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Seen 2, Take 1: A Hollywood Romance
James Clark, Hollywood’s biggest heartthrob, has fled the scene. Granted, he’s vamoosed from his own vacation, but why has he fled to Melbourne from Mexico without a word to anyone, including the mega-movie star girlfriend he’s left behind? Back in Hollywood, James’s personal assistant, Talia Rhodes, turns on the TV to find herself at the epicenter of a social media frenzy. A compromising photograph of her with her movie-star boss has captured the world’s attention. Gobsmacked, Talia dons a disguise and hotfoots it to her hometown of Melbourne to discover what trouble her boss is in. When she finds him, James takes a leap of faith and shares his secret with her, which leaves Talia utterly speechless. Things go even further south when James’s girlfriend shows up and throws accusations all around. For James and Talia, this just might be the perfect time for an Australian walkabout.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2017
About the author
Celia Kennedy
11 books116 followersCelia Kennedy was born in Wurzburg, Germany on an American military base. Her parents' penchant for traveling the world, via a Volkswagen Minibus with a Porsche engine, sparked her imagination. Staring out the window, sometimes through fog and rain, at other times at sunny blue skies, she began to make up stories for the places and spaces they passed by. The in-between time, the most fascinating to her.
The imagined world has always fascinated Celia. She has studied Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Interior Design, and pretty much every other subject matter. Like her childhood, it was the ride that was the most entertaining, arrival at a degree, not anywhere as important.
Mark Twain said, "Write what you know." When combining this concept with her unusual life experiences (working at a nuclear submarine base when Chernobyl blew, testing software Bill Gates kept close tabs on, travelling extensively while quite broke, or falling in love with her boyfriend's close friend) thinking of what to write about isn't challenging; there just needs to be more hours in the day.
"Write what you know," is a common enough phrase. When combining this concept with her unusual life experiences (working at a Nuclear Submarine Base when Chernobyl blew, testing software Bill Gates kept close tabs on, travelling extensively while quite broke, falling in love with her boyfriend's close friend) thinking of what to write about isn't challenging; there just needs to be more hours in the day.
Currently she lives in Washington State with the loves of her life.
The imagined world has always fascinated Celia. She has studied Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Interior Design, and pretty much every other subject matter. Like her childhood, it was the ride that was the most entertaining, arrival at a degree, not anywhere as important.
Mark Twain said, "Write what you know." When combining this concept with her unusual life experiences (working at a nuclear submarine base when Chernobyl blew, testing software Bill Gates kept close tabs on, travelling extensively while quite broke, or falling in love with her boyfriend's close friend) thinking of what to write about isn't challenging; there just needs to be more hours in the day.
"Write what you know," is a common enough phrase. When combining this concept with her unusual life experiences (working at a Nuclear Submarine Base when Chernobyl blew, testing software Bill Gates kept close tabs on, travelling extensively while quite broke, falling in love with her boyfriend's close friend) thinking of what to write about isn't challenging; there just needs to be more hours in the day.
Currently she lives in Washington State with the loves of her life.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 12, 2018
I really liked the story itself. A personal assistant to a hunky Hollywood actor, Talia finds out the tabloids have showcased a photo of her in what appears to be a compromising position with her boss. At the same time, said boss (who was supposed to be on a vacation in Mexico with his girlfriend,) flies to Melbourne (Talia's hometown) without a word to anyone. Talia must go meet him and find out what's going on, only to find out he is staying at her parents house. I don't want to spoil it, but since this is a romance, I'm guessing it's no surprise that the two start to have feelings for one another. Talia, though, is worried about the paparazzi and what the public will say. She is also worried about his true feelings. Can she believe him?
I want to say the characters are strong, but Talia's character goes from being a strong confident women to a much more unsure of herself throughout the book. I liked it when she was sassy and joked around with James (her boss and Hollywood heartthrob,) but when she was contemplating having any sort of personal relationship with the guy, she became weaker and more subdued. James was a pretty strong character, but he too became more vulnerable when dealing with his feelings about her, but in his case, he had a little more reason to be that way. I really enjoyed Talia's mom. She stole the show whenever she was in the scene.
There were a few bits that didn't have closures. For example, James ex girlfriend had threatened Talia's career/public image at one point near the beginning of the book, but then that's all we hear of it. It would have been nice to have some sort of epilogue about what happened to her.. even if it was just one line.
The book is a novella, so reads rather quickly. It does read easily, and from Talia's POV. There were a few spots in the story that it just seemed to skip ahead in time, so you had a feeling that you missed something. It is a clean read. There is mention of sex, but there were no graphics, other than lines like "He pulled me on top of him." Safe read for 16+.
*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
I want to say the characters are strong, but Talia's character goes from being a strong confident women to a much more unsure of herself throughout the book. I liked it when she was sassy and joked around with James (her boss and Hollywood heartthrob,) but when she was contemplating having any sort of personal relationship with the guy, she became weaker and more subdued. James was a pretty strong character, but he too became more vulnerable when dealing with his feelings about her, but in his case, he had a little more reason to be that way. I really enjoyed Talia's mom. She stole the show whenever she was in the scene.
There were a few bits that didn't have closures. For example, James ex girlfriend had threatened Talia's career/public image at one point near the beginning of the book, but then that's all we hear of it. It would have been nice to have some sort of epilogue about what happened to her.. even if it was just one line.
The book is a novella, so reads rather quickly. It does read easily, and from Talia's POV. There were a few spots in the story that it just seemed to skip ahead in time, so you had a feeling that you missed something. It is a clean read. There is mention of sex, but there were no graphics, other than lines like "He pulled me on top of him." Safe read for 16+.
*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
April 14, 2018
:-) What's a girl to do when her handsome boss goes off the deep end and she's the reason?!🐨
April 14, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
3.5 stars
💕👍This is a short, cute romance starring a handsome celebrity and his faithful PA. James, the 💓 heartthrob actor, is making the headlines for his hijinks and drags Talia, his Aussie personal assistant, into the spotlight. But the tables turn and Talia acquires the power position in their relationship when James admits to a secret during an unexpected escape to 🐨Melbourne, Talia's hometown.
The author made this light-hearted, provided some great supporting characters, including a hunk chauffeur and Talia's family and friends, a scary and bitter ex for James, and a bit of a road trip. But the core of the story is the transformation of Talia's and James' relationship and, through some brief flashback moments, Talia reconsidering the past two years spent at James' side in a new light.
James was a sweet hero, unpretentious and sincere. Talia was super organized and loyal to her boss, family and pals. Together they made a feel-good pair of MCs in a story brimming with what if possibilities for their future, both collectively and individually. Expect some romantic moments with the most passionate apart from kissing behind closed doors.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 14, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
3.5 stars
💕👍This is a short, cute romance starring a handsome celebrity and his faithful PA. James, the 💓 heartthrob actor, is making the headlines for his hijinks and drags Talia, his Aussie personal assistant, into the spotlight. But the tables turn and Talia acquires the power position in their relationship when James admits to a secret during an unexpected escape to 🐨Melbourne, Talia's hometown.
The author made this light-hearted, provided some great supporting characters, including a hunk chauffeur and Talia's family and friends, a scary and bitter ex for James, and a bit of a road trip. But the core of the story is the transformation of Talia's and James' relationship and, through some brief flashback moments, Talia reconsidering the past two years spent at James' side in a new light.
James was a sweet hero, unpretentious and sincere. Talia was super organized and loyal to her boss, family and pals. Together they made a feel-good pair of MCs in a story brimming with what if possibilities for their future, both collectively and individually. Expect some romantic moments with the most passionate apart from kissing behind closed doors.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 6, 2018
Seen 2, Take 1 is a sweet and breezy book about discovering that true love may be right under your nose. Talia, an aspiring actress, works as a personal assistant for megastar heartthrob James Clarke. When his vacation in Mexico with his girlfriend and another couple ends with him fleeing to Australia while a picture of a topless Talia touching James suggestively headlines the entertainment news, she follows him to her family’s house in Melbourne to try to piece together how everything could have gone so wrong. From a star-struck best friend to a star-struck chauffeur to her family’s far too comfortable welcome of her boss into their home, Talia grapples with more than she had bargained for as she learns the truth. Kennedy deftly brings us into the disparate worlds of Hollywood and suburban Australia. It’s impossible not to root for Talia. This book was a delight from the fun chapter titles in the table of contents to the happily-ever-after.
April 18, 2018
Talia took a job as the assistant to James Clark, one of Hollywood's hottest actors, to jumpstart her own acting career. When her boss disappeared from his vacation and showed up in Melbourne Australia, Talia's hometown, she jumped into action to help. Then the tabloids released a topless photo of Talia and James, and she's thrown into the spotlight in a way she didn't expect.
This was a cute clean read set in an interesting location. There were some really funny moments, and the banter between James and Talia was adorable. Talia's mom was a gem! There was a time or two I had trouble keeping up with the time jumps, and some of the most important parts were summarized and not shown. But otherwise it was an enjoyable novella and I'd read more by this author. I requested a copy of the book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a cute clean read set in an interesting location. There were some really funny moments, and the banter between James and Talia was adorable. Talia's mom was a gem! There was a time or two I had trouble keeping up with the time jumps, and some of the most important parts were summarized and not shown. But otherwise it was an enjoyable novella and I'd read more by this author. I requested a copy of the book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2018
A really sweet and enjoable read!
I liked both main characters, and I appreciated that while James definitely has a somewhat superstar ego, he's still "human" enough to have his quirks and insecurities (and no douchebaggery, as is quite common in romance with super-successful heroes).
Talia is a capable and relatable heroine, and I like her approach to the new situation, from the initial "wait, what?!" to the HEA.
I loved that Talia is not "an island", she has friends and family, and especially her mom is just so... mom-like :D <3)
4.5 / 5 stars
I liked both main characters, and I appreciated that while James definitely has a somewhat superstar ego, he's still "human" enough to have his quirks and insecurities (and no douchebaggery, as is quite common in romance with super-successful heroes).
Talia is a capable and relatable heroine, and I like her approach to the new situation, from the initial "wait, what?!" to the HEA.
I loved that Talia is not "an island", she has friends and family, and especially her mom is just so... mom-like :D <3)
4.5 / 5 stars
January 11, 2018
I have read and enjoyed this author's work previously and her latest- Seen 2, Take 1: A Hollywood Romance did not disappoint. I loved the two main characters: Talia, the hard-working assistant and James, her superstar boss. This story has got it all: (except length-I wish it were longer) huge egos, paparazzi, prying fans, secrets- big ones and romance. When the action moved from La La Land to Melbourne, Australia I was transported as well. Thoroughy enjoyable, fast-paced and well-written!
April 17, 2018
3.0 out of 5 stars
Format: Kindle Edition
A lighthearted Rom-Com
Seen 2, Take 1: A Hollywood Romance it's a lighthearted and cute short story . It's my first Celia Kennedy book and I found her wit refreshing. I liked this book , I just didn't loved it. There were few plot holes and unresolved situations that kept me from giving this book a higher rating.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
Format: Kindle Edition
A lighthearted Rom-Com
Seen 2, Take 1: A Hollywood Romance it's a lighthearted and cute short story . It's my first Celia Kennedy book and I found her wit refreshing. I liked this book , I just didn't loved it. There were few plot holes and unresolved situations that kept me from giving this book a higher rating.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
April 18, 2018
A sweet story, but even though James is hot, I don't connect well with Talia. I would recommend trying it out with a KU subscription if you've got one. The plot is original, but again, I didn't connect well with the leads. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
April 14, 2018
What happens when the boss goes rogue to prove his feelings? A heartfelt romance of a man trying to prove himself to the woman he loves.
May 11, 2018
I voluntarily read the arc copy of this book. I really enjoyed this story between James and Talia. James is a famous actor and Talia is his PA. He has fallen in love with, will she feel the same?
abandoned
February 7, 2019I abandoned this book early on because it was difficult for me to warm up to the hero and heroine due to the order in which the story is told. I mean, I don't mind a few flashbacks in a story, but this story jumped all over the place. The reader is asked to deal with whether the heroine loves the hero before we even get to know much about him. We are led to believe that she knows him, but we don't get many details.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews