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Look at Me Now
Best friend Faith rescues her place on the small screen when she unwittingly lands them both starring roles in a steamy spin-off that becomes an instant hit.
The new show is more about relationships, sex and stonking big vegetables than cooking.
Throw in a fluctuating crush on her surprisingly irresistible agent, Harry Hipgrave, an unlikely friendship with a pair of D-list models and a gossip journalist intent on making her life miserable, Grace wonders if becoming famous is all it’s cracked up to be?
Romantic, utterly uplifting and poignant, perfect for the fans of Sophie Kinsella and Lucy Diamond.
'Funny, romantic, uplifting and really well written. I enjoyed reading this book.'
'I really enjoyed reading this and definitely had some LOL moments!'
'Funny, clever and super relatable. '
'I didn’t want to put the book down!!'
'It’s romantic. It’s funny. It’s heart warming. It’s everything I want from a good chick-lit. '
'The cast of characters are vividly written, and most avoid becoming stereotypical.'
'it’s always amusing or easy for the reader to feel connected to her.'
'This book is a delight from the beginning to the very end.'
The new show is more about relationships, sex and stonking big vegetables than cooking.
Throw in a fluctuating crush on her surprisingly irresistible agent, Harry Hipgrave, an unlikely friendship with a pair of D-list models and a gossip journalist intent on making her life miserable, Grace wonders if becoming famous is all it’s cracked up to be?
Romantic, utterly uplifting and poignant, perfect for the fans of Sophie Kinsella and Lucy Diamond.
'Funny, romantic, uplifting and really well written. I enjoyed reading this book.'
'I really enjoyed reading this and definitely had some LOL moments!'
'Funny, clever and super relatable. '
'I didn’t want to put the book down!!'
'It’s romantic. It’s funny. It’s heart warming. It’s everything I want from a good chick-lit. '
'The cast of characters are vividly written, and most avoid becoming stereotypical.'
'it’s always amusing or easy for the reader to feel connected to her.'
'This book is a delight from the beginning to the very end.'
- GenresRomanceContemporary
346 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2019
97 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 10, 2019
Thank you @NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Look At Me Now
By: Simone Goodman
@simonegoodman
*REVIEW* 💖💖💖💖
I have always been a fan of chick lit and romcom books and movies. Look At Me Now is perfection for these genres. It has everything I want for a great read! Gracie, the heroine, is on a downward spiral leading to unemployment because her cooking show is dying. In addition, her relationship with her boyfriend is rocky and not promising. When a friend offers a solution to Gracie's job problem, she takes it. Gracie soon realizes, however, that this new venture is a bit more than she bargained for, and she is way out of her comfort zone. Gracie ditches the boyfriend, too, and shakes up her entire life. Pushing boundaries and change can be good, albeit uncomfortable and cringe worthy at times. Gracie is the perfect character-awkward, naive, ridiculous and fumbling around trying to find herself. I enjoyed reading about Gracie as she navigates this alien landscape and learns a few things along the way. The story moves quickly with short chapters and an effortless ease about the writing style. I'm a new fan of Simone Goodman. With the perfect balance of humor, seriousness and a bit of cheesiness, Look At Me Now is one of the best romcoms I have read recently. I definitely recommend this book for all the chick lit readers out there!
Look At Me Now
By: Simone Goodman
@simonegoodman
*REVIEW* 💖💖💖💖
I have always been a fan of chick lit and romcom books and movies. Look At Me Now is perfection for these genres. It has everything I want for a great read! Gracie, the heroine, is on a downward spiral leading to unemployment because her cooking show is dying. In addition, her relationship with her boyfriend is rocky and not promising. When a friend offers a solution to Gracie's job problem, she takes it. Gracie soon realizes, however, that this new venture is a bit more than she bargained for, and she is way out of her comfort zone. Gracie ditches the boyfriend, too, and shakes up her entire life. Pushing boundaries and change can be good, albeit uncomfortable and cringe worthy at times. Gracie is the perfect character-awkward, naive, ridiculous and fumbling around trying to find herself. I enjoyed reading about Gracie as she navigates this alien landscape and learns a few things along the way. The story moves quickly with short chapters and an effortless ease about the writing style. I'm a new fan of Simone Goodman. With the perfect balance of humor, seriousness and a bit of cheesiness, Look At Me Now is one of the best romcoms I have read recently. I definitely recommend this book for all the chick lit readers out there!
May 30, 2020
3.5 stars!
This book had a very interesting premise. But the intriguing aspects of the book was not fully explored. Like the meeting with psychic, the actual script of the revived TV show, who else did Harry agent for? What was the conflict between him and Alex, being an only child to octogenarians. But all of this was half baked or unanswered. I would have loved a bit more details on these
The friendship between Faith, Poppy and Gracie although a strong point was littered with descriptions of what they wore or how Faith and Poppy were effortlessly beautiful and chic and Gracie was not. Yes, Women appraise each other but if someone is best friend for years not every conversation is begun with what someone is wearing. Also there was a lot of internal rambling so the book could have been trimmed
But the book did make me laugh, the vivid descriptions of the show and her friendship with Harry the agent and her relationship with her parents were definite strong points. A good debut with a decent slow burn romance!
This book had a very interesting premise. But the intriguing aspects of the book was not fully explored. Like the meeting with psychic, the actual script of the revived TV show, who else did Harry agent for? What was the conflict between him and Alex, being an only child to octogenarians. But all of this was half baked or unanswered. I would have loved a bit more details on these
The friendship between Faith, Poppy and Gracie although a strong point was littered with descriptions of what they wore or how Faith and Poppy were effortlessly beautiful and chic and Gracie was not. Yes, Women appraise each other but if someone is best friend for years not every conversation is begun with what someone is wearing. Also there was a lot of internal rambling so the book could have been trimmed
But the book did make me laugh, the vivid descriptions of the show and her friendship with Harry the agent and her relationship with her parents were definite strong points. A good debut with a decent slow burn romance!
December 31, 2019
How I loved the idea of Gracie and Frankie's new TV Show. Even the sauciness as it was being pitched to the executives had me chuckling.
Seeing each episode take place was just pure gold me, and I also enjoyed seeing how the characters developed away from the TV show.
Gracie... oh Gracie, you did get yourself into more than your fair share of scrapes, awkward situations, bad decisions and generally funny moments.
I loved her but at times, I just wished she could see the blindingly obvious.
From the first few chapters I was hooked, after all I am rather keen on books featuring food, or TV, so a TV chef who isn't a superstar is always going to interest me.
This is a very funny and really entertaining debut novel, which I greatly enjoyed reading.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Seeing each episode take place was just pure gold me, and I also enjoyed seeing how the characters developed away from the TV show.
Gracie... oh Gracie, you did get yourself into more than your fair share of scrapes, awkward situations, bad decisions and generally funny moments.
I loved her but at times, I just wished she could see the blindingly obvious.
From the first few chapters I was hooked, after all I am rather keen on books featuring food, or TV, so a TV chef who isn't a superstar is always going to interest me.
This is a very funny and really entertaining debut novel, which I greatly enjoyed reading.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 14, 2019
I received this book complimentary from NetGalley but all opinions are my own.
I just could not get into this. I didn’t like Grace as a character. I didn’t like the weight-centric language (Jordan should have loved her regardless of weight. Honestly it’s such a trope). It just never took for me. I don’t know that I’d give it another try or another book by this author again. I really struggled to get through this. I don’t really know why honestly.
I just could not get into this. I didn’t like Grace as a character. I didn’t like the weight-centric language (Jordan should have loved her regardless of weight. Honestly it’s such a trope). It just never took for me. I don’t know that I’d give it another try or another book by this author again. I really struggled to get through this. I don’t really know why honestly.
October 16, 2025
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. I'm not telling you it will be easy, but it will be worth it.”
That line perfectly sums up the journey in Look at Me Now. This story is about rediscovery, healing, and learning to embrace your true self — even when life feels messy and uncertain.
Simone Goodman writes with such honesty and warmth that it’s impossible not to see parts of yourself in her characters. I especially loved the friendship between Grazie and her best friend — it felt so genuine, loyal, and deeply rooted in love. Their bond reminded me how powerful true friendship can be when you’re finding your way back to yourself.
“I haven't fixed everything in my life yet. But I'm on my way.”
That’s exactly how this book made me feel — hopeful, inspired, and proud of growth, even when it’s slow.
“I am grateful for the experiences that shaped me. They made me stronger. They made me love myself and my life so fiercely that now I know how to show others how to do it.”
This quote could have been written by Grazie herself. Her journey resets the bar for self-worth and self-love. Never again will she (or any of us reading) allow anyone — including ourselves — to treat us with less than we deserve.
Look at Me Now is more than a story; it’s a reminder that healing is not about being perfect, but about showing up for yourself every single day. 💛
That line perfectly sums up the journey in Look at Me Now. This story is about rediscovery, healing, and learning to embrace your true self — even when life feels messy and uncertain.
Simone Goodman writes with such honesty and warmth that it’s impossible not to see parts of yourself in her characters. I especially loved the friendship between Grazie and her best friend — it felt so genuine, loyal, and deeply rooted in love. Their bond reminded me how powerful true friendship can be when you’re finding your way back to yourself.
“I haven't fixed everything in my life yet. But I'm on my way.”
That’s exactly how this book made me feel — hopeful, inspired, and proud of growth, even when it’s slow.
“I am grateful for the experiences that shaped me. They made me stronger. They made me love myself and my life so fiercely that now I know how to show others how to do it.”
This quote could have been written by Grazie herself. Her journey resets the bar for self-worth and self-love. Never again will she (or any of us reading) allow anyone — including ourselves — to treat us with less than we deserve.
Look at Me Now is more than a story; it’s a reminder that healing is not about being perfect, but about showing up for yourself every single day. 💛
November 9, 2019
Look At Me now is a fun, light, cute,quick chick lit read. I laughed, it was cheezy and I definitely connected with the main characters realness to the situations she was going through.
We begin by meeting Gracie, unsure of her relationship and her current job. Gracie actually ends up getting a promotion for a new television show with her best friend, although a little unsure of the shows new twist she decides to embrace it. However her life at home couldn't be worse. Gracie ultimately decides to end it with her current boyfriend Jordan, but what does that mean for the new show? After the breakup Gracie experiments with some new endeavors as she is finding herself again. She hits some major bumps in the road, but comes out even higher by becoming a much stronger and independent woman in the end. Gracie goes through lows, highs, but in the end she finds herself and happiness. I would highly recommend this funny, kind of cheezy romance to anyone looking for a light fluffy quick read.
We begin by meeting Gracie, unsure of her relationship and her current job. Gracie actually ends up getting a promotion for a new television show with her best friend, although a little unsure of the shows new twist she decides to embrace it. However her life at home couldn't be worse. Gracie ultimately decides to end it with her current boyfriend Jordan, but what does that mean for the new show? After the breakup Gracie experiments with some new endeavors as she is finding herself again. She hits some major bumps in the road, but comes out even higher by becoming a much stronger and independent woman in the end. Gracie goes through lows, highs, but in the end she finds herself and happiness. I would highly recommend this funny, kind of cheezy romance to anyone looking for a light fluffy quick read.
July 31, 2021
A fun book that I think would be perfect to take on holiday.
I loved the characters but parts of this felt slow and predicitable. For a lot of the beginning sections, I struggled to connect with the characters as I felt their descriptions lacked any colour and the story felt slow, even if it did slightly pick up later on.
I loved seeing the show through each episode, however some of the language in the show felt childish, not witty or sexy.
I wish Gracie had broken up with Jordan a lot earlier too, cmon girl he was a NIGHTMARE.
However, I loved her and Harry together, even if it was a very predictable ending.
Poppy stood out to me as the best character in this book though the weird age reveal at the end felt slightly forced and showed how little her and Gracie actually knew about each other.
Overall this book was good, I just struggled to get through some parts and a lot of it felt slow and lacking of description. I also thought a lot of the tropes and stereotypes were ones we had seen too many times before.
I loved the characters but parts of this felt slow and predicitable. For a lot of the beginning sections, I struggled to connect with the characters as I felt their descriptions lacked any colour and the story felt slow, even if it did slightly pick up later on.
I loved seeing the show through each episode, however some of the language in the show felt childish, not witty or sexy.
I wish Gracie had broken up with Jordan a lot earlier too, cmon girl he was a NIGHTMARE.
However, I loved her and Harry together, even if it was a very predictable ending.
Poppy stood out to me as the best character in this book though the weird age reveal at the end felt slightly forced and showed how little her and Gracie actually knew about each other.
Overall this book was good, I just struggled to get through some parts and a lot of it felt slow and lacking of description. I also thought a lot of the tropes and stereotypes were ones we had seen too many times before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2020
Doesn’t quite work
I really wanted to like this book - the heroine Grace, is really likeable but overall there’s little depth to any of the characters or much time spent developing them. The premise of the cookery/dating show would probably have worked if it wasn’t so childish. The jokes about aubergines and chipolatas just didn’t work for me. The idea didn’t come across as sexy or witty, it was just lame. The love interest was too shallowly drawn and it was hard to care whether he got together with Grace or not. Not even Jordan’s misdemeanours were well drawn.
I think there was a great idea in here and the characters had so much potential. Perhaps with better editing this would have been a better book. Oh, and better proofreading too... and some understanding of basic grammar.
Mildly entertaining but not what it could have been.
I really wanted to like this book - the heroine Grace, is really likeable but overall there’s little depth to any of the characters or much time spent developing them. The premise of the cookery/dating show would probably have worked if it wasn’t so childish. The jokes about aubergines and chipolatas just didn’t work for me. The idea didn’t come across as sexy or witty, it was just lame. The love interest was too shallowly drawn and it was hard to care whether he got together with Grace or not. Not even Jordan’s misdemeanours were well drawn.
I think there was a great idea in here and the characters had so much potential. Perhaps with better editing this would have been a better book. Oh, and better proofreading too... and some understanding of basic grammar.
Mildly entertaining but not what it could have been.
October 15, 2020
What a delightful read!
This story is about Gracie who is a chef and has her TV show. She is funny, risk taker, caring person with beautiful blue eyes.. She has let her boyfriend Jordan take her for granted and has always tried to please him.
Faith is Gracie's best friend since like forever and has her back. She is sexy, confident woman who knows her business.
What happens when Gracie's show with her job is on the verge of dying? When that is where her entire world changes and Harry with his outgoing, charming nature enters her life..
This is a cute read. It makes you laugh so hard and at times I was like what are you doing Gracie. It is an easy to read book.
This story is about Gracie who is a chef and has her TV show. She is funny, risk taker, caring person with beautiful blue eyes.. She has let her boyfriend Jordan take her for granted and has always tried to please him.
Faith is Gracie's best friend since like forever and has her back. She is sexy, confident woman who knows her business.
What happens when Gracie's show with her job is on the verge of dying? When that is where her entire world changes and Harry with his outgoing, charming nature enters her life..
This is a cute read. It makes you laugh so hard and at times I was like what are you doing Gracie. It is an easy to read book.
September 5, 2020
This was an entertaining read. I liked the heroine Gracie although not so keen on her best friend Faith. The idea of a saucy cookery show is very topical. Amazed no TV producers haven't stolen the idea. I found it hard to believe that Gracie would put up with her useless boyfriend for as long as she did. But overall, a fun rom com.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
Meh. Although not terrible, this one was a predictable, often too rambling poorer cousin of Bridget Jones..
I listened to the audiobook & I think that if was actually reading it, it would have taken a lot longer to get through as I would have frequently put it down between - or possibly during - chapters.
I listened to the audiobook & I think that if was actually reading it, it would have taken a lot longer to get through as I would have frequently put it down between - or possibly during - chapters.
February 18, 2021
My favorite quote from the book is: Life is tough but you are tougher!
This book showed that even when you feel life is falling apart, something better is waiting for you around the corner. Gracie's life is full of adventures and her character is so lovable. I loved the book and am glad i went on a journey with Gracie Porter who managed to find her inner sparkle!
This book showed that even when you feel life is falling apart, something better is waiting for you around the corner. Gracie's life is full of adventures and her character is so lovable. I loved the book and am glad i went on a journey with Gracie Porter who managed to find her inner sparkle!
May 6, 2020
This was enjoyable and easy read. The characters were very likeable and the story moved at a good pace. I read the book cover to cover and could not put it down. I hope there are more books by this author.
July 9, 2020
Slow going
This book is sort of ok, it didn't have much of a story and was boring in parts. This is the first book I have read of this author, it hasn't put me off so will chance another one she has written.
This book is sort of ok, it didn't have much of a story and was boring in parts. This is the first book I have read of this author, it hasn't put me off so will chance another one she has written.
June 27, 2020
Cute read
Sweet read meet Gracie the tv chef and the characters that get her to lead an exciting few months .
Enjoyed the tv concept ,
Sweet read meet Gracie the tv chef and the characters that get her to lead an exciting few months .
Enjoyed the tv concept ,
July 21, 2020
2.5 stars
November 6, 2020
Slow beginning but good exciting ending. Wouldnt read again. And only recommend if you have nothing else to read.
December 17, 2020
Very funny
What an easy read, with some great, strong characters and some down right awful ones too.
Some great laugh out loud moment to some sad times.
What an easy read, with some great, strong characters and some down right awful ones too.
Some great laugh out loud moment to some sad times.
March 24, 2021
3.5 stars
July 11, 2023
Good story, enjoyable, and funny too. Romance was kind of secondary to other relationships, friends etc.
January 1, 2024
Such a boring read, feel like I rushed through it just to end it. No drama, no likeable characters, no will to live.
August 1, 2024
A classic romance book.
November 7, 2019
If there's one thing that this Ginger Book Geek likes, it's discovering new authors. Simone Goodman is definitely a new author for me but she is an author to watch because she is set to go far. I read the synopsis for 'Look At Me Now' and it certainly sounded like the kind of read I needed- a light hearted, funny, rom com type of read. Well 'Look At Me Now' was all that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Look At Me Now' but more about that in a bit.
I couldn't help but take to Grace from the first moment I met her. Grace is a celebrity chef with her own television programme. She is in a relationship with a fella, who basically doesn't deserve her. The spark has gone out of their relationship and as for their sex life- well what sex life? Grace has put a few pounds on but haven't we all. There's trouble on the horizon though because the television station she works for, has been taken over and the new management are looking to cut costs. Grace and her best mate Faith have to have a brainstorm as to how they can come up with any new ideas as to how to escape the axe. Faith masquerades as Grace's agent and she negotiates a new idea with the reviewing panel. Grace's show is finished but instead she and Faith have been given the chance to make a television show that would be more apt on an Adult Channel. Never mind food porn, their new programme is going to be borderline proper porn. The sort of programme that would have Mary Whitehouse spluttering her cup of tea all over the place. (For those who don't know who she is, she was a crusader to clean up television). Grace is a canny lass and I was so hoping that her new programme was going to be a success and that she would ditch her current boyfriend and find somebody who truly made her happy and deserved her. What happens? Well you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out because I am not going to tell you.
'Look At Me Now' has to be one of the funniest books I have read in quite a while. As soon as I began to read, I found myself chuckling away to myself practically throughout the book. It didn't take me long at all to get into this story and reading it soon became an addiction. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would still be sat there four chapters later. I found it extremely difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. If I had to put it down then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick it up again. It didn't take me long to get through this book. I was enjoying the story so much that I just couldn't stop reading. I reached the end of the book far quicker than I had intended or wanted to. I enjoyed the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
I found it extremely difficult to believe that 'Look At Me Now' was a debut novel as the writing style is so polished and confident. Simone has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In Grace, Simone has created a cracking character that you cannot fail to warm to and you keep everything crossed that things work out for her. Simone drew me into the story pretty early on and once she had my attention, she was not going to let it go- not that I wanted to be released as it were. Simone writes so convincingly and realistically that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and another character in the book.
'Look At Me Now' is a fantastic read and one I will be recommending to other readers. They say that laughter is the best medicine and this book was definitely the best medicine. The best debut novel I have read in ages and ages. I can't wait to read more of Simone's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I couldn't help but take to Grace from the first moment I met her. Grace is a celebrity chef with her own television programme. She is in a relationship with a fella, who basically doesn't deserve her. The spark has gone out of their relationship and as for their sex life- well what sex life? Grace has put a few pounds on but haven't we all. There's trouble on the horizon though because the television station she works for, has been taken over and the new management are looking to cut costs. Grace and her best mate Faith have to have a brainstorm as to how they can come up with any new ideas as to how to escape the axe. Faith masquerades as Grace's agent and she negotiates a new idea with the reviewing panel. Grace's show is finished but instead she and Faith have been given the chance to make a television show that would be more apt on an Adult Channel. Never mind food porn, their new programme is going to be borderline proper porn. The sort of programme that would have Mary Whitehouse spluttering her cup of tea all over the place. (For those who don't know who she is, she was a crusader to clean up television). Grace is a canny lass and I was so hoping that her new programme was going to be a success and that she would ditch her current boyfriend and find somebody who truly made her happy and deserved her. What happens? Well you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out because I am not going to tell you.
'Look At Me Now' has to be one of the funniest books I have read in quite a while. As soon as I began to read, I found myself chuckling away to myself practically throughout the book. It didn't take me long at all to get into this story and reading it soon became an addiction. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would still be sat there four chapters later. I found it extremely difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. If I had to put it down then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick it up again. It didn't take me long to get through this book. I was enjoying the story so much that I just couldn't stop reading. I reached the end of the book far quicker than I had intended or wanted to. I enjoyed the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
I found it extremely difficult to believe that 'Look At Me Now' was a debut novel as the writing style is so polished and confident. Simone has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In Grace, Simone has created a cracking character that you cannot fail to warm to and you keep everything crossed that things work out for her. Simone drew me into the story pretty early on and once she had my attention, she was not going to let it go- not that I wanted to be released as it were. Simone writes so convincingly and realistically that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and another character in the book.
'Look At Me Now' is a fantastic read and one I will be recommending to other readers. They say that laughter is the best medicine and this book was definitely the best medicine. The best debut novel I have read in ages and ages. I can't wait to read more of Simone's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
October 20, 2019
Thank you to Boldwood Books and the author Simone Goodman for this advanced readers copy in return for an honest review.
Description 🔖
Gracie is a small fry TV chef, working on a show that is quite honestly stale and unwatched. Along with her best friend Faith they pitch a saucier, racier TV show to the producers and are given the go ahead to film. Though things are looking up for Gracie in her career, her private life isn’t going well. Her relationship with her boyfriend is lacklustre to say the least and pairing that with the extra attention she’s getting from her job, Gracie gets herself into all sorts of mischief, relying on her friends and new colleagues to pull her through. But in the end, only Gracie herself can build up her self esteem and
General Thoughts 🤔
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s romantic. It’s funny. It’s heart warming. It’s everything I want from a good chick-lit. I sometimes struggle with chick-lits being a little too cheesy for my liking, but this book didn’t make me want to cringe at all (apart from when it was supposed to!). I also struggle with some chick-lits being so sappy, they’re unrealistic. Again, I didn’t suffer with that with this book and could imagine this storyline actually playing out in real life.
Characters 👫👭👬
The obvious character to start with is Gracie. She’s real and funny and a bit out of her depth at times which just made me love her even more. She came across as a little naive at times which I found endearing.
The understated character for me was Carlos. I thought he was absolutely hilarious and would have loved to have seen more of him in the book (though I totally accept that would have been a very different storyline).
Writing Style ✍🏽
The writing is easy to follow, the story flowed nicely and all of the funny parts were delivered brilliantly. I liked that the chapters weren’t enormously long in length; it made reading feel easy going and breezy which is what I think a chick-lit should feel like.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖
I believe this to be Simone Goodman’s debut novel and I think she’s done an absolutely marvellous job. I’m smiling writing this now, which is what I was doing when I was reading the book. This book works for those looking for a giggle, those looking for some romance and those looking to just kick back and indulge in a good story. I’ll definitely look out for future Simone Goodman books.
😍😍😍😍😫
Description 🔖
Gracie is a small fry TV chef, working on a show that is quite honestly stale and unwatched. Along with her best friend Faith they pitch a saucier, racier TV show to the producers and are given the go ahead to film. Though things are looking up for Gracie in her career, her private life isn’t going well. Her relationship with her boyfriend is lacklustre to say the least and pairing that with the extra attention she’s getting from her job, Gracie gets herself into all sorts of mischief, relying on her friends and new colleagues to pull her through. But in the end, only Gracie herself can build up her self esteem and
General Thoughts 🤔
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s romantic. It’s funny. It’s heart warming. It’s everything I want from a good chick-lit. I sometimes struggle with chick-lits being a little too cheesy for my liking, but this book didn’t make me want to cringe at all (apart from when it was supposed to!). I also struggle with some chick-lits being so sappy, they’re unrealistic. Again, I didn’t suffer with that with this book and could imagine this storyline actually playing out in real life.
Characters 👫👭👬
The obvious character to start with is Gracie. She’s real and funny and a bit out of her depth at times which just made me love her even more. She came across as a little naive at times which I found endearing.
The understated character for me was Carlos. I thought he was absolutely hilarious and would have loved to have seen more of him in the book (though I totally accept that would have been a very different storyline).
Writing Style ✍🏽
The writing is easy to follow, the story flowed nicely and all of the funny parts were delivered brilliantly. I liked that the chapters weren’t enormously long in length; it made reading feel easy going and breezy which is what I think a chick-lit should feel like.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖
I believe this to be Simone Goodman’s debut novel and I think she’s done an absolutely marvellous job. I’m smiling writing this now, which is what I was doing when I was reading the book. This book works for those looking for a giggle, those looking for some romance and those looking to just kick back and indulge in a good story. I’ll definitely look out for future Simone Goodman books.
😍😍😍😍😫
November 5, 2019
Definitely a story for lovers of celebrity and reality TV.
'Look at me Now', follows Gracie's exploits as a celebrity chef on day time television, new owners and a tired show mean either change or unemployment. Gracie and Faith come up with a topical slant to make the show a twenty-first-century hit. What happens next pushes Gracie, who is a typical rom-com heroine, likeable and naive, well out of her comfort zone. Can she do it? Well, you'll have to read it and see.
There is genuine humour in this story, plenty of romantic and work-based angst and conflict, and a gentle romance. The cast of characters are vividly written, and most avoid becoming stereotypical.
The writing style is inclusive and informal and makes this an easy, escapist read. Short chapters keep it well-paced.
If you like a romantic comedy with a contemporary twist, this is an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 7, 2019
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Look At Me Now! a fun romantic comedy by Simone Goodman. Thank you Boldwood Books for including me and for a copy of the book for an honest review.
Look At Me Now! follows Gracie, a small time celebrity chef on a local television channel. When her station is bought by an American company, she must fight to keep her show. Her best friend Faith, acting as her agent, suggests they update the show by making it a show that includes them both, with plenty of innuendo and girl talk. Sex sells, after all. Soon, their lives are turned upside down and they embark on a crazy adventure.
I liked this book. It was funny, some interesting character choices and plot lines kept me from loving it, but it was a solid romantic comedy that I definitely think I would watch on a Friday night. Funny and full of characters that care a lot for each other through a few dramatic life changes.
Fun and easy to read, Look At Me Now! is currently available in ebook format.
Look At Me Now! follows Gracie, a small time celebrity chef on a local television channel. When her station is bought by an American company, she must fight to keep her show. Her best friend Faith, acting as her agent, suggests they update the show by making it a show that includes them both, with plenty of innuendo and girl talk. Sex sells, after all. Soon, their lives are turned upside down and they embark on a crazy adventure.
I liked this book. It was funny, some interesting character choices and plot lines kept me from loving it, but it was a solid romantic comedy that I definitely think I would watch on a Friday night. Funny and full of characters that care a lot for each other through a few dramatic life changes.
Fun and easy to read, Look At Me Now! is currently available in ebook format.
November 6, 2019
What do you do when your job seems to be on the line? What do you do when they ask a tv cook to spice up the program (and I don’t mean just with chilli or black pepper 😉 ) What do you do when it’s not really you? You have two choices : you either go for it and might actually like it or you decline and find yourself jobless.
But Grace has also other fish to fry (pun intented LOL). What do you do when your relationship is a sinking ship? Do you jump or do you try to keep it afloat?
Decisions, decisions, decisions. When Grace makes up her mind, it turns out it’s only for the best. It’s true she had to wade through thick soup, but in the end it’s all worth it and her life becomes a very clear and delicious bouillon.
A lovely story where you can see that a lot of downs can end in a high. 4 stars.
Thank you, Simone Goodman and Boldwood Books.
https://bforbookreviews.wordpress.com
But Grace has also other fish to fry (pun intented LOL). What do you do when your relationship is a sinking ship? Do you jump or do you try to keep it afloat?
Decisions, decisions, decisions. When Grace makes up her mind, it turns out it’s only for the best. It’s true she had to wade through thick soup, but in the end it’s all worth it and her life becomes a very clear and delicious bouillon.
A lovely story where you can see that a lot of downs can end in a high. 4 stars.
Thank you, Simone Goodman and Boldwood Books.
https://bforbookreviews.wordpress.com
February 2, 2020
I’ve been reading 'Look At Me Now' by Simone Goodman on my daily, city commute and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It offered everything that an excellent rom-com should, plus a dash of inspiration to boot. The main character, Gracie is endearing and someone we can perhaps all familiarise with on many levels if we’re balancing city life with work, personal challenges and change. The story travels fast and whisks up enough emotion, angst, and laughter - and all in perfect measure. Otherwise, Simone’s writing style is effortlessly cool and clever. I’m very much looking forward to seeing this book adapted for the big screen.
October 21, 2019
A solid romantic comedy which follows the ups and downs of TV star Grace as she navigates work, friendships and love. It's packed full of characters and leaves you guessing until the very end whether there will be a happy ending.
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