The Mashad family novels are becoming almost a guilty pleasure for me. I’m not a big reality TV fan, but I admit to wondering what it was like to grow up under the lights and cameras, to have your whole life on screen, And that’s what this series does. Jalili has created what is, basically, Iranian immigrant Kardashians, a large family of girls and their mom, who is holding the family empire together,

This book focuses on Mona. As the youngest (until their half sister Josie had been discovered), and often seen as a “Mess”, she is probably the most reality TV of the sisters, the one who’s life has been most onscreen, who the product she sells is her.

And now, she has to sell something very important-a relationship with the President’s son, Harvard athlete Lucas. Except that she’s not really all that fond of Lucas, who is a bit of a womanizer. And she does quite enjoy spending time with her friend/surfing instructor (and very handsome) Kai, who makes her feel normal, not like a reality TV show.

All told, this is an enjoyable book. There are some discussions of sexual relationships and alcohol use among teens, which parents may wish to be aware of, but overall this is an appropriate content level for teen readers…or adults who love a good train wreck with a happy ending.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me early access to this book! I absolutely loved Mona's story. Her inner turmoil and the long-term grief that we get to see in her was so important to read. Her messiness and emotions are so relatable, even if her circumstances are far from that. I want more of the Mashad family!!