Tuesday 2 April 2013

The Redhead Series by Alice Clayton

The Unidentified Redhead

Review by Willow 3- 4 Stars (written 04.09.2012)

When Grace Sheridan returns to Los Angeles to become a working actress, it’s a second shot at a life-long dream. With some help from her best-friend agent, will that dream become a reality—or at thirty-three, has Grace missed her chance at the big time? And when an unexpected sizzling romance with Jack Hamilton, the entertainment industry's newest “it” boy, threatens to shine an uncomfortable spotlight on her life, how will that affect her career…and his?

I did enjoy reading it, but it's the first book I've read in ages that I actually found easy to put down - I actually went to bed last night at 95% -not something I would normally do.

I'll try to summarise without giving too much away:

The story is about 33 year old Grace who is living with her friend Holly in LA. Holly manages up and coming 24 year old Brit actor, Jack who's next movie is going to make him a huge star and everyone wants a piece of him. Jack and Grace meet at a party Holly is having launching her new management company. They have quite a bit of banter, but Jack, being 24 can't possibly be interested in a 33 year old can he?, and even if he was could it work? As they become closer Grace gets offered a job she has auditioned for before she met Jack - lead role in a new musical on Broadway, it's great to launch her career - but what about Jack?

I really loved Grace, there was only one moment that I wanted to slap her, but it was short lived and actually it was to do with her insecurities surrounding her age and why a 24 year old would be interested. I can totally understand this so her outburst is completely forgivable.

I loved the banter between Grace and Jack and even Grace and Holly. A few times I was quietly sniggering to myself, but not out and out laughing.

So what was my problem - why only 3.5 stars? Well I just felt that it was missing something, it didn't have me rushing to finish it to see what happens. That being said once you do get to the end you definitely want to read the second book and I feel this one will have more punch. I can see some angst coming and perhaps without this "sweet" first book setting it up it won't have had as much impact.

The Redhead Revealed

Reviewed by Willow 3-4 Stars (written 05.09.2012)

As their careers catch fire, Grace and Jack—everyone’s favourite couple—find themselves on opposite coasts. Grace has landed in New York City, where she loves being onstage again, playing a fabulous character in a musical written by her old college flame, Michael. Their rekindled friendship makes exploring the city that much more fun. And it is just friendship, right?  Meanwhile, in L.A., Jack can scarcely keep up with the throngs of women who track him everywhere he goes, the endless press appearances, and the ridiculous rules his manager, Holly, keeps laying down for him—all part of the build-up to the release of Time, his steamy new film. Thank goodness for phone sex. But even when their schedules allow them to connect, Grace and Jack must keep their relationship off the radar and away from paparazzi cameras. Sure, the sex is sensational—but can they survive the swirling rumours, the demands of their chosen professions, and Grace’s internal battles?

It definitely has a bit more angst in it than the first one but I still felt it was missing something. This time round Grace did annoy me a few times, but it was essential for the angst, which was totally Grace's fault because of her baggage. The first half of the book I was wondering when something other than sex was going to happen when they saw each other but half way in got more interesting. That banter Grace and George, Sorry Jack had in the first book was not there as much which was one of the things I loved about the first book.

There is a third book due out and I will probably read it, but I won't rush out to read it, the ending of the second book was good and didn't leave me wanting to know what happens next so I would be happy if I never get round to the third book. With all that said, I was glad I read it.