Review: America's Next Reality Star by Laura Heffernan

Synopsis:
Twenty-four-year-old Jen Reid had her life in good shape: an okay job, a tiny-cute Seattle apartment, and a great boyfriend almost ready to get serious. In a flash it all came apart. Single, unemployed, and holding an eviction notice, who has time to remember trying out for a reality show? Then the call comes, and Jen sees her chance to start over—by spending her summer on national TV. Luckily The Fishbowl is all about puzzles and games, the kind of thing Jen would love even if she wasn’t desperate. The cast checks all the boxes: cheerful, quirky Birdie speaks in hashtags; vicious Ariana knows just how to pout for the cameras; and corn-fed “J-dawg” plays the cartoon villain of the house. Then there’s Justin, the green-eyed law student who always seems a breath away from kissing her. Is their attraction real, or a trick to get him closer to the $250,000 grand prize? ​? Romance or showmance, suddenly Jen has a lot more to lose than a summer . . . 

Buy Links:
www.amazon.com/Americas-Next-Reality-Laura-Heffernan-ebook/dp/B01HA426MI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/americas-next-reality-star-laura-heffernan/1124485176?ean=9781516101535

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~ My Review ~

Once in awhile, I'll get a fun little read; the kind that makes me forget about stress and instantly put a smile to my face. Some people have their go-to quick reads and my pile will always have a contemporary romantic comedy because that's my escape. Want to know what my other go-to escape, as of late? Reality television.
This book took my love with movie/book "fluff," as my husband calls it, and my current must-see obsession and it's just as much a page turner as it is a "I-can't-watch-but-can't-look-away," type of thing. Jen is  likeable, smart and seemingly normal 24 year old who unfortunately, through a series of one event to another, finds herself broke, single and homeless. I rooted for her to have a better summer and walk away with the grand prize. We have the "necessary" cast of characters - the villain, the drama queen, the family man, the gay guy and the quirky but loveable weirdo, etc. (I mean that nicely because if I were to even go on national television, that would be me, quirky, weird, lovable).  
But I enjoyed the fact that Laura took the time for us to get to know them, through the "confessional" zingers, challenges and their interactions with everyone. They were and weren't boxed in a cliche. Even if Jen was our main girl, we didn't feel at all like traitors if we rooted for (some of) the others! What a fun summer read, and as I found out there is definitely a sequel to this reality "show" I can't wait to reread this again in anticipation for the next one. This kept up with old adage of "expecting the unexpected," in America's Next Reality Star. 

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, these thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm not required to write a positive review.***

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About the Author

Laura Heffernan is living proof that watching too much TV can pay off. When not watching total strangers get married, drag racing queens, or cooking competitions, Laura enjoys travel, baking, board games, helping with writing contests, and seeking new experiences. She lives in the Northeast with her amazing husband and two furry little beasts.

Laura loves connecting with readers and other writers.
Find her on her website: www.lauraheffernan.com
Facebook at www.facebook.com/lauraheffernanbooks.
She also spends far too much time tweeting about writing, junk food, and query contests at www.twitter.com/LH_writes.

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