I picked this up looking for a light beach read about a woman getting revenge on her ex-husband. And while that loosely describes what this book is, it didn’t quite work out for me.

“When you don’t have to worry about rent or heating bills or putting food on the table, the only person you can blame for that nagging discontent is, guess what . . . that clown in the mirror. You.
But in Hollywood, we don’t blame ourselves.
So the blame falls on the other. The person lying in bed next to you.”


Agnes is the 40-something wife of a famous Hollywood producer, with all that entails. But her husband not showing up to her book signing is the first sign of the last gasp of their marriage. Credit cardless, shunned by her social circle, and practically locked out of her exquisitely decorated mansion (which is also a cellphone reception deadzone), Agnes must find a way to navigate her divorce and custody, with the help of her jailbird sister, a trio of El Salvadorean maids, and a psychic.

“My gravestone would proudly state: Here lies Agnes Murphy Nash, more or less satisfied for her entire life.”


Agnes is all over the place. Shocked and grieving her "perfect" marriage, she switches, lightning-fast, between self-deprecating humor, vindictiveness (against her soon-to-be-ex Trevor, the Hollywood couple who want to buy their house, the moms at carpool), and reminiscences about the early (better) days of her marriage. It’s fun, and it’s certainly full of humorous bits and pieces, but it never adds up to a whole, well, anything. After finishing the book, I’m not sure I could honestly tell you what the point was. Seeing the outcome of Agnes’ divorce and seeing who got custody of Pep? Figuring out where her marriage went wrong? Reflections on the shallowness of Hollywood? Well, we get one and a half of those three, so I guess that’s… something.

“Mom,” she said. “You hate the parents at my school. Why would you think I like the kids?”
“Hate is such a strong word.”
“You told Auntie Liz they were stuck-up anorexic buttholes with vagina lips. I heard you.”
“I meant it as a compliment,” I said.”


While she constantly professes her love for her daughter Pep, she seems incapable of actually communicating with her, and doesn’t seem to realize how much she hates her current school or, basically, understand anything about her. I was hoping to see them reconnect as part of the divorce process, but instead Agnes seems to use her like a pawn, pretty much the same thing she accuses Trevor of doing. While there’s definitely some legal shenanigans, so much of it is interspersed with her woe-is-me, where-did-we-go-wrong? takes and Trevor is just… a not very competent villain, which I guess does say something about Agnes, too, doesn’t it?

“Normal is a state of mind,” I said. “It’s like the famous line about porn. I can’t describe it, but I know it when I see it.”
Beat.
“What kind of idiot can’t describe porn?” Fin asked.”


I did like Agnes’ sarcastic and humorous take on life, though some of the humor was in extremely poor taste (jokes about retarded kids, really?). That’s pretty much the only thing that kept me reading, along with the increasingly absurd and over-the-top bits with her sister Fin. In almost any other book, I would be complaining about the ending, but honestly, while it was completely ridiculous, it was a welcome break from the rest of the book.

Overall, this book missed the mark for me, so I’d only recommend this book for readers who’ve got a particular interest in snarky humor about the Hollywood glitterati.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This is my first by this author. The cover is very eye catching. And the description makes it sound like a nice break from the typical books I read, mysteries and thrillers. Unfortunately, it was rough to get through. Years ago, I had an instructor who threw herself a menopause party and then wrote a book about it. I felt as though this book could have been written y that instructor. It was just so scattered and trying way to hard to be snarky/funny/witty.

Right off the bat I am going to say I had high hopes for this book after reading the synopsis. Perhaps too high because Been There, Married That by Gigi Levangie missed the mark for me. I ill also admit that Hollywood stories are not my favorite but I was hoping that this would be like the Erin Brockovich type of character, outrageous but full of heart. It did have plenty of snark, scandal, revenge wanting and many stereotypical Hollywood characters including the main character, Agnes Murphy Nash but little heart. Peel away the glitz and glamour and not much is left of these people or the purpose for their lives.

I do think others may enjoy the story but I was not one who did. The writing is satisfactory, I just couldn’t get past the point that I never really learned to care for or appreciate the characters.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I wanted to like this book so very badly. The synopsis pulled me in and promised so much. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me. No matter how many different ways I tried to analyze the storyline, I came up empty. I think I know what the author was trying to achieve and obviously she did succeed because many people enjoyed this book. I think it is simply a situation where it just wasn't "for me." It felt like it went in circles and I feel like the heroine grew a little during the trials she was put through but not quite like I expected....and don't get me started on her husband....ex-husband...whatever he ended up being. The saving grace in this book was definitely their daughter. I just felt bad for her because she was stuck in the middle.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Agnes Murphy Nash is the perfect Hollywood wife – she has the right friends, the right clothes, and even a side career of her own as a writer. Her husband Trevor is a bigshot producer, and from the outside it looks like they’re living a picture-perfect celebrity life, complete with tennis tournaments and lavish parties.
But the job description of a Hollywood wife doesn’t cover divorce, which is the way Agnes’ life is headed after she comes home one day to find her credit cards cancelled and the security passwords to get into her enormous LA home changed.
This was a very different genre for me but it sounded fun so when I was offered a copy by the publisher I gave it a shot. However I struggled with it, I didn’t find it hilarious but I did find it cringe worthy & wondered whether I would finish it. I did but I’m not sure if I’d read anything else by the author.

The narrative in this novel is supposed to be humorous and conversational but frequently was confusing and off-putting.

With this line on the first page, "His lean shoulders curved into a question mark," I was confused and would remain so. Story dream broken and remained broken by over-writing.

DNF

This story was not for me. It didn’t flow. While I think some will enjoy the humor, it was just too much of it. The connection with the characters was just not there.

Get Your Life Back Agnes....!
Let the battle commence! Agnes, Hollywood wife extraordinaire is in a pickle. When her high flying husband decides to bring her down, Agnes is faced with the battle of her life - to get that life back. Amusing, colourful and a fun, escapist romp.

&sr=1-1
Title: Been There, Married That
Author: Gigi Levangie
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Agnes Nash is the perfect Hollywood wife—all the right clothes, all the right friends, all the right hobbies—and even has a job of her own, author, outside of her daughter and her producer husband. Life is good—until the day her credit cards are cancelled, and she comes home to find the locks changed and a guard with a taser. Agnus’s husband is determined she’ll get nothing, but Agnus isn’t giving up without a fight.

Okay, here’s the thing: I didn’t finish this book. The writing was great: good characterizations, on point description, cohesive plot…but I only made it about 20% of the way through, because this just wasn’t the right choice for me. The characters were narcissistic and mean, and, frankly, their concerns were so frivolous as to be ridiculous. It would probably have been a hilarious read, but I just can’t connect with such selfish people, making it a no-go for me.

Again: this is just me and my reaction to the story. It might make a great read for other people, but I just couldn’t turn off my annoyance with the characters and their self-absorbed antics.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

Well, that was a rough read. Reading the blurb had me thinking this was going to be a funny but real story of this couple's marriage and ultimate divorce. Maybe if you're rich and divorced from L.A. this might be more your vibe. I kept reading thinking I don't have to relate to every character I read but this one went so out of my depth that I found myself just wanting it over more and that was when the disappointment couldn't be shaken off. I finished but only to be fair to the author especially since I was asked for my honest opinion. I'm sure this book will be perfect for some but I just wasn't feeling it.
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley for my honest review.

Unfortunately a DNF for me, but I gave it 2/3 since I read others saying to hang in to the end. I couldn’t connect with the characters and the writing style was so random and all over the map, that I couldn’t get into a good reading flow.

This book had huge potential in my eyes but just didn’t come to fruition. 2.5 stars

Agnes Murphy Nash is a writer married to producer Trevor Nash. When he decides he is not happy and he wants a divorce, she finds herself at the center of crazy Hollywood divorce and custody battle. This book is actually a lot more amusing than it might seem from that description. If you are looking for a little light fun guilty pleasure reading, this book is a good choice. The characters in this book definitely don't inhabit the same world that most of us do. They probably don't even inhabit the same planet we do. Reading about the craziness of their world and their ridiculous troubles is a great way to relax and forget about your own troubles for a while.

Laugh out loud, witty, fun and engaging adventure filled with interesting charters, exciting dialog, unexpected turns and outrageous antics that make you keep reading to see what happens next. Fun reading!

This is one of those you will probably love or hate. The characters are over the top, a little tough to handle, however I like that in this book. It made me laugh, and be glad I wasn’t going through her divorce!

I guess I expected more from this book than what I got. It does have funny lines but overall, it falls flat and somewhat juvenile. It is hard to follow in places as it is written kind of "stream of consciousness" style. And I thought I rambled! LOL!! Will have to read another of Ms. Grazer's book before I completely write her off. Here's hoping it's better!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.

This is a new to me author and it took me a minute to really get this authors way of writing. I was given an ARC for my honest review and here it is:

It's very fast paced and there were moments where I would have to reread certain paragraphs to really understand. I can't say this story was really the best for me but I am sure there will be some readers who will just love this story and writing. I encourage everyone to try it and make your opinion.

I did laugh a few times and I was able to finish the book. But wow it's definitely not going to be for everyone. But I will always urge people to try it out because not everyone reads the same book.

I had a hard time getting into this book. There was humor and snark, but I just didn't love the main character. Some readers might like it, but it just didn't work for me.
I'm rounding my reviews up to 3 stars for the snark.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

Some reviews are harder to write than others. This is a hard one. While I clearly know how I feel about the book and my rating, at the same time I want to be fair to the author and the story. I’m afraid this review probably won’t come across in a very positive way, however. And for that, I apologize.

As I started the book I could see that it was going to be heavy on one-liners. I also sensed a storyline that felt more intent on being funny than relating a tale. And the characters in the book marched right into that mold. Rather than portray any believable characteristics they were more interested in impressing the reader with their sometimes foolishness and humor.

Now, this can be fine. But if it continues on for too long, it helps for the humor to be your style and to continually tickle your funnybone.

In Been There, Married That Agnes is a writer who is married to a notable producer named Trevor. She describes her life rather sarcastically since she lives in Hollywood where she believes everyone is fake.

At her book launch party, Trevor ends up being a no-show which of course is a disappointment. And her Uber ride home from the party is a story in itself. But her day manages to get much worse.

When she arrives at her destination she finds that she is locked out of her large, gate-surrounded, home. It seems Trevor is ready for a divorce so he’s locked her out and canceled her credit cards.

My thanks to #NetGalley #StMartins and the author for an ARC to review and offer my opinion.

What Concerned Me
Though some of the lines were funny, as a whole it wasn’t my type of humor.
I felt a few funny lines in a more realistic story would have been more meaningful.
It didn’t feel interesting enough to hold my attention.
I needed a character that I cared about.

What I Like Best
While there really wasn’t much that attracted me to this book, it is very possible that if your sense of humor jibes with the author’s then this will be a book you will enjoy.

Agnes Murphy has it all. She’s married to Hollywood super-producer Trevor Nash. They have an adorable, smart eleven-year-old named Penelope but called Pep. They have a gorgeous house, expensive cars, staff to help with all their needs, and all the things that money could buy. And Agnes’s latest novel is about to be published. Is it possible to have a more perfect life?

When Trevor doesn’t show up to Agnes’ book signing, she thought it was unusual. But he’s busy. He could have gotten stuck in a meeting or something. But when she Ubers back home (her Uber driver recognizes the address and asks her to show his spec script to her husband, of course) and finds that her pass code no longer opens the front gate, she starts to get a bad feeling. Not as bad a feeling as when the security guy shows up and tases her, but still uncomfortable.

As the weeks go by, and she denies the problems in her marriage while Trevor acts like they’re already separated, Agnes tries to figure out where she belongs. Is it with other Hollywood wives and their designer shoes, assistants, stylists, blowouts, Botox, and vaginal rejuvenation? Is it with her father and his new, young, girlfriend who he met at Starbucks and can speak 5 different languages? Is it with the legendary director who wants to start a new life with her? Or with the marriage counselor (their marriage counselor) who hit on her at the end of hers and Trevor’s first session with him?

Thinking it all through, Agnes knows that she won’t be happy with any of those choices. She doesn’t want her marriage to end, but she can’t be the only one in it either, so she knows it’s up to her to find her own place. And she’s got her sister’s help with that. Fin is an ex-con with street smarts and the fearlessness to take on Hollywood. With her cocksure nerve and Agnes’ smarts and contacts, the Murphy sisters just may be able to make something even out of this messy Hollywood divorce.

Been There, Married That is the latest from Gigi Levangie, a Hollywood insider who knows a thing or two about being married to a producer. The novelist who wrote The Starter Wife and the screenwriter who wrote the Julia Roberts/Susan Sarandon Stepmother, Levangie marries a quick wit with a graceful way with storytelling that creates a truly magnificent book.

I adored this novel! Levangie’s astringent skewering of Hollywood and its standards mixed with her bittersweet, dry, super-smart, playing-with-words humor made me want to make her my new best friend. But underneath all that is Agnes’ warmth and a genuine caring about her family, and it made for such a lovely character. All of the characters felt real to me, in a Real Housewives sort of fake way, and I adored them all. I just wanted to stay in this story for as long as possible.

I am a sucker for any book that a publicist calls funny, or any of the synonyms they pull out for funny, but despite that, I find it’s rare to find a book that genuinely makes me laugh out loud, full belly laugh, snort laugh even. Been There, Married That did that for me. And it will again, as it’s going directly into my short list of funny books I turn to for a reread when life just gets the better of me.

This is the book I’ve been waiting years to find!

Galleys for Been There, Married That were provided by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Since this was the first time in reading this author or even hearing of the name the story caught my eye. Having lived many years in Calif. and just been over a year having moved I could picture alot of the places. Funny too but not so funny after done with this daughter started going through similar stuff but hers mental too the husband that is. Anyways the humor I would say is not everyone's cup of tea but it does fit Hollywood. Alot of times the people there do not make sense so some of this story would seem like that at beginning but it does slowly come out of that. Agnes kept most of my attention seeing how she handled herself with the situations also. It did have me turning the pages just to see what came next. Not my normal reading but was different.