Ruthless Women by Melanie Blake [Book review]

Title: Ruthless women

Author: Melanie Blake

Source: Netgalley

Publication date: 18th February 2021

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Words cannot express how much I loved this book. I am so grateful that my Netgalley wish was granted by the publisher and I got to appreciate the absolute spectacle that was this book!

Ruthless women is centred around the production of a long standing soap opera (or continuous drama) and focuses on the brains and talent on and off the screen. The clue being in the title that the women in this world are strong, powerful and above all ruthless!

Synopsis

Ambition can be deadly... A sizzling thriller set behind the scenes of a glamorous TV soap, from a Sunday Times bestselling author. Falcon Bay is the UK's favorite TV soap, beamed to millions three days a week from its beautiful location in the Channel Islands. But the show has a new owner, and ratings are falling. The cast and crew used to be 'one big family,' but now they've turned against each other in the battle to impress their new boss and survive the downturn. Writer Farrah, lead actor Catherine, and producer Amanda are the driven, ambitious women who keep the show on the road. But Farrah is losing episodes to her less experienced male rival, Catherine is terrified of the public falling out of love with her, and Amanda's evil husband Jake, vice president of the network, is plotting to get his wife kicked off the show. Can these women team up to bring down their rivals? Only if they are prepared for a battle of the sexes—where they'll need to be as ruthless as the men to come out on top...

“You are such an inspiration Farrah,” she said. “I’m going to take you as my role model. A strong woman in a mans world, clearing the path for future generations."

Wow.... What an epic tale of power, sex, money, friendship and strength. Focused on the main people behind a world renowned soap opera the characters have as much glamour, sexiness, bitchiness and secrecy as the show itself. Imagine Dallas with the power suits and glamorous women, meets Sunset beach with it’s crazy storylines. The drama on screen is matched, and then some, by the impressive talent who create it. A group of ambitious women head the team, Catherine the star of the show, Farrah a writer and director, Amanda the producer, Helen casting director and Sheena the agent. A powerhouse of strong, well respected, beautiful females who are not about to let the boys club take from them what they deserve. They are fighting in a mans world and aim to come out on top.

The story touches on a number of themes throughout, sex, abuse, drugs, alcoholism, and the me too movement, highlighting the difficulties people in this industry face and the pressures on men and women to stay at the top of their game. The constant demand for women to look younger and beautiful. How women feel the need to alter themselves cosmetically to stay one step ahead.

At the heart of the story is the friendship between the main women. Their bonds that have stood the test of time and the strength they have when they face the world head on together. But at the end of the day will that be enough? Even the closest of friendships can show cracks when put under the spotlight and sometimes the need for solidarity in women can be destroyed by the quest to become top dog. These ladies will do anything to succeed in this world, but at what cost?

That is for you to find out! I suggest you get this book pre-ordered and enjoy a gripping page turner that you won’t be able to put down! With twists and turns at every point and a glorious ending that was totally unexpected! This is binge reading at its finest and I for one can't wait to see what Melanie Blake provides for us next!

Out on 18th February 2021 you can pre order your copy on Amazon here. (No affiliate links I just think you should all buy it!)

About the author

Melanie Blake was a music entertainment manager after working at the BBCs iconic Top of the Pops, she built up an acting agency and represents leading actresses from all of the longstanding British continuing dramas including EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. In 2018 she decided to manage a smaller client list and began to concentrate on her other passion, writing. First as a columnist in a newspaper, then a playwright and now a best-selling novelist. Coming from a working class background she is proof that if you want to change your life badly enough, you can achieve anything!

You can follow Melanie on Twitter and find more information on her website.