met her before. She never did anything to him worth getting so upset over. So why? I am leaving out part, so as not to give anything away, but even then, it doesn't make sense to me. Apart from that there were a couple things that I feel, having read book one a couple times, were inconsistencies within the story but are very minor things. And although I did like that Jen wasn't arrogant and she has some insecurities, I think that I would have liked her even more if she didn't obsessively worry about what Gunner's reaction to learning the truth might be.
One last thing, I loved that practically everyone from book one was brought back for this story! I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into Claire and Josh's life since book one. Plus Claire's kids, mother, and Josh's father and sister. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
** I received an eARC copy of the book from InkSpell Publishing for review.**
Hollywood Holiday is the sequel to Hollywood Ever After which I previously reviewed and loved. In this book you have Jenny, a famous Hollywood actress who is returning home after a stint in rehab for a problem with alcohol. She's terrified to fly (unless she's drunk), but the man she ends up seated next to on the plane is more than kind and helpful to her while she's freaking out, and he doesn't even know who she is. By the time they arrive in L.A., they both are interested in seeing each other again even though Jen is afraid that Gunner, the ex-Marine she befriended, will hate her if he finds out who she really is.
Gunner is headed to L.A. to visit his family for Christmas after several years of not seeing them, one year of which was spent in a military hospital. There is something about Gunner that makes him shy away from closer relationships with woman, but he really liked Jenny and is hoping to see where it might lead.
This is another great story by Sasha Summers. I loved that Jen was not in anyway like you might expect a Hollywood starlet to be: mean, arrogant, selfish, etc. She is very down to earth, humble, and caring. She's not above taking public transportation due to having her license revoked for a drunk driving accident. She wants to put her life back on track and be a better person than she was before. And she just hopes that Gunner can see her for who she is now and not the person she was before. The problem is ... telling him.
Gunner doesn't like actors, or liars. An incident from his past has made him a bit prejudiced against them. Even when Gunner finds out that Jen is an actress, though he is still unaware of who she really is, he's accepting of her job choice and realizes that he was being unfair. I absolutely loved Gunner! He is perfect. I don't know what else to say about him.
There were a couple things that didn't add up for me though ... and I read the book three times. As I'm sure you can imagine, Gunner does find out what Jen's professional name is. But I don't understand his reaction; I don't understand his anger. Sure, he feels lied to even though Jen tried to tell him more than once. He never once recognized her as someone famous. He'd never met her before. She never did anything to him worth getting so upset over. So why? I am leaving out part, so as not to give anything away, but even then, it doesn't make sense to me. Apart from that there were a couple things that I feel, having read book one a couple times, were inconsistencies within the story but are very minor things. And although I did like that Jen wasn't arrogant and she has some insecurities, I think that I would have liked her even more if she didn't obsessively worry about what Gunner's reaction to learning the truth might be.
One last thing, I loved that practically everyone from book one was brought back for this story! I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into Claire and Josh's life since book one. Plus Claire's kids, mother, and Josh's father and sister. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
** I received an eARC copy of the book from InkSpell Publishing for review.**
January 22, 2013
I have to admit it at the very beginning that I haven’t read the first book in the series. But with romance novel series I had usually seen that though the characters often overlap, each book can stand on their own. And it is with this belief that I picked up this book. I was right and though reading the first book in the series will definitely be an advantage, you can read this as a standalone too.
So, Jen is famous for all the right and the wrong reasons. As she is on her way back from a rehab, she meets an ex-marine on the plane. Gunner is a gorgeous guy, who lets you hold his hand and holds you when you are freaked about flying. There’s an instant connection between them and they decide to see more of each other once they land up at their destination. But there’s a catch, Gunner isn’t aware of Jen’s real identity and Jen doesn’t know Gunner’s secret from his marine days. They each have a lot to learn and face before they can have their happy endings.
As characters that shape up this novel, both Jen and Gunner are very lovable and true to life. On one hand Jen lives this glamorous life of Hollywood star, but she has made her fair share of mistakes. What makes a reader like me like her is that she is truly trying to atone for it. It was also a change to see the life of a star from her point of view, while reporters & paparazzi invade your private space like you don’t deserve it at all. Gunner on the other hand is handsome, sexy, caring and funny – all wrapped up in one! A perfect fictional character [:P Yep! They just don’t make ‘em like that in real life.] They somehow do complete each other.
The plot was simple and predictable like most romance novels. The relationship in this one too moved a bit too fast for my liking. Call me old fashioned, but I prefer the wooing-dating-getting to know each other period to be a bit more spaced out. The author’s style of writing is easy to get into and as result it turned out to be a pretty fast read. And, to round it up – it was a pretty enjoyable read.
So, Jen is famous for all the right and the wrong reasons. As she is on her way back from a rehab, she meets an ex-marine on the plane. Gunner is a gorgeous guy, who lets you hold his hand and holds you when you are freaked about flying. There’s an instant connection between them and they decide to see more of each other once they land up at their destination. But there’s a catch, Gunner isn’t aware of Jen’s real identity and Jen doesn’t know Gunner’s secret from his marine days. They each have a lot to learn and face before they can have their happy endings.
As characters that shape up this novel, both Jen and Gunner are very lovable and true to life. On one hand Jen lives this glamorous life of Hollywood star, but she has made her fair share of mistakes. What makes a reader like me like her is that she is truly trying to atone for it. It was also a change to see the life of a star from her point of view, while reporters & paparazzi invade your private space like you don’t deserve it at all. Gunner on the other hand is handsome, sexy, caring and funny – all wrapped up in one! A perfect fictional character [:P Yep! They just don’t make ‘em like that in real life.] They somehow do complete each other.
The plot was simple and predictable like most romance novels. The relationship in this one too moved a bit too fast for my liking. Call me old fashioned, but I prefer the wooing-dating-getting to know each other period to be a bit more spaced out. The author’s style of writing is easy to get into and as result it turned out to be a pretty fast read. And, to round it up – it was a pretty enjoyable read.
December 3, 2012
Rating: 4.5 stars.
Get ready, because with Hollywood Holiday you’re in for a ride!
Jen Fleming is a Hollywood actress; she’s a party girl, a trouble maker. Paparazzi follow her every move and after one too many bad decisions she only wants to be her old self again. She just wants to be Jenny again; the woman, the actress. Without the baggage and problems trailing right behind.
Things start looking up when on the flight home she sits next to a gorgeous, sweet, and completely swoon-worthy ex-marine. If only he didn’t recognize Jennifer Fleming in her, then we’d be all good.
It appears Jenny is on a lucky day, because cute-dimples-Gunner is not a movie guy. Now there’s only one thing missing for Jenny to be completely at ease. Get over her irrational fear that the plain is going down.
The beginning of Hollywood Holiday was completely hilarious. Jen had some serious problem with her brain filter, not that I blame her with Gunner siting right next to her. She also had some funny monologues. It was hard not to giggle.
Really, if she could just stop talking about his dimples! That was on the second page, and I was in love with Gunner already. Damn his dimples!
Ah! Hard as it might be to believe Gunner was much more than a hot body and a couple of dimples. He was so incredibly sweet, I melted. Not everyone is going to let you squeeze his hand until it hurts, or hold you when the plain is going over a rough patch, or let you sleep on his chest when you’re having a complete freak-out. Especially not if you’re a stranger to him.
Swoon, anyone?
Ugh, he was funny too! Such perfection is not fair. And yes, you can totally picture me pouting right now, because I am. Where’s my Gunner, damnit! *wink*He was a bit cocky sometimes, but in a funny way. It never failed to make me giggle. Yet… oh yes, because we need to make him more perfect, there was vulnerability and tenderness behind all that muscle.
[For the record. This is so not me complaining, alright?]
Jenny was not far behind. She was going through a hard time both in her personal life and her career, so it’s understandable that she would feel a little down and needy. But she had a way of seeing herself that made me sad. Sure, she made mistakes, don’t we all? Yet she always made it seem like she didn’t deserve a second chance, and it made me sad.
Try as she might though, she didn’t stand a chance against Gunner. He was sweet and caring and thoughtful and hot. Did I mention hot? Right.
The closer she got to him, the harder it was to stay away. The harder it was not to fall for him. And the harder it was to keep her identity as an actress a secret, because the second Gunner knew who she was he was out the door, and she knew it.
While Hollywood Holiday might fall into the category of predictable books –meaning we know where the story is going –you’ll be surprised with the twists and turns the story takes. I admit I was actually gasping once (don’t worry it wasn’t anything bad). And that just made me love it more.
Hollywood Holiday has it all. A swoon-worthy hero, a funny –yet sometimes needy –heroine, a cute dog, annoying and loving family, butt kicking, and some steamy scenes. What else can we ask for?
Not much left, huh? Now I’ll just make sure to pick the first book in this series to read as soon as I can, there’s no way I’m missing Sasha Summers’s amazing storytelling skills. And you better don’t!
If you’re looking for something funny, something sweet, heartbreaking and steamy, Hollywood Holiday might just be it.
For more reviews, please visit: My Life Through a Book
I received an e-copy of the book from the publisher. This in no way affected my review.
Get ready, because with Hollywood Holiday you’re in for a ride!
Jen Fleming is a Hollywood actress; she’s a party girl, a trouble maker. Paparazzi follow her every move and after one too many bad decisions she only wants to be her old self again. She just wants to be Jenny again; the woman, the actress. Without the baggage and problems trailing right behind.
Things start looking up when on the flight home she sits next to a gorgeous, sweet, and completely swoon-worthy ex-marine. If only he didn’t recognize Jennifer Fleming in her, then we’d be all good.
It appears Jenny is on a lucky day, because cute-dimples-Gunner is not a movie guy. Now there’s only one thing missing for Jenny to be completely at ease. Get over her irrational fear that the plain is going down.
The beginning of Hollywood Holiday was completely hilarious. Jen had some serious problem with her brain filter, not that I blame her with Gunner siting right next to her. She also had some funny monologues. It was hard not to giggle.
"He grinned and I stared. Good looking didn't cut it. He was seriously hot. And he had a dimple. A really adorable dimple."
Really, if she could just stop talking about his dimples! That was on the second page, and I was in love with Gunner already. Damn his dimples!
Ah! Hard as it might be to believe Gunner was much more than a hot body and a couple of dimples. He was so incredibly sweet, I melted. Not everyone is going to let you squeeze his hand until it hurts, or hold you when the plain is going over a rough patch, or let you sleep on his chest when you’re having a complete freak-out. Especially not if you’re a stranger to him.
Swoon, anyone?
Ugh, he was funny too! Such perfection is not fair. And yes, you can totally picture me pouting right now, because I am. Where’s my Gunner, damnit! *wink*He was a bit cocky sometimes, but in a funny way. It never failed to make me giggle. Yet… oh yes, because we need to make him more perfect, there was vulnerability and tenderness behind all that muscle.
[For the record. This is so not me complaining, alright?]
Jenny was not far behind. She was going through a hard time both in her personal life and her career, so it’s understandable that she would feel a little down and needy. But she had a way of seeing herself that made me sad. Sure, she made mistakes, don’t we all? Yet she always made it seem like she didn’t deserve a second chance, and it made me sad.
"Bottom line: he was a good guy. And good guys didn't end up with girls like me. No matter how much I might wish things were different."
Try as she might though, she didn’t stand a chance against Gunner. He was sweet and caring and thoughtful and hot. Did I mention hot? Right.
The closer she got to him, the harder it was to stay away. The harder it was not to fall for him. And the harder it was to keep her identity as an actress a secret, because the second Gunner knew who she was he was out the door, and she knew it.
While Hollywood Holiday might fall into the category of predictable books –meaning we know where the story is going –you’ll be surprised with the twists and turns the story takes. I admit I was actually gasping once (don’t worry it wasn’t anything bad). And that just made me love it more.
Hollywood Holiday has it all. A swoon-worthy hero, a funny –yet sometimes needy –heroine, a cute dog, annoying and loving family, butt kicking, and some steamy scenes. What else can we ask for?
Not much left, huh? Now I’ll just make sure to pick the first book in this series to read as soon as I can, there’s no way I’m missing Sasha Summers’s amazing storytelling skills. And you better don’t!
If you’re looking for something funny, something sweet, heartbreaking and steamy, Hollywood Holiday might just be it.
For more reviews, please visit: My Life Through a Book
I received an e-copy of the book from the publisher. This in no way affected my review.
December 4, 2012
Hollywood Holiday was a cute, quick read with the added bonus of it being based around Christmas. I knew what the outcome would be because Hollywood Holiday was predictable, romance stories in general usually are, but that in no way stopped me enjoying the journey to the sweet ending.
I loved the easy writing style which in turn made for an easy read. The main characters were well developed and there was a good supporting cast of other lesser characters. One thing that did confuse me was who some of the much lesser characters were when they were only named once or twice in passing, but that wasn’t a major issue since those characters weren’t all that important anyway.
There were a few sexy scenes between Jen and Gunner here and there. If you’re a lover of sexy scenes going all the way, and not fading to black, these will tick the boxes for you.
It’s the first I’ve read of Sasha Summers’s books but I already have Hollywood Ever After lined up and waiting on my Kindle for me and I’m looking forward to reading this in the new year.
I loved the easy writing style which in turn made for an easy read. The main characters were well developed and there was a good supporting cast of other lesser characters. One thing that did confuse me was who some of the much lesser characters were when they were only named once or twice in passing, but that wasn’t a major issue since those characters weren’t all that important anyway.
There were a few sexy scenes between Jen and Gunner here and there. If you’re a lover of sexy scenes going all the way, and not fading to black, these will tick the boxes for you.
It’s the first I’ve read of Sasha Summers’s books but I already have Hollywood Ever After lined up and waiting on my Kindle for me and I’m looking forward to reading this in the new year.
December 15, 2012
Ok, I've received an ARC of this book a while ago but I hadn't had time to read it up till one day ago when I started this amazing book!
I loved how you don't have to read the first one to really understand Jenny and Gunner's story!
I loved all about it and I'm looking forward to read other books of this author!
I loved how you don't have to read the first one to really understand Jenny and Gunner's story!
I loved all about it and I'm looking forward to read other books of this author!
November 4, 2012
I was very grateful to receive an ARC copy from the publisher. Such an engaging love story for the holidays! Sensual and with a happy ending! I hope there will be more book in the Red Carpet Series!
December 7, 2012
*sighs* Such a great holiday story. Review to come.
September 25, 2018
I didn't like this as much as I thought I would, or wanted to. Mostly, because I thought Gunner was a shit.
Here's the thing. She kept her secret for, what, 2-3 days? That's fair, and frankly, he kept a secret too... and he kept it for the exact same reason: because when people find out his secret, they stop seeing him and a relationship becomes impossible. So he should fucking understand. His reaction was so spectacularly shitty and over-the-top that nothing short of utter groveling would redeem him, to me.
Especially when he didn't have the fucking decency to stay away from her after he lashed out at her. Don't fucking get a job on her set. She's hurt and trying to recover, and he's just battering her. It didn't feel loving, it felt abusive. You hate her now? Fine. Stay out of her goddamn life. It shouldn't be hard, since you hate actors and acting so damn much. This is a woman trying to get her life back together. A woman that has been totally shattered. There's not one iota of care for her life, in his behavior. Frankly, it's amazing she stayed sober.
And the kicker was Marty. She was so fucking out of line that this character - whom I loved in the first book - was loathsome to me. I despise her. When everyone around her could tell her that the media reports were wrong - and when they knew the thing about her uncle - she still is such a bitch to this big-hearted, betrayed and broken girl? Fuck you.
I liked seeing a bit more of Josh and Claire, and I really liked Jenny... her vulnerability and strength were beautiful. But she deserves so much more than Gunner, and frankly, should in no way tether herself to someone that means she'll have Marty in her life for forever. Ugh. Fuck all of that.
Here's the thing. She kept her secret for, what, 2-3 days? That's fair, and frankly, he kept a secret too... and he kept it for the exact same reason: because when people find out his secret, they stop seeing him and a relationship becomes impossible. So he should fucking understand. His reaction was so spectacularly shitty and over-the-top that nothing short of utter groveling would redeem him, to me.
Especially when he didn't have the fucking decency to stay away from her after he lashed out at her. Don't fucking get a job on her set. She's hurt and trying to recover, and he's just battering her. It didn't feel loving, it felt abusive. You hate her now? Fine. Stay out of her goddamn life. It shouldn't be hard, since you hate actors and acting so damn much. This is a woman trying to get her life back together. A woman that has been totally shattered. There's not one iota of care for her life, in his behavior. Frankly, it's amazing she stayed sober.
And the kicker was Marty. She was so fucking out of line that this character - whom I loved in the first book - was loathsome to me. I despise her. When everyone around her could tell her that the media reports were wrong - and when they knew the thing about her uncle - she still is such a bitch to this big-hearted, betrayed and broken girl? Fuck you.
I liked seeing a bit more of Josh and Claire, and I really liked Jenny... her vulnerability and strength were beautiful. But she deserves so much more than Gunner, and frankly, should in no way tether herself to someone that means she'll have Marty in her life for forever. Ugh. Fuck all of that.
September 19, 2017
This is an almost stupidly sweet story, but it definitely is an enjoyable book and who don't like a happy ending.
Even though all those situations where Gunner and Jen was accidently thrown together was a bit ridiculous, and in my opinion wasn't necessary, it didn't hurt the story all that much.
Even though all those situations where Gunner and Jen was accidently thrown together was a bit ridiculous, and in my opinion wasn't necessary, it didn't hurt the story all that much.
September 29, 2013
Sasha Summers spins a stellar sequel.
Try saying that three times, fast!
Yes dear ones, HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAY is everything we can expect coming off the HOLLYWOOD EVER AFTER high. In a delightful twist, the second book of the Red Carpet series focuses on two fresh characters—Jenny Fleming, and actress and good friend of Claire and Josh Wiley—and Claire’s younger brother Ben “Gunner” Foster, a combat veteran who lost a limb.
This unlikely pair meets en flight to LA. Jenny, a recovering alcoholic, is terrified of flying and Gunner comforts her through a panic attack…or two. Traveling under an alias to avoid paparazzi, Jenny is unsure if she should reveal herself to Gunner. Plus, she’s not interested in becoming another tabloid scandal. The spark they ignite isn’t wasted when they disembark, however.
They reunite at a community center where Jenny is completing service for a DUI conviction. Gunner is a volunteer helping the disabled athletes program. A few fits and starts as each character aims to self-defend, but soon we realize why Gunner won’t take off his clothes. Jenny is able to assuage his fear—OMG Thank Goodness!!—but he discovers her true identity in Jenny’s characteristically humiliating fashion and freaks out.
Without Gunner’s constancy, Jenny fears she’ll hit the sauce again, so she throws herself into training for her new action movie. And fending off the advances of her co-star, Chris Gibson—who I’ll call McGrabbyhands for the duration as this seems more accurate.
Oh! Guess who pops onto the set as a technical stunt coordinator…Gunner! Yea!
Jen’s determined to rebuild her career, McGrabbyhands is determined to capitalize on Jen’s notoriety, and Gunner’s determined to avoid the drama despite his attraction to Jen. Oh, and Gunner’s mom hates Jen for some drunken smooching months back. Thinks she’s a home wrecker. So, yeah, it’s complicated. Jenny’s heartbroken and takes off to a mountain retreat to rethink her life. Unexpected arrivals bring on the HEA.
In the end, we get a bit of separation and then no separation at all. And, really, I’m relieved I didn’t have to reach inside the book and smack sense into Gunner!
HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAY is a fast-paced contemporary romance with some sizzling scenes sure to please.
Try saying that three times, fast!
Yes dear ones, HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAY is everything we can expect coming off the HOLLYWOOD EVER AFTER high. In a delightful twist, the second book of the Red Carpet series focuses on two fresh characters—Jenny Fleming, and actress and good friend of Claire and Josh Wiley—and Claire’s younger brother Ben “Gunner” Foster, a combat veteran who lost a limb.
This unlikely pair meets en flight to LA. Jenny, a recovering alcoholic, is terrified of flying and Gunner comforts her through a panic attack…or two. Traveling under an alias to avoid paparazzi, Jenny is unsure if she should reveal herself to Gunner. Plus, she’s not interested in becoming another tabloid scandal. The spark they ignite isn’t wasted when they disembark, however.
They reunite at a community center where Jenny is completing service for a DUI conviction. Gunner is a volunteer helping the disabled athletes program. A few fits and starts as each character aims to self-defend, but soon we realize why Gunner won’t take off his clothes. Jenny is able to assuage his fear—OMG Thank Goodness!!—but he discovers her true identity in Jenny’s characteristically humiliating fashion and freaks out.
Without Gunner’s constancy, Jenny fears she’ll hit the sauce again, so she throws herself into training for her new action movie. And fending off the advances of her co-star, Chris Gibson—who I’ll call McGrabbyhands for the duration as this seems more accurate.
Oh! Guess who pops onto the set as a technical stunt coordinator…Gunner! Yea!
Jen’s determined to rebuild her career, McGrabbyhands is determined to capitalize on Jen’s notoriety, and Gunner’s determined to avoid the drama despite his attraction to Jen. Oh, and Gunner’s mom hates Jen for some drunken smooching months back. Thinks she’s a home wrecker. So, yeah, it’s complicated. Jenny’s heartbroken and takes off to a mountain retreat to rethink her life. Unexpected arrivals bring on the HEA.
In the end, we get a bit of separation and then no separation at all. And, really, I’m relieved I didn’t have to reach inside the book and smack sense into Gunner!
HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAY is a fast-paced contemporary romance with some sizzling scenes sure to please.
February 22, 2013
I am sure you all remember how much I loved Hollywood Ever After by Sasha Summers. It was a 5 star read and if possible I loved Hollywood Holiday even more! It was just a wonderful read and at times gave me a bubbly-omg-that-is-horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach when something bad was going on but at the same time that instant connection between Jen and Gunner . . . wow.
Gunner was wonderful, he is an ex-Marine, loves to cook, is super sweet and more. I just wanted to hug him and never let go! Jen was likewise a wonderful character and like Gunner has had a horrible time of it the past year or so.
They are both pretty fragile emotion wise even if they put up a good front, but you can see the relationship blooming from the start and they made each other stronger.
I was not sure if this book was going to tie in with the first but it did and we get to catch up some with the characters from Hollywood Ever After.
Overall Hollywood Holiday is a stunning second novel to the Red Carpet series and I look forward to more romance and gut-clenching emotional moments by Sasha Summers!
I would recommend Hollywood Holiday to anyone who read and liked book one Hollywood Ever After, but I'd recommend the series to anyone who is looking for a wonderful, at times funny, romantic, sexy, sweet and all around lovely contemporary romance.
I am so getting Sasha Summers Loves of Olympus series ASAP!
*I received a hardcover/paperback/eBook copy/ARC of this book for free to review from the author/publisher/tour site; this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.
September 7, 2013
This book had a little bit of everything that you could want. From a hot actress to a soldier, drama, and a sweet yet complicated love.
After going to rehab, Jenny is trying to stay out of trouble and get her life back together. She has been hurt time and time again. While on her way back home, she meets Gunner, a big, sexy, bad-ass ex-Marine with dimples who allows her to curl up on him during the flight. Jenny doesn't want to trust anyone with her heart again but something about this glorious man makes her reconsider seeing him again. They leave with promises to see each other again.
Along with rehab, Jenny has to do community service at the youth center. Gunner walks in and automatically turns on the charm. Afterwards he makes her dinner. Jenny is ready to throw all reservation out the window but Gunner isn't so easily persuaded. As things heat up and emotions grow, they can't seem to get past the secret each are hiding.
Jenny is falling for Gunner but she can't seem to tell Gunner that she is Jennifer Fleming. Once Gunner's secret is out, Jenny finds it even harder to tell him. As Jenny tries to talk to with her best friend Claire to find a solution but when she is invited for dinner, everything blows up. Jenny's biggest fear all along come true.
My heart broke for both Jenny and Gunner. I have a soft spot for Gunner and he definitely won me over with him dimples. Jenny was handed a sucky hand and she reacted the way most people would. After being screwed over so thoroughly I definitely understand her trust issue. Her dedication and contraction were admirable. She didn't allow anyone nor any circumstance to get in the way of her job.
In the first book you get a glimpse into what its like having paparazzi after you but this book really made you want to jump them repeatedly. I love that the problems that arose were realistic and handled the way an average person would deal with it. Every girl who loves a love story with a soldier needs to read this!
On my blog
After going to rehab, Jenny is trying to stay out of trouble and get her life back together. She has been hurt time and time again. While on her way back home, she meets Gunner, a big, sexy, bad-ass ex-Marine with dimples who allows her to curl up on him during the flight. Jenny doesn't want to trust anyone with her heart again but something about this glorious man makes her reconsider seeing him again. They leave with promises to see each other again.
Along with rehab, Jenny has to do community service at the youth center. Gunner walks in and automatically turns on the charm. Afterwards he makes her dinner. Jenny is ready to throw all reservation out the window but Gunner isn't so easily persuaded. As things heat up and emotions grow, they can't seem to get past the secret each are hiding.
Jenny is falling for Gunner but she can't seem to tell Gunner that she is Jennifer Fleming. Once Gunner's secret is out, Jenny finds it even harder to tell him. As Jenny tries to talk to with her best friend Claire to find a solution but when she is invited for dinner, everything blows up. Jenny's biggest fear all along come true.
My heart broke for both Jenny and Gunner. I have a soft spot for Gunner and he definitely won me over with him dimples. Jenny was handed a sucky hand and she reacted the way most people would. After being screwed over so thoroughly I definitely understand her trust issue. Her dedication and contraction were admirable. She didn't allow anyone nor any circumstance to get in the way of her job.
In the first book you get a glimpse into what its like having paparazzi after you but this book really made you want to jump them repeatedly. I love that the problems that arose were realistic and handled the way an average person would deal with it. Every girl who loves a love story with a soldier needs to read this!
On my blog
December 29, 2012
This review is also posted on my blog, Anatea's Bookshelf.
I'm glad I decided to accept to review this book. It was sweet, fast-pacing and enjoyable book. I liked that it is Holiday themed, as I haven't really read any Holiday/Christmas themed book this year.
Jen/Jenny/Jennifer, or whichever you prefer, is a famous actres. The paparazzi are watching her every move, and often making her life hell. On her return from rehab, she met Gunner on the plane. He's an ex-marine, a very-hot-and-nice-and-cocky guy. They, you could say clicked, from the very beginning. Soon they start hanging out and Jenny really likes it, but the problem is, Gunner doesn't know she's famous and when he finds out, he won't be happy about it.
I liked Jenny, even tough she's famous and she did make a lot of mistakes in her past, she is sorry for everything she has done and is trying to be a better person. I liked Gunner too. He was your perfect boyfriend, a nice, hot, smooth-talking guy. You're bound to fall for him. But there was also more to the story. As an marine he was injured really bad and he was affraid that once people find out, they won't look the same at him.
To sum it up, I enjoyed reading this book. It is sweet and with a happy ending. I would recommend it to everyone who likes a cute romance story.
I'm glad I decided to accept to review this book. It was sweet, fast-pacing and enjoyable book. I liked that it is Holiday themed, as I haven't really read any Holiday/Christmas themed book this year.
Jen/Jenny/Jennifer, or whichever you prefer, is a famous actres. The paparazzi are watching her every move, and often making her life hell. On her return from rehab, she met Gunner on the plane. He's an ex-marine, a very-hot-and-nice-and-cocky guy. They, you could say clicked, from the very beginning. Soon they start hanging out and Jenny really likes it, but the problem is, Gunner doesn't know she's famous and when he finds out, he won't be happy about it.
I liked Jenny, even tough she's famous and she did make a lot of mistakes in her past, she is sorry for everything she has done and is trying to be a better person. I liked Gunner too. He was your perfect boyfriend, a nice, hot, smooth-talking guy. You're bound to fall for him. But there was also more to the story. As an marine he was injured really bad and he was affraid that once people find out, they won't look the same at him.
To sum it up, I enjoyed reading this book. It is sweet and with a happy ending. I would recommend it to everyone who likes a cute romance story.
December 30, 2012
3.5 Stars
For this review and more Live Read and Breathe
So I was looking forward to this book because I thought Hollywood ever after was adorable.
This book was cute and had some great elements but the thing that irked me a bit was the actual love story between Gunner and Jen.
In the story it is portrayed as a falling in love story but it happened so quick I couldn't get the true essence of that bond. If it was more portrayed as love at first sight it would have been more believable to me. Due to this it felt like boom they meet and then wham within a couple of weeks they are getting married.
Now besides that, it was a cute story. It was great to have a continuation of Claire and Josh. The connection between Gunner and the others was surprising in a good way. Another good twist was the surprise for Claire and Josh.
All in all it was a quick, cute, holiday love story with a hollywood twist
For this review and more Live Read and Breathe
So I was looking forward to this book because I thought Hollywood ever after was adorable.
This book was cute and had some great elements but the thing that irked me a bit was the actual love story between Gunner and Jen.
In the story it is portrayed as a falling in love story but it happened so quick I couldn't get the true essence of that bond. If it was more portrayed as love at first sight it would have been more believable to me. Due to this it felt like boom they meet and then wham within a couple of weeks they are getting married.
Now besides that, it was a cute story. It was great to have a continuation of Claire and Josh. The connection between Gunner and the others was surprising in a good way. Another good twist was the surprise for Claire and Josh.
All in all it was a quick, cute, holiday love story with a hollywood twist
November 4, 2020
Jen Fleming is a party girl, a trouble maker. and Hollywood actress just back from rehab. Readers met her briefly in Hollywood Ever After where she was a mess. On her flight home she sits next to gorgeous, ex-marine. Gunner. He's seen some terrible things in Middle Eastern war zones and needs time to recover and heal, both mentally and physically.
Along with rehab, Jenny has to do community service at the youth center. She's very surprised when Gunner walks in. Gunner doesn't like actors, or liars. Jenny never actually introduced herself as "Jennifer Fleming," the actress in the news, so readers know there's going to be trouble ahead.
Jen and Gunner embark on a sweet and steamy relationship while battling their own demons. There are three books in the Red Carpet trilogy. Each is a standalone story but tiny threads connect them, so we get a chance to follow characters from the other books. This was a cute contemporary romance and an easy read.
Along with rehab, Jenny has to do community service at the youth center. She's very surprised when Gunner walks in. Gunner doesn't like actors, or liars. Jenny never actually introduced herself as "Jennifer Fleming," the actress in the news, so readers know there's going to be trouble ahead.
Jen and Gunner embark on a sweet and steamy relationship while battling their own demons. There are three books in the Red Carpet trilogy. Each is a standalone story but tiny threads connect them, so we get a chance to follow characters from the other books. This was a cute contemporary romance and an easy read.
October 7, 2013
This book has a hot ex-Marine in it, does there need to be anything else to sell you on reading it?
Ok how about the fact that the author knows how to write characters in a way that you feel like each of them are your friends? Like in book #1 of this series one of the main characters just happens to be a Hollywood star and just like the first book the fame theme never overshadows the love story.
I also really love that we get to read more about Josh & Claire and their families.
Ok how about the fact that the author knows how to write characters in a way that you feel like each of them are your friends? Like in book #1 of this series one of the main characters just happens to be a Hollywood star and just like the first book the fame theme never overshadows the love story.
I also really love that we get to read more about Josh & Claire and their families.
December 14, 2015
HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAY was a sweet story of love and recovering. Jenny's story was perfect! Gunner really was her soulmate. They both love each other so much!!! I really loved finding out that Gunner is Claire's brother Ben! That was a great twist in the story. I really enjoyed reading about Josh & Claire as well as reading about Jenny & Gunner's love. They both deserve to be happy!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2016
Hollywood Holiday
5 stars. I absolutely loved reading Hollywood Holiday it was everything I hoped for. I loved reading Jen and Gunner's beautiful story. This is a must have buy it you won't be disappointed.
5 stars. I absolutely loved reading Hollywood Holiday it was everything I hoped for. I loved reading Jen and Gunner's beautiful story. This is a must have buy it you won't be disappointed.
January 27, 2017
Really really enjoyed it. Always live books where after someone has made some mistakes they learn from them and start being a better person I think Gunner and Jen make a cute couple and are good for each other
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2012
A sweet & sexy book! Review to come for the blog tour! [3.5 / 5]
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