Holding Out for a Hero - by Victoria VanTiem + Guest Post

Original Cover

My own copy

The blurb:

A funny, bitter-sweet romantic dramedy set to an 80's soundtrack.

The problem with first love is that it never truly dies.

Libby London fell in love in with the 80s, came of age in the 90s, and now, in the 21st Century, she's completely falling apart... Her New York City fashion sensibility is more 'vintage tragedy' than 'retro babe' and might just be what's holding her back in all matters of life and love...

At least that's what her well-meaning friends think. They've staged a #80sIntervention in an effort to bring Libby bang up-to-date. But how do you move forward when the one you love holds you in the past? Between her dreaded birthday party, friend's madcap ambush, and being forced to relocate her Pretty In Pink thrift shop, Libby's nearing the end of the rope... If her therapist isn't quick, it could be a literal one.

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

When this book landed on my doorstep I got really excited. I loved Victoria’s first novel Love Like The Movies and really liked the sound of this one. 

The story follows Libby London, Libby is totally stuck in the eighties, on several aspects. She wears eighties clothes, owns an eighties boutique, listens to eighties music and seems to be stuck there in her thoughts and with her feelings as well. 

Her birthday is coming up and her friends are planning an #80sInterventition. They want her to let go oft he past and get out of her comfort zone. She hast o go on dates and do other things as well. 

She is very stressed and can’t sleep, also worried about her shop. Her therapist is not really helping ;) 

I really liked Libby’s friends and especially her work colleague Jasper. He is so much fun. 

This story is a quick, entertaining and fun read. Looking on how it all turned out it’s also very emotional and deep, which I really loved. There are so many LOL moments, but also darker moments about Libby’s past. It made her behaviour and personality clearer. 

The eighties references in this book are awesome, especially at the beginning of the chapters, but also in between. 

This book is the perfect mix, not only a chick-lit and romance, but also touching, sensitive and emotional. A great read!!!

  

Rating:

My possible cast:

Libby: Alexandra Breckenridge

A guest post by Victoria VanTiem

Even though Libby London came of age in the 90s, she lives and breathes all things 80s. And good thing she held out, the glam-girl 80s are back in full vogue!

Here are a few quick and easy style tips from Libby…

1.     Bigger is better. Big hair (Aqua Net is a must), big jewelry, (think bangles and earrings that touch your shoulders), and big statement tees. (Frankie Says Relax, Save Ferris, or George Michael’s Choose Life!)

2.     Be bold! Mix patterns and choose bright colors. (Think Neon!) Make sure the world sees you coming and won’t soon forget you when you’ve gone!

3.     Be brilliant! Mix it up, but make sure you have one signature piece. Mines a single star dangly earring which I noticed a certain X Factor judge adopting as her own. As if!

In short, to achieve an authentic 80s style vibe and rock it like a hurricane . . .
be BIG, BOLD, and BRILLANT! 

I hope Libby’s antics make you smile and laugh, and her bittersweet bumpy road in love and life touches your heart as it has mine.

Victoria xo

Stop by for a chat!

Twitter: VVanTiem_author
FB: www.facebook.com/victoriavantiem.author
Web:  www.victoriavantiem.com
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY- a FREE Prequel Short to HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO on Wattpad: www.wattpad.com/user/VictoriaVanTiem

Praise for Victoria Van Tiem

‘Rom-com fans will love the way this novel’s film references transform into an original, heartwarming love story.’ Kirkus Review

‘A warm hug of romance & familiarity, but also a ton of realistic characters & situations that were very relatable.’ Nicole Knepper, Chicago Now Edition

‘I hardly give an author five stars on their debut, so I can only imagine what Victoria Van Tiem's next will be. BIG APPLAUSE and A STANDING OVATION!’ ChickLit Pad

Victoria Van Tiem is an artist, gallery owner and a former creative director, with a background in marketing and brand development. Just like Libby in Holding out for a Hero, she is obsessed with the 1980s.

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@VVanTiem

For more information please contact Lucie Cuthbertson-Twiggs on                       020 7014 6095 or via lucie.cuthbertsontwiggs@macmillan.com