Struggling actress Maddy Freed rockets from anonymity to celebrity after winning accolades at an indie film festival. She leaves her sagging couch and crappy Brooklyn apartment for glittering, glamorous, star-studded Hollywood and captures the attention of Steven Weller, a Tom Cruise-esque aging superstar who sweeps her off her feet (despite long-swirling rumors that he's gay). Once in a relationship with the charming and magnetic Steven, Maddy instantly garners money, fame and plum film projects. It's a dream come true... or is it?
While exploring the May-December romance between a somewhat naïve budding actress and a seasoned mega-star, Amy Sohn (Motherland; Run Catch Kiss) also highlights the well-established sometimes-soulless Hollywood machine that keeps the secrets of its star players. Steven is an irresistible, mysterious figure whose generosity and compassion are matched by his ability for deception. Maddy's journey into Steven's seductive world--which is less of a fairy tale than it seemed--lends the book an addictive, voyeuristic vibe. While she desperately tries to find a way back to herself amidst the smoke and mirrors of her new life, readers will be hanging on every word.
Sohn has crafted a sinful story with refreshing twists and turns that readers won't see coming. It's thoughtfully written; even peripheral characters are given loving attention. The intriguing, darkly sexy tale will appeal to anyone who can't resist diving into a glossy gossip magazine once in a while but, unlike those rags, this novel resonates long after it's been devoured. --Natalie Papailiou, author of blog MILF: Mother I'd Like to Friend