I checked out this book not realizing that there was a LGBT story line which I felt was more of a lecture. I felt that Monique’s interview with Evelyn was like Evelyn reading a draft story - there was no interaction when Evelyn was narrating. The story did bring out points about how Hollywood, especially in the old days, spins the stories of actors and their personal lives to benefit themselves and their productions. With social media, it seems there is more transparency nowadays. I never really felt sympathetic to Evelyn or that she could experience “true love.” I felt Monique’s storyline wasn’t very well developed. But I did like how she resolved her situation at the end. This book was decent, but not one I would recommend or say was a great novel. Just so-so.

Heartbreak is loss. Divorce is just a piece of paper. This book here, is life changing. Secrets and what measures one does to keep them.....Evelyn Hugo as the title says was married 7 times. Well technically 8, and that was the only one that mattered. Evelyn married young to escape her father and poverty. She always wanted to be rich and famous and she used her body to get all she wanted. During her Hollywood times she met Celia and fell in love, but didn't want the rest of the world to know it. So instead she married men to cover her true love. Until she turned 50 and didn't care anymore. She hid a death, abuse and so much. Her way of making things better, she found the daughter of the man who she covered up the death and presented her with writing her biography and millions of dollars right before her death. The very ones she loved all died abd left her all alone. This story kept me interested the whole time, I laughed, cringed and understood the Heartbreak and lengths one would go through for love. This is must read. #Book20of2022 #Bookworm #Whatsnext

Meh… overhyped.

Didn’t live up to what I was hearing about the book. It’s likely it just isn’t the book for me.

I had no idea what this was about. I went into this totally blind. It’s not my cup of tea. I’m more of a mystery, thriller kind of person. It was so unbelievable.

Loved it. Hollywood secrets and glamour. Will make every woman realize how much has changed -- thanks to those who came before us.

This book was a delight !! I like to listen in the car on the way to and from work. I cannot believe this book actually had me in tearful moments many times. So surprisingly great! I would listen to it again. If your looking for mystery or thriller etc… not for you. If you’re looking for a good story about love, loss, and finding your true self and voice. Here it is

Got so sucked into the book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down it got to the point i had to get the audio book. So many shocking moments definitely would recommen..

This book was not for me. There’s no connection with any of the characters. The title has nothing to do with the story. At all.

Flat out just don’t understand all the buzz around this book. I kept reading thinking it would get better. Didn’t happen. Of course it also had to include a lesbian romance. Just not my cup of tea.

I really enjoyed this book. Was a good book to "hear" while recovering from eye surgery!

I didn’t care for this book.. writing mediocre.. subject blah and not quite believable. Guess it hit all the markers though for race and LBGQT

So amazing. I found myself attempting to Google Evelyn Hugo and her movies as if she was a real person, I couldn't get enough of her.

Karyn B. This book was well told. I like how the story was told through and interview in the present to flashbacks of evenly Hugo’s life. The narrators help you visualize the story.

Wow!! This sounded like merely the life tale of a Hollywood Glamour Gal~ but it was SO much more!! Loved the book, the life lessons & the fabulous narrators that shared it!!

Loved every minute!

I loved this book!! I thought it was so simple to have so much depth! I couldn’t stop listening!

An amazingly heartbreaking novel that delves into so many controversial topics. You'll hate Evelyn Hugo but you'll also admire her. I liked this one a lot more than I thought I would.

Too much lesbian stuff… Just felt very political and boring.

Loved it! Great story and characters.

Excelent work I was teleported back in Time in a place and body that was not mine. I understand that it is a novel but I feel I learn so much frot this character that is inspiring. Great story and the narators did such a great job

can't even put into words how much i adore this story

The love. Hollywood. Having to hide in the heterosexual limelight of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s when all she wanted was to live her authentic self. Navigating success, lavender marriage and motherhood. I loved it.

I absolutely loved this book! It was during my read everything phase and well worth it! Highly recommend!! The twists and turns here are amazing!!

Love how this book is written! The narrators are fantastic!!

I KNEW IT!!!!! I KNEW IT! I loved every minute of how this story was brought to life through the narration! I'd love to see this as a limited series one day!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. It was so good, I will listen to it again in a couple of months!!

best Taylor's book

I loved it!!

I didn’t like the narrator or the writing and couldn’t finish the book.

Great read- loved the Old Hollywood setting. Characters were multilayered,

This is a great starter book if you want to get into books but haven’t quite taken the leap. It’s a great book, and easy read!

I wish I could give this book more stars! It’s not at all what you expect, I wish this could be made into a movie, it’s got love, sadness, intrigue, humor and humanity all wrapped up into an amazing story.

Don´t let the title mislead you. It´s not a frivolous reading: it goes deep into serious aspects of human feelings. Excellent book and narrators!

I absolutely love this! This book was an absolute delight! The writing style is stunning and deserving of five stars. I particularly appreciated how the author seamlessly integrated the entertainment industry from the 1900s, which brought the era to life in such a vivid way. The portrayal of the protagonist felt so authentic that I almost believed she was a real person—an actual actress. It was like stepping into a time machine, allowing me to visualize each stage of her life in intricate detail. this has me so excited to read more books from Taylor Jenkins Reid. I heard that “Daisy Jones and the sixth” was a really good book. And I’m definitely headed to purchase that today.

soooooo dull and soppy. Don't recommend

Very good. Very realistic story and characters.

A good read that keeps your interest and has a surprising twist. Very enjoyable!

How could anyone rate this less than 5 stars - It was so well written, such a unique and page-turning story, and the narrator was lovely. Evelyn is infuriating and captivating. This does not read in any way like a “lecture” but a novel, and if you think differently on this point you should take time to look inward and ask what that means about your world views.

Loved it, narrators were amazing.

Entertaining, easy, quick read. I prefer something more

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. A few friends recommended this and I stuck with it because we usually like the same things. I liked it in the end, the surprises were worth the read!

One of the best books I have listened to this year.

I just loved it!

Definitely one of my favourite books

The title is deceiving. This is an LBGTQ love story. Written well. As for narration, there were two voices for the main character which I didn’t understand. The first voice heard was good but the second one sounded like something was in her mouth. Not sure why she was necessary

Beautiful and a little bit heartbreaking. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. ❤️

This book should be charged with entrapment. For me it started as potentially a cute little story but with every chapter read, it became increasingly more interesting, leading to a truly thought provoking ending. It’s a book that makes you glad to have read it for a more introspective look into your own life even more so than the actual story, which is quite good! And while you may not be in love with the main character throughout for many honest reasons, it would be hard not to be by the end. Really enjoyed this one!

It started a little slow but I really liked the book and I wasn’t expecting the end, really enjoyed.

Very well written and read

The entire book has you wondering why, so many whys.

Listened to this with no knowledge of its plot or any experience with the author. I’d heard positive things about it. I fell in love with this book and its intricacies. Highly recommend! I am now reading all of the books in this collection from the author and so far I’m impressed.

Love, heartbreak, acceptance, family-defined, survival, truth... held my attention throughout. Narrators are excellent!

Read this for a book club and liked the story. Some parts were slow but overall I was happy I read it.

I have only read one other book by this author, but based on the two I have read, she is a great storyteller, but the writing falls flat for me sometimes and I feel like there are potential plots that are just left with no follow up. I felt this way about her other book as well. I thought we were really building up to something and then in the end a pretty good overall story, but not as satisfying as I’d like it to be. Some elements that are meant to be a big surprise or plot twist don’t hold up. The two books I have read by this author followed the same formula so a few things that I think were meant to be shocking or surprising were predictable. I think there are people who enjoy formulas, and like all the books from one author to follow the same formula, so in that case, it would be a satisfying read.

Interesting storyline. Highly enjoyed it.

LOVED this book. Such a good read, interesting plot and unexpected twist at the end. Narrator did a good job at distinguishing the different characters

Fun drama.

Overrated! This book had so much hype and I was excited to read it. Parts of it were beautiful and relatable, but mostly it was boring and drawn out.

Boring- lost interest. Tried to force myself to finish it but unable.

Kept me on my toes. Couldn’t figure it out until the very end! Can’t wait to see it as a movie or series!

This book keeps coming up as a romantic recommendation…. It’s definitely not a romantic book. It broke my heart over and over again!! Absolutely depressing and sad. It was well written and the story line is sobering. I just can’t believe how much it hurt my heart over and over again.

Such a good read!! I could picture every character, every feeling, all my emotions, while reading this! I didn't read any reviews or details before I read it, so the ending came as a big twist for me. I already want to read it again

Such a great book made even better by the narrators.

I loved this book! I feel empowered by Evelyn Hugo now.

This read was so highly recommended that I felt it would be a home run. Throughout the book the feeling of hope that the plot would evolve to something to warrant all of the hype. Overall, the story felt melancholy throughout. The "surprise" ending was transparent and sadly I expected instantly. Ultimately, I feel that this hype is more for the LGTBQ influence rather than the actual plotline itself.

Loved this book !

Good book, kept me interested.

I’ve been a long time, audiobook listener I didn’t know what this book was about, but I thought it was one of the best books I listened to in a long time the narrating was spot on, and even brought me to tears a couple of times.

I loved this book! I truly felt is was an amazing story. Very well written! If you have certain strong beliefs you may not care for it. I however feel It’s a great story of a strong women and her struggle for acceptance and true love. I was sad it was over.

I loved this book! Complicated and engaging love story with a heartbreaking ending.

Wow this book caught me completely off guard but boy what a treat. Great book that captures the complexities tied to being yourself.

An incredible story. Heartbreakingly beautiful.

I was disappointed in the ending of the story.

This was an interesting listen. A good one to keep you awake on a long drive.

It was coincidental as I read/ listened to this boon during the Pride month. It is the first book I have come across that conveys a mix of emotions, feelings, speaks about life decisions and lives affected and slow change of ethical societal norms, legislations and acceptance. Looking deeper, it is about love and underscoring, that love is beyond everything else in life.

It was great! I listened to it on a road trip and it kept me engaged the whole time and actually made the trip faster!

Absolutely loved this book.

loved this book. not too much romance not too much drama. very sweet and sad

Catchy and entertaining.

I would not have enjoyed this book if it hadn’t been for the audiobook. The three narrators were perfection for the plot driving.

Complex and rich story, couldn’t wait to find out more about Evelyn Hugo. Loved all the characters, narration and story. Highly recommend.

Amazing, enjoyed every second of it and the narrators did a stellar job.

Beautifully written and undeniably a moving story.

Love love love love it.. at first I thought this was just a fictional book about an old Hollywood actress and the story of how she got married 7 times.. but towards the end it just shows you the importance of investing your time and energy in meaningful relationship with family, friends and lovers, and that trumps everything else, nothing else matters. I found this book to very entertaining, the narration was impeccable and very expressive from every characters perspective .

Nice story. Unremarkable, but I liked it. Easy read, crowd pleaser, good little twist at the end and will translate well to television. But what I really came to say is that you should just hold on through the beginning. The narrators start out so annoying. But fortunately the majority of the book is from Evelyn’s perspective, not Monique’s, so you don’t end up having to listen to her too much.

Soooo good!

I didn’t want it to end!!! This book was written so thoughtfully and the narration was perfection! I finished it at 11:23am yesterday and i haven’t stopped thinking about it since. So powerful!!!!!

I went in blind, and I sure as heck didn’t expect a LGBT storyline to be the axis of this book. It was very entertaining! I can understand why it blew up the way it did, I felt like I was watching an episode of E! True Hollywood Story. My only criticism, is that Monique felt very flat as a character, more of a prop against Evelyn than anything with substance.

This was a great book to listen to.

Love a Hollywood story

Wonderful read.

I didn’t know what to expect during the first several chapters. The author manages to dive deeper showing how people find and sometimes cover up their true love.

I LOVED this book! The narrators were great and it was a storyline I’m not used to reading. Heartfelt and even teared up. Always looked forward to getting into my car to listen.

Good story, excellent narration.

Outstanding book! I hated for it to end!

Story wasn’t gripping.

Best book I’ve read in a while

I have no idea why this is a best seller. It is devoid of any substance, pure fluff. The characters are empty-headed and vain. The ending is contrived and just plain stupid. It is an embarrassment.

This was a great experience to read for me.

This was a great story, but the end was fairly clear to deduce, that is to say it became predictable which was a letdown for me. I think up until that point it was a great story and still worth the listen.

Tries too hard to make a political point. Surprised this was "one of the best books of summer." Read far better ones. Agree with others that writing was mediocre.

Read a long review first. Not what I was expecting.

Amazing and very interesting story! So worth to listen.

Wonderful work of historical fiction particularly if you like Old Hollywood or LGBT storylines. Each narrator’s voice matched the characters well and made it easier to follow as the narrators change.

This book surprised me in many ways. At times I wasn’t interested. I’m painfully straight so I couldn’t relate to some things but love is love and this is a love story. I thought I had it figured out but I was wrong. The last few chapters were amazing !

One of my favorite books! I couldn’t stop listening!

One of the best audiobooks I have listened to! Captivating, interesting, and it kept me on my treadmill, lol!

I enjoyed this book. It felt autobiographical.

This was a great book! I loved the narrators!

Loved it, kept me intrigued!

wow wow wow amazing book amazing narration had me on the edge of my seat!

important subject...not my kind of book

I actually really liked this book. It was interesting and I was surprised at the ending.

Boring. Trite

I though this was a decent read overall, but the storyline didn't capture me and the "twists" felt fairly obvious before they were delivered.

At first the book was a tad confusing for me, but once the story started going with Evelyn I was able to quickly catch on. Overall the story was really good and kept me sitting on my edge!

amazing story

The book was not quite what I was expecting. Originally, I tried to read the book but I just couldn't get into it. I took a chance with the audiobook and the narrators really helped me get interested and invested in the story!!

Great writing, story and narrations.

Loved this book! I usually only listen in my car to break up long drives but I found that I couldn't stop listening.

Great narration. Interesting read.

Simply, a very enjoyable and meaningful story.

A unique take on marriage and relationships, and very interesting story. This was a nice easy listen.

This book was a very good read. Page turner!! I didn’t want to stop reading it. LOVED IT!

Tedious at certain points but very enjoyable. Excellent ending.

Did not want to stop listening and found every reason to sit in my car, go for a long walk, listen as I got ready for the day. Beautiful story and narrators are excellent!!!

Beautiful, beautiful story! I was caught up in it from the very first line. And then I just couldn't stop listening! Great characters, many times funny dialogues and also good life lessons. I. loved. this. book! And most of all I loved Evelyn, who fascinated me from the first chapter.

I usually don’t listen to books that are 12 hours long but with this intriguing story the hours flew by. I loved the old Hollywood feel and I almost forgot Evelyn Hugo was a fictional character.

This book was stunning. A lovely read. It had me laughing, gasping and in tears at times. I wish I could read it again for the first time. Would highly recommend.

The story was captivating. Usually I only listen in my car. But today I had no where to go, so I just sat with my dogs and listened to the last few hours. Part of me is sorry it ended!

Enjoyed the book. The last bit of the book was the best.

interesting story amazing narrator

Good Read…I Loved/Hated Evelyn!!

my first audio book. really enjoyed the title and narration!

Loved the story and turns. I don't think it needed to be as long, losing my interest a little with the length, but I was definitely committed to the story and imagine many readers really relate and feel seen in the depths of what is being conveyed. Even though I don't fall into the controversial notes of the story, I live my own mysteries and felt understood in my own ways.

Well written. Interesting plot twist ending.

I really enjoyed this book. Evelyn’s life is fascinating. I couldn’t stop listening once I started.

Excellent book

Love it, amazing till the very end

Loved it. Very easy to listen to.

Im in love with this book! It's so beautiful.

This was the best book I have listened to in at least a year. I may listen to it again. It was a complex, pivotal story. I was surprised by so many parts. Loved this story. Well done!!!!!

Fun book and the narrator did a wonderful job. Perfect for a long car ride.

I liked it. but wasn't sure on the ending...a definite read though!

A good story, there’s a few times I rolled my eyes.

My book club enjoyed this book. It is different from our other choices. We enjoyed the “ stand up” kind of woman Evelynnwas and her “ no regrets” attitude. She went for what she wanted.

Absolutely incredible, definitely a new favorite of mine!

Great listen!!!!

A masterpiece!

I love this book. I love it so much that I downloaded this app to get it. But seriously you will feel everything with this book from hate to love to sorrow and lastly sadness. A beautifully written. The acting is amazing. Just love this book.

Amazong narrator for an amazing story c:

Great book! Very captivating!

Heartbreaking and emptional sstory for me.a wonderful read! The narrator is also good.i can hear the pronounciation cleraly even at 2x speed. Well done!

I loved loathing this book. There was so much that made me mad in this book and brought emotion forward. It did exactly what books are supposed to do.

This is such a captivating story. I've always loved stories about old Hollywood. How actors would stab each other in the back then step over the body to climb to the next rung. This wasn't that mercenary, but it was pretty good. The narrator did a good job with the voices, especially with the aging of the characters

I freakin’ loved this book.

I didn't love this book partly because I felt mislead about what it was about. The title is about husbands but in reality it's how she used most of those husbands to hide her lesbian lover. It would skip entire decades about her film making, about her family, about just about everything and would go into pages of detail of sexual content. It doesn't matter what your orientation is - I picked up this book because it talked of old hollywood and the connection to the journalist. The connection is incredibly small in terms of the time the book allots to it. I wanted more outside of her one relationship because that's what it sounded like it would be.

I found the story thin, the characters thin and the narration like they were reading from a page with every syllable pronounced separately. I shut off a few times, which is rare for me...surprised this book gets such a high rating. Perhaps it's just not my preferred style.

I listened to Daisy Jones and thoroughly enjoyed it so I tried Evelyn Hugo. What an interesting read/listen. Such a talented writer. The whole time the tale is going on, I kept thinking of all the "stars" who deem themselves political savants and knowing all their political posturing is to promote themselves. It made it all the more laughable to think of the people who regard them as such! Evelyn was a force to be reckoned with but integrity is not in her wheelhouse!

This started out slow and I wasn't sure I wanted to know all about Ms. Hugo's seven husbands but as she began to speak, I was intrigued. It was a Great story; she definitely had guts and knew what she wanted. I enjoyed it very much.