Sometimes you just want to disappear and be someone you’re not. This is a funny romantic story with a twist. I loved the plot of famous guy meets random girl but it was so much more than that. This story had a great depth and the characters add humor to the story. Marshmallow is amazing who doesn't love a cute dog and I loved how quickly Landon fell for him. The writing was done at a great pace. I really enjoyed that the connection between the main characters was not instant you get to see the love bloom between Landon and Zara. This book takes you on a beautiful journey that will have you laughing and a little heartbroken all at the same time. I got lost in this book and can't wait to read more for this author.
I was gifted a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

I really wanted to love this one. The premise of the book is great. Over-worked disillusioned Hollywood star seeks escape into the unknown and meets the love of his life, but it overall fell flat for me.

The characters are both likable and have suffered losses that have irrevocable changed them as well as their families. The hero is kind and charming, and the heroine, while timid, has her moments where she is brave. The connection and development of their relationship is quick and believable, but I never felt that spark I need from a romantic pairing.

The story itself is written well, but there were moments that seemed to drag on. The conflict is apparent based on character development as the story progresses, and I found that I wasn't really surprise by how the story unfolded.

Overall, this is an okay read for me. It just seemed to be missing that something for me.

2.5. STARS

He has it all: wealth, fame, an Academy award under his belt and women who throw themselves at his feet. But something's missing from Landon Price's life. He despises the lack of privacy and craves normalcy. Add to that a bone-deep exhaustion Landon decides he needs a break. Disappearing sounds heavenly. Under a pseudonym he travels to paradise, Lanai, Hawaii, to refuel his depleted energy tanks. He writes his story, about the death of his twin brother, about his grief.

A little Maltese dog leads him to Zara. He is attracted at first sight. In order to stay anonymous he feeds her lies. Being with Zara makes him realize him even more how shallow his life has become and how much he takes his privileged life for granted.

Zara and Landon start spending time and the more they do the bigger becomes Landon's desire to open up about himself, to tell her the truth about himself. When he starts with telling her about his brother it isn't only cathartic but also deepens their connection. They share a deep grief about the loss of a sibling. But how will Zara, this beautiful, shy and sheltered young woman, react when she learns who he really is?

The first 20% I really liked where this was going. I was looking forward to getting some angst. The hero was very likable, sweet and funny and a bit of a horndog which provided some comic relief. Unfortunately the story fell apart for me when Landon tried to get to know the heroine better. It started to drag to a point where I got a bit frustrated. What added to it was that Zara was shy, guarded and sheltered and I missed the feistiness and fire we were promised. I was waiting for her to show some kind of liveliness but to me she felt too bland.

I would have loved to learn more about the heroes struggle to come to terms with his brother's death. The premise of the superstar actor trying to find himself again was so good unfortunately the execution didn't work for me. It was too slow for me to enjoy it completely. The saving grace was the good writing and the sweet hero. Since they worked for me I'll gladly try something else from A.M. Madden.

DNF @ 40% -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

I really tried with this one.  I will say one thing right from the start, this was not a *bad* book.  It just wasn't capturing my attention AT ALL, and I just have too much to read to spend my time reading something that's not captivating me.  Basically I was bored.  And when I looked at my Kindle's prediction of time left in this book and it said 4.5 hours, I said I'M DONE!

If the book kept going as it was going, I probably would have given it a 3 star.  Like I said, it wasn't bad.  But I'm behind on things as it is, so I gave up.  The first bit until we meet Spike/Marshmallow was really slow, and I did not get a great feel for Landon at all.  He didn't have personality traits that bugged me, but I really had no idea what he was like, other than self-important.  There really just didn't feel like there was any depth there.  I was already considering DNFing it at that point, b/c I think the writing style just wasn't jiving with me either.  I know it was just an ARC, but the tenses felt funny, and I kept getting tripped up on sentences because of the weird way the words were organized sometimes.

BUT!  Then we met Spike/Marshmallow.  AND OMG HE STOLE THE SHOW!  And it wasn't just because he was freaking ADORABLE, but b/c he brought out something that I had been waiting for in Landon -- a personality!  Landon was HILARIOUS when he was interacting with Spike.  Like, he was funny, and sassy, and I just started to love him!!  Things were looking up!!

And then we met Zara.  And again, nice girl, but she felt a bit flat.  And part of that is because Landon concentrated so much on how beautiful/hot she was, it really felt like the physical aspects were the main ones in their attraction.  And even at 40%, I still wasn't feeling them together.  We were *told* that he liked other aspects of her, but not shown really.  I enjoyed his teasing, and I thought we were getting a wee bit more depth, but for some reason I was just bored.  Too slow?  I don't know.  But I wasn't even remotely invested.  OK, I was like 1% invested, b/c that part of me wants to know what happens.  If anyone wants to spoil it for me, please feel free.

Honestly, in that entire 40%, the bits where Spike/Marshmallow were present were the absolute highlights for me.  But an awesome dog is not enough to make a book great.  Good?  Yes.  Great?  No.  And so I gave up.  Ah well, they can't all be matches right?

A.M. Madden delivers a sweet summer romance with Landon and Zara’s story in Vanishing Act. Set in Hawaii, this novel effortlessly transported me to the small island that Zara called home and had me falling in love with the very swoon-worthy Landon in no time at all. Vanishing Act overflowed with hilarious banter, adorable flirtations and deliciously sexy moments, delivering an interesting twist on the Hollywood love story. Landon and Zara’s chemistry was obvious from the start and I absolutely adored the electric push and pull between them. This couple felt fated in a way that was as beautiful as it was amusing and I found myself smitten by their developing relationship. I especially enjoyed uncovering the deeper connection that seemed to pull at this duo, discovering the ways in which they both complimented and challenged one another. Landon and Zara made for a unique pair and I definitely became invested in their happily ever after.

Landon stole my heart right from the start and I loved unraveling the man behind the award-winning actor. Everything about this character intrigued me and I kept reading in hopes of uncovering more about his history and personal motives. A.M. Madden did a great job developing this character - giving him a back story and personality that made my heart totally melt and left me rooting for him even when things got complicated. Zara was a bit of a puzzle to me at first and I had trouble deciding how I felt about her for a while. Her initial behavior was a little erratic and somewhat immature, leaving me to question what kind of heroine she would become. As the story progressed however, A.M. Madden exposed the pains of Zara’s past and made her easier to relate to. I quickly found common ground with this character and began to understand and appreciate her evolution over the course of the story.

Despite the many challenges A.M. Madden has set out for this couple, Vanishing Act is relatively low on drama. Landon and Zara’s journey isn’t action-packed or fueled by explosive emotions. Their relationship seems to develop more slowly, a smolder that eventually burns bright and hot. The nature of the storyline meant that the pacing was languid and there were definitely times where I wanted a bit more intrigue to move the book forward. However, the leisurely pace also gave Vanishing Act a vacation feel and I appreciated the relaxed tone the author set. Filled with colorful secondary characters, Zara and Landon’s story was never dull and I loved getting to know the vibrant personalities that completed their respective lives. A.M. Madden’s writing continues to sparkle, bringing this novel to life with her brilliant imagery, genuine emotion and unforgettable characters. Vanishing Act is another entertaining and touching read from this incredible author and the perfect summer read!

This was a nice story. Both the characters and storyline were alright. Landon is a mega-hollywood star who decided to disappear for a while. He goes to a rural spot in Hawaii and hopes to get his mind straight. While there, he runs into a dog and meets the dog’s beautiful owner Zara. He is attracted to Zara and wants to get to know her more. What pursues is a journey of two people with an intense connection falling in love. I really liked Landon-he was just sweet. I enjoyed how he showed how much Zara meant to him. I also liked Zara and how she was determined to become her own woman after everything she and her family have been through. Landon and Zara together was sweet. I really loved her dog Marshmallow-he definitely stole the show a couple of times. While I did enjoy the progression of the relationship between Landon and Zara-there were times that the storyline did lose some momentum. But my need to see how the story would play out with the secrets and the connection between the two made me finish the book. Overall, an okay read.

This is a sweetly romantic story with a compelling storyline and personable characters. Landon is charming, sweet, sensitive, romantic and amusing. Zara is sweet, naive, shy and caring. But Marshmallow/Spike steals the glory, he's a true character. I love the sweetness of the story, it's smooth and enjoyable. And a must read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my voluntary and honest opinion of it.

This was an okay read for me. Landon is a famous actor in desperate need of a break. He clears his schedule and decides to disappear to a quiet spot in Hawaii for a while. While he meets Zara, and can’t deny the attraction he has for her. Zara meets Lance what will she do when she learns the truth that Lance is actually Landon. I found the story just okay would have liked to have a bit more drama/suspense. The characters were okay, not a lot of depth to them. This is a sweet, entertaining read.

: 3.5 stars--VANISHING ACT by A.M. Madden is a stand alone, contemporary, adult erotic, romance story line focusing on blockbuster movie star Landon Price, and Zara Jobert.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Landon and Zara) VANISHING ACT follows Hollywood movie star Landon Price as he takes time out to recoup and regroup on a remote Hawaiian beach. Vanishing from the public eye Landon arrives in Lanai City, Hawaii under the name of Lance White where he will meet the woman that calls to his heart. Enter Zara Jobert, a young woman of South African descent, sheltered from the outside world and all things current and popular. What ensues is the building romance between Zara and Landon (Lance), and the fall out when the truth is finally revealed.

Landon Price needs a break from Hollywood, a break from the paparazzi, and a break from his agent who is all about the next big thing. In between movies, Landon decides it is time to take a well-deserved vacation-a vacation that finds our hero falling in love with a woman who has no idea about Landon’s true identity. Zara Jobert hasn’t always lived in the Hawaiian Islands, but a family tragedy landed the Jobert’s in the secluded and remote sandy beach where anonymity and privacy is afforded those who work and live.

The relationship between Landon (Lance) and Zara is predicated on a lie. Landon continues to lie about his identity to the woman that calls to his heart, and when the truth is revealed the fall out is far greater than either one expected. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic, language and text. The character building reveals the backgrounds, history and tragic losses for our story line couple.

We are introduced to Zara’s parents Talia and Andres , her sister Annia and husband Kai, and Lanai City mayor Palu, as well as Landon’s mother Caroline, and his agent Roger. Of course, we can’t forget Spike aka Marshmallow who brought out story line couple together. Conflict occurs when Landon’s identity and whereabouts is revealed for all of the world to see.

VANISHING ACT is a slow building story of romance; a sexy tale about two people fated by chance, a dog, and a sandy beach. The premise is heartwarming and idealistic; the characters are passionate and spirited; the romance is sweet and sexy. VANISHING ACT is a playful and delightful romance story for a lazy, sunny afternoon on your very own sandy beach.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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I loved this book! I have never read anything by this author and I am so glad I read this book.
This book has me wondering what I would do if I never had privacy, how I would handle grief in the public eye and had me sympathetic to Landon/Lance. I liked the storyline of Marshmalliw/Spike.
I enjoyed the slow build-up of the relationship. I was hopeful that she wouldn't walk away when she learned his secret. What causes a rift is kind of unexpected, but I was happy with the way the issues were resolved. Great book.

This author knows how to deliver a romance that has substance to it. In this one it centers around Landon who is the one who has to get away especially from the eyes to quiet . He finds the perfect place but also walks in perfect in the form of Zara thanks to a hairy friend. From then on you see how this unique relationship thanks to circumstances grows with you becoming quite interested in how it will go. She knows how to hit the tender spots with you wistfully being carried along with these two. There will be drama but oh so sweet and painful all in the name of romance. The setting was a place I would get into for healing myself lol. When you do get the outcome of this one will it finally maybe be some relief.

Let me first say that this book doesn’t work out the way you may think. (Oops! Hope that’s not a huge spoiler.) But for those of you who would choose not to read it because you’ve read the story of the famous hero who lies about who he is and all the angst that results from that lie…this is not that story.

Instead, it is a beautiful love story of a man who is isolated in an industry where he is never alone. No one knows the real Landon Price. Making the decision to take a break he heads to an isolated Hawaiian island. While there he meets Spike. Let me just say that Spike is the most charming, charismatic secondary character I’ve read in a very long time. He eventually leads our hero to our heroine who has lived her life in a community where the tv program Friends is still considered current viewing. There is no wi-fi and cell reception can only be found in a few spots. We are talking i-s-o-l-a-t-e-d.

Landon and Zara’s romance is slow but steady and totally organic. Much like real life. They meet, they date, there is no fast and furtive sex but there is immediate attraction to each other. One of the things I appreciated the most about this story is that this couple actually refrain from having sex until they are in love. It’s a novel idea, right?

Zara is one of the sweetest heroines I’ve read in a while and Landon loves everything about her. You’re not going to get knocked over the head with an alpha hero that thumps his chest, but you’ll meet a man who will give his woman what she needs in order for her life to be fulfilling. Well, he can be a little possessive when confronted by anyone who threatens his position in that life.

I’m not going to tell you how the lie resolves itself and I’m not going to tell you what the huge conflict is. What I will tell you is that this couple are together emotionally throughout this whole book. And I loved every single word of it.

ARC provided for an honest review

Dual POV
Safe
No triggers IMO

Zara is one trusting person. Landon is in need of a break from his everyday life. They have an instant connection. Zara is very confused on how she is feeling. Landon is having really strong feelings he has never had before. They make for a very complicated fun loving couple. Could not wait to see where the story would go.

*** ARC generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***

I love stories where the heroine doesn't know that the hero is a famous person as I always enjoy seeing how the scenario plays out. Add in an exotic locale and insta-love and you have Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden, a new-to-me author whose Back Up series has been on my TBR for quite some time. This is a swoon-worthy love story with some seriously scorching heat and I'm not talking about the actual temperature in Hawaii!! Landon and Zara are electric together and their sexy times are aplenty. There's cuteness galore with Marshmallow the dog and conflict regarding the true identity of "Lance" (Landon) and it all comes together for a fabulously entertaining story.

4.5 Stars!

Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden, is a unique combination of love, the tropical breezes of Hawaii, and the fast-paced Hollywood lifestyle. A gripping and lively first chapter drew me into this exciting romance, with characters that are heartfelt, sincere and authentic. This is a sweet and sexy read that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

Although Zara Jobert lives a sheltered life on the peaceful island of Lanai, she has always wanted to expand her horizons through higher education, travel, and photography. Zara is a kind and giving young woman, who escaped the violence of South Africa with her family many years ago. Her non-existent love life takes a turn for the better when she meets Landon Price. Landon is a very famous actor, getting some much needed rest and relaxation after the arduous filming of his latest movie. The island's remoteness and lack of current technologies provide him with the autonomy he craves, while his agent deals with the fallout of his fast but temporary exit from the entertainment industry. Thanks to a scrappy Maltese named both Marshmallow and Spike, Zara and Landon fall in love.

This is an enjoyable book. Zara and Landon are beautiful people, both inside and out. Talk about opposites! Of course a few obstacles stand in the way of their happiness. Zara’s overprotective father, Landon's unveiling of his true self, and the paparazzi, just to name a few. Their feelings evolve from attraction to genuine love, which enables them to work through the hardships within their newfound relationship. If you are looking for a solid, fast-paced romance about love with a celebrity, then give this book a shout.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Book Review
Title: Vanishing Act
Author: A.M. Madden
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: June 20, 2017
Cliff Hanger: No

4 Stars

*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+

Synopsis:
In this captivating standalone romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Stone Walls, Hollywood’s hottest actor meets his dream woman: a free spirit who has no idea who he is.

After personal heartbreak and professional setbacks, Landon Price is running on empty. If he doesn’t take a break from the public eye soon, he’ll risk becoming another cautionary tale in a town that’s full of them. So in between film projects, Landon asks his agent to clear his schedule and then he simply . . . vanishes. Renting a discreet home on a remote Hawaiian beach for the summer, Landon begins to recharge. And in the process of finding himself, he meets a beautiful, feisty local who challenges everything he thinks he knows.

Zara Jobert has no interest in being a conquest for a cocky playboy from the mainland—even one with undeniable charisma and movie-star good looks. So she’s pleasantly surprised when the handsome newcomer’s persistent advances mellow into cozy banter and a sneakily seductive intimacy. When Landon reveals his true identity, Zara’s hurt that he lied, but she doesn’t care that he’s famous. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. And falling for Landon might come with a heartbreaking choice—between Zara’s old life, and a new love.

My Thoughts:
I absolutely adored this story! I was hooked from the first sentence, plus it was staged in Hawaii, my favorite place in the world!

Landon is at the top of his game, an A-list actor that is burnt out. He is still grieving the loss of his brother and is tired of the Hollywood life. Once he wraps his latest project, he checks out. His manager is furious, as he has projects lined up, but Landon has had enough. He makes his arrangements under the name Lance White, instead of Landon Price for obvious reasons. He doesn’t want to be found. I cracked up in how he came up with his alias. Lance, for the Lance Peanut Butter crackers that he loves and White, because he was wearing white boxer briefs the day he made his arrangements! He leaves behind his phone, buys a burner phone and the only people that knows his whereabouts are his parents. They are under strict instructions to not give out any information.

Landon arrives on the island of Lanai and is settled in his tropical paradise. He has been trying to write a book about his brother, but the words just aren’t coming. He is starting to feel lonely until a visitor shows up at his door. A small white dog that he names Spike, totally has Lance White wrapped around his little paw. The next day he goes into the small town trying to find the owner. The town is tiny enough that everyone knows everyone. Then by chance, Spike spots his owner and Lance is not prepared for what he is about to see. The most beautiful woman he has ever seen makes her way to him and then she calls the dog Marshmallow and he comes back to reality. They banter about the dog’s name and Lance tries to charm Zara, but she politely brushes him off. Thus, begins the pursuit and the epic love story of Lance and Zara!

I won’t tell you anymore about this magically romantic story. The swoon worthy journey that I took while reading this book, just melted my heart. It is sweet, tender, romantic, funny, passionate and everything you want in a love story. The secondary characters are endearing and frustrating all at the same time, but oh what they add to this plot. There is so much going on in this story that you are just swept away.

I loved it from start to finish and everything in between!

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

I have to say that there is just something special about this book. It was one of those stories where I read the first few paragraphs and I knew immediately that I was going to love it. This story warmed my heart thru and thru.

Ann Marie has written a sweet romance that hooked me from the very first pages.

Vanishing Act is the story of Landon and Zara. Landon is a big Hollywood actor who needs to “vanish” or get away to find himself. While he’s away, he meets Zara. She has no clue who he is. Landon is sexy and handsome and swoon worthy. These two are great together. Their romance is sweet but he has secrets about who he is. How will she react once she finds out?

Vanishing Act is well written and the scenes are detailed and descriptive making you feel like you are in Hawaii. It’s a fast, fun read with little angst- perfect for the summer. I loved the dual point of view. The characters had great chemistry and passion and their romance turns steamy. A great contemporary romance!

An ARC was provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

Landon Price is Hollywood's hottest actor. After suffering a personal tragedy and life catching up to him, Landon decides he needs to take a break. Searching for peace, he is pleasantly surprised when he finds her.




Zara Jobert is a small town girl. She loves her family but feels the strain of her father's overwhelming need to protect them. She didn't expect to find love when she went looking for her missing dog.




I loved that this story was told mostly from the hero's perspective. The life he's been blessed with, though he's thankful, has been overwhelming. The heroine struggled with trying to be loyal to her family while trying to gain her independence. I truly liked this story as the elements in it are typically found in romance novels with a famous person.




As with all of this author's works I've read, I was pulled into the story and the world she created. Her writing is entertaining and captivating. I'm eagerly awaiting her next work of awesomeness.

Landon needs a break before he breaks so he vanishes (get it) to a secluded part of Hawaii under an assumed name. Zara doesn't recognize him and even though he is a bit of a cocky jerk they seem to work. She is a naive island girl and he is a wordly guy and when his lies catch up with him will it all fall apart? These two brought out the best in each other and if the rest of the world can let them survive together they will make it.

**Received an ARC copy for review from the publisher via NetGalley**