Review: Behind the Scenes by Dahlia Adler

Behind the Scenes by Dahlia Adler
June 24th, 2014 - Spencer Hill Press
Source: Edelweiss
Format: ARC
Page Count: 328

High school senior Ally Duncan's best friend may be the Vanessa Park - star of TV's hottest new teen drama - but Ally's not interested in following in her BFF's Hollywood footsteps. In fact, the only thing Ally's ever really wanted is to go to Columbia and study abroad in Paris. But when her father's mounting medical bills threaten to stop her dream in its tracks, Ally nabs a position as Van's on-set assistant to get the cash she needs.

Spending the extra time with Van turns out to be fun, and getting to know her sexy co-star Liam is an added bonus. But when the actors' publicist arranges for Van and Liam to "date" for the tabloids just after he and Ally share their first kiss, Ally will have to decide exactly what role she's capable of playing in their world of make believe. If she can't play by Hollywood's rules, she may lose her best friend, her dream future, and her first shot at love.

If you follow Dahlia on Twitter, you'll understand why I was a fan even before I got my hands on her book. She's fun, honest and refreshing. All words I'd also use to describe to debut, Behind the Scenes. Did I enjoy it as much I hoped I would? Heck yes.

I liked Ally a lot. She was loveable, strong and flawed. One of the things I enjoyed most about her was watching her overcome insecurities and self-doubt and realising that she is good enough; something a lot of young people struggle with, especially teenagers, due to the pressures of media and Hollywood.

I loved the friendship between Ally and Vanessa. They've been best friends since they were young (I love those kind of friendships) and though they face some ups and downs in the book, they know they can count on one another and I think it’s great to showcase this kind of friendship in YA. The kind that don’t end after a fight or a guy comes along. Speaking of guys... Liam makes a great love interest, both for Ally and the reader. He's sweet, caring, supportive and more than easy on the eyes (Dahlia paints a lovely picture, this I assure you). I can definitely see readers falling in love with him.

This was the first Hollywood-esque book I’ve read before and I went in expecting to be entertained and for drama to ensue. I was and it did, but there was also depth with Allys’ dad sick, that grounded the story. Movie premiers, interviews and expensive wardrobes aren’t the norm for most, but family or money troubles? I think everyone can relate with that in one way or another.

A delightful debut; Behind the Scenes is perfect if you're looking to escape with a book that delivers sharp, realistic characters, swoon and a whole lot of fun.

4/5