Chasing Valentino: romance and old Hollywood

Chasing Valentino is the first book in the Hollywood by the Sea series by Julie Carobini. Greta grew up knowing that her great grandmother, Elizabeth, had starred with Rudolph Valentino in the 1921 film, The Sheik. She also wondered why she gave it up for a less-than glamorous life. When a 100 year old postcard arrives in the mailbox, new questions arise. As her life is currently at a stand still, she decides to head to California and trace her great-gran’s footsteps. Unfortunately, when she arrives in the fabled Hollywood by the Sea. she didn’t expect her grumpy neighbor, Dr Zac Holt, to insult her at their first meeting. Zac has developed a sour attitude but he can’t help but be drawn to Greta’s warmth and curious nature. His attempts to make amends are met with caution as Greta didn’t come looking for love but for answers. Can her search into the past heal them both and give a future…together? 

Rudolph Valentino was the first heartthrob and with his sudden death sent shockwaves through the world and into Hollywood history. Chasing Valentino is a love letter to the old Hollywood and the power of discovering yourself in the past. At first, Greta and Zac were hard characters to love as they had their own hurts and struggles and yet their subtle but sweet romance was endearing to read. I wouldn’t call it a grumpy-sunshine romance, more like grumpy-grumpy romance as they both had been jaded by love. However, as they spend time together, following the path of her great-grandmother, they find just a bit of hope in love again. I loved their friendship with mutual neighbors, Helen and Gus. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Chasing Valentino. I enjoyed the look into the early days of Hollywood, the myths and legends surrounding Hollywood’s first heartthrob and that romance wasn’t over the top. If you love old Hollywood and romance, I recommend Chasing Valentino. 

Chasing Valentino is available in paperback and eBook