Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of His L.A. Cinderella by Trish Wylie
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Romance 14 July 09
Confession time. Even though I love reading about hot, sweaty, raunchy sex – every now and then I feel like a sweet romance. The kind where there are just kisses or the author closes the bedroom door in my face. Silhouette Romance used to be my go-to Harlequin line for these types of story, but when they closed up shop a couple of years ago I found it hard to make the switch over to Harlequin Romance. My perception? A whole lot of royalty and tycoons – neither of which I’ve overly fond of. But Irish author Trish Wylie’s latest intrigued me right out of the gate. A Los Angeles set romance about two former screen writing partners who find themselves working together again.
Cassidy Malone used to have big dreams of Hollywood. She shared those dreams with her lover, Will Ryan. But when their last movie tanked at the box office, and family obligations began piling up, Cassidy gave up her dream to become a school teacher in her tiny Irish village. Will left, without a backward glance, and made it big. He now lives in Malibu, has a score of successful films based on his screenplays, and runs his own production company.
Will drops Cassidy an e-mail asking for her help. They signed a contract way back when and the studio is calling it in. Their last film that was a box office flop? Thanks to DVD sales, devoted fans, and Internet buzz, it’s generated into a monster hit. Studio wants a sequel, and Cassidy packs her bags. But how can she work with Will once again when she hasn’t written anything in years and she’s still nursing a broken heart?
I was sold on this story thanks to the interesting, and different plot. However, the style in which it was written kept me at arm’s length when it came to the romance. While not written in first person, the author spends the majority of the book firmly lodged in Cassidy’s head. This would be fine, except it gives Will the short shift. The reader is left with Cassidy’s impression of him. The lout who left her high and dry in Ireland. The guy who pursued his career and didn’t give her a second thought. It doesn’t help matters that over the course of the story he comes off as extremely ambitious, stubborn, and a touch demanding. I desperately wanted to get to know him, but the author doesn’t give the reader that opportunity until the final chapter. What we see of inside the hero’s mind in that final chapter is certainly intriguing, and I couldn’t help feeling sad that I didn’t get to know him better.
The story is engaging, the banter fast and furious, and the story itself played out a bit like a chick lit novel. It was an engaging book to read while lying in bed, and the uniqueness of the plot really elevated the story for me. That said, more hero please.
Grade: C+
Summary:
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Cassidy Malone describes herself as a plain, slightly plump schoolteacher—totally unsuitable for Hollywood life. Unfortunately she is now at the beck and call of top movie mogul and old flame Will Ryan.
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Once upon a time she signed a contract, in a whirlwind of youth and confidence. Now, as they write the script they never finished, Will’s devilish smile and lethal charm make her yearn for the safety of the classroom!
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Read an excerpt here.
