2008-09-11 Not as good as Riders but def worth a read if you like Jilly C!

This book was quite good but certainly nothing like Riders which I enjoyed immensely (maybe because of the horsey element?). Rivals is fast paced and has a gripping storyline with lovable characters (Taggie's dog being the most lovable!). I was sad to see that Billy LF didn't feature very much, although there was ample chance to feature him more e.g. when he conveniently was out of the country or working. Some people have mentioned about the change in Rupert so I don't think its giving away too much to say he does have a change of character in the middleend of the book. However I didn't like this. Is Rupert not the lovable cad? isn't the reason we liked him because of the way he treated woman?. To think he is going to settle down properly (not like his first marriage in Riders) changes him completely and it didn't work for me - sorry!. I also didn't like the fact most of the characters kept quoting famous works - what was the deal with that? perhaps for one character ok but not several. People just don't do that in the real world. But all that aside it is an enjoyable read with a real feel for what goes on in the TV industry. Jilly has a great skill with witty one liners (the one about 'Wobbledon' when Rupert is caught playing naked tennis is a classic!).