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Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now? Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career. Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
I'm almost finished and loving it, but one thing that's been bothering me is the dual timeline and switching POV's. I love seeing Evelyn as an older woman through Monique's eyes, but there hasn't been much character development of Monique - and Evelyn is just so charismatic and fascinating, I want to get back to her part of the story when we switch back to Monique. I appreciate seeing Evelyn from an outside perspective, but idk i wish I felt more invested in Monique. Only thing keeping this from being a 5 star read so far but maybe ill change my mind 🤷♀️