Damage Control

by Jae

[Angie]

Damage Control is another sweet Hollywood Romance. This time we're following RomCom Starlet, Grace, and her new publicist, Lauren. Grace is the center of some gossip stating that she and her best friend Jill are in a relationship. The photos do look convincing, but the two really are just friends and it's up to Lauren to squash the rumors. But does hiring a lesbian publicist while hanging out with her lesbian best friend and guest starring on a TV show with a lesbian storyline really help? Especially in the middle of a divorce?! Grace's life just got a lot more complicated.

I liked Damage Control, although not as much as the first book. The main reason is because of Grace's mother. I definitely don't think that we were meant to like her, because she truly is awful. Everything about her was so over-the-top and felt forced at times. Particularly, the mini drama at the end, which was the main drama for this Romance. Grace's mother spends the entire book acting like "lesbian" is a dirty word. She also doesn't want her daughter hanging out with "women like that." That's basically the entirety of her contribution to the plot. Of course, this means Grace has to come out and show her that being gay (or bi) is okay. Unfortunately, we don't even get to see that.

As for the actual romance portion of Damage Control: it was good. It takes way too long to get there, but I enjoyed it. Lauren does struggle with having a crush on a client, but she remains professional. Even when it seems like Grace might not be as straight as the thinks she is, and when maybe she's been giving Lauren the eye as well. There's a lot of longing glances and wondering with these two. But once they finally stop dancing around the issue, they're great together!

Damage Control was an enjoyable read. It's not a favorite, because like I said, Grace's mother is just the worst and didn't feel natural. My favorite parts were the friendship between Grace and Jill. Now I'm really excited to get to her book next. And Lauren's script! It's actually the author's latest title, Shaken to the Core! I love Easter eggs like that!