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Stargazer #1
Star Crossed
Wendy Mann loves her job rescuing celebrities from public relations scrapes. She grew up with nothing, and now she’s drawn to glitz, glamour, and a lighthearted lifestyle. She speaks her mind, so she’s just the tough cookie to tell stars the truth about how other people see them, even when they don’t want to hear it. But after six years at the top of her game, Wendy crosses the line. A star she was sent to save rebels against her and nearly gets her fired. To salvage her job, she must rehabilitate the career of a singing starlet with a penchant for posting inappropriate photos of herself and arguing online with her famous ex. Problem is, the ex is represented by Wendy’s arch nemesis from college, the hot and haughty Daniel Blackstone. And both stars are scheduled for a collision course on national television, broadcast live from Las Vegas.
Daniel’s uneasy when he hears Wendy Mann from his firm’s most hated competitor has been brought in to revive the career of his client’s ex-girlfriend. Daniel must win at any cost. And if he has to seduce Wendy to smooth the way to their partnership, he’s willing to sacrifice himself for the cause. But Daniel doesn’t count on the scorching heat between them—and when they get to Vegas, all bets are off.
Daniel’s uneasy when he hears Wendy Mann from his firm’s most hated competitor has been brought in to revive the career of his client’s ex-girlfriend. Daniel must win at any cost. And if he has to seduce Wendy to smooth the way to their partnership, he’s willing to sacrifice himself for the cause. But Daniel doesn’t count on the scorching heat between them—and when they get to Vegas, all bets are off.
378 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2013
27 people are currently reading
3240 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Echols
36 books4,891 followersJennifer Echols was born in Atlanta and grew up in a small town on a beautiful lake in Alabama—a setting that has inspired many of her books. She has written nine romantic novels for young adults, including the comedy MAJOR CRUSH, which won the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the drama GOING TOO FAR, which was a finalist in the RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Book Buyer’s Best, and was nominated by the American Library Association as a Best Book for Young Adults. Simon & Schuster will debut her adult romance novels in 2013, with many more teen novels scheduled for the next few years. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and her son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 7, 2013
I used to be a huge Jennifer Echols fan, but the last few books have been disappointing. While I'm happy to report Echols regained some of her witty humor and memorable one-liners that made me smile, the story itself was a little too over the top.
I was immediately annoyed by how a star, Zane, reminded Wendy of her ex-boyfriend. I remember thinking, it was really random. And then later, it was Colton. But as I mentioned, Echols jam-packed way too many elements into one book: It was all a little too much.
However, the romance itself was pretty cute, though it was pretty similar to Echol's teen novel, "Major Crush," where longtime rivals realize they aren't so different after all and there may be some underlying feelings involved. Wendy and Daniel were both lovable characters - not to say they didn't have their moments that made me think, "You can't be serious!"
Overall, the book was entertaining enough if I can get over the incredulity of how unrealistic and over-the-top of the scenes can be. Echols does reveal some of the traits that made me like her in the first place, though not to the same extent. Still, the book wasn't a huge disappointment as her last novels had been, in my opinion - as long as I remember not to take it too seriously. I will say romantic comedies are more of her strength than the serious books she has been trying to write lately.
I was immediately annoyed by how a star, Zane, reminded Wendy of her ex-boyfriend. I remember thinking, it was really random. And then later, it was Colton. But as I mentioned, Echols jam-packed way too many elements into one book: It was all a little too much.
However, the romance itself was pretty cute, though it was pretty similar to Echol's teen novel, "Major Crush," where longtime rivals realize they aren't so different after all and there may be some underlying feelings involved. Wendy and Daniel were both lovable characters - not to say they didn't have their moments that made me think, "You can't be serious!"
Overall, the book was entertaining enough if I can get over the incredulity of how unrealistic and over-the-top of the scenes can be. Echols does reveal some of the traits that made me like her in the first place, though not to the same extent. Still, the book wasn't a huge disappointment as her last novels had been, in my opinion - as long as I remember not to take it too seriously. I will say romantic comedies are more of her strength than the serious books she has been trying to write lately.
February 7, 2013
Review originally posted on Rather Be Reading Blog.
Jennifer Echols is like an old reliable friend when it comes to toe-curling chemistry and addicting storylines. (Cases in point: Such a Rush + Going Too Far.) And in her adult debut, Star Crossed, she has the opportunity to take all of that whoa-action and nearly heart-stopping tension and take it a step farther. In fact, a few delicious leaps farther.
Despite a slow start (involving confusing placement of NYC landmarks), Star Crossed featured all the details I love about Jennifer’s writing: humor, hotness, DRAMA, and fun. Wendy, our leading lady, is not only sexy but she is smart, ambitious, feisty, and funny. (There was so many moments where I chuckled at her thoughts.) Daniel is equally good-looking but also classy, successful, and he feels a strong loyalty to his family (the reason why he remains in a job he doesn’t love). The best part about these two is that they share a history. College competitors! But unbeknownst to Wendy, Daniel has always crushed on her when she was just trying to crush him. (Kind of reminds of how I felt about my husband in college.)
There’s nothing sexier than two people who are attracted to each other but their relationship is so off-limits. From the moment Wendy and Daniel collide in Vegas, the story moves full speed ahead and I had to stop myself from skipping pages to find out when they would share a scene next. Working at enemy PR agencies but representing a toxic ex-couple that just needs to stay out of trouble for a small amount of days, they decide their best bet is to work together… very closely.
The whole question of whether or not they can trust each other also fuels their chemistry. Big time.
Vegas serves at the perfect backdrop for all the mayhem supplied by Wendy and Daniel’s clients, two celebrities I was continually trying to place in our own pop culture world. (Loreli, singer/actress/friend to the papparazzi, so reminded me of a down and out Britney Spears.) It’s fun and glitzy but also has this dark undercurrent that works well with a mysterious plotline. Now this particular thread in the story wasn’t my favorite. In fact, it felt a little too predictable, too swarmy, and too Lifetime movie. But it worked for what it was (beware: things get creeptastic) and certainly moved things along and pushed our couple together.
I could say more, a lot more, but I’m going to end with a tid-bit that should say it all: I ignored by husband for 3 hours straight because I was so wrapped up in Wendy and Daniel. (I had promised I’d read for only an hour.) I did not, let me repeat, did not even take a moment to change out of my work clothes. (This is a huge deal.)
Star Crossed is a top example of a romance novel that actually takes into consideration the importance of story without primarily focusing on the hot and heavy. Seriously, Jen Echols knows what’s she’s doing. And I can’t wait to get more of it.
Jennifer Echols is like an old reliable friend when it comes to toe-curling chemistry and addicting storylines. (Cases in point: Such a Rush + Going Too Far.) And in her adult debut, Star Crossed, she has the opportunity to take all of that whoa-action and nearly heart-stopping tension and take it a step farther. In fact, a few delicious leaps farther.
Despite a slow start (involving confusing placement of NYC landmarks), Star Crossed featured all the details I love about Jennifer’s writing: humor, hotness, DRAMA, and fun. Wendy, our leading lady, is not only sexy but she is smart, ambitious, feisty, and funny. (There was so many moments where I chuckled at her thoughts.) Daniel is equally good-looking but also classy, successful, and he feels a strong loyalty to his family (the reason why he remains in a job he doesn’t love). The best part about these two is that they share a history. College competitors! But unbeknownst to Wendy, Daniel has always crushed on her when she was just trying to crush him. (Kind of reminds of how I felt about my husband in college.)
There’s nothing sexier than two people who are attracted to each other but their relationship is so off-limits. From the moment Wendy and Daniel collide in Vegas, the story moves full speed ahead and I had to stop myself from skipping pages to find out when they would share a scene next. Working at enemy PR agencies but representing a toxic ex-couple that just needs to stay out of trouble for a small amount of days, they decide their best bet is to work together… very closely.
The whole question of whether or not they can trust each other also fuels their chemistry. Big time.
Vegas serves at the perfect backdrop for all the mayhem supplied by Wendy and Daniel’s clients, two celebrities I was continually trying to place in our own pop culture world. (Loreli, singer/actress/friend to the papparazzi, so reminded me of a down and out Britney Spears.) It’s fun and glitzy but also has this dark undercurrent that works well with a mysterious plotline. Now this particular thread in the story wasn’t my favorite. In fact, it felt a little too predictable, too swarmy, and too Lifetime movie. But it worked for what it was (beware: things get creeptastic) and certainly moved things along and pushed our couple together.
I could say more, a lot more, but I’m going to end with a tid-bit that should say it all: I ignored by husband for 3 hours straight because I was so wrapped up in Wendy and Daniel. (I had promised I’d read for only an hour.) I did not, let me repeat, did not even take a moment to change out of my work clothes. (This is a huge deal.)
Star Crossed is a top example of a romance novel that actually takes into consideration the importance of story without primarily focusing on the hot and heavy. Seriously, Jen Echols knows what’s she’s doing. And I can’t wait to get more of it.
May 21, 2013
I find myself saying/thinking,
'I expected more from Jennifer Echols'
a lot lately. I've said it so many times, in fact, that I no longer have any idea why I expect more from her. This is the eighth Echols book I've read, and I just realized that I only really liked two of those eight.
Star Crossed falls somewhere in between on the Love It or Hate It scale. There were aspects I enjoyed. There was some classic Echols snark, and the pacing was pretty good. I think my biggest issue was that I didn't really like any of the characters. Wendy was an emotionally stunted, posturing butthole, and Daniel was a doormat with little personality. Colton and Lorelei came off as exceedingly, unrealistically immature. On top of that, there were the conflicts that didn't make much sense because, in reality, they wouldn't really be conflicts. Maybe I don't know how PR companies work, but I really don't see how it would be a conflict of interest for Wendy and Daniel to be in a relationship while representing Colton and Lorelei. That did not make any sense to me whatsoever. That was half the conflict, and I never did figure out why it was a legitimate hurdle. The other half of the conflict was Wendy and Daniel's own personal emotional hang-ups. And, true to form for most romances, they never bothered to just talk about it. Heaven forbid two people who are bumpin' uglies actually confide in one another from time-to-time.
I don't mind this device when appropriate, but it appears to be Echols's go-to writing strategy, and it gets old quick.
The final showdown/battle/scene crafted to creep you out and provide an excuse for Wendy's shitty personality is simultaneously heavy-handed and campy. It felt out of place.
I guess if you want an easy-to-read romance with some humor, this would fit the bill. I'm reluctant to recommend it, however, since its price point is a bit much for what you get.
Star Crossed falls somewhere in between on the Love It or Hate It scale. There were aspects I enjoyed. There was some classic Echols snark, and the pacing was pretty good. I think my biggest issue was that I didn't really like any of the characters. Wendy was an emotionally stunted, posturing butthole, and Daniel was a doormat with little personality. Colton and Lorelei came off as exceedingly, unrealistically immature. On top of that, there were the conflicts that didn't make much sense because, in reality, they wouldn't really be conflicts. Maybe I don't know how PR companies work, but I really don't see how it would be a conflict of interest for Wendy and Daniel to be in a relationship while representing Colton and Lorelei. That did not make any sense to me whatsoever. That was half the conflict, and I never did figure out why it was a legitimate hurdle. The other half of the conflict was Wendy and Daniel's own personal emotional hang-ups. And, true to form for most romances, they never bothered to just talk about it. Heaven forbid two people who are bumpin' uglies actually confide in one another from time-to-time.
I don't mind this device when appropriate, but it appears to be Echols's go-to writing strategy, and it gets old quick.
The final showdown/battle/scene crafted to creep you out and provide an excuse for Wendy's shitty personality is simultaneously heavy-handed and campy. It felt out of place.
I guess if you want an easy-to-read romance with some humor, this would fit the bill. I'm reluctant to recommend it, however, since its price point is a bit much for what you get.
January 15, 2015
This woman can do no wrong - love her writing and characters SWOONALICIOUS
You already know I adore Jennifer Echols so it will come as no surprise that I love Starcrossed. Focusing around a high profile public relations agency Stargazer, where it’s Wendy’s job to manage the public image of stars that have been a little rebellious to say the least. Throw in Daniel Blackstone, the hot competition and their undeniable chemistry and you have the basis of one hell of a story. however, Jennifer Echols goes one step further with this story, throwing in a killer thriller to add to the tension, it really is a multi-level plot..
The third person narrative is a must in this instance in order to keep all the plot threads tightly woven together while developing the characters and their interactions. The plot is fast paced and action packed in all areas. The connection between the characters was amazing to follow especially as they developed their relationship. The understanding of how a high pressure job can take it’s tool on personal lives was extremely well portrayed. The insight within the behind the scenes work of publicists added depth to the narrative, aiding the world building while providing some highly amusing moments.
Starcrossed has it all snark, sass, steam & a killer thriller :)
You already know I adore Jennifer Echols so it will come as no surprise that I love Starcrossed. Focusing around a high profile public relations agency Stargazer, where it’s Wendy’s job to manage the public image of stars that have been a little rebellious to say the least. Throw in Daniel Blackstone, the hot competition and their undeniable chemistry and you have the basis of one hell of a story. however, Jennifer Echols goes one step further with this story, throwing in a killer thriller to add to the tension, it really is a multi-level plot..
The third person narrative is a must in this instance in order to keep all the plot threads tightly woven together while developing the characters and their interactions. The plot is fast paced and action packed in all areas. The connection between the characters was amazing to follow especially as they developed their relationship. The understanding of how a high pressure job can take it’s tool on personal lives was extremely well portrayed. The insight within the behind the scenes work of publicists added depth to the narrative, aiding the world building while providing some highly amusing moments.
Starcrossed has it all snark, sass, steam & a killer thriller :)
March 22, 2013
Rating 2.5 stars
Well that was disappointing. Started off alright. Thought it was going to be fun especially since I liked the main characters Wendy and Daniel (especially Daniel) but then I got bored. It never really held my interest apart from in the beginning.
Well that was disappointing. Started off alright. Thought it was going to be fun especially since I liked the main characters Wendy and Daniel (especially Daniel) but then I got bored. It never really held my interest apart from in the beginning.
March 21, 2013
Originally reviewed on Clear Eyes, Full Shelves.
Jennifer Echols is one of my go-to writers for quality character development, sharp dialogue and memorable stories. Needless to say, her foray into fiction for adults with Star Crossed was one of my most anticipated novels of the year.
While I adore Jennifer's dramatic novels like Such a Rush and Going Too Far, I have a soft spot for her more light-hearted books, particularly Major Crush. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good romantic comedy to balance out all the angst and drama.
Fortunately for me, Star Crossed falls into the lighter vein of Jennifer's oeuvre.
Wendy Mann is a publicist to the stars. She's spent six years saving celebrities from their public disasters, rescuing their images and turning around careers. She's blunt and tough, and that's why she's so good at her job. Her beloved career is threatened when one of her clients pushes back and almost gets her fired. In order to save her job at the high powered PR firm where she works, Stargazer, she's sent to Las Vegas to salvage another career--that of a young singing who's nasty habit of posting inappropriate photos of herself on Twitter and publicly sparring with her ex-boyfriend.
Wendy finds herself up against her old college rival, Daniel, who's representing her client's ex. The two competed for top rankings all through school and their firms are also rivals (Daniel's father owns the firm where he works and he's expected to take over leadership of the family business). The pair's history is pretty fun. Daniel secretly crushed on Wendy from afar, but Wendy simply saw him as a rival to be squashed (she's extremely competitive). I enjoyed that their shared history wasn't as dramatic as in a lot of novels of this ilk, it's more of a vague thing that doesn't have a lot of baggage.
When they're thrown together thanks to a series of mildly ridiculous, yet reliable, rom-com contrivances, and are forced to pretend they're dating (hell, yeah, there's a fake dating plot!), sparks fly and hijinks ensue.
Despite the fluffy premise, I was was surprised at the depth of the character development in Star Crossed.
While Wendy loves her job and career path, Daniel isn't happy with his. He's obligated to take over the family PR business, but he'd rather be doing something that's more meaningful.
Wendy is nearly obsessive in her drive to succeed, terrified of not making it in the pressure cooker of her professional world, and being forced to return to West Virginia.
The tension between Wendy's drive to the top and Daniel's desire for something different makes for something more interesting than many contemporary romances--it actually reminded me a bit of Julie James first couple of books which were pretty light, but brought together high-powered, competent, witty professionals whose goals conflicted. This scenario, which is so respectful of both characters' career path reads as fresh and current and the resolution is one that I didn't expect and is both unusual for romance and realistic (intentional vagueness to avoid spoilage).
I was also struck by what a fun setting Las Vegas was for a comedic romance.
Since Vegas is, well, absolutely ridiculous, the silliness of some of the scenarios in Star Crossed didn't seem particularly off-the-wall. The characters are colorful, the timeframe is condensed and it all makes sense, because it's Vegas. There are all-nighters, visits to strips clubs and even an Elvis sighting, all which makes Star Crossed a lot more fun than your average contemporary romance.
That's not to say Star Crossed is flawless.
The book includes an absurd and unnecessary subplot about a stalker who's been after Wendy for years. It's wholly unnecessary and adds nothing to the plot. It essentially exists to create conflict and tension when the main storyline did that quite effectively. There's also a subplot about the two clients' relationship that is cute enough, but didn't do a whole lot to move along the main plot.
However, despite those niggles, Star Crossed one of the fresher, funnier, more modern-feeling romances I've read.
I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series, Playing Dirty, out this fall. That one features Sarah, who is a sharp, snarky friend of Wendy's who also works at the Stargazer PR firm. However, I do think that fans of Jennifer's YA novels may be a bit disappointed in this series because it is so very different from her recent YA novels, particularly because it's written in third person, so the wonderful internal narration of Such a Rush and others isn't there, but it's certain made up for in lots of quirky, witty dialogue. If you enjoyed Jennifer Echols earlier works, then this foray into adult fiction will certainly satisfy you, and it will also likely appeal to fans of Julie James, Ruthie Knox and Shannon Stacey.
Initial reaction:
So, so fun!
Jennifer Echols is one of my go-to writers for quality character development, sharp dialogue and memorable stories. Needless to say, her foray into fiction for adults with Star Crossed was one of my most anticipated novels of the year.
While I adore Jennifer's dramatic novels like Such a Rush and Going Too Far, I have a soft spot for her more light-hearted books, particularly Major Crush. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good romantic comedy to balance out all the angst and drama.
Fortunately for me, Star Crossed falls into the lighter vein of Jennifer's oeuvre.
Wendy Mann is a publicist to the stars. She's spent six years saving celebrities from their public disasters, rescuing their images and turning around careers. She's blunt and tough, and that's why she's so good at her job. Her beloved career is threatened when one of her clients pushes back and almost gets her fired. In order to save her job at the high powered PR firm where she works, Stargazer, she's sent to Las Vegas to salvage another career--that of a young singing who's nasty habit of posting inappropriate photos of herself on Twitter and publicly sparring with her ex-boyfriend.
Wendy finds herself up against her old college rival, Daniel, who's representing her client's ex. The two competed for top rankings all through school and their firms are also rivals (Daniel's father owns the firm where he works and he's expected to take over leadership of the family business). The pair's history is pretty fun. Daniel secretly crushed on Wendy from afar, but Wendy simply saw him as a rival to be squashed (she's extremely competitive). I enjoyed that their shared history wasn't as dramatic as in a lot of novels of this ilk, it's more of a vague thing that doesn't have a lot of baggage.
She texted Sarah,
I made him laugh like an embarrassed teenage boy.
As she waited for Sarah's answer, she read her text over and considered it. She'd been a teenager, eighteen, and she assumed he'd been the same age, when they'd first met. Except she wasn't so sure they'd ever met, officially. So... when they first became aware of each other. Or when she first became aware of him. She did hope he knew who she was, and that he'd only been pretending to have a hard time placing her. She would hate to think that after all those nights she'd agonized over whether she could beat him for the Clarkson Prize, he hadn't even known she existed.
When they're thrown together thanks to a series of mildly ridiculous, yet reliable, rom-com contrivances, and are forced to pretend they're dating (hell, yeah, there's a fake dating plot!), sparks fly and hijinks ensue.
Despite the fluffy premise, I was was surprised at the depth of the character development in Star Crossed.
While Wendy loves her job and career path, Daniel isn't happy with his. He's obligated to take over the family PR business, but he'd rather be doing something that's more meaningful.
His eye looked as bad as it felt. At least his whole socket wasn't bruised, but the knuckle mark underneath was turning from red to purple. For the life of him he couldn't remember a single piece of advice that GQ had ever dispensed about this.
Classy.
He hated this job.
Wendy is nearly obsessive in her drive to succeed, terrified of not making it in the pressure cooker of her professional world, and being forced to return to West Virginia.
The tension between Wendy's drive to the top and Daniel's desire for something different makes for something more interesting than many contemporary romances--it actually reminded me a bit of Julie James first couple of books which were pretty light, but brought together high-powered, competent, witty professionals whose goals conflicted. This scenario, which is so respectful of both characters' career path reads as fresh and current and the resolution is one that I didn't expect and is both unusual for romance and realistic (intentional vagueness to avoid spoilage).
I was also struck by what a fun setting Las Vegas was for a comedic romance.
Since Vegas is, well, absolutely ridiculous, the silliness of some of the scenarios in Star Crossed didn't seem particularly off-the-wall. The characters are colorful, the timeframe is condensed and it all makes sense, because it's Vegas. There are all-nighters, visits to strips clubs and even an Elvis sighting, all which makes Star Crossed a lot more fun than your average contemporary romance.
She turned to Lorelei. "Get the DJ to put on some Missy Elliott."
Um... kay." Lorelei scampered away.
As Wendy slipped out of the booth, Daniel slip to the seat where she'd been. "Your stripping soundtrack is Missy Elliott?"
"She was very big in 2003, and this was my small protest against the patriarchy. While stripping. I know. Shut up."
That's not to say Star Crossed is flawless.
The book includes an absurd and unnecessary subplot about a stalker who's been after Wendy for years. It's wholly unnecessary and adds nothing to the plot. It essentially exists to create conflict and tension when the main storyline did that quite effectively. There's also a subplot about the two clients' relationship that is cute enough, but didn't do a whole lot to move along the main plot.
However, despite those niggles, Star Crossed one of the fresher, funnier, more modern-feeling romances I've read.
She teased him, singing, "You're going to get wrinkled," but her voice came out weak and pitiful.
"For some reason," he growled in her ear, "around you, I'm as wrinkled as I've ever been. Metaphorically speaking."
"I metaphorically wrinkle you," she puzzled...
I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series, Playing Dirty, out this fall. That one features Sarah, who is a sharp, snarky friend of Wendy's who also works at the Stargazer PR firm. However, I do think that fans of Jennifer's YA novels may be a bit disappointed in this series because it is so very different from her recent YA novels, particularly because it's written in third person, so the wonderful internal narration of Such a Rush and others isn't there, but it's certain made up for in lots of quirky, witty dialogue. If you enjoyed Jennifer Echols earlier works, then this foray into adult fiction will certainly satisfy you, and it will also likely appeal to fans of Julie James, Ruthie Knox and Shannon Stacey.
Initial reaction:
So, so fun!
February 19, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B
After a high profile client fires Wendy and her firm and moves over to their competitor, Wendy is fired. She talks her way into one last chance and it all rides on her ability to spin some positive PR for a Hollywood starlet who’s making news with her very public, very nasty break up with a young Hollywood actor. Wendy is hired to keep Lorelei on track, that she does nothing to derail her music career and to make sure her performance at an awards show in Vegas go off without a hitch. Too bad there’s already a hitch, the host of the awards show is Colton, Lorelei’s ex and his PR rep is in town to make sure he doesn’t do anything to ruin his budding movie career. Daniel is ready to create some good PR but he needs his rival Wendy’s help.
Wendy and Daniel have a history that goes back to their college days. They were competitors in college, always trying to one up the other and now they’re competitors at rival firms; Daniel at his father’s firm that he’s being prepped to take over and Wendy at Stargazer, working at her dream firm. Now, they’re forced into working together to make Lorelei and Colton look good in public and it’s proving hard to do what with Colton peeing in the Bellagio fountain and Lorelei mooning Colton and having her picture taken. Between that and the social networking name calling they’re doing, Wendy and Daniel have their hands full. Add in to the mix feelings between Daniel and Wendy that start developing. For Daniel, he’s carried a torch for Wendy since college, but they were never anything more than enemies competing for the top spot in their class. Now all bets are off and Wendy makes it her mission to make Daniel laugh, which is a rare occurrence and Daniel does whatever he can to spend time with Wendy and when random things start happening to her, weird, dangerous things, he takes her protection very seriously and wants to help however he can.
“…It’s every man’s dream to be with a nice lady who just happens by accident to know her way around a stripper pole.”
“Every man’s dream, or every fourteen-year-old boy’s dream?”
“That’s the kind of fantasy that doesn’t change with age.”
“Is that right?” She laughed, then examined him more closely. “Are you okay?”
“Very.” He grinned at her. “Why?”
“You don’t seem like yourself, even taking the drunkenness into account. It’s not like you to tell me what you’re thinking. Suddenly I’m finding out that your mind is as dirty as mine.”
He raised his brows. “You doubted this?”
“Yes.”
He gave her a small, naughty smile. "Never doubt this.”
I enjoyed this story and what stood out most was the banter between Daniel and Wendy. Wendy is loud, doesn’t really have a verbal filter and she’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done. Daniel is in a career he hates, but he feels obligated to his father to work his ass off for a job that he could care less about. He has one expression for all emotions, that would be no real expression, and Wendy makes it her mission to get him to loosen up, live a little and to laugh. They were very enjoyable when they got together, they may seem like an odd couple at first, but they worked. They have a nice combination of a few sexy moments, a lot of laugh out loud moments and their romance was very sweet.
Another aspect I really liked was seeing them interact and try to corral Lorelei and Colton, two young twenty-somethings who are maybe in love, but currently broken up and trying to one up each other in the hurt department. It was a nice dynamic seeing Wendy and Daniel in their work element and seeing how they tried to spin things for Colton and Lorelei in the PR department.
One thing that didn’t work so well for me was the stalker storyline that centered around Wendy. She had an abusive boyfriend at home before she left for college and he’s making another appearance in her life. It felt a little underdeveloped, either more page time needed to be given to this part of the story or I kind of wish it would have been left out all together. It certainly didn’t ruin the relationship between Wendy and Daniel that I very much enjoyed, but it didn’t feel like it was needed.
Wendy and Daniel are a fun, charming couple and I had a great time getting to know them in Star Crossed. I’m already looking forward to seeing who will be up next in this Stargazer series.
Blog rating: B
After a high profile client fires Wendy and her firm and moves over to their competitor, Wendy is fired. She talks her way into one last chance and it all rides on her ability to spin some positive PR for a Hollywood starlet who’s making news with her very public, very nasty break up with a young Hollywood actor. Wendy is hired to keep Lorelei on track, that she does nothing to derail her music career and to make sure her performance at an awards show in Vegas go off without a hitch. Too bad there’s already a hitch, the host of the awards show is Colton, Lorelei’s ex and his PR rep is in town to make sure he doesn’t do anything to ruin his budding movie career. Daniel is ready to create some good PR but he needs his rival Wendy’s help.
Wendy and Daniel have a history that goes back to their college days. They were competitors in college, always trying to one up the other and now they’re competitors at rival firms; Daniel at his father’s firm that he’s being prepped to take over and Wendy at Stargazer, working at her dream firm. Now, they’re forced into working together to make Lorelei and Colton look good in public and it’s proving hard to do what with Colton peeing in the Bellagio fountain and Lorelei mooning Colton and having her picture taken. Between that and the social networking name calling they’re doing, Wendy and Daniel have their hands full. Add in to the mix feelings between Daniel and Wendy that start developing. For Daniel, he’s carried a torch for Wendy since college, but they were never anything more than enemies competing for the top spot in their class. Now all bets are off and Wendy makes it her mission to make Daniel laugh, which is a rare occurrence and Daniel does whatever he can to spend time with Wendy and when random things start happening to her, weird, dangerous things, he takes her protection very seriously and wants to help however he can.
“…It’s every man’s dream to be with a nice lady who just happens by accident to know her way around a stripper pole.”
“Every man’s dream, or every fourteen-year-old boy’s dream?”
“That’s the kind of fantasy that doesn’t change with age.”
“Is that right?” She laughed, then examined him more closely. “Are you okay?”
“Very.” He grinned at her. “Why?”
“You don’t seem like yourself, even taking the drunkenness into account. It’s not like you to tell me what you’re thinking. Suddenly I’m finding out that your mind is as dirty as mine.”
He raised his brows. “You doubted this?”
“Yes.”
He gave her a small, naughty smile. "Never doubt this.”
I enjoyed this story and what stood out most was the banter between Daniel and Wendy. Wendy is loud, doesn’t really have a verbal filter and she’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done. Daniel is in a career he hates, but he feels obligated to his father to work his ass off for a job that he could care less about. He has one expression for all emotions, that would be no real expression, and Wendy makes it her mission to get him to loosen up, live a little and to laugh. They were very enjoyable when they got together, they may seem like an odd couple at first, but they worked. They have a nice combination of a few sexy moments, a lot of laugh out loud moments and their romance was very sweet.
Another aspect I really liked was seeing them interact and try to corral Lorelei and Colton, two young twenty-somethings who are maybe in love, but currently broken up and trying to one up each other in the hurt department. It was a nice dynamic seeing Wendy and Daniel in their work element and seeing how they tried to spin things for Colton and Lorelei in the PR department.
One thing that didn’t work so well for me was the stalker storyline that centered around Wendy. She had an abusive boyfriend at home before she left for college and he’s making another appearance in her life. It felt a little underdeveloped, either more page time needed to be given to this part of the story or I kind of wish it would have been left out all together. It certainly didn’t ruin the relationship between Wendy and Daniel that I very much enjoyed, but it didn’t feel like it was needed.
Wendy and Daniel are a fun, charming couple and I had a great time getting to know them in Star Crossed. I’m already looking forward to seeing who will be up next in this Stargazer series.
March 7, 2013
Toto bol taký výborne napísaný zhluk bullshitov.
Jedna prehnaná až absurdná situácia striedala druhú, niekedy to bolo milé a niekedy otravné. SKVELÉ dialógy a výborné postavy, správna dávka irónie. Niektoré scény boli úplne mimo a mala som pocit, ako keby som pozerala tuctovú romantickú komédiu s Katherine Heigl, potom tam odrazu bolo niečo super a celkom inovatívne (vrámci možností) a potom znovu úplne wtf a potom znovu paráda.
A inak síce knihu napísala Echols, ale jedná sa o ADULT záležitosť so všetkým čo k tomu patrí. Prišlo mi to trochu...ako keby sa odrazu Cassandra Clare rozhodla napísať spin-off k Fifty Shades - čiže nechutné. Dalo sa to prežiť, ale radšej asi ostanem verná Echolsovej YA knihám a nebudem si spôsobovať zbytočnú traumu.
3,5 hviezdičiek
Jedna prehnaná až absurdná situácia striedala druhú, niekedy to bolo milé a niekedy otravné. SKVELÉ dialógy a výborné postavy, správna dávka irónie. Niektoré scény boli úplne mimo a mala som pocit, ako keby som pozerala tuctovú romantickú komédiu s Katherine Heigl, potom tam odrazu bolo niečo super a celkom inovatívne (vrámci možností) a potom znovu úplne wtf a potom znovu paráda.
A inak síce knihu napísala Echols, ale jedná sa o ADULT záležitosť so všetkým čo k tomu patrí. Prišlo mi to trochu...ako keby sa odrazu Cassandra Clare rozhodla napísať spin-off k Fifty Shades - čiže nechutné. Dalo sa to prežiť, ale radšej asi ostanem verná Echolsovej YA knihám a nebudem si spôsobovať zbytočnú traumu.
3,5 hviezdičiek
March 26, 2013
I was so looking forward to Echols' first adult rom-com-style offering.
The beginning was slow, but I didn't mind reading through all the set-up for the sake of building the premise. Around the halfway mark I had finally seen some flashes of the Echols I love: the promise of slow burn, the smidges of chemistry, the snappy/witty dialogue. But then the book went ... nowhere.
Too much faffing about with the (highly ridiculous and cliched) PR storyline (revolving around two spoiled stars). Two much telling with back story. Not enough focus on the leads and their chemistry.
I should have DNFed it earlier on but I remained (fruitlessly) optimistic to the end.
Despite this, the leads, Maggie and Daniel, were likable and my 2 stars is for them.
The beginning was slow, but I didn't mind reading through all the set-up for the sake of building the premise. Around the halfway mark I had finally seen some flashes of the Echols I love: the promise of slow burn, the smidges of chemistry, the snappy/witty dialogue. But then the book went ... nowhere.
Too much faffing about with the (highly ridiculous and cliched) PR storyline (revolving around two spoiled stars). Two much telling with back story. Not enough focus on the leads and their chemistry.
I should have DNFed it earlier on but I remained (fruitlessly) optimistic to the end.
Despite this, the leads, Maggie and Daniel, were likable and my 2 stars is for them.
June 11, 2020
This started off as Surprisingly Good With Lots Of Potential, then hit Just Good Enough To Keep Me Interested around the middle. Unfortunately, despite the strong beginning, by the end it was very much Welcome To Skim Town.
Such a shame, because I enjoyed the set up and introduction to the characters. It just got real choppy and unfocused the further it went, and ultimately stopped making any kind of sense. 2.5 stars, rounded down.
Such a shame, because I enjoyed the set up and introduction to the characters. It just got real choppy and unfocused the further it went, and ultimately stopped making any kind of sense. 2.5 stars, rounded down.
March 5, 2013
This may be one of those cases where familiarity with previous novels written by an author actually ends up hurting my enjoyment of a novel. Star Crossed by Jennifer Echols is a good enough story, but Jennifer Echols does not generally write "good enough" stories. I have always enjoyed her young adult books, praising them for having grit and realism along with awesome romance. Her characters are strong and intelligent and layered in a way that always draws me into her books. Star Crossed is Echols first jump into the adult romance market, and although it was a good story, it just wasn't even close to what I expect from her as a writer. Let me explain ...
Star Crossed is the story of Wendy, a PR representative from a New York firm, who has to travel to Vegas to rescue a Hollywood star embarking on a music career. Unfortunately, this star, Lorelei, is dealing with a breakup with another Hollywood star, Colten, in about the most immature and potentially damaging way possible ... using social media to post revealing pictures and snarky comments for her ex to see ... and react to. Although this is par for the course for Wendy in her career, this assignment takes on a bigger meaning because she is on the brink of being fired by her PR firm. If she can't rescue her client she will be out of a job. Colten is not behaving much better than Lorelei, so his agent hired another PR firm to clean things up for him in order to get him in a position to land some big Hollywood roles. His new PR guy is Daniel, future owner of the Blackstone firm, and college nemesis of Wendy. Daniel and Wendy come to see that they can work together to help both of their clients, so they form an unlikely partnership, leading them to discover deeper feelings for one another.
I'll explain first what I had trouble with in this story, but then end with the good because there are lots of good parts to this book as well that might make it worth reading. The third person narration of this story seemed a bit choppy to me. It didn't flow nearly as smoothly as the first person narrations that Echols normally uses in her stories. It was helpful to hear both Wendy's and Daniel's point of view through this third person narration, but I never felt as invested in them as characters as I normally do in an Echols book.
I thought that the story itself was a bit too cardboard for my taste. Everyone fit into a perfect little mold for how they needed to fit into the story. Normally with Echols books I love that the characters have so many dimensions that drive their action. It makes them fascinating to me. With this story Daniel and Wendy seemed like a hundred similar Daniels and Wendys that I have read in stories such as this one. I wanted to know more about them than what was revealed. There could have been more about Daniel's relationship with his father and how that was affecting his enjoyment of life. I thought there could have been more about Wendy's abrasive personality and how it affected her life as well. These things were mentioned but never explored enough, in my opinion.
The Rick story was unnecessary for this book. If that story of a psychopath ex-boyfriend had taken center stage, perhaps it would have been okay as the book would have then become a sort of mystery/thriller with romance on the side. But the Rick angle was a background element that really didn't matter to the overall arc of the story, in my opinion. And by the end of the book it became just plain weird. What was really important to this story was how these two mega-talented PR agents worked with their own strong personalities to find happiness with each other. These two experts in public relations were having to come to terms with their own imperfect relationships with others. That, along with the whole element of what is exactly involved in the lives of Hollywood PR agents was enough of a story to make a novel. That's what I wanted to hear.
I freely admit that I am a lot harder on this book because I know that Jennifer Echols wrote it. I know that lots of people (including me) will rush out to buy it simply because it is an Echols book, and we have come to expect greatness in her writing. But, putting aside any previous knowledge of what an Echols book can be ... for an adult contemporary romance book, this one is a good one. Lots of books in this genre can either be too fluffy or too obsessed with sexuality. This book comes across as deeper than those other books like it in this genre. Wendy and Daniel are likable leads for this story, and I root for their Happily Ever After. Daniel's struggle with trying to live up to his father's expectations instead of following his own dream is an interesting thing to think about as you read this book. It was a quick and fun read, and the ending was very satisfying. Overall I would say that if you are a fan of adult contemporary romances, you will enjoy this book. It doesn't exactly soar above the crowded field, but it does hold its own, and it is worth the price of purchase. But if you are not accustomed to reading adult contemporaries and simply are fans of Jennifer Echols YA books, be aware that this book is quite different from those YA books. You may still enjoy it a lot, because Echols is a talented writer, but this is a different sort of book. Three stars because I did like, but didn't love, this one.
Star Crossed is the story of Wendy, a PR representative from a New York firm, who has to travel to Vegas to rescue a Hollywood star embarking on a music career. Unfortunately, this star, Lorelei, is dealing with a breakup with another Hollywood star, Colten, in about the most immature and potentially damaging way possible ... using social media to post revealing pictures and snarky comments for her ex to see ... and react to. Although this is par for the course for Wendy in her career, this assignment takes on a bigger meaning because she is on the brink of being fired by her PR firm. If she can't rescue her client she will be out of a job. Colten is not behaving much better than Lorelei, so his agent hired another PR firm to clean things up for him in order to get him in a position to land some big Hollywood roles. His new PR guy is Daniel, future owner of the Blackstone firm, and college nemesis of Wendy. Daniel and Wendy come to see that they can work together to help both of their clients, so they form an unlikely partnership, leading them to discover deeper feelings for one another.
I'll explain first what I had trouble with in this story, but then end with the good because there are lots of good parts to this book as well that might make it worth reading. The third person narration of this story seemed a bit choppy to me. It didn't flow nearly as smoothly as the first person narrations that Echols normally uses in her stories. It was helpful to hear both Wendy's and Daniel's point of view through this third person narration, but I never felt as invested in them as characters as I normally do in an Echols book.
I thought that the story itself was a bit too cardboard for my taste. Everyone fit into a perfect little mold for how they needed to fit into the story. Normally with Echols books I love that the characters have so many dimensions that drive their action. It makes them fascinating to me. With this story Daniel and Wendy seemed like a hundred similar Daniels and Wendys that I have read in stories such as this one. I wanted to know more about them than what was revealed. There could have been more about Daniel's relationship with his father and how that was affecting his enjoyment of life. I thought there could have been more about Wendy's abrasive personality and how it affected her life as well. These things were mentioned but never explored enough, in my opinion.
The Rick story was unnecessary for this book. If that story of a psychopath ex-boyfriend had taken center stage, perhaps it would have been okay as the book would have then become a sort of mystery/thriller with romance on the side. But the Rick angle was a background element that really didn't matter to the overall arc of the story, in my opinion. And by the end of the book it became just plain weird. What was really important to this story was how these two mega-talented PR agents worked with their own strong personalities to find happiness with each other. These two experts in public relations were having to come to terms with their own imperfect relationships with others. That, along with the whole element of what is exactly involved in the lives of Hollywood PR agents was enough of a story to make a novel. That's what I wanted to hear.
I freely admit that I am a lot harder on this book because I know that Jennifer Echols wrote it. I know that lots of people (including me) will rush out to buy it simply because it is an Echols book, and we have come to expect greatness in her writing. But, putting aside any previous knowledge of what an Echols book can be ... for an adult contemporary romance book, this one is a good one. Lots of books in this genre can either be too fluffy or too obsessed with sexuality. This book comes across as deeper than those other books like it in this genre. Wendy and Daniel are likable leads for this story, and I root for their Happily Ever After. Daniel's struggle with trying to live up to his father's expectations instead of following his own dream is an interesting thing to think about as you read this book. It was a quick and fun read, and the ending was very satisfying. Overall I would say that if you are a fan of adult contemporary romances, you will enjoy this book. It doesn't exactly soar above the crowded field, but it does hold its own, and it is worth the price of purchase. But if you are not accustomed to reading adult contemporaries and simply are fans of Jennifer Echols YA books, be aware that this book is quite different from those YA books. You may still enjoy it a lot, because Echols is a talented writer, but this is a different sort of book. Three stars because I did like, but didn't love, this one.
November 13, 2013
The review is also available on my blog, Bows & Bullets Reviews
Wendy Mann loves her job, but she’s losing it. After her bosses tell her she’s fired, she begs for another chance and they give it to her: rehabilitate teenage rocker Lorelei Vogel before she loses her recording contract. It’s an impossible job, but Wendy is determined to do it. It just becomes more difficult when she realizes Lorelei’s ex is being repped by Daniel Blackstone, her college rival, and they will all be in Vegas together for this particularly hellish week. Daniel cannot believe he’ll be seeing Wendy again. She starred in way too many of his college fantasies, not that she’ll ever know that. But Wendy is an unneeded distraction and soon, he cannot help but pay more attention to her than to his client. With the heat turning past the boiling point for these two, can they still manage to keep their respective stars in line long enough to save Wendy’s career?
I didn’t love this novel the way I’ve loved all the other stories I’ve read by Jennifer Echols. I found Wendy to be too over-the-top and just plain annoying. Yes, we get it. You spent a week as a stripper (but apparently it was a very good week) and you have gorgeous blonde hair. Good for you, but seriously, get on with it. Daniel, wasn’t much better, coming off as high handed and too damn quiet. He laughs at Wendy’s dumb sex jokes, all of which made me cringe. He’s apparently very attractive, but I had a hard time imaging him in my head. The romance between the two felt awkward at best and forced at worst. I understand there are legitimate reasons you two cannot fuck each other’s brains out and get it over with, but I felt like their relationship was just lust and once they are together for a few months, it’ll burn out quickly. The fact that they stupidly got married for a publicity stunt makes it that much worse.
The plotline, at least, was interesting enough. I would actually really love to see more of Lorelei. She is what kept me reading, to see if her storyline would work out. I don’t think we’ll get much more of her in this series and that is just sad since she was the big highlight for me. The novel was decent enough, I supposed, but disappointing because I’ve adored all the Jennifer Echols books I’ve read until now and I hate seeing something I’m excited about fall below my expectations. I am planning on reading the next novel, but I’m not nearly as excited about it was I was before I started this. Hopefully the next heroine won’t be so obnoxious and I won’t dislike her as much.
Wendy Mann loves her job, but she’s losing it. After her bosses tell her she’s fired, she begs for another chance and they give it to her: rehabilitate teenage rocker Lorelei Vogel before she loses her recording contract. It’s an impossible job, but Wendy is determined to do it. It just becomes more difficult when she realizes Lorelei’s ex is being repped by Daniel Blackstone, her college rival, and they will all be in Vegas together for this particularly hellish week. Daniel cannot believe he’ll be seeing Wendy again. She starred in way too many of his college fantasies, not that she’ll ever know that. But Wendy is an unneeded distraction and soon, he cannot help but pay more attention to her than to his client. With the heat turning past the boiling point for these two, can they still manage to keep their respective stars in line long enough to save Wendy’s career?
I didn’t love this novel the way I’ve loved all the other stories I’ve read by Jennifer Echols. I found Wendy to be too over-the-top and just plain annoying. Yes, we get it. You spent a week as a stripper (but apparently it was a very good week) and you have gorgeous blonde hair. Good for you, but seriously, get on with it. Daniel, wasn’t much better, coming off as high handed and too damn quiet. He laughs at Wendy’s dumb sex jokes, all of which made me cringe. He’s apparently very attractive, but I had a hard time imaging him in my head. The romance between the two felt awkward at best and forced at worst. I understand there are legitimate reasons you two cannot fuck each other’s brains out and get it over with, but I felt like their relationship was just lust and once they are together for a few months, it’ll burn out quickly. The fact that they stupidly got married for a publicity stunt makes it that much worse.
The plotline, at least, was interesting enough. I would actually really love to see more of Lorelei. She is what kept me reading, to see if her storyline would work out. I don’t think we’ll get much more of her in this series and that is just sad since she was the big highlight for me. The novel was decent enough, I supposed, but disappointing because I’ve adored all the Jennifer Echols books I’ve read until now and I hate seeing something I’m excited about fall below my expectations. I am planning on reading the next novel, but I’m not nearly as excited about it was I was before I started this. Hopefully the next heroine won’t be so obnoxious and I won’t dislike her as much.
March 13, 2013
4.5 stars!
I've always been a huge fan of Jennifer Echols. I love her Young Adult books and will pretty much read anything she writes. So you can only imagine how happy I was to find out she was writing a adult romance series.
I've read some reviews where people were saying that reading this book, it didn't feel like they were reading a Jennifer Echols book and I have to agree. The tone of the book is definitely different from her other books as it should be since this is a different genre. And I loved it. It has more of a mature feel to it and I think it's really good that she can transition so well from one genre to the next because many can't.
I'll admit, Wendy is a little hard to like in the beginning. She's tough, has no filter and a bit self centered. She's not a bitch per se, but she gives off that vibe. But once I kept reading and really getting to know her I really loved her personality and better understood her. She works really hard at her job and is known for being a hard ass so it's understandable why she might not make friends with many of the celebrities she works with. But now because of one client her job is on the line and they're giving her one last chance or she's going to get fired. Of course the odds are against her, especially since the celebrity she has to help is wild and out of control. Oh and turns out said persons ex boyfriend is represented by her nemesis since college, Daniel.
I loved Daniel! He's hot, kind of broody and a total to mystery to everyone. Both Wendy and Daniel have thought about each other from time to time but it's not till they see each other again that they realize the chemistry they have together. I loved the banter between them and they really had me laughing at times. I thought the fact that Daniel and Wendy have always secretly competed against each other since college was cute.
The secondary characters were really fun and I hope they get their own books. I even liked the celebrities they were helping. At times I even found myself wishing there were a couple chapters from their POV's and really learn what went on in their relationship.
Overall, I really enjoyed Star Crossed and I look forward to reading more from this series. It's a great start to a series and I definitely recommend this to romance lovers.
*Received copy from author in exchange for an honest review.
**This review also appears on my blog World of Books
I've always been a huge fan of Jennifer Echols. I love her Young Adult books and will pretty much read anything she writes. So you can only imagine how happy I was to find out she was writing a adult romance series.
I've read some reviews where people were saying that reading this book, it didn't feel like they were reading a Jennifer Echols book and I have to agree. The tone of the book is definitely different from her other books as it should be since this is a different genre. And I loved it. It has more of a mature feel to it and I think it's really good that she can transition so well from one genre to the next because many can't.
I'll admit, Wendy is a little hard to like in the beginning. She's tough, has no filter and a bit self centered. She's not a bitch per se, but she gives off that vibe. But once I kept reading and really getting to know her I really loved her personality and better understood her. She works really hard at her job and is known for being a hard ass so it's understandable why she might not make friends with many of the celebrities she works with. But now because of one client her job is on the line and they're giving her one last chance or she's going to get fired. Of course the odds are against her, especially since the celebrity she has to help is wild and out of control. Oh and turns out said persons ex boyfriend is represented by her nemesis since college, Daniel.
I loved Daniel! He's hot, kind of broody and a total to mystery to everyone. Both Wendy and Daniel have thought about each other from time to time but it's not till they see each other again that they realize the chemistry they have together. I loved the banter between them and they really had me laughing at times. I thought the fact that Daniel and Wendy have always secretly competed against each other since college was cute.
The secondary characters were really fun and I hope they get their own books. I even liked the celebrities they were helping. At times I even found myself wishing there were a couple chapters from their POV's and really learn what went on in their relationship.
Overall, I really enjoyed Star Crossed and I look forward to reading more from this series. It's a great start to a series and I definitely recommend this to romance lovers.
*Received copy from author in exchange for an honest review.
**This review also appears on my blog World of Books
January 7, 2013
Star Crossed was my first Jennifer Echols book. I must admit, I liked her writing style a lot. I was hoping that the book would be more about the celebrities interaction with the publicist. It wasn’t. It was mostly about Wendy, the publicist from Stargazer and her arch rival Daniel, the publicist from Blackstone. Then again, it’s to be expected from a romance novel. The book started off slow. It took about eighty pages for me to get into it. However, once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. I took it everywhere I went and managed to finish it in a little over 24 hours. The plot was great. It had me in suspense wondering when Wendy’s stalker was going to show up next or what he was going to do. The book made me chuckle a few times. It’s interesting what publicists will do in order to make sure their client will get good press. I liked all the characters. At first, I thought that Daniel was an absolute jerk but he turned out to be ok. The story ended with all the loose ends wrapped up, so I am interested in how the author will turn this into a series. Based on Star Crossed, I will definitely be reading more of Jennifer Echols work in the future.
March 12, 2013
Oh wow Jennifer Echols you've done it again! I love her young adult books which were so well written and now with this first glimpse into the adult genre is a sure success. The transition was smooth and the writing still good.
I enjoyed reading this, it was fun all the way through. It felt like watching a romantic comedy on screen with a cool cast, fun scenarios, witty dialogue, a bit of suspense and of course the cute. I like how Wendy and Daniel are competitors in the PR business but they also have a history, plus they're good looking and the attraction is strong. So the result is bantering and flirting, teasing,annoying that sort of thing. I love how they actually developed their relationship in way that is unique to them.
Poking jokes on the Hollywood side and the publicity fame game at times, that whole industry and the teen stars too. A light, easy, read it has elements of a good story with a fun vibe. Another good one from Jen Echols its no surprise it rocks. I'm hooked on this series and can't wait for more. Worth checking out for sure.
I enjoyed reading this, it was fun all the way through. It felt like watching a romantic comedy on screen with a cool cast, fun scenarios, witty dialogue, a bit of suspense and of course the cute. I like how Wendy and Daniel are competitors in the PR business but they also have a history, plus they're good looking and the attraction is strong. So the result is bantering and flirting, teasing,annoying that sort of thing. I love how they actually developed their relationship in way that is unique to them.
Poking jokes on the Hollywood side and the publicity fame game at times, that whole industry and the teen stars too. A light, easy, read it has elements of a good story with a fun vibe. Another good one from Jen Echols its no surprise it rocks. I'm hooked on this series and can't wait for more. Worth checking out for sure.
March 11, 2013
Anyone who spends time on this blog knows about my love for all things written by Jennifer Echols. I was so excited when she announced that she was writing some adult romances! Star Crossed was fun, sexy, funny, and pretty much everything I love in a romance. The no apologies heroine, who came from humble circumstances, was such a joy to read. She works very hard and sets high expectations for herself and others. Just as driven is our hero, Daniel, whose long standing rivalry with Wendy set up the chemistry quite nicely. In fact, both Wendy and Daniel were well developed which probably explains why I liked them both so much. It was fun being in this world of publicity handlers and although the situation is fiction, it could have easily been something you read about in gossip columns. The steamy love scenes mixed well with the genuine feelings that each character had for each other. I also loved the intrigue that was woven into the plot. It added some mystery and action to a romance that enjoyed immensely. I highly recommend buying this book today!
March 31, 2013
Just to let you guys know, Jennifer Echols is solidly on my auto-buy list. Going Too Far is one of the best books I've ever read, yet SO underrated. Anyways for those of you who haven't yet discovered the awesomeness that is Jennifer Echols, I'll do you a favor. Start with Going Too Far and from there work your way down her list.
That being said, I didn't like this adult novel as much as I LOVE her young adults. And honestly, it's not that it was bad, it just wasn't amazing when you compare it to masterpieces like Such a Rush.
Wendy was a solid main character, and I loved the banter she had going on with Daniel. I appreciated the glimpse we got of the PR Hollywood life. I thought those parts were interesting. One thing I did think weird was how fast their relationship progressed at the end. I was like, say whaaat??
Not gonna lie, probably wouldn't read it again, but that doesn't mean I'm going to take her off my auto-buy list!
read more of my reviews at http://pagetrotter.blogspot.com/
That being said, I didn't like this adult novel as much as I LOVE her young adults. And honestly, it's not that it was bad, it just wasn't amazing when you compare it to masterpieces like Such a Rush.
Wendy was a solid main character, and I loved the banter she had going on with Daniel. I appreciated the glimpse we got of the PR Hollywood life. I thought those parts were interesting. One thing I did think weird was how fast their relationship progressed at the end. I was like, say whaaat??
Not gonna lie, probably wouldn't read it again, but that doesn't mean I'm going to take her off my auto-buy list!
read more of my reviews at http://pagetrotter.blogspot.com/
March 4, 2013
The first Jennifer Echols books that I haven't all out adored. Not sure if it was because its the first I've read by her that not in first person pov, if it's because it's her first adult novel...maybe it's the story? I guess some combination of the three has left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. The mystery/stalker aspect of the story was real easy to figure out- thankfully its was more of a side story to the rest of the action. The characters, while well written and likable, lacked the usual oh wow feeling I've gotten from her past personalities. Star Crossed was an enjoyable, fun read. It was good, but she's done better.
March 8, 2013
Maybe the fact that I'll be in Vegas for a week this month for work played a part in this -- VEGAS!!! -- but I loved the setting, loved the romance and just completely enjoyed every bit of this story. I'm just a bit sad I've read it already because it would be PERFECT reading material on the plane ride there. Drat. Poor planning, Anna.
Definitely an easy and fun read.
Definitely an easy and fun read.
August 2, 2013
Like in Love Story, there were some very oddly jointed sentences, hilariously unfunny jokes, and boring chemistry between two unremarkable characters. I was expecting much more and unfortunately, I am once again debating whether or not to just drop this author altogether.
March 1, 2013
Seems hard to believe that J. Echols wrote this novel... But hey - strange things never cease to happen! I barely finished it, but my mind was far away and in denial : (
February 16, 2016
I don't really love it, but don't really hate it either. Though the story was cool it would have been great to see some more development between the characters happening through out the book.
Want to read
September 13, 2012I lover her YA books. I can't wait to read this book. It's her first book in the Adult Genre!!!
December 10, 2013
Recensione anche sul mio blog:
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
“Star crossed” è il primo volume di una nuova serie di contemporary romance per adulti scritta dalla favolosa Jennifer Echols. Uscito a febbraio, fino a questo momento, la Echols si era specializzata in young adult, una delle mie scrittrici preferite del genere se devo ammettere. E posso dirvi che è riuscita a convincermi anche con questo romanzo. Si io adoro le romance, ma ci vuole classe anche per scriverne una e non sempre i risultati sono buoni.
Wendy Mann ama il suo lavoro che consiste nel salvare celebrità che hanno un serio bisogno di aiuto con le pubbliche relazioni. Cresciuta dal nulla, ora è trascinata verso la gloria, il glamour e uno stile di vita leggero. Dice sempre quello che le passa per la mente, e questo la rende la persona tosta capace di dire alle star la verità su come le altre persone le vedono, anche quando non vogliono sentirlo. Ma dopo sei anni nell’essere rimasta in cima nel suo campo, Wendy ha commesso un errore. Una star da cui era stata mandata per salvarla si ribella contro lei e la fa quasi licenziare. Per salvare il suo lavoro, deve riabilitare la carriera di una cantante con la mania di postare foto inappropriate di se stessa e di litigare online con il suo famoso ex. Il problema è che l’ex è rappresentato dall’arcinemico di Wendy fin dal college, l’affascinante e irresistibile Daniel Blackstone. E entrambe le star sono state assunte per collidere sulla televisione nazionale, che registra live da Las Vegas.
Daniel è turbato quando sa che Wendy Mann dal competitore più odiato della sua azienda è stata mandata a rinverdire la carriera della ex ragazza del suo cliente. Daniel deve vincere a qualunque costo. E se deve sedurre Wendy per diventare partner nell’impresa, è pronto a sacrificare sè stesso per la causa. Ma Daniel non ha preso in considerazione la fatale attrazione che c’è tra lui e Wendy – e quando sono a Las Vegas, tutte le scommesse vendono messe da parte.
Quando mi trovo davanti una romance in cui i protagonisti mezzo si odiano e mezzo vogliono saltarsi addosso sono sempre un po’ scettica, anche se capisco benissimo la storia del “chi disprezza compra” perché in una qualche maniera complicata è così che va il mondo. C’è sempre qualcosa che ci mette lo zampino davanti e poi si lascia trascinare via, verso altri lidi, verso lidi dove si preferisce stare senza vestiti. Quello che mi stupisce è che, nonostante ne legga cento miliardi, una bella romance, con protagonisti sconvolgenti e lo sfondo della città che non dorme mai (o era New York la città che non dorme mai?), mi lascio sempre incantare, mi perdo sempre in quell’atmosfera romantica e imprevedibile e non riesco a fare a meno di leggere. Ogni volta resto sorpresa di come ci sono scrittrici capaci di prendere elementi comuni, quelli tipici dei romanzi di questo genere e creare delle storie originali, indipendenti, che hai voglia di leggere.
La storia ci viene raccontata prevalentemente da Wendy, in terza persona, ma a volte ci ritroviamo a leggere dal punto di vista di Daniel, pov che aumentano man mano che la narrazione procede. I due sono lì per lavoro, ma certamente non perdono occasione per imboscarsi in altre attività. Si conoscono dai tempi del college e sono sempre stati molto competitivi. In un mondo come quello dei PR dove la risposta è altissima ad una domanda che dopo un po’ satura, bisogna armarsi di tutto il proprio arsenale per firmare i contratti più esclusivi. La battaglia si fa a colpi di trovate pubblicitarie, ma anche di salvataggi di immagini delle starlette più contestate nel panorama Hollywoodiano e musicale, in cui magari è anche facile iniziare, ma rimanere a galla è un lavoro da compiere giorno per giorno, meglio se con l’aiuto di chi sa come presentare il profilo migliore al mondo. Sia Daniel che Wendy si ritrovano a Las Vegas nel tentativo di salvare le carriere dei loro clienti, ex-fidanzati, sempre ai ferri corti, che cercano di sabotarsi l’uno con l’altro. Wendy è la classica donna d’acciaio, seria fino alla freddezza, dai modi bruschi ma effettivi, che non si lascia commuovere ma sa come portare a casa il risultato, risultato che spesso è sepolto sotto i cumuli di insulti e di lamentele che i clienti che le vengono affidati le tirano dietro. Wendy è una donna e come donna si deve imporre in un mondo ostracizzato dagli uomini, che alla fin fine hanno dalla loro parte l’aspetto fisico che lascia a bocca aperta. Ma Wendy è sicura di sé, sa quello che vuole e conosce anche la strada per ottenerlo e non si lascia mica intimorire.
Daniel invece sta per succedere nella gestione della sua azienda al padre, ma deve ancora dimostrare fino in fondo le sue capacità. È stanco di doversi sempre mettere alla prova e cerca di ottenere quello che vuole con la minima fatica e il massimo risultato. Affascinante, sexy, pieno di inventiva e di soluzioni non convenzionali ma efficaci, Daniel non ha bisogno di grandi gesti, tutta la sua persona parla da sola e riesce a piegare la ferrea volontà di Wendy.
L’ambientazione non è particolarmente insolita, ma lascia spazio al divertimento e a qualche rischio, nonché al mistero che si nasconde nelle pieghe della vicenda.
I personaggi secondari, anche se presenti, risultano completamente in secondo piano rispetto ai protagonisti che emergono chiari e lucenti.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Delle ciocche di capelli mancanti.
Una romance simpatica e senza pretese, adatta per un pomeriggio piovoso in cui rilassarsi leggendo qualcosa di non impegnativo che lascia spazio a risate e scene passionali. Non molto esplicita è una contemporary romance adatta ad ogni tipo di palato.
A novembre intanto è uscito “Playing Dirty”, secondo volume della serie, che ancora non ho avuto modo di leggere.
Buona lettura guys!
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
“Star crossed” è il primo volume di una nuova serie di contemporary romance per adulti scritta dalla favolosa Jennifer Echols. Uscito a febbraio, fino a questo momento, la Echols si era specializzata in young adult, una delle mie scrittrici preferite del genere se devo ammettere. E posso dirvi che è riuscita a convincermi anche con questo romanzo. Si io adoro le romance, ma ci vuole classe anche per scriverne una e non sempre i risultati sono buoni.
Wendy Mann ama il suo lavoro che consiste nel salvare celebrità che hanno un serio bisogno di aiuto con le pubbliche relazioni. Cresciuta dal nulla, ora è trascinata verso la gloria, il glamour e uno stile di vita leggero. Dice sempre quello che le passa per la mente, e questo la rende la persona tosta capace di dire alle star la verità su come le altre persone le vedono, anche quando non vogliono sentirlo. Ma dopo sei anni nell’essere rimasta in cima nel suo campo, Wendy ha commesso un errore. Una star da cui era stata mandata per salvarla si ribella contro lei e la fa quasi licenziare. Per salvare il suo lavoro, deve riabilitare la carriera di una cantante con la mania di postare foto inappropriate di se stessa e di litigare online con il suo famoso ex. Il problema è che l’ex è rappresentato dall’arcinemico di Wendy fin dal college, l’affascinante e irresistibile Daniel Blackstone. E entrambe le star sono state assunte per collidere sulla televisione nazionale, che registra live da Las Vegas.
Daniel è turbato quando sa che Wendy Mann dal competitore più odiato della sua azienda è stata mandata a rinverdire la carriera della ex ragazza del suo cliente. Daniel deve vincere a qualunque costo. E se deve sedurre Wendy per diventare partner nell’impresa, è pronto a sacrificare sè stesso per la causa. Ma Daniel non ha preso in considerazione la fatale attrazione che c’è tra lui e Wendy – e quando sono a Las Vegas, tutte le scommesse vendono messe da parte.
Quando mi trovo davanti una romance in cui i protagonisti mezzo si odiano e mezzo vogliono saltarsi addosso sono sempre un po’ scettica, anche se capisco benissimo la storia del “chi disprezza compra” perché in una qualche maniera complicata è così che va il mondo. C’è sempre qualcosa che ci mette lo zampino davanti e poi si lascia trascinare via, verso altri lidi, verso lidi dove si preferisce stare senza vestiti. Quello che mi stupisce è che, nonostante ne legga cento miliardi, una bella romance, con protagonisti sconvolgenti e lo sfondo della città che non dorme mai (o era New York la città che non dorme mai?), mi lascio sempre incantare, mi perdo sempre in quell’atmosfera romantica e imprevedibile e non riesco a fare a meno di leggere. Ogni volta resto sorpresa di come ci sono scrittrici capaci di prendere elementi comuni, quelli tipici dei romanzi di questo genere e creare delle storie originali, indipendenti, che hai voglia di leggere.
La storia ci viene raccontata prevalentemente da Wendy, in terza persona, ma a volte ci ritroviamo a leggere dal punto di vista di Daniel, pov che aumentano man mano che la narrazione procede. I due sono lì per lavoro, ma certamente non perdono occasione per imboscarsi in altre attività. Si conoscono dai tempi del college e sono sempre stati molto competitivi. In un mondo come quello dei PR dove la risposta è altissima ad una domanda che dopo un po’ satura, bisogna armarsi di tutto il proprio arsenale per firmare i contratti più esclusivi. La battaglia si fa a colpi di trovate pubblicitarie, ma anche di salvataggi di immagini delle starlette più contestate nel panorama Hollywoodiano e musicale, in cui magari è anche facile iniziare, ma rimanere a galla è un lavoro da compiere giorno per giorno, meglio se con l’aiuto di chi sa come presentare il profilo migliore al mondo. Sia Daniel che Wendy si ritrovano a Las Vegas nel tentativo di salvare le carriere dei loro clienti, ex-fidanzati, sempre ai ferri corti, che cercano di sabotarsi l’uno con l’altro. Wendy è la classica donna d’acciaio, seria fino alla freddezza, dai modi bruschi ma effettivi, che non si lascia commuovere ma sa come portare a casa il risultato, risultato che spesso è sepolto sotto i cumuli di insulti e di lamentele che i clienti che le vengono affidati le tirano dietro. Wendy è una donna e come donna si deve imporre in un mondo ostracizzato dagli uomini, che alla fin fine hanno dalla loro parte l’aspetto fisico che lascia a bocca aperta. Ma Wendy è sicura di sé, sa quello che vuole e conosce anche la strada per ottenerlo e non si lascia mica intimorire.
Daniel invece sta per succedere nella gestione della sua azienda al padre, ma deve ancora dimostrare fino in fondo le sue capacità. È stanco di doversi sempre mettere alla prova e cerca di ottenere quello che vuole con la minima fatica e il massimo risultato. Affascinante, sexy, pieno di inventiva e di soluzioni non convenzionali ma efficaci, Daniel non ha bisogno di grandi gesti, tutta la sua persona parla da sola e riesce a piegare la ferrea volontà di Wendy.
L’ambientazione non è particolarmente insolita, ma lascia spazio al divertimento e a qualche rischio, nonché al mistero che si nasconde nelle pieghe della vicenda.
I personaggi secondari, anche se presenti, risultano completamente in secondo piano rispetto ai protagonisti che emergono chiari e lucenti.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Delle ciocche di capelli mancanti.
Una romance simpatica e senza pretese, adatta per un pomeriggio piovoso in cui rilassarsi leggendo qualcosa di non impegnativo che lascia spazio a risate e scene passionali. Non molto esplicita è una contemporary romance adatta ad ogni tipo di palato.
A novembre intanto è uscito “Playing Dirty”, secondo volume della serie, che ancora non ho avuto modo di leggere.
Buona lettura guys!
June 23, 2018
I'm a trashcan for easy reading books when my life gets on shambles. So here I go again. Being a piece of shit. Reading books like this and when *ahem ahem* scenes come up I throw my phone away and go 'I'M GONNA GO AND READ SOME JANE AUSTEN HUHUHU'
All rants aside, the only thing great about this book was when Wendy's hair was mysteriously getting chopped off. And it was then revealed that her ex-boyfriend was chopping off mounds of her hair to make a strap for his camera bag. Only interesting thing about this book. Only interesting thing. Nothing else.
Send help. Thank you.
All rants aside, the only thing great about this book was when Wendy's hair was mysteriously getting chopped off. And it was then revealed that her ex-boyfriend was chopping off mounds of her hair to make a strap for his camera bag. Only interesting thing about this book. Only interesting thing. Nothing else.
Send help. Thank you.
October 12, 2017
Ahhhh i would think this book could work as a movie. I liked it.
January 12, 2019
6/10
Maybe 5/10 for saying tokens came out of a slot machine.
Maybe 5/10 for saying tokens came out of a slot machine.
June 22, 2019
3.5 stars
September 14, 2014
Review originally posted at GReads!
You know that moment when you're inching your way to the last few pages of a book and you're so anxious to find out how it all ends, but so sad because it means the story WILL end?! Well, I have definitely gone through those emotions with this novel. Jennifer Echols is in my top list of favorite authors. Her writing has always captured my interest, and has even inspired me to write my own stories. I adore all her young adult fiction novels, so when I found out she was venturing into adult contemporary territory, I about died. This was something I had always longed for from her, but never quite knew it. Her ability to tell a story with humor, wit, passion, and oh so much tension surpassed all my expectations. Star Crossed is the type of story you want relive again and again.
Wendy Mann is a very successful PR specialist who digs celebrities out of tough (even life threatening) situations and turns their careers around. She can put a spin on any story, to make anyone look good. But with her job on the line, she is faced with the biggest challenge of her career. She's got a week in Vegas to turn around one young Hollywood celebrity's life and make her the shining star the public expects her to be. The only problem? Her rival and true enemy in the business, Daniel Blackstone, is representing her client's ex boyfriend, in Vegas, attempting to turn his career around as well. The scene is set up for disaster, but when it comes to business all is fair in love and war.
The premise for this novel definitely had a fun spin to it. I loved the crazy nightlife of Vegas and how that interacted with all the characters. But the main focus stayed true to Echols form and centered around the relationship between Wendy and Daniel. These two characters share a past, though it may have sizzled out before things ever had a chance of igniting, now's their chance to really make sparks fly. But since their jobs come first, and after all it is their careers that brought them to Vegas, the tension between these two was the best aspect of the story. The playful banter had me laughing so much. The intimate moments, when one thought the other wasn't looking, stole my heart. This story embodies everything I love about adult contemporaries.
With this being my first glimpse of Echols writing adult fiction, it's safe to say that I am definitely impressed and will be coming back for more. While reading this particular story, I could see these scenes played out on the big screen. The story has a quick pace, centered around a challenge at hand, but constant obstacles are thrown in the way, causing the characters to falter a bit. The build up of sexual tension definitely delivered in the end and Echols did not disappoint. She's already a favorite young adult author, and quite possibly a new favorite adult author. Give me more Echols!
You know that moment when you're inching your way to the last few pages of a book and you're so anxious to find out how it all ends, but so sad because it means the story WILL end?! Well, I have definitely gone through those emotions with this novel. Jennifer Echols is in my top list of favorite authors. Her writing has always captured my interest, and has even inspired me to write my own stories. I adore all her young adult fiction novels, so when I found out she was venturing into adult contemporary territory, I about died. This was something I had always longed for from her, but never quite knew it. Her ability to tell a story with humor, wit, passion, and oh so much tension surpassed all my expectations. Star Crossed is the type of story you want relive again and again.
Wendy Mann is a very successful PR specialist who digs celebrities out of tough (even life threatening) situations and turns their careers around. She can put a spin on any story, to make anyone look good. But with her job on the line, she is faced with the biggest challenge of her career. She's got a week in Vegas to turn around one young Hollywood celebrity's life and make her the shining star the public expects her to be. The only problem? Her rival and true enemy in the business, Daniel Blackstone, is representing her client's ex boyfriend, in Vegas, attempting to turn his career around as well. The scene is set up for disaster, but when it comes to business all is fair in love and war.
The premise for this novel definitely had a fun spin to it. I loved the crazy nightlife of Vegas and how that interacted with all the characters. But the main focus stayed true to Echols form and centered around the relationship between Wendy and Daniel. These two characters share a past, though it may have sizzled out before things ever had a chance of igniting, now's their chance to really make sparks fly. But since their jobs come first, and after all it is their careers that brought them to Vegas, the tension between these two was the best aspect of the story. The playful banter had me laughing so much. The intimate moments, when one thought the other wasn't looking, stole my heart. This story embodies everything I love about adult contemporaries.
With this being my first glimpse of Echols writing adult fiction, it's safe to say that I am definitely impressed and will be coming back for more. While reading this particular story, I could see these scenes played out on the big screen. The story has a quick pace, centered around a challenge at hand, but constant obstacles are thrown in the way, causing the characters to falter a bit. The build up of sexual tension definitely delivered in the end and Echols did not disappoint. She's already a favorite young adult author, and quite possibly a new favorite adult author. Give me more Echols!
April 26, 2015
It’s sad to say that I really wanted to like Star Crossed, but it just didn’t do it for me. I felt like there was just too much fluff, not enough going on, and the romance was meek, at best. I couldn’t connect to any of the characters, the plot ebbed and flowed, and it was really too long of a book considering how much of it was actually enjoyable or relevant to the story. I definitely thought there was way too much “telling” and not enough “showing” in this book, also, a bit too tangential for my taste.
I did, however, like Wendy and Daniel’s relationship, to a point. I could easily see the attraction, and they knew each other from college and liked each other back then, too, so it wasn’t hard to believe how quickly they fell for each other. I did enjoy their conversations and they were compatible, that much was obvious. But I didn’t really feel the heat and I couldn’t connect to them as individuals. Daniel was out to prove himself to his father, even though he really doesn’t want to take over the family business. Wendy is trying to save her job at her firm, and that seems to be the only worthwhile thing in her life. There was even a point in the book where Wendy gets her friends from the firm to come help her, because even though she’s supposedly perfect for the job, she needs help for some reason; and they basically show up, talk to her about staying away from Daniel, and then leave. Seriously?!
Don’t even get me started on the celebrities these two are supposed to be looking out for. They are so inane, ridiculous, and just plain pointless to the story, except as the reason why Daniel and Wendy run into each other again. I didn’t like their parts at all, and after a third of the book, I was pretty much just skimming over their scenes. Yes, they were young, stupid celebrities who needed to get their act together so they wouldn’t get kicked off as presenters at an upcoming awards show, but the seriousness of the whole thing, what Wendy and Daniel concoct for them and make them do, it just didn’t make any sense to me and I was just left feeling “what is the big damn deal?!”. I honestly think it was just fluff.
Now why am I saying it was even worth a try? Well, there were some good moments. Like I said, Wendy and Daniel basically hold up the story for the whole book and if you cut out all the pointless parts and just stick to them, then it was okay. I hated that the main focus was about the celebrities and not enough attention was paid to Daniel and Wendy, especially since someone from Wendy’s past makes quite a few scenes throughout the book. Bottom line, if you see this at your library or at a friend’s house and you have nothing else to read, sure, give it a try. If not, then you’re better off reading something else.
I did, however, like Wendy and Daniel’s relationship, to a point. I could easily see the attraction, and they knew each other from college and liked each other back then, too, so it wasn’t hard to believe how quickly they fell for each other. I did enjoy their conversations and they were compatible, that much was obvious. But I didn’t really feel the heat and I couldn’t connect to them as individuals. Daniel was out to prove himself to his father, even though he really doesn’t want to take over the family business. Wendy is trying to save her job at her firm, and that seems to be the only worthwhile thing in her life. There was even a point in the book where Wendy gets her friends from the firm to come help her, because even though she’s supposedly perfect for the job, she needs help for some reason; and they basically show up, talk to her about staying away from Daniel, and then leave. Seriously?!
Don’t even get me started on the celebrities these two are supposed to be looking out for. They are so inane, ridiculous, and just plain pointless to the story, except as the reason why Daniel and Wendy run into each other again. I didn’t like their parts at all, and after a third of the book, I was pretty much just skimming over their scenes. Yes, they were young, stupid celebrities who needed to get their act together so they wouldn’t get kicked off as presenters at an upcoming awards show, but the seriousness of the whole thing, what Wendy and Daniel concoct for them and make them do, it just didn’t make any sense to me and I was just left feeling “what is the big damn deal?!”. I honestly think it was just fluff.
Now why am I saying it was even worth a try? Well, there were some good moments. Like I said, Wendy and Daniel basically hold up the story for the whole book and if you cut out all the pointless parts and just stick to them, then it was okay. I hated that the main focus was about the celebrities and not enough attention was paid to Daniel and Wendy, especially since someone from Wendy’s past makes quite a few scenes throughout the book. Bottom line, if you see this at your library or at a friend’s house and you have nothing else to read, sure, give it a try. If not, then you’re better off reading something else.
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