Mini Review: The Intern by Gabrielle Tozer

The Intern The Intern Book One
Written by Gabrielle Tozer
Contemporary, Coming of Age, Romance
Published February 1st 2014
336 Pages
Add to Goodreads
★★★★
Josie Browning dreams of having it all.

A stellar academic record, an amazing career in journalism, and for her current crush to realise she actually exists. The only problem? Josie can’t get through twenty four hours without embarrassing her sister Kat or her best friend Angel, let alone herself.

Josie’s luck changes though when she lands an internship at the glossy fashion magazine Sash. A coveted columnist job is up for grabs, but Josie’s got some tough competition in the form of two other interns. Battle lines are drawn and Josie quickly learns that the magazine industry is far from easy, especially under the reign of powerful editor, Rae Swanson.

From the lows of coffee fetching and working 10 hour days, to the highs of mingling with celebrities, scoring endless free beauty products, plus falling for her cousin’s seriously gorgeous flatmate James, this is one year Josie will never forget.
In high school, Josie Browning was just another face in the crowd. But now she's about to take her first steps out into the real world when she finds herself interning at Sash, one of the hottest women's magazines and a far cry from the world of journalism that Josie had her heart set upon. She's a fashion tragic with two left feet, awkward and perhaps the biggest disaster that will stumble through the doors of Sash, but at least she'll have twelve weeks to make an impression.
'Ah, hi. Yes, Josie. Browning. I mean, hi, I'm Browning, Josie Browning.'
'Um, just to be clear, I didn't mean to sound like James Bond then,' I said.
The stakes are high, as Josie realises she's vying against two other interns for a cash prize that would change not only her life, but that of her single mother. She needs this and is determined to become the confident young woman she's always dreamed of.

If only it were that easy around James, her cousins attractive roommate and current owner of the couch she'll call home for two nights per week. After talking until sunrise, Josie floats through her day at Sash unable to think of anything other than James and it becomes apparent that Josie now has a new reason to venture into the city. Josie's life has always been a series of humiliating incidents, social awkwardness and learning to settle, but now it's Brazilian waxes, stray nipples and a rockstar who can't keep his hands to himself. Josie will have it all, or die of embarrassment trying.

Kelly's Thoughts

The Intern is simply fabulous and Josie is one of the most realistic and charismatic characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading. She's the shy girl, intelligent but lacks life experience which will endear her to readers.
My life was an ongoing series of humiliating incidents wrapped in a box of shame and tied with a bow of awkwardness.
She's passionate about Journalism, so when her course placement sees her at Sash magazine, Josie is under no illusions that she's in way over her head. Sash is cutthroat, and Josie finds herself with a cash incentive should she place first in the Intern stakes. But life is about to become far more complicated than Josie anticipated, a malicious Intern, a stern editor and a love interest she can't have.

Josie did seem to have opportunities in abundance. The internship opened doors within Sash to celebrity interviews and even her first byline, which I'm sure even junior authors wouldn't normally receive. But even though her experience was fictional, there's no denying it made for an entertaining and incredibly fun experience. I must admit that I expected a little more The Devil Wears Prada, but Sash wasn't nearly as competitive and viscous.

It's wonderfully written, sassy and unpretentious. A brilliant debut from Gabrielle Tozer. Josie's story had me reading long into the early hours of the morning and I can't wait for the sequel, Faking It.

38 comments

  1. I've always wanted to read this since I'd seen it on your currently reading queue. I'm kind of glad it's not nearly in the same legion as The Devil Wears Prada, as that book drove me nuts. Josie sounds fab!

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    1. She's one of those everyday, clumsy and kooky characters that you can't help but cheer on. Simply fun and fabulous! Now I just have to grab the sequel...

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  2. Great review Kelly! The Intern has been in my TBR for a long time, and I am definitely getting this for New Year. Hope I'll like it as much as you did :)

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    1. I think most readers would really enjoy it actually Divya, it's so incredibly entertaining and sweet. Looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

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  3. I was going to say it sounds a lot like The Devil Wears Prada! Sounds lovely though. "Josie. Browning. I mean, hi, I'm Browning, Josie Browning." XD How cute!

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    1. I laughed my head off at that line Renee, sounds like how awkward most of us are at times. She's so incredibly realistic.

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  4. It's great to see you loved this one too Kelly! Josie's escapades in the magazine industry are nothing short of hilarious at times, and you're definitely right - her characteristics definitely make her endearing and likable. Hope you get to reading Faking It soon :)

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    1. It'll be the next book on my list to buy actually, and really looking forward to it. There's just something so unique about Australian humour, and Josie was fabulous!

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  5. Hmm might have to see if I can find this one at the library. Thanx for highlighting it!

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    1. It's a lovely contemporary, really heartwarming Alyssa. Fingers crossed they have a copy or can get a copy in for you.

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  6. I expected Devil Wears Prada as well but I was pleasantly surprised. It was definitely a cute book and Josie made me grin a couple of times. Plus..James. I grew to like him very much haha Now I just need to get my hands onto Faking It. I hear that your santa missed a certain book ;)

    Fabulous review, Kelly! I'm super glad that you enjoyed this one :D (A bit bummed that The Raven Boys got kicked out. I KID <3 I still adore you <3)

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    1. I expected that too Jess, but loved that it wasn't that cutthroat workplace. It really allowed Josie to shine. I know, damn Santa. I didn't know it was out early, so I didn't hint to Santa that I wanted it.

      Oh, I desperately wanted to love The Raven Boys, but I just couldn't. I'll try again though purely to join your cool kids club. The first thing I thought of when I marked it as not being able to finish, that Jess will be so disappointed.

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  7. This book was so good, wasn't it!? I was not expecting me to really like it at all, but I was very pleasantly surprised. And I'm also really looking forward to the sequel; hopefully it's just as good. :)

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    1. I hope so too Kara. I knew I'd like it, but I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed it too. It was just so fun and entertaining. And a debut novel as well.

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  8. This sounds like a really fun read. I think I'd definitely relate to the MC, as I'm fairly awkward myself. hah LOVE the cover.

    -lauren

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    1. You and me both Lauren. I can't tell you how many times a day I fall over my own feet, never mind tripping over anyone elses.

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  9. Wow,this sounds like an amazing book.I really like the sound of the main character.I love those awkward,shy and clumsy heroines who make the book fun filled and humorous.
    I really like books that talk about journalism,as I am considering that field as an alternate career for myself.After reading your review,I am kinda desperate to go for this book,maybe I should try it out soon.

    Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales

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    1. You should Mishma, although it's a fictional take on the journalism world, it's still incredibly fun. I love flawed, funny and fabulous characters too. Josie is just so incredibly likable, and her love isn't isn't too bad either.

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  10. Great review. I've had my eye on this book since I saw it's cover in stores. Adding it to my TBR right now!

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    1. Thanks Shanny. Awesome! I look forward to seeing what you think of it.

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  11. WHY do I always never hear of these good books?! Anyway, now that I know of it I must quickly add this on GoodReads and get it soon. The main character sounds likeable, and Journalism has always been an interesting subject to me. Hopefully, this will be a great read. :D

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    1. I think you'll absolutely love this one Naban. It's quirky, fun yet incredibly heartwarming too. You'll love Josie. I can't wait for you to meet her.

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  12. I picked this up for free from iTunes the other week, thanks for sharing your review.

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    1. Ooh, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did Shelley. Looking forward to seeing your thoughts.

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  13. I didn't like this as much as I thought I would. I KNOW. SEND ME TO THE CORNER OF SHAME. I think I belong with the fiery dragons instead of the fashionable magazines.
    *trundles off to battle scales and swords*

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    1. Come now little smushie, no need to send yourself to the corner of shame. Not every book is for everyone and there's much harsher penalties for that.

      Like forcing you to read new adult.

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  14. Most of the things I've seen about The Intern are really positive! Especially from the Aussie bloggers! I definitely love a story full of sassiness. I haven't read one in such a lot time. Thank you so much for sharing Kelly!

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    1. You'd love this Laura, it's just so fun and entertaining. I really need to grab a copy of Faking It now. When I can brave this horrible heat we're having down here and head out to grab a copy.

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  15. Josie seems a lot like me, minus the intern at a fashion magazine. She sounds so likeable, though, and the book seems like it will be one of those laugh-out-loud books, which I LOVE.

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    1. I think there's a bit of Josie in all of us Ana. She's not perfect and doesn't follow the same mould that most young adult contemporaries seem to create. She's absolutely fabulous and will appeal to a wide audience.

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  16. I read this earlier on in the year and loved it! Like you, I loved how relatable Josie was as a character. The Intern was such a fun read and Gabrielle is lovely. I started Faking It the other day and I'm feeling positive that it's going to be just as good. Great Review Kelly!

    PS. Happy New Year and all the best for 2015 x
    - Sunny @ A Sunny Spot Blog

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    1. You too Sunny and thank you.

      She IS. And I wonder how much of herself she put into Josie as well. Clearly her quick wit and sense of fun. I need Faking It desperately now.

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  17. I love the sound of The Intern especially the Journalism angle, I've heard it's like a YA version of Devil vs Prada although good to hear that she's not as mean. Great review Kelly, I look forward to picking this up.

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    1. Not nearly as viscous thankfully. Actually, it's a little more like Ugly Betty while the series was still funny.

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  18. I actually just read this one and I thought it was such a fun book, too! I loved Josie's awkwardness, and this totally reminded me of Devil Wears Prada >.<

    Lovely review, Kels! <33

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    1. It was pure entertainment wasn't it. I hope Josie retains her humour and awkwardness in Faking It, I completely loved her for it.

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  19. Ahhh, why have I still not read this one yet???!! This sounds absolutely amazing, but I'm hopefully going to get to reading it (and Faking It) soon :) Great review, lovely, you just got me even more excited to read this one :) x

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  20. Aw that cover is soo beautiful <3 I'm glad you enjoyed this one, I haven't heard of it :( Sounds wonderful though, lovely review! x Benish | Feminist Reflections

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