Malibu Betrayals by MK Meredith – a Review

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Description:
Her chance to write a whole new ending…

Hollywood screenwriter Samantha Dekker spent the last year picking up the pieces after her husband’s suicide. Along with grief, guilt, and tabloid hell, she’s had to watch helplessly as the film industry slammed its doors in her face. Now Sam has the rarest of Hollywood opportunities – a second chance…working with the one man she swore never to see again.

Hunktastic A-lister Gage Cutler knows that Sam blamed him for his part in her husband’s death. Still, Sam is the one woman he can never forget. All he wants is a second chance of his own – to prove he’s not the player she remembers. And Malibu is the perfect backdrop to make a girl swoon.

Except they’re not alone. Someone is watching Sam and Gage’s steamy off-screen romance with the most dangerous of intentions…

Review:

I’d like to think I have discerning taste. Yes, I try to accentuate the positives in my reviews, but when I’m swooning over an author’s Acknowledgements, you know it’s made an impression! Malibu Betrayals by MK Meredith had me rooting for love, and Gage, from cover to end.

Okay. It’s coined as a second chance romance, but Sam and Gage barely know each other. It’s what came after their fateful introduction that would forever connect them. Blame and hatred aren’t low-key emotions and Sam hurled plenty of those accusations at Gage for causing the accident that killed her husband. Last thing those two need is to work together (he’s an actor, she the screenwriter). While it’s Hollywood and the worst of enemies have been known to collaborate (and put forth quality product), what didn’t register with me is how instant their bond was. We’re led to believe that their meeting was cathartic, that these two shared sensibilities. How can Gage point out all the harm in Sam’s marriage (to a colleague of his), in a matter of hours, and literally become the impetus to leave her husband? She might have already considered the decision, but it was a one.time.talk, people. It’s rather incredulous, but I’d be lying if I said Ms. Meredith didn’t make me overlook the insta-love and take a leap of faith with Gage and Sam. That’s what you want in a book, wouldn’t you agree?

Before long, Sam and Gage are exploring those possibilities and making up for lost time to full, steamy satisfaction. The attraction runs deeper, of course; the progress is tentative yet quite giving if you stop to analyze. Though they tacitly agreed to a “light and easy” fling, which invariably comes with second-guesses and worries about moving way too fast, Sam gives me whiplash. An overload of “about-face” moments were enough to drive Gage crazy (though he’s made of sterner stuff), but her past is determined to ruin her present.

Sam’s ex-husband’s family interrupts with insidious demands and general harassment. HEA seems an impossible goal. Segue into sabotage on the set and the story develops with intriguing subplots and secondary characters. As much as exterior forces threaten to upend their beginning, Sam and Gage undermine their relationship with secrets all by themselves. Repeated slaps to my forehead began to sting. Talk, people! Stop making unilateral decisions that make you miserable before you even follow through (always a bad sign). Most importantly, stop denying yourselves this rare gift of a second chance and embrace it.

“I’m trying to figure out if it can work. But I don’t see how. I need more time. Can you give me that?”

     He dropped his chin to his chest and closed his eyes.

“You don’t know what you ask, Sam.”

     “Don’t I? I know it won’t be easy, but it’s better for us in the end.”

“You think it’s better.”

“Yes, I do.”

     He studied her. “For the record, I don’t think time is the issue. But fine.”

Once you accept their relationship, Gage and Sam are two enjoyable individuals. Though jaded from the exploitative arm of Hollywood gossip, Gage and Sam are still swinging, unsatisfied with mediocrity when they have the potential to be, and have, so much more. Sam’s self-confidence took a beating, as did Gage’s reputation, but they’re driven and they gain ground with each other’s support. When they love, they love passionately and thoughtfully.

Malibu Betrayals reveals the source of the threats and its title is telling. Ms. Meredith arms Sam and Gage with courage to rise above and never give up on love.

There are hiccups in this debut novel, but Ms. Meredith is keenly focused on the struggles of love and trust and the commitment it takes to make them last forever. I would read more by this new author.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher