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Holding out for a Hero
Their love survived the 80s. She wished she hadn't.
A funny, bitter-sweet romantic dramedy set to an 80's soundtrack, proving first love never truly dies...
Libby London fell in love in with the 80s, came of age in the 90s, and now, in the 21st Century, she's completely falling apart... Her New York City fashion sensibility is more 'vintage tragedy' than 'retro babe' and might just be what's holding her back in all matters of life and love...
At least that's what her well-meaning friends think. They've staged a #80sIntervention in an effort to bring Libby bang up-to-date. But how do you move forward when the one you love holds you in the past? Between her dreaded birthday party, friend's madcap ambush, and being forced to relocate her Pretty In Pink thrift shop, Libby's nearing the end of the rope... If her therapist isn't quick, it could be a literal one.
Read what people are saying about Victoria Van Tiem’s new dramedy, Holding out for a Hero:
“The book is one of the most uplifting, soul searching and delicately written books I've ever read! Depression, guilt and grief mixed with leg warmers, a parrot and one big gesture, set to an 80's soundtrack -could you ask for more?” –Chicks That Read
“...a superb & addictive story.” --Rachel's Random Reads
“I didn’t want to put this novel down, I just wanted to know what happened next…” –On My Bookshelf
“...quick, entertaining and fun read. …it’s also very emotional and deep, which I really loved.” –Sky’s Book Corner
A funny, bitter-sweet romantic dramedy set to an 80's soundtrack, proving first love never truly dies...
Libby London fell in love in with the 80s, came of age in the 90s, and now, in the 21st Century, she's completely falling apart... Her New York City fashion sensibility is more 'vintage tragedy' than 'retro babe' and might just be what's holding her back in all matters of life and love...
At least that's what her well-meaning friends think. They've staged a #80sIntervention in an effort to bring Libby bang up-to-date. But how do you move forward when the one you love holds you in the past? Between her dreaded birthday party, friend's madcap ambush, and being forced to relocate her Pretty In Pink thrift shop, Libby's nearing the end of the rope... If her therapist isn't quick, it could be a literal one.
Read what people are saying about Victoria Van Tiem’s new dramedy, Holding out for a Hero:
“The book is one of the most uplifting, soul searching and delicately written books I've ever read! Depression, guilt and grief mixed with leg warmers, a parrot and one big gesture, set to an 80's soundtrack -could you ask for more?” –Chicks That Read
“...a superb & addictive story.” --Rachel's Random Reads
“I didn’t want to put this novel down, I just wanted to know what happened next…” –On My Bookshelf
“...quick, entertaining and fun read. …it’s also very emotional and deep, which I really loved.” –Sky’s Book Corner
261 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2016
3 people are currently reading
933 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Van Tiem
6 books97 followersVictoria Van Tiem (pronounced team) is the author of international favorites LOVE LIKE THE MOVIES and HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 18, 2016
3.5-4 stars
So, I am still ambivalent about this book because based on my experience of this author's last book I expected something light and frothy which this book certainly isn't. Instead this book was a poignant read and maybe a lesson that no matter how much you refuse to let go of the past, there comes a time when you just have to. If I write more then the entire book will become spoilery but I did enjoy the lesson of the book even if I couldn't make much sense of the book at certain moments (like that golf date).
So, I am still ambivalent about this book because based on my experience of this author's last book I expected something light and frothy which this book certainly isn't. Instead this book was a poignant read and maybe a lesson that no matter how much you refuse to let go of the past, there comes a time when you just have to. If I write more then the entire book will become spoilery but I did enjoy the lesson of the book even if I couldn't make much sense of the book at certain moments (like that golf date).
January 11, 2016
Holding Out for a Hero by Victoria van Tiem dropped very unexpectedly through my letterbox (as a belated Christmas present, ha!) I planned on requesting a review copy anyway so just imagine my surprise and joy when I opened the envelope and saw that this is THIS BOOK. Holding Out for a Hero is, just like Victoria's debut novel Love Like the Movies, full of mentions of the cult - films and music from the eighties, and even though I was more likely to enjoy them few years later, I was stupidly excited when reading about them and being able to picture them in my mind or hum every song that was mentioned. Maybe this is why I could get Libby so good, and picture the way she was dressing and just being.
I knew that I'm going to adore this book after the first mention of Ferris Buller at the beginning of the book - I loved this film, and Libby, too! Also, the chapters in this story are titles of songs and movies from the 80s - things that I grew up listening to and watching, which made me feel so, so nostalgic!
I adored the idea of this book: Libby London is over thirty, but she lives and breaths the 80's. Even her job is her 80s shop, Pretty in Pink, where she sells clothes and music from the 80s. She just came to a standstill in the 80s and that's the end of the story. But her friends decide she should start living again and they stage an #80sIntervention - Libby is going to get a makeover, including new clothes, new hair, new make - up, new everything, and they're going to send her on the dates, chosen by them, but based on the characters in Libby's favourite film, The Breakfast Club. The question is, is Libby ready for such intervention? Does she need such intervention at all?
This novel was full of LOL - moments, and some of the one - liners made me snort with laughter. Really, the author, by dropping a very innocent word here or there to the dialogues made them just hilarious, and I could laugh hours later when thinking about them. Brilliant, brilliant job!
But. This book is not only laughs and happy memories of the 80s. It is very quickly clear that Libby has issues, and the more we learn about it, the more we can see that those are really serious issues that have their roots in Libby's teenage years, and this is why she has decided to stay in the times where she was happy, ie. in the times of Like a Virgin by Madonna. What happened? You must read for yourself, I don't want to spoil the reading for you, it would be the worst I could do. But this what happened, and its consequences, crushed my heart, I couldn't watch Libby so broken - she was such a lovely girl, with a sunshine personality, and I wanted to see her happy.
At the beginning everything was nice and beautiful, but then, seeing Libby protesting and not feeling great in her new clothes, I started to think why do her friends want to force her to change? Why don't they let her stay as she is, if she's happy like this? But then I started to doubt that Libby IS happy, and guessing that there is something that is keeping her in the 80s - what is this? Relatively quickly I guessed what happened, although I doubted in my own theory occasionally, but when it was confirmed that I was right, it just broke my heart. So in reality this, what started as a super - duper light story, quickly turned out into a book with a depth, dealing also with much more important and serious issues, but still with this lovely, laugh - out - loud humour. It was just perfectly balanced.
The dates the author sends Libby on were hilarious! Yes, OK, they might have been a little too far - fetched, but on the other hand I think we should take them with a pinch of salt and just go with the flow. The anaesthetist "Brain" date, the "Athlete" date, the "Criminal" date, and let's not forget the "Princess" date, with golfing, parrots and clubbing were so vividly described and I couldn't stop laughing when reading.
There was also a brilliant group of characters in this book. Libby was one of them, of course, but also her friends, you could just see that they feel so comfortable in each other's company, Libby's therapist Dr P., who has never gave up on her, no matter what he encouraged her to keep going, and all other background characters - they were vivid, colourful and all so fresh, with their own personalities, and I loved reading about them all.
This book has all what I was hoping for - interesting plot with twists and turns, brilliant humour and darker side to it, and personally I loved it more that Victoria's debut novel, which, BTW, was also great! I didn't want to put this novel down for a second, I just wanted to see what's going to happen next and what kind of date is Libby going to next. Sure, some of the situations were on the verge of absurd, the same as some of the characters, but this time it just worked with this plot and it made me laugh. Victoria's writing style is so enjoyable and easy to follow and I didn't have a problem to get on with her humour and hidden jokes. It's a poignant novel about never giving up, about friendship, keeping going and healing. And this book made me feel nostalgic. Really. I just want to put on body suit, bandeau and turn on aerobic with Jane Fonda. Highly recommended (book. Not Jane Fonda. Though if you like...)
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for a review.
February 18, 2021
1980s and NEW YORK
3.5*
1980s and New York combined! Libby runs Pretty in Pink on the Lower East Side but she has been given notice to move. Her thrift shop is her passion, her life… she lives and breathes the 1980s. And it is quite some achievement to have a shop in that particular area!
Her friends are trying to take her in hand, after all shoulder pads and bouffant hair are so passé, just HOW is she ever going to find a decent boyfriend, especially considering she is heading for the ripe old age of thirty three!
It is an engaging storyline that whisks along like frothy Babycham (that was of the era, no?) with some peaks and quite a few troughs. The past will invariably come back to haunt you and Libby is having to see a therapist to unpick a few issues.
There is plenty of bubbly banter amongst the delightful friendship group as they support and cajole her and try to move her along.
The title of course is an 80’s song (hello Bonnie Tyler) and each chapter is titled with the name of a hit, which serves to remind you of the era. There is an acerbic counter comment that follows, like “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell, 1981, which is more like tainted life…
New York is the setting; it’s not overly strong in terms of literary tourism but there is a quick outing to touristy Katz’s Deli and a few locators to anchor the story in the city.
3.5*
1980s and New York combined! Libby runs Pretty in Pink on the Lower East Side but she has been given notice to move. Her thrift shop is her passion, her life… she lives and breathes the 1980s. And it is quite some achievement to have a shop in that particular area!
Her friends are trying to take her in hand, after all shoulder pads and bouffant hair are so passé, just HOW is she ever going to find a decent boyfriend, especially considering she is heading for the ripe old age of thirty three!
It is an engaging storyline that whisks along like frothy Babycham (that was of the era, no?) with some peaks and quite a few troughs. The past will invariably come back to haunt you and Libby is having to see a therapist to unpick a few issues.
There is plenty of bubbly banter amongst the delightful friendship group as they support and cajole her and try to move her along.
The title of course is an 80’s song (hello Bonnie Tyler) and each chapter is titled with the name of a hit, which serves to remind you of the era. There is an acerbic counter comment that follows, like “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell, 1981, which is more like tainted life…
New York is the setting; it’s not overly strong in terms of literary tourism but there is a quick outing to touristy Katz’s Deli and a few locators to anchor the story in the city.
March 29, 2016
Deep cleansing sigh. I am seriously taking a break from books for the rest of the day. I don't want to hit a reading slump. And I can feel myself getting there because before I picked this one up this morning, I started and stopped two other books that were not holding my interest at all.
Told in the first person, we follow main character, Libby London who is all about the 80s. She quotes movies and songs from the 80s. She only wears clothes from the 80s. And she even decorates her apartment in 80s style. For example, she has two huge Rubix cubes as coffee tables, which I do have to admit I thought was kind of cool.
After her friends stage an 80s Intervention and demand that she let go of the 80s and start embracing the year they currently reside in, we have Libby putting up many roadblocks to stay safe in her 80s lifestyle.
I really didn't like the character of Libby. I mean there were parts that had me feeling sorry for her. But she was pretty much a jerk until the very end. And she kept looking towards her friends to fix shit that was going wrong in her life. When you realize what must have happened (and man oh man I could see that plot contrivance after I got to 15 percent) to push her life off balance I was left with so many more questions than answers.
Did it make sense for Libby to hold on to the 80s because the boy that was her perfect one said the 80s suited her? Not really. I didn't get it myself. Because there seemed to be no real attachment that I got from her to hold onto the 80s beyond that. Frankly it just goes to show that Libby was pretty weak when it came to the character of Ollie and did whatever he determined to be cool and shaped herself to be that way. It would have been interesting if the author took a different approach to that character because I think then things would have gotten interesting.
The other characters are not well developed at all. Libby it seems only has three friends, her best friend Dora, her best friend's fiancee Dean, and her childhood friend Finn. She also has an employee named Jasper, who is younger than her by a few years, who apparently keeps asking her out, but she says no to because she is still in love with the character named Oliver (called Ollie).
At times you can see some anger (rightfully) coming off of Libby's friends who you realize do stage the 80s intervention for her own well being. I didn't get that at first until I got a lot farther into the book.
But too many questions remained. There is a central incident and person that everyone just refers to in a certain way in order to make the final ending more jaw dropping I guess. But it's only jaw dropping if you have never read a book before. And that's not me being a jerk, it's just a really well used plot contrivance and the "words" the author uses pretty much gives away what must have happened.
The whole idea of making this focus around The Breakfast Club is a cute one, but it doesn't really work when you get to the idea of Libby's friends setting her up on dates with men that they rename based on The Breakfast Club members. I mean "The Princess", what the hell?
They were supposed to be staging an intervention but only it came with regards to her look. Why would you keep indulging her by saying tonight you go out with the athlete?
The writing in my opinion was not that great. There were way too many British words peppered in the text. Since the character of Libby was supposed to be born and raised in New York there was no reason for this. I am guessing the author may be British? I don't know. It just kept yanking me out of the story every time I came across one.
Also the word "hero" was used so many times that I refuse to read it for a whole day after finishing this book. I hate that the song "I Need A Hero" won't stop playing in my brain. To punish my brain I am making it listen to Nickelback on the way home. That will teach you.
There was also an issue with Libby's age for me. She should either be younger or older than she is based on the fact that the author mentions certain key dates in the book and the fact she's turning 33 is mentioned a bazillion times so I finally just gave up and said whatever.
The flow was pretty bad. We get to the first of Libby's two dates (The Brain and the Athlete) and the story keeps going back and around to Libby's other big problem which is her store location being sold out from under her. The fact that she sticks her headd in the sand and once again needs other people to figure out a solution for her was grating. I seriously at this point didn't get how Libby even ran a successful business. The character Jasper mentions that the reason Libby's store (Pretty in Pink) is doing so great is because of her, that she draws people in and I laughed out loud at at that line. Um, I recall only one scene with one customer being in her store. And Libby's personality was not that great. It just made me crack up that the character of Jasper was seeing a different character than the author even showed us at that point.
The setting of New York really wasn't used at all. The author chose to focus on all things 80s and the pop culture references in this book are too numerous to list at all right now.
The ending was a kind of meh for me. To go from the place she was at to an entirely different mental place was not realistic to me. We find out that Libby is dealing with some pretty weighty issues. And I do applaud the author for taking a look at them. But I really do wish that the book had focused on them more and or getting her friends involved. I mean it didn't take a rocket scientist to see why Libby was the way she is. I just needed her friends to say something or to at least acknowledge it. They just seemed to think as soon as she got a boyfriend her life would magically get better.
Told in the first person, we follow main character, Libby London who is all about the 80s. She quotes movies and songs from the 80s. She only wears clothes from the 80s. And she even decorates her apartment in 80s style. For example, she has two huge Rubix cubes as coffee tables, which I do have to admit I thought was kind of cool.
After her friends stage an 80s Intervention and demand that she let go of the 80s and start embracing the year they currently reside in, we have Libby putting up many roadblocks to stay safe in her 80s lifestyle.
I really didn't like the character of Libby. I mean there were parts that had me feeling sorry for her. But she was pretty much a jerk until the very end. And she kept looking towards her friends to fix shit that was going wrong in her life. When you realize what must have happened (and man oh man I could see that plot contrivance after I got to 15 percent) to push her life off balance I was left with so many more questions than answers.
Did it make sense for Libby to hold on to the 80s because the boy that was her perfect one said the 80s suited her? Not really. I didn't get it myself. Because there seemed to be no real attachment that I got from her to hold onto the 80s beyond that. Frankly it just goes to show that Libby was pretty weak when it came to the character of Ollie and did whatever he determined to be cool and shaped herself to be that way. It would have been interesting if the author took a different approach to that character because I think then things would have gotten interesting.
The other characters are not well developed at all. Libby it seems only has three friends, her best friend Dora, her best friend's fiancee Dean, and her childhood friend Finn. She also has an employee named Jasper, who is younger than her by a few years, who apparently keeps asking her out, but she says no to because she is still in love with the character named Oliver (called Ollie).
At times you can see some anger (rightfully) coming off of Libby's friends who you realize do stage the 80s intervention for her own well being. I didn't get that at first until I got a lot farther into the book.
But too many questions remained. There is a central incident and person that everyone just refers to in a certain way in order to make the final ending more jaw dropping I guess. But it's only jaw dropping if you have never read a book before. And that's not me being a jerk, it's just a really well used plot contrivance and the "words" the author uses pretty much gives away what must have happened.
The whole idea of making this focus around The Breakfast Club is a cute one, but it doesn't really work when you get to the idea of Libby's friends setting her up on dates with men that they rename based on The Breakfast Club members. I mean "The Princess", what the hell?
They were supposed to be staging an intervention but only it came with regards to her look. Why would you keep indulging her by saying tonight you go out with the athlete?
The writing in my opinion was not that great. There were way too many British words peppered in the text. Since the character of Libby was supposed to be born and raised in New York there was no reason for this. I am guessing the author may be British? I don't know. It just kept yanking me out of the story every time I came across one.
Also the word "hero" was used so many times that I refuse to read it for a whole day after finishing this book. I hate that the song "I Need A Hero" won't stop playing in my brain. To punish my brain I am making it listen to Nickelback on the way home. That will teach you.
There was also an issue with Libby's age for me. She should either be younger or older than she is based on the fact that the author mentions certain key dates in the book and the fact she's turning 33 is mentioned a bazillion times so I finally just gave up and said whatever.
The flow was pretty bad. We get to the first of Libby's two dates (The Brain and the Athlete) and the story keeps going back and around to Libby's other big problem which is her store location being sold out from under her. The fact that she sticks her headd in the sand and once again needs other people to figure out a solution for her was grating. I seriously at this point didn't get how Libby even ran a successful business. The character Jasper mentions that the reason Libby's store (Pretty in Pink) is doing so great is because of her, that she draws people in and I laughed out loud at at that line. Um, I recall only one scene with one customer being in her store. And Libby's personality was not that great. It just made me crack up that the character of Jasper was seeing a different character than the author even showed us at that point.
The setting of New York really wasn't used at all. The author chose to focus on all things 80s and the pop culture references in this book are too numerous to list at all right now.
The ending was a kind of meh for me. To go from the place she was at to an entirely different mental place was not realistic to me. We find out that Libby is dealing with some pretty weighty issues. And I do applaud the author for taking a look at them. But I really do wish that the book had focused on them more and or getting her friends involved. I mean it didn't take a rocket scientist to see why Libby was the way she is. I just needed her friends to say something or to at least acknowledge it. They just seemed to think as soon as she got a boyfriend her life would magically get better.
March 9, 2016
Holding Out For A Hero has one of the best covers I've ever seen (it's so simplistic, but so gorgeous) and also one of the most misleading book covers I've ever seen. I genuinely thought this would be a fun, light read. Nuh-uh. This is a hard read, because it is genuinely hard to read about the struggles Libby is going through, to read about her nights and what happens, and she's so anxious, and worries so much, you can't help but worry with her and be anxious with her and it turns you into a bit of a mess, so imagine how bad it is for Libby! But it's actually a really good read, and it's an important read.
Holding Out For A Hero is chock-full of eighties references. From the song-title-chapters, to every other sentence Libby utters being full of the eighties, it's like an eighties extravaganza and it's amazing. I was actually born in 1990, so I missed the 80s (and the vast majority of the 90s, considering I was a baby/toddler) but the way Libby brings it to life is something special. I now want to go and binge all the awesome 80s movies there are, starting with The Breakfast Club and Pretty In Pink, and any other 80s movie referenced in this book. In fact, I would love Victoria immensely if she provided me with a) a soundtrack for this novel, filled with all the songs referenced and b) a movie list of this novel, ditto. I want to immerse myself in the awesome 80s for a bit, and see why Libby loved it so much.
But on the flip-side to that, there's an important message to Holding Out For A Hero. I'm loathe to give too much away, but it was the kind of novel that left me worried - I wrote on my GoodReads update that I was really enjoying the book, but I wasn't quite sure where Ollie actually went, and he's a really important part of Libby's life and Libby's story. Did I guess? Yes. Was I right? Yes. Was I still surprised? Oh boy yes. There was another bright spot to the novel though, in the form of Jasper. He was pretty freaking awesome, and it's fair to say I developed a bit of a crush on him.
Whatever you do, don't judge this book by its cover. There's a lot more going on inside the pages than the cover gives away, so if you're not prepared for a heavier read, don't read it, because you'll only get annoyed. I liked it, I found it refreshing, and I loved Libby and wanted to hug her and try and make it all better. I loved her love for the 80s, it was infectious, really, really infectious. And I really enjoyed Holding Out For A Hero. No, it wasn't what I was expecting, but it was even better than that, despite some of the difficult scenes. Van Tiem is a very sensitive storyteller, and she's done Libby very, very proud.
Holding Out For A Hero is chock-full of eighties references. From the song-title-chapters, to every other sentence Libby utters being full of the eighties, it's like an eighties extravaganza and it's amazing. I was actually born in 1990, so I missed the 80s (and the vast majority of the 90s, considering I was a baby/toddler) but the way Libby brings it to life is something special. I now want to go and binge all the awesome 80s movies there are, starting with The Breakfast Club and Pretty In Pink, and any other 80s movie referenced in this book. In fact, I would love Victoria immensely if she provided me with a) a soundtrack for this novel, filled with all the songs referenced and b) a movie list of this novel, ditto. I want to immerse myself in the awesome 80s for a bit, and see why Libby loved it so much.
But on the flip-side to that, there's an important message to Holding Out For A Hero. I'm loathe to give too much away, but it was the kind of novel that left me worried - I wrote on my GoodReads update that I was really enjoying the book, but I wasn't quite sure where Ollie actually went, and he's a really important part of Libby's life and Libby's story. Did I guess? Yes. Was I right? Yes. Was I still surprised? Oh boy yes. There was another bright spot to the novel though, in the form of Jasper. He was pretty freaking awesome, and it's fair to say I developed a bit of a crush on him.
Whatever you do, don't judge this book by its cover. There's a lot more going on inside the pages than the cover gives away, so if you're not prepared for a heavier read, don't read it, because you'll only get annoyed. I liked it, I found it refreshing, and I loved Libby and wanted to hug her and try and make it all better. I loved her love for the 80s, it was infectious, really, really infectious. And I really enjoyed Holding Out For A Hero. No, it wasn't what I was expecting, but it was even better than that, despite some of the difficult scenes. Van Tiem is a very sensitive storyteller, and she's done Libby very, very proud.
January 6, 2016
Holding out for a Hero was a book that caught my attention pretty quickly, not only for the cover, but also the title. As soon as I read the synopsis I knew I had to read this one.
Libby is living in the 80's, clothes, hairstyle, and job too. Her friends have decided it's time for her to join this century and persuade her to not only get a makeover, but also to go on dates with people they choose, otherwise known as #80sIntervention. Holding out for a Hero follows Libby on her journey of dates, growing up, learning to love, and trying to heal. Libby isn't too happy about this #80sIntervention, and not only is she trying to fend off her dates, but she is also trying to resolve her work location, and try to understand why she is waking up crying.
One quirk that Holding out for a Hero has, is that the chapter titles are from songs/movies from the 80's. This is the music I grew up listening to, and although I didn't recognise some of the movies, I have seen a few of them. Holding out for a Hero was an interesting read. I really liked how there are several different aspects to the plot of this book, and how they are all woven together and work well. One of the major parts of the plot isn't revealed until later on in the book, but I did manage to figure out what had happened, but this did not take away the enjoyment from this book.
Holding out for a Hero was like a blast from the past, and I found myself having songs stuck in my head and being perfectly able to picture the dress and accessory styles
Holding out for a Hero also deals very well with Libby's depression. It goes through the process of what happened to her, learning to come to terms with it, and also ways on how to deal with it. I thought that this was dealt with and explained really well.
Final Verdict
Holding out for a Hero was an enjoyable read. IT didn't really blow me away like I expected it to, but it did keep me reading and wanting to find out what happens in the end.
Right now, I need a hero. Seriously: where's my white knight upon a fiery steed? He doesn't need to be strong, fast, or fresh from the fight, he just needs to be larger than life and capable of saving mine.
Libby is living in the 80's, clothes, hairstyle, and job too. Her friends have decided it's time for her to join this century and persuade her to not only get a makeover, but also to go on dates with people they choose, otherwise known as #80sIntervention. Holding out for a Hero follows Libby on her journey of dates, growing up, learning to love, and trying to heal. Libby isn't too happy about this #80sIntervention, and not only is she trying to fend off her dates, but she is also trying to resolve her work location, and try to understand why she is waking up crying.
One quirk that Holding out for a Hero has, is that the chapter titles are from songs/movies from the 80's. This is the music I grew up listening to, and although I didn't recognise some of the movies, I have seen a few of them. Holding out for a Hero was an interesting read. I really liked how there are several different aspects to the plot of this book, and how they are all woven together and work well. One of the major parts of the plot isn't revealed until later on in the book, but I did manage to figure out what had happened, but this did not take away the enjoyment from this book.
Holding out for a Hero was like a blast from the past, and I found myself having songs stuck in my head and being perfectly able to picture the dress and accessory styles
Holding out for a Hero also deals very well with Libby's depression. It goes through the process of what happened to her, learning to come to terms with it, and also ways on how to deal with it. I thought that this was dealt with and explained really well.
Final Verdict
Holding out for a Hero was an enjoyable read. IT didn't really blow me away like I expected it to, but it did keep me reading and wanting to find out what happens in the end.
February 14, 2022
Really enjoyed this book ..lots of reference to eighties songs. I was a teenage r in the '80s .
If you like an easy read with likeable characters and a book that makes you smile then this is it.
If you like an easy read with likeable characters and a book that makes you smile then this is it.
June 26, 2016
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Pan Macmillan!
I had less luck with previous ARCs, so I'm lucky to say that I LOVED this book. Let's get the superficial out of the way first: how beautiful is that cover? I'm pretty sure 60% of the reason I requested this was that the cover design is relevant to my interests. Now to the content...
Libby London is stuck in the 80s. She dresses like an 80s girl, owns an 80s store and is still hung up on her first love, who she met – you might have suspected it – in the 80s. To propel her to the 21st century, her friends stage an #80sIntervention (hashtag included) and send her on five dates to force her to move on: The Brain, The Athlete, The Criminal, The Princess and The Basket Case. She has the support and the opportunity to move on, but it’s up to Libby to take the final step.
Holding Out for a Hero reminded me of two very different books: Ready Player One and Confessions of a Shopaholic. Ready Player One because there are as many 80s movie and song references in Holding Out for a Hero than there are gaming history references in Ready Player One and Shopaholic because the book starts out light and seemingly superficial and then picks up pace and surprises you in the end. It’s described as a “romantic dramedy” and, while the romance is certainly there, it was more the chocolate sauce on top of an already delicious dessert (let’s be real – who wants a cherry when you can have chocolate sauce) than the focus of the book for me. The description might make you think this is a light book about a girl’s fashion sense spiced up with a bit of dating fun, but it’s more about healing and finding out who you are than fun date stories. But you’ll get those too.
The beginning of the book dragged a little for me, but once I realized what it’s actually about I fell in love with it. I guessed the big reveal, but the book still surprised me in the end, and I generally loved how it handles mental health, therapy and romance. Just because there’s a guy doesn’t mean he solves all the problems (okay he does a little, but more in a supportive way than a curing depression by smiling way) and just because Libby’s friends can be judgemental doesn’t mean they’re not good friends overall. Even though I guessed what happened to Libby to traumatize her so much, the book was more about how Libby dealt with it than about guessing the mystery.
I liked that Libby was intelligent and capable, but the reader is shown rather than told, and I liked the guy, because he’s just genuinely nice. I liked that Libby owned her own store and was in turns capable and proactive and in denial about what was happening to it. And most of all, I liked that, when Libby did something stupid, like judge people without getting to know them, she was called out on it and apologised. And trust me, if you grew up in the 80s, you’ll want to get out your leg warmers and Breakfast Club DVD (or find a VCR if you want to keep it authentic), because you’re going to feel nostalgic.
Holding Out for a Hero is an insightful book about finding yourself, healing, and dating in the 21st century while wearing shoulder pads. There’s also a parrot. 4.5 stars from me!
(this review also appears on my blog, Reviews and Cake)
I had less luck with previous ARCs, so I'm lucky to say that I LOVED this book. Let's get the superficial out of the way first: how beautiful is that cover? I'm pretty sure 60% of the reason I requested this was that the cover design is relevant to my interests. Now to the content...
Libby London is stuck in the 80s. She dresses like an 80s girl, owns an 80s store and is still hung up on her first love, who she met – you might have suspected it – in the 80s. To propel her to the 21st century, her friends stage an #80sIntervention (hashtag included) and send her on five dates to force her to move on: The Brain, The Athlete, The Criminal, The Princess and The Basket Case. She has the support and the opportunity to move on, but it’s up to Libby to take the final step.
Holding Out for a Hero reminded me of two very different books: Ready Player One and Confessions of a Shopaholic. Ready Player One because there are as many 80s movie and song references in Holding Out for a Hero than there are gaming history references in Ready Player One and Shopaholic because the book starts out light and seemingly superficial and then picks up pace and surprises you in the end. It’s described as a “romantic dramedy” and, while the romance is certainly there, it was more the chocolate sauce on top of an already delicious dessert (let’s be real – who wants a cherry when you can have chocolate sauce) than the focus of the book for me. The description might make you think this is a light book about a girl’s fashion sense spiced up with a bit of dating fun, but it’s more about healing and finding out who you are than fun date stories. But you’ll get those too.
The beginning of the book dragged a little for me, but once I realized what it’s actually about I fell in love with it. I guessed the big reveal, but the book still surprised me in the end, and I generally loved how it handles mental health, therapy and romance. Just because there’s a guy doesn’t mean he solves all the problems (okay he does a little, but more in a supportive way than a curing depression by smiling way) and just because Libby’s friends can be judgemental doesn’t mean they’re not good friends overall. Even though I guessed what happened to Libby to traumatize her so much, the book was more about how Libby dealt with it than about guessing the mystery.
I liked that Libby was intelligent and capable, but the reader is shown rather than told, and I liked the guy, because he’s just genuinely nice. I liked that Libby owned her own store and was in turns capable and proactive and in denial about what was happening to it. And most of all, I liked that, when Libby did something stupid, like judge people without getting to know them, she was called out on it and apologised. And trust me, if you grew up in the 80s, you’ll want to get out your leg warmers and Breakfast Club DVD (or find a VCR if you want to keep it authentic), because you’re going to feel nostalgic.
Holding Out for a Hero is an insightful book about finding yourself, healing, and dating in the 21st century while wearing shoulder pads. There’s also a parrot. 4.5 stars from me!
(this review also appears on my blog, Reviews and Cake)
December 31, 2015
4.5 Stars
Libby London lives and breathes the 80's. Everything about her is stuck in that decade, and she is generally opposed to change. But yet in the two weeks before her 33rd birthday, her friends decide enough is enough, and they stage an #80sIntervention.
Her friends challenge her to a makeover, and also a series of dates that they chose based on the stereotypical characters in the Breakfast Club. And to top off Libby's pain, her 80s shop Pretty in Pink could be on the verge of closure.
Holding Out For a Hero starts of very light hearted, and full of references to the 1980s, which depending on your age and or knowledge of the decade you will either get, or they will go over your head. I was laughing very early into the book, and found it a very pleasant read.
However as the book progresses a more serious side starts to kick in, and to me that turned it from a great book into a superb and addictive story. As we start to discover exactly what makes Libby the way she is, I was completely absorbed in the book and was unaware of where I was, as I just wanted to keep reading and finding out more.
I loved the various dates that Libby is set up on, from the "brain" who is an anesthetist, to the "criminal" who was a lawyer, to the "athlete" where there is all manner of amusing scenes around a not incredibly athletic activity, and then there was the "princess" who Libby has an interesting experience with too.
Holding Out For a Hero will seep under you skin until you are hooked and thinking about the book a lot. I found it to be a brilliant book, and although its not really a decade I know intimately (mainly as its the decade in which I was born), I could see the references were all well thought out, and there are probably far more in there that I didn't pick up on at all.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan MacMillan for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Libby London lives and breathes the 80's. Everything about her is stuck in that decade, and she is generally opposed to change. But yet in the two weeks before her 33rd birthday, her friends decide enough is enough, and they stage an #80sIntervention.
Her friends challenge her to a makeover, and also a series of dates that they chose based on the stereotypical characters in the Breakfast Club. And to top off Libby's pain, her 80s shop Pretty in Pink could be on the verge of closure.
Holding Out For a Hero starts of very light hearted, and full of references to the 1980s, which depending on your age and or knowledge of the decade you will either get, or they will go over your head. I was laughing very early into the book, and found it a very pleasant read.
However as the book progresses a more serious side starts to kick in, and to me that turned it from a great book into a superb and addictive story. As we start to discover exactly what makes Libby the way she is, I was completely absorbed in the book and was unaware of where I was, as I just wanted to keep reading and finding out more.
I loved the various dates that Libby is set up on, from the "brain" who is an anesthetist, to the "criminal" who was a lawyer, to the "athlete" where there is all manner of amusing scenes around a not incredibly athletic activity, and then there was the "princess" who Libby has an interesting experience with too.
Holding Out For a Hero will seep under you skin until you are hooked and thinking about the book a lot. I found it to be a brilliant book, and although its not really a decade I know intimately (mainly as its the decade in which I was born), I could see the references were all well thought out, and there are probably far more in there that I didn't pick up on at all.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan MacMillan for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
January 15, 2016
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
When this book landed on my doorstep I got really excited. I loved Victoria’s first novel Love Like The Movies and really liked the sound of this one.
The story follows Libby London, Libby is totally stuck in the eighties, on several aspects. She wears eighties clothes, owns an eighties boutique, listens to eighties music and seems to be stuck there in her thoughts and with her feelings as well.
Her birthday is coming up and her friends are planning an #80sInterventition. They want her to let go oft he past and get out of her comfort zone. She hast o go on dates and do other things as well.
She is very stressed and can’t sleep, also worried about her shop. Her therapist is not really helping ;)
I really liked Libby’s friends and especially her work colleague Jasper. He is so much fun.
This story is a quick, entertaining and fun read. Looking on how it all turned out it’s also very emotional and deep, which I really loved. There are so many LOL moments, but also darker moments about Libby’s past. It made her behaviour and personality clearer.
The eighties references in this book are awesome, especially at the beginning of the chapters, but also in between.
This book is the perfect mix, not only a chick-lit and romance, but also touching, sensitive and emotional. A great read!!!
October 12, 2016
I adored this story even if it wasn't at all what I've anticipated.
I could easily identify with our heroine,Libby,she is stuck in the 80s the best decade of her life.Fortunately her amazing,funny and lovely friends decide to help her and finally bringing her in the new millennium with an infallible plan making her deal with all her trouble.
This book is beautifully written by Victoria Van Tiem,there are a lot of hilarious situations and also some moving moments.
I highly recommend it,this is one of those books that stay with you for a very long time and some more.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
Want to read
November 5, 2017I just couldn't quite get into this book. Nothing wrong with it, I just didn't really connect with it after a few chapters. But, I did enjoy Victoria Van Tiem's "Love Like The Movies" :)
February 17, 2016
Having read the free prequel to "Holding out for a Hero" on Wattpad, I couldn't wait to continue with the story. I had instantly fallen in love with Libby's character. She was so lively and fun and I just loved her passion for music, so as you can imagine, I was excited to see how things had turned out for her. However life was not quite as I had imagined for the star of the show.
"One minute I'm Libby London driving along,
singing to my favourite jams, and the next, I'm Libby lost?"
This book was more of a journey than anything else. A journey that was at times hilarious and crazy but there were other moments that were heartbreaking and upsetting. I was so sad that Libby's life was difficult and I was desperate for things to change for her. Because Libby was no longer the easy going girl that I had remembered, I was wondering what had happened to her and why she was so firmly stuck in the past.
"I don't need marriage, or kids, or their stupid intervention set ups.
I have love. I do. The kind that takes you over, sweeps you off your feet,
and leaves you breathless."
One of the things that I have loved so much about Libby's story was her obsession with all things from the 1980's. I myself love the music and films from that decade so I could totally relate to Libby's retro style-banana clip and all! Lol. After spending the last few days reading this novel and being reminded of my favourite films, I am now itching to pull out my DVD's for a re-watch of the 80's classics. I felt just the same after reading "Love Like The Movies" which resulted in a movie marathon of chick flicks. If you love classic films and music, Victoria Van Tiem is an author you need to add to your TBR. It is impossible not to fall in love with her work.
"Love is beautiful. And I have loved this man my whole life."
Even though this story had more of a somewhat sombre feel to it than I had first anticipated, I still enjoyed my time with Libby and I am glad that I continued on with her journey, it was just way more emotional than I had expected. Have some tissues near by, they may come in handy! I was in tears during some of the more moving scenes. I was yet again impressed by this authors writing. The story flowed seamlessly and I felt connected to both the characters and what I was reading. I was invested in Libby's progression from the very beginning and my willingness to see her regain her happiness kept me turning those pages, determined to find the answers that I was looking for.
"I've been holding out for a hero for over sixteen years...
And today of all days, I've finally arrived."
"Holding out for a Hero" was an an emotional, poignant and heartfelt story that will stay with me for a long time.
"One minute I'm Libby London driving along,
singing to my favourite jams, and the next, I'm Libby lost?"
This book was more of a journey than anything else. A journey that was at times hilarious and crazy but there were other moments that were heartbreaking and upsetting. I was so sad that Libby's life was difficult and I was desperate for things to change for her. Because Libby was no longer the easy going girl that I had remembered, I was wondering what had happened to her and why she was so firmly stuck in the past.
"I don't need marriage, or kids, or their stupid intervention set ups.
I have love. I do. The kind that takes you over, sweeps you off your feet,
and leaves you breathless."
One of the things that I have loved so much about Libby's story was her obsession with all things from the 1980's. I myself love the music and films from that decade so I could totally relate to Libby's retro style-banana clip and all! Lol. After spending the last few days reading this novel and being reminded of my favourite films, I am now itching to pull out my DVD's for a re-watch of the 80's classics. I felt just the same after reading "Love Like The Movies" which resulted in a movie marathon of chick flicks. If you love classic films and music, Victoria Van Tiem is an author you need to add to your TBR. It is impossible not to fall in love with her work.
"Love is beautiful. And I have loved this man my whole life."
Even though this story had more of a somewhat sombre feel to it than I had first anticipated, I still enjoyed my time with Libby and I am glad that I continued on with her journey, it was just way more emotional than I had expected. Have some tissues near by, they may come in handy! I was in tears during some of the more moving scenes. I was yet again impressed by this authors writing. The story flowed seamlessly and I felt connected to both the characters and what I was reading. I was invested in Libby's progression from the very beginning and my willingness to see her regain her happiness kept me turning those pages, determined to find the answers that I was looking for.
"I've been holding out for a hero for over sixteen years...
And today of all days, I've finally arrived."
"Holding out for a Hero" was an an emotional, poignant and heartfelt story that will stay with me for a long time.
January 18, 2016
Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2016/01...
In 2014 I had the pleasure of reading Victoria Van Tiem's debut, Love Like the Movies, and I fell completely in love with her fresh and fun style. So when she announced last year that her second book was to be released in early 2016, I was over the moon, I couldn't wait to see what she would come up with next. So to say that I started reading Holding Out for a Hero with high expectations is quite the understatement. But I'm happy to say that just after some chapters, I already knew Victoria had done it again!
If Love Like the Movies was all about the movies, Holding Out for a Hero is all about the Eighties. The main character, Libby London, is stuck in the eighties. It might seem normal as she owns an eighties vintage shop so this decade is kind of her living but her friends think it's time for Libby to move on and leave the crazy neon style of that decade behind and embrace the new century once and for all. Libby is not overly enthusiastic about this #eightiesintervention but as her life is kind of falling apart at the moment, she decides to go for it.
We soon realise though that there's more to it than just an outdated dress style and musical taste... Libby is also emotionally stuck in the eighties and she is not ready to really let go. During the story we slowly learn what Libby is really going through and how hard her friends are trying to help her. She is a truly wonderful character, I was rooting for her until the last minute and I felt like I was part of her journey. She is definitely one of those characters you carry with you for a long time after finishing reading the book and once in a while wonder how they must be doing.
I think Victoria made just a fantastic job of handling such difficult and hard topics (if you want to know exactly what I am talking about, then pick the book, it's really worth a read). After finishing it, I was left with such an uplifting and warm feeling. I really think that Holding Out for a Hero is a wonderful read that a lot of people (including me) will connect with. Put a Libby London in your life!
Also, I didn't want to end my review without mentioning all the eighties references in the book. I think Victoria has a real talent to make us feel part of the story making us recall all our own great memories (with movies, songs and fashion). The first thing I did after finishing was watch The Breakfast Club, what a classic. And planning an eighties movies marathon soon. So all I have left to say is, when's Victoria's next book out?
In 2014 I had the pleasure of reading Victoria Van Tiem's debut, Love Like the Movies, and I fell completely in love with her fresh and fun style. So when she announced last year that her second book was to be released in early 2016, I was over the moon, I couldn't wait to see what she would come up with next. So to say that I started reading Holding Out for a Hero with high expectations is quite the understatement. But I'm happy to say that just after some chapters, I already knew Victoria had done it again!
If Love Like the Movies was all about the movies, Holding Out for a Hero is all about the Eighties. The main character, Libby London, is stuck in the eighties. It might seem normal as she owns an eighties vintage shop so this decade is kind of her living but her friends think it's time for Libby to move on and leave the crazy neon style of that decade behind and embrace the new century once and for all. Libby is not overly enthusiastic about this #eightiesintervention but as her life is kind of falling apart at the moment, she decides to go for it.
We soon realise though that there's more to it than just an outdated dress style and musical taste... Libby is also emotionally stuck in the eighties and she is not ready to really let go. During the story we slowly learn what Libby is really going through and how hard her friends are trying to help her. She is a truly wonderful character, I was rooting for her until the last minute and I felt like I was part of her journey. She is definitely one of those characters you carry with you for a long time after finishing reading the book and once in a while wonder how they must be doing.
I think Victoria made just a fantastic job of handling such difficult and hard topics (if you want to know exactly what I am talking about, then pick the book, it's really worth a read). After finishing it, I was left with such an uplifting and warm feeling. I really think that Holding Out for a Hero is a wonderful read that a lot of people (including me) will connect with. Put a Libby London in your life!
Also, I didn't want to end my review without mentioning all the eighties references in the book. I think Victoria has a real talent to make us feel part of the story making us recall all our own great memories (with movies, songs and fashion). The first thing I did after finishing was watch The Breakfast Club, what a classic. And planning an eighties movies marathon soon. So all I have left to say is, when's Victoria's next book out?
March 4, 2016
As we get older, every relationship is tainted by the ones before. You enter sceptical, wanting to be proved wrong. But with your first love, you aren't experienced enough to know any better. Your heart is wide open and unblemished. That's why it stays with you. Why Ollie's stayed with me
What a wonderful story! Holding Out for a Hero is all about the eighties, like it or leave it. Libby is seriously stuck in the ‘80s and her friends call for an intervention. She needs a make-over badly as far as they’re concerned and she needs to move forward with her life. In two weeks’ time it’s her 33rd birthday and they want her to show up at her birthday party with a partner. In order to bring her into the twenty-first century, they set her up with a series of blind dates, each one corresponding to one of the characters of the ’85 movie The Breakfast Club, a movie that defined the decade she’s stuck in. If you haven’t seen it, like me, you are kind of missing out on some of the fun since there are a lot of references to the movie and the actors. In fact, there are lots of references to the ‘80s in general and the more knowledge you have of what was hot and happening, the more fully you’ll be able to enjoy the story. It did annoy me at times that I did not really understand some references, it was like I sometimes didn’t really get the punchline of a joke. Even so, google helped me a long way with that, and I just loved all the different dates Libby had to undergo, each one almost more hilarious than the other and my absolute favourite part was the account of the pirate mini-golf.
Reading Holding Out for a Hero about Libby’s struggle with life and love made me laugh so much! This is really a laugh-out-loud book so be aware and don’t be surprised for the looks you might get if you read it in a public place. It’s bound to put you in a good mood for the day, it’s written with so much wit and ease, and Libby London has delightful tongue-in-cheek humour.
It’s hard to believe the book is so funny when the main character is also seeing a psychologist because she needs help with her insomnia and bouts of depression as she calls it. These moments of distress are perfectly combined with the hilarious dates that fall upon Libby, and ultimately, as the story progresses, this serious side comes up more and more and her slow surrender to let go of her first love, really lifts up the story.
This book is not only a light-hearted chick-lit novel but is also touching and hart-warming. A great read!!!
I received a free copy of this book from the publicist in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 5, 2016
Brilliant just Brilliant. This story was just brilliant. Loved it. The author has done a fabulous job. It was written intelligently and other than the qualities mentioned abt it, it has a suspense factor too though I, like many or all readers may be, have guessed that way before yet it wasn't 100% clear till end. It feels like after ages I have read something good.
So, Libby London is the woman who was a teenager in 80's and she is still stuck in 80's. From her head to her toe she not only looks 80's but she speaks,smells and kind of radiates 80's. Her saving grace excuse is her vintage store Pretty In pink but her friends know her all. So they are not resting this year and wont let Libby spend her 33rd birthday stuck in 80's and they are going to drag her out of 80's kicking and screaming. So mission #80's intervention. Libby can't run now anymore. So begin the story of some funny incidents, unfortunate dates and some revelations. But things aren't as easy as they look and a mere look change can't bring Libby out of 80's coz her mind is not ready to leave 80's. Guilt,love or whatever thing it is Libby just can't let go of the past.
I love "Holding Out for a Hero" coz Libby London is real. Everything happening to her is real. And that reality written in such a beautiful manner is what makes it worthy of my FIVE stars. A really awesome story.
I received a free copy in exchange of an honest review
So, Libby London is the woman who was a teenager in 80's and she is still stuck in 80's. From her head to her toe she not only looks 80's but she speaks,smells and kind of radiates 80's. Her saving grace excuse is her vintage store Pretty In pink but her friends know her all. So they are not resting this year and wont let Libby spend her 33rd birthday stuck in 80's and they are going to drag her out of 80's kicking and screaming. So mission #80's intervention. Libby can't run now anymore. So begin the story of some funny incidents, unfortunate dates and some revelations. But things aren't as easy as they look and a mere look change can't bring Libby out of 80's coz her mind is not ready to leave 80's. Guilt,love or whatever thing it is Libby just can't let go of the past.
I love "Holding Out for a Hero" coz Libby London is real. Everything happening to her is real. And that reality written in such a beautiful manner is what makes it worthy of my FIVE stars. A really awesome story.
I received a free copy in exchange of an honest review
February 24, 2016
3.5 stars. Libby London is a vintage clothes store owner who is happy living life stuck in the eighties. She has the clothes and gigantic hair to show it! After her latest relationship fails and her store is in danger of being no more, her friends decide that Libby can't hide in the past any longer and they stage an intervention, which involves changing everything from clothes to Libby's general life outlook. It's a heavy task but someone has to do it!
I had really enjoyed Van Tiem's previous release, "Love Like the Movies" and so I was looking forward to reading this book. It took me a little while to warm up to Libby at first as I couldn't understand her motivation for wanting to stay stuck when she had the power to change things for herself and things just weren't working out for her. Eventually as Libby's story unfolds and we learn about all of the things that she has had to deal with, I warmed up to her and the story flowed a bit better for me. It just takes a bit to get there!
The writing was good. I really liked how each chapter of the book was named after a 80s song or movie, which gave a flavor to the chapter. Although I was born in the 80s (1985!), I don't really remember the 80s but I love the music and movies that came out then (Hello, Brat Pack!) so I found the title as well as the other 80s details that the author included to be a lot of fun.
Overall, this was a good romance with a lot of fun details!
I had really enjoyed Van Tiem's previous release, "Love Like the Movies" and so I was looking forward to reading this book. It took me a little while to warm up to Libby at first as I couldn't understand her motivation for wanting to stay stuck when she had the power to change things for herself and things just weren't working out for her. Eventually as Libby's story unfolds and we learn about all of the things that she has had to deal with, I warmed up to her and the story flowed a bit better for me. It just takes a bit to get there!
The writing was good. I really liked how each chapter of the book was named after a 80s song or movie, which gave a flavor to the chapter. Although I was born in the 80s (1985!), I don't really remember the 80s but I love the music and movies that came out then (Hello, Brat Pack!) so I found the title as well as the other 80s details that the author included to be a lot of fun.
Overall, this was a good romance with a lot of fun details!
February 27, 2016
3.5 stars
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The eighties have long gone, but Libby is still living in it: neon wigs, leg warmers, shoulder pads, and more. She even owns an eighties store, and is still hung up on her crush from the eighties. When her lifestyle becomes too much for her friends to bear, they decide to take matters into their own hands and stage an intervention.
Libby is a character I’m not crazy about, maybe because I can’t relate to most of what she’s going through, but that didn’t stop me from really enjoying her story. There is more to her than meets the eye and the fact that the story is written from her perspective made it easier for me to understand why she is the way she is. I like the fact that Libby is no invalid: she’s intelligent, capable, quite independent, and with all the imperfections of a human.
Holding Out for a Hero starts out light and seemingly superficial, but into the story, it’s clear that the eighties intervention is just a front for something deeper and more meaningful. I like the fact that the romance is more dessert than main course in the story, with Libby’s journey to healing being the focal point.
In a nutshell, Holding Out for a Hero is a surprisingly deep story about finding oneself. Mark my words, you will enjoy it (even if you were born long after the eighties).
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The eighties have long gone, but Libby is still living in it: neon wigs, leg warmers, shoulder pads, and more. She even owns an eighties store, and is still hung up on her crush from the eighties. When her lifestyle becomes too much for her friends to bear, they decide to take matters into their own hands and stage an intervention.
Libby is a character I’m not crazy about, maybe because I can’t relate to most of what she’s going through, but that didn’t stop me from really enjoying her story. There is more to her than meets the eye and the fact that the story is written from her perspective made it easier for me to understand why she is the way she is. I like the fact that Libby is no invalid: she’s intelligent, capable, quite independent, and with all the imperfections of a human.
Holding Out for a Hero starts out light and seemingly superficial, but into the story, it’s clear that the eighties intervention is just a front for something deeper and more meaningful. I like the fact that the romance is more dessert than main course in the story, with Libby’s journey to healing being the focal point.
In a nutshell, Holding Out for a Hero is a surprisingly deep story about finding oneself. Mark my words, you will enjoy it (even if you were born long after the eighties).
January 11, 2016
I’m going to say it straight. Holding Out for a Hero left me feeling conflicted. There are lots of things that I liked about this book but there are a handful of things that I didn’t like.
Firstly, the concept of the novel: I loved it. I loved the link to the 80s movies and the music and the love of all things kitsch. As a child of the 80s it was a nice time-tunnel. I liked the use of The Breakfast Club as the basis of Libby’s life changing mission.
However, I don’t think I really liked the character of Libby. I think she didn’t appreciate her friends or what they were trying to do for her. I think this is definitely a personal taste thing. I am sure other people will love the character but Libby and I just didn’t gel.
What I thought was quite wonderful about Holding Out for a Hero is the way Victoria Van Tiem dealt with the issue of depression. It was sensitive and not at all judgemental. For this Victoria Van Tiem should be proud.
Holding Out for a Hero by Victoria Van Tiem is available now.
Follow Victoria Van Tiem (@VVTiem) on Twitter.
Firstly, the concept of the novel: I loved it. I loved the link to the 80s movies and the music and the love of all things kitsch. As a child of the 80s it was a nice time-tunnel. I liked the use of The Breakfast Club as the basis of Libby’s life changing mission.
However, I don’t think I really liked the character of Libby. I think she didn’t appreciate her friends or what they were trying to do for her. I think this is definitely a personal taste thing. I am sure other people will love the character but Libby and I just didn’t gel.
What I thought was quite wonderful about Holding Out for a Hero is the way Victoria Van Tiem dealt with the issue of depression. It was sensitive and not at all judgemental. For this Victoria Van Tiem should be proud.
Holding Out for a Hero by Victoria Van Tiem is available now.
Follow Victoria Van Tiem (@VVTiem) on Twitter.
March 7, 2016
We follow 80s lover Libby London as we discover this is the decade she fell in love and its holding her back from life and love or so her friends think. With Libby's 33rd birthday approaching they decide to stage an #80sintervention to get Libby up to date in life. Her friend truly care about her and want her happy. Libby owns a Vintage shop selling all kinds of memorabilia from music to clothes, which she also likes to wear. The idea of the intervention is to give Libby a makeover and get her to go on a series of different dates.
I was drawn to this book by the cover and the fact it was all about the 80s. I have mixed feelings about this book as at times i felt a bit lost as to where the story was going. Although i did like all the characters, i felt we could of learnt more about their lives.
Parts of the book were emotional as we learn about Libby’s past and how Depression can effect anyone.
Would like to read more from Victoria Van Tiem.
I was drawn to this book by the cover and the fact it was all about the 80s. I have mixed feelings about this book as at times i felt a bit lost as to where the story was going. Although i did like all the characters, i felt we could of learnt more about their lives.
Parts of the book were emotional as we learn about Libby’s past and how Depression can effect anyone.
Would like to read more from Victoria Van Tiem.
January 15, 2016
I had the pleasure to read this book when it was in it's earliest stage. It's seriously amazing! Victoria deals with the issue of depression in a sensitive manner, yet still manages to make the overall story feel light. I absolutely loved this book. It's got a lot of heart, and Libby is a fantastic character. One you root for. Definitely pick it up or add it to your TBR list, 'cause it's one you definitely don't want to miss.
January 4, 2016
Libby encompasses the 80s—the clothes, hair, and definitely the music. When her friends decide to drag her into the present with an #80sIntervention she’s faced with more than one dilemma. Through a journey wrought with moments of distress and hilarity, Libby finds her way into our hearts in this poignant novel about friendship, healing, love, and so much more.
I thoroughly enjoyed Victoria’s book and am looking forward to her next one.
I thoroughly enjoyed Victoria’s book and am looking forward to her next one.
Want to read
March 3, 2016I'm extremely excited to have won this book's giveaway and taking the time to read it once it arrives. I'd love to write another review on my thoughts after I've finished reading the book once it gets to me.
January 8, 2018
Originally I gave this book 2 stars, but after mulling it over for a while I had to down-grade it to just 1 star. After reading the blurb I was so excited to read Holding Out for a Hero, it seemed like it would be a fun, quirky contemporary romance. Well it was certainly quirky and contemporary not not exactly fun or a romance.
The main character Libby is mentally stuck in the eighties: she wears eighties clothes, she listens to the music, watches the films, lives the cultures, owns/runs a vintage book shop and is still only friends with the same people she met in high school. She is also still in love with her high school boyfriend Ollie. Yet now she’s 33 and everyone agrees she needs to move on. Everyone except Libby that is. She wants everything to stay exactly the same.
So what follows is 260 pages of Libby’s friends and her therapist forcing her to move on from the eighties and embrace the modern world. The best way to do this apparently is through 5 dates with the stereotypes from the Breakfast Club, so the jock, the nerd, the criminal, the princess and the crazy.
Part of me liked the concept. I just hated the execution. The writing felt choppy and it made what was happening confusing. The flash-backs to her relationship with Ollie didn’t help. I couldn’t really get a feel for any of the characters as so many of them where chucked into 260 pages it left a lot of unanswered questions. The characters who suffered the most from this lack of space where Libby, Jasper and Ollie.
The end scene in particular made no sense and felt like it came out of nowhere. To me it was very much left on a cliffhanger with Libby riding off into the sunset towards an uncertain future. As someone who reads romance to get the HEA ending this didn’t sit well with me.
All in all not a good read for me and certainly not a book I would consider a contemporary romance.
The main character Libby is mentally stuck in the eighties: she wears eighties clothes, she listens to the music, watches the films, lives the cultures, owns/runs a vintage book shop and is still only friends with the same people she met in high school. She is also still in love with her high school boyfriend Ollie. Yet now she’s 33 and everyone agrees she needs to move on. Everyone except Libby that is. She wants everything to stay exactly the same.
So what follows is 260 pages of Libby’s friends and her therapist forcing her to move on from the eighties and embrace the modern world. The best way to do this apparently is through 5 dates with the stereotypes from the Breakfast Club, so the jock, the nerd, the criminal, the princess and the crazy.
Part of me liked the concept. I just hated the execution. The writing felt choppy and it made what was happening confusing. The flash-backs to her relationship with Ollie didn’t help. I couldn’t really get a feel for any of the characters as so many of them where chucked into 260 pages it left a lot of unanswered questions. The characters who suffered the most from this lack of space where Libby, Jasper and Ollie.
The end scene in particular made no sense and felt like it came out of nowhere. To me it was very much left on a cliffhanger with Libby riding off into the sunset towards an uncertain future. As someone who reads romance to get the HEA ending this didn’t sit well with me.
All in all not a good read for me and certainly not a book I would consider a contemporary romance.
September 28, 2018
A girl living in the past. And the friends who do not want this kind of life for her anymore!
Libby London loves the 80s. Why, she even owns (profitable) vintage thrift store Pretty In Pink! But her friends somehow do not understand that she likes her life as she has it. No style change and definitely no new boyfriends! Nobody can do after Ollie, anyway.
But life has a way to move even the ones who are stuck the most. Libby´s store is in trouble, her friends plan her 33th birthday party and her reinvention, including some dates with them-chosen men, and her psychologist is determined to go further than her sleeping issues and hidden pain.
Because there is a lot of hidden pain in Libby.
Yay. Finally, finally the chick-lit that is not skin-deep and silly! This one is both fun and relatable. So, so good!
I get Libby, who is fighting hard, is kind and funny, and her own person - even if she has somehow stopped dreaming for future. She is very connectable, her pain is real, her issues are believable, her personality is very engaging. And she is fun! I have not laughed so much since Sophie Kinsella´s Becky Brandon, née Bloomwood. Libby might get well with Becky, now that I am thinking about it - Becky can get her quirks and overwhelm her pains with her unstoppable kindness, while Libby might get under Becky´s skin deep enough to recognize her hidden depths. Maybe :)
Anyway, I love this novel. Live long, Libby London!
Libby London loves the 80s. Why, she even owns (profitable) vintage thrift store Pretty In Pink! But her friends somehow do not understand that she likes her life as she has it. No style change and definitely no new boyfriends! Nobody can do after Ollie, anyway.
But life has a way to move even the ones who are stuck the most. Libby´s store is in trouble, her friends plan her 33th birthday party and her reinvention, including some dates with them-chosen men, and her psychologist is determined to go further than her sleeping issues and hidden pain.
Because there is a lot of hidden pain in Libby.
Yay. Finally, finally the chick-lit that is not skin-deep and silly! This one is both fun and relatable. So, so good!
I get Libby, who is fighting hard, is kind and funny, and her own person - even if she has somehow stopped dreaming for future. She is very connectable, her pain is real, her issues are believable, her personality is very engaging. And she is fun! I have not laughed so much since Sophie Kinsella´s Becky Brandon, née Bloomwood. Libby might get well with Becky, now that I am thinking about it - Becky can get her quirks and overwhelm her pains with her unstoppable kindness, while Libby might get under Becky´s skin deep enough to recognize her hidden depths. Maybe :)
Anyway, I love this novel. Live long, Libby London!
November 18, 2016
Libby London is stuck in the 80’s when she was dealing with her first love. She wears 80s clothes, has 80s hair, and owns a shop called “Pretty in Pink” which carries clothes from the 80s. Libby’s friends believe that Libby needs to get out of the 80s and into the 21st Century. How can she even think about moving on in her life when everything is in turmoil. At least she has Ollie. Ollie is her first love and the person she turns to whenever she has a problem. The problem is that Ollie has moved on but she has not. Libby’s friends have a party planned for her birthday and want her to have a date and have set her up on five. Problem is that Libby’s dates are a disaster. “Holding Out For a Hero” will make you laugh and cry as Libby goes through this intervention. Depression is experienced, losing your first love and dealing with the economics of the store lease were piling up on Libby. How she deals with those issues will have you laughing and crying beside her. In order to move, she has to leave her love and her past. Can Libby be strong enough to handle it all? Really liked “Holding Out For a Hero”. This was my first book by Ms. Van Tiem and I will be searching out for others. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This no way sways my review.
March 24, 2020
This book is amazing. I’ve received it in those reading clubs where you buy a box with unknown books in it. Frankly? I don’t believe I could ever see and get it all for myself, because it just seems like a common love story.... it’s so much more than that. Libby London is my heroin, I absolutely love her, her friends and her store!
August 21, 2018
I thought this was a good, enjoyable read. I guessed the outcome very early on, as I saw that a few other readers did too, but that didn't take away my enjoyment of the book at all. It was both funny and moving.
March 4, 2025
I thought that this was going to be pure chick-lit trash but it ended up actually having hidden depths !! despite the plot being fairly predictable and the 80s references a bit twee, I would recommend for anyone looking for an enjoyable, easy read :)
November 4, 2017
Cute 80s references but not terribly engaging.
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