The Talented Mr. Blackwell by Julia Harlow Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance
Published by Self Published Publication Date: May 31, 2015
Pages: 297
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Dorrie Applegate just stumbled into a career-launching opportunity. The small-town Kentucky girl landed a gem of a position at Omni Publishing in New York City. Her first major assignment—writing a biography of one of the most sought-after male models in the world.
Grant Maxwell is at the apex of his career. Unfortunately the end of his run looms before him. At thirty-four, scores of younger, hungrier models nip at his heels, vying for his spot at the pinnacle of the fashion realm. And he has no earthly idea what to do next.
In the midst of an unlikely and tumultuous love affair with Grant, Dorrie is suddenly forced into making an agonizing decision. It’s a decision that shatters Grant’s heart.
Step onto the volatile runway of fashion modeling packed to the hilt with clashing egos, impossibly gorgeous men, backstabbing, and biting jealousy. And caught in the snare of the dramatic intrigue? Dorrie Applegate and Grant Maxwell
There are some great things about this book and some issues; first let me tell you about the story.
Dorrie Applegate is on her way to London to write her first biography on the most famous male model – Grant Maxwell. This is her first assignment and her company sets her up in first class and in one of the best hotels in London. Of course sitting next to her is a gorgeous Brit who takes a liking to Dorrie and who Dorrie accidentally falls asleep on. The get to London spend the evening together and one thing leads to another and spend the night together – the next day Dorrie goes to meet the handsome Grant Maxwell and of course standing there was the man she just spent the evening with – of course he gave her a fake name and the story kicks off from there. After a lot of misunderstandings and some time apart they find each other again and live HEA.
What worked for me – I love the idea of a great looking man falling for a real women with curves who is not afraid of taking what she wants and both Grant and Dorrie fit this bill. Overall I loved Grant – he is funny, shy doesn’t date much and is a loner. He would rather read non fiction than go out to and that is very different than what you sometimes finding in stories like these. Dorrie is curvy and not shy. She takes what she wants and gives with her whole heart – loved that about her. They are opposites but fit so well together and I believed they belonged together.
What didn’t work for me – I didn’t get the choices both Dorrie and Grant made throughout the story. For Dorrie I know she is young and inexperienced but what she did with Luke came completely out of the blue for me – the reasons why didn’t make sense within the context of her relationship with Grant. I know there needs to be conflict but this was harsh. Though her remorse and realizing that what she thought she wanted was not true to her heart was well done. I felt her pain.
For Grant after he and Dorrie break up – within 24 hours he is already with another women and Dorrie’s cousin no less. Again out of context for me – didn’t understand it. Also the reasons why he chooses to continue that relationship rather than go back to Dorrie who clearly loves did not resonant with me. Grant is a gentleman and I loved that about him it just took a little long to get to the next part of the book for me.
Getting past what didn’t work I thought Julia Harlow’s writing was well done – she is very descriptive and I loved that. I did think the characters banter back and forth was a lot of fun and I loved how Grant was able to show Dorrie a different life. If you are looking for a good summer read this is a great book for you.
