HOLLYWOOD DIRT by ALESSANDRA TORRE

‘They say that love is finding your soul’s mate in another. I found my match.’

Sometimes an unpretentious love story is just what the book loving heart needs. Unpretentious is not easy to write and still keep the reader engaged; make the reader fall in love and be riveted to the story and romance. However, that is just what Alessandra Torre did and achieved to perfection. Less is often more because it truly showcases the crux of why we love a brilliant heartfelt love story.

‘She put herself too far out there, felt too strongly, would love too fiercely, give too freely, her actions a roadmap to destruction that would one day kill that spirit. His instinct to protect that spirit, to strengthen her defences…he both wanted to throw her to the wolves and lock her away in a castle, all at the same time.’

Summer Jenkins is truly a brilliant heroine, she shows such strength and conviction whilst hinting at an absolutely endearing vulnerability. She shines through every page! It’s no wonder the cocky Oscar winning leading man, Cole falls hook line and sinker albeit as reluctantly as Summer. This man has a huge heart and we just fell in complete love with his character. The pair of them both know what they want and they set out to get it. They couldn’t come from a more different world yet their hearts beat in unison.  Perseverance and actions led by these hearts was a treat to experience.

‘He wanted to explore more of the girl who hid behind all of that fire.’

Summer AND Cole have not had it easy relationship wise. Their experience leaving a darkness on their hearts – in their lives and is set to mar their future. This leads them to become reluctant romance seekers. Both playing a role in life that masks their pain. Their journey to overcome and reflect was a beauty to read and we felt them at every step of their way.

‘But love shouldn’t hurt, shouldn’t dig through your chest, carve out your heart, and serve it like a meal. Or maybe it only hurts when it’s real. Maybe when breakups didn’t hurt – that was when you knew the love was false.’

On another note we have to mention one unlikely friendship we fell in complete love with. Cole and his ‘Cocky’ – it made us smile and kind of swoon which felt odd but so bloody lovely at the same time. Men and kids – Men and Pets….melts our hearts!

We loved Hollywood Dirt and absolutely reveled in fabulous characters, an intriguing story line and a beautiful romance. Home grown country girl meets Hollywood heart-throb and sparks fly; literally! What more could we have asked for?! The story was written flawlessly with a perfect mix of humour, angst and romance – it was #BookLove at first page turn. One of our favourite romances of the year.

‘Love did that to you. Sucked you in and blurred out everything else.’

**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks**