In Development

By: Rachel Spangler

Narrated by: Ann Etter

From a young age, Cobie Galloway made a career of playing the girl-next-door on the silver screen. Only, she's not a teenager anymore. Ready to challenge herself artistically and earn the part she's always dreamed of, she's forced to face the realization that in order to win the roles afforded to edgier actresses, she might first have to audition by playing someone edgier in her day-to-day life.

Pop star Lila Wilder built a multimedia empire by always having her finger on the pulse of what's hot. However, as she struggles to produce her next smash hit record, she's finding it hard to keep her name in the public eye, and a string of tumultuous relationships with Hollywood boy toys no longer captivates anyone's attention.

Both women tentatively agree to a headline-grabbing fauxmance, with two simple rules: Always stick to the script, and never forget that on the stage of public perception, nothing is real. Can two women find love in a world of carefully crafted illusions, or will a successful charade mean the potential for something more gets left on the cutting-room floor?

©2018 Rachel Spangler (P)2019 Rachel L. Spangler

Story was great! Voice for Lila, not so great

I did Enjoy the story as well as the pace and flow... but the voice choice for Lila nearly ruined the whole book for me. I almost stopped listening numerous times because the voice was just like nails on a chalkboard for me. I don't know if she was going for Miss Piggy, Mikey Mouse, or a Michael Jackson, but whatever it was, was just not a good choice. Had I not been reading it for a book club I would have thrown in the towel. I recommend just reading the story for yourself, don't audible it. Sorry.

Another new favorite

Rachel Spangler did a wonderful job developing the characters of In Development. I fell a bit in love with Cobie and got frustrated with Lila. But in the end a wonderful love story that touched on so many current topics - the #metoo movement, conversion therapy and women’s empowerment. So many hard subjects to talk about but that need to be addressed. Thank you Rachel - you gave me a lot to think about! Keep writing and sharing your stories!

Lila's voice...

The story was pretty good but occasionally Lila's voice errs on the side of Miss Piggy

Nicely done.

First book in a long time that I enjoyed. Wished she told her sister the same thing her
sister told her.

Good but have been great

Overall, the story is on point for trope . As is, the story is 3.5 stars for the following reasons:
1. Lylla is just not a likeable character until almost the end. You wonder why Cobie is putting up with her.
2. the narration is hard to handle at times and doesn't really separate the 2 main character voices enough
3. I repeat I couldn't stand Lylla until the last 3 chapters...