August 2021 Standalone BOTM - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

[Alaina]

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

**This BOTM thread will be open until September 5th @ Midnight (in your time zone)**

[Alaina]

This has been on my TBR for so freaking long. I feel like it's a sign that I need to dive into it now.

[Alaina]

Starting this now!

[Alaina]

Ch 1-20: (view spoiler)[Evelyn is a very interesting character. The things she has done in order to get where she is.. wow. Just wow. I also didn't like her first husband. He was an asshole. As for Celia? I like her and I'm wondering if that would be Evelyn's greatest love? Maybe? (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 21-40: (view spoiler)[Evelyn going through the next two husbands was interesting. I don't know what to say or feel about the abortion right now but it did hurt my heart. I wonder if her and Celia are going to reunite? (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 41-60: (view spoiler)[I can't believe she had a baby with Harry. I did like the whole bearded relationships so that they could be together. But then everything went to shit because of what Evelyn did. Ugh. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 61-Finish: (view spoiler)[So sad to see all her loved ones dying and then to see how these two were connected towards the end - definitely emotional. (hide spoiler)]

[Mariem]

i read this two weeks ago and forgot to post
Ch1-23 (view spoiler)[i hated the two first husbands, but i really like Evelyn, also the thing that Evelyn is hiding from Monique is making me curious (hide spoiler)]
Ch24- 35 : (view spoiler)[ I love harry's and evelyn's friendship so much, the ending of Rex's part was great (hide spoiler)]
Ch 36- 51 (view spoiler)[ Harry's part was both heartbreaking and great, i'm sad that Celia and Evelyn have seperated again, i feel like i don't like every decison Evelyn makes but i still really like her character (hide spoiler)]
Ch 52- 61: (view spoiler)[ i'm happy that Celia and Evelyn are back together (hide spoiler)]
Ch 62- Finish; (view spoiler)[ this book was really emotinal, i really liked it a lot, I didn't expect the secret that made Monique hate Evelyn but i liked how it was revealed. (hide spoiler)]

[⚚♆ Cynthia ♆⚚]

Ch 1-23: (view spoiler)[I am impressed about Evelyn's character, so determined and focused, no matter what she needs to do. Even if I don't approve of some of her actions, I have to admit that I admire her.
I feel like she lasted too long with Don, so glad they finally got the divorce. Also, I guessed who the love of her life was, yay!! Alhough with the book MPGs it was not difficult to guess lol. I really like Celia and I am dreading the next chapters...what is Evelyn going to do to be on the top again? I am also trying to guess the connection with Monique but no clue arggg (hide spoiler)]

[⚚♆ Cynthia ♆⚚]

Ch 24-35: (view spoiler)[Chapter 28, where she narrates the Vegas episode was amazing, all the manipulation and reading her thoughts! I was so sad at Celia and Evelyn's breakup...how difficult to know what is the right thing to do and how sad the situation they had to live in those times. I am looking forward to Harry and Evelyn's marriage and the reencounter with Celia. I have a feeling that the link with Monique might be due to Monique's father, maybe his death? I can't wait to read more! (hide spoiler)]

[⚚♆ Cynthia ♆⚚]

Ch 36-51: (view spoiler)[I am soooo torn. I don't feel Celia was fair with Evelyn...I don't know. I LOVE LOVE Harry and Evelyn's friendship, definitely my favourite relationship in the book so far. I loved the part of soul mates because even if there is no romance between them, I feel it is the most beautiful relationship she has had. Seeing her daughter as a child knowing that she will lose her is painful too...

I can't wait for the last part of the book. I love the author's writing, it really touches my heart and how I can relate to my own experience. (hide spoiler)]

[⚚♆ Cynthia ♆⚚]

Ch 52-Finish: (view spoiler)[This last part was veeeeery emotional, seeing everyone dying. Harry's death broke me and the most beautiful wedding definitely Celia and Evelyn's. I was right about the link between Monique and Evelyn to be her father's death but I couldn't have imagined the details. However, it was dealt with very beautifully. I loved the book! I can't wait to read more by the author. (hide spoiler)]