Hollywood Scandal

Tired and cliche

It was okay, but the Prince Charming and meek female bit is so weak and cliche. The girl became increasingly irritating with her insecure/unsure self-focused whining. Matt was a little too good to be true as the (also cliche) reformed playboy who learned the err of his ways and of course she was the ultimate solution and key to his complete reform. 'Every girl in the world wanted Matt Easton and he only wanted me' was just one of countless moments that had me rolling my eyes. I just couldn't really get excited to tune back into the story like I can for most of the books I choose.

41 of 44 people found this review helpful

Absolutely loved this book

This is the first book I’ve read/ listened to from Louise Bay, I know I’m late to the party, I do have other books, I just haven’t had the time to dive into them yet. After listening to Hollywood Scandal, I am moving them up the TBL list, because, damn, I loved the writing style, the way I reacted to the characters and the story, I need more of this goodness in my life.


When I read the synopsis for this book I was giddy, it sounded amazing. The girl next door and the sexy movie star! Sign me up. I thought it would be a fun book to listen to, and I was right. I loved everything about this book. I loved how Lana didn’t know who Matt was and fell for him anyway. I loved that Matt liked that she didn’t fall at his feet, she was a challenge for him. It’s a sweet romance that captured my heart and attention early on and once I started it, I didn’t want to put it down.

I fell completely in love with Matt Easton, he was such a sweet, swoon-worthy character. I was completely taken with him, pretty much from the get go. He was funny and charming. Respectful and supportive. Sure, he might have made some mistakes but his heart was in the right place. I also may not be able to see past his awesomeness lol.

I really liked Lana, I did get a little mad at her at times, how could she not see how perfect Matt was? I mean, come on girl! She came around to my way of thinking, in the end, so all was forgiven. I liked her backstory, and her reasoning made sense, even though I wanted to tell her to get over it, I understood her reluctance. Her interactions with the locals were cute and gave insight into her character.

I had an instant dislike of Brian and Sinclair, I wanted to punch them both in the balls. Who the heck did they think they were? I’d have fired them. But, they did redeem themselves in the end so I kind of forgave them.

The older residents of Worthington were great, I loved their little additions to the story and they really brought the small-town vibe to life.

I loved Ruby, she totally needs her own book and HEA. I liked that she was the one person that knew Lana and her history, that she could offer support and advice that others couldn’t, even though she played a small part in the scheme of things, the effect was huge.


I loved how this relationship played out. It was very sweet. I loved the interactions between the characters and the banter they had. Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing but the conflict made the ending so much sweeter. The sex scenes were steamy and well placed, none of the sex was for the sake of it, it played a part in the story and made sense…and was written incredibly well.

A couple of scenes really stood out for me with this couple. The first kiss…wowser, what a kiss that was. I don’t know how they managed to pull away, it was hot. I think that might have been when I fell in love with Matt. The second was the first sex scene, it is a perfect example of this couple and how they react to each other, the trust and respect they have. I thought it was beautifully done. Another scene, I know I said a couple but I just remembered this one, I loved it, and it’s not really a spoiler, but Matt gives an acceptance speech and it was so beautiful, I may have teared up…just a little.


This dual narration was incredibly performed, Andi Arndt and Sebastian York’s voices blended smoothly together to tell this story and really made you feel like you were there, witnessing these events. They may have also melted my headphones with those sex scenes…talk about smoking hot!

Andi Arndt was on point with her narration, which she usually is. I loved her as Lana and she really performed all the characters well, she was wonderful. One of the standout character performances for me was Mrs. Wells. Although a smaller part, she had that blend of wisdom and cheek; it was not over performed like older people sometimes are.

I’ve listened to a number of audiobooks performed by Sebastian York, and I must say, I think this is my favourite. He totally blew me away with his performance, it was very different from anything else I’ve heard him do. (Maybe I’ve been listening to the wrong books?) Each character was very distinct. The accents were done well and sounded right for the areas. He was absolutely perfect as Matt.

29 of 32 people found this review helpful

Surprisingly Boring I thought it'd be better.

Hardly anything happens unfortunately. He revealed his identity way too quick and there's just hardly any tension or conflict. Its just low & tame drama.

Narrators are amazing.
Story eh. It's just okay. I just got really bored.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Not enough storyline

I rarely say this, but too much sex without enough storyline or character development to make it enjoyable. Easy, quick, fluffy romance read, but nothing to take away from it.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

Cute but could have been shorter

Towards the end of this book I was exhausted by the heroine. It started out cute but quickly became a back and forth that simply dragged.

16 of 18 people found this review helpful

waste of credit

I thought this would be good because of the reviews on here but it was so bad not even Andi and Sebastian's excellent narration could save it.

This guy is supposed to be a Hollywood star yet his agent and publicist both treat him like a child. That was super annoying. The conflict that Louise Bay tried to introduce was garbage and it was so annoying that the heroin's friend had to ALWAYS point out the obvious.

Overall, weak characters and an extremely predictable story line ruined this book.

14 of 16 people found this review helpful

A Wonderful, Sexy, Believable, Romantic Story

Lana and best friend Ruby have a beach cottage, next door [to Lana's home], that they rent out to tourists. Unbeknownst to Lana the cottage has been rented out to Matt – a Hollywood movie star on his way up to becoming an A-lister.

She doesn't recognize him and he is so happy to be liked for Matt, the man, not Matt the movie star.

This is a fun and sexy romance. Hollywood, small-town Maine, boy, girl, secrets from the past, etc. all the elements!

The narration is wonderful Andi Arndt and Sebastian York are fantastic. 5 well-deserved stars!

Notes for potential readers: some strong language and lots of descriptions of intimacy.

Credit worthy? Absolutely!

I hope you found my review helpful, if so would you please take a moment and select 'yes' below? Consider following me on Audible.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Slightly Different Romance

Fresh enough to give it a listen. Due respect to the actor, but the male narrator of the book is on EVERY adult story that comes out and is really getting old. He's fine, it's just that he's only able to change his delivery so much. The female narrator was great.

Story was different enough to make it interesting, but you could see the ending coming a mile away. Sex scenes were somewhat predictable and the story of the female character's past abuse by former boyfriend was not worth the it, when it was finally told.

6 of 9 people found this review helpful

ENGAGING, COMPELLING AND DELICOUSLY GOOD

Another very enjoyable story by Louise Bay as small town heroine meets famous Hollywood Actor and it's a match made in Heaven.. the problem is there's more than miles stopping their relationship from going too far.

Lana Kelly had her demons which has sent her to find peace, privacy and contentment back home in Worthington Maine where she can focus solely on designing her jewellery to sell in her store and Lana occasionally interacts with the locals. No worries, no stress and definitely no male distractions.. that is until the rental cottage next to hers gets occupied by a handsome sexy charismatic stranger. Their chemistry and mutual attraction was instant and soon Lana was spending her time in the arms of her droolworthy neighbor.. Lana also finds out just who her short-term fling is and where he lives but she sees the man not the star. The trouble comes when trying for more time together.. for juggling commitments.. for hoping the paparazzi would never find out about her.. and for thinking her feelings would fade.

He may be a hot Hollywood Actor who has done it all and got quite a reputation because of it.. but now Matt Easton is trying to clean up his image.. he's in Maine for filming but that doesn't stop his instant attraction to his beautiful neighbor who has no clue that he's famous. She's a breath of fresh air compared to the willing women and female fans who throw themselves at him wherever he goes - interested only in his fame and fortune. So a secret six week sexy affair sounds perfect.. however, the more time Matt spends with Lana, the more there is to like.. she's not dazzled by his fame, she's grounded, real and humble too. But she's also determined to stay out of the spotlight - and that's exactly where Matt wants her to be.. by his side - forever.

A very sweet and sexy dual POV romance made all the more enjoyable by two great narrators. The story isn't original.. but the little humorous side stories that Louise Bay weaves in are very entertaining and she doesn't drown the plot with the sex scenes. Both Matt and Lana were very likeable characters and so, the banter, the chemistry, the passion, the build-up, the romance, and the angst were all perfectly balanced to make this a very entertaining listen.

Worth a credit? Absolutely.. and that's why this talented author will continue to be an auto download for me.

6 of 9 people found this review helpful

Cinderella with a Hollywood Spin

Would you consider the audio edition of Hollywood Scandal to be better than the print version?

I did read the print version but I loved the audio version. I would highly recommend it to someone looking for an audiobook

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hollywood Scandal?

I loved Matt's acceptance speech...the way he recognized his friends and family showed the type of person he is. He never let fame get to him and is reflected in his speech and friendships. Of course how he acted after accepting it was a reflection of it too.

What does Andi Arndt and Sebastian York bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

These two perfectly blend together in their delivery of the audio book. You would think they are reading the book in the same place. Their performance adds emotion, chemistry and depth that you wouldn't have by just reading the book. By having the narrators perform the book you fell like the book has come to life and at times you can feel the emotions of characters.

4 of 6 people found this review helpful