Book: The Hollywood Switch-Up by Hallie Katherine
Reviewed by Shalaya
Rating: 2/5
I really feel guilty, but I DNFed this book at 68%.
So why? Was it the characters? Erika and Stefan were the highlight of the book; I loved reading their romance and interactions. I liked a few secondary characters too, not Anneliese, but the more I read, the less I was engaged.
Ok then why? Because of the whole subplot around a character called Stasia. There are hints that she has been a victim of SA and assault: the film director forcing himself on her in the past and her having to sign an NDA. The thing is, it’s never explicitly said, as if it's shameful. It’s something I heard happened in the industry; it still happens: powerful men taking advantage of women. So I get it if it’s a “hush-hush” thing in public, but in private?
I believe what made me disconnect was the execution: weaving this plot in between Erika’s struggles (Acting, not feeling adequate, her attraction to someone her twin considers her enemy) and the overall romance.
I expected a stronger romance from the pitch; however, it felt secondary to the SA and predatory men in Hollywood.
There were a few inconsistencies I couldn’t get past, like the fact that everyone says Erika and her twin look so different, yet as soon as she colours her hair, nobody sees it? Or when Stefan points out a birthmark Erika has (but her twin doesn't), but suddenly forgets about it the next time he sees it?
I also didn’t find the promised dark humour at all (and I am a fan of dark humour). The writing also put me off a few times. I understand Stefan's Tita was very important in his life, raised him and all. But guys, he sounded like Columbo with his wife: My Tita would say, My Tita would do this, My Tita this, My Tita that... a LOT.
Overall, the book is not for me. The premise was interesting: Twin switching, covering up, steamy celebrity romance, banter and dark humour. I just think the execution was why I disconnected from it.