Review – Bad Reputation by Emma Barry
Synopsis
In this whip-smart workplace romance from the author of Chick Magnet, a former teen star and an accidental intimacy coordinator have a plan to fix their images—and falling in love would ruin everything.
Cole James’s reputation as Hollywood’s favorite himbo no longer suits him. His fans can’t separate the real man from the character he played on a soapy teen drama decades ago. But that’s going to change with Waverley, the hit streaming historical romance series.
Maggie Niven hates her own notoriety. Fired for directing a divisive play, Maggie takes her fight against censorship public. When Hollywood comes calling, she becomes the new intimacy coordinator for Waverley. But it’s harder than she imagined to focus on the job.
Cole isn’t what she expected—and Maggie is more than he dreamed of. As filming gets underway, the cast’s old traumas lead to real intimacy, and Cole and Maggie struggle with feelings they shouldn’t have. Having an affair on set could destroy his comeback and her new career.
The show must go on. But if Cole and Maggie want a happy ending, they’ll have to start doing things their own way.
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Review
I learned so much from this book about the TV and film industry. Not that I was seeking out that information, but it was very educational. I appreciate the author’s explanations of how those intimate scenes on the screen are really shot.
This was also an entertaining romance novel. Maggie was fired from her job as a drama teacher because someone was offended by the play she chose. This is very common (sadly) in today’s world. Instead of using this as a teaching moment, people (parents) use this as a way to shelter their children. Cole is still trying to live down his breakout role 16 years ago. However, life will change for both of these characters and for the better.
I liked that these characters are a little older and not in their 20s. They were more relatable since I am not in my 20s anymore. They have gained a little wisdom but still don’t have everything figured out. Maggie is very professional in her approach to this new job as an Intimacy Coordinator. I never knew this profession existed until this book, but it makes sense. Plus, this was a perfect job for Maggie, considering her years of teaching drama and understanding how a scene should be set, but also taking into consideration how the actors feel.
The book does move along at a casual pace. Not too fast and not too slow. The story picks up after this show is shot, and they are back in LA. There are a few twists I didn’t expect, but it helped move the story along to come to its conclusion. I enjoyed watching Cole and Maggie’s relationship blossom. It wasn’t easy, and there were moments for them to work through, but they didn’t give up. I even liked Tasha’s story. She may be a minor character, but she has some growing to do as well.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will have to pick up something else by this author. We give it 5 paws up.
About the Author
Emma Barry is a teacher, novelist, former political staffer, and recovering academic. Emma lives with her high school sweetheart and a menagerie of pets and children in Virginia, where she occasionally finds time to read and write.
