Party Girl

Unexpectedly Good

I was looking for something light to listen to that wasn't a romance or even a boy-gets-girl-loses-girl-gets-her-back chick lit plot. That's when I stumbled across Party Girl by Rachel Hollis. It was one of Audible's suggestions based on my searches and purchases. It was exactly what I was looking for.

Twenty-three year old Landon, or Brinkley as she is called in the book, moves to California to become an event planner, her dream of dreams. A Texas girl raised to be polite, good natured and kind, she finds herself in a cut-throat event planning company run by the rather ruthless, yet successful Salah Smith. As Landon is thrown to the wolves she does learn and grow in the company where every event seems to be a multimillionaire dollar affair. And of course, she gets herself into, and out of, complicated situations.

She makes friends who really don't understand her, yet can't help but like her energy and positive outlook on life. Although she may seem a bit Pollyanna-ish, the reader can't help but like her, too.

Loosely based on the author's life, it's a fun read because the characters are so engaging. At the conclusion I immediately went back to Audible to buy the second in the three-book series.

At first the narration by the author seems a little rough with the Southern accent, but the reader can quickly adjust and soon associates the voice with Landon. The weakness is there is not much difference between in the voices of the characters, so listening carefully is essential.

19 of 19 people found this review helpful

Really impressive!!

*4.5 stars*

I've been working my way through new-to-me authors who are going to be at this year's RT convention, and this book is the first from that list that I've really, really enjoyed. Total shocker, especially since the author narrates her own audiobooks.

Authors narrating their own audiobooks is a no-no, in my book, only because very few have the acting chops and vocal range to pull it off. While Rachel Hollis doesn't excel at male voices, she rocked out her female voices and gave great feeling to her characters. I was amazed at how much I loved the audio, and I'll totally spring for the rest of the series in audio format.

Party Girl is very "The Devil Wears Prada"-esk, but not in a bad way. It is clear where some of the influence comes from, but it stops short of ever feeling derivative. I was really surprised at how easily I fell in love with this story. The MC, Landon Brinkley, is a hard-working, spunky, high-hair, southern, nonjudgmental character, and I adored her. That is saying a lot, because female MCs have a tendency, for some reason, to cut other women down and come across as the lowest common denomenator. Landon doesn't. She was a total breath of fresh air, and I would read about her any day of the week.

I stop short of calling this book a romance, for all of my fellow traditional romance-lovers, because the focus of the book is really on Landon's personal development. While there is some romance, it takes a far backseat. There is also absolutely no sex (or any action) on page, which makes it more chick-lit-y, in my book.

If you want an interesting, engaging, story about a woman trying to make it in the cut-throat world of LA with lots of great side characters and some light romance, don't pass this one up. And the audio upgrade is totally worth it. Rock on, Rachel Hollis.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Different but good

I love the fact that this was a story about a girl trying to live her dreams.

The Devil Wears Prada

But for event planners. Mean girls and bitches exist everywhere and it’s fun to read stories where they get there comeuppance and the nice girl wins.

Love!

Literally the only thing I’m mad about is that it’s over! I love that Rachel reads this, it really brings everything to life! Honestly I don’t really have anything bad to say.

Party Girl

Fantastic read, superbly written, & very entertaining. I enjoyed listening to Rachel Hollis narrate it. Now I just want more. I look forward to the other novels in this series.

Fun and Light-hearted

I really enjoyed this book. Easy listen and great narration. Leaves a feel good feeling

Very good story about dreams and drive

I really enjoyed the drive and perseverance of the main character and the support given by the group of friends. The boss is definitely a piece of work!

Great Summer Read!

This book is everything you want a lighthearted, fun, girly book to be! I loved it!!

Loved it

I love this book. I never review anything! Unless I love it and want others to know how great it is. I needed this refreshing book to add to my collection!