Stars Shine In Your Eyes

London Sullivans #2

by Bella Andre

"Loved it, Loved it, Loved it! Long live the London Sullivans!" 5 stars

According to the British gossip columns, billionaire Malcolm Sullivan is one of the most eligible bachelors in England. His siblings love to tease him about that, and since he also thinks the whole thing is ridiculous, he takes no offense. The irony is that while he is great at his job, he's terrible at dating...let alone falling in love. In fact, he's been told during nearly every single break-up that as long as he stays wed to his high-powered job, he will never find true love.

Josie is thrilled about her new contract job working with bookstore owner Mari Everett to set up a reading retreat on Elderflower Island. She still can hardly believe that for the past two years she's had the privilege of setting up reading retreats throughout the U.S. It's a dream job and every day she has to pinch herself to make sure it isn't just a dream. Thrilled to be setting up her first international retreat in England, she's shocked to realize that she will not only be working closely with Malcolm Sullivan on the project, but that she'll also be staying in his houseboat on the Thames.

For more than a decade, she's worked to forget about Malcolm, who had been an exchange student at her high school in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Like everyone else, she'd had a secret crush on him the whole school year. Unlike everyone else, however, it was only her heart that he'd crushed.

Now that they're unexpectedly reunited, can Malcolm find a way to convince Josie that he's changed and to forgive him for what happened in high school? And, even more importantly, as they spend more and more time together, and the sizzling heat between becomes hotter than anything either of them have felt with anyone else, does he have any chance at all at getting her to love him? Because for the first time ever, Malcolm is ready for forever. But is Josie willing to risk her heart on the man who smashed it into a million pieces? Can she trust him to get it right this time? Or should she walk out of his life, the same way he once walked out of hers?

STARS SHINE IN YOUR EYES is part of New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Bella Andre's emotional and sexy contemporary romance series about the London Sullivans. While it can easily be read as a stand-alone story, you'll likely enjoy reading the other books too.

THE LONDON SULLIVANS
As Long As I Have You
Stars Shine In Your Eyes
*** More London Sullivans are coming soon! ***

SAN FRANCISCO SULLIVANS
The Look of Love
From This Moment On
Can't Help Falling In Love
I Only Have Eyes For You
If You Were Mine
Let Me Be The One
Come A Little Bit Closer
Always On My Mind
Kissing Under The Mistletoe

SEATTLE SULLIVANS
One Perfect Night
The Way You Look Tonight
It Must Be Your Love
Just To Be With You
I Love How You Love Me
All I Ever Need Is You

NEW YORK SULLIVANS
Every Beat Of My Heart
Now That I've Found You
Since I Fell For You
Sweeter Than Ever
The Best Is Yet To Come
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
You Do Something To Me
Every Time We Fall In Love

THE MAINE SULLIVANS
Falling In Love All Over Again
Your Love Is Mine
There Goes My Heart
When You Kiss Me
Hold On To My Heart
More Maine Sullivans are coming soon!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of “The Sullivans”, “The Maverick Billionaires”, "The Davenports" and the "Married in Malibu" series. Her novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and she has sold more than 10 million books so far! Her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine "Red Hot Reads" twice and have been translated into ten languages. There are more than 50,000 5 star reviews for Bella Andre's books on Goodreads!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2024

About the author

Bella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of “The Sullivans” and “The Morrisons” series.

Having sold more than 10 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 84 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King). Apple iBooks named her one of the "bestselling authors of all time." And Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.

Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.

Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet” contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.

If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country, a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks, and a flat in London overlooking the Thames..

* * * * * * *

For digital/eBook, audiobook, foreign licensing, conference keynote and press inquiries, please contact Bella at bella@bellaandre.com

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been such a long time since a new London Sullivans book came out, so I was itching for a fix by the time this got into my hands. Needless to say, I devoured it in one sitting. One of the great things bout this book is that you can easily immerse yourself in it without a problem. I fell instantly in love with Josie’s character. As a love of books, how could I not? I thought her job was very interesting and something that I would love to try.

Given her past with Malcolm, they had to warm up to each other again, so I enjoyed the slow lead up to their passion. You can’t go wrong with a Sullivan! They are some of my very favorite romance heroes and Malcolm is no exception!

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars Shine In Your Eyes is the newest installation in the London Sullivan series from Bella Andre. It has been forever since we had a London Sullivans book, and I literally devoured this story over a couple of reading sessions. I am absolutely in love with Josie and Malcom as a couple!!!

Josie Hartwell arrives in London to help bookstore owner Mari Everett set up her first ever reading retreat on Elderflower Island. Josie is shocked to see Malcom Sullivan is at the airport to pick her up, as she hasn't seen him since he was an exchange student when they were both in high school. As Malcom was an absolute tool to her in high school, as only teenagers can be, and then really moody when he picked Josie up from the airport, I knew we were in for a bit of a wild ride with Malcom and Josie.

I adored everything about Stars Shine In Your Eyes! The romance between Josie and Malcom was absolutely beautiful, and perfect. There was major chemistry between the two of them from the moment they laid eyes on each other again. I love me a grumpy billionaire for some reason, and Malcom was the perfect grumpy billionaire when this story started. His grumpiness was so cute next to Josie seeing the good in everything. Their path to their very own happily ever after was perfect for me, even as they both stumbled along the way a bit.

I have to say I fell in love with Elderflower Island every bit as much as Josie did. I could see everything about the island as I was reading, and I so wanted to travel there to attend one of Mari's reading retreats, it seemed so real! I love with any book in the Sullivans series, you always have so much time with the family. I love this family, and how they are always there for one another at the drop of a hat. I also love that they pick on each other just like siblings do in real life.

Stars Shine In Your Eyes was another winner in the amazing Sullivan series! I honestly can't wait to spend more time with these characters, and hope we don't have as long a wait for our next visit with the London side of the Sullivan clan. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a beautifully written romance filled with lots of laughter and all the happy feels!


Rating: 5 Stars (B+)
Review copy provided by publisher

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one ended up being really cute, which surprised me because Malcolm at the start was not a nice person. Josie was so great, so full of life, looking forward to this new adventure and then she runs into Malcolm, who she knew a little bit from when he did her dirty years ago in high school. Things didn't look good. But being around Josie, Malcolm was forced to look at the past and realize that maybe his future needed to change. Working with Josie on the project she was in England seemed to open Malcolm's eyes to change and what he wanted in life, it didn't have to be what he had been doing. I thought at the end he totally screwed things up, but he came to his senses just in time to not ruin it all, leading to a great happy ending.

On a side note...are these reader retreats real??? I would love to go on one, especially if it could be tied into a fun location for some other things and the house boat...who wouldn't want to give that a try for a few weeks.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Josie and Malcolm! Her victim attitude was a bit much at first, but then she came around. She was such a positive person and to let what that ahole did to her, take her shine bugged me. I am sure that was an added dimension to her character, but it felt off. Her connection with Malcolm from high school was interesting and his need to apologize seemed to be a sincere interaction. I loved the sound of Elderflower Island. It was so quant and appealing. I think it has become the most wanted fictional place to visit. HA The chemistry was immediate with Josie and Malcolm. I loved the brooding sexy nature of Malcom, but I loved the friendship they found first and then the friends with hot, exciting benefits more. The reading retreats and the characters in the book were quite interesting. The connections Josie made, and the family atmosphere were another element to keep you pulled in.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

confused

Early in the book, Mari talked about how hard Malcom worked, even harder than her father who had a business in California. But then a few pages later said that her father had died and left her the bookstore. Also a few times there were typos where Josie became Jose. So I couldn’t give it 5 stars.
Josie was hurt by a relationship gone bad and decides to change her career, setting up reading retreats. She becomes friends with Mari, who owns a bookstore in England and goes there for a two week vacation to set up a retreat for her. She’s surprised to see Malcom Sullivan there, being a git like he was in high school. But all he ever wanted was to apologize to her.
I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to everyone.

[Sharon in SF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcom Sullivan has been driven to succeed since an event from his past left an emotional impression on his young mind. He takes the opportunity to study abroad in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho where he first meets our FMC, Josie, as a shy bookish high school senior. Fast forwarding 10 years, Josie finds herself living out her dream job creating reading retreats. Her newest client, Mari, brought her to London to set up a retreat for her family bookstore (1st book in the London series, As Long As I Have You). As she waits in the airport for her ride, she notices a man talking on his phone who resembles they boy who unknowingly broke her heart 10 years ago. When she realizes Malcom is there to pick her up, the ride to Elderflower Island is rather strained as he's grumpy due to his biggest business deal doing awry, and she tries to temper her excitement about her new adventure. But more importantly, he doesn't recognize her until she mentions the fateful night back in high school. His demeanor seems to change especially since they find themselves sharing his small houseboat as fate seems to intervene again.
Malcolm's getaway vacation takes a different turn when he decides to stay to help Josie and Mari renovate the cottages where the reading retreats will take place. The remodeling tasks remind Malcom of the joy he felt when his family helped him fix up the houseboat. His vacation from "business mogul Malcolm" gives him the chance to reassess what other life goals he wants to achieve. We "hear" the thoughts in his head as he enjoys his time with Josie as they work together to create cozy reading environments, and the struggles with relinquishing the fast-paced life he's known for the past 10 years. I loved Josie's optimistic personality and the Malcolm personality his family knew and loved. Although his decisions at the end seemed abrupt, I loved how it was ultimately resolved!

[Deb Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars Shine in Your Eyes
London Sullivan’s #2
Bella Andre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cute, quaint and sweet as pie. Josie Hartwell & Malcolm Sullivan are the perfect opposites attract couple. Him, the highflying company owner billionaire and workaholic. Her, the sweet American, setting herself a new path with reading.
Josie Hartwell is on the move, leaving the US and travelling to Elderflower Island in England p, to start up reading retreats with the owner of a bookstore there. Her arrival is less then ideal when a man who sent to collect her from the airport is nine other then Malcolm Sullivan, the man who embarrassed and broke Josie back in high school. She soon discovers her is not only family to whom she’s working with but staying in his houseboat. Could anything be more cruel and unkind! Using her best upbeat voice, Josie finds the good in everything.
Malcolm Sullivan cannot believe his eyes when the girl he humiliated in high school shows up in his hometown. The gruff man, all but throws her out of his car and into his boat before leaving her once again. Malcolm knows of the trauma he’s been through in those early years, but he can’t let go of the chemistry that is evident to him with Josie. The woman is glorious curves, and a bright light is his corporate world. Her outlook is beautiful and it’s not long until those views transfer to him.
Josie soon finds herself working side by side with Malcolm and the connection ruin sizzles until they give into the glances and touches. Their coupling is sweet and sexy, Josie brings something to Malcom’s world, and he soon finds himself looking forward to working with his hands, working hand in hand with Josie and less about the corporate world that’s been his life forever! Is a woman enough to change everything? Can he take that leap? Is Josie worth it? YES YES YES!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars Shine in Your Eyes is the second book in the London Sullivans series and though it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend taking the time to read the first book before this one to be able to fully enjoy this story. This is the story of Malcolm and Josie and it, once again, centers around the wonderful Elderflower Island, outside of London. Josie travels from the US for a job at the Island’s bookstore (London Sullivans Book #1) and low and behold, Malcolm ends up picking her up at the airport and they realize they know each other from the time Malcolm spent in the States as an exchange student. Though their past interaction didn’t end well and their first “new” encounter wasn’t the greatest (Malcolm is known to be a no-nonsense and “grumpy” businessman) – they end up spending quite a bit of time together and their attraction is immediate. They work together (with the help of many of Malcolm’s family members) to set up some cottages for a reading retreat that Josie is in England to organize for the bookstore and the sparks continue to fly. They decide on a secret FWB-type arrangement while she is in town but they soon both realize they are falling for each other far more than friends and would like more. Most of Malcolm’s family feels they would be perfect together and do their best to become matchmakers for the two of them as well. It’s a wonderful read from beginning to end and you also can’t help but fall in love with Josie’s love of all things books and now I want to go on my own reading retreat!

[Gwen Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it took five years for author Bella Andre to return to her London Sullivans series, it was worth the wait. In “Stars Shine in Your Eyes” Malcolm Sullivan and Josie Hartwell are a perfect couple, and I enjoyed traveling on their journey to that realization.
Malcolm is a billionaire businessman who lives for the deal. He grew up on Elderflower Island, located in the Thames, but now his life is in London. Josie grew up in Idaho, and books have always been an important part of her life. Her new career brings her to Elderflower Island where she will work with the new owner of the island bookstore to set up a series of reading retreats.
Malcolm and Josie have a brief history from high school, but quickly move past that. Other impediments in the form of painful past relationships are a bit harder to disregard.
Bella Andre has built a reputation writing about billionaires who come across as down to earth, even if they don’t live in the world I inhabit. The Elderflower Island community in the London Sullivan series seems much more down-to-earth that the background in her other novels. It makes it easy for me (and Josie) to forget that Malcolm is a billionaire.
Both of Andre’s two London Sullivan titles have revolved around the Elderflower Island bookstore and the love of books, which gave me a feeling of a warm hug from a fellow reader who gets me. The idea of reading retreats and bibliotherapy as a career was fascinating.
Pick up “Stars Shine in Your Eyes” if you like troubled characters who learn how to get out of their own way to find their happy ending.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully romantic story!! From the amazing writing and storyline to the lovable, wonderful characters, this is the perfect romance! Checks off all my boxes. Sexy somewhat grumpy workaholic British billionaire, Malcom Sullivan, meets cheery,optimistic beautiful American bibliotherapist, Josie, and let me just say that the stars really do shine for them! I thoroughly enjoyed this latest in the London Sullivans series. It was lovely watching Malcom’s hard business oriented shell melt the more time he spent in Josie’s presence. She is amazing and I love what she does for her job! What avid reader wouldn’t want to be around books and book lovers all the time if they can do it. And Elderflower Island really does seem like a magical place where anything is possible. Sparks fly for this couple as what starts off a little awkward because of their first and only meeting as teenagers, turns into a mutual attraction and a hot couple of weeks before Josie is supposed to return back home to the states. She falls in love with the island, her friend Mari’s bookstore, and the cottages for the reading retreat she is setting up for her Mari, but can she let her heart be free and fall in love with Malcolm? And can Malcolm get his priorities in order and finally let love in and get her to stay? I truly enjoyed this very romantic story from beginning to end and look forward to more from the London Sullivans. This one really warmed my heart.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply brilliant!! I happily devoured this emotional romance. It doesn't matter where Sullivans live they are an amazing family. Their closeness had me envious and wanting to work harder with my own family. They are an inspiration as they support each other and aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand.

They roll up their sleeves a lot in Stars Shine In Your Eyes. Mari (As Long As I Have You. London Sullivans 1) wants to put on reading retreats in connection with her book store. She has the perfect location, but the cottages have been neglected for far too long.

She hires Josie Hartwell, an American to get her started. Josie has set up reading retreats in hotels and other locations. Luckily for Mari, Josie has no problem rolling up her sleeves and giving a helping hand.

From the minute Josie lands at Heathrow, life gets very interesting. She is picked up by Malcolm Sullivan, a man she knew many years ago when he was an exchange student at her high school. She does not have the best memories of him. She does not have the best opinion of Malcolm. Fate doesn't care.

Stars Shine In Your Eyes is a slow build romance with lots of awkward moments. Not to mention family members that think they know best. There is a lot of drama and shocking situations. Malcolm has been a workaholic for many years, and all of sudden he is rolling up his sleeves along Josie and his family. Suddenly his phone and computer aren't his first priority.

The chemistry that develops between Malcolm and Josie jumps off the pages. They steamed up my glasses. My fingers were crossed that they would find a happily ever after. At one point I had to cross my toes as well. I just didn't know what was going to happen next. There was no way I was closing the book until I found out if true love would win.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for the next book in the London Sullivan's series, it seems like forever! I'm so glad it's here now!

This spin-off from Bella Andre's San Francisco Sullivan's and her other series spotlighting this very prolific family, takes place in London and is book two in the series set there.

After a painful childhood in Coeur d'Alene Idaho, and an even more painful moment with an exchange student during high school, Josie is now running her own company. She has always been bookish and her company takes these strengths and runs with them. She is heading to London to work with a bookstore owner.

Malcolm has been pressed into service to pick up a passenger from the airport for his soon to be sister-in-law and bookstore owner, Mari. He is a Type A personality and can't believe Mari asked him to do this. Once he sees who he is picking up, it takes him back to his exchange student days and the horrible thing he did as a dumb kid. He does the only thing he can do...be rude and stay on the phone!

Josie has remembered Malcolm all these years and can't believe she is meeting him again. Malcolm has remembered Josie all these years and still feels like he needs to apologize.

Circumstances throw them together. Can they get over the decade old issues and be the authentic people they know they are...together?

I loved this book and can't wait to read more about the London Sullivan's.

[Urvashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie Hartwell is in Elderflower Island, England to set up a reading retreat for bookstore owner Mari Everett. She is thrilled to be setting up her first international retreat in England, but she's shocked to realize that she will not only be working closely with Malcolm Sullivan on the project, but that she'll also be staying in his houseboat on the Thames.
She first met Malcolm when he had been an exchange student at her high school in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She had a crush on him during that year but he managed to crush her heart on prom night.
Now that they're unexpectedly reunited, can Malcolm find a way to convince Josie that he's changed and to forgive him for what happened in high school?
Josie and Malcolms romance is fast and burns bright. They have pretty much instant attraction and they act on it quick. Malcolm is a workaholic and his laptop and phone are like his appendages. Since after meeting Josie he is happy to take a break from work and spend all his time with her, fixing up the cottages for the retreat, but how long before he starts missing them ?
Josie and Malcolms HEA was an easy and relaxing read. Sullivan family is always a treat to read and I can’t wait to see who falls next.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really good to be back on Elderflower Island where the London Sullivans live. The first book we meet Owen Sullivan and Mari, the American woman who inherited a bookstore and in this story, we meet Malcolm Sullivan, the oldest and most business driven of the clan, and we meet American Josie who basically met Mari online, heard about her business and then came for 2 weeks to help Mari start up her book retreat. Josie has had a crush on Malcolm since he was an exchange student in her hometown many years ago. I love all the Sullivans and especially this group in London. This was a let’s get together and have a fling trope that we all know will end with an HEA. I also loved Malcolm and how he fell for Josie who had such a sparkling personality while he tended to be Mr. Grumpy. The scenery was beautifully written and I love how all the Sullivans pitch in when the cottages that Mari has leased for the book retreats need some work done before they can be used. I know Bella Andre has many different versions of the Sullivans as well as other series, but I hope it will not be so long between these stories.

[litljen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella Andre was the first author I fell in love with when I re-discovered my love of reading back in 2015. I fell in love with and swooned over the Sullivan family immediately and Stars Shine In Your Eyes is just as beautifully written as The Look of Love, book one in the San Fransisco Sullivans which started it all. It has all of the classic Andre hallmarks, including dynamic characters, a gorgeous setting, a swoony hero and beautifully smart heroine, lots of emotion, and a happy ending that will make you smile. Andre's writing and plot points continue to feel fresh, even 24 books into the full Sullivan series.

Josie and Malcolm reunite when she heads to London to work on a project. This is their second chance romance and I fell in love along with them. The story is beautiful, and emotional, and filled my heart with joy. There were so many lessons to be learned from this second-chance romance and Andre delivered them perfectly. Despite their overwhelming chemistry, Josie and Malcolm's journey is not an easy one but they do find their happily ever after in a very satisfying way. I can't wait for book 3! 5 stars

[Jeannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve loved Bella Andre’s books for quite many years so it’s not a surprise when I’ve read almost her standalones and her San Francisco Sullivan series and more.

However, sadly I feel that it’s come to a point where the storyline and writing style remains the same throughout all her Sullivan books. The only changes would be the names of the main characters. There’s no longer depth in the storyline. The reason for Malcolm high school act was quite stupid in my opinion and imagine having to take 15 years to rectify. The story of his father was touching on the other hand, but it wasn’t reason enough for me to accept the way he acted.

I did love that the story centers around Elderflower Island. Sounds like a lovely place to visit. Josie being a bibliotherapist is also something new. I do love the idea of a book retreat and reading about them turning the cottages ready for the retreat was a delight.

The chemistry between Josie and Malcolm feels flat. I hope it will go better for the other characters in this series.

I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been on a mystery, thriller, romantic suspense binge. Malcolm and Josie's story was such a welcome relief. I didn't even know I needed it.

This was such a relaxing read. I actually loved Josie's enthusiasm and how the London Sullivan's embraced her. Josie's chosen profession as a book therapist was something I had never heard of, but was a truly intriguing concept.

Seeing how Malcolm let go of some of his workaholic nature was nice. I thought the scene with Genevieve was pretty awesome. I imagined it was a lot less difficult for that to happen post Josie instead of pre Josie.

At one point in the book, Josie mentioned that it had only been a week since she and Malcolm met. It didn't feel like it. Their romance seemed like it grew steadily with a type of sensual intensity.

I was so glad to see them get their HEA. I hope Fiona gets an HEA. She seemed to have lost herself, and was a little sad to me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Cinthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Bella Andre's books, I've loved the Sullivans for several years. This is the second book about the Sullivans of London.

In this book we will meet Malcom Sullivan, the second son of the Sullivans of London, a workaholic billionaire, who barely cares for his family. And we'll also meet Josie Hartwell, a bookaholic who made her love of books her profession, or her professions, Josie was a book editor, but made a career change and became a booktherapist.

Josie is arriving in London to help a virtual friend Mari (almost Sullivan) with a Book read retreat... Wow what a dream! When she arrives in London, what a surprise when she meets Malcom, they have a confusing, sad past, but she, who is a wonderful woman, can understand and forgive.

Josie and Malcom's love It's light, fast and refreshing They have a tune that seems to be magical, things of destiny.

I want to know where to find a booktherapist, I need!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic of a houseboat and a reading retreat, what is there not to like about this book, add a hot Sullivan man and the story is made.
Josie crushed on Malcolm at high school when he was an exchange student but it was a disaster. Fast forward to adulthood where Malcolm is asked to collect her from the airport and they find he is a successful startup business man and Josie runs a successful business running reading retreats and providing bibliotherapy to people. She is to stay in his houseboat just off Elderflower Island but when his apartment is flooded he has to move in with her. As luck has it he was supposed to be on holidays and he decided to help get the reading retreat cottages ready with Josie, this brings them closer together. Unfortunately work comes for Malcolm and he needs to leave for New Zealand, is this the end of their romance or will long distance been on their horizon?

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second London Sullivans book, Stars Shine in Your Eyes, was capivating. This was pure romance through and through. Yes here was a bit of angst but truthfully it's about two people who had a brief, not so great encounter years ago and now reconnect unexpectedly. Josie Hartwell was so down to earth and delightful that you can't help but love her. She's sunny, resilient, takes nothing for granted and marvels at the smallest of things. Malcolm Sullivan is a billionaire businessman whose life has become stale with revolving door women and the constant pursuit of the next big deal. Meeting Josie again as like drawing a breath of fresh country air. Suddenly he finds his life lacking and imagining the new possibilities exciting. Their love develops quickly and despite their agreement that it's just a two week fling it turns out to be anything but.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Ms. Andre’s book premise of a book retreat. Since Josie was in London starting up a book retreat for Mari and her bookstore, I wanted to be there! It was crazy how Josie had met Malcom in Idaho when he was an exchange student in high school, and he is the one Mari sent to the airport in London to pick up Josie. Josie had not been lucky in love and had determined she didn’t need a man. Malcolm may have been a billionaire and dated beautiful models, but he wasn’t fulfilled. I was so happy how Josie opened his eyes to other things besides business and making money. I enjoyed watching the two grow closer together. Of course the Sullivan family was wonderful and you couldn’t help but love them all. This book really made me think. I encourage you to read it.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie Hartwell is a book editor who transitioned into putting on reading retreats. When she's contracted to set one up on Elderflower Island in London, she doesn't realize that the houseboat she'll be staying in, and the book shop owner she's working with are connected to Malcolm Sullivan. Malcolm is now a millionaire, but as a teen he was an exchange student in Coeur d'Alene, ID and on a dare from the popular kids, kissed Josie and then made fun of her at her school dance. When he realizes who she is, Malcolm is finally able to apologize to her and explain. Malcolm ends up helping set up the retreat with other members of his family and along the way, the attraction between Malcolm and Josie burns hot.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Received an ARC and voluntarily reviewing)

I enjoyed this book. Malcolm and Josie knew each other in high school and had a very unpleasant interaction. I'm a huge fan of the second chance trope, so I was excited to see how they would react to seeing each other years later. I loved their conversations on the boat and the fact that it didn't take too long for them to sort out their past encounter. A lot of books would have dragged that the type of plot out longer and I appreciate that this book didn't.

I like Josie's idea of reading retreats. I think it's very creative. Although I'd probably just want to bring my Kindle, which would negate the whole purpose, lol

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars Shine in Your Eyes is book 2 in the London Sullivan’s series by Bella Andre and another great read. 4.5 stars

Josie Hartwell has connected with Mari Everett (book 1) for a writing retreat on Elderflower Island in England and who picks her up at the airport but none other than Malcom Sullivan, her teenage crush in high school, where he was a foreign exchange student and who ultimately crushed her heart.

What happens next is grumpy/sunshine, second chance romance, forgiveness, chemistry and more…

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The one person who embarrassed and crushed her heart at the age of fifteen just happens to be sent to pick her up on her arrival in England. He really doesn't have time to play chauffeur but he can't say no when family calls but what are the odds the person he's sent to retrieve is one of his biggest regrets. Changes are coming- professional and personal- but can Josie and Malcolm overcome their fears to open their lives and hearts to an unknown but promising future? Lucky for them, the Sullivan's are right there to help along the way.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and really love the Sullivan family. Malcolm had hurt Josie in high school. She’s here to help his brother’s girlfriend get her book resorts set up. Loved them together. She’s sworn off men but agrees to a fling while she’s there. Loved how she helps him learn to get away from the corporate world, but will he break her heart? His family really fell for her too and it’s very heartwarming. There’s a little heartbreak but thankfully they finally get their happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I recommend this book.

[Jennifer Artiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcolm and Josie

What a sweet love story of a workaholic realizing there’s more to life than the next deal and the woman who helped him reach that goal. Both had been hurt in the past and needed to work through their pain to be able to trust again. Their path to each other wasn’t easy but showed how honesty and determination could triumph over everything. I love the English Sullivans as much as the others and look forward to the next story for the family. Another great book by Ms. Andre! Highly recommended.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

houseboat

Malcolm and Josie had known each other since high school. However not in a good way. He was the exchange student from England. But years later she takes a job in London at a bookstore to help with reading retreats. Well Malcolm happened to be the person to pick her up from the airport. What a surprise, he knew he owed her an apology, but caught off guard with her presence he was just grumpy. But it also was his houseboat she would be staying in As well. See where this is going. Sold story.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful 5 star romance. The characters mesh so well together and the storyline lights up the story. Malcom has built an amazing business. Josie works at setting up bookstores for people to have a retreat and find books that can help them as well as enjoy. They’ve met once before and it didn’t go well. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading future books by Ms Andre.

[Shyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcolm and Josie are perfect for each other. Josie is heading to London to help Mari with a reading retreat. Malcolm is tasked with picking up Josie from the airport. They’ve met once before and it didn’t go well. Once Malcolm apologizes for a misdeed years ago things seem to get better. Malcolm and Josie push emotions and feelings outside of their comfort zone. I enjoyed watching the two grow closer together.