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We Own the Stars
Kallista is the most celebrated pop star in the universe. And of course she is. She’s hot, has the voice of a siren, and the most addictive beats this side of the Milky Way. With a legion of adoring fans, a healthy bank account, and access to all the hottest venues, Kallista’s star couldn’t be brighter.
But with fame also comes a dark side. Between the stress of the media hounding her with paparazzi bots, a rival pop singer looking to stir up trouble, and a few stalkers, Kallista is at the end of her rope and just can’t cope. After an unfortunate run-in with an overzealous fan, her manager hires a new bodyguard to protect her.
Xavian is tall, incredibly handsome, and also an ex-bounty hunter. Red flags, much? With a resume like that, Kallista isn’t sure she’s comfortable being around the guy. But the more time she spends with him, the more she’s tempted to start up a little trouble of her own. Unfortunately for the two of them, there’s that pesky no-fraternization rule baked into his contract, which means mum’s the word. Will these two manage to keep their illicit romance under wraps? Or will the media turn their love into a circus?
We Own the Stars is an out of this world alien romance! It’s intended for adults with a guaranteed HEA, no cheating. It’s written in first person, present tense, with dual POVs. You can expect heavy doses of spice, but for a complete list of content information, please refer to the author’s website. Please see the note from the publisher for a list of tropes.
But with fame also comes a dark side. Between the stress of the media hounding her with paparazzi bots, a rival pop singer looking to stir up trouble, and a few stalkers, Kallista is at the end of her rope and just can’t cope. After an unfortunate run-in with an overzealous fan, her manager hires a new bodyguard to protect her.
Xavian is tall, incredibly handsome, and also an ex-bounty hunter. Red flags, much? With a resume like that, Kallista isn’t sure she’s comfortable being around the guy. But the more time she spends with him, the more she’s tempted to start up a little trouble of her own. Unfortunately for the two of them, there’s that pesky no-fraternization rule baked into his contract, which means mum’s the word. Will these two manage to keep their illicit romance under wraps? Or will the media turn their love into a circus?
We Own the Stars is an out of this world alien romance! It’s intended for adults with a guaranteed HEA, no cheating. It’s written in first person, present tense, with dual POVs. You can expect heavy doses of spice, but for a complete list of content information, please refer to the author’s website. Please see the note from the publisher for a list of tropes.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2023
28 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Russo
18 books195 followersAmerican author living in the Netherlands.
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https://authordjrusso.carrd.co/
Keep up to date with everything I'm working on!
https://authordjrusso.carrd.co/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 23, 2023
This book plays to what I consider to be Russo's greatest strengths as an author--dense, fascinating worldbuilding and compassionate examinations of social issues--and as a result this book really shines!
I will say that this is a very slow burn, but the spice is definitely worth the wait, and as a demisexual, I prefer not to have wall-to-wall spice 90% of the time when I sit down to read a book so this didn't bother me at all. But if you DO need a lot of spice and sexual tension then you might not like this. There's still angst and pining, and the spice is explicit and steamy once you get to it!
It's the world of this book and the characters who populate it though that are what hooked me. Russo clearly thought through the logistics of the world and puts in so many excellent details about truly awesome locales. It's the sort of sci-fi worldbuilding that the genre needs more of! And even though I'm not the sort of person who cares much about celebrities or the entertainment industry, the portrayal here was so interesting and engaging that I found myself caring anyway. I would argue that this is a story condemning celebrity worship, fanatic fans, and toxic industry standards as much as it is a love story about a pop singer and her bodyguard falling in love, and I loved it!
I am also going to have to demand that Aiken gets a book. I WILL be raising a ruckus otherwise.
I will say that this is a very slow burn, but the spice is definitely worth the wait, and as a demisexual, I prefer not to have wall-to-wall spice 90% of the time when I sit down to read a book so this didn't bother me at all. But if you DO need a lot of spice and sexual tension then you might not like this. There's still angst and pining, and the spice is explicit and steamy once you get to it!
It's the world of this book and the characters who populate it though that are what hooked me. Russo clearly thought through the logistics of the world and puts in so many excellent details about truly awesome locales. It's the sort of sci-fi worldbuilding that the genre needs more of! And even though I'm not the sort of person who cares much about celebrities or the entertainment industry, the portrayal here was so interesting and engaging that I found myself caring anyway. I would argue that this is a story condemning celebrity worship, fanatic fans, and toxic industry standards as much as it is a love story about a pop singer and her bodyguard falling in love, and I loved it!
I am also going to have to demand that Aiken gets a book. I WILL be raising a ruckus otherwise.
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November 27, 2023It's release day!
We Own the Stars may be a pop star story, but at its core, it's a story about landing on your own two feet. It's rife with my own experiences as a bisexual woman so it's also deeply personal, and I wish I had a boyfriend like Xavian back then. I think I would have turned out much, much better.
This book is a SLOW BURN with a humanoid alien love interest.
Here are the content warnings!
Explicit sex, biphobia, bodyguard, eating disorders, healing from eating disorders, stalking, on-page danger, verbal abuse (not MCs), physical abuse (FMC, during childhood, familial), near-drowning incident, dark underbelly of the entertainment industry, violence resulting in death, knotting, no cheating!
We Own the Stars may be a pop star story, but at its core, it's a story about landing on your own two feet. It's rife with my own experiences as a bisexual woman so it's also deeply personal, and I wish I had a boyfriend like Xavian back then. I think I would have turned out much, much better.
This book is a SLOW BURN with a humanoid alien love interest.
Here are the content warnings!
Explicit sex, biphobia, bodyguard, eating disorders, healing from eating disorders, stalking, on-page danger, verbal abuse (not MCs), physical abuse (FMC, during childhood, familial), near-drowning incident, dark underbelly of the entertainment industry, violence resulting in death, knotting, no cheating!
November 27, 2023
"The warmth of her lips pulls me in, like she's dragging me down beneath the ocean's surface, threatening to suffocate me. But I'm happy to drown in her, if that's what she wants, because this woman is ... this woman wrecks me."
Really enjoyed this one! The world building was interesting and the romance was slow burn and sweet! Spice doesn't start until near the end but it was worth the build up! Hello...gold 💦 AND knotting.
The MMC was a total cinnamon roll, consent king! And we love that. I was somewhat annoyed with the FMC at the beginning but that was part of her personality - being a pop star who was used to getting what she wants. I loved reading her healing journey through the dark side of social media, biphobia from the media and fans, and an eating disorder.
Absolutely in love with one of the side characters, Aiken. He was such a funny, sweet guy!
The humor was great, too. Found myself cracking up often throughout the story. Coffee scene? My favorite. iykyk! 😆
So glad I got a chance to read this book!
Really enjoyed this one! The world building was interesting and the romance was slow burn and sweet! Spice doesn't start until near the end but it was worth the build up! Hello...gold 💦 AND knotting.
The MMC was a total cinnamon roll, consent king! And we love that. I was somewhat annoyed with the FMC at the beginning but that was part of her personality - being a pop star who was used to getting what she wants. I loved reading her healing journey through the dark side of social media, biphobia from the media and fans, and an eating disorder.
Absolutely in love with one of the side characters, Aiken. He was such a funny, sweet guy!
The humor was great, too. Found myself cracking up often throughout the story. Coffee scene? My favorite. iykyk! 😆
So glad I got a chance to read this book!
November 16, 2023
Are you ready for a pop star x bodyguard romance? But wait there’s more! Sci fi, slow burn, drama, action. And even more? Yes MORE! This was such a cool read. I haven’t read much sci fi, hardly any actually and this was so cool! The world building was awesome. I absolutely loved Kallista and Xavian. I especially enjoyed the pop culture references. This made me giggle and kick my feet. Things got spicy around 70ish% so be ready for a good build up and sweet pay off! I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Thank you to D.J. Russo for an ARC of this in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to D.J. Russo for an ARC of this in exchange for my honest review.
January 19, 2024
Star x bodyguard is always a win
And this book is no exception! The banter, the humor, this book was pure fun to read, even when it hit on darker topics. Xavian and Kallista are too cute and gah. Just read it!
And this book is no exception! The banter, the humor, this book was pure fun to read, even when it hit on darker topics. Xavian and Kallista are too cute and gah. Just read it!
November 27, 2023
A sweet slow burn, forbidden sci-fi romance between a pop star and her bodyguard that touches on disordered eating and biphobia, as well as commentary on fandoms, social media, and privacy while also giving Jem and The Holograms vibes (but make it sci-fi!).
She feels trapped by celebrity and hemmed in by her agent and a manager who should have her best interest at heart but truthfully only see image and dollar signs, not the person.
He is aimless in life. Having been unfairly dismissed from his dream job, he takes to bounty hunting. Though it pays the bills he despises the brutality of it and takes a job as a bodyguard.
A tentative friendship blossoms from their proximity that slowly heals the bruised parts of their souls. He finds purpose in protecting her and she is able to untangle the parts of herself that are no one’s business but hers.
My only criticism is finding the Terre aspect of the world building a bit perplexing. But otherwise it’s a delightful, fairly low angst sci-fi romp.
She feels trapped by celebrity and hemmed in by her agent and a manager who should have her best interest at heart but truthfully only see image and dollar signs, not the person.
He is aimless in life. Having been unfairly dismissed from his dream job, he takes to bounty hunting. Though it pays the bills he despises the brutality of it and takes a job as a bodyguard.
A tentative friendship blossoms from their proximity that slowly heals the bruised parts of their souls. He finds purpose in protecting her and she is able to untangle the parts of herself that are no one’s business but hers.
My only criticism is finding the Terre aspect of the world building a bit perplexing. But otherwise it’s a delightful, fairly low angst sci-fi romp.
January 12, 2025
3.75-4 ⭐️
2 🌶
2 🌶
November 23, 2023
Make sure you check your trigger warning. This book is more plot than it is spice but it still keeps you sucked in. This book made me laugh and it makes you have a love hate relationship with some characters. This is my second book from this author and I loved them both. I would definitely recommend this book.
December 13, 2023
Make sure you check your trigger warning. This book is more plot than it is spice but it still keeps you sucked in. This book made me laugh and it makes you have a love hate relationship with some characters. This is my second book from this author and I loved them both. I would definitely recommend this book.
November 17, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
TW: Explicit on-page sex, knotting, biphobia, panic attacks, trauma, eating disorders, stalking, on-page danger, verbal abuse (not from the MMC or FMC), physical abuse (FMC, past, not on-page) near-drowning, abuse in general (not from the MMC or FMC), violence that results in death, implied gun violence.
👉 Popstar FMC
👉 Ex Athlete turned bounty Hunter turned body guard
👉 Close Proximity
👉 Bodyguard romance in space (slow burn)
Kallista is popstar looking for a new bodyguard to join her on her galaxy tour and Xav is the man for the join. They are on a self discovering journey while they travel through space and soon discover how little they can do against their attraction to each other.
Please check your triggers! There is alot of detail about the mental health struggles the FMC faces with EDs and toxicity of social media. I was actually pretty blown away by how beautifully written the planets and their own individual cultures were curated. Beautifully done and totally sucked me in. These characters? We love dimensional characters! I love their depth as well as watching them grow.
TW: Explicit on-page sex, knotting, biphobia, panic attacks, trauma, eating disorders, stalking, on-page danger, verbal abuse (not from the MMC or FMC), physical abuse (FMC, past, not on-page) near-drowning, abuse in general (not from the MMC or FMC), violence that results in death, implied gun violence.
👉 Popstar FMC
👉 Ex Athlete turned bounty Hunter turned body guard
👉 Close Proximity
👉 Bodyguard romance in space (slow burn)
Kallista is popstar looking for a new bodyguard to join her on her galaxy tour and Xav is the man for the join. They are on a self discovering journey while they travel through space and soon discover how little they can do against their attraction to each other.
Please check your triggers! There is alot of detail about the mental health struggles the FMC faces with EDs and toxicity of social media. I was actually pretty blown away by how beautifully written the planets and their own individual cultures were curated. Beautifully done and totally sucked me in. These characters? We love dimensional characters! I love their depth as well as watching them grow.
November 9, 2023
⬇️ ARC REVIEW ⬇️
Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
Slow burn soothing romance with an amazing universe-building ✨
"I'd stop to tell her how proud I am, except we're about to get blasted to space dust. Praise can wait."
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.0 ⭐️
Romance rating: 3.0 ⭐️
Spice level: 2.0 🌶️
Smut frequency: 1.5⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
🎤 pop star x bodyguard
🔗 forced proximity
⛔️ forbidden romance
🍭 cinnamon roll alien MMC with a knot
💔 emotionally scarred human FMC
🕯️ slow burn
----------------------—
~ STORY 📝 ~
Loved it, it's not what I expected but I wasn't disappointed in the least.
The world-building was the main event for me 🙌✨. It's surprisingly dense and we visit so much of the universe while following Kal for her concert tour around the galaxies. There are a lot of explanations of how and why things are like that and how they work.
Things in this book happened in the year 3000 and the book does an amazing job of explaining how our civilization met others and everything expanded.
Also, this book talks about a lot of subjects like eating disorders, the impact *social* media can have on mental health (at a pop star level yes, but still very relevant at every scale since bullying and body dysmorphia are consequences anyone can experience online.), and biphobia.
~ ROMANCE & MAIN CHARACTERS 💖 ~
Well, oddly, the rollercoaster of emotions of this romance book is not in the romance hahaha. The only thing is: it's forbidden. Consequence? They take it really slow. That's it. 😅
To be fair, with everything happening around them, it's actually a good thing that they don't have dramas of their own but that also makes the relationship uneventful sometimes...
Globally, I loved them together bc they really fit. They kind of heal each other and really care about each other feelings and needs. 💗🥰
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
This book is one hell of a slow burn, with the spice beginning late. The explicit scenes are very few and not THAT explicit. It's mostly tension and feelings between them but they are well-written and expended on several pages. 🙌🔥
Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
Slow burn soothing romance with an amazing universe-building ✨
"I'd stop to tell her how proud I am, except we're about to get blasted to space dust. Praise can wait."
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.0 ⭐️
Romance rating: 3.0 ⭐️
Spice level: 2.0 🌶️
Smut frequency: 1.5⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
🎤 pop star x bodyguard
🔗 forced proximity
⛔️ forbidden romance
🍭 cinnamon roll alien MMC with a knot
💔 emotionally scarred human FMC
🕯️ slow burn
----------------------—
~ STORY 📝 ~
Loved it, it's not what I expected but I wasn't disappointed in the least.
The world-building was the main event for me 🙌✨. It's surprisingly dense and we visit so much of the universe while following Kal for her concert tour around the galaxies. There are a lot of explanations of how and why things are like that and how they work.
Things in this book happened in the year 3000 and the book does an amazing job of explaining how our civilization met others and everything expanded.
Also, this book talks about a lot of subjects like eating disorders, the impact *social* media can have on mental health (at a pop star level yes, but still very relevant at every scale since bullying and body dysmorphia are consequences anyone can experience online.), and biphobia.
~ ROMANCE & MAIN CHARACTERS 💖 ~
Well, oddly, the rollercoaster of emotions of this romance book is not in the romance hahaha. The only thing is: it's forbidden. Consequence? They take it really slow. That's it. 😅
To be fair, with everything happening around them, it's actually a good thing that they don't have dramas of their own but that also makes the relationship uneventful sometimes...
Globally, I loved them together bc they really fit. They kind of heal each other and really care about each other feelings and needs. 💗🥰
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
This book is one hell of a slow burn, with the spice beginning late. The explicit scenes are very few and not THAT explicit. It's mostly tension and feelings between them but they are well-written and expended on several pages. 🙌🔥
November 15, 2023
I received an advanced e-book copy, and below is my honest review
THE STORY: Pop star Kallista needs a new bodyguard as she tours the galaxy, and ex-athlete-turned-bounty-hunter Xavian needs a new job. Neither of them knows what to expect from the other, but as they work side by side, what ignites between them just might break the no-fraternization clause in his contract… At first glance, this might sound like a typical bodyguard romance, just set in space, but it is so, so much more than that!
In addition to the believable forbidden romance between Kallista and Xav, the reader gets immersed in the world of show business with its glamorous and ugly sides against the backdrop of different planets, cultures, and game-changing tech. This is a story of rediscovering yourself, finding your inner strength, and fighting for what you believe in and makes you happy. This is an emotional ride that goes far beyond the romance; it left me with a unique mix of feelings that no other book has given me!
THE CHARACTERS: All of them – Kallista, Xav, the secondary characters – are so multifaceted and fleshed out that I feel as if they’re real people. They come from different planets and backgrounds, each one has their own skeletons in the closet and flaws, and I tremendously enjoyed learning all that about them. Thanks to their character depth, seeing these perfectly imperfect creatures fall in love was that much more satisfactory for me.
THE SPICE: The sexy scenes are not many but are all sweet and hot at the same time. Xav is a human-looking alien packing interesting equipment, and he’s such a cinnamon roll. Satisfaction guaranteed, ladies :P
THE WORLD-BUILDING: It blew my mind! Everything was thought-out, detailed, and realistic to the point where I was wondering why I haven’t bought a ticket for a concert on the other side of the Milky Way yet. Has the price been stopping me over the years? The long trip? Why haven’t I done this several times already?!... That’s how deep the story sucked me in!
IN SUM: A slow-burn romance that’s totally worth the build-up to the spice. A myriad of emotions to feel along with the complex characters as they experience others worlds and adventures together. Thought-provoking issues in today’s society raised. Some action scenes and humorous moments… ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, of course!
THE STORY: Pop star Kallista needs a new bodyguard as she tours the galaxy, and ex-athlete-turned-bounty-hunter Xavian needs a new job. Neither of them knows what to expect from the other, but as they work side by side, what ignites between them just might break the no-fraternization clause in his contract… At first glance, this might sound like a typical bodyguard romance, just set in space, but it is so, so much more than that!
In addition to the believable forbidden romance between Kallista and Xav, the reader gets immersed in the world of show business with its glamorous and ugly sides against the backdrop of different planets, cultures, and game-changing tech. This is a story of rediscovering yourself, finding your inner strength, and fighting for what you believe in and makes you happy. This is an emotional ride that goes far beyond the romance; it left me with a unique mix of feelings that no other book has given me!
THE CHARACTERS: All of them – Kallista, Xav, the secondary characters – are so multifaceted and fleshed out that I feel as if they’re real people. They come from different planets and backgrounds, each one has their own skeletons in the closet and flaws, and I tremendously enjoyed learning all that about them. Thanks to their character depth, seeing these perfectly imperfect creatures fall in love was that much more satisfactory for me.
THE SPICE: The sexy scenes are not many but are all sweet and hot at the same time. Xav is a human-looking alien packing interesting equipment, and he’s such a cinnamon roll. Satisfaction guaranteed, ladies :P
THE WORLD-BUILDING: It blew my mind! Everything was thought-out, detailed, and realistic to the point where I was wondering why I haven’t bought a ticket for a concert on the other side of the Milky Way yet. Has the price been stopping me over the years? The long trip? Why haven’t I done this several times already?!... That’s how deep the story sucked me in!
IN SUM: A slow-burn romance that’s totally worth the build-up to the spice. A myriad of emotions to feel along with the complex characters as they experience others worlds and adventures together. Thought-provoking issues in today’s society raised. Some action scenes and humorous moments… ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, of course!
November 21, 2023
🖤 We Own the Stars by DJ Russo 🖤
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Popstar/Bodyguard romance ✔️
Forbidden romance ✔️
Forced proximity ✔️
Bisexual rep ✔️
Slow burn romance ✔️
Dual POV ✔️
Thank you DJ Russo for the opportunity to read an arc of your new book! 😍
I absolutely loved how detailed this world was. Just how much effort and time DJ put into creating an immersive universe was perfect.
Kallista is a famous popstar who is currently on a giant tour. But she’s exhausted and not enjoying herself like she used to. The paparazzi won’t leave her alone and her management team is causing her stress. Her manager, Margot, decides that Kallista needs a bodyguard after she sneaks out to go to the bar alone.
Kallista is obviously against this as she feels like it’s just another way for her management team to constantly watch her. But she’s pleasantly surprised, and stressed, when Xavian is hired. Stressed because he’s attractive and she can’t have feelings for him 😏
Xavian is a bounty hunter, but after doing a job with his partner, he decides he’s done with that lifestyle. When an ad comes up to become a bodyguard for a famous celebrity, he jumps at the opportunity. When he finds out it’s Kallista, he instantly knows it’s going to be a tough job. Not because of her feisty personality, but because he is wildly attracted to her and his contract explicitly states they cannot be together 👀
This was so much more than a forbidden romance. This was Kallista rediscovering her voice and standing up for herself. It hurt my heart to see how her management team treated her and how she had no control over her own life. Xavian really helped her realize the way she was being treated was not okay. The slow burn definitely pays off. This story was more focused on them building the foundation for their relationship and when they finally get together, it’s perfect 💗
This book releases on November 27th!! Make sure to add it to your TBR! 😍
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Popstar/Bodyguard romance ✔️
Forbidden romance ✔️
Forced proximity ✔️
Bisexual rep ✔️
Slow burn romance ✔️
Dual POV ✔️
Thank you DJ Russo for the opportunity to read an arc of your new book! 😍
I absolutely loved how detailed this world was. Just how much effort and time DJ put into creating an immersive universe was perfect.
Kallista is a famous popstar who is currently on a giant tour. But she’s exhausted and not enjoying herself like she used to. The paparazzi won’t leave her alone and her management team is causing her stress. Her manager, Margot, decides that Kallista needs a bodyguard after she sneaks out to go to the bar alone.
Kallista is obviously against this as she feels like it’s just another way for her management team to constantly watch her. But she’s pleasantly surprised, and stressed, when Xavian is hired. Stressed because he’s attractive and she can’t have feelings for him 😏
Xavian is a bounty hunter, but after doing a job with his partner, he decides he’s done with that lifestyle. When an ad comes up to become a bodyguard for a famous celebrity, he jumps at the opportunity. When he finds out it’s Kallista, he instantly knows it’s going to be a tough job. Not because of her feisty personality, but because he is wildly attracted to her and his contract explicitly states they cannot be together 👀
This was so much more than a forbidden romance. This was Kallista rediscovering her voice and standing up for herself. It hurt my heart to see how her management team treated her and how she had no control over her own life. Xavian really helped her realize the way she was being treated was not okay. The slow burn definitely pays off. This story was more focused on them building the foundation for their relationship and when they finally get together, it’s perfect 💗
This book releases on November 27th!! Make sure to add it to your TBR! 😍
December 15, 2023
ARC Review
If you grew up loving Jem and the Holograms, this is the book for you! This is a sci-fi romance between the galaxy's biggest popstar and her bodyguard and it's rife with creeps, paparazzi, a rival popstar and the stresses of fame.
This is a long book with a lot of world building and it's very slow burn, so if that's your style you'll really enjoy this. The couple doesn't meet for quite awhile and they don't become interested in each other for another long stretch, spice doesn't happen until right near the end. There's lots of side characters fleshing it out and adding to the drama and there's some sports scenes too.
Kallista, our heroine has a realistic menagerie of demons she's dealing with including being underweight and trying desperately to stay there, she has eating disorders, she is bi and feels weird that she's never acted on any of her attractions to women and is under the control of her paranoia of how people will perceive her and how to preserve her popularity.
For me personally there was too much world building, too many side characters and non-romance related events, I wound up skipping a lot trying to get to the part where the couple gets together. Once they do there's still lots of celebrity drama and danger and friends that impede the romance, so I'd skip and skim some more. It was just too plot centric and too slow burn for me, but like I said, if you love that popstar drama like Jem and the Holograms and you like a good story to become immersed in despite the romance being occasional, you'll love this! I think I had different expectations going in and sometimes those can really throw you when it isn't how you imagined, which has nothing to do with the author's writing talents or story ideas at all.
If you grew up loving Jem and the Holograms, this is the book for you! This is a sci-fi romance between the galaxy's biggest popstar and her bodyguard and it's rife with creeps, paparazzi, a rival popstar and the stresses of fame.
This is a long book with a lot of world building and it's very slow burn, so if that's your style you'll really enjoy this. The couple doesn't meet for quite awhile and they don't become interested in each other for another long stretch, spice doesn't happen until right near the end. There's lots of side characters fleshing it out and adding to the drama and there's some sports scenes too.
Kallista, our heroine has a realistic menagerie of demons she's dealing with including being underweight and trying desperately to stay there, she has eating disorders, she is bi and feels weird that she's never acted on any of her attractions to women and is under the control of her paranoia of how people will perceive her and how to preserve her popularity.
For me personally there was too much world building, too many side characters and non-romance related events, I wound up skipping a lot trying to get to the part where the couple gets together. Once they do there's still lots of celebrity drama and danger and friends that impede the romance, so I'd skip and skim some more. It was just too plot centric and too slow burn for me, but like I said, if you love that popstar drama like Jem and the Holograms and you like a good story to become immersed in despite the romance being occasional, you'll love this! I think I had different expectations going in and sometimes those can really throw you when it isn't how you imagined, which has nothing to do with the author's writing talents or story ideas at all.
December 12, 2023
The Bodyguard meets the Britney memoir with a touch of Hannah Montana but adult and in space?! I'm not sure if that fully conveys the vibes of this book but that's as close as I can get! This is a full length forbidden romance between the universe's most famous pop star Kallista, and her alien bodyguard, Xavian. It's very slow burn, with the spice coming in the last 20% of the book, so it may not be what you're seeking if you like fast and spicy from the offset. Now I love fast and spicy, but I also love slow and pining when I'm in the right mood, and this book delivered. The worldbuilding was amazing, and the biphobia and eating disorder portrayals were sensitive and empathetic. You can't help but feel for Kallista and the way she's treated by pretty much the entire universe, and when Xav comes in all protective and so clearly falling for the real her, not the pop persona, it's just *chef's kiss*
The spice is quite high heat when we get there, including knotting and gold-coloured cvm, but for me the highlight of this book alongside the romance was the clever nod to just how cutthroat and callous the entertainment industry can be. I loved it, and very much hope we get a follow up story featuring Xav's friend Aiken and Kallista's manager Margot!
The spice is quite high heat when we get there, including knotting and gold-coloured cvm, but for me the highlight of this book alongside the romance was the clever nod to just how cutthroat and callous the entertainment industry can be. I loved it, and very much hope we get a follow up story featuring Xav's friend Aiken and Kallista's manager Margot!
November 26, 2023
This book reminds me (in a good way) of The Bodyguard with Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner but in space! There is phenomenal friction between the MC's; rebellion from FMC feeling so hemmed into her life and MMC feeling aimless before his job with FMC. The book builds up background for both characters so you feel immersed in the feelings that drive both of their behaviors so while this is a love story it's also telling us who these characters ARE, not just to each other but to themselves. The world building is immersive and fun with what feels like a mix of traditional sci-fi setting with almost a cyberpunk/sci-fi noir vibe that reminds me of The Expanse or Altered Carbon. The love story is slower burn in a very intentional way that for me as someone who is demi and queer feels very authentic and relatable. I absolutely loved this book and would certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a multifaceted set of MC's and an immersive story. 5/5 Stars
November 20, 2023
Highlights:
• Pop Star/ Body Guard
• Touch Her and ☠️
• Size Difference
• Hurt/ Comfort
• Bisexual Rep
I really enjoyed this book and I’m excited for you all to read it. I hadn’t read any pop/rock star books yet but I’m going to be looking into some now (please send me your recs)! You know I love me a protective big boy so Xavian was perfect. Kallista’s story was so emotional, I can’t imagine being famous and going through all that. While I know this is a work of fiction you can’t help but think about how lonely it would be to be in her shoes. The way Xav cares for her is so tender and the way she opens up to him and shares pieces of her that no one else gets is beautiful. Please make sure to pick up this book when it releases next week! It is a fun and quick read that you’re sure to enjoy!
• Pop Star/ Body Guard
• Touch Her and ☠️
• Size Difference
• Hurt/ Comfort
• Bisexual Rep
I really enjoyed this book and I’m excited for you all to read it. I hadn’t read any pop/rock star books yet but I’m going to be looking into some now (please send me your recs)! You know I love me a protective big boy so Xavian was perfect. Kallista’s story was so emotional, I can’t imagine being famous and going through all that. While I know this is a work of fiction you can’t help but think about how lonely it would be to be in her shoes. The way Xav cares for her is so tender and the way she opens up to him and shares pieces of her that no one else gets is beautiful. Please make sure to pick up this book when it releases next week! It is a fun and quick read that you’re sure to enjoy!
December 15, 2023
✨ARC REVIEW✨
We own the Stars
By D. J. Russo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶🌶🌶
Had I already told you that I love slowburn stories? Well yes absolutely and this story has all that and more, have you already checked out the tropes it has? They are fantastic forever favorites of mine and obviously that motivated me to read this book.
Romance between star and her bodyguard, yes that's my thing, in addition to the fact that the author handles the plot perfectly and created a world where we imagine those different planets, those alien races and the difficult world of show business with its glamorous side and its non-glamorous counterpart. so cute.
I enjoyed it a lot, the author has created a great world where action and adventure are the order of the day.
A book that you will enjoy from the beginning, which I highly recommend.
Thanks to DJ Russo for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful ARC.
We own the Stars
By D. J. Russo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶🌶🌶
Had I already told you that I love slowburn stories? Well yes absolutely and this story has all that and more, have you already checked out the tropes it has? They are fantastic forever favorites of mine and obviously that motivated me to read this book.
Romance between star and her bodyguard, yes that's my thing, in addition to the fact that the author handles the plot perfectly and created a world where we imagine those different planets, those alien races and the difficult world of show business with its glamorous side and its non-glamorous counterpart. so cute.
I enjoyed it a lot, the author has created a great world where action and adventure are the order of the day.
A book that you will enjoy from the beginning, which I highly recommend.
Thanks to DJ Russo for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful ARC.
November 12, 2023
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC e-book ☺️
I was so impressed with this book - it straddles the line of sci-fi space adventure and fun rom-com with a huge alien and little pop star while also being a story about getting to know yourself, learning about who you really are & learning how to make your own needs a priority.
Huge shout-out to the author for the incredible world building too. There's so much to the worlds/planets and they all felt very distinct. I really felt like I was on an adventure through different galaxies.
The book boyfriend in this was so perfectly balanced between protective & sweet.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in, but I'd highly recommend this as your next read.
I was so impressed with this book - it straddles the line of sci-fi space adventure and fun rom-com with a huge alien and little pop star while also being a story about getting to know yourself, learning about who you really are & learning how to make your own needs a priority.
Huge shout-out to the author for the incredible world building too. There's so much to the worlds/planets and they all felt very distinct. I really felt like I was on an adventure through different galaxies.
The book boyfriend in this was so perfectly balanced between protective & sweet.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in, but I'd highly recommend this as your next read.
December 6, 2023
4/5 Stars
Thank you to DJ Russo for providing me with the arc.
I didn’t know what to expect from this book really as I had never even heard of the author before but I really loved this book and will be looking out for more books from her. The commentary on biphobia was amazing and so very relevant sadly and I can only imagine what Russo will do next. This book while it handled some hard topics also was a very sweet romance and not overly spicy which i actually liked for it.
Kallista is a universe famous pop star. She is celebrated around the universe and has toured a lot of it also but with that also comes hate. When a photo is leaked of her kissing a woman at a nightclub she has to decide how she wants to continue her life and what she wants to do about the press and those who hate her. For her own safety they decide to get her a bodyguard, Xavian who happens to be tall, handsome, and protective. But they are held apart due to a no fraternizing rule in his contract until they just can’t ignore the romance anymore.
Kallista is bisexual and even in a universe that is diverse there is still a lot of biphobia and she is worried about coming out and also just feels like it isn’t anyone’s business except her own. As someone who is bisexual and has seen so many people forced out of the closet I can understand her fear. Our world will never be fully accepting which is terrible but Kallista deals with it in the only ways she can which aren’t always perfect. Even though this book is set a ways into the future it still reflects our current climate and it is one that isn’t accepting of bisexual people yet or maybe will never be but books like this are very important. To try and make change we have to talk about what is wrong first and books that talk about how biphobia affects people are some of the first steps in making change I think.
I loved the romance between Kallista and Xavian and I also loved how accepting Xavian is of Kallista because Xavian sees that she isn’t happy and just wants to find a way to bring her joy. Xavian has his own past that he struggles with but he and Kallista grow together and find a way to be happy even though the world around them is chaos and a mess.
I recommend this book and I can’t wait to see what DJ Russo writes next.
Thank you to DJ Russo for providing me with the arc.
I didn’t know what to expect from this book really as I had never even heard of the author before but I really loved this book and will be looking out for more books from her. The commentary on biphobia was amazing and so very relevant sadly and I can only imagine what Russo will do next. This book while it handled some hard topics also was a very sweet romance and not overly spicy which i actually liked for it.
Kallista is a universe famous pop star. She is celebrated around the universe and has toured a lot of it also but with that also comes hate. When a photo is leaked of her kissing a woman at a nightclub she has to decide how she wants to continue her life and what she wants to do about the press and those who hate her. For her own safety they decide to get her a bodyguard, Xavian who happens to be tall, handsome, and protective. But they are held apart due to a no fraternizing rule in his contract until they just can’t ignore the romance anymore.
Kallista is bisexual and even in a universe that is diverse there is still a lot of biphobia and she is worried about coming out and also just feels like it isn’t anyone’s business except her own. As someone who is bisexual and has seen so many people forced out of the closet I can understand her fear. Our world will never be fully accepting which is terrible but Kallista deals with it in the only ways she can which aren’t always perfect. Even though this book is set a ways into the future it still reflects our current climate and it is one that isn’t accepting of bisexual people yet or maybe will never be but books like this are very important. To try and make change we have to talk about what is wrong first and books that talk about how biphobia affects people are some of the first steps in making change I think.
I loved the romance between Kallista and Xavian and I also loved how accepting Xavian is of Kallista because Xavian sees that she isn’t happy and just wants to find a way to bring her joy. Xavian has his own past that he struggles with but he and Kallista grow together and find a way to be happy even though the world around them is chaos and a mess.
I recommend this book and I can’t wait to see what DJ Russo writes next.
November 21, 2023
DJ Russo did such a fantastic job with this it was such a wonderful read! I got sucked into the beautiful universe she created with one word. I am devastated that I had to leave and come back to the real world.
The chemistry between Kal and Xav was unreal. These characters pulled on my heartstrings and let me tell you what if o had the ability to hop into this universe there’s a couple of butts I would be beating.
The author did such a wonderful job building this universe giving each new setting a unique and realistic feel as well as describing the characters. Her writing style sucks you.
If you’re into
👽Sci-Fi
❤️Slow Burn
🎤 Pop-star X Bodyguard
You’re gonna enjoy this!
We Own the Stars does cover some heavy topics so please check your trigger warnings!
The chemistry between Kal and Xav was unreal. These characters pulled on my heartstrings and let me tell you what if o had the ability to hop into this universe there’s a couple of butts I would be beating.
The author did such a wonderful job building this universe giving each new setting a unique and realistic feel as well as describing the characters. Her writing style sucks you.
If you’re into
👽Sci-Fi
❤️Slow Burn
🎤 Pop-star X Bodyguard
You’re gonna enjoy this!
We Own the Stars does cover some heavy topics so please check your trigger warnings!
December 6, 2023
This is a new author for me and had brought her two books in the City Aliens series. Thus I signed up for an ARC and yet again, enjoyed her writing. 😁 Only too happy, to read and now review.
This is about Kallista, a singer, whose life takes a turn when media hound her, stalkers and a rival start to create waves. Plus those who are supposed to be looking out for her, have their own agenda. Then we meet Xavian, one tall, sexy alien who is contracted to look after her. As these two spend more time together, feelings grow. Though Xavian is not supposed to be anything, other than her protector. There is much going on around them as they work towards enjoying their HEA. I thoroughly enjoyed this read; stepping back into a sci fi story.
This is about Kallista, a singer, whose life takes a turn when media hound her, stalkers and a rival start to create waves. Plus those who are supposed to be looking out for her, have their own agenda. Then we meet Xavian, one tall, sexy alien who is contracted to look after her. As these two spend more time together, feelings grow. Though Xavian is not supposed to be anything, other than her protector. There is much going on around them as they work towards enjoying their HEA. I thoroughly enjoyed this read; stepping back into a sci fi story.
did-not-finish
July 4, 2024DNF at ~40%. I really wanted to like this book. The writing style is great, the storyline was unique to the space fantasy genre, and I liked the MMC. But the FMC was just unhealthy in all aspects of her life. Her friend turned manager was abusive and everyone around the FMC was controlling. She stood up for herself in some instances but let her “friends” run all over her in others. There were way too many times that her unhealthy relationship with food and bloating was mentioned too.
The author gave trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, but the eating disorder and control issues were a bigger part of the story than I anticipated.
I think the MMC was setup to help the FMC through these issues but I just couldn’t finish the book to see if that was the case.
The author gave trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, but the eating disorder and control issues were a bigger part of the story than I anticipated.
I think the MMC was setup to help the FMC through these issues but I just couldn’t finish the book to see if that was the case.
November 21, 2023
Bodyguard romances are some of my favorite tropes with romance books, so when I saw D.J. was writing one, I was delighted!
We Own the Stars is a wonderful story of a galactic pop princess and her reluctant bodyguard navigating show business across the galaxies. A fantastic romance with a gripping plot and lovable leading pair for veteran romance readers and those who might be new to science-fiction.
The banter between the leading pair was amazing, the world building was deep and interesting without broaching on confusing. I think I'd definitely enjoy reading more stories taking place in this setting in the future!
We Own the Stars is a wonderful story of a galactic pop princess and her reluctant bodyguard navigating show business across the galaxies. A fantastic romance with a gripping plot and lovable leading pair for veteran romance readers and those who might be new to science-fiction.
The banter between the leading pair was amazing, the world building was deep and interesting without broaching on confusing. I think I'd definitely enjoy reading more stories taking place in this setting in the future!
November 22, 2023
A slow-burn sci-fi romance about a pop star who needs a bodyguard… and the man that takes the job.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
I enjoyed this book! The story was good and the variety of species that were described across the galaxy was just enough without being overwhelming.
I loved how much the FMC (Kallista) enjoyed her job. I could easily picture her on her stage in front of star-struck fans!
The bodyguard MMC (Xavian) is sweet, concerned for Kallista, and determined to not only protect her but actually see her thrive. It was nice to see a MMC that struggled to find himself and where his morals lay.
Thank you for allowing me to ARC read!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
I enjoyed this book! The story was good and the variety of species that were described across the galaxy was just enough without being overwhelming.
I loved how much the FMC (Kallista) enjoyed her job. I could easily picture her on her stage in front of star-struck fans!
The bodyguard MMC (Xavian) is sweet, concerned for Kallista, and determined to not only protect her but actually see her thrive. It was nice to see a MMC that struggled to find himself and where his morals lay.
Thank you for allowing me to ARC read!
November 25, 2023
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice - 🌶️/5
Review - I really enjoyed this book. I don't read sci-fi very often and was not disappointed in taking the chance in reading this. I loved to world building and the characters back and forth banter as well as the bi-rep. I was so obsessed with Xavian and how much of an adorable cinnamon roll he was. The way he protected Kallista and was there with all the emotional support she needed. Kallista made me so emotional. All the stress she was going through and hiding a part of herself from others was heart wrenching.
All in all, this was a great read and I totally recommend this when it's released. Make sure you check trigger warnings before reading!
Spice - 🌶️/5
Review - I really enjoyed this book. I don't read sci-fi very often and was not disappointed in taking the chance in reading this. I loved to world building and the characters back and forth banter as well as the bi-rep. I was so obsessed with Xavian and how much of an adorable cinnamon roll he was. The way he protected Kallista and was there with all the emotional support she needed. Kallista made me so emotional. All the stress she was going through and hiding a part of herself from others was heart wrenching.
All in all, this was a great read and I totally recommend this when it's released. Make sure you check trigger warnings before reading!
November 26, 2023
I enjoyed going on Kallista and Xavian's intergalactic love story. They both danced around each other initially, but eventually said "f*ck it" to the no fraternization clause in his contract. Despite choosing an hourly motel as the location for our first major scene, I loved what we got to see of their relationship. I know Xav treats her like a princess, always getting her to eat and protecting her. Kal gives him attitude, but we realize that she really does care about him. I wanted there to be more of them together; I wanted to learn their dynamic as a couple. Otherwise, it was a great story!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
November 28, 2023
Absolutely thrilled with this gem! I was completely hooked on rock star romances earlier this year, and stumbling upon "We Own the Stars" was like hitting the jackpot. A popstar romance set in space, with aliens, and a sexy bodyguard? Count me in! This book was an absolute blast to read, and learning about the various planets and characters was so much fun. Kallista and Xavian's relationship stole the show for me, and the way he protected her had me falling for him myself. A must-read for anyone seeking a cosmic adventure with a side of sizzling romance!
November 19, 2023
I just love a good bodygard and super star story and this One is with aliens! Could it get any better? Is really cute and we get to know more about our MC's past. Both Xavian and Kalista have traumas but together they really start to overcame them. There is a lot of drama, there is always someone triyng to hurt Kalista but Xavien the alien bodygard that looks like a very hummy elf, is always there to protect her.
February 15, 2024
This was decent and had an interesting premise but had an identity crisis. Is it a commentary on how women are treated in the music industry? Is it a commentary on bi identity and bi phobia? A statement on discrimination? A redemption story? I couldn't tell. There was a lot happening but it was a little sloppy and the writing could have been cleaned up. Still entertaining but I wouldn't recommend.
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