Step into the glitzy, scandal-soaked world of Jackie Collins’ Hollywood series, where fame, power, and betrayal collide in Tinseltown’s dazzling underbelly! This five-book saga, penned by the 'Queen of Trash,' serves up a delicious blend of romance, drama, and insider gossip that’s as addictive as a Hollywood blockbuster. From ambitious starlets to ruthless moguls, Collins’ vivid characters pull you into a world where no secret stays hidden for long.
With over 500 million books sold worldwide, Collins’ Hollywood series captures the raw allure of celebrity life, making it a must-read for fans of steamy, glamorous fiction. Ready to dive into the drama? Let’s explore how this iconic series came to life and why it still sparkles today.
How Hollywood Began
Jackie Collins, a British-American author with a knack for scandalous storytelling, launched the Hollywood series in 1983 with Hollywood Wives, a novel that skyrocketed to the New York Times bestseller list and sold over 15 million copies. Inspired by her own experiences rubbing elbows with Tinseltown’s elite (and her sister, actress Joan Collins), Jackie crafted a fictional world that felt thrillingly real. Her insider perspective and unapologetic style set the stage for a series that redefined the romance and drama genres.
Over two decades, Collins expanded the series with four more books, each peeling back new layers of Hollywood’s glossy facade. Her mission? To expose the raw ambition, lust, and power plays that fuel the entertainment industry, all while keeping readers hooked with her signature wit and flair.
The Heart of Hollywood
The Hollywood series kicks off with Hollywood Wives (1983), a juicy tale of women navigating love, betrayal, and ambition in the shadow of powerful men. From talent agents to aspiring actresses, the characters grapple with secrets that threaten to unravel their glamorous lives. Its success led to a hit 1985 ABC miniseries, cementing its cultural footprint.
Hollywood Husbands (1986) flips the script, focusing on the men of Tinseltown—producers, actors, and playboys—whose egos and affairs spark delicious chaos. Hollywood Kids (1994) dives into the lives of celebrity offspring, blending privilege with danger as a serial killer looms. Hollywood Wives: The New Generation (2001) and Hollywood Divorces (2003) bring fresh faces and modern scandals, exploring fame’s fleeting nature and the cost of divorce in the spotlight.
Collins’ themes—power dynamics, betrayal, and the seductive pull of fame—pulse through every book. Her vivid Los Angeles settings, from Beverly Hills mansions to seedy nightclubs, feel like characters themselves. With a style that’s bold, gossipy, and unapologetically raunchy, the series offers a guilty pleasure that’s hard to resist.
Why Hollywood Resonates
The Hollywood series struck a chord with readers by blending escapist fantasy with sharp social commentary. Collins’ fearless portrayal of women as ambitious, flawed, and fiercely independent challenged stereotypes, earning her a feminist icon status among fans. Her books, translated into 40 languages, became global sensations, inspiring TV adaptations and captivating generations.
Even today, the series’ allure endures. Its mix of melodrama and truth about celebrity culture feels timeless, resonating with readers who crave a peek behind the velvet rope. Collins’ legacy lives on through her bold storytelling, proving that Hollywood’s glitz never fades.
- Publication Years: 1983–2003
- Number of Books: 5
- Notable Adaptation: Hollywood Wives ABC miniseries (1985)
- Total Sales: Over 500 million copies worldwide
Grab Hollywood Wives and plunge into Jackie Collins’ dazzling world of scandal and stardom! Whether you’re a romance junkie or a drama devotee, this series promises a wild ride through Tinseltown’s brightest and darkest corners.