This British debut featured in my round-up of what I was looking forward to in 2024. I thought it might be a perfect beach read and having now finished it I think I was on the right track but I do have reservations.
It is set in Hollywood in the early 1950s- a time when the studio system is still exerting an influence but the Golden Age is drawing to a close with television infringing on the movie world’s domination. Main characters are fictional but real names associated with this time including gossip columnist Hedda Hopper and such stars as Lauren Bacall, Danny Kaye, Liz Taylor, Doris Day etc. hover around in the background, with one, silent star Louise Brooks featuring in a cautionary cameo of how the studio discarded those they felt no longer fit the bill.
Into this and from the British seaside town of Morecambe comes Margaret who soon restyles herself as Loretta Darling and aims to succeed in the world of film make-up. This isn’t a bad idea on the author’s part as this role gets to see a different, more vulnerable side to the acting talent. In this male-dominated world the bully boys seem to hang around the longest and events following a fateful wedding lead Loretta onto a plan of revenge.
The theme of exploitation in the entertainment industry is still very relevant and there’s a definite aspect of the author wanting to redress the balance but when it comes down to it there’s not a lot of difference from her depiction of this world to earlier and perhaps less nobly motivated novels such as “Valley Of The Dolls” by Jacqueline Sussan (1966) and some of the work of Jackie and Joan Collins springs to mind. The trashiness is still there amongst the glamour and that’s why I’d recommend it as a holiday read. I think I was expecting something a little more literary, a little spikier and with characters I could care more about but it reads well. I’m not sure how great a commercial prospect it is in that I’m not sure who it will appeal to but probably by just saying that I’ve ensured it will be the runaway hit of the summer. I’m not totally convinced by it. There’s a couple of minor characters who seem to have their more resonant story to tell, which could be something the author could explore in the future. I didn’t dislike it by any means but it felt underdeveloped and flat which is a shame giving the potential of its setting.
Calling the main character “Unforgettable” in the title seems a little risky, the author would really need to ensure that this was the case otherwise there is an inevitability to the comments critics will make.

I approached this book expecting a glimpse into the glitz and glamour of 1950s Hollywood, perhaps with a bit of a seedy undertone. However, I was soon drawn into a much darker narrative than anticipated.

The protagonist, Loretta, is a standout character—bold, confident, and unwavering in her pursuit of what she wants. Her determination and assertiveness make her a compelling figure in a world that often tries to sideline women with strong ambitions.

The cast of characters surrounding Loretta is diverse, ranging from the despicable and unlikable to the truly wonderful. Her friendship with Sally is particularly heartwarming, and their bond adds a layer of emotional depth to the story. The heartbreak that comes with this relationship is palpable, making it one of the most poignant aspects of the book. Loretta’s relationship with Elliot is also noteworthy, though I wished there had been more time to explore their connection in greater detail. Among the supporting characters, Primrose stands out as a favorite—a total queen in every sense.

The book does not shy away from exposing the darker side of Hollywood, including some intense and troubling moments. Prospective readers should be aware of content and trigger warnings, as some scenes delve into disturbing territory.

A significant element of the narrative is the air of mystery surrounding Loretta and her previous life as Margaret. This intrigue helps maintain interest and adds a layer of suspense, even as the pacing of the story fluctuates.

Overall, this book offers a gripping, albeit dark, portrayal of Hollywood in the 1950s. It’s a story filled with complex characters, emotional highs and lows, and an underlying mystery that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

I liked this one but didn't love it. As a main character, Loretta was okay, but she did become a little annoying at times. I thought the plot was somewhat flawed and some of the characters were 2 dimensional which made you like them less - well rounded support characters and an integral part of the story. An easy read though, so good if you don't want anything too deep.

DNF. From the way the character spoke in the first couple of pages, I just knew it wasn't for me. You have to have a real suspension of disbelief to follow this story of a random woman managing to get to Hollywood, which would be fine if it were better written. Despite its vibrant colour, the book has a very dark side and it sort of feels like the author had to choose between two different books to write and instead, shoved them altogether into one novel. Not for me.

A historical novel following a young English woman trying to make it in Hollywood in the 1950s. A quick, easy read that doesn't take itself too seriously. However it does feel like two very different books mashed together with a fairly unbelievable revenge plot thrown in. It isn't the thriller it's being marketed as. Not one for me.

The Unforgettable Loretta, Darling follows 20-year-old Loretta who has moved to Hollywood from England in the hopes of becoming a make up artist to the stars.

Loretta becomes intertwined with a selection of men who are no-good, and as becomes more wrapped up in her new life it becomes clear that she’s running from something back home.

Set in the glamorous background of 1950’s Hollywood, Loretta, Darling is in some ways reminiscent of Evelyn Hugo which I also adored. It’s an interesting look at Hollywood from a different perspective.

I adored Loretta, she was plucky and difficult and everything I love in a protagonist. This was a great fast-paced read - Katherine Blake is really brilliant writer and I can’t wait to read whatever she does next.

Thanks to the people at NetGalley for a copy of this ARC!

Unfortunately really struggled to get into this one. It didn't capture my interest right at the start and sadly it didn't get any better. I really wanted to like this, and maybe i'll give it another ago when it gets released, but this time around it wasn't for me.

Twenty-year-old Margaret manages to persuade an American to finance her way to Hollywood. She has dreams of becoming a famous make-up artist, but first, she must re-create herself and learn to deal with the seamier side of the film business.

From the very beginning, we realise that author Katherine Blake has created a fearless character in Margaret. Her wiles take her from a working-class background in Morecombe to the golden era of 1950s Hollywood, as she becomes The Unforgettable Loretta, Darling.

I’m not sure what drew me to this book. I like to take a break from reading crime now and again so always look for something a little lighter in tone. I also love the era the book is set in.

The narrative has far more dialogue than I expected, so from the very beginning you are catapulted straight into the story with its gossipy style. This style, combined with the storyline of a young northern girl fleeing to America with big dreams seemed a bit too much like the backstreet saga’s my Mum loved to read. Initially, the story makes its inevitable progress, with Margaret, now known as Loretta, working in a diner and befriended by a prostitute.

Very quickly the story takes a very dark turn. At the beginning of the book, the author warns of scenes that the reader may find distressing. These scenes, particularly the first one, make for uncomfortable reading. They highlight the debauchery of the time, the way in which leading actors were treated as gods and could get away with anything while women were treated as commodities. The nature of some of the hedonistic parties was frequently written about in gossip columns but using a code that only people in the industry truly understood.
Once Loretta had glimpsed the seamier side of Hollywood I had hoped that the story was going to become an exposé of the darker side of the film industry during the 1950s, however, it continued to focus on her quest to become a famous make-up artist.

I liked the supporting characters and the frequent nods to real-life stars of the 1950s. Thanks to the descriptions I felt fully immersed in the backstage life on a movie set. We are given a glimpse into the magic of make-up and the studio trickery to make actors even more glamorous. The story could have been so much bigger if it had picked one direction, either chasing dreams or an exposé and stuck with that. The ending does leave things open for a sequel and I’d happily spend time finding out how Loretta is doing chasing her dream.

The Hollywood system does not only work for actors but the supporting industry.
Running away from Lancashire and the UK to the sparkle of tinsel town.
Follow the ups and downs of Loretta as life changes and friends are made.
It made me smile

A really enjoyable story about one woman's drive and ambition to become a make-up artist to the stars in the golden era of Hollywood.

Margaret moves to the US from the UK with dreams of become a big make-up artist in Hollywood, even though she has no formal training and is self-taught, but she certainly has a lot of drive and ambition.

Once in Hollywood she changes her name to Lorretta and slowly finds her feet, through a series of chance encounters, some good and some not so good. She has a lot of determination and people start to notice her more, because of her perseverance.

There are also a few hidden secrets about her past life in England that slowly reveal themselves as the book goes on.

All in all a really enjoyable story about someone slowly working their way into the film industry as a make-up artist, being employed by the make-up artist to the stars, and mixing with various stars of the day, with a bit of murder and mystery thrown in! A very entertaining and easy read. I really feel we need another book in this series to see what happens to Loretta and Eliot once they arrive in New York!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This review is my own.

I’ve had to let Loretta Darling sit with me for a day after finishing it to see how I felt. I didn’t want to be rash with my opinions, sadly, 24 hours later, I still feel like I was promised a ritzy Golden Years of Hollywood tale but got a macabre tale.

But I’d rather not settle on the negatives:

Loretta and Sally: gorgeous, love it. Actually made me really heartbroken.

Loretta and Primrose: love it. Probably the best person in her life.

Enid: gosh.

I just felt like the first 2 parts kind of languished about and then we rushed through part three and wrapped it up with the end but there were still questions with no resolution. It was heavily inferred but I guess after spending so long suffering through Raphael (twice) and the other men in the book, we get the good (we hope) one and barely any time with him

I loved the Hollywood setting and Loretta as a character is a great heroine - while many of the characters she meets along the way are as seedy and terrible as you'd expect from Hollywood 'back in the day'. It was nice to see an alternative to a character wanting to be in the movies too with her instead working her way up as a makeup artist which felt unique and fresh. Really loved it!

This book maintains its fun, frothy tone even though some of the subject matter is actually quite dark. I think this leads to a sense of it being quite an unbelievable storyline. I feel that some aspects needed a bit more explanation and closure (what did happen to the jar?!) and if these loose ends had been tied up it would have made an overall more satisfying read. What I will say is that the prose flows along well and if you are prepared to overlook some of the loose ends of the novel you will find an entertaining and light beach read at its core. It has more than a few nods to the ‘me too’ movement and is flying the flag for equality, which I definitely admired about it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book with no obligation to review.

I will say 3.5 rounded to 4 because I have given 4 stars to books I have enjoyed more and 3 stars to ones I have enjoyed less.

This book was not quite what I expected but I still enjoyed it. Loretta is quite a likeable character and we want her to succeed. The book is vividly written with good, believable characters. There are more sex scenes than I expected, including a fairly tame description of an orgy and some of the language is a bit crude.

It does seem to paint quite a true picture of the old days and ways in Hollywood in the 1950s when actors were completely controlled by the studios and women were used and abused by powerful men. Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose. Loretta is a person who is not afraid to do what she feels she must in order to succeed and I will say, her revenge on the men who treated her so badly was quite satisfying. Watch out for gypsophila!

I got a bit confused about Loretta and Elliot's plan, I don't remember him telling her what it was but I suppose it involved what happened at the end. I was also a bit confused about what exactly what happened with Enid and Da.

It's an easy read and quite enjoyable, nothing deep to think about.

Sassy, charming and full of fun. This timely story is the full package - I just love the title, the cover and our heroine, Loretta. Who doesn't love an excursion into old Hollywood?

I have to echo the other reviews sadly that it's a story that doesn't live up to the outline which is sad as I loved the outline for this.

The cover does draw you to the book but it's another girls changes name to get what she wants.

I love anything related to the golden age of Hollywood and this was a fun little read from Hollywood in the 1950s. There were two scenes which definitely weren't so light hearted and unexpected. Some may need to check their trigger warnings. Unfortunately some plot points and characters didn't feel fully flushed out and the love story felt a bit unbelievable (I didn't think there was much chemistry there).

Still recommend if you're looking for an easy read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

Absolutely loved this romp of a book but it also has some serious messages about how women were [and often continue to be] treated as sexual fodder in the film world. Loretta re-invents herself as a make up artist to the stars in 1950's Hollywood, in the days when most men are complete cads but there’s the occasional decent one… Loretta is a wonderful character, so feisty and fun - would so love to hang out with her - and this was such a fun read. The icing on the cake was the insight into Hollywood make up secrets, and all the 1950s detail.

A great beach read. I did feel like the character wasn't fully developed, but I enjoyed the set up and how everything unfolded. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Wasn't quite sure where this book was heading. But I really enjoyed it. Its along the lines of how to kill men and get away with it buts set in the golden era of Hollywood!