Make Him Look Good

by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez

The "him" in Make Him Look Good is Ricky Biscayne, sexy Latin singing sensation who has taken the pop world by storm. But it takes more than swiveling hips and dreamy eyes to get to the top of the charts. The women who orbit Ricky are:

—Milan, Ricky's new publicist, and her sister Geneva whose Club G promises to have Miami's hottest opening ever

—Jill Sanchez, a media-manic Latina star who has crossed over from CDs to perfume, clothes and movies

—Jasminka, Ricky's gorgeous Croatian model wife

—Irene, a firefighter whose high school romance with Ricky was the last love in her life, eking out an existence for herself and her daughter Sophia, who is beginning to suspect that she and Ricky Biscayne look a little too much alike

With several satisfying romances set against Miami's music, club and modeling scenes, Make Him Look Good is irresistible fiction from one of America's most original voices.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary, Literature

432 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

Hello! I'm Alisa. I'm a writer and musician from New Mexico. I got my start writing in newspapers for nearly a decade, and then made the move to novels. I write in a variety of genres, though all of my work tends to have something to do with the things that interest me. Whether I'm writing young adult novels or historical fiction for adults, my stories are alike in that they seek to un-erase erased people, cultures and events, and there's usually something supernatural involved, as well as a general awe and reverence for the natural world. Fairness is important to me. Kindness is important to me. Holding monsters accountable is important to me. I try to write about all of that but also to keep things funny. Lots of labels have been placed on me over the years by a staggering variety of sleepwalking souls, but I don't tend to consider myself within such confines. I had a Near Death Experience in 2015 that changed everything for me. Now I know I'm a spirit living temporarily in a body, like everyone else. So I'm sort of existing, listening to the stories that exist all around us, allowing them to come through me to you. That's all. Sometimes my books sell. Mostly, they don't. Writing's a crap way to make a living, especially in this new era of fascism and billionaires. Ah, well. Keep loving those closest to you.

Reviews

[Vannessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically the book is about a self-absorbed pop star who is crossing over to become America's newest Latin sensation. It is told from the point of view of different the women in his life - his publicist (and biggest fan) Milan , her sister Geneva - who is opening a club in Miami with Ricky as an investor, his ex (and current) lover pop star/movie star Jill Sanchez, his high school sweetheart Irene, who also has his daughter, Sophia, and his current wife Jasminka, who is pregnant and he believes is too fat to leave the house.

Milan is obsessed with him and will do anything for him, which she does even if it goes against her morals, because she is "in love" with him. But in the end she realizes who he really is and what she really wants in life.

It was okay. It had a lot of drama, which is a big part of the reason I kept reading. Also, I had read in previous reviews that "he really gets what he deserves in the end", which wasn't really all that surprising or interesting to be honest. It was a nice read after a long day where you don't want to think too much.

[Dana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was surprised at just how shallow this book was. I didn't enjoy the stereotypes or the characters who were almost identical to "real-life" celebrities, such as the big-bottomed "jill" who was a dead-ringer for Jennifer Lopez in her earlier years. I felt like I was back in the '80's again, reading Jackie Collins... only much less enjoyable. The only redeeming quality to me were a few details of Cuban-American life in Miami and some of the delicious food the characters were eating.

[Dexterine · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was disgusting, first of all, and full of it. It had everything i hate. Ricky the untalented, cheating husband. Milan i hated the most because of her- how do i say this- problems. Jasminka whose an idiot for not leaving when she had chances, and being so needy. However, the good thing about this book is how Alisa related all the characters so they knew each other from a friend, sister, childhood, or directly.

[Dyschelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the very first line in the prologue, I thought it was awful. I couldn't even finish reading it.

[Gloria E Meunier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to day I enjoyed this book and it's quirkiness, I was a little disappointed that the audio is abridged, so thankfully was able to read the print copy as well.

If I were I able to interact with the characters;

on the observation of some people pray , others work , both are applicable. this is scripturally backed up by the tactics of Nehemiah.

also, although I can see how the devil would make it seem that he's answering prayer through so called saints and or santeria, satan being the father of lies will do just about anything to destroy your soul.

I also appreciate the selective shout outs to other authors.

[Jenn · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you're interested in a shallow, disorganized story with a completely illogical and unrealistic plot, sprinkled with a few dissapointing-on-the-verge-of-being-gross sex scenes and terrible editing, pick up this book. There's a portion of the book where a main character repeats dialogue she said in an earlier chapter, near word-for-word, because aparently the editor didn't read the whole book through to notice.

I loved Dirty Girls' Social Club, and was so excited to read more by the author. This book was, imo, a significant step down.

[Muriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about Ricky Biscayne told through the eyes of all the people around him. Ricky is a Latin singing sensation who is all over the media. Unfortunately, not everyone in his life is benefitting from his choices. I enjoyed seeing into different characters' minds, they were believable and realistic. Miami was a good backdrop for the story, especially all the Cuban culture highlighted.

[Josefa Wann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a fun book, and yes it has a lot of descriptive sex in both English and Spanish, but I enjoyed the characters and the ending, it made me laugh and groan in equal parts.

[Chelsea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Low star rating isn’t a surprise. Perhaps should be marketed to people who mindlessly read and are ok with that

[Pat Wootton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has all the makings of your classic chick-lit read. It details the life and loves of famous Latino pop singer Ricky Biscayne, his rail-thin long-suffering model wife Jasminka, his mistress - fellow pop star Jill Sanchez, his publicist, naive Milan, Milan's elegant and constantly superior sister Geneva, and in a somewhat separate story, firefighter Irene, a single mother raising Ricky's daughter on a meagre budget but with determination and spirit.

It is this elaborate cast of characters that elevates the story from celebrity gossip to a study of human nature and the complexity of how so many various human personalities all just want the same thing - to be loved. If rumours are true and the Ricky Biscayne and Jill Sanchez characters are indeed based on Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, they are not flattering portrayals, but the insight into the lifestyles of all of these Floridians is shockingly perceptive and you quickly feel as though you know these characters very well.

It's definitely an entertaining read, but if you can look deeper than the surface plots you might find it an accurate portrayal of many of the best and worst aspects of human behaviour. A read for the beach, yes, but don't be surprised if it stays with you a while longer.

[Natalye · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Make Him Look Good" -Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (2006)

Something I really like about the writing style in this author's books is her voice. It is a bit cumbersome to read, but she has one that is undeniably unique, that pronounces a sense of ownership over the things she writes. Unfortunately, that same voice is also somewhat annoying. I think this book was interesting, and I appreciate the way that she wove a whole slew of seemingly unrelated characters together, with changing viewpoints and narration (something that also seems to be her style) but the book still felt far too superficial. Like the last book of hers I read, the plot was shallow and unrealistic, and too much of the description involves the author talking about fashion - this brand outfit in that colour shirt with this kind of accessory. Frankly, it's kind of boring, like name-dropping for the chic. Again, not a bad book overall, but not something I'd read and reread.

Began: March 5, 2009
Ended: March 13, 2009
Page Count: 376

[CrystalIsReading on StoryGraph · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't as enjoyable as the author's other two books. It was still interesting to learn about the different facets of Hispanic culture. Sometimes the author's trick of multiple points of view for narration really weighed the story down, though, and it was hard to root for the main character, since she was chasing after and sleeping with a man she knew was married, with a pregnant wife. AVR did a good job depicting the vile womanizer, but the obvious "J-Lo" character was cartoony and almost malicious. I wonder what J-Lo ever did to the author? I just felt that this book was missing the likable human core/ central character that made her other books enjoyable as well as interesting.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delicious read by Alisa in which a handful of before unrelated but connected characters discover true friendship, life, and themselves. I love that there were so many real-life analogies or actual literature mentioned within the piece. I felt that I really knew Milan because she enjoyed the same type of literature and bonded with the same characters that i have. For example Jemima J: Jemima J A Novel About Ugly Ducklings and Swans **spoiler alert** I do wish she would have been as strong as her character discovers herself to be and not have succumbed to Ricky's general scumbagedness!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some authors tend to write all their books in the same region. Nicholas Sparks can 19t seem to get out of North Carolina, and Chris Bojalian and Jodi Picoult are loyal New Englanders. Other authors feel most comfortable writing about a certain topic. John Grisham loves the law, and Kristin Gore uses her knowledge of politics in her writing. What I like about Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez is that she writes about a culture. All of her books are full of Latin heritage, and her main characters are sassy, amazing Latinas. This book follows a quickly-rising Latin pop star and how he 19s affected the lives of a variety of women, and then of course how all those women cross paths and realize he 19s a big jerk. It was a good book and fun to read, as all her books have been so far.

[Giselle Froman]

Her first book was amazing. Her second book so-so so I figured maybe the third would be good. Not so much. I got it at the bargain table so for four bucks, I guess it wasn't bad. it takes place in Miami which is I enjoyed except for the part where someone who lived in Miami goes into labor and drives to Memorial West to have the baby. Not so much. Some of the characters are based on celebs and it's really easy to see which ones she is talking about. Too many characters, not enough time to flesh them out. The original characters where good, I could've lived without the Jlo,Ben, Marc Anthony thing.

[Lulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd like to start off by saying that I really love author Rodriguez's writing style. Her flow just makes the book hard to put down. It's so easy to read. This book started out great. She makes it easy to relate to the main character and easy to connect with the other characters as well (maybe cause they're real-life characters *wink *wink). Somewhere in the middle it started falling apart for me and I thought the end was a real stretch. I didn't care for the ending at all. Definitely a beach read.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved her first book but have been very disappointed with the last two from her. She seems to specialize in stereotyping her characters and making huge assumptions. This book's "main character" was annoyingly stupid. Not to mention the author goes overboard describing her starting her period and not bathing.

Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez also parodies some major Latino actors/actresses/singers, which is fine and is laughable but they are so thinly veiled that it is clearly obvious who she is making fun of and judging. It just seemed wrong to me and annoyed me.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audiobook (which is great for the ride to and from work.) and I loved it!! The characters were great. It cracked me up because several of the characters were based on real actor/actress not sure if they were based on them but hey I so think I know who they were supposed to be like. The story was pretty good and I love the things the characters had to say they were hilar! I can't wait to read another book by her.

I would love to make this a LitDiva book but I don't know if Den and Don would like it. Had some pretty vulgar parts.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

And yet another book by the wonderful Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez. This would be her second book I have finished, and have absolutly loved. Her books are an amazing indulgence in the sweet and sour parts of life. Again, six people.. different stories. Valdes-Rodriguez's books arent in regular chapters like you'd see in a book, they are made up of the different charachters in the book. This book is a soap opera styled book, that ends up in a twist, never expected. I smiled, laughed, cried, and got mad with this book. One of her good ones.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure I would like this book as much if I had read it. I listened to it on CD and loved it b/c the narrator gave such voice to the characters. Ricky is a latino pop star who's an absolute deadbeat- into drugs, other women, and himself. Each chapter is told from the perspective of the different women in his life- his publicist (love her), her sister (who is also opening a restaurant with him), his wife (an anorexic super-model who is extremely sweet), and his mother. I love the way their lives intertwine.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Superficial and unbelievable characters. Excessive references to material possessions - especially expensive brands. Gratuitous sex. Painted most people in a light that was so cynical it left me feeling jaded, in spite of the fact that the characters seemed unrealistic. But fun? Oh, yes, it was fun. Kind of like reading "Us" magazine. Not even "People" (too classy), just "Us". I have one lingering question: is Jennifer Lopez (on whom one of the main characters was clearly based) really like that?!?

[Myrtle Yvonne · Rating 1 out of 5]

"This book is one of the worsts" the sentence I repeatedly muttered after closing the book. I was tempted in not finishing the book at mid-part because it's just a waste of time to read and it is extremely mundane - but I did anyway, after all, I finish everything I started.

It's about this old, insecure, fat, big-ass, geek, girl who's obsessed with the self-beset celebrity named, Ricky. He fired his publicist and of course, the fan girl applied in favor of her liberated sister. It's no fun - even the blowjobs and sex scenes.

[Yahaira · Rating 1 out of 5]

Embarrassing!!! That's exactly what this book is. The author literally ripped off all the tabloid headlines of the past two years and sloppily slapped together a book based off of them. It was a pathetic attempt at creating a work of fiction. The slight name changes are a thin veil attempting to mask the rampant plagiarism that characterizes the book. I was truly disgusted with the author after this book.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I read: Ugh . . . quite possibly the worst name for a book ever. I really enjoyed her other two books, but so far I'm lost on this one. Ricky Biscayane appears to be a complete ass, so it makes no sense why all of these women are crazy for him.

After I read: Ok, as unbelieveable as it was overall, I still found it to be a pretty good beach read. Wait until you have an afternoon that you want to turn your brain off. This is perfect for such a time!

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all this author's books! She always has the same format though, the story is from several Latina girls' point of views. This one is about an akward chubby girl who becomes a latin singing star's assistant, and is starstruck and "in love" with him even thoough he's married and a player (he has something going with another character loosely based on Jennifer Lopez). The story also follows the main character's sister and the singin star's wife and the singing star's music partner.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book relates to what happens in real life to us all women when we like,love a man or maybe not sure what kind of feeling we have towards them just for what he seems to be and what he make us believe. When we realize that he turns out not to be what we expect then that will leaves us heartbroken, but we learn from it...we get to become stronger and something much better awaits for us. It made me smile,laugh and get mad. Is funny, passionate and adventurous!!

[Maureen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up on impulse while I was on vacation. I was intrigued by the notion of "chica" lit. I kinda of wish the book had either been more substantive or more fluffy. The multi-narrator format didn't work well, in my opinion, since the varied characters were so inconsistently developed. I would have enjoyed the book more if it had steered clear of the serious subjects and just been a romp, or if half the minor characters were eliminated and the central characters really developed.

[Stephanie]

This is the book that begs the question, "What does Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez have against Jennifer Lopez?" I cannot possibly rate it because I thought it was on the one hand one of the most one-dimensional books I've read in a long time with the most predictable ending. On the other hand, it did keep my attention. It was a quick, easy read.

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm...this is probably more of a 2 1/2 star book. The author took a long time introducing the characters and some of them seemed to be taken right from the headlines. Especially the two star performer characters. It would have been a one star, but I enjoyed portions of the other characters and the discoveries that they went through.

[I Am · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't hate this book.. if anything I sort of liked it. Her first two were much better. It was nice to see her write about a character who wasn't hispanic and put their point of views in the story. I thought that was well written. It was a good, quick read, certainly a "beach book". Some point of the story were a bit predictable.