Member Reviews
I'm in love with Landon Price aka Lance White!
I'm glad that I have given a chance to read the ARC because I am to have a glimpse of the glitz and glamor of a Hollywood celebrity. I'm thrilled that the point of view is Landon. He is such a romantic and sincere guy, Zara is so lucky to have him!
A South African girl who doesn't know much about cellphone, internet and Landon Price, Zara is definitely a lovely and innocent lady that easily captivated Landon's attention. I'm giving props to Spike aka Marshmallows, he is truly an adorable and smart dog.
Prepare to spend the afternoon reading. Vanishing Act is a quick, fun, smart, sexy “actor in hiding” read!
From the first day, Landon’s seen the beauty and intelligence in Zara’s actions and body, and he’s fighting his desires to make her his. Doesn't matter that he's trying to take a break from the spotlight—he just wants her any way he can have her!
Faith has put her family first in every aspect of her life—until she finds that she can’t hold back her feelings for Landon any longer. She’s been fighting for her independence from her strong minded father for years, trying to break out from under his overbearing, fearful protection.
I really loved these two characters individually and as a whole. Loved that they were smart in resolving issues as their fears as the “real world” and all the pressures and problems tried to break through their bubble. I loved how they made the best of the situation and the distance. I loved Landon’s interactions with Spike/Marshmallow. So much fun.
Vanishing Act is a perfect beach read and really makes me want to travel to an island oasis.
I'm a huge fan of A M Madden so I was excited to read this book & it certainly didn't disappoint.
The story of a big Hollywood star falling for a simple ordinary girl is the stuff of teenage dreams come true. Fabulous storyline made even better with the addition of an adorable fluffy white dog. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone
I really enjoyed this book! A Hollywood star on an island and a local girl who steals his heart - sweet, steamy and a good amount of humor. I look forward to reading more by this author!
I was drawn into the great storyline from the very first page and Landon and Zara made me feel like I was looking through a window watching as their story unfolded.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
If you're looking for fun and sexy new romance, Vanishing Act is an excellent choice.
Landon is desperate to escape the stresses of his life and decides to take a break on a small Hawaiian island. It's there that he meets Zara (and her adorable pup, Marshmallow!!).
Right the start, he is bewitched and pursues her relentlessly. It's adorable and I was quite charmed by him. I wanted him to get the girl. However, he's keeping a few secrets from her - like who he really is and the chaos that is his normal life.
It's a bit of an uphill battle to get their happily ever after but I liked how the author resolved their problems in a unique and believable manor. Vanishing Act was fast paced and highly enjoyable love story. I would absolutely recommend one-clicking this book!
Vanishing Act is a sweet, sexy Hollywood actor meets naive, younger woman romance. Landon needs a break from his hectic Hollywood lifestyle, so he takes off to Hawaii and it's there where he meets the future love of his life, Zara. When her adorable Maltese dog, Marshmallow wanders himself into Landon's bungalow, it's love at first sight both for Landon and Marshmallow, whom Landon names Spike *awwww!*
As the two fall into a friendship that slowly develops into more, and learn more about each other, Landon starts to feel guilty for keeping who he is from her. She thinks he's an accountant because Lanai is stuck in a time warp where nothing has progressed past the early 90s, so his fame hasn't yet reached the tiny island. I felt bad for Zara but at the same time I was empathetic with Landon because he was desperate for a relaxing break from all the people who wanted something from him. But, can they make a relationship work once Zara finds out who he really is? Can she live with and love a man with whom she'll have no privacy? And can Zara finally stake her independence from her controlling, paranoid father, when Landon's lifestyle is not conducive to the privacy he takes so seriously?
I really like Vanishing Act. Landon is so sweet and adorable, much different than the usual arrogant, womanizing playboy usually featured in Hollywood romances. Zara is almost his opposite, but once she does some character growth, I really ended up enjoying her. Yes, she's 8 years younger than Landon, but she's a perfect partner for him, sweet to his sweet, talented to his talent, and their relationship is sweet and a slow burn kind of sexy.
If you want a step outside the usual Hollywood playboy type of romance, dive into Vanishing Act!
I enjoyed Vanishing Act, the story of a Hollywood star and a girl completely removed from the very public world he lives in. Vanishing Act is written in the first person, which always takes me a bit of time to read comfortably. Once I'd convinced myself that it was like reading someone's diary I was fine. Landon and Zara are a lovely couple and they work well together in this story. Throw in a cute little dog called Marshmallow, or Spike if it's Landon talking about him, and you have a cute set up.
This story really had me thinking about what it might be like living life in a publicity fishbowl where the whole world hears about your every move. Not something I'd relish, no matter how well paid I was. The plot moved along pretty well most of the time though there were moments when it subsided into the twee as Landon waxed lyrical about Zara's beauty. It's not that I have a problem with good looking heroines, but more that I felt Landon laboured the point to the detriment of the story. That aside I did enjoy this book.
What does a movie star do when things are getting to be too much for him? He leaves everything behind (including his phone…now who does that. lol) and rents a remote place in Hawaii. Zara who is a local girl has no idea who Landon actually is which surprises Landon because who doesn’t know of him. Landon has to work hard to get Zara because even though she doesn’t realize who he is, she does think that he is too cocky for his own good. Even if Zara would fall for Landon her father would not approve. Does Landon even have a chance of becoming someone special in Zara’s life because of all of the obstacles in their way?
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a freely given and honest review.
Slow pace, awkward dialogue, unrealistic characters. The generic plot was interesting, but it was terribly executed here.
This is another fantastic read from this author. I was hooked from the first page with this book. I really enjoyed the characters, there romance was sweet. You wont want to put this book down once you've started. A fantastic summer read. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed and advance reader copy of this book
This was an ok read for me. I really enjoyed the premise of the story and it was a lovely romance and very sweet, however, the story moved a little slow for me and at times, I struggled to stay interested.
That being said, the characters were adorable and it really was a feel good read.
received in exchange for a honest review.
This was so fun. The dog named marshmallow (poor dog with that name) who is the matchmaker. Landon who realizes he needs a break and finds a hideaway but in the process finds the one who vitalizes him and he falls in love with her beauty inside and out.
Landon is a good guy. He is honest and a hardworker. He gets to a point where he feels he is losing himself so he goes on a much needed vacation. IT is here that we see the real Landon. We see the one hurting over his brother. The Landon who loves his family and respects those around him. The relaxed laid back Landon and the one who wants to fall in love with someone who sees beyond his job and see the man Landon is. When Zara falls into his world she gives him this and more. She is sarcastic, feisty and honest. She doesn’t see the movie star but the person.
Zara is feisty, sweet and loyal. She loves her family but feels that they are overprotective. When she meets Landon she isn’t bowled over by his charm but is wary and lets him know how she feels.
The banter between Landon and Zara is sarcastic at times but so entertaining. This story has intimacy begin with the exploration of discovery who the other is and who you are as well. They have attraction but don’t act on it right away. The learn about one another first. As they do we see Landon become less reserved and more relaxed. We see him contemplate life more and also fall in love. With Zara we see a girl who has the support of her family but also Landon. He helps her gain confidence and peace within herself. Landon believes in her and her talents and encourages her to spread her wings.
When they are finally intimate it is sweet and tender. I hated to see what happened at her sister’s house. This was all that Landon feared and more for Zara loses her being honest and real with Landon to me starting here.
In the end Zara does realize with help that it is love that matters and not what someone does. Landon is so patient and understanding when Zara needs time to figure this out and figure out her life.
The story is sweet, entertaining and fun. We get some crazy moments, attraction that zings, banter that has you laugh and smile and love that is heart melting. a story of love and finding yourself and who you are but also who you are meant to be with. A great summer read.
I have chosen not to finish this style. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I was not able to relate to the writing style for this book. There was something about it that made me feel like I was at a distance from what was happening. This made it difficult for me to form a connection with the characters.
I have chosen not to finish this title.
Thank you,
Laura
I loved this book so hard! It was such a great storyline and a wonderful change from the typical actor meets girl that writers seem to lean towards. I adore how the main focus wash Lance and Zara's relationship. I really wouldn't hesitate getting other books written by this author.
I requested and received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I went off the grid and devoured Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden. This heartfelt and flirty romance is the stuff that fairytales are made of. Vanishing Act isn't your run-of-the-mill Hollywood romance. It packed the right amount of emotional punch with easy to love and relatable characters. The ending melted my heart. Did I just go to Hawaii and fall for Landon, Zara and a dog named Marshmallow aka Spike? I sure did. One-click worthy.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Sarah – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars
This is pure romantic fantasy fluff. When the world’s most famous movie star finally has enough, he hides himself away on a tiny Hawaiian island where he meets a local girl and her adorable dog.
Landon Price is a perfect romantic hero – he’s handsome, rich, and famous. Beneath the surface, he is a loyal and often lonely family man who is secretly grieving the loss of his brother. Too good to be true, he ticks all the fantasy man boxes and then some.
Zara isn’t quite as interesting. She doesn’t recognise Landon because the island she lives on has very little access to 21st century entertainment. We know she is beautiful and that family issues have made it difficult for her to chase her dreams off island. Besides a deeper understanding of her family troubles, I’m not sure we ever see anything deeper from Zara.
The relationship between Landon and Zara is predictable and sweet. The Pretty Woman moments after the identity reveal are fun but for me, the angst and conflict once their relationship is discovered made the rest of the story really drag.
This is light and superficial entertainment meant for poolside reading with a cocktail in hand. I enjoyed it in the spirit it was intended even though I had to force myself not to think too hard or question too much.
Mary – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 Stars
Landon Price is the hottest actor in Hollywood, but he is in need of a break. So he is taking a vacation and not telling anyone where he is going. When the plane lands on a small secluded island in Hawaii, Lance White is ready to relax. A little R&R is just what he needs and no one seems to know who he is. After a few days, a small white fluffy dog shows up at his bungalow and he is instantly attached to him and calls him "Spike." When Lance finally meets Spike's owner, the sparks fly.
Zara Jobert is living in her own little world on a small Hawaiian island. She still lives at home but is ready to be on her own, she is 23 after all, but her father is overprotective and will fight to keep her close. When she meets Lance, she can't believe the attraction she feels for him.
What happens when Zara finds out who Lance really is? Can she handle his fame? Will Landon/Lance give up Zara to keep his career?
I loved the idea of this story, but it seemed to drag along and I had to push myself to read through the slow parts. I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Trigger: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.
This was a very romantic, Pretty Woman type story. Famous actor needs break, hides away on an island and meets a local girl. Local girl is SO local that she doesn't recognize the heart throb.
Zara is such a sheltered woman that I actually found her to be hard to believe. Yes, while I understood that her family had tragedy in their life, what teenager/early 20-year-old isn't somehow connected to social media or the outside world?
Then you have Landon Price (aka Lance). He was more believable in his story of wanting to just get away from everything. He also has suffered a tragic loss and feels somewhat responsible. While he's trying to figure out what he wants from his life, he meets Marshmallow (aka Spike). From there, he has an ally when it comes to Zara.
I actually found Marshmallow (aka Spike) to be the most endearing character in this story. He is what brought the couple together and kept them coming back.
Overall, this is a sweet story with very predictable twists and turns. It's an easy read for a day when you don't want to have to think of anything but romance.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a really good story – not a new concept, but really interesting take on it. That said, I did have a few struggles with this author's writing style. There is too much introspection and inner voice, by both the male and female lead. I am fine with a little, after all, that is inevitable, but pages of uncertainty make for a frustrated me. As I say I think the story is good, hence I kept reading, as I was invested enough to want to know how it could be resolved. Some of the issues were a little odd, like the constant fear of being targeted after 15 years, a regime change, and 1000s of miles distance – but I let it pass, for dramatic effect.
If you like a lot of inner debate and monologue, then this is definitely for you. If not, well the story is worth a read, and there is a good mix of romance, sex, and fun.
3 STARS!
A.M. Madden delivers a sweet romance with just the right touch of angst you can't help but sigh.
Landon is escaping his chaotic life and all the fame that comes along with it, while Zara tries to get the claws of her overprotective father out of her. At first the age gap between them seems to be an issue, but they give into each other pretty quickly.
Zara has lived a sheltered life on the small island of Lanai in Hawaii. She has no idea who Landon is and that's what attracts him more to her.
Their romance is slow, picking up with time. They get to know each other, but Landon fears Zara will feel deceived because he has yet to tell her the truth. He's not some ordinary man, he's this rich and famous Hollywood actor.
The true star of this book has to be Marshmallow aka Spike. The adorable yippy white Maltese dog who finds Landon, which brings him to Zara. It's an instant connection and it soon becomes a beautiful whirlwind love... But will this beautiful couple survive the turmoil of fame?
Vanishing Act was well written and very, very likeable, but at the same time it was predictable. At least for me. I personally knew what would happen halfway through the book, resulting in me not getting that wow moment or shock factor. Regardless if this story was my favorite or not, I'll continue to read A.M. Madden's books because she gives us readers fully developed characters who aren't just one dimensional and stories full of potential.
4.5 stars
All the feels for Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden.
I loved everything about this book, especially Marshmallow/Spike.
It was the perfect romantic book for my current mood.
*Purchase Links*
➨Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2s3Xkqy
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➨Kobo: http://bit.ly/2rjVRcN
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➨Google Play: http://bit.ly/2srEyKd
➨Random House: http://ow.ly/zzJ6306jenc
*Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy*