Leading Lady by Bette Hawkins is a celebrity, age gap, workplace romance set in the early 90s.
Andie McKenzie, a rebellious film director is given a career-redefining gift when her father hands off his latest project to her. The only problem is the film’s leading actress has already been cast and Andie is less than impressed with the choice.
Skye Buckley, is thrilled to be cast in the upcoming blockbuster, Creature Island, but the film’s new icy director leaves her wondering what she’s done wrong. She knows how important this role is for her career, so she does her best to ignore the friction from the artistic, Andie McKenzie.
Secluded from the world while on the location shoot, the two become closer and soon realize the initial friction has given way to something else, something deeper and more significant than either of them has had before. But with professional and personal obstacles popping up at every turn, they’ll soon need to decide whether love is more important than their careers.
Writing
Bette Hawkins opted for this book to take place in 1992. As a 90’s kid, I appreciate the nods to boom boxes, CDs, hair in scrunchies, and being buff like Arnie. I do, however, wonder why our author opted for this time period over a contemporary one.
The remote island located off of Fiji where Creature Island is filmed is exquisitely described. I could clearly visualize the beautiful villas along the picturesque oceanfront and feel the tropical breezes as they rustle the palm trees.
The movie scenes they film while on the island are also easy to follow and the ins and outs of acting and directing a movie felt quite realistic to this Hollywood novice.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Andie McKenzie, a film director, made some questionable choices in the past which led to her professional and personal demise. She’s spent the last three years rebuilding both and when she’s given the opportunity to take over directing a movie from her father, she jumps at the chance. What I like most about Andie is that she’s changed and is no longer the dysfunctional womanizing alcoholic who thought the world owed her something, but she never once makes excuses for who she used to be even as her feelings for Skye blossom into something more. She owns her poor behavior and decisions and goes out of her way to show she’s a changed woman. Annie’s father Doug is patronizing and downright rude to her at times, but Annie’s maturity and levelheadedness help to keep her classy.
Skye Buckley is really sweet and surprisingly really down to Earth despite being an up-and-coming Hollywood actress. The friction between her and Andie from the start is fraught with tension with the underlying chemistry smoldering beneath the surface. I like that as Skye and Andie get to know one another better while on location, their conversations are real and honest. There’s some angst but nothing that takes away from their overall romance and the slow burn here is perfectly timed.
Heads Up
None
The Conclusion
Leading Lady by Bette Hawkins is a celebrity, age-gap romance set on location on a remote Fijian island. Skye and Andie are lovely women who are supported by dynamic supporting characters. I enjoyed the setting, slow burn, and dialogue. This is a perfect vacation read. So grab a copy of this book, snag a lounge chair and a mojito, and enjoy this delightful book!
Excerpt from Leading Lady by Bette Hawkins
“Hey.”
They turned toward the woman who’d appeared in the doorway. She stood with her arms crossed, leaning on the frame. Skye quickly took in wavy black hair, carved cheekbones, and full lips.
Her dark beauty was more startling because of how effortless it seemed. She wasn’t wearing makeup, and her hair hung loose and wild. Her long legs were in blue jeans, paired with a black T-shirt. Skye looked down at her own jeans and striped silk shirt, thinking about how carefully she’d blow-dried her hair this morning.
She felt like such a nerd.
“Sorry I’m late,” Andie said in a raspy voice, but she didn’t sound at all sorry. She didn’t even glance in Skye’s direction until after greeting the others. Skye stepped forward as Andie finally turned toward her.
“And you must be Skye,” she said dryly, holding out her hand.
Skye smiled at her and shook her hand, noticing the deep green eyes. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too.”
Andie looked intently at Skye. People always said Skye looked different on-screen from how she appeared in person, and she’d never known how to take it. She couldn’t shake off the fear that Andie might be disappointed.
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 978-1642474336
Publisher: Bella Books
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