Reality Check by Vicki Notaro
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 9 May 2024

In her perfect apartment in Lower Manhattan, Portia thrives in her ideal job writing for TV, revelling in the blissful anonymity her family lacks. However, drama reigns supreme with her mother, Dessie, the Kerry-born queen bee of the hit reality show, Ladies of Los Angeles, and her sisters, Vinnie, a supermodel-turned-Insta-guru, and Ariel, a TikTok teen sensation.

When Jason delivers shocking news that shatters her world, Portia seeks refuge with her family. Yet, her timing couldn't be worse, as scandal consumes Vinnie's empire and Ariel's bratty antics spiral out of control. Meanwhile, Dessie harbours secrets of her own, and it becomes apparent that the glamour and gossip upon which she built her empire might also lead to its downfall.

This book certainly grabbed my attention, and I found myself deeply invested in characters. I believe Vicki has skilfully crafted a book that, beneath its seemingly light-hearted tone, delves into profound themes and the genuine struggles women encounter, particularly amidst societal pressures and the digital age's impact on mental health.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business | Sandycove and the author, Vicki Notaro, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I absolutely loved this reality TV related novel, set in Ireland. The characters are engaging and the plot is exciting and believable. So good!

Title: Reality Check by Vicki Notaro

Release Date: May, 9th, 2024

3.5 Stars

Portia Daniels seemingly has it all - the perfect man, a dream apartment, and a fulfilling job in TV writing. However, her life takes a drastic turn when her boyfriend drops a bombshell, prompting her to seek solace with her drama-filled family. As scandal rocks her sister Vinnie's empire and her younger sister Ariel's behaviour spirals out of control, Portia begins to question the authenticity of her own life. With secrets lurking beneath the glamour of her family's reality TV world, Portia finds herself facing a wake-up call that could change everything.

In my opinion, Vicki has crafted a book that, despite its seemingly lighthearted tone, tackles deep themes and the real-life challenges women face, especially concerning societal pressures and mental health in the age of social media. The characters, particularly Dessie Daniels, are depicted vividly, and Vicki's clever incorporation of Irish elements adds humour and warmth to the narrative.

The infusion of humour and wit enhances the story's appeal, giving it a distinctive and charming flavour. Although some plot twists were foreseeable, the engaging family dynamics and authentic representation of Irish culture contribute to making the book an enjoyable read.



Thank you to The Publisher Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business | Sandycove ,The Author Vicki Notaro & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.