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Perspective
Campbell St. Clair never expected her first novel to catapult her to success. She should be excited that she’ll be consulting on the movie adaptation, but she’s struggling. Her ability to write her newest novel has been practically non-existent, she’s all but given up on having a social life, and with the recent loss of her father, she’s trying to understand what she wants for her future.
Sloane Murphy's career has been careening forward for the last decade, so it doesn’t matter that she doesn’t like being an actress. The movie is a great opportunity for her, and in spite of her ambivalence, the show must go on. She’s done this enough times that she just needs to follow the script and hit her lines. But she wasn’t expecting to see Campbell St. Clair, at least that’s what she goes by now, on set, and her presence sends Sloane’s already precarious life into a tailspin when their paths collide again.
Neither are the same people they were when they’d met in college, but do either of them know who they are now? In a world of playing pretend, it’s hard to know what’s real, even if it’s right in front of them.
Sloane Murphy's career has been careening forward for the last decade, so it doesn’t matter that she doesn’t like being an actress. The movie is a great opportunity for her, and in spite of her ambivalence, the show must go on. She’s done this enough times that she just needs to follow the script and hit her lines. But she wasn’t expecting to see Campbell St. Clair, at least that’s what she goes by now, on set, and her presence sends Sloane’s already precarious life into a tailspin when their paths collide again.
Neither are the same people they were when they’d met in college, but do either of them know who they are now? In a world of playing pretend, it’s hard to know what’s real, even if it’s right in front of them.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2019
203 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Monica McCallan
17 books1,461 followersMonica McCallan was an enthusiastic fan of romance novels before she began writing them.
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
April 20, 2020
As this is a new author for me I didn't have any expectations. 'Perspective' is a story about friendship, trust, family and what impact some events can have on a whole life.
Campbell St. Clair's debut book is a bestseller and now it will be turned into a movie. When she discovered who is playing the lead role, her feelings are all over the place: anger, disappointment, joy, and nervousness for seeing Sloane Murphy again. Sloane was a great influence over her life back in college.
Sloane made a career as a movie star and can live her life without money problems, contrary to her upbringing. When she gets the chance to play the main role in the book adaption of a novel which helped to understand herself better, she grabs the chance. She doesn't know that a classmate from college wrote the book.
Told from the point of view of both main characters, the reader has the possibility to get to know them both. Campbell is struggling with her second novel and trying to figure out her future, care for her little sister (don't exactly know how old she is, but several years younger than Campbell) and the recent loss of their father.
Sloane is successful, but she has some secrets she isn't quite prepared to share with anybody. And after meeting Campbell again, she has to come to terms with her sexuality and her coming out. Seeing Campbell again after years brings her fragile life balance upside down.
What I liked most was the interaction and the dialogues between the MCs, their banter, flirting, fighting and talking. We get to know what happened in college that had such a big influence on Campbell. Even when the attraction was there from the moment they met again, luckily, they didn't jump into bed together at the first possibility. They took their time to get to know each other.
I liked the secondary characters of Val and Riley very much, they brought some perspective to the story and guided the MCs in the right direction, sometimes with a kick in the ass. They are both witty and help bring Sloane and Campbell back on track to happiness. But it is a jumpy road with some angst involved.
For me what took a bit of getting used to was that some of the scenes featured meticulous descriptions of details but left untold important events which were later narrated as flashbacks. It's unusual and not my favorite style. Additionally, some events were a little bit predictable.
Overall, it is a nice romance on the predictable side and with a little bit of angst.
My rating 3.5 stars
ARC provided by the author and LezReviewBooks.com in exchange for an honest review
Campbell St. Clair's debut book is a bestseller and now it will be turned into a movie. When she discovered who is playing the lead role, her feelings are all over the place: anger, disappointment, joy, and nervousness for seeing Sloane Murphy again. Sloane was a great influence over her life back in college.
Sloane made a career as a movie star and can live her life without money problems, contrary to her upbringing. When she gets the chance to play the main role in the book adaption of a novel which helped to understand herself better, she grabs the chance. She doesn't know that a classmate from college wrote the book.
Told from the point of view of both main characters, the reader has the possibility to get to know them both. Campbell is struggling with her second novel and trying to figure out her future, care for her little sister (don't exactly know how old she is, but several years younger than Campbell) and the recent loss of their father.
Sloane is successful, but she has some secrets she isn't quite prepared to share with anybody. And after meeting Campbell again, she has to come to terms with her sexuality and her coming out. Seeing Campbell again after years brings her fragile life balance upside down.
What I liked most was the interaction and the dialogues between the MCs, their banter, flirting, fighting and talking. We get to know what happened in college that had such a big influence on Campbell. Even when the attraction was there from the moment they met again, luckily, they didn't jump into bed together at the first possibility. They took their time to get to know each other.
I liked the secondary characters of Val and Riley very much, they brought some perspective to the story and guided the MCs in the right direction, sometimes with a kick in the ass. They are both witty and help bring Sloane and Campbell back on track to happiness. But it is a jumpy road with some angst involved.
For me what took a bit of getting used to was that some of the scenes featured meticulous descriptions of details but left untold important events which were later narrated as flashbacks. It's unusual and not my favorite style. Additionally, some events were a little bit predictable.
Overall, it is a nice romance on the predictable side and with a little bit of angst.
My rating 3.5 stars
ARC provided by the author and LezReviewBooks.com in exchange for an honest review
September 20, 2019
McCallan is reliable. You know what you can expect from her books. Great snarky dialogue and mega attractive leads. There is no doubt about her ability to deliver on those things.
Here is an awesome example of the type of great dialogue McCallan offers:
'Sloan made quick work of Campbell's pants, leaving her in nothing but an open shirt and what Sloane now realized was a matching lingerie set.
"Planned on getting lucky tonight?" Sloan asked as she hungrily raked her eyes across Campbell's body.
Campbell gave her an infuriatingly sexy stare. "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.'
Campbell is an author who's book is being made into a movie. As fate would have it, the lead actress who signed on happens to be an influential person from Campbell's past. We discover how they know each other and the impacts of that.
I enjoyed their interactions. I liked how they developed feelings for one another based on real conversations about deep things in their lives. It did not fall prey to a too-quick hookup or too-soon 'I love yous.' It had a decent amount of angst to fulfill my needs.
So why just the three stars? A few things. In every book, McCallan puts a lot of action or exposition between bits of dialogue to the point of forgetting what a person is responding to. So you have to go back and re-read to follow the conversation at times. It wasn't AS notable in this as in others. But still present. I was a beta reader for this but wasn't able to finish because life got in the way. I don't remember there being formatting issues. Perhaps it is the booksprout copy I got, but paragraphs ran together in odd places making it difficult to read. The ultimate reason for the rating is because the whole catalyst for the book felt contrived and unbelievable to me. It wasn't so bad to not enjoy the story. It just made me feel less connected to the characters and outcome.
I love to read McCallan books. I'll read them all. She is one of the best self published authors out there. Come for the fun banter between characters. Stay for the hot leads and their sizzling chemistry.
I recommend this to those who like to read romance between women, celebrity romance, writer's block, New Orleans, getting a dog to overcome heartache, enthusiastic sisters, and friends who good intentionally intervene.
Here is an awesome example of the type of great dialogue McCallan offers:
'Sloan made quick work of Campbell's pants, leaving her in nothing but an open shirt and what Sloane now realized was a matching lingerie set.
"Planned on getting lucky tonight?" Sloan asked as she hungrily raked her eyes across Campbell's body.
Campbell gave her an infuriatingly sexy stare. "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.'
Campbell is an author who's book is being made into a movie. As fate would have it, the lead actress who signed on happens to be an influential person from Campbell's past. We discover how they know each other and the impacts of that.
I enjoyed their interactions. I liked how they developed feelings for one another based on real conversations about deep things in their lives. It did not fall prey to a too-quick hookup or too-soon 'I love yous.' It had a decent amount of angst to fulfill my needs.
So why just the three stars? A few things. In every book, McCallan puts a lot of action or exposition between bits of dialogue to the point of forgetting what a person is responding to. So you have to go back and re-read to follow the conversation at times. It wasn't AS notable in this as in others. But still present. I was a beta reader for this but wasn't able to finish because life got in the way. I don't remember there being formatting issues. Perhaps it is the booksprout copy I got, but paragraphs ran together in odd places making it difficult to read. The ultimate reason for the rating is because the whole catalyst for the book felt contrived and unbelievable to me. It wasn't so bad to not enjoy the story. It just made me feel less connected to the characters and outcome.
I love to read McCallan books. I'll read them all. She is one of the best self published authors out there. Come for the fun banter between characters. Stay for the hot leads and their sizzling chemistry.
I recommend this to those who like to read romance between women, celebrity romance, writer's block, New Orleans, getting a dog to overcome heartache, enthusiastic sisters, and friends who good intentionally intervene.
September 5, 2024
3.5.
Overall, Perspective was a decent read, though it did have some unnecessary drama that didn’t add much to the story. While this occasionally made it more frustrating than engaging, there were still aspects to enjoy.
I genuinely liked Campbell and Sloane as characters—they had potential and were interesting individually. However, their constant misunderstandings could be exasperating. If they were real people, you'd want to knock their heads together and tell them to just communicate instead of jumping to baseless assumptions about each other and their relationship.
Despite these issues, the book was easy to get through. Monica McCallan’s writing is smooth, and the narrative flowed well, making for an overall enjoyable experience.
Overall, Perspective was a decent read, though it did have some unnecessary drama that didn’t add much to the story. While this occasionally made it more frustrating than engaging, there were still aspects to enjoy.
I genuinely liked Campbell and Sloane as characters—they had potential and were interesting individually. However, their constant misunderstandings could be exasperating. If they were real people, you'd want to knock their heads together and tell them to just communicate instead of jumping to baseless assumptions about each other and their relationship.
Despite these issues, the book was easy to get through. Monica McCallan’s writing is smooth, and the narrative flowed well, making for an overall enjoyable experience.
September 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this one! It’s one from McCallan that I hadn’t read yet, and this audiobook was near perfection for me. The voice that Lori Prince uses for Sloane is possibly my absolute fav in her repertoire and it was a delight to listen to. I enjoyed both characters and I liked their dynamic together. The film/writing stuff was also up my alley as far as themes go, with a little second chance stuff peppered in there and I had a solidly good time. I don’t think it’s my top fav by McCallan, (I think that one’s still Then and Now) but it’s up there for sure and it is one that I can see myself re-listening to in the future. Def rec!
March 15, 2022
I enjoy McCallan's writing, I really wanted to like this book, the premise is right up my alley, but it just didn't really work out for me.
It took me about 1/3 - 1/2 of the book to be engaged in the story. I had a difficult time getting into it because of the many long internalisations between dialogues, misspellings, and typos. This book could've used more editing. Another thing; these characters have a habit of biting their lips, cocking their heads, I don't know how many times this was written, it was a ridiculous amount if it is something that stands out...
On to the actual story. It's a solid, nice Hollywood romance type of story and the characters are fun. They have some depth, at least there are hints of their depth although I don't think we get to see their depths, which is a missed opportunity in my opinion. Their romance and the end of it is a bit of a whirlwind. The dark moment comes rather early in the book, but the resolution takes forever, I don't really like how it all played out. I liked the characters individually, but together? I am not 100% sure. The supporting characters are where we can find the fun actually, just sad we don't get to see them as much, like the depth they would have added a nice layer to this story.
I think that is what I am missing in this book, a layer here and there, it's a bit flat.
Even Sloane in therapy, just these few maybe flippant lines? I feel like McCallan could have done so much more with it.
It took me about 1/3 - 1/2 of the book to be engaged in the story. I had a difficult time getting into it because of the many long internalisations between dialogues, misspellings, and typos. This book could've used more editing. Another thing; these characters have a habit of biting their lips, cocking their heads, I don't know how many times this was written, it was a ridiculous amount if it is something that stands out...
On to the actual story. It's a solid, nice Hollywood romance type of story and the characters are fun. They have some depth, at least there are hints of their depth although I don't think we get to see their depths, which is a missed opportunity in my opinion. Their romance and the end of it is a bit of a whirlwind. The dark moment comes rather early in the book, but the resolution takes forever, I don't really like how it all played out. I liked the characters individually, but together? I am not 100% sure. The supporting characters are where we can find the fun actually, just sad we don't get to see them as much, like the depth they would have added a nice layer to this story.
I think that is what I am missing in this book, a layer here and there, it's a bit flat.
Even Sloane in therapy, just these few maybe flippant lines? I feel like McCallan could have done so much more with it.
October 18, 2022
I don’t know how I started to read this book. Honestly.
This book follows Campbell Simpson, in the world of books, Campbell St. Clair; she’s a writer and her first book was a bestselling, but she’s scared to be a one hit wonder. Sloane Murphy is an A-list actress that doesn’t know what happiness is, she might have everything she wants but not necessarily knows what she needs. Their worlds collided when they were in college, they went through some stuff together, but the experience was very different for each one.
They reunite when Sloane accepts the lead in a new movie based on Campbells book. Everything starts to unfold in a very steady way, I enjoyed that it was not dragged or too angsty unnecessarily. What surprised me? Next..
Things I liked: great support characters, good dialogues, the author doesn’t unnecessarily lengthen the story.
This is a light read. Little angst with happily ever after.
This book follows Campbell Simpson, in the world of books, Campbell St. Clair; she’s a writer and her first book was a bestselling, but she’s scared to be a one hit wonder. Sloane Murphy is an A-list actress that doesn’t know what happiness is, she might have everything she wants but not necessarily knows what she needs. Their worlds collided when they were in college, they went through some stuff together, but the experience was very different for each one.
They reunite when Sloane accepts the lead in a new movie based on Campbells book. Everything starts to unfold in a very steady way, I enjoyed that it was not dragged or too angsty unnecessarily. What surprised me? Next..
Things I liked: great support characters, good dialogues, the author doesn’t unnecessarily lengthen the story.
This is a light read. Little angst with happily ever after.
February 21, 2022
I’m a big fan of Monica McCallan’s books, but I really struggled with this one.
The premise is really interesting. Campbell St. Clair’s best-selling novel is being turned into a major motion picture and she’s getting the chance to come onto the film set as a consultant on the film. Just before production begins Campbell finds out that Sloane Murphy, Hollywood’s up-and-coming It Girl, has just signed onto the project. The problem for Campbell is that she and Sloane have a mysterious history.
It’s a second-chance romance and when this trope is executed well, it’s easily one of my favorites. But there seemed a lot of their past left off the page. Even the reason for Campbell’s reticence to be around Sloane isn’t revealed for a while and, when it is, it seems to only explain a part of the picture. I didn’t get a really good glimpse into how important they were for each other in the past, so a lot of the tension didn’t work without proper context. And they go from the tension to just being together? It just didn’t work for me. It felt incomplete. Like I had to piece together important developments in their relationship to make the jumps McCallan expected me to take with them.
And the drama also didn’t work. The director asks the author-consultant to raise her public profile? Really? Literally no one cares about the author of a book-turned-movie except for maybe a handful of readers? This, of course, leads to a misunderstanding that really hit on Sloane’s insecurities, which leads to drama. The drama is exasperated by my favorite narrative technique: a character makes a major decision after hearing only a part of a conversation. *insert eye roll*
2.5 stars
I really struggled to read the first half of the book, but it did get better in the second half. This is one of Monica McCallan’s earlier books, so I don’t know if this was just not her best work or if this is proof of how much she’s come along as an author or both, but I’m glad it wasn’t the first book of hers I’d read. I'm rounding up because it did improve and McCallan is a good writer.
The premise is really interesting. Campbell St. Clair’s best-selling novel is being turned into a major motion picture and she’s getting the chance to come onto the film set as a consultant on the film. Just before production begins Campbell finds out that Sloane Murphy, Hollywood’s up-and-coming It Girl, has just signed onto the project. The problem for Campbell is that she and Sloane have a mysterious history.
It’s a second-chance romance and when this trope is executed well, it’s easily one of my favorites. But there seemed a lot of their past left off the page. Even the reason for Campbell’s reticence to be around Sloane isn’t revealed for a while and, when it is, it seems to only explain a part of the picture. I didn’t get a really good glimpse into how important they were for each other in the past, so a lot of the tension didn’t work without proper context. And they go from the tension to just being together? It just didn’t work for me. It felt incomplete. Like I had to piece together important developments in their relationship to make the jumps McCallan expected me to take with them.
And the drama also didn’t work. The director asks the author-consultant to raise her public profile? Really? Literally no one cares about the author of a book-turned-movie except for maybe a handful of readers? This, of course, leads to a misunderstanding that really hit on Sloane’s insecurities, which leads to drama. The drama is exasperated by my favorite narrative technique: a character makes a major decision after hearing only a part of a conversation. *insert eye roll*
2.5 stars
I really struggled to read the first half of the book, but it did get better in the second half. This is one of Monica McCallan’s earlier books, so I don’t know if this was just not her best work or if this is proof of how much she’s come along as an author or both, but I’m glad it wasn’t the first book of hers I’d read. I'm rounding up because it did improve and McCallan is a good writer.
October 21, 2019
I’ve wanted to read this book for a while and it came highly recommended. I was not disappointed. I am fast becoming one of Monica McCallan’s biggest fans.
Great book. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next Monica McCallan book.
To read my full review head to:
https://lesreveur.com/2019/10/15/pers...
Great book. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next Monica McCallan book.
To read my full review head to:
https://lesreveur.com/2019/10/15/pers...
September 8, 2019
This is not one of McCallan's finest. While I do love her writing style, I had difficulty getting immersed in the first half of the book. I got distracted by the many long internalizations between dialogues, misspellings, and typos. This book could've used more refinement in its editing. To add more to that were some overused quirks. You couldn't imagine the number of times the MCs bit their lips on this book :))
But the book did get better on the second half. I enjoyed the secondary characters, Riley and Val.
I was just iffy about the dramas that occurred. They're too fabricated for my liking, as they were caused by simple misunderstandings that would not have happened if the characters were open to communication and were not too quick to judge the other's motives.
Overall, this was an okay read.
But the book did get better on the second half. I enjoyed the secondary characters, Riley and Val.
I was just iffy about the dramas that occurred. They're too fabricated for my liking, as they were caused by simple misunderstandings that would not have happened if the characters were open to communication and were not too quick to judge the other's motives.
Overall, this was an okay read.
February 20, 2022
My expectations for this book failed big time. I should have read the blurb better. I picked it for Jaes bingo with a woman in therapy and have enjoyed MacCallen a lot in other books. And it’s about a Hollywood actress and I generally don’t like this subject matter. My bad. 😝
May 26, 2020
Sorry - enjoyed the first third, read to half way under duress and then, well, got bored. It seemed inevitable.
February 19, 2022
This was actually my second time reading this book, by accident. I started it this year to fulfill a reading challenge and I realized I had already read it and didn’t rate it yet.
I really enjoy Monica McCallan books and this one isn’t any different. I love the way McCallan writes and the stories she creates. I plan to go through her catalogue of books to ensure I have read them all.
I really enjoy Monica McCallan books and this one isn’t any different. I love the way McCallan writes and the stories she creates. I plan to go through her catalogue of books to ensure I have read them all.
October 16, 2019
Campbell St. Clair is a novelist whose bestselling debut is being made into a movie....starring none other than Sloane Murphy who crossed paths with Campbell in college and left Campbell with an indelible memory--as well as feelings that only get stronger the more time they spend together.
The story starts out quickly, and our two mains are thrown together with lots of interaction and action. The tension is there from the start, on both of their accounts. I wouldn't say this is a slow burn, the focus is on the changing relationship and it's twists and turns.
The story is told from both POVs in alternating chapters, which I don't dislike but I've been seeing this style a *lot* recently. The romance is sweet and organic, the banter is fun and never crosses the line into malicious "teasing". The sex scenes don't overpower the main story, and are a mix of explicit and fade to black. I really liked the tension when they were at the beginning of the relationship and things were just heating up. McCallan can really write sexual tension well!
The combination of Sloane's rigid self-protection and Campbell's sometimes thoughtless actions plus some terrible timing means that the road is not a smooth one for our two MCs. They clash several times and there is some angst, but not a whole lot as the mains both are mature enough not to wallow in misery, although it would be understandable if they did. Sloane, especially, is dealing with a lot of issues with both coming to terms with her sexuality and conflict with a troublemaking member of her family.
The secondary characters Val, Campbell's sister and Riley, the screenwriter save the day! They are witty and fun and help our MCs with a lot of thoughtful questions, wisdom, and the occasional kick in the pants when needed. I think without those two, the HEA wouldn't happen. They come and go from the story and leave the main focus on Campbell and Sloane.
The main strength of this book is the dialogue. McCallan writes fast-paced, clever dialogue with lots of innuendo and flirty exchanges. Also there are a lot of good discussions that I feel are realistic in the way that sometimes the issue isn't resolved, but both people come away with more understanding of themselves and the situation.
The story wraps up nicely and left me feeling rather gooey and romantic. If you like femme-femme pairings plus celebrity romance, this is a good book for you!
Rating: 4 stars
The story starts out quickly, and our two mains are thrown together with lots of interaction and action. The tension is there from the start, on both of their accounts. I wouldn't say this is a slow burn, the focus is on the changing relationship and it's twists and turns.
The story is told from both POVs in alternating chapters, which I don't dislike but I've been seeing this style a *lot* recently. The romance is sweet and organic, the banter is fun and never crosses the line into malicious "teasing". The sex scenes don't overpower the main story, and are a mix of explicit and fade to black. I really liked the tension when they were at the beginning of the relationship and things were just heating up. McCallan can really write sexual tension well!
The combination of Sloane's rigid self-protection and Campbell's sometimes thoughtless actions plus some terrible timing means that the road is not a smooth one for our two MCs. They clash several times and there is some angst, but not a whole lot as the mains both are mature enough not to wallow in misery, although it would be understandable if they did. Sloane, especially, is dealing with a lot of issues with both coming to terms with her sexuality and conflict with a troublemaking member of her family.
The secondary characters Val, Campbell's sister and Riley, the screenwriter save the day! They are witty and fun and help our MCs with a lot of thoughtful questions, wisdom, and the occasional kick in the pants when needed. I think without those two, the HEA wouldn't happen. They come and go from the story and leave the main focus on Campbell and Sloane.
The main strength of this book is the dialogue. McCallan writes fast-paced, clever dialogue with lots of innuendo and flirty exchanges. Also there are a lot of good discussions that I feel are realistic in the way that sometimes the issue isn't resolved, but both people come away with more understanding of themselves and the situation.
The story wraps up nicely and left me feeling rather gooey and romantic. If you like femme-femme pairings plus celebrity romance, this is a good book for you!
Rating: 4 stars
September 14, 2019
This is the third book by McCallan that I've hesitatingly read because the previous two really didn't work for me, but being a fan of celebrity based books, I thought I'd give this book a crack and... this was a hit and miss.
July 22, 2020
All the angst of great romance!
Campbell finds herself swept up in the Hollywood processes of her debut novel being transformed for the Silver Screen. When global sensation, Sloane Murphy is cast for the main character, it is a reunion for Campbell and facing her past. Having gone to college together, Campbell and Sloane are given the opportunity to reconnect but they both remember those days very differently. So working together pushes them to get perspective on their current situation, feelings, and what they want from life.
This was fantastic! Packed with angst and drama Campbell and Sloane’s story is one that gave great insight into just how differently people can interpret a situation. I loved how they interacted, especially in those early days when Sloane hadn’t quite realised who Campbell was. It was great to see their dynamic change throughout the course of the story as they slowly got to know each other again and understand one another far better than they ever had before. It was quite the roller-coaster emotionally with Sloane and Campbell, lots of uncertainty and because the book is from both of their point of view there was quite the opportunity to get to know them intimately.
The whole story was exciting though, and the reasons behind their story made for a unique twist that I hadn’t anticipated. It was such an interesting romance with lots to enjoy, and lots of moments that left me wanting to know so much more than what the characters were alluding too. There was also that balance between reality and imaginary with their story because of the book and the film. This added an interesting level of depth to the story that made for a little hesitancy and uncertainty between the characters. I loved how this really made them sit up and take note of the situation, realising they really had to communicate honestly if they were even going to overcome everything that potentially stood in the way of them being truly happy.
A great story that I highly recommend and hope for more from Sloane and Campbell in future.
Campbell finds herself swept up in the Hollywood processes of her debut novel being transformed for the Silver Screen. When global sensation, Sloane Murphy is cast for the main character, it is a reunion for Campbell and facing her past. Having gone to college together, Campbell and Sloane are given the opportunity to reconnect but they both remember those days very differently. So working together pushes them to get perspective on their current situation, feelings, and what they want from life.
This was fantastic! Packed with angst and drama Campbell and Sloane’s story is one that gave great insight into just how differently people can interpret a situation. I loved how they interacted, especially in those early days when Sloane hadn’t quite realised who Campbell was. It was great to see their dynamic change throughout the course of the story as they slowly got to know each other again and understand one another far better than they ever had before. It was quite the roller-coaster emotionally with Sloane and Campbell, lots of uncertainty and because the book is from both of their point of view there was quite the opportunity to get to know them intimately.
The whole story was exciting though, and the reasons behind their story made for a unique twist that I hadn’t anticipated. It was such an interesting romance with lots to enjoy, and lots of moments that left me wanting to know so much more than what the characters were alluding too. There was also that balance between reality and imaginary with their story because of the book and the film. This added an interesting level of depth to the story that made for a little hesitancy and uncertainty between the characters. I loved how this really made them sit up and take note of the situation, realising they really had to communicate honestly if they were even going to overcome everything that potentially stood in the way of them being truly happy.
A great story that I highly recommend and hope for more from Sloane and Campbell in future.
November 10, 2024
I’m rating this too high but lower would make me feel disloyal. If you’ve never read Monica McCallan, this isn’t a bad place to begin as it’s one of her earlier works. I did very much enjoy reading this from that perspective because I know just how much she has developed as a writer and a storyteller. There are telltale bits of her future writing in this book. Toaster oven, forced proximity, “friends” to lovers to enemies to friends back to lovers.
There’s angst, for sure. And at some points, I wanted to put these two characters into a giant t-shirt together and make them both be in it until they could get a grip and communicate.
The second half of the book definitely found its footing a little bit better. The spice level, for me, was probably 1.5 🌶️. Lots of running of the hands up and down someone’s side. Props for no fade to black, though. 2 complete stars for Riley, the tertiary character and the little nod of Riley breaking that 2nd wall for us as readers. Hard nod to Deadpool movies for completely breaking the 4th wall all the time. And since I’m a giant pile of mushy nonsense, I got my HEA.
There’s angst, for sure. And at some points, I wanted to put these two characters into a giant t-shirt together and make them both be in it until they could get a grip and communicate.
The second half of the book definitely found its footing a little bit better. The spice level, for me, was probably 1.5 🌶️. Lots of running of the hands up and down someone’s side. Props for no fade to black, though. 2 complete stars for Riley, the tertiary character and the little nod of Riley breaking that 2nd wall for us as readers. Hard nod to Deadpool movies for completely breaking the 4th wall all the time. And since I’m a giant pile of mushy nonsense, I got my HEA.
October 25, 2022
Once again I listened to the audiobook for this author. I really love the Hollywood aspect in romance books and I thought this was a super fun premise. Monica McCallan does well to write characters with defining traits, that stand well on their own, and she gives you JUST enough of the side characters to really make a story whole.
Sloane and Campbell have a really cute dynamic. I'm a sucker for the lady in a suit with the lady in a dress image. There were some nice moments in this. I just didn't really love it as much as I did the previous book that I read from this author. I think the potential was there but the momentum of the story was off. Still, it was nice!
Sloane and Campbell have a really cute dynamic. I'm a sucker for the lady in a suit with the lady in a dress image. There were some nice moments in this. I just didn't really love it as much as I did the previous book that I read from this author. I think the potential was there but the momentum of the story was off. Still, it was nice!
March 15, 2022
“Truth? The truth was ambiguous. And contextually relevant. The truth changed as new information appeared. The same truth looked different to people depending on which side of it they stood on. Depending on their own perspective.”
28 year old Campbell St. Clair wrote a book. A best selling book that was picked up to be a movie. A movie that some say could be a big deal in the industry. Her life has become surreal. She is on the brink of life as she knew it and life now. She has been asked to consult on the film as it’s filmed in New Orleans. Everything was going fine until the lead actress changed. Her replacement is none other than 28 year old Sloane Murphy. Hollywood starlet that Campbell happens to have a teeny little bit of history with. Not that anyone knows that fact.
I was loving this one. Then something happened. Unnecessary drama. Gah! Something I don’t like. Campbell didn’t deserve anything that happened before, during, or after the incident. It was only about Sloane. And I’m not a fan of one character with feelings staying chaste and the other character with the same feelings with their head up their ass not being chaste during separations. Not cool woman. The last portion of the book was rushed and just meh on how things wrapped up. I mean more should have been said or maybe acknowledged even. It made it less special that Campbell wasn’t THE woman or even just person for Sloane. It made it more like Campbell got Sloane to admit feelings she apparently never had before in all years then believed the worst of Campbell, cut her out of her life without an actual conversation, and buried herself in other women before they eventually reconnected six months later. Sloane never really owned her part in all of it. Just no thank you. But hey… that’s just my perspective.
Cliffhanger – no (stand alone)
POV - Campbell & Sloane
28 year old Campbell St. Clair wrote a book. A best selling book that was picked up to be a movie. A movie that some say could be a big deal in the industry. Her life has become surreal. She is on the brink of life as she knew it and life now. She has been asked to consult on the film as it’s filmed in New Orleans. Everything was going fine until the lead actress changed. Her replacement is none other than 28 year old Sloane Murphy. Hollywood starlet that Campbell happens to have a teeny little bit of history with. Not that anyone knows that fact.
I was loving this one. Then something happened. Unnecessary drama. Gah! Something I don’t like. Campbell didn’t deserve anything that happened before, during, or after the incident. It was only about Sloane. And I’m not a fan of one character with feelings staying chaste and the other character with the same feelings with their head up their ass not being chaste during separations. Not cool woman. The last portion of the book was rushed and just meh on how things wrapped up. I mean more should have been said or maybe acknowledged even. It made it less special that Campbell wasn’t THE woman or even just person for Sloane. It made it more like Campbell got Sloane to admit feelings she apparently never had before in all years then believed the worst of Campbell, cut her out of her life without an actual conversation, and buried herself in other women before they eventually reconnected six months later. Sloane never really owned her part in all of it. Just no thank you. But hey… that’s just my perspective.
Cliffhanger – no (stand alone)
POV - Campbell & Sloane
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2020
Were it not for the inventive variation the otherwise pretty overworked trope would not have worked for me, but this is a well worked, well written inventive seconnd chance lesbian romance.
Sloane and Campbell are two girls, who should have grown up long ago, but are struggling not only with their sexuality but also their lack of self steem, not to speak of the fear they have of feeling love or of being loved. So here we accompany two girls who pretend to be adult about things but sabotage themselves and another by letting their unwarranted panic rule their reactions.
So in a way, even though both charaters are in their mid thirties, I'd call this a coming off age story.
The characters are well developed and appear authentic, even when it is clear, that all is entirely fictional. The heavy stuff is kept to the background, making it a rather lighter read than the fitional MC, author Campbell, would have written, if the hints at the movies storyline are any indication.
In all it is a nicely entertaining book, even if it sometimes is hard not to cringe reading another unnecessary fear twisted thought ruining the moment for both women.
Sloane and Campbell are two girls, who should have grown up long ago, but are struggling not only with their sexuality but also their lack of self steem, not to speak of the fear they have of feeling love or of being loved. So here we accompany two girls who pretend to be adult about things but sabotage themselves and another by letting their unwarranted panic rule their reactions.
So in a way, even though both charaters are in their mid thirties, I'd call this a coming off age story.
The characters are well developed and appear authentic, even when it is clear, that all is entirely fictional. The heavy stuff is kept to the background, making it a rather lighter read than the fitional MC, author Campbell, would have written, if the hints at the movies storyline are any indication.
In all it is a nicely entertaining book, even if it sometimes is hard not to cringe reading another unnecessary fear twisted thought ruining the moment for both women.
September 13, 2019
Slow burn
It did have a slow start and I had no idea of their background together. I did appreciate seeing how they evolved though the story. I enjoyed the epiloge.
It did have a slow start and I had no idea of their background together. I did appreciate seeing how they evolved though the story. I enjoyed the epiloge.
October 17, 2019
Monica McCallan is a go to read for me. I was not disappointed. Pretty common storyline but very well done and cant wait for her next book..4 plus stars
August 6, 2023
I was torn between a 3 or 4 star rating, but opted for lower because of the abundance of typos and Campbell’s emotional immaturity. That woman was infuriating and gave me PTSD from some emotionally stunted exes. Sloane was a lovable baby gay with mommy issues. This book committed one of the biggest crimes of the “I’ve never been with another woman” trope and did not describe Sloane’s first touch and taste of a woman. Come on, I want the details. I want to know how she felt kissing her way down to Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup. I did not invest this much time to not get to hear every little detail about her first time with a woman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2024
I loved the idea that fate exists in love. I also loved the new perspective I gained on acting and how it’s a job that provides an income rather than just a passion. I enjoyed the psychological aspects of this book as well. The side characters were rather intriguing and annoying at times. Good book!
January 18, 2020
This is the first time I thoroughly enjoyed a romance novel. I was totally invested in the characters and their story. It was just a really fun read. Full review coming soon.
January 23, 2022
To “on set romance” I can’t tell it’s the best or wow, but to a Monica MccAllan books, it’s another good try worth the review.
I loved most of it, but still have many comments on some annoying parts.
The on-off relationship wasn’t the most pleasing thing of the story, specially the big off when Sloane accidentally come outed .. it was so annoying and provocative, however I liked how Monica undressed the star’s character slow and piecemeal to get to know her chapter by chapter.
I agree most of whose dealing with fame lacks to maturity. And Sloana’s overhasty and unmanageable reactions is part of her star package. But I still feel it’s unfair that Campbell didn’t gave her any lesson in back eventually.
The first star is missing because I didn’t enjoyed the prolongation of chapter four, it was waste of pages with very boring long scenes. I hate that I had to wait till the 40% of the book to get a spicy action between the two of main characters. Monica, you can do better ! Don’t bet on your fans patience.
The second minus star for the dull bail apology that Sloane gave Campbell among that monotonous romance of the final chapter.. it wasn’t expected to got such a boring finale giving to the smart flirtation conversations that was between Cam and Slo at the beginning of the story.
Unanswered questions : first, what happened with the date between Sloane and the one who work in. Entertainment ?! Second : How the therapist knew about the fact of Campbell didn’t betrayed Sloane’s trust, although Sloane didn’t mention it in their conversation and the book jumped to mention Campbell between them as it’s the first mention in that session ?! Nothing referred to Sloane told the dr.
I loved most of it, but still have many comments on some annoying parts.
The on-off relationship wasn’t the most pleasing thing of the story, specially the big off when Sloane accidentally come outed .. it was so annoying and provocative, however I liked how Monica undressed the star’s character slow and piecemeal to get to know her chapter by chapter.
I agree most of whose dealing with fame lacks to maturity. And Sloana’s overhasty and unmanageable reactions is part of her star package. But I still feel it’s unfair that Campbell didn’t gave her any lesson in back eventually.
The first star is missing because I didn’t enjoyed the prolongation of chapter four, it was waste of pages with very boring long scenes. I hate that I had to wait till the 40% of the book to get a spicy action between the two of main characters. Monica, you can do better ! Don’t bet on your fans patience.
The second minus star for the dull bail apology that Sloane gave Campbell among that monotonous romance of the final chapter.. it wasn’t expected to got such a boring finale giving to the smart flirtation conversations that was between Cam and Slo at the beginning of the story.
Unanswered questions : first, what happened with the date between Sloane and the one who work in. Entertainment ?! Second : How the therapist knew about the fact of Campbell didn’t betrayed Sloane’s trust, although Sloane didn’t mention it in their conversation and the book jumped to mention Campbell between them as it’s the first mention in that session ?! Nothing referred to Sloane told the dr.
August 4, 2025
4.5 stars
Another great book by Monica! I really liked this dynamic. Close to a second chance romance if Sloan realised it happened in the first place 🤣
This is a workplace romance/forced proximity, Author/Actor, Femme/Femme. Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Lori Prince, who did an amazing job! 3x Spicy Scenes.
Another great book by Monica! I really liked this dynamic. Close to a second chance romance if Sloan realised it happened in the first place 🤣
This is a workplace romance/forced proximity, Author/Actor, Femme/Femme. Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Lori Prince, who did an amazing job! 3x Spicy Scenes.
September 10, 2022
Perspective by Monica McCallan, narrated by Lori Prince
As I’m going through all the audiobooks by Monica McCallan narrated by Lori Prince (so far there are eight available), I’m happy to have discovered such a great artistic partnership. Lori Prince’s light narrative tone perfectly matches Mccallan’s optimistic, romantic, and hot stories.
Campbell St. Clair’s debut novel was a major success and is now being made into a film featuring superstar actress Sloane Murphy. Sloane wasn’t expecting Campbell (a pseudonym) to be someone from her past…
This is an entertaining second-chances, celebrity romance. This author is a bit of a specialist in second chances as she writes well the back and forth of past and present. In this case, there isn’t much more than a few references to their shared history but their previous relationship (or lack thereof) is enough to set the tone of their present interactions.
Though both main characters have in common a guarded nature, they have a very different perspective (hence the title) of their shared past. Despite an initial reticence to work together to improve the film, both women have to challenge their own assumptions about each other and their creative process to achieve their common goal and get a chance of getting to know each other in a different light.
The cast of supporting characters provide the necessary push that both characters need in order to get out of their own hangups to find possibility with each other. Riley, Sloane’s friend, and Campbell’s sister Val play a fundamental role to make them both get out of their protective shells. Riley and Val balance the angst and drama that both mains cannot seem to be able to brush off with a dose of humour and meddling.
Lori Prince does a fantastic job with the narration finding the perfect tone whenever the story got angsty or funny. She’s a great match to perform Mccallan’s books and her narration definitely improved my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, an entertaining second chances romance that won’t disappoint McCallan’s fans. 4.5 stars.
Length: 8 hours, 2 minutes
Available in Scribd
As I’m going through all the audiobooks by Monica McCallan narrated by Lori Prince (so far there are eight available), I’m happy to have discovered such a great artistic partnership. Lori Prince’s light narrative tone perfectly matches Mccallan’s optimistic, romantic, and hot stories.
Campbell St. Clair’s debut novel was a major success and is now being made into a film featuring superstar actress Sloane Murphy. Sloane wasn’t expecting Campbell (a pseudonym) to be someone from her past…
This is an entertaining second-chances, celebrity romance. This author is a bit of a specialist in second chances as she writes well the back and forth of past and present. In this case, there isn’t much more than a few references to their shared history but their previous relationship (or lack thereof) is enough to set the tone of their present interactions.
Though both main characters have in common a guarded nature, they have a very different perspective (hence the title) of their shared past. Despite an initial reticence to work together to improve the film, both women have to challenge their own assumptions about each other and their creative process to achieve their common goal and get a chance of getting to know each other in a different light.
The cast of supporting characters provide the necessary push that both characters need in order to get out of their own hangups to find possibility with each other. Riley, Sloane’s friend, and Campbell’s sister Val play a fundamental role to make them both get out of their protective shells. Riley and Val balance the angst and drama that both mains cannot seem to be able to brush off with a dose of humour and meddling.
Lori Prince does a fantastic job with the narration finding the perfect tone whenever the story got angsty or funny. She’s a great match to perform Mccallan’s books and her narration definitely improved my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, an entertaining second chances romance that won’t disappoint McCallan’s fans. 4.5 stars.
Length: 8 hours, 2 minutes
Available in Scribd
May 2, 2023
3.5 stars - Firstly, I really enjoyed this story! I really liked Campbell and Sloane, and found myself frustratingly screaming at them both to just communicate, but in a good way! I will say that while this seemed to start out more as Campbell’s story, it very much turned into Sloane’s story, as I found she became the main focus toward the middle. Which leads to the next couple of things I wish we would have gotten more about.
I wish we would have gotten more about Campbell’s father’s death and the impact that had on Campbell. The impact of this I feel is assumed, but I wish we could have dug a bit deeper with that. I would have like to hear more about the movie following the premiere. Was it successful? If so, was Campbell shot into the spotlight and how did she handle that, especially with Sloane’s retirement? I would have loved to hear more about Campbell’s next book. What was it about? Was Sloane her muse again? Finally, I wanted to know more about what Sloane’s plan was following her retirement. There wasn’t a ton discussed about Sloane’s interests (aside from that brief mention of fashion) so I can’t even begin to guess where she ends up.
I wish we would have gotten more about Campbell’s father’s death and the impact that had on Campbell. The impact of this I feel is assumed, but I wish we could have dug a bit deeper with that. I would have like to hear more about the movie following the premiere. Was it successful? If so, was Campbell shot into the spotlight and how did she handle that, especially with Sloane’s retirement? I would have loved to hear more about Campbell’s next book. What was it about? Was Sloane her muse again? Finally, I wanted to know more about what Sloane’s plan was following her retirement. There wasn’t a ton discussed about Sloane’s interests (aside from that brief mention of fashion) so I can’t even begin to guess where she ends up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2023
hmm this one was hard to rate. the first half took a while to finish. I planned to drop it after i just couldn't stay focused on it, not that there was anything wrong with it; i was probably just distracted in general. after i'd dropped it for a bit I read another book, a lot of manga and had a therapy appointment. Í picked it up when i remembered i had an ereader and decided i might as well finish it.
I'm really glad i did.
The second half of the book is really, really entertaining. I think the time jump gave every character a chance to cool down and reflect, which they all did wonderfully. there were several great fucking scenes back to back and the side characters really shone for their respective moments. The drama was a bit less dramatic than usually portrayed in romance, i think i like that more though? It felt very human and I'm glad Monica McCallan decided on this route.
i wish i could give it 4.5 stars but i have to remember that i did drop it for a bit, even if those reasons will never be known to mankind. i'll probably change my mind on a reread, so ill leave it up for grabs.
I'm really glad i did.
The second half of the book is really, really entertaining. I think the time jump gave every character a chance to cool down and reflect, which they all did wonderfully. there were several great fucking scenes back to back and the side characters really shone for their respective moments. The drama was a bit less dramatic than usually portrayed in romance, i think i like that more though? It felt very human and I'm glad Monica McCallan decided on this route.
i wish i could give it 4.5 stars but i have to remember that i did drop it for a bit, even if those reasons will never be known to mankind. i'll probably change my mind on a reread, so ill leave it up for grabs.
June 5, 2020
3 stars. Campbell St. Clair's first novel has made her a best selling novelist. She is now creating a movie of her novel. Although, she is struggling to write a follow up novel to her first one. Sloane Murphy does not enjoy being an actress, but she takes being the star in the movie as a great opportunity. She does not realize she knew Campbell in college, as Campbell is going by a different name now. She is unsure how to feel seeing her again, as she has feelings she is unsure what to do with. Campbell is attracted to Sloane but knows not to get too close, as getting involved with her could be a mistake.
The drama in this book was a little frustrating. It was all about not communicating with each other and made me want to scream at my iPad a little as I got frustrated by their journey. I did not like how the drama played out between this book, which is why it only received 3 stars. I otherwise enjoyed this book, but the drama really turned me off from wanting to re-read it or recommending it too much.
The drama in this book was a little frustrating. It was all about not communicating with each other and made me want to scream at my iPad a little as I got frustrated by their journey. I did not like how the drama played out between this book, which is why it only received 3 stars. I otherwise enjoyed this book, but the drama really turned me off from wanting to re-read it or recommending it too much.
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