{Review} Anne of Hollywood by Carol Wolper

ISBN #: 978-1451657210

Page Count: 338

Copyright: July 17, 2012

Publisher: Gallery Books

Book Summary:

(Taken from dustjacket flaps)

Wily, intelligent, and seductive, with a dark beauty that stands out among the curvy California beach blondes, Anne attracts the attention of Henry Tudor, the handsome corporate mogul who reigns in Hollywood. Every starlet, socialite, and shark wants a piece of Henry, but he only wants Anne. The question is: can she keep him?

Welcome to a privileged world where hidden motives abound, everyone has something to sell, and safe havens don't exist. With her older sister Mary, a pathetic example of a royal has-been, Anne schemes to win her beloved Henry in the only way that gives a promise of forever - marriage. Success will mean contending with backstabbing "friends," Henry's furious ex-wife, and the machinations of her own ambitious family, and staying married to a man who has more options than most and less guilt than is good for either of them will take all her skill. Anne will do anything to hold on to the man - and the lifestyle - she adores, however, even if sticking your neck out in Hollywood means risking far worse than a broken heart. With Henry's closest confidante scheming against her, and another beautiful contender waiting in the wings, Anne is fighting for her life. Can she muster the charm and wit to pull off her very own Hollywood ending?

List of Characters:

(Taken from back cover)

Henry Tudor: A Los Angeles power player with sex appeal that matches his wealth, he's the man every woman wants.

Anne Boleyn: Nobody ever saw her as part of the social "A" list, until she catches the eye of Hollywood's king.

George Boleyn: The siblings swore long ago to protect each other's backs, but their closeness might spell tabloid ruin.

Theresa Cromwell: A mature woman in a world that places a premium on youth, Henry's brilliant VP is determined not to lose her perch on the pinnacle of power.

Catherine Aragon Tudor: Although her marriage is yesterday's new, she's determined Henry won't leave without paying.

Ferdinand Aragon: His formidable political clout can make or break a career, and he's willing to use it to help his daughter.

Carl Wolsey: The wily funds manager is content to stay in the background, where his own interests are never short-changed.

Jane Seymour: The quietly beautiful San Francisco socialite designs jewelry, but Theresa's help may bring her a far greater treasure.

Wyatt: A musician working as a parking valet, all he wants is to cut a record deal ... until he falls in love with Anne.

Mandy's Review:

Anne of Hollywood will immerse the reader in a lifestyle of lies, suspicion, deception, and intrigue. Almost everyone is looking out for themselves and their best interests.

Theresa manipulates and deceives every person she comes into contact with so she can get what she wants from them: information. It's amazing what this woman can do with the tiniest bit of information that she receives. It's her source of power and what turns her on.

Anne has automatically become Theresa's enemy simply because Henry loves Anne, which is classic Hollywood isn't it? Anne knows Henry is a powerful man and powerful men have certain needs. They're not happy with just a quick fling and a girl who throws themself at them. Powerful men, like Henry, enjoy being teased. They enjoy playing the 'game.' They enjoy feeling as if they have control over their women. Anne understood this and joined in the 'game.' What she didn't count on was her inability to play the 'game' long-term.

Once Anne succeeded in Henry marrying her, she almost seemed to become lackadaisical with her gaming skills. So much so that Henry's interest in her began waning and other women worked their way into his affections. Even when Anne found this out, she thought herself safe as his wife.

Was she correct? Even though Henry had extramarital affairs, does that mean he no longer loves Anne? Does love even factor in a relationship with someone as powerful as Henry?

You don't have to know the original Boleyn story to enjoy Anne of Hollywood. This story is an exemplary tale of relationships that take place in Hollywood. It shows you perfectly that the Land of the Beautiful is a facade for the ugliness that lies within each person. I enjoyed this novel immensely and would recommend it to those who not only enjoy reading about the Boleyns, but to any fiction book-lover.


*A hardcopy of the novel was provided by Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review.