Thank you so much to Dreamscape Media for the complimentary audio!

I was initially drawn to this book based off the title and the bright colorful cover. I did read a little bit of the synopsis and to know that it took place in the 1930s and that it was a romance. And from those factors alone, I was sold!

This is a second chance romance about Arlene/Lena and Don who were childhood friends that both made it in the entertainment world. Don left as soon as he could for Broadway whereas Lena stayed in California and worked in Hollywood. I love how the author made her already an Oscar winner (I believe this all came up in the first book) and put her in the prestigious position of director for her next role. Especially for that time frame, having a female director was not very common (still isn't).

The characters went through a lot throughout the book. More so Don who got himself wrapped up with a gangster. And he tries SO hard to keep Lena out of his mess but in the end she comes to the rescue. Lena always had a crush on Don but it took a little awhile for Don to catch up to her. I did think it was cute that the running theme of his lucky penny (from Lena) was brought up throughout the book.

3.75
I was really interested in the story but felt that it just kept going. Anytime I thought we would be wrapping up, I looked and still had time left. And as I mentioned there was just so much that happened in the book!

Queen Patti Murin was the narrator of this book and I always love the books I listen from her! She was able to change her voice for all the characters we encounter. It made listening very easy and following the story easy.

If you are looking for a sweet romance, childhood to coworkers to friends to lovers set against the golden age of Hollywood with a mob subplot - check this out!

Maureen has a way with words and knows her way around Hollywood. I love old Hollywood and this didn’t disappoint! I loved it! Thank you NetGallery!

Childhood friends and neighbors reunite in Hollywood in this swoonworthy romance set in the 1930s. Arlene Morgan is a screenwriter making her directorial debut, blazing a trail for women in film. Don LaMont, a Broadway dancer who is making his screen debut, is hoping to escape the clutches of his crooked manager. Sparks fly, but is Don putting Arlene in danger if their relationship becomes something more?

What a fun, exciting story, a followup to Lenker's It Happened One Fight but it works fine as a standalone. I loved both main characters and their chemistry and conflict. The gangster manager storyline added some action and suspense. And I was not expecting this level of heat from a historical romance, but oh my goodness. There are some hot scenes in this one that are quite good.

I never really thought of the 1930s being a lost era for women making history in Hollywood, but the author's note mentions that there were a few whose work has mainly disappeared, which is a shame but not surprising.

I enjoyed the audiobook narrator. She had an upbeat narration style that was perfect for this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC


I thought this story was just ok. I think I should've read the book that this was an unofficial sequel to first, but oh well. Mostly I picked this book because I enjoy Patti Murin as a narrator.

His Girl Hollywood is a sort of second chance romance set in the 1930s. Lena is a young female film maker with an Oscar. I for one had no idea there were female film makers in the 1930s. It was cool to learn about some of the history. Don, our male lead, is a dancer. His character is modelled after Gene Kelly. From what I heard in the author's note some of the scenes were inspired by his films. I haven't seen any old Hollywood films so that part was lost on me. This book also has literal bad guys. They're mobsters! I was a little frustrated with this part but understand at the time you couldn't just call the cops. Overall, it was a slow start for me. I did like it, but not sure it is for me. The narrator does a great job with pacing and setting the mood with her tone. Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC!

Would give it a 3.5 overall

This is a captivating read for fans of historical romance and second-chance love stories, particularly those who enjoy the glamour of old Hollywood and the thrill of rekindling a childhood romance amidst the backdrop of the 1930s film industry.

Thank You, NetGalley and the publishers for an opportunity to listen to His Girl Hollywood by Maureen Lee Lenker.

Well, this felt like a 1950s Hollywood movie. All the elements that you can imagine in a movie set in that era could be found in this book.

My grouse with this was the flimsy excuse as to why the main characters were not communicating with each other or rather the reason for misunderstanding between them. It just didn't make sense to me.

So, not bad but not something you'll miss if you don't pick this up.

A story that’s a throwback to earlier times in Hollywood. A time when men ran it all and women were supposed to be happy being in the background or with whatever crumbs the men tossed their way. Oh and throw in some mob ties. Arlene wants nothing more than to be a director. When the person who was her childhood BFF who broke her heart and disappeared from her and her family’s life is cast as the leading man, she must come to terms with it and the repercussions that come with him. The secrets, lies, toxic masculinity and her heart. I enjoyed the listen and kept thinking that though this was 1930’s Hollywood and though women have made some inroads, not all that much has changed.

The next installment of this series set in 1920s Hollywood is the story of Arlene, a character from the first novel. Although it is a series, they can be read out of order, but I would recommend in order as there are characters that make their reappearance in this that will tell the results of the story from their own novel.

It’s a fun romantic comedy set under the lights of Tinseltown and I enjoyed it.

@netgalley
#netgalley
#netgalleyreader
#netgalleyreviewer
#netgalleyarc
#readmorebooks
#readmorebooksbywomen
#readersoginstagram
#bookstagram
#bookstagrammet
#bookish
#mybookishlife
#wearebookish
#lovereading
#alwaysreading
#readinggoals
#readin2025
#audiobook
@goodreads

Book 2 of 2025 - ✅! Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media & Maureen Lee Lenker for the ALC of His Girl Hollywood, in exchange for my honest review.

His Girl Hollywood by Maureen Lee Lenker was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and it did not disappoint! I loved It Happened One Fight was one of my favorite reads of 2023 (and I think about it often), so you better believe that I requested His Girl Hollywood so quickly. Set in the same universe as IHOF, HGH follows the story of Oscar-winning screenwriter-turned-director, Arlene Morgan, and Broadway star turned screen actor, Don Lamont (born Don Lazzarini). This second chance romance set in the 1930s has all of the makings for an enjoyable rom-com, though I’d give the edge to IHOF - having Joan & Dash pop in made me miss them and their story, but I love that their still together in this book. (I still also stand by what I had in my review for IHOF - I want to see Monty’s story because I want him to get a HAE!) I was curious as to where the mafia storyline would go, and found Lenker seamlessly incorporated this into the world.

I love that Lenker included her inspiration(s) for each character at the end of the book - Don Lamont was clearly heavily inspired by Gene Kelly, and that Arlene was inspired by so many female directors of the 1930s.

If you know me, or you’ve been following my reviews, you know that I work in TV Production, so I’m always intrigued by stories set in Hollywood. This also tends to make me a little hyper-focused on the details, such as mentioning a grip moving a light (which wouldn’t happen in today’s world - an Electrician would move a light, but perhaps rules were different back then…).

Overall, I very much enjoyed the book, and I was happy to finish it before attending her book event. I’m ready for her 3rd book - A Star is Scorned - which is scheduled to be released in October. 4/5 ⭐️ overall, and 2.5/5 🌶️ (those scenes were quite good). 🎥 🕺🏽 💫 #HisGirlHollywood #NetGalley

🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone. Arlene is a director in the 1930’s and working to prove herself to basically everyone. She is reunited with her best friend from childhood, Don Lamont, who is now the main character in her movie. There’s a lot of history about how movies were made and a lot of secrets and miscommunication.
Many thanks to the author, DreamScape Media and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#HisGirlHollywood #MaureenLeeLenker #NetGalley #DreamScapeMedia #WomensFiction #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks

I received a copy of this title from the publisher, but all opinions expressed are my own. This is the second book by Ms. Lenker set during the Golden Era of Hollywood and the main character, Lena featured in it, but no need to read that first other than it is a great book. Fresh of an Oscar for screen writing, Lena is iven an opportunity to direct her own picture, a musical featuring Broadway star Don Lamont. Unfortunately for Lena, she grew up with Don and was devastated when he cut off contact when he moved to New York at 18 to make it as a dancer.

I don't want to give too much plot away, but the reason Don ghosted Lena is very believable and I loved watching the two get to know each other all over again while dealing with their past. This book does a wonderful job of giving readers a glimpse into the Golden Age of Hollywood, both the glitz and the gritty. I hope more titles will follow.

This book attempts to recreate the zany comedies of the 1950s featuring actors like Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, and I suspect that the title was taken from their movie His Girl Friday. It does a pretty good job of it, too!

Following the story of a childhood friendship, a lost love, and the passionate desire of a young woman to become one of the first female directors in Hollywood, it also brings alive the realities of mobsters and molls in an era soon after prohibition has been repealed.

Don is a young man who has gone to New York in search of his dreams of success as a dancer, keen to leave everything behind him, including his terrible relationship with his father, a fisherman. In the process however, he also leaves behind his childhood best friend, Lena, even though they were once inseparable.

So when their paths unexpectedly cross again as Don is offered the opportunity to star in a Hollywood blockbuster directed by none other than his one-time best friend, sparks predictably fly. But Don is keeping dangerous secrets...

It was an entertaining romp, with an excellent cast of supporting characters. My only complaint would be that at times the regrets and romantic declarations felt a tad repetitive, but some judicious editing would take care of that. Overall, worth checking out - especially if you like old movies! It gets 3.5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the digital copy of this audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Content warning: Open door romance, child abuse, kidnapping, abortion is mentioned, misogyny

There’s nothing better than a second-chance romance set in old Hollywood! This book is part of a series, but it is written as a stand-alone. I didn’t feel I was missing anything by not having read the first book, but I enjoyed this one well enough to look for the back catalog.

This book kind of reminded me a little of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo because of all the behind-the-scenes filmmaking of the golden age of Hollywood. Arlene is very rare in Hollywood in the 1930s: successful as a screenwriter, and an Academy Award to prove it, she’s gotten the chance to direct her first film. The film’s star is a famous Broadway dance man who is making his film debut, but the two actually grew up together. They had a falling out about a decade prior and haven’t talked to each other since.

Don, the leading man, is under the thumb of a mobster named Frankie, and he thinks this film is finally his chance to break free. Too bad that Frankie seems wise to the situation and won’t let Don go willingly. And Don can’t let Arlene know he’s controlled by the mob, yet as they mend old wounds and get as close as they were when they were younger, he faces the conundrum of risking it all to tell her about his “management.”

Will the two mend fences? Will Don break free from the mob? Most importantly, will the film be a success? You’ll just have to check out the book for yourself to find out!

Patti Murin, the narrator, does such an excellent job of bringing the characters to life! This audiobook just cruised along, and she did a great job of keeping me engaged throughout with her characterizations.

This book swept me into the dazzling yet tumultuous world of 1930s film, where Arlene Morgan fights for her dream of directing, despite the era’s glaring gender biases. Maureen Lee Lenker masterfully crafts Arlene as a resilient yet complex heroine, navigating a male-dominated industry while guarding her vulnerabilities. Her reunion with Don Lamont, her childhood best friend turned Broadway star under the control of a mobster, adds layers of tension and romance. The chemistry between Arlene and Don is palpable, with their romance striking a balance between second chances and friends-to-lovers tropes. The added stakes of Don's mob entanglements heighten the drama, making for an engaging read. The spice was tastefully woven into the narrative, enhancing their emotional connection. This novel blends romance, drama, and history very well.

‘His Girl Hollywood’ by Maureen Lee Lenker is a captivating romance set against the backdrop of 1930s Hollywood, blending the glitz and glamour of the era with personal conflict and emotional growth.

Following Arlene Morgan, a newly minted Oscar winner turned director, this novel explores her reunion with childhood friend and former crush Don Lamont, now a successful actor and dancer. The two are forced to collaborate when Don is cast as the lead in Arlene's directorial debut, reopening old feelings and untold secrets.

Lenker delivers a standout story. The plot is full of heartfelt moments, dramatic tension, and, of course, the intoxicating allure of Old Hollywood. Arlene and Don's chemistry leaps off the page, balancing sweet, swoon-worthy romance with a good dose of spice. The addition of gangsters, secrets, and the looming specter of grief adds layers of intrigue to the narrative, keeping readers on their toes.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the audiobook is Patti Murin’s narration. Her performance brings the characters and their emotions to life with incredible nuance, making the listening experience even more immersive. The narration really complements Lenker’s rich prose and vibrant world-building.

Although ‘His Girl Hollywood’ is part of a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone novel. While the "rescue scene" might stretch the limits of believability, it's an exciting and high-stakes moment that adds to the dramatic flair of the story.

If you're a fan of romance with a mix of historical depth, heartfelt connections, and a touch of suspense, ‘His Girl Hollywood’ is definitely worth your time.

With thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the alc.

Thank you to NetGalley, DreamScape Media & Maureen Lee Lenker for the chance to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo for the in depth look at how Hollywood studios functioned in the 1930s this book is for you! I enjoyed the conflict and understood the lack of communication (He was trying to protect her!!) The "rescue scene" was a bit over the top but I guess that's life when you get messed up with the dealing of the mob?

I didn't realize this was a part of a series (but can be read as standalone) and I do think I'd like to go back and read the first book.

Patti Murin did an incredible job on narration! Per usual.

I was digging the Old Hollywood/Gangster-era take on a rom-com but this one got old fast for me. The concept was great and the narration added a lot of character depth to the audiobook. However, it was way too long, and lost my interest about 60% of the way through.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to listen to this story before publishing date!

📖 +🎧: His Girl Hollywood- can be read as a standalone

✍🏾 Author: Maureen Lee Lenker, I read It Happened One Fight and gave 5 ⭐

📅Publication date: 1-14-25 | Read 1-7-25

Format: E-book 384 pgs. and Audiobook-Run Time: 12:28

🗣️Narrator: Patti Murin voices all the characters with standouts from Eleanor, Frankie, and Harry. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.

Genre:
* Historical Fic/ Romance
* Adult Fic

Tropes:
* Childhood crush/unrequited
* Celebrity romance
* 2nd chance romance
* Workplace romance
* Forced proximity
* Found family

⚠️ TW: child abuse, abortion-mentioned, misogyny, kidnapping

👆🏾 POV: 3rd person, dual

🌎 Setting: Hollywood

Summary: Arlene has been given her first director opportunity but must have her childhood crush Don Lamont as her leading man. They agree to keep things professional, but Don's gangster manager threatens his life and career.


👩🏾 Heroine: Arlene Morgan-28, Oscar winner and 1st time director of a musical. Her and Don were neighbors and friends as children.

👨🏾 Hero: Don Lamont/Lazzarini-28, a Broadway dancer gets his 1st movie w/ Arlene.

🎭 Other Characters:

*Eleanor Lester-Don's dance partner
*Frankie Martino-Don's manager
*Eddie Rosso- a choreographer, Don's friend
*Mabel Snyder -Don's ex-girlfriend, a model
*Rita Carter-Don's leading lady in new movie
*Joan Davis- Arlene's friend, a famous actress who was the main heroine from IHOF
*Harry Evets-studio head, Arlene's boss

🤔 My Thoughts: I loved the old Hollywood feel and how studio heads like Harry protected the talent. Don and Frankie's contractual relationship gave mob movie vibes with gambling and blackmail. Joan, Dash, and Flynn's cameos were funny especially when they rescued Don. I hope Flynn gets a story.


Rating: 4/5⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level 4/5🔥🔥🔥🔥

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, Dreamscape Media, and Maureen Lee Lenker for this ARC and ALC 🎭! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

I listened to this book for nearly 7 hours and just couldn't do it anymore. The storyline was moving so slowly but making no progress. The 2 main characters are in this drama loop that could be totally solved by having literally one conversation. This is a 12.5 hour audiobook that could have been completely told in 7 hours. I was excited for this one after reading the description, but this one needs to be trimmed majorly. The same details keep getting repeated over and over.