My Lucky Star

by Enni Amanda

After failing to make it as an actress, Aria Dunne returns to her hometown of Napier to take a job as a location scout. No more big, unattainable dreams. No more drama. Until she finds a Turkish TV star hiding in the historic hotel she needs for her client.

When a drunken night ends with very unfortunate illicit photos, Turkey's hottest actor Cem Erkam finds himself across the world in New Zealand, licking his wounds and working on a comeback plan. He needs positive publicity and fast, or he’ll lose the big role his whole family is banking on.

As luck would have it, the answer appears on the hotel doorstep – a woman who’s the spitting image of Burcu, the old co-star and flame every fan still longs to see him with. The solution is genius: A fake relationship with a Kiwi woman pretending to be the beloved Turkish actress. They just need some Instagram pics, a makeover, a trip to Istanbul…

Before she knows it, Aria is swept into the role of a lifetime. Is she willing to give her old dream one more go? More importantly, can she do it without falling for a celebrity who lives on the other side of the world?

---

This sizzling, escapist romcom will be released on June 15, 2023.

Want an ARC in April/May? Join my mailing list!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fake Dating, Adult Fiction, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance, Adult

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2023

About the author

Enni Amanda is a Finnish–New Zealand rom-com author who writes warm, funny love stories with real-life bite.

She immigrated from Finland to New Zealand in 2006 and promptly fell in love with the scenery, the people, and the strange thrill of not having to defrost a car every morning. After years spent studying filmmaking, running a film festival, and zig-zagging between two countries that really should be closer together, she discovered screenwriting, which eventually led to writing books (a slippery slope).

These days she lives in the Waikato (close to the rolling hills of the Shire), raising two energetic boys, designing things, and writing books while heroically avoiding housework.

Social: @enniauthor (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)

Mailing list: https://enniamanda.com/newsletter/

Reviews

[Vaishali • [V.L. Book Reviews] · Rating 3 out of 5]

RATING: 3 stars to My Lucky Star ★ ★ ★

➜ Turkish TV star
➜ Failed/Aspiring Actress
➜ Showmance Romance
➜ Foreign Cultures
➜ New Zealand & Turkey
➜ Fake Relationship
➜ Image Cleanup
➜ Instant Attraction/slow burn

Content Warning/Listing: References the past nervous breakdown of a side character. The male protagonist's father has lung cancer. The hero has been clean of smoking for all of a week and uses nicotine patches (it's explained that the culture is very smoker-centric so various characters also smoke and imbibe as the story explores the Turkish setting. The story also mentions urges/impulses to smoke (though not in great detail). Sex scenes. References to bodies, weight, appearances (explained as a cultural mentality). Relationship insecurity/career insecurity. Passions, pursuits and familial pressures and responsibilities.

[Bree · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book’s unique premise and gorgeous cover drew me in, but unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me. The heroine, Aria, is an aspiring actress working as a location scout, and Cem is a famous actor laying low after some bad press. The leads meet, and Cem is immediately interested in Aria because she looks like none other than his former costar… who he was also in love with.

Overall, the insta-love between the leads and the hero’s refusal to respect boundaries made this a difficult read for me.

Thank you to Lumi Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2 stars

[Enni]

The pre-order is now live on Amazon! $2.99 until release day (15 June 2023), after that 4.99. Think of what you can do with that 2 dollars... 😊

Also, I'm donating half of my pre-order royalties to disaster relief in Turkey and New Zealand - the two gorgeous locations featuring in the book.

Want to read and review? ARCs available on Netgalley (until June 11)

[trestitia ⵊⵊⵊ deamorski]

ASHÜFTEZZZ!
I FOUND (in here) ANOTHER BOOK WITH A TURKSH HERO.

OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY.



You know I don't read books with this kind of cover but I got really curious. I might give it a try.

(Well not taht Imma fan of Turkish men, regardless of native I appreciate every yummy men lol, also I'm definitely not a nationalist, it's just because I enjoy experience reading things so close to me from someone who is so unfamiliar.)

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story between two actors, one successful with a choice role up for grabs, and one who never graduated from minor roles to the big leagues. However, both are not exactly thrilled with how their life direction is headed.

Until it collides and Cem meets Aria. Cem is in hiding after an unfortunate incident in his native Turkey and is sent by his older brother Emir (who is also his manager) to Napier, New Zealand which is a small town where nobody knows him. Aria is a film location scout and stumbles on the remote, deserted hotel that Emir has exclusively booked for Cem to hide in. Aria is a doppelganger for Cem's past co-star and on/off screen girlfriend and before you know it, Aria is convinced to take a few photographs for Cem's social media to help regain his popularity to win the role he's vying for.

The fun really starts when his social media blows up and Aria is forced to join him on a trip back to Turkey posing as his ex. But nobody expected them to fall in love, did they?

I loved Cem, he was so pampered because of his lifestyle but at the same time, he just wanted to enjoy life. He was willing to take the chance and openly fall in love with Aria, not the ex she was posing as. He has a strong sense of loyalty to his family yet he feels trapped by the lifestyle he is forced to continue with to help them.
Aria was more of a realist, not believing anything good could happen to her. Her constant rejections, not in love but in life, have made her cynical that Cem could truly want her for who she is, rather than what she can do for him.

The locations were interesting because of their contrasting natures. A small town, quiet village in easy-going New Zealand was the total opposite of the bustling, lively and crowded city of Istanbul yet both served a purpose to highlight the true opposite natures of Aria and Cem. Yet above all the clashes, they worked so well together.

Also despite his gruff nature, I also loved Emir, Cem's brother/manager. Not sure what it was about him, but I sense there was more to him than the brusque control freak we saw.

I am new to Enni Amanda's work but I will be seeking out her back catalogue immediately

[Erin Branscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll automatically read everything Enni Amanda writes because I already know I’ll love it. Her writing gets better and better with each book and I’m not even sure how because she’s already fantastic. Do yourself a favor and preorder this one and add it to your shelf. You’ll thank me later! Aria + Cem=🥰❤️🥺

[Pauline Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cem Erkam a celebrity star in Turkey and has been forced to hide in New Zealand and what a great country to hide in, what, with a population of just over 5 million it would be like finding Where's Wally. Joke aside, little does he know he is going to meet someone that looked exactly like someone he used to know. What brought him to NZ? What hidden secrets has this Turkish guy got?

We met Aria from Napier, who is meant to help Cem settle into his new lodgings, however she got more than what she bargained for. A wannabe actress now has a chance to really show her talent. Has she plunged into the deep end, with cool tiles and soapy lather? Or is she going to belly dance her twinkly toes into a more seductive kind of life?
.
I won this book through a giveaway on Instagram and this book is just newly published.

I am excited readers! You know why? because the author lives in my home town here in Hamilton, New Zealand, so you can understand how my enthusiasm grew to high levels. Such a facinating book! I have never been to Napier and apparently it is NZ capital of Art Deco. (this is true I asked my husband).

Tantalising all the way through with snippets of romantic heat, not too spicy.

My favourite quote is
Everyone in New Zealand smiled like they were on some powerful, euphoria-inducing drugs.

Which is quite true you know, with our slap happy attitude of she'll be right we grow on you.

Now although Cem is in hiding, alot goes on behind the scenes, so don't despair, the plotting of this book will keep you totally engaged, I promise.

5 star review/rating
If you are interested in New Zealand and Turkey this would be a perfect introduction. Romance is at a simmer all the way through, until near the end then this book turns into a rapid boil and explodes! You will never be the same after reading this one, you will be broken.

[Permanently_Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot tell you how much I love romance reads that have aspects of cultures and vivid imagery of areas I can only wish to travel to one day. My Lucky Star by Enni Amanda is one of those novels that takes you on a trip through Turkish traditions and beautiful settings like Napier in New Zealand and Istanbul in Turkey. On top of that perfection, this romance is just downright feel-good adorbs with a fun amount of chemistry buildup and lightly intimate scenes.

Aria put aside her hopes to be an actress and is getting by as best as she can in her current job. She loves her job but it isn’t exactly the money maker she hoped for. When a movie crew reaches out looking for the perfect historical site, she knows just the hotel that has Napier history in its bones. Little does she know she’s about to run into a hunky Turkish movie star hiding out for the next month in the hotel. Enter stage right, Cem. Your Turkish taste of tall, dark and handsome. Then queue the proposition that could just change her life forever.

I loved Aria. She is quirky, down to earth and wonderfully realistic. There is one scene where she comes eye level with a “standing ovation” and I can not tell you how many times I debated how I’d react in her shoes. I laugh-cringed at the thought every time! It’s such a fun mixture of flirty, sexy, funny and heartfelt. Cem is a damn teddy bear. TV star aside, he has a heart of gold and morals of a man raised right (just in shiny shirts). The customs of marriage and intimacy before marriage was interesting to read about and have it wrapped into this novel. Little tidbits like that made this unique compared to other romcoms I’ve read.

I do feel the ending went a little too quickly. Blame it on me wanting more Aria and Cem. In truth it wraps up beautifully and didn’t leave any loose ends. The breakup-to-makeup wasn’t over the top and I loved that Amanda didn’t have loads of miscommunication dragging the plot down. This was such a good romance. Yes, you know me, I love my smut, but it’s also nice to have romcoms with the less full throttle intimate moments too.

If you love:
• Fake dating
• Celebrity romances
• The guy falling first
• Slow burns and spice
• Different cultures and countries

You don’t want to miss this one! Thank you Enni Amanda for trusting me with your precious book baby and opening my romance palette to an exquisite international experience! Now I need Emir’s story! True rating 4.5/5.

[MikaylasBookNook · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such a feel good romcom

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Small town. Fake dating. Turkish tv stars. It was an adventure we all hope to have one day and one I was happy to go along with Aria. The banter back and forth with her and Cem was great. The love story was sweet. I really enjoyed this book and getting to travel to a new place! Definitely recommend!

[Hope (bookedwithhope) · Rating 4 out of 5]

{I was gifted an ARC by Enni Amanda but was not paid to write a review. All opinions are my own.}

🌶️🌶️

This was such a fun fake-dating celebrity romance! I truly enjoyed Aria and Cem as people as well as their relationship.

Cem is a famous Turkish actor who has had some bad press lately and needs a comeback. Aria looks almost identical to his old co-star and agrees to fake date Cem to help bolster his reputation.

In the midst of fake dating, the two start to fall for each other. But Aria is especially skeptical of how their relationship could work when they lead such different lives. And she wonders why would a gorgeous celebrity like Cem ever want to be with her.

This is a story of self-discovery and courage. Aria and Cem both have to overcome their fears and self-doubts if they are going to be together.

Thank you so much for the eARC, Enni Amanda! I loved this story and can’t wait to read more of your books.

[Lenaasty · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC✨️ DNF 53%🤺

I really tried, I gave it my all but every page I read makes me more bored than the one before. it just feels like there's nothing at stake, the tension was broken too early they're already happy they don't have any issues (apart from starring in a stupid movie) and they're both openly flirting. where's the tension?? when does it get complicated???? I estimate that by 53% the book had had its change to prove its worth, I'm done.

I couldn't stand the guy, he was so weird and rude. for example, he gets mad at HER for not stopping him from kissing her 😐 be serious be so serious sir please
+ compliments her by saying she's "not like the rest"....... we've heard that one before chief
+ A DOG that man is a literal DOG he creeps behind her to sneak a glance at her crotch to see the stain where she was wet 🤢🤢 JAIL he's a dog in heat nothing else

can't leave out the "exotic tongue" and "crunchy hair" 😧 one is borderline problematic and the other is concerning

only things I genuinely appreciated and enjoyed were the New Zealand landscape and Turkish culture🌞

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria has given up her dreams of being an actress, and has settled back in her hometown in New Zealand to pursue the movie business from a different angle…as a location scout.

It is while scouting out an old art deco hotel as a possible movie location that she comes across Cem Erkham, a gorgeous & famous Turkish actor. Unfortunately for Cem, he is hiding out in the small New Zealand town to escape scandal back in Turkey. But, FORTUNATELY for Cem, Aria is the spitting image of his old costar, another famous Turkish actress.

A plan is hatched for the two to fake date, to restore Cem’s good image, and in return, Aria will get complete access to the hotel so the movie can shoot there. Simple enough right? But the more they play pretend, the more real it becomes and the harder it is for them to walk away from each other with their hearts unscathed.

I loved and enjoyed this book so much! Something I always appreciate about Enni’s books are the unique stories. Maybe it’s because I’m American and her books take place very far away. But, I don’t think it’s that. There’s nothing generic about her writing. Sure, it’s a fake dating trope, but it’s unlike any other I’ve read, in so many ways, and it’s completely refreshing.

Not to mention the fact that her writing always strikes me as so genuine. So heartfelt. So real. There’s always something I can identify with in her characters. And the characters are always charming by the way! Cem definitely had me swooning several times! There’s a coziness to her books too that I just can’t explain.

This book made me laugh, and made my heart ache at times too. It also made me incredibly hungry for Turkish food, (although I don’t think I’ve ever actually had any! Lol) I cared so much about the journey of Cem & Aria. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to ARC read this book and go along for the ride.

If you’re looking for a Rom Com (especially if you love fake dating trope!) I highly recommend this book. It’s a fresh view on the genre and won’t disappoint! There’s a little spice in it too, which is always a plus!

You don’t have to believe me, try it for yourself and see! The proof is in the pudding as they say! Or, for the purposes and themes of this book, we’ll say it’s in the kebabs lol

[palo.santo.and.pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good celebrity romance and this one did not disappoint! I also enjoyed the exotic setting and the fake dating trope was done really well! The main characters were delightful and had great chemistry. Highly recommend this wonderful rom-com perfect for summer!

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Lucky Star by Enni Adams

First of all happy release day for my lucky star please go and check this book out link for buy below.

This was such a fun and upbeatly read I highly recommend this book I've give this a 5 out of five we have fake dating trope with a celebrity.

Cem Is a Turkish celebrity who has had some negative press lately therefore he needs a comeback

Aria is such a cute characters and I love her mannerisms and how nervous she is around Cem

[Amy Armitage · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I've read a couple of Enni Amanda's books, all set in New Zealand, and while I found A Tiny House on Wheels a cute read, I didn't find it great. To be honest, it left me hesitant to want to read another. Coffee on Waihi Beach was much better, and then I put my hand up to be on her ARC list for My Lucky Star, and I'm glad I did.

My Lucky Star, in my opinion, is Enni Amanda's best book yet. The pace was great, the characters and plot were relatable, and the romance was perfect - a little bit spicy, to go with the Turkish theme of the plot, but not horribly cutesy or over the top. In fact, I enjoyed this story so much that the ending snuck up on me and left me wanting more!

There are a few Turkish words in the book, but their meaning is clear from the context, and there will be a full glossary added to the published book, which was not in the ARC. This is what I was sent with the ARC:

Teşekkürler - Thank you
Merhaba - Hello
Aşkta şanslı - Lucky in love

How to pronounce the character names:

Cem: Pronounced like "jem" with a soft "j" sound, similar to the "s" sound in the word "measure."
Emir: Pronounced like "eh-meer" with the stress on the first syllable. The "e" sound is pronounced like the "e" in the word "pet," and the "i" sound is pronounced like the "ee" in the word "see."
Burcu: Pronounced like "boor-joo" with the stress on the second syllable. The "u" sound is pronounced like the "oo" in the word "boot," and the "c" is pronounced like the "j" sound in "jeans."

Overall, I'd recommend reading My Lucky Star.

[Alyssashelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute 🥰 definitely a slow burn but totally worth it. It was a super fun read and definitely would recommend this book

[b0oked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a cute read with a slow burn, celebrity falls for a small town girl, faking dating, look-a-like storyline. To be completely honest, I wasn't expecting much from this book when I read the summary. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! Cem and Aria have so much chemistry. I love the culture in the book. I would recommend this read for anyone looking for a nice, easy read with travel. I would rate this book: 3.5/5
I received a complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A sincere thank you to NetGallery and the Publisher for the ARC of this book.

[ruby :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read, fake dating with a twist.
Characters were adorable and funny. Loved Cem! Kinda himbo energy, very lovable. Aria was just as lovely. Emir was the bane of my existence, pissed me off to no end.
Loved seeing Turkish and New Zealand rep! (As an Australian reader love seeing people on our side of the globe :)
Overall was super fun read, would recommend :)
Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the free copy provided in exchange for an honest review!

[CatsBnB · Rating 4 out of 5]

ADORABLE💖💖!!!Thank you NetGalley and Lumi Publishing for granting me access to his book in exchange for an honest review.

What a sweet and charming rom-com about a small town girl from New Zealand that meets a famous Turkish TV celebrity. It has your fake dating trope, celebrity trope, romance, tension, hilarious banter, amazing and chemistry! The plot and characters felt real and relatable and I was emotionally invested. I absolutely adored this book so much!! 💜💜Once I started reading I could not stop and I finished it in a day. This is my first read by Enni Amanda and now I want to go back and read her other books.

This is Aria and Cem's love story and they are so swoon worthy! After giving up on her dreams as an actress, Aria returns to her hometown of Napier and accepts a job working as a film location scout. Cem is a famous actor that escapes to New Zealand to avoid the spotlight after an embarrassing mishap. While checking out a historical hotel for a movie location, Aria meets Cem and the connection is instant. Surprisingly, Aria looks quite similar to Cem's former TV Costar/Ex Girlfriend. He makes her an offer she cannot refuse! Aria agrees to help him fix his reputation with the public by faking dating as his Ex. Why would she agree to help? What could possibly go wrong?

I enjoyed learning about the different cultures and the history of Istanbul. I appreciated the explanation/glossary of a few Turkish words that the author provided. Most of all, I loved that this was about following your heart and believing in your dreams.

Overall, it was a quick, fun and light read that I highly recommend!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kindlelover 1220 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria is an actress who isn’t as successful as she wanted to be. But, she decides to stay in the business. She lands a job as a location scout. While working she meets Cem, who is a Turkish TV star. Who is trying to resolve a scandal that may affect his career and his family. Cem asks Aria to be a part of a fake relationship to save himself. It also helps that Aria looks like someone famous. Aria thinks this arrangement might help her jumpstart her career. Let the games begin.
This book is a fake dating story, but also a rom-com and has an interracial romance. The author is a talented storyteller. Who writes the backdrop and scenery scene so well, if you close your eyes for a minute the reader is transported to those locations. The main characters try to push their feelings to the background but the chemistry between the two is pretty hot and wild. A well written plot, lovely characters, and just an enjoyable story. A guilty pleasure read for sure.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via the Author Enni Amanda and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah Lentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My lucky star follows Cem who is a Turkish tv star and Aria from New Zealand who has given up her hopes of being an actress. Cem goes to New Zealand to hide out after compromising images are shared by the paparazzi and It's here he meets local Aria, who looks a lot like his ex and costar - a fake dating plan is hatched and they eventually fall for each other.

This was a cute fake dating romance and a nice easy read

[Jess | readandwrite_jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ““It’s a Turkish thing. Men are very protective. Territorial. It can be a little... overbearing.”

When I tell y’all this book was made for me 🤩 I have not been quiet here about my love for Turkish television shows and if you know me in real life all I can do is apologize for how profusely I’ve made them my entire personality… so when stumbling upon a booktok video from the author herself mentioning this book it was ✨fate✨

The story follows Aria Dunne, who failed to make it as an actress, and is back in her hometown of Napier, working as a location scout. No more unattainable dreams, just casual clothing and low expectations. Until she finds a Turkish TV star hiding out in the historic hotel she needs for her client. Cem Erkam is desperate for good publicity after a drunken night ends with compromising photos. With his family banking on his success, he hatches a wild plan - a fake relationship with the New Zealand woman who looks like his old co-star. He just needs to keep his hands off her since they have no future. That's what everyone's saying, and they're right. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to stick to the script.

As someone who is so obsessed with watching Turkish Dizis the quotes, the details, everything about this had me feeling giddy while reading, but it was so wonderful with the way things were described, the translation and way to pronounce the words at the beginning of the book that even those who aren’t dizi fans would still fall in love with the story and be immersed in the culture.

“Maybe I was tired of gazing deep into the eyes of some pretty girl, thinking of kissing them, but nine times out of ten not actually kissing to appease the conservative viewer base.”

Although we followed the fun Turkish dizi premise and the funny quotes making fun of how much we all suffer on the slow burn angst of the actors, this book was filled with great spicy scenes and fun chemistry and banter. This was overall such a fun summer romance read & I desperately hope for more Turkish men reads in the future 👏

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake dating

This book was recommended to me by a friend. Its a quick read. I look forward to reading more if there are more in this series.

[Sixella MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews: “My Lucky Star” by Enni Amanda

Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.

Aria is a failed actress tired of being taken for granted. She takes a filming location job to cope with her disappointment. Cem is a Turkish TV celebrity who, after a red carpet malfunction, is sent to New Zealand by his brother to get his act together. When Cem meets Aria, who looks strikingly similar to his TV costar/Ex Girlfriend, Brucu, he and his brotheBruce, Aria an offer she can’t refuse! Aria doubles as his Ex and fake date to boost Cem back into good graces with the public, and she get the breakout role of a lifetime! No issues, no romantic strings attached, the public won’t know the difference. Surely, this should be easy, right? 

This book was quite the read! It’s the first contemporary romance book I’ve read with New Zealand and Turkish representation. It’s not often I’ve seen this representation advertised on BookTok, so this not only expanded my horizons, but I got to learn a few things about New Zealand and Turkey too! While the author is from Finland, she currently lives in New Zealand and her in-depth details from languages and places to food demonstrates to me as a reader that she researched and did her best to represent the community respectfully.I felt as if I were traveling to these places vicariously! 

There are moments where a few of the Turkish characters and comments felt unintentionally characterized. Nonetheless, it’s very few and it seems the author, for the most part, portrays the complexities of a culture rather than just all positive or all negative aspects.

Aria and Cem were the most complex contemporary romance protagonists as they functioned like independent cinema protagonists. Unlike an independent film we are constantly in the mind of the characters via dual POV. However, they will often make decisions that seem reasonable one moment, and riskier the next, leaving you on the edge of your seat.

The author wants you to root for them, but at the same time, you’re challenged to watch them struggle and reflect with their own insecurities and moral codes, acting as commentary on life mistakes vs. finding redemption and the pressures of celebrity life and beauty standards.

 We especially see this with Cem as he wants to be taken seriously as a person, but is often not trusted or is under scrutiny because of his past ego. He doesn’t get off easy either, he’s made to work for it! Aria is also challenged throughout the book to question what she really wants and is pushed to overcome her fears of failure, rejection, expectations, and heartbreak. If you’re looking for a contemporary novel that gives you wanderlust, puts emphasis on the lust, and is a guilty pleasure must, then don't miss out on the book when it hits online shelves on June 15th, 2023!


Spice Meter: 4/5🌶🌶🌶🌶
Rating: 4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

-Tropes to Expect: Celebrity Romance, Fake Dating, Fake Identity Narrative, Opposites Attract, Grumpy x Sunshine, and Self-Discovery Narrative.

-Trigger Warnings: Fears of Failure and Rejection, Implications of Celebrity Burnout and Mental Health Complications, Relationship Pressure/Relationship Anxiety, Body Shaming, Family Conflicts, Discussions of Cancer, Discussions of Past Addictions, and Pressure of Beauty Standards.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Lucky Stars is so much more than a romance. While Enni does a fabulous job at creating a dynamic of high angst and the transition from fake to real between Cem and Aria, what we need to focus on is the depth of these characters and their internal struggles.

I adore a fake dating trope. The banter that is sure to ensue between to characters who are putting on a show, the “fall” or transition when it’s no longer an act, the realization. Aria and Cem are characters that come to life in a magical way. The topic and theme of questioning what you really want out of life, being afraid of the risk, of feeling like a failure, of putting others’ happiness before your own. Honestly, I didn’t even realize just how hard I was relating until the end. Enni writes it in such a subtle manor that it isn’t obvious.This is both a beautiful gift of being able to convey the theme without shouting it, and a small curse for those who will completely overlook the depth of the story.

Cem and Aria have such an electric chemistry from the get go. A slow burn spice filled with angst, banter, and a splash of toeing the line. I loved the cultural references and the diversity. I’ve not read or even watched much Turkish content and this fully immersed me without feeling like I was drowning in unknown.

[Kristine (bookstackcity) · Rating 5 out of 5]

#bookreview

A big thank you to @enniauthor for this #gifted copy of #MyLuckyStar !!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 My Lucky Star by Enni Amanda

A former actor and Turkish star are unexpectedly drawn together.

What to expect:

💋 Romance
🌶️ Spicy
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Fake Dating
📸 Celebrities

Quick Thoughts:

✨ Steady pace, flowed nicely.
✨ Loved the characters.
✨ Story was unique and fresh.
✨ Would have loved an epilogue.

Overall thoughts:

Aria Dunne has given up her dream of acting and is now working as a location scout when she stumbles upon a Turkish actor named Cem who is staying at a potential movie location. There is some instant attraction but for an unusual reason. Aria looks very similar to an actress Cem once had a relationship with both on screen and off.

I loved all the comedic moments between Aria and Cem that were also very flirty. The heat picks up from the very start and doesn’t let up throughout. I thought the characters played off of one another really well. The blossoming of their fake dating relationship into something more was beautiful and satisfying to watch.

I really liked the celebrity angle to this story. Cem being a Turkish star brought an element of the forbidden to the relationship. Having to kind of sneak around and eventually face the spotlight was exciting. There was a bit of a third act misunderstanding but it’s resolved quickly.

The only thing I felt was missing was an epilogue! I would have loved to see where these characters ended up down the line, but that’s just me being greedy. 😂 This was a beautifully executed and skillfully crafted story. I couldn’t put it down! My Lucky Star is definitely worth your time!

[FlahertyRising · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small Business BookTok ARC Review - My Lucky Star by Enni Amanda.


Disclaimer: This ARC was given to me for free by the author, and I am reviewing this book voluntarily and with full ability to give an honest review.


Spice Meter: 2/5 🌶 🌶 Sweet with a splash of spice.

Rating 4/5 - 🌟 🌟🌟🌟 Small town girl meets celebrity heartthrob. Slow Burn Romance, Romantic Comedy, Fake Dating with a Twist.

Release Date: June 15, 2023



This story follows Aria, a small town girl from New Zealand who has given up on her dreams of becoming an actress. Arriving back home, she starts working for a local film location company in the hopes of still being in the movie industry, albeit adjacent.

Her world turns upside down the day that Cam, a famous Turkish TV celebrity, comes to town, hiding from his most recent scandal. Through a chance meeting, Cam asks Aria to help him fix his image - since she bears a striking resemblance to his ex-girlfriend and TV co-star. This begins the build-up of tension and back and forth quips that readers of this genre have come to love. 

I enjoyed this light-hearted read. The author did a few things that I really enjoyed. First, she gave a language and word explanation at the front of the book. As a reader, knowing how the author pronounced names as well as the Turkish definition of words was very helpful and appreciated. I don't see that a lot in books, and I wish more authors did it. Secondly, I appreciated being taken to new locations. I have never read a contemporary romance book that offered this cultural and location backdrop, and I found it refreshing and new.

You are excited for these two characters and are rooting for each of them to overcome their own personal fears in order to be together. They have to work through their past demons, the expectations from their family, and even their own career paths to try to find their way to be together. I appreciate that this author had both characters have to work to overcome their fears, assumptions, expectations, and even heartbreak. This is also not a one-sided POV story. I also enjoyed that both characters had the opportunity to share their POV. The author allows the story to unfold, with the reader getting the 'inside' scoop of the hopes and fears of both characters.


I would recommend this book as it is perfect for a lazy day, casual read. 


Thank you to the author for allowing me the privilege of reading and reviewing your book!

Reviewer: @Flaherty_Rising

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aria and Cem's story makes your heart full. Two people, so clearly pulled together by fate. They live a world apart - her as a location scout in Napier and him as a Turkish actor. As their story unfolds, they fall for each other as obstacles arise - his brother, his life, their separate lives being so far apart. Even though Cem is famous, the writing in this book is fabulous, making the reader fall for the man right along with Aria, not the actor. This is a quick read that anyone who loves romance is bound to adore.

Thank you Enni Amanda for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Waseema · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book to read, thank you Enni Amanda the opportunity to read it. The book is about Aria from New Zealand, and a famous Turkish soap start Cem. It is a slow burn that leads to fireworks. There are some really funny scenes esp when poor Felix (secondary neighbour character), get left in a coffee shop. Aria is a young woman who gave up on her acting career, Cem is hiding from a scandal. He helps her release her dreams are possible, and break down her walls and love again. She helps him realise his true dreams and give him the drive to pursue them. Did mention the plot twist that leads to some funny and super spicy scenes! The story is set in 2 countries, and you get a lovely insight into both. There is a HEA! A definite 4.5!

[elora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky enough to be gifted an advanced copy of this book.

It's the kind of book you want to pick up and read in rainy weather with a hot coffee and just feel good reading it. It is very easy to read and refreshing how open and genuine Aria is. It makes you want to travel to New Zealand and Istanbul and try to experience and get to know more about their cultures and food especially.

Of all the beautiful words written in this book, this phrase of Cem makes me think, do I look like this when I'm with my husband? I wonder if I can or if someone can capture me the way Cem describes the look he sees in Aria.

"She looked at home. Anchored. Like there was nowhere else she'd rather be."

The chemistry between Aria and Cem is purely authentic, being they have different nationalities and they just clicked, like both of them are each other's missing puzzle. The kind of story that is very pure and realistic and can happen in real life.

Looking forward to more books that Enni will released.💜