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yungokssss's review
4.0
Haha, one of the best novels I've read! Amazing, and I simply loooooooooved the characters, and how I got to see two parts of the story! Magnificent!!
raeanne's review
4.0
I won this book through a giveaway from Library Girl Reads.
This is a cute, funny, fluffy light, easy quick read. The blurb tells it all. Paranormal romance comedy - a genre I haven't heard of until now. Hell, maybe this author just invented it for all I know. It's not hard to see where the story is going but that doesn't really matter. Don't think about it much, just enjoy the ride like a good movie simply for the entertainment factor. I really do recommend this book it's just fun. The soundtrack is through ring tones that leads to the most hilarious literally laugh out loud moment of the book:
"Maybe Zeppelin was a little obvious?"
I could see this transferring well to the big screen. Please, please though for the love of God do the casting right.
If there's a sequel, I'll be checking it out and hoping it lives up to this book.
I think Des was my favorite character. She dress punk/goth but isn't the stereotypical depressed loner who abhors "normal" people who conform. She's the dark humor and I love that since I tend to use that kind of humor as well. I didn't find her made up words annoying. It makes me smirk since living language evolves through time and usage hence calling it "living". I find it funny when people complain about new slang being just made up words that aren't really words. Uh, hello isn't that all language? While Des has a dictionary full of her own lingo I can see how the cliquey-gimmicky feel of it can annoy people. I just don't see it the same way.
Jameson hit the right line for protective but respectful so he didn't come off as a controlling creepy type. I hate that so much and how that's so "in" right now. (Hint:Twilight) I also like the fact his and Aly's forbidden love isn't the most important thing in the thing book. That's just so fake and melodramatic. Jameson is all smirks and sarcastic but he's a good guy that could have gone wrong but didn't.
Aly was nice. I liked her perspective and her insights from her not wanting to be all fan-girly, not wanting to be disillusioned and her caring for those around her. She's the sweet home town girl and she's mostly defined in this book through her pain and relationship with others. I'm hoping she'll come more to life for me in the next book. She's not bad as is, she just felt a bit overshadowed to me. She is smart and not in the habit of doing dangerous stuff head first stupidly. She struggles but not in the classic useless damsel in distress way.
Missy, the dramatic diva sister of Aly is not left to be a 2-D character and has surprising depth to her. It's nice that she wasn't just left to be the antagonistic sister. She grows, or at least her character beneath the glam is revealed and it's a nice touching family moment.
Also, it was so nice for a group to come up with a plan that made sense and that actually worked for a change.
As far as the devil being in the details, I love how Aly and Jameson's names were like the font of the cover in the beginning of their chapters. Aly's font being the "Holly" part and Jameson's font being the "Weird" part.
This is a cute, funny, fluffy light, easy quick read. The blurb tells it all. Paranormal romance comedy - a genre I haven't heard of until now. Hell, maybe this author just invented it for all I know. It's not hard to see where the story is going but that doesn't really matter. Don't think about it much, just enjoy the ride like a good movie simply for the entertainment factor. I really do recommend this book it's just fun. The soundtrack is through ring tones that leads to the most hilarious literally laugh out loud moment of the book:
"Maybe Zeppelin was a little obvious?"
I could see this transferring well to the big screen. Please, please though for the love of God do the casting right.
If there's a sequel, I'll be checking it out and hoping it lives up to this book.
I think Des was my favorite character. She dress punk/goth but isn't the stereotypical depressed loner who abhors "normal" people who conform. She's the dark humor and I love that since I tend to use that kind of humor as well. I didn't find her made up words annoying. It makes me smirk since living language evolves through time and usage hence calling it "living". I find it funny when people complain about new slang being just made up words that aren't really words. Uh, hello isn't that all language? While Des has a dictionary full of her own lingo I can see how the cliquey-gimmicky feel of it can annoy people. I just don't see it the same way.
Jameson hit the right line for protective but respectful so he didn't come off as a controlling creepy type. I hate that so much and how that's so "in" right now. (Hint:Twilight) I also like the fact his and Aly's forbidden love isn't the most important thing in the thing book. That's just so fake and melodramatic. Jameson is all smirks and sarcastic but he's a good guy that could have gone wrong but didn't.
Aly was nice. I liked her perspective and her insights from her not wanting to be all fan-girly, not wanting to be disillusioned and her caring for those around her. She's the sweet home town girl and she's mostly defined in this book through her pain and relationship with others. I'm hoping she'll come more to life for me in the next book. She's not bad as is, she just felt a bit overshadowed to me. She is smart and not in the habit of doing dangerous stuff head first stupidly. She struggles but not in the classic useless damsel in distress way.
Missy, the dramatic diva sister of Aly is not left to be a 2-D character and has surprising depth to her. It's nice that she wasn't just left to be the antagonistic sister. She grows, or at least her character beneath the glam is revealed and it's a nice touching family moment.
Also, it was so nice for a group to come up with a plan that made sense and that actually worked for a change.
As far as the devil being in the details, I love how Aly and Jameson's names were like the font of the cover in the beginning of their chapters. Aly's font being the "Holly" part and Jameson's font being the "Weird" part.
whatdaniellereads's review
4.0
I really liked it.
I love stories about angels and other paranormal stuff, and this one suits the genre I like. But in a different, funny way.
It was really refreshing to read something different but with the same genre.
I love stories about angels and other paranormal stuff, and this one suits the genre I like. But in a different, funny way.
It was really refreshing to read something different but with the same genre.
csquared85's review
3.0
An e-ARC was provided by the publisher through NetGalley, with no obligation to provide a positive review.
I found Hollyweird very fun and enjoyable, though the writing doesn't really do much to elevate the story or the characters beyond the cliche.
Aly and Desi are two polar opposite best friends that have won a contest to meet Dakota Danvers, the hunky star of their favorite television show, Paranormal P.I.. When they get to Los Angeles with Aly's self-obsessed, wannabe actress sister Missy as a (conveniently inattentive) chaperone, the girls get the star treatment courtesy of Dakota and his cute, young personal assistant Jameson. When it becomes clear that Dakota's good looks aren't the only thing about him that's devilish, it's up to Aly, Desi, and fallen angel Jameson to save the world from a supernatural takeover.
Aly and Desi are spunky and fun, but not especially well-rounded. Desi is portrayed as the goth-punk one, but it's all surface. If you weren't reminded that she had hot pink streaks in her hair or Chucks on or a wardrobe straight out of Hot Topic, her goth status wouldn't even register. Aly is more straight-laced than her friend, and as our protagonist, she comes with some cursory emotional baggage (a recently deceased mother). Missy is pretty much a one-note diva, but she and Aly predictably make up in the midst of all the chaos. Jameson and Aly fall in love in the blink of an eye, and while they're both pretty earnest characters, the romance feels like just another item on the author's YA novel checklist. I could take it or leave it, quite honestly.
In spite of these criticisms, I still enjoyed myself quite a bit while I read the book. It went down easy, and while Aly, Desi, and Jameson are kind of generic, they still seem like they'd be fun to hang out with. Paranormal P.I. sounds like a slightly tweaked version of Supernatural, a show I unabashedly fangirl over, and Dakota as described sounds like a mix of the best parts of Supernatural stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, and I am all over that, lol. Our main characters' hijinks and Dakota's temptations are entertaining and a little slapstick, kind of like a cracked-out episode of Supernatural.
I think Hollyweird is a good fit for a lot of teens looking for something paranormal but light. While there's a little bit of romancing on the side, it's not the focal point of the story, and Clark doesn't take things too seriously. I could see Meg Cabot fans getting a kick out of it. It's precisely the thing I would've gravitated to when I was 17, so even though I can't quite make myself rate it higher than 3 stars, I'd still happily recommend it to my patrons.
I found Hollyweird very fun and enjoyable, though the writing doesn't really do much to elevate the story or the characters beyond the cliche.
Aly and Desi are two polar opposite best friends that have won a contest to meet Dakota Danvers, the hunky star of their favorite television show, Paranormal P.I.. When they get to Los Angeles with Aly's self-obsessed, wannabe actress sister Missy as a (conveniently inattentive) chaperone, the girls get the star treatment courtesy of Dakota and his cute, young personal assistant Jameson. When it becomes clear that Dakota's good looks aren't the only thing about him that's devilish, it's up to Aly, Desi, and fallen angel Jameson to save the world from a supernatural takeover.
Aly and Desi are spunky and fun, but not especially well-rounded. Desi is portrayed as the goth-punk one, but it's all surface. If you weren't reminded that she had hot pink streaks in her hair or Chucks on or a wardrobe straight out of Hot Topic, her goth status wouldn't even register. Aly is more straight-laced than her friend, and as our protagonist, she comes with some cursory emotional baggage (a recently deceased mother). Missy is pretty much a one-note diva, but she and Aly predictably make up in the midst of all the chaos. Jameson and Aly fall in love in the blink of an eye, and while they're both pretty earnest characters, the romance feels like just another item on the author's YA novel checklist. I could take it or leave it, quite honestly.
In spite of these criticisms, I still enjoyed myself quite a bit while I read the book. It went down easy, and while Aly, Desi, and Jameson are kind of generic, they still seem like they'd be fun to hang out with. Paranormal P.I. sounds like a slightly tweaked version of Supernatural, a show I unabashedly fangirl over, and Dakota as described sounds like a mix of the best parts of Supernatural stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, and I am all over that, lol. Our main characters' hijinks and Dakota's temptations are entertaining and a little slapstick, kind of like a cracked-out episode of Supernatural.
I think Hollyweird is a good fit for a lot of teens looking for something paranormal but light. While there's a little bit of romancing on the side, it's not the focal point of the story, and Clark doesn't take things too seriously. I could see Meg Cabot fans getting a kick out of it. It's precisely the thing I would've gravitated to when I was 17, so even though I can't quite make myself rate it higher than 3 stars, I'd still happily recommend it to my patrons.
brokebybooks's review
4.0
I won this book through a giveaway from Library Girl Reads.
This is a cute, funny, fluffy light, easy quick read. The blurb tells it all. Paranormal romance comedy - a genre I haven't heard of until now. Hell, maybe this author just invented it for all I know. It's not hard to see where the story is going but that doesn't really matter. Don't think about it much, just enjoy the ride like a good movie simply for the entertainment factor. I really do recommend this book it's just fun. The soundtrack is through ring tones that leads to the most hilarious literally laugh out loud moment of the book:
"Maybe Zeppelin was a little obvious?"
I could see this transferring well to the big screen. Please, please though for the love of God do the casting right.
If there's a sequel, I'll be checking it out and hoping it lives up to this book.
I think Des was my favorite character. She dress punk/goth but isn't the stereotypical depressed loner who abhors "normal" people who conform. She's the dark humor and I love that since I tend to use that kind of humor as well. I didn't find her made up words annoying. It makes me smirk since living language evolves through time and usage hence calling it "living". I find it funny when people complain about new slang being just made up words that aren't really words. Uh, hello isn't that all language? While Des has a dictionary full of her own lingo I can see how the cliquey-gimmicky feel of it can annoy people. I just don't see it the same way.
Jameson hit the right line for protective but respectful so he didn't come off as a controlling creepy type. I hate that so much and how that's so "in" right now. (Hint:Twilight) I also like the fact his and Aly's forbidden love isn't the most important thing in the thing book. That's just so fake and melodramatic. Jameson is all smirks and sarcastic but he's a good guy that could have gone wrong but didn't.
Aly was nice. I liked her perspective and her insights from her not wanting to be all fan-girly, not wanting to be disillusioned and her caring for those around her. She's the sweet home town girl and she's mostly defined in this book through her pain and relationship with others. I'm hoping she'll come more to life for me in the next book. She's not bad as is, she just felt a bit overshadowed to me. She is smart and not in the habit of doing dangerous stuff head first stupidly. She struggles but not in the classic useless damsel in distress way.
Missy, the dramatic diva sister of Aly is not left to be a 2-D character and has surprising depth to her. It's nice that she wasn't just left to be the antagonistic sister. She grows, or at least her character beneath the glam is revealed and it's a nice touching family moment.
Also, it was so nice for a group to come up with a plan that made sense and that actually worked for a change.
As far as the devil being in the details, I love how Aly and Jameson's names were like the font of the cover in the beginning of their chapters. Aly's font being the "Holly" part and Jameson's font being the "Weird" part.
This is a cute, funny, fluffy light, easy quick read. The blurb tells it all. Paranormal romance comedy - a genre I haven't heard of until now. Hell, maybe this author just invented it for all I know. It's not hard to see where the story is going but that doesn't really matter. Don't think about it much, just enjoy the ride like a good movie simply for the entertainment factor. I really do recommend this book it's just fun. The soundtrack is through ring tones that leads to the most hilarious literally laugh out loud moment of the book:
"Maybe Zeppelin was a little obvious?"
I could see this transferring well to the big screen. Please, please though for the love of God do the casting right.
If there's a sequel, I'll be checking it out and hoping it lives up to this book.
I think Des was my favorite character. She dress punk/goth but isn't the stereotypical depressed loner who abhors "normal" people who conform. She's the dark humor and I love that since I tend to use that kind of humor as well. I didn't find her made up words annoying. It makes me smirk since living language evolves through time and usage hence calling it "living". I find it funny when people complain about new slang being just made up words that aren't really words. Uh, hello isn't that all language? While Des has a dictionary full of her own lingo I can see how the cliquey-gimmicky feel of it can annoy people. I just don't see it the same way.
Jameson hit the right line for protective but respectful so he didn't come off as a controlling creepy type. I hate that so much and how that's so "in" right now. (Hint:Twilight) I also like the fact his and Aly's forbidden love isn't the most important thing in the thing book. That's just so fake and melodramatic. Jameson is all smirks and sarcastic but he's a good guy that could have gone wrong but didn't.
Aly was nice. I liked her perspective and her insights from her not wanting to be all fan-girly, not wanting to be disillusioned and her caring for those around her. She's the sweet home town girl and she's mostly defined in this book through her pain and relationship with others. I'm hoping she'll come more to life for me in the next book. She's not bad as is, she just felt a bit overshadowed to me. She is smart and not in the habit of doing dangerous stuff head first stupidly. She struggles but not in the classic useless damsel in distress way.
Missy, the dramatic diva sister of Aly is not left to be a 2-D character and has surprising depth to her. It's nice that she wasn't just left to be the antagonistic sister. She grows, or at least her character beneath the glam is revealed and it's a nice touching family moment.
Also, it was so nice for a group to come up with a plan that made sense and that actually worked for a change.
As far as the devil being in the details, I love how Aly and Jameson's names were like the font of the cover in the beginning of their chapters. Aly's font being the "Holly" part and Jameson's font being the "Weird" part.
ninareeds's review
3.0
I got to meet Terri Clark at the Colorado Teen Literature Conference in March, and as much as reviewing the books of someone you’ve met, talked to and actually liked is kinda scary, I just knew I had to request Hollyweird when I saw it on Netgalley. First of all, that cover is super cool, and so different from everything else in YA out there right now, and the synopsis just sounds fun, don’t you think?
Hollyweird starts with Aly telling her best friend Des about the contest they won, and needless to say they are both beyond excited to get a free trip to Hollywood to meet THE Dakota Danvers. I loved how Aly and Des seemed like completely normal teenagers, obsessing about meeting a superstar – I would have reacted the same way myself when I was their age. I do wish we had gotten to know them a little better from the start, the introduction feels just a little bit rushed, but everything picks up once the girls make it to L.A.
I really liked reading the story from both Aly and Jameson’s point of view. Whereas Aly is slightly confused about what’s going on, Jameson is determined to stop whatever devilish plans Dakota is working on so he can get his wings back, and so he’s not entirely happy with being sent to “babysit” Aly and Des, and Aly’s fame-hungry big sister Missy. I loved the dynamics in this little group, everyone just went really well together, and the little romance between Aly and Jameson was both sweet and filled with tension.
The main plot was exciting, and even if some of the smaller things were a bit predictable, I really had no idea what Dakota was planning before it was revealed in the story. I think my favorite thing about Hollyweird was the humor, and in particular the text messages from a certain someone up there *looks to the sky*. All in all Hollyweird is a quick, fun read with both romance and action. It might be a better fit for teen readers (I am 25, after all), but I still enjoyed it.
Hollyweird starts with Aly telling her best friend Des about the contest they won, and needless to say they are both beyond excited to get a free trip to Hollywood to meet THE Dakota Danvers. I loved how Aly and Des seemed like completely normal teenagers, obsessing about meeting a superstar – I would have reacted the same way myself when I was their age. I do wish we had gotten to know them a little better from the start, the introduction feels just a little bit rushed, but everything picks up once the girls make it to L.A.
I really liked reading the story from both Aly and Jameson’s point of view. Whereas Aly is slightly confused about what’s going on, Jameson is determined to stop whatever devilish plans Dakota is working on so he can get his wings back, and so he’s not entirely happy with being sent to “babysit” Aly and Des, and Aly’s fame-hungry big sister Missy. I loved the dynamics in this little group, everyone just went really well together, and the little romance between Aly and Jameson was both sweet and filled with tension.
The main plot was exciting, and even if some of the smaller things were a bit predictable, I really had no idea what Dakota was planning before it was revealed in the story. I think my favorite thing about Hollyweird was the humor, and in particular the text messages from a certain someone up there *looks to the sky*. All in all Hollyweird is a quick, fun read with both romance and action. It might be a better fit for teen readers (I am 25, after all), but I still enjoyed it.
anjanavasan's review
3.0
Aly King won a contest by EnterTEENment Magazine to meet Hollywood's new heartthrob, Dakota. But little did she know that Dakota is Satan's son and feasts on human vibrations and energy. And then there's Jameson, a fallen angel, currently working as Dakota's P.A. , his mission is to stop Dakota from doing whatever evil plan he has brewing.
Overall, Hollyweird was fun! Terri Clark's invented a cute story with amusing characters and she's got a pretty good sense of humor. This book made me laugh more than once. I absolutely loved Des! She's the quirky best friend that you love despite the zillion flaws. Jameson was pretty cool too. That cellphone of his was absolutely brilliant!
I liked most characters, the annoying sister Missy and fun best friend Des. Best of all was Aly, a non-believer, being forced to witness things she never thought existed and believe. The only weird part was Jameson and Aly's romance. It developed too quickly and out of nowhere before they spent any real time together but once I got past the initial weirdness of the first few chapters, the rest of it flowed quite smoothly.
Hollyweird is the kind of book I'd borrow at the library or purchase at the airport to keep myself entertained - it's fun, light, quick and enjoyable!
Overall, Hollyweird was fun! Terri Clark's invented a cute story with amusing characters and she's got a pretty good sense of humor. This book made me laugh more than once. I absolutely loved Des! She's the quirky best friend that you love despite the zillion flaws. Jameson was pretty cool too. That cellphone of his was absolutely brilliant!
I liked most characters, the annoying sister Missy and fun best friend Des. Best of all was Aly, a non-believer, being forced to witness things she never thought existed and believe. The only weird part was Jameson and Aly's romance. It developed too quickly and out of nowhere before they spent any real time together but once I got past the initial weirdness of the first few chapters, the rest of it flowed quite smoothly.
Hollyweird is the kind of book I'd borrow at the library or purchase at the airport to keep myself entertained - it's fun, light, quick and enjoyable!
daisy87's review
3.0
So I'd been expecting a fun, fluffy paranormal romance from the cover and the summary and it was exactly what I got!
The story flows very easily and it was just a breeze to get through the 240 pages that make up the whole of Hollyweird. I liked the characters, and thought that they were all pretty interesting and I though Aly was a well developed character. Her sister and best friend and even Jameson slightly less so. It actually switches POV between Aly and Jameson, but I never felt like I really learned a lot about him. The dynamics in the group were fun and the plot was interesting.
BUT. Yes, there is a but. Because of Hollyweird only spreading out over 240 pages, everything goes by pretty fast and sometimes it felt rushed. Especially the romance. I loved that it starts off with Aly admitting that she has insta-lust for Jameson (though it was a pretty big reaction to someone you've never seen before, but yeah, it can happen), but they go from lust to love in 4 days and I just didn't buy it. I mean, sure, they had good chemistry, but I didn't buy him even considering giving up his wings for her. I did like that he was actually 19 and not 119, cause it can get kinda creepy in my opinion.
Also, I get that the 7 deadly sins are things most humans fall at least slightly for, but what I didn't get was that when these were thrown at Aly, Des and Aly's sister, they know they're coming, know how to 'snap out of it', but each time they almost get themselves into trouble in the process. And this is pretty different from their smarts when it comes to figuring out Dakota's diabolical plan and then stopping him! I mean, they catch on pretty quickly even when Aly didn't believe in all of it 3 days ago. I'm also not quite sure what it was that made the girls so special and that they were the chosen ones by God himself to help Jameson.
Speaking of which, if you're a religious person, it's entirely possible you might take offense to how God and his angels are portrayed in Hollyweird. To me it was funny, if a little overdone at times, but I'm an atheist, and I do admit it is blasphemous at times.
But it was a pretty fun and fast read and I loved the concept of satan's children running all over the world causing havoc and especially one in Hollywood! It's pretty fun imagining Dakota being behind so many of the scandals going around the Hollywoodsphere (like Britney Spears) that have been happening in the last couple of years.
My reading: 3 stars
The story flows very easily and it was just a breeze to get through the 240 pages that make up the whole of Hollyweird. I liked the characters, and thought that they were all pretty interesting and I though Aly was a well developed character. Her sister and best friend and even Jameson slightly less so. It actually switches POV between Aly and Jameson, but I never felt like I really learned a lot about him. The dynamics in the group were fun and the plot was interesting.
BUT. Yes, there is a but. Because of Hollyweird only spreading out over 240 pages, everything goes by pretty fast and sometimes it felt rushed. Especially the romance. I loved that it starts off with Aly admitting that she has insta-lust for Jameson (though it was a pretty big reaction to someone you've never seen before, but yeah, it can happen), but they go from lust to love in 4 days and I just didn't buy it. I mean, sure, they had good chemistry, but I didn't buy him even considering giving up his wings for her. I did like that he was actually 19 and not 119, cause it can get kinda creepy in my opinion.
Also, I get that the 7 deadly sins are things most humans fall at least slightly for, but what I didn't get was that when these were thrown at Aly, Des and Aly's sister, they know they're coming, know how to 'snap out of it', but each time they almost get themselves into trouble in the process. And this is pretty different from their smarts when it comes to figuring out Dakota's diabolical plan and then stopping him! I mean, they catch on pretty quickly even when Aly didn't believe in all of it 3 days ago. I'm also not quite sure what it was that made the girls so special and that they were the chosen ones by God himself to help Jameson.
Speaking of which, if you're a religious person, it's entirely possible you might take offense to how God and his angels are portrayed in Hollyweird. To me it was funny, if a little overdone at times, but I'm an atheist, and I do admit it is blasphemous at times.
But it was a pretty fun and fast read and I loved the concept of satan's children running all over the world causing havoc and especially one in Hollywood! It's pretty fun imagining Dakota being behind so many of the scandals going around the Hollywoodsphere (like Britney Spears) that have been happening in the last couple of years.
My reading: 3 stars
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