Is it Reel Love or Real Love?HollywoodThe moment I laid eyes on Finn Parker’s headshot, I knew that if this guy could act, I wanted him for the hero role in the film being made from my book, Fleeing an August Moon.The tall, blond, and ruggedly handsome actor looked exactly like the picture I’d seen in my head the entire time I was writing the book.The studio, however, had different thoughts on a … entire time I was writing the book.
The studio, however, had different thoughts on a leading man.
Box Office crusher, Maverick Dailey, made it clear that he wanted the role. The producers, studio, and everyone involved were thrilled to score such a celebrity. Well, everyone except me.
And it’s my vote that counts since, according to my contract, I get final say on casting. Maverick is amazing, yet I’m just not sure…
It certainly didn’t help that Finn Parker and I seemed destined to cross paths. We ran into each other all over Hollywood. And the more time we spent together, the more the sparks between us flew. We had an intense chemistry, something I’d only ever read about in books like mine.
Which made me wonder, was I really falling for Finn or just living out a fantasy with a red-blooded, live version of my hot hero character?
It’s easy to confuse fiction for reality in Hollywood. Everything is not as it seems in this town.
Not to mention, Finn’s life would forever change if he landed the role. Which made me question how good of an actor he really was? Was he interested in me, or the role I had the power to give him?
Is this Real Love or just Reel Love?
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“Does he have a conscience or is he a handsome, soulless vessel?”
I was so very intrigued by the synopsis of this story. Being an avid reader of romance novels the current trend of turning steamy romance novels into movies is very exciting for me. I loved getting a behind the scenes look at what that might look like, with the steamy parts being both on and off the screen.
I’ve been a fan of the author for years, she never disappoints. As I’ve come to expect, she writes the most amazing support characters as well and I always fall for them too. And I usually walk away with something new stuck in my head that makes me smile. Previously it was BBC, and this time it’s boychick.
Reel Love gave me all the feels. Not only did the author take me behind the scenes, but she also took me behind the pain and showed me where the insecurities and suspicions were buried just beneath the surface. Hollywood is not for wimps, that’s for damn sure. It’s not easy to hide anything with paparazzi sneaking around and fans with cell phones and social media ready to blast your every movement down to the expression on your face.
How will she make the decision of who to cast as the lead in her movie, and will that same person also be winning a place in her heart as well? Will pressure from the studio influence her final decision or will she stay true to her vision for the character? Can she trust her feelings or is he just a good actor? Well, for me, I have ‘real love’ for this story and I can’t wait for the rest of you to read it so we can all oooh and aaaah over it together. If there really was a movie premier of Fleeing an August Moon, I’d be camping in the parking lot for tickets like I was at a rock concert. The line forms here…
Reel Love was a Hollywood romance as only Julie Richman can craft. It was thoughtfully written with multi-faceted characters and vivid imagery. I loved the characters’ layers that were peeled away to reveal if they were “real or reel.”
After seeing so many author friends score movie adaptations of their books over the past couple years, I enjoyed Frankie Simonelli’s character immensely. She published a wildly successful novel, and is in the middle of trying to cast her movie adaptation when we first meet her. From a photo, Frankie sees Finn Parker as her book’s hero almost immediately. However, everyone else involved in making the movie happen has other plans in trying to sway her opinion by casting a box office celebrity with Maverick Dailey.
Finn is between acting roles and has been out of work for the past two years, but has been offered an audition opportunity for the lead in Frankie’s movie. He knows he needs a career boost and knows he can be Griffin Chase. He’s determined to rehearse and research and do what needs to be done to land this part.
I really adored Frankie and Finn. Their relationship was a slow burn, but I think that’s what made them a better couple. Their friendship and confidence in each other helps them find themselves, forging a stronger bond that gets tested at the end of this book.
Their integrity was left to be questioned by the reader at times, which made the book addictive and difficult to put down. Was Frankie enamored with Finn because he epitomized her book’s hero that she spent so much time with over the past couple years (even if only in her head)? Was Finn’s attraction to Frankie based on real feelings, or was it the end goal of the part he was trying to win?
The screenplay itself was almost a story within the story, interweaving an important social issue with the romance of Frankie and Finn. By the end of the book, the reader is drawn into the screenplay and how it is performed.
Reel Love was emotional and relevant and unforgettable. There were moments of surprise, laughter, and tears with this story…such a well-rounded read. One-clicking is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
5 Star review of Reel Love by Julie A Richman
Julie A Richman is a new author to me and I have to say that I loved Reel Love from the first to the last page. The story she wove reeled me in hook, line and sinker and I could not put it down. It had such an interesting blurb that I couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity to read an ARC and review.
To Frankie Simonelli, Finn Parker is exactly who she envisioned as Griffin Chase when she wrote the character. Finn knows that if he can land this role, his career will finally move to the next level; however, there are obstacles that stand in their way.
Although the studio wants to cast Maverick Dailey, a headliner in the lead role, Frankie remains firm that Finn is the right person for the role. Can she stand up to the pressure of the studio and even her own agent? Or will she crumble?
Reel love is an interesting behind the scenes story about choices, making a movie, miss understandings and second chances, of dreams that can and do come true. The writing was strong and you could not help but be captivated by the characters and the story line.
The ending was absolutely perfect, totally romantic and swoon worthy. I loved this book and cannot wait to read more from this author.
Julie Richman – another amazing hit is in our hands. You didn’t disappoint with your previous series and now, I’m in awe of your masterful writing. When I want a story that is full of passion, suspense, and unpredictableness, Julie Richman always hits the mark. In this story, she has created a world that could be real, with lots of emotions and real life feelings. She is so smooth and full of emotion in everything she writes. When writing in alternating POV, it can be confusing at times. She writes this way effortlessly and without flaw. Her attention to detail and emotions leaves you hanging onto every word that is on the page. Such an amazing, well written book that you can read again and again.
Finn and Frankie are thrown together for work reasons. Frankie has the opportunity of a lifetime. When she takes it, she finds everything she could ever want and more. They are put in some tough and interesting situations that will have you reeling. This story shows that you can be strong apart, but together you can light the world on fire and find the half to make you whole. A sweet, steamy, heartfelt romance that will stay with you long after you read the last word.
4.5 Stars
Reel Love is the all new contemporary romance novel by Julie A. Richman. It is a stand-alone that will BLOW YOU AWAY! There is something about Ms.Richman’s stories that make them so real and relatable and unique. Reel Love is a tale about an author and an actor and their journey to finding real true love. It is full of passion, intrigue, and having the type of love we all hope and dream about.
Francesca ‘Frankie’ Simonelli is a best selling author heading to Hollywood to see her story on the big screen. She knows exactly who and what she wants for her characters. And when she sees Finn’s picture, she knows that’s her Griffin. Trouble is, the higher ups want someone else…
Finn was such a complex character. I didn’t know how I felt about him in the beginning, but he slowly wormed his way into my heart. He is smart, handsome, and man did he make me swoon! When he meets Frankie, he wasn’t expecting her to see beneath his facade. Wanting to be the lead in her movie seems like the odds are stacked against him. Will he get his chance?
I loved this book so much! The characters were out of this world incredible and I loved the storyline. Ms Richman wrote an amazing story-one that I will be going back to time and time again!
Frankie Simonelli is a romance writer who has found her literal dream guy, the muse from her imagination for her List bursting novel that is currently being cast for the movie adaptation. Finn Parker is the embodiment of the blonde, blue eyed Griffin Chase that Frankie has seen in her minds eye since the first chapter of Fleeing an August Moon. Reel Love is a glimpse behind the camera into the glitz and plastic of making a book into a movie in LaLa Land. The cast of characters all bringing something unique to the story and kept me engaged and rooting for one over the other.
Told in dual pov which I love, so I get inside every bodies head! I devoured this book and as always, I want more. There is a character that I’d really enjoy reading more about. I was delighted with a couple of fan favorite cameo’s. Reel Love is making my laid of top reads this summer!
I am so happy to say Julie Richman is back with another fantastic romance this time between an author and the actor hired to play her leading man.
Frankie Simonelli is far from her Texas home in the heart of Hollywood in the process of getting her highly anticipated book made into a movie. She has complete creative control which also includes the actors hired to play her books beloved characters – especially Griffin. When he comes across Finn Parker’s bio and headshot she knows she has finally found her Griffin – the problem is that he is not a bankable name. The more time Frankie spends with Finn though she knows she has found her man in more ways than one – but now she is questioning are her feelings real and more importantly are Finn’s?
Finn Parker has been spending years trying to make it as an actor and has hit a 2-year dry spell. When his agent puts him up for what could be the biggest movie of the year he knows he has to get the part of Griffin – as he tries to understand this complex character he develops a friendship with the beautiful Frankie the author and ultimately the women who controls his destiny. Now he needs to earn Frankie’s trust when he finally gets what he thinks he wants.
I absolutely love all things Julie Richman and have since I read the Searching Moore series. Reel Love is a witty, sexy and charming romance that takes the reader on a ride – one that I didn’t want to get off of. The dialog is fantastic along with the great backdrop of Hollywood we get a birdseye view of how Hollywood works. Told in dual POV’s we get to know Frankie and Finn intimately this is something Ms. Richman excels at. We also get a few cameos that as a fan of her books I loved – makes me want to go back and do some rereading for sure.
All in all, Reel Love is definitely in my top 5 of 2019 – the must-read book of the summer.
4.5 stars
This is a story of a Texas girl who found amazing success in writing a book that struck a chord with the masses. But now Francesca “Frankie” Simonelli is heading to Hollywood to cast the movie. She is smart, sassy, strong-willed, and determined to make the right choice for her story.
One man’s picture is exactly who she saw in her head while writing. Finn Parker is that blond, blue-eyed, charmer come to life. But then she needs to see if he can act and has the soul to project her beloved character. And the studio has their own favorite for the part.
But during the whole process, Finn and Frankie find themselves secretly spending time together. They enjoy their little bubble of fun and passion amidst the chaos of Hollywood power plays, media, and facades. But there is a lot going on in their world. Everyone wants something from Frankie so it is hard to tell what is real and what is a hidden agenda. And even Finn is not sure if Frankie really sees him or the person she created in her pages. They are living in the blurred lines of reality versus fiction. And being together could have significant repercussions, so it is all under the radar.
She is a girl who has lived in her head and created her own perfect man. He is a guy who has lived under guards and facades to avoid being vulnerable to anyone. They are put into a very challenging situation that could make or break careers and certainly break one or both of their hearts. They are both a bit broken but seem to fit together well. But if is it a Hollywood illusion or true love?
This is a sweet, sexy, heartfelt romance with various story possibilities that keep you wondering how it will all turn out in the end. It makes you root for your favorite, but also makes you worry how it could change the dynamic. I really liked seeing the growth in these characters, especially Finn. Frankie’s presence in his life makes him take a good look at his current life and who he has become, and she pushes him to expose more truths about himself. And Frankie has to be able to stay true to herself to deal with all of the manipulations in Hollywood.
There are a couple of other significant side characters, Maverick and Eva that add some more depth, jealousy, and drama to the storyline. I would not be surprised to see more of Maverick in another book.
Arc provided in exchange for an honest review
I didn’t know how much I would truly love this story! There’s so much to unpack. There’s the story of Frankie and Finn and then there’s also Griffin and Gabriela’s story. And their stories while connected are different.
I know nothing about the movie industry and very little about the literary industry so this was a nice peek into what I think they could be like. Frankie isn’t a Hollywood type at all and that’s what attracts people to her. She knew what she wanted to bring Griffin to life and it wasn’t the person everyone was pushing her towards.
And Finn is adorable! He’s like a few different people because he was Hollywood star Finn, Patrick and also PJ. And each of those facets of his personality were what Frankie fell for. And each of those facets fell just as hard for Frankie. Although it’s really hard since Frankie is the author and Finn is trying to become Griffin.
A great story that held me from start to finish!!
Behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood is a reality that only those in the business see and understand, which means to the unseen eye, tinseltown seems like a place where dreams come true and everyone involved in the movie industry are beautiful and live amazing lives.
But the truth isn’t as pretty as the perceptions of the Hollywood Hills because this industry consists of manufactured drama, fictitious worlds, and of fabricated connections/relationships, making it extremely difficult to be able to separate reel life from real life and reel love from real love.
For Francesca ‘Frankie’ Simonelli, the lights of Hollywood aren’t something she knows or even understands, but after her book garners enough attention to be offered a movie deal, she takes a hands-on role in bringing her story to life on the big screen, requiring final approval of the actor who will play her hero, Griffin Chase. The only problem is that who she wants for the role and who the studio wants are not the same male lead, which means she has to remain professional in order to choose which one would make the best Griffin regardless of her personal feelings toward both actors.
It’s said that making it big in Hollywood requires giving up a part of one’s soul, and while Finn Parker is still working on getting a standout role, he’s definitely changed who he is to obtain any advantages he can. When what Finn sees as a breakout role presents itself in the form of a book turned movie, at first, the script doesn’t appeal to him, but his opinion quickly changes, and after he nails the audition, it seems he’s destined for the role, but what that means for his career compared to his personal life is now where the problem lies because if he wants to be Griffin Chase, what happens to the real man behind the fictitious character and which one does Frankie truly want and need him to be?
The concept of Julie A. Richman’s newest release, Reel Love, is fitting for all that’s occurring in contemporary society when it comes to book to movie adaptations. And the idea that fact and fiction easily overlap each other in many facets of life rings true as well. Richman does a great job of illustrating all of the obstacles that Frankie and Finn must overcome if they want to turn their feelings for each other into something real and lasting. The behind-the-scenes look that readers get is extremely insightful and the difficulties of separating what’s real and what’s fiction when it comes to Frankie and Finn’s chemistry, connection, and feelings solidifies why Hollywood is so much more than how it’s portrayed on the small and big screens.
4.5 Poison Apples
I know that this book’s been called an ideal summer read by some of my fellow bloggers out there, but allow me to take it one step further by saying that Frankie and Finn’s love story works wonderfully well during any season, but then that’s par for the course when it comes to this author’s work. I adored every single about this book, and Frankie and Finn were the sort of main characters that you could truly root for. I liked the beginning of the story, which is where we have Frankie all but drooling over Finn’s headshot, but what truly hooked me was the fact that Finn wasn’t all that thrilled about Frankie’s book, which he was reading in preparing for his audition. The idea that Frankie was nearly smitten with Finn’s photo and then here Finn was not exactly fawning over this romance novel that women loved but that he found…lacking. From then on, there was simply no turning away from this book, and I enjoyed the heck out of it! And the whole playing out of the story of Griff and Gabriella, aka Frankie’s fictional MCs, plus the irresistible Maverick (I SERIOUSLY need him to have an HEA!)? Gah! Loved it! Five stars for Reel Love!
I am “reeling” from the emotions evoked from this book!
How do I put into words how amazing this book is? Julie Richman is a phenomenal author and does a wonderful job of bringing this story to life. The emotions seep off the page and penetrate deep into your bones. You feel every emotion in this book. Even the scenes that are being acted out clutched my heart. The cast of characters are wonderful and endearing. Finn and Frankie are book gold. They are multidimensional & emotional. They have great chemistry and I felt every emotion. Don’t even get me started on the steamy scenes!
Julie never disappoints in delivering an emotional and amazing read. I highly recommend reading this book. I have such a book hangover. I hated to see it end.
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
I loved the idea of this story! An author finding her leading man while searching the the leading man for her book turned movie. I really enjoyed reading about Frankie and Finn. Both characters grew during the story, but I really loved seeing Finn find himself with Frankie’s help. I absolutely loved the ending!
Reel Love by Julie Richman is a standalone romance novel and another winner from this author.
Finn and Frankie are in for the challenge of their lives and I was in for a treat, sorry not sorry no spoilers here. Only so much, I loved meeting characters from previous books. I loved reading Finn and Frankie’s story, reel or real.
The writing is excellent and the story is beautifully thought out and beautifully told. I was captivated from chapter one and read the book, sitting on the edge of my seat in one sitting. I recommend Reel Love, 5 Stars.
We all know that Hollywood is the land of fantasies. For newly acclaimed author Frankie Simonelli, it represents her first opportunity to bring one of her stories to the silver screen. This is why she negotiated to control the casting. Whoever ends up playing her characters will need to bring to the screen the most faithful rendition of what the characters in her head look and feel like.
From the moment she saw his headshot, Frankie knew Finn Parker had the perfect look to play her character. Now if he could only act and share the emotions that represented her character, he would be the perfect match.
Not everything works simply in Hollywood. There is the competition from the actors, the desire for a perfect cast from the author, and ultimately, the perfect box office draw for the investors. To marry all these needs, it takes grit and perseverance … and a little bit of manipulation. This story covers all the angles that take to make a movie. Plus one more. What it takes for an actor to understand the character and how far will the actor go to win the part. Would he manipulate and scheme to succeed? Or simply search his soul and fall in love?
Do not miss this gem of a book!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
Ms Richman is aptly named, because her characters are always so rich – – deep, multi-faceted, moved by common things, and so on and on. In Reel Love, Francesca (Frankie) Simonelli finds herself an incredibly interesting (and so apropos) situation. Having written a worldwide blockbuster romance novel, she is now in Hollywood, casting the major roles of her book. She has had a vision of her leading man, Graham, and in walks the living, breathing version of her fictional hero, Finn Parker. But although Frankie, a humble romance author from Texas, believes Finn could BE her leading man, can she truly believe WHO Finn is? Is he Finn, or P.J., or Parker Finn, or Parker? This one led us through the maze and down the rabbit hole until the very end. No spoiler here. I recommend that you experience the full thrill of this book and find out how this beautiful, natural, uncomplicated romance writer and a gorgeous hunk-of-wanna-be-movie-star mange the plethora of life in Hollywood, life intermingled with fiction, and life in general!! Bravo Ms Richman for giving us a true thrill!!
Reel Love is Julie A. Richman’s next standalone novel. I have only read a few books by Julie but I have loved each of them and was looking forward to this one and once again I was not disappointed. Julie writes unique stories that just suck me in. The synopsis kicks ass so I will make this fast.
Frankie needs a Griffin. Finn needs a chance. When she saw Finn Parker’s headshot she saw her Griffin. The character she spent three years with from her best selling book, Fleeing the August Moon. And Finn wants to be her Griffin. Desperately. He needs a break in Hollywood and the lead role in this movie would change his life.
He really has no idea how much.
Frankie is new to this whole Hollywood thing. She is a Texas girl in Malibu. She wants breakfast burritos not avocado toast. She wears cowboy boots not high heels. She is far from fake and wants to trust who she works with but she learns on her very first day in LA that she can’t. They only see money signs. And she wants her readers to get the best. The best Griffin. The best Gabriela. The best she can give even if she had to fight.
Finn has been in this game for six years. He lost himself years ago. Then he meets her. Frankie. He didn’t really notice her at first but being up close to her, he can’t not notice her. She is real. And he hasn’t been with anyone real in years. She makes him see color when he was only see ping grays. He wants this role. He wants this girl. Can he have both?
Can she trust him? Is he playing her just for a role? Does she like him because she reminds her of Griffin or is falling for him as himself?
Awe. I loved it! Their chemistry is undeniable. Their banter is fun and flirty. Their story is sweet, fun, and sexy. It is also unique, and addictive. I loved every minute of it.
Quotes:
“We have a story. I like that.”
“You taste dangerous tonight,” she comments, as I walk her into the bedroom.
PERFECT SUMMER READ
Julie Richman never disappoints in her beautiful talent. This story makes you feel all the emotions that Frankie & Finn are going through. It takes a lot for an author to make me have all the “feels” when I’m reading and Julie has done it again. This book is must read and shows a true love story blossom and in the end you want more because you are so connected to the characters.
Enjoy reading this phenomenal book!
This book was such a good read; I was hooked from the beginning and loved reading it to the last page. As with all of Julie Richman’s stories, it is really well written and flows really well. It has a great storyline, captivating scenes and wonderful characters.
This is a story about the world of Hollywood, it’s high expectations, unrealistic relationships and living up to the dream. It’s about real love in an unreal world. Frankie is an author who is having her best seller made into a movie. I loved Frankie, in amongst all the Hollywood glitz and bravado, she was a breath of fresh air. She was ballsy and wasn’t going to be trampled over by anyone. Finn Parker is lovely, he is a bit of a lost soul and I really felt for him at times. All the characters are very well written and really believable.
This is a brilliant read and one I highly recommend. I was sad to come to the end of it, but it was definitely an ending worth getting to and it did make it a must read story.
Frankie Simonelli is living a dream she never imagined. Watching her words come to life on screen is at the top of every author’s wish list — and she gets final say in all casting. When she sees Finn Parker’s headshot she knows she has found her Griffin. But the studio wants to hire Hollywood hot shot Maverick Dailey. Both men would be great in the roll (and both want it) but she can only choose one.
This was a fun twist on a Hollywood romance. I loved Frankie’s view of Hollywood and couldn’t help but feel bad for her as she tried to navigate the very different world that Hollywood was compared to her experiences in Texas. Her dedication to her story is incredible and she only wants what is best for the show, but she also has to balance what is best for the show with what she wants for herself as well. And in the world of Hollywood glitz and glam, it is easy to be swept up in the romance of the story rather than reality.
Finn was an interesting character. He clearly wanted the role and regularly hinted that there was a lot riding on the role, but it took a long time for his motivations to really come out. When we did learn why it was so important to him to play Griffin, I felt like it was not as big of a reason as I had expected. There were actually a few moments during the conclusion of the story that I wish had been fleshed out a little further, to give more weight to those aspects of the story.
Maverick’s addition had me wondering at times if this would turn into a love triangle, and for the sake of length, I’m glad it stayed only on the edge of that trope. Maverick really was a good guy, and I liked getting to know him a little bit more (and maybe he can have his own book later?!) but I am glad that the romantic angle stayed focused on Finn and Frankie.
I loved the little Easter Eggs of character/location cameos sprinkled into Reel Love. I found Julie as she was publishing the Needing Moore series, so have been following her (and her characters) for some time. Seeing them pop up again and again makes each new story from her feel like it is connected to that beloved series.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.