Review: Stand-In Star

Reviewed by Allison
 

Cultural anthropologist, Holly McCartney, is flying into LA from Sydney, Australia in order to attend the Academy Awards in her sister Daisy's stead. The popular actress died in a car accident and is up for Best Supporting Actress. However, Holly is the opposite of prepared for the amount of paparazzi attention (damn you, Lady Gaga, for making me think of your song every time I see that word!)  She is close to completely freaking out the moment she steps off the plane - only to be saved by a dangerously handsome man that claims to be Daisy's friend, Nate Devlin. Nate just wanted a look at the sister who abandoned his friend and only showed up when she was nominated for an award, so he was fully prepared to hate her. However, the minute he saw her, even though he actively disliked her, he also couldn't help but be drawn to her... and ended up saving her. For Daisy's sake of course.

After convincing her to not only take a ride from him, but to stay at his house for her safety, they're stuck with their awkwardly growing desires and a complete misunderstanding about the drama of the sisters' divide.

The tension was written very well in this story, both emotional as well as sexual. Even though the whole timeline was under two weeks, the author took good care of her characters, sharing what needed to be shared at exactly the right time, not revealing the truth until the story called for it. In such a short time, Holly went through such a roller coaster of emotions, it was almost hard to read. Self doubt, guilt, anger, grief, joy, love, determination - but it also made her more human and more relatable.

I also really enjoyed Nate's sister, Bec and her adoring boyfriend, because I love when the couple in question has a solid couple they can use (consciously or subconsciously) as an example.

Even though I'm not a fan of fast timetables nor of the Hollywood stereotypes, this story was well written, emotionally fulfilling, and an absolute blast to read. I will definitely be on the look out for more books by Ms. Johns!

Grade: B+

*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Stand In

by Rachael Johns

Release Date: January 7, 2013

Publisher: Carina Press