The Hollywood Assistant by May Cobb is a slick and sexy psychological suspense that explores obsession, fidelity manipulation and the sinister machinations that ultimately lead to murder.
Synopsis
Fresh from a failed relationship Cassidy is eager for a new chapter in her life to unfold. Hence why she jumps at the job oppurtunity her well-connected best friend Lexie slides her way. She is to become the assistant to Hollywood power couple Marisol Torres, a drop dead gorgeous model-actress, and her husband Nate Sterling a well accomplished screenwriter.
Without a second thought Cassidy packs her belonging and moves to L.A. works to acclimate to her new surroundings and job. The Sterlings praise her work and dedication lavishing her with compliments. Soon, Nate asks her to assist him with reading scripts and letting him know if they’re good or bad. Cassidy blooms under his tutelage and becomes hopeful that this could be her big break into the industry.
Nate and Cassidy develop an attraction as Cassidy begins to suspect there’s trouble in paradise as Nate and Marisol are often arguing. Cassidy’s more than willing to be a caring and supportive shoulder for Nate to lean on. Then she discovers the true reason for her being hired on as an assistant plunging her into a world of secrets and toxicity. Things reach a tipping point when a murder occurs with Cassidy as the prime suspect. Will she be able to prove her innocence despite how messy her relationship with the Sterlings became?
Tropes & Representation
- Unreliable Narrator
- Femme Fatale with a Twist
- Rich People Drama
Content
The Hollywood Assistant by May Cobb is a refreshing psychological suspense with a ending you won’t see coming. It’s slick and sexy perfect for fans of erotic thrillers a la the early 2000s.
Themes including in this novel are:
Obsession and Jealousy- We see how Cassidy’s obsession with the Sterlings leads to questionable behaviors and decisions which culminates in her developing an attraction with her boss and seeking to have her affections returned. The emotions evoked from Cassidy’s actions, thoughts and behavior create a visceral reaction.
Deception and Secrets- Things weren’t as they seemed as secret machinations and sinisther intentions lurked under the surface. With Cassidy finding herself caught in a web of deception and being manipulated by her employers. This created complex dynamics and enriched the scope of the story.
Identity and Reinvention- Cassidy is set to start fresh with her move and new job. You see as Cassidy struggles to make sense of who she is as she test drives different personas reshaping herself to fit the person that belongs in the Sterlings world.
Writing Style & Readability
I found the prose and style to be straightforward and descriptive. Cobb was excellent at painting vivid imagery with her writing and evoking viscreral reactions. This made for an enjoyable and propulsive read that you don’t want to put down.
When it comes to the story’s structure it could’ve felt more cohesive if the two to three flashbacks that were included at the beginning were removed and either reworked to be included in the prologue or omitted. They wren’t neccessary considering the Prologue did an excellent job of foreshadowing to Cassidy’s future troubles.
Plot Development
This novel is a slow-burn with steady consistent pacing that doesn’t drop your off in the middle. Cobb balanced the action-based and character-based elements of the plot creating a cohesive and dynamic read. She hooks you at the very beginning then unfolds the foundation of the story and ties up all the lose ends as the story rockets to its conclusion.
Characters
The characters were dynamic and well-developed. Cassidy made the perfect unrealiable narrator with her vulnerability and gullibility following her break-up. Additionally, the supporting characters were also crafted to be complex and dynamic fulfilling their purpose in their roles to the themes of the novel and the plot.
Concluding Thoughts & Rating
This was such a fun read. I loved the range of emotions Cobb was able to make me experience. I was rolling my eyes, yelling at the book and struggling with second-hand embarassment. I love books that can make me feel things! I was able to spot some of the suspicious elements from a few of the characters in the story. However, I did not see the ending coming! Whew, what a way to wrap up a story.
This novel is perfect for fans of erotic thrillers. Think of movies like Unfaithful and Fatal Attraction. Also if you enjoy rich people drama, fame and Hollywood, and toxic, obsessive characters you’ll vibe with this. You may want to pass on this if you don’t like slow-burn suspense, can’t tolerate the unreliable narrator trope, or dislike stories that are slightly predictable. Visit Bookshop.org to purchase a copy and support your local indie bookstore.
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