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The Starlight Studios Series #1
Starstruck
Kat:
Dropped by my acting agent? Check. Dumped by my crappy ex boyfriend? Check.
This was not what I envisioned when I moved to LA. So I’m starting at the bottom. Again. When I get a job as a PA on the set of an upcoming Starlight Studios movie, I am stuck catering to the whims of a has-been who treats me like dirt. It’s almost enough to make me reconsider this gig. That is until I meet a background actor who gives me butterflies and makes me feel like I’m alive again.
But looks can be deceiving. Especially when he is buried under layers of facial prosthetics and fake blood. Turns out he’s not a background actor at all. He’s James Everett, the film’s leading star. He’s smart, funny, ridiculously handsome, and everything I want.
Falling in love with a movie star? Check. But does that matter when the film studio is pushing him to enter a fake relationship with someone else?
James:
I have money, fame, and now the leadership role I’ve dreamed of for years at Starlight Studios is finally within my grasp. As long as I stay in line. Anyone would want to be in my shoes. But despite what the public believes, being a part of the Everett family acting dynasty isn’t all award shows and accolades. People only look at me for what they can get from me. Roles, connections, even just being seen in public with me is enough to boost someone’s image in Hollywood. It’s exhausting.
Then, I run into Kat… literally. She’s fun, feisty, and beautiful inside and out. Instead of wanting me for my name, she wants me for who I am. And she’s starting to make me question my father’s actions and his control over my career. The only problem? In order to get that promotion at my family’s film studio, I have to sign a relationship contract… with someone else. What we have is a bright spot in my life, but is it about to be extinguished?
Dropped by my acting agent? Check. Dumped by my crappy ex boyfriend? Check.
This was not what I envisioned when I moved to LA. So I’m starting at the bottom. Again. When I get a job as a PA on the set of an upcoming Starlight Studios movie, I am stuck catering to the whims of a has-been who treats me like dirt. It’s almost enough to make me reconsider this gig. That is until I meet a background actor who gives me butterflies and makes me feel like I’m alive again.
But looks can be deceiving. Especially when he is buried under layers of facial prosthetics and fake blood. Turns out he’s not a background actor at all. He’s James Everett, the film’s leading star. He’s smart, funny, ridiculously handsome, and everything I want.
Falling in love with a movie star? Check. But does that matter when the film studio is pushing him to enter a fake relationship with someone else?
James:
I have money, fame, and now the leadership role I’ve dreamed of for years at Starlight Studios is finally within my grasp. As long as I stay in line. Anyone would want to be in my shoes. But despite what the public believes, being a part of the Everett family acting dynasty isn’t all award shows and accolades. People only look at me for what they can get from me. Roles, connections, even just being seen in public with me is enough to boost someone’s image in Hollywood. It’s exhausting.
Then, I run into Kat… literally. She’s fun, feisty, and beautiful inside and out. Instead of wanting me for my name, she wants me for who I am. And she’s starting to make me question my father’s actions and his control over my career. The only problem? In order to get that promotion at my family’s film studio, I have to sign a relationship contract… with someone else. What we have is a bright spot in my life, but is it about to be extinguished?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
93 people are currently reading
1199 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Dawes
4 books66 followersIvy Dawes has always had an over-active imagination. Since writing her first book at the age of four (which she scribbled down and tried to give to the library), she's always had a series of stories on the go in her mind.
Ivy is an avid lover of ghost shows, good books, and hot chocolate. She is currently living out her happily ever after in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and two children.
Ivy is an avid lover of ghost shows, good books, and hot chocolate. She is currently living out her happily ever after in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
May 19, 2024
“You’re everything I didn’t know I was missing until the moment you walked into my life.”
This book was absolutely adorable just as I expected - a sweet, funny romance with a hint of spiciness throughout the pages. The romance here reminds me a lot of those 2000s rom-com movies which I personally adored, and for that nostalgia I enjoyed this book ever more.
I have to say that I was quite surprised that it was a debut novel. I really enjoyed Ivy’s writing style and found the plot nicely planned. I read it in one sitting because of how captivating it was!
Also I liked a lot the characters in this book, both main and side ones. I can't even pick which of the two main characters, Kat and James, I loved better because they are so likable and have such a nice connection.
I really enjoyed reading about Kat's transformation from an insecure woman to someone who knows precisely what she wants and is determined to achieve it. Her life isn’t the easiest at the beginning - not only has her acting career not taken off, but she recently ended a relationship with a complete jerk, and she feels as though she lost herself in the process. Still, she laughs, smiles, and continues to grow stronger throughout the novel, despite everything that life throws at her.
And James… Oh, I love him so much! He’s such a sweet guy and I loved how supportive he was for Kat. He gives her a positive self-esteem that I really enjoyed. I also liked that he wasn't flawless, especially with the situation of his fake relationship contract. And him falling in love with Kat first?! Oh, I love so much when it happens in the books!
If you're looking for a delightful, light-hearted romance with just a little bit of spice on the pages, this book will be perfect for you! And I’m really hoping to read more books by Ivy Dawes. Hopefully we get more books in the Starlight Studios series soon. Maybe the stories of the side characters? 😉
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐. 5
This book was absolutely adorable just as I expected - a sweet, funny romance with a hint of spiciness throughout the pages. The romance here reminds me a lot of those 2000s rom-com movies which I personally adored, and for that nostalgia I enjoyed this book ever more.
I have to say that I was quite surprised that it was a debut novel. I really enjoyed Ivy’s writing style and found the plot nicely planned. I read it in one sitting because of how captivating it was!
Also I liked a lot the characters in this book, both main and side ones. I can't even pick which of the two main characters, Kat and James, I loved better because they are so likable and have such a nice connection.
I really enjoyed reading about Kat's transformation from an insecure woman to someone who knows precisely what she wants and is determined to achieve it. Her life isn’t the easiest at the beginning - not only has her acting career not taken off, but she recently ended a relationship with a complete jerk, and she feels as though she lost herself in the process. Still, she laughs, smiles, and continues to grow stronger throughout the novel, despite everything that life throws at her.
And James… Oh, I love him so much! He’s such a sweet guy and I loved how supportive he was for Kat. He gives her a positive self-esteem that I really enjoyed. I also liked that he wasn't flawless, especially with the situation of his fake relationship contract. And him falling in love with Kat first?! Oh, I love so much when it happens in the books!
If you're looking for a delightful, light-hearted romance with just a little bit of spice on the pages, this book will be perfect for you! And I’m really hoping to read more books by Ivy Dawes. Hopefully we get more books in the Starlight Studios series soon. Maybe the stories of the side characters? 😉
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐. 5
May 26, 2024
I breezed through this book! Once I started, I was hooked! Loved every bit, especially flipping between Katherine and James' perspectives. Their banter had me grinning from ear to ear. Sure, their romance felt a tad rushed, but it was still adorable. And that third-act breakup was tough, but it helped them both grow. Can't wait to see what Ivy cooks up next in this series!
April 15, 2024
There’s just something about the MMC saying”my girl” that literally makes me swoon. This book was so good I read it in one sitting. I loved how protective and supportive James was. Everything about this story was amazing and I definitely can’t wait for the next book! If you love forbidden romance, secret relationship, celebrity romance, dual pov, and HEA then you should add this to your TBR list!
July 6, 2025
I thought this book was so fun!! Im a sucker for a movie star romance and this one was so solid! I especially loved their meet cute and them raising a fish together 🤭 totally pick this up if you're looking for your next fun read!
Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 10, 2024
i finished this book in one sitting. I am obsessed.
Kat a struggling actress finds herself working as a PA in a set of a new movie full of big actors. She ends up falling in love with James one of the main actors through his hidden identity. For this being a debut novel i am VERY FUCKING IMPRESSED.
I loved kat. I loved james. I loved their personalities together and apart. Kat is sort of insecure but not in a pick me way, in a way that makes her so real and true. James is this A list actor who comes from a family of actors (a nepo baby) and has issues with his family.
Their relationship was so pure. I had butterflies, i was giggling and i was kicking my feet. The book is kinda insta love but written in a great way (i say this as someone who hates insta love) It had me thinking about how real like actors feel about their privacy and stuff.
tropes:
- Hidden identity
- secret relationship
- forbidden romance
- celebrity
Over all 4.5 stars and i would 100% recommend you to read this sweet but spicy debut novel
thank you ivy dawes for giving me an arc for an honest review.
Kat a struggling actress finds herself working as a PA in a set of a new movie full of big actors. She ends up falling in love with James one of the main actors through his hidden identity. For this being a debut novel i am VERY FUCKING IMPRESSED.
I loved kat. I loved james. I loved their personalities together and apart. Kat is sort of insecure but not in a pick me way, in a way that makes her so real and true. James is this A list actor who comes from a family of actors (a nepo baby) and has issues with his family.
Their relationship was so pure. I had butterflies, i was giggling and i was kicking my feet. The book is kinda insta love but written in a great way (i say this as someone who hates insta love) It had me thinking about how real like actors feel about their privacy and stuff.
tropes:
- Hidden identity
- secret relationship
- forbidden romance
- celebrity
Over all 4.5 stars and i would 100% recommend you to read this sweet but spicy debut novel
thank you ivy dawes for giving me an arc for an honest review.
May 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5 (a few spicy scenes with detail)
Wow! This had everything I could want in a book! A huge thank you to NetGalley and Ivy Dawes for allowing me to read this incredible book early and share my thoughts with other readers.
Let me start by saying, I love all these tropes so this book was an instant sign up for me. What I wasn't expecting is to read all of my favorites in a completely new way. He falls first but reading Jame's fall first, felt like reading this trope for the first time- It gave me the butterflies, dang it! Usually, the big reveal that he isn't who he first says is the main conflict but when that happened so early on, I was excited to see what else would happen and let's say I was incredibly impressed with the plot from the first page to the very last page.
I have a not-so-little book boyfriend crush on James because from the moment he unabashedly takes care of her in front of everyone and anyone, I was a melted puddle on the ground. He sees her and treats her for the beautiful, talented person she is despite her self-talk always making her question her own worth. There are few relationships, and what a gift to read this done in a masterfully artful way, where a person is able to grow and become a better version of themselves within a relationship. These two found it. They help each other grow, define boundaries and become their best selves together.
There is incredible mental health representation in this book. As someone who struggles with anxiety, depression and has felt the wrath of panic attacks, I felt so incredibly seen and supported as Kat describes this horrifying experience in all the words I've never had myself. James's reaction is 12/10 exactly what everyone deserves and the treatment a person should get when experiencing this. He immediately prioritizes her and is calm, reassuring, non-judgemental and loving. He then walks her slowly through breathing and then grounding techniques.Thank you Ivy Dawes from the bottom of my heart for talking about and teaching good coping skills. <3
James says two of my favorite things of all time first is immediately after they fight and good communication trope might be the new sexiest thing to read. When he says "I don't like how we ended that conversation downstairs. Can we talk?". YES! How sexy is that.
Also I may have a new favorite praise trope, when he says "my girl", that might just be my new "good girl". That is HOT AF.
Finally, the ending was perfection. I can't say much without wanting to say everything, but it was a perfect tribute to the entire story and their journeys together with both obvious and subtle nods to how far they came.
This book is definitely for you if you like:
Fake Dating (not in the way you expect though!)
Travel Romance
Celebrity Romance
He Falls First
Mental Health Rep
Forbidden Romance
Dual POV
HEA
Shoutout for my favorite microtropes as well: making her pancakes, grey sweatpants, getting her fries when she's had too much to drink, carrying her to bed, wearing his jacket when she's cold, best friends who get together
Don't sleep on this one, the hype is real because this was better than I could have hoped!
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5 (a few spicy scenes with detail)
Wow! This had everything I could want in a book! A huge thank you to NetGalley and Ivy Dawes for allowing me to read this incredible book early and share my thoughts with other readers.
Let me start by saying, I love all these tropes so this book was an instant sign up for me. What I wasn't expecting is to read all of my favorites in a completely new way. He falls first but reading Jame's fall first, felt like reading this trope for the first time- It gave me the butterflies, dang it! Usually, the big reveal that he isn't who he first says is the main conflict but when that happened so early on, I was excited to see what else would happen and let's say I was incredibly impressed with the plot from the first page to the very last page.
I have a not-so-little book boyfriend crush on James because from the moment he unabashedly takes care of her in front of everyone and anyone, I was a melted puddle on the ground. He sees her and treats her for the beautiful, talented person she is despite her self-talk always making her question her own worth. There are few relationships, and what a gift to read this done in a masterfully artful way, where a person is able to grow and become a better version of themselves within a relationship. These two found it. They help each other grow, define boundaries and become their best selves together.
There is incredible mental health representation in this book. As someone who struggles with anxiety, depression and has felt the wrath of panic attacks, I felt so incredibly seen and supported as Kat describes this horrifying experience in all the words I've never had myself. James's reaction is 12/10 exactly what everyone deserves and the treatment a person should get when experiencing this. He immediately prioritizes her and is calm, reassuring, non-judgemental and loving. He then walks her slowly through breathing and then grounding techniques.Thank you Ivy Dawes from the bottom of my heart for talking about and teaching good coping skills. <3
James says two of my favorite things of all time first is immediately after they fight and good communication trope might be the new sexiest thing to read. When he says "I don't like how we ended that conversation downstairs. Can we talk?". YES! How sexy is that.
Also I may have a new favorite praise trope, when he says "my girl", that might just be my new "good girl". That is HOT AF.
Finally, the ending was perfection. I can't say much without wanting to say everything, but it was a perfect tribute to the entire story and their journeys together with both obvious and subtle nods to how far they came.
This book is definitely for you if you like:
Fake Dating (not in the way you expect though!)
Travel Romance
Celebrity Romance
He Falls First
Mental Health Rep
Forbidden Romance
Dual POV
HEA
Shoutout for my favorite microtropes as well: making her pancakes, grey sweatpants, getting her fries when she's had too much to drink, carrying her to bed, wearing his jacket when she's cold, best friends who get together
Don't sleep on this one, the hype is real because this was better than I could have hoped!
April 20, 2024
4⭐️ Such a cute romcom set in the entertainment industry in LA about 2 actors who fall for each other on set! Thought it was super sweet and I loved James and Kat together.
Thanks to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
May 31, 2024
The sadness at home feels crushing, the
loneliness gnawing at me. The walls feel like they’re creeping in closer and
closer, preparing to suffocate me and put me out of my misery.
I want to start by stating that this is an incredible debut book. I wanted to read a sweet, fast-paced romance novel, and this was literally the PERFECT book for that. I loved the whole part of this novel including the small things. I loved the chemistry between the two MCs. I loved that the female MC wasn’t with him for his career or name, but it felt genuine through the pages; and continued throughout the book. It never once felt like the chemistry stopped between them.
Anger burns through me. I hate that I have a father who talks to me like
this, and what's worse is I hate how I take his tone to heart and feel the sting
there too. I should know better, and I know I shouldn’t let it affect me, but it
does.
Kat and James approached challenges maturely and made relationship choices that set a solid foundation for the future. It was a breath of fresh air to read a romance novel featuring a "healthy" couple, as opposed to one that requires extensive couples therapy to stay together. James always made Kat feel like she was the most beautiful person in the room. Kat was worried because he was famous, and she wasn’t, and she sometimes wondered how he could want her. But he made it known that she was smart and talented and just made her feel worthy of everything. The character grows and changes to deserve her. From the start, I would not have accepted anything less than perfection for her. And yet there had to be something about him that needed to change before they could be together because conflict is a necessary part of a good romance.
I can't wait to kiss her again, but it's
going to be on her terms. She’s got to be the one to initiate it this time. And
I am going to enjoy myself while I wait for it to happen.
The anxiety attack, as someone who sometimes also gets these attacks, was very well explained, and the 5 senses technique is so useful and it works in real life also. Although there are many different approaches, this is one of the quickest.
Thoughts that she wasn't enough? Self-doubt? They have
no place in my girl. She always has been and always will be enough for me,
and I'm going to spend every waking moment trying to prove it.
loneliness gnawing at me. The walls feel like they’re creeping in closer and
closer, preparing to suffocate me and put me out of my misery.
I want to start by stating that this is an incredible debut book. I wanted to read a sweet, fast-paced romance novel, and this was literally the PERFECT book for that. I loved the whole part of this novel including the small things. I loved the chemistry between the two MCs. I loved that the female MC wasn’t with him for his career or name, but it felt genuine through the pages; and continued throughout the book. It never once felt like the chemistry stopped between them.
Anger burns through me. I hate that I have a father who talks to me like
this, and what's worse is I hate how I take his tone to heart and feel the sting
there too. I should know better, and I know I shouldn’t let it affect me, but it
does.
Kat and James approached challenges maturely and made relationship choices that set a solid foundation for the future. It was a breath of fresh air to read a romance novel featuring a "healthy" couple, as opposed to one that requires extensive couples therapy to stay together. James always made Kat feel like she was the most beautiful person in the room. Kat was worried because he was famous, and she wasn’t, and she sometimes wondered how he could want her. But he made it known that she was smart and talented and just made her feel worthy of everything. The character grows and changes to deserve her. From the start, I would not have accepted anything less than perfection for her. And yet there had to be something about him that needed to change before they could be together because conflict is a necessary part of a good romance.
I can't wait to kiss her again, but it's
going to be on her terms. She’s got to be the one to initiate it this time. And
I am going to enjoy myself while I wait for it to happen.
The anxiety attack, as someone who sometimes also gets these attacks, was very well explained, and the 5 senses technique is so useful and it works in real life also. Although there are many different approaches, this is one of the quickest.
Thoughts that she wasn't enough? Self-doubt? They have
no place in my girl. She always has been and always will be enough for me,
and I'm going to spend every waking moment trying to prove it.
May 24, 2024
This book is perfect for the readers looking for a great escape from the usual romance books.
Summary: Kat's dream of being an actor seem to be getting far away after her breakup and being fired from the job, but then she becomes the PA to a famous actor who just is rude to her, but she doesn't have any choice other than to work for him. But then she bumps into a man who is in prosthetics but instantly connects.
My review: This book is filled with drama which keeps you wanting to read more and more of it but what made this book a goodread was how the fmc carved her path. The pain and struggle both characters were going through in their personal life gave a good arc to the storyline. The side characters also added a great flavor to the story.
Summary: Kat's dream of being an actor seem to be getting far away after her breakup and being fired from the job, but then she becomes the PA to a famous actor who just is rude to her, but she doesn't have any choice other than to work for him. But then she bumps into a man who is in prosthetics but instantly connects.
My review: This book is filled with drama which keeps you wanting to read more and more of it but what made this book a goodread was how the fmc carved her path. The pain and struggle both characters were going through in their personal life gave a good arc to the storyline. The side characters also added a great flavor to the story.
May 5, 2024
#Review: *Starstruck* - ARC - Ivy Dawes [18+]
4.3/5✨
3/5🌶️
I was captivated by this books cover, so I needed to read it 🤭. It was my first book from this author but I can say that I liked it. Thank you Ivy Dawes and NetGalley for this copy.
Kat is a struggling young actress. She shared this passion with her ex boyfriend, Dane Rivers. But their relationship becomes shaky as he is becoming more successful than her. He started to criticize Kat for her lack of success in taking any parts in movies. This whole situation leads to their split.
Kat is now working as an assistant for another actor Branson Sullivan, who isn't the best to work with. He is always late for everything and gives Kat the toughest things to accomplish. Everything just builds up and one day she breaks apart. She is then seen by James Everett, who is unrecognizable with his prosthetic mask he has on for the movie shooting. They then have an instant click and James is relieved by that situation because, that way, she doesn't know who he is.
This is how their story starts and they begin to talk through messages or by phone, but Kat still doesn't know James' true identity. They are getting closer and it's becoming inevitable that they will meet face to face one day. That's when the real shock strikes Kat.
James, on the other hand, is forced by his father, Deacon, to have a fake relationship with his co-star, Ava Anders. He is coerced by circumstances to give a lot of thought about this, because he will not be able to reach his dream job if he doesn't accept Deacon's terms. But that means to leave Kat behind, to never see her again.
I liked the relationship between Kat and James, but I also loved their interaction with the other crew members. They just brought that flavor to the book🤭. I hated James' father, the way he used his power on his family was really disgusting.
It was a great read, relaxing and pretty addicting. I enjoyed it so much that I successfully read it in one day 🤭.
📹Tropes📹
🎬#SecretRomance;
🎬#HiddenIdentity;
🎬#MeetCute;
🎬#CelebrityRomance;
🎬#ForbiddenLove;
🎬#DualPov;
🎬#Spice.
4.3/5✨
3/5🌶️
I was captivated by this books cover, so I needed to read it 🤭. It was my first book from this author but I can say that I liked it. Thank you Ivy Dawes and NetGalley for this copy.
Kat is a struggling young actress. She shared this passion with her ex boyfriend, Dane Rivers. But their relationship becomes shaky as he is becoming more successful than her. He started to criticize Kat for her lack of success in taking any parts in movies. This whole situation leads to their split.
Kat is now working as an assistant for another actor Branson Sullivan, who isn't the best to work with. He is always late for everything and gives Kat the toughest things to accomplish. Everything just builds up and one day she breaks apart. She is then seen by James Everett, who is unrecognizable with his prosthetic mask he has on for the movie shooting. They then have an instant click and James is relieved by that situation because, that way, she doesn't know who he is.
This is how their story starts and they begin to talk through messages or by phone, but Kat still doesn't know James' true identity. They are getting closer and it's becoming inevitable that they will meet face to face one day. That's when the real shock strikes Kat.
James, on the other hand, is forced by his father, Deacon, to have a fake relationship with his co-star, Ava Anders. He is coerced by circumstances to give a lot of thought about this, because he will not be able to reach his dream job if he doesn't accept Deacon's terms. But that means to leave Kat behind, to never see her again.
I liked the relationship between Kat and James, but I also loved their interaction with the other crew members. They just brought that flavor to the book🤭. I hated James' father, the way he used his power on his family was really disgusting.
It was a great read, relaxing and pretty addicting. I enjoyed it so much that I successfully read it in one day 🤭.
📹Tropes📹
🎬#SecretRomance;
🎬#HiddenIdentity;
🎬#MeetCute;
🎬#CelebrityRomance;
🎬#ForbiddenLove;
🎬#DualPov;
🎬#Spice.
May 4, 2024
3.5⭐️
Kat is a struggling actress who was recently dropped by her agent & who fled her toxic relationship. She gets a job at movie studio working as a PA where she has a meet cute with one of the actors, & they immediately hit it off. However, unbeknownst to Kat due to the guy wearing prosthetics all the time, her new crush is James Everrett, one of the main stars in the movie & the son of the owner of the studio. James’ goal in life is to one day take over his fathers role, but the only thing standing in his way is being forced to get into a fake relationship with someone else, which shouldn’t be a problem for an actor, however he has fallen for Kat & refuses to date anyone else…
This is a really good debut novel & it really felt like I was reading the script of a cliche early 2000s romcom which was fun! Whilst it was cute, funny, entertaining, lighthearted, slightly spicy & sweet, there wasn’t really anything that hooked me, so I unfortunately can’t give this any more than 3.5 stars.
Kat struggles with her self esteem but I absolutely adored her growth! She took the initiative & made an effort to grow & heal on her own & become the person she knew & wanted to be. She was sweet, hardworking, & kind. James was a sweetheart & had somewhat of a golden retriever personality, however his choices irked me sometimes. His protectiveness over Kat was charming, & his growth towards the end of the book was great & im so glad it played out the way it did.
I liked that Kat & James developed an emotional connection before a physical one, however I would’ve liked to have seen a lot more development & slower pacing of their relationship because I felt like as soon as they met they immediately jumped into a “relationship.” There was little to no tension between them which is unfortunate because I live for the tension😕 Their banter was so cute though!
Whilst the third act breakup annoyed me, I think it was SO necessary for both of their personal journeys & I’m so glad it happened because they both needed to sort their issues out on their own, rather than constantly depend on one another👏🏼
Overall, this was a lighthearted, fun, fast-paced book that I managed to read quite quickly, however I just needed MORE from it.
Read if you like: celebrity romance, forbidden romance, hidden identity, secret relationship, workplace romance
Thank you to the author for the arc🩷
Kat is a struggling actress who was recently dropped by her agent & who fled her toxic relationship. She gets a job at movie studio working as a PA where she has a meet cute with one of the actors, & they immediately hit it off. However, unbeknownst to Kat due to the guy wearing prosthetics all the time, her new crush is James Everrett, one of the main stars in the movie & the son of the owner of the studio. James’ goal in life is to one day take over his fathers role, but the only thing standing in his way is being forced to get into a fake relationship with someone else, which shouldn’t be a problem for an actor, however he has fallen for Kat & refuses to date anyone else…
This is a really good debut novel & it really felt like I was reading the script of a cliche early 2000s romcom which was fun! Whilst it was cute, funny, entertaining, lighthearted, slightly spicy & sweet, there wasn’t really anything that hooked me, so I unfortunately can’t give this any more than 3.5 stars.
Kat struggles with her self esteem but I absolutely adored her growth! She took the initiative & made an effort to grow & heal on her own & become the person she knew & wanted to be. She was sweet, hardworking, & kind. James was a sweetheart & had somewhat of a golden retriever personality, however his choices irked me sometimes. His protectiveness over Kat was charming, & his growth towards the end of the book was great & im so glad it played out the way it did.
I liked that Kat & James developed an emotional connection before a physical one, however I would’ve liked to have seen a lot more development & slower pacing of their relationship because I felt like as soon as they met they immediately jumped into a “relationship.” There was little to no tension between them which is unfortunate because I live for the tension😕 Their banter was so cute though!
Whilst the third act breakup annoyed me, I think it was SO necessary for both of their personal journeys & I’m so glad it happened because they both needed to sort their issues out on their own, rather than constantly depend on one another👏🏼
Overall, this was a lighthearted, fun, fast-paced book that I managed to read quite quickly, however I just needed MORE from it.
Read if you like: celebrity romance, forbidden romance, hidden identity, secret relationship, workplace romance
Thank you to the author for the arc🩷
May 9, 2024
I want to start by saying that this is such an amazing debut book and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
This lighthearted romcom will give you butterflies and make you smile from beginning to end. I absolutely loved how James was 100% invested and his relationship with Kat and loved her from the start, he was always there for her no matter what and I also loved when Kat took charge of her life and did what was best for her. Their chemistry was off the charts!
The epilogue made me swoon so much! I highly recommend this book, it was so fun and relatable, and the pacing was perfect.
Thank you to Ivy Dawes and Sunny Babe PR for a digital ARC copy.
This lighthearted romcom will give you butterflies and make you smile from beginning to end. I absolutely loved how James was 100% invested and his relationship with Kat and loved her from the start, he was always there for her no matter what and I also loved when Kat took charge of her life and did what was best for her. Their chemistry was off the charts!
The epilogue made me swoon so much! I highly recommend this book, it was so fun and relatable, and the pacing was perfect.
Thank you to Ivy Dawes and Sunny Babe PR for a digital ARC copy.
April 28, 2024
I started reading and got distracted after a few pages and then completely forgot about it for a week, BUT THEN, I started reading it from the beginning again and was HOOKED. I read it in 2 days once I restarted it.
Kat, a struggling actress with a less than sensitive boyfriend, finds herself needing a change and lands herself on a big movie set as a Personal Assistant. She meets the main actor in disguise and falls for him without even knowing what he looks like or who he even is. How can you get over that potential betrayal.
Kat and James' insecurities are incredibly relatable and it provides a dynamic between the two of them that pulls at your heart. Their banter, sensitivity, protectiveness, and overall personalities, are a match made in heaven. Of course, there is a bit of conflict that really fueled my desire to keep reading.
The way their relationship grew, halted, continued, had me blushing, giggling, smiling, screaming, and crying, in unison with them. The dynamic of celebrity status and finding oneself made me root for them even though so many things were pushing them apart.
I would 100% recommend you to read this debut novel. The story is sweet, sensitive, cute, with some spice mixed in there. 5/5. For this being a debut novel, I am thoroughly impressed and can't wait to see how Ivy portrays the next story.
Thank you Netgalley and Ivy Dawes for giving me an ARC for an honest review.
Kat, a struggling actress with a less than sensitive boyfriend, finds herself needing a change and lands herself on a big movie set as a Personal Assistant. She meets the main actor in disguise and falls for him without even knowing what he looks like or who he even is. How can you get over that potential betrayal.
Kat and James' insecurities are incredibly relatable and it provides a dynamic between the two of them that pulls at your heart. Their banter, sensitivity, protectiveness, and overall personalities, are a match made in heaven. Of course, there is a bit of conflict that really fueled my desire to keep reading.
The way their relationship grew, halted, continued, had me blushing, giggling, smiling, screaming, and crying, in unison with them. The dynamic of celebrity status and finding oneself made me root for them even though so many things were pushing them apart.
I would 100% recommend you to read this debut novel. The story is sweet, sensitive, cute, with some spice mixed in there. 5/5. For this being a debut novel, I am thoroughly impressed and can't wait to see how Ivy portrays the next story.
Thank you Netgalley and Ivy Dawes for giving me an ARC for an honest review.
August 11, 2024
4.75⭐️
This book is pure serotonin, i don’t think there’s a moment when i wasn’t completely encapsulated and entertained by this novel. Such a sweet and fun read, i highly recommend!!
This book is pure serotonin, i don’t think there’s a moment when i wasn’t completely encapsulated and entertained by this novel. Such a sweet and fun read, i highly recommend!!
May 6, 2024
this book was so cute! one of my favorite things that MMC say is 'my girl' and james LOVED saying that. i think these two are so good together. i also loved that in the end they both got what they wanted for themselves career wise and still were with each other.
thank you netgalley for and ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!
thank you netgalley for and ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!
June 2, 2024
This book was so cute! Thanks so much to Sunny Babe PR and author Ivy Dawes for an ARC of this book.
This book was a quick read. It’s a relatively fast paced contemporary romance featuring a famous movie star MMC and a down on her luck FMC. Through the bond of shared fish parenthood, these two characters fall in love in an adorable story of finding oneself and standing up for love.
I adored how well this story portrayed the importance of respect and consent. Both of those were featured throughout and it felt natural, while also being noticeable in a good way. This book explores how to stand up for yourself and not accept less than what you deserve, even if you love someone. The characters struggle with conflicts between their relationship and family and professional pressures. It felt very realistic in that sense.
And while it was a small, unlabeled part of the story, there is some positive mental health representation as well, which I’m always happy to see.
Overall, this is a really engaging story that gave me lots of warm and fuzzy feelings thanks to the incredible chemistry between the main characters. There were also lots of hints about another ‘couple’ in the book, who are clearly going to get their own book in the future. I look forward to reading it.
Key Tropes:
🛟 Protective MMC
🎬 Movie Star MMC
😶🌫️ Hidden Identity
❤️ Kinda Insta Love
🌶️ Mild Spice
This book was a quick read. It’s a relatively fast paced contemporary romance featuring a famous movie star MMC and a down on her luck FMC. Through the bond of shared fish parenthood, these two characters fall in love in an adorable story of finding oneself and standing up for love.
I adored how well this story portrayed the importance of respect and consent. Both of those were featured throughout and it felt natural, while also being noticeable in a good way. This book explores how to stand up for yourself and not accept less than what you deserve, even if you love someone. The characters struggle with conflicts between their relationship and family and professional pressures. It felt very realistic in that sense.
And while it was a small, unlabeled part of the story, there is some positive mental health representation as well, which I’m always happy to see.
Overall, this is a really engaging story that gave me lots of warm and fuzzy feelings thanks to the incredible chemistry between the main characters. There were also lots of hints about another ‘couple’ in the book, who are clearly going to get their own book in the future. I look forward to reading it.
Key Tropes:
🛟 Protective MMC
🎬 Movie Star MMC
😶🌫️ Hidden Identity
❤️ Kinda Insta Love
🌶️ Mild Spice
June 7, 2024
Starlight is the debut from Ivy Dawes and it is so good! I absolutely loved the story of Kat and James, from their meet cute to their HEA. I think romance books involving the movie business are so fun and this one was no exception. Kat is starting from scratch after a break up from her toxic fiancé and being let go by her agent, which both left her completely insecure. She starts working as a PA on a movie set, where she meets James, and so begins their dramatic, passionate, chemistry-filled affair.
As Kat tries to turn her career around, she goes back to what she really loves, performing on stage. This was another aspect I enjoyed since I am a theatre nerd. And as far as James, he’s the sweetest, but has a hard time standing up for himself and what he wants. Overall this was a fun, quick, and entertaining read.
If you like:
🤍Forbidden Romance
💜Hidden Identity
🤍Cinnamon Roll, Celebrity MMC
💜Fun Meet Cute
🤍Secret Relationship
💜Family Drama
🤍Dual POV
💜Spice
Then I definitely recommend!
As Kat tries to turn her career around, she goes back to what she really loves, performing on stage. This was another aspect I enjoyed since I am a theatre nerd. And as far as James, he’s the sweetest, but has a hard time standing up for himself and what he wants. Overall this was a fun, quick, and entertaining read.
If you like:
🤍Forbidden Romance
💜Hidden Identity
🤍Cinnamon Roll, Celebrity MMC
💜Fun Meet Cute
🤍Secret Relationship
💜Family Drama
🤍Dual POV
💜Spice
Then I definitely recommend!
June 12, 2024
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
Kat & James' story was cute!
Kat is left in the lurch when she loses her job and agent in one fell swoop! Accepting a job as a PA to a famous actor was a last ditch effort to get a job!
What she wasn't anticipating was:
1. He would be a major pain in the butt
2. Meeting another actor who she immediately connects with and can't stop thinking about
James is trying to work his way up the corporate ladder which means jumping through his fathers hoops. One of those hoops though pushes James too far and leaves things in a sticky situation with Kat.
Does James really want to move up that badly? Will he lose Kat just to get the job he's been working for?
Kat & James' story was cute!
Kat is left in the lurch when she loses her job and agent in one fell swoop! Accepting a job as a PA to a famous actor was a last ditch effort to get a job!
What she wasn't anticipating was:
1. He would be a major pain in the butt
2. Meeting another actor who she immediately connects with and can't stop thinking about
James is trying to work his way up the corporate ladder which means jumping through his fathers hoops. One of those hoops though pushes James too far and leaves things in a sticky situation with Kat.
Does James really want to move up that badly? Will he lose Kat just to get the job he's been working for?
August 19, 2024
Amazing!
Kat and James are the perfect love story that I absolutely needed right now! So much drama but all handled like healthy adults and it was so refreshing!
I loved Kat taking a stand and finally finding her self worth, and honestly another refreshing aspect was that James needed to do that too. Despite being the famous movie star he questioned his value as a person too.
I really loved this book so much and can’t wait for the next one!! Roman, I assume!
Kat and James are the perfect love story that I absolutely needed right now! So much drama but all handled like healthy adults and it was so refreshing!
I loved Kat taking a stand and finally finding her self worth, and honestly another refreshing aspect was that James needed to do that too. Despite being the famous movie star he questioned his value as a person too.
I really loved this book so much and can’t wait for the next one!! Roman, I assume!
August 8, 2024
These two! I love them sooooooo much <3 <3 James and Kat 4eva! <3 <3
April 18, 2024
First and foremost, thank you NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start by saying that James calling Kat “my girl” had me by the throat. I know, I know, probably overreacting, but, at the same time, OMG, James was everything.
Ok, into the review itself. This book got me hooked from the beginning. The writing is fluid and engaging, and it makes you want to continue to read, to know what it’s going to happen and to see the development of the relationship between the main characters.
As mentioned before, I absolutely adored James. His concerns and preoccupations were important to the story, and he had a clear character development. Kat, however, was a bit immature and insecure, and I feel their relationship was a little bit rushed. I’d classify this book as fast burn, as opposed to a slow burn, and although I loved reading about them as a couple, things felt rushed at times, and I wanted a little bit more of a build-up between James and Kat.
The side characters, specially James’ family, got my curiosity and I can’t wait to read Roman’s book.
Altogether, it was a great read, super cute (Finley the fish, I love you) and definitely a light read that is reminiscent of 2000s rom-coms.
Let me start by saying that James calling Kat “my girl” had me by the throat. I know, I know, probably overreacting, but, at the same time, OMG, James was everything.
Ok, into the review itself. This book got me hooked from the beginning. The writing is fluid and engaging, and it makes you want to continue to read, to know what it’s going to happen and to see the development of the relationship between the main characters.
As mentioned before, I absolutely adored James. His concerns and preoccupations were important to the story, and he had a clear character development. Kat, however, was a bit immature and insecure, and I feel their relationship was a little bit rushed. I’d classify this book as fast burn, as opposed to a slow burn, and although I loved reading about them as a couple, things felt rushed at times, and I wanted a little bit more of a build-up between James and Kat.
The side characters, specially James’ family, got my curiosity and I can’t wait to read Roman’s book.
Altogether, it was a great read, super cute (Finley the fish, I love you) and definitely a light read that is reminiscent of 2000s rom-coms.
May 9, 2024
ARC received from Sunnybabe pr!
Kat is an assistant to a nightmare actor on the set of a new movie. She meets the mysterious “Alex” a guy on set who has a lot of prosthetic makeup on for his role. They begin a flirtationship, but soon the secret he’s keeping comes to light!
If you enjoy a celebrity romance with some insta attraction, then check this one out!
Tropes:
Celebrity
Hidden identity
Workplace
Kat is an assistant to a nightmare actor on the set of a new movie. She meets the mysterious “Alex” a guy on set who has a lot of prosthetic makeup on for his role. They begin a flirtationship, but soon the secret he’s keeping comes to light!
If you enjoy a celebrity romance with some insta attraction, then check this one out!
Tropes:
Celebrity
Hidden identity
Workplace
May 7, 2025
I’m mad at myself for not reading this sooner.
September 24, 2025
This is a super cute romance book. The characters are mature, or maturing throughout the story. There’s proper communication and conflict resolution, there’s character development. It’s a fun read, and the side characters are lovely! I love drama so I wish there was more of it, but I enjoyed it nonetheless 😊
May 21, 2024
If you are looking for a super cute, swoony, film set romance with hidden identities and actual communication, Ivy Dawes has you on lock.
I was lucky enough to beta read this book and it is ✨adorable✨
James and Kat are believable characters who each go through their own journeys and together. Also, co-parenting a fish? I’m here for it 🥰
I can’t wait for the next in the series!
I was lucky enough to beta read this book and it is ✨adorable✨
James and Kat are believable characters who each go through their own journeys and together. Also, co-parenting a fish? I’m here for it 🥰
I can’t wait for the next in the series!
May 21, 2024
Great read
The perfect light hearted rom com read! I absolutely read this one with a stupid goofy smile on my face the entire time 🤗 ! Kat gets swept off her feet by none other than one of the biggest and gorgeous actors in Hollywood, James Everett. He is so swoony he just makes your heart melt and hot enough between the sheets 🌶 Also, what a killer of a debut read!
The perfect light hearted rom com read! I absolutely read this one with a stupid goofy smile on my face the entire time 🤗 ! Kat gets swept off her feet by none other than one of the biggest and gorgeous actors in Hollywood, James Everett. He is so swoony he just makes your heart melt and hot enough between the sheets 🌶 Also, what a killer of a debut read!
June 23, 2024
✨ arc review ✨
i’ve never read a hollywood romance so i decided to give this arc a chance.
i thought it was fine, there wasn’t anything necessarily wrong with the story, but what bothered me was the way it was written.
i thought there was just too much filler. not in terms of plot, but in terms of inner dialogue… if we can even call it that? for example, the fmc would explain in detail about how she sat in the couch, picked up a magazine, what she’s reading in the magazine, (like the titles of the articles would literally be listed, completely irrelevant to the plot), how she dropped chocolate on her blanket, how she’s soOoOO mEsSy, then about her making tea, standing in the kitchen and waiting for her water to boil… like do you see? why is any of this necessary. this book could’ve been about 50-75 pages shorter.
i admit i ended up skimming until the very end because i just couldn’t handle it. tbh, the smut kept me going which is why i didn’t dnf’ed lol.
this book solidified the fact that i won’t be accepting any more arcs for a good while. my tbr is getting all the attention now.
i’ve never read a hollywood romance so i decided to give this arc a chance.
i thought it was fine, there wasn’t anything necessarily wrong with the story, but what bothered me was the way it was written.
i thought there was just too much filler. not in terms of plot, but in terms of inner dialogue… if we can even call it that? for example, the fmc would explain in detail about how she sat in the couch, picked up a magazine, what she’s reading in the magazine, (like the titles of the articles would literally be listed, completely irrelevant to the plot), how she dropped chocolate on her blanket, how she’s soOoOO mEsSy, then about her making tea, standing in the kitchen and waiting for her water to boil… like do you see? why is any of this necessary. this book could’ve been about 50-75 pages shorter.
i admit i ended up skimming until the very end because i just couldn’t handle it. tbh, the smut kept me going which is why i didn’t dnf’ed lol.
this book solidified the fact that i won’t be accepting any more arcs for a good while. my tbr is getting all the attention now.
December 4, 2025
Okay first off.. 🥵🥵🥵🥵 This book was SPICY! But, I appreciate that even though it had as much spice as it did, it didn’t detract from the overall story. Plus the scenes were pretty well written. Like 4/5 on the spicy scale.
One thing I absolutely loved was the fact that even though Kat’s life seemed to fall apart around her, she was still strong as heck and didn’t need someone else to pick her up. I loved that James just complimented her instead of became her whole personality.
The banter was fantastic and funny. Let me tell you though, some of the stuff that James said to Kat had butterflies trying to rip through my stomach. Oh my god.
Genuinely, I adored both characters. Plus, the scenes with James’ brother had me so hyped for the next book in the series. Enemies to lovers? Yes please. Sign me up!
Pretty sure I’ll be telling everyone to get this book when it comes out. It was such a feel good romcom. Even with some of the harder scenes in the book.
One thing I absolutely loved was the fact that even though Kat’s life seemed to fall apart around her, she was still strong as heck and didn’t need someone else to pick her up. I loved that James just complimented her instead of became her whole personality.
The banter was fantastic and funny. Let me tell you though, some of the stuff that James said to Kat had butterflies trying to rip through my stomach. Oh my god.
Genuinely, I adored both characters. Plus, the scenes with James’ brother had me so hyped for the next book in the series. Enemies to lovers? Yes please. Sign me up!
Pretty sure I’ll be telling everyone to get this book when it comes out. It was such a feel good romcom. Even with some of the harder scenes in the book.
May 6, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🙃😖🤗🤓🥰💕😍😜🥵😔🤍
Ending: I would say HEA..
POV: Dual
“The pretty little brunette has piqued my interest, and I keep replaying our conversation in my mind. Her hazel eyes framed with thick lashes, how soft her skin felt when I touched her… Christ, I’m even thinking about the cute way she was fidgeting. I need to know more about her. And I need to figure out a way to run into her again.”
When our leading man, James is tired of feeling like he’s mule in his fathers game, getting all the attention that comes with being an actor, and is inching to find some type of joy in his work, accidentally stumbles across the beautiful Kat, while being completely unrecognizable has a decision to make. Drastically, he decides to tell her a different name. They instantly bond and it leaves Kat feeling warm.
Kat is a striving theater actress, who was successful in her hometown, but when her boyfriend Dane decides the only way they can be “successful” is through tv and film they make the move to LA. Not only does he tear her down, ignore her, and treat her like shit but he instilled this feeling of “not good enough” and that she would never make it in the acting world. So our girl Kat is struggling in the scene, then she gets dropped by her talent agency and Dane leaves her. Trying not to succumb to the heavy weight of “failure” Kat’s best friend lands her a job as a PA. Ergo our meeting with James.
James is battling with his father and his demands for him to be in a fake relationship with his co-lead star Ava. But as he spends more time with Kat, he’s having a hard time juggling it all. He wants to be in a leadership role for Starlight Studios, which his father also owns. He wants to be with Kat. But when it comes to light, his father leaves him with a choice. Sign the contract, drop all ties with Kat or lose it all. No chance at the leadership role and being damn near black listed from the acting world. He has to make a decision, one that will either make him lose Kat, the girl who changed everything for him, or lose his career and future.
Thank you @Sunnybabepr for sending me a copy of this book!! <3
🔘Genre: Sweet romance
🔘Tropes: Co-workers/Forced Proximity, “My girl” vibes, Forbidden love, Secret Identity, Celebrity Romance, Forbidden Romance
🔘Triggers: Anxiety and a panic attack scene,
🔘Series/Standalone: This is book 1 and there will be a book 2, stay tuned!!
Y’all. YALL. This was such a cute read. Their meet cute?? Had me screaming. Literally just like Kat did when she first saw Alex.. *cough cough* James. Their instant connection was sweet and to see the affect they had one another from the get was magical. The way James poured his heart into Kat was immaculate. The picking her up when her feet hurt?? Bandaging her up?? Telling her he would wait for her?? Accepting whatever she was willing to give him with a smile on his face?? SWOOOOON a million times over. Kat is such a strong girl, and her ultimatum at the end was perfect in my opinion. It was mature and honestly put the pepp into James steps. He needed that push to be able to cut ties with his vile father. It wasn’t really so much of a choice he had to make, but the actually act of making the jump. He. Did. It. For. Her.
THIS ENTIRE BOOK IS AN EXAMPLE OF IF HE WANTED TO HE WOULD. And boy does James wannnnnnnnt to.
Dane can catch these hands.. ugh I’m sorry Dante… hahahaha i coulda laughed in his face.
Finley the fish deserves an honorable mention🐟🤍✨
Burn: 🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🙃😖🤗🤓🥰💕😍😜🥵😔🤍
Ending: I would say HEA..
POV: Dual
“The pretty little brunette has piqued my interest, and I keep replaying our conversation in my mind. Her hazel eyes framed with thick lashes, how soft her skin felt when I touched her… Christ, I’m even thinking about the cute way she was fidgeting. I need to know more about her. And I need to figure out a way to run into her again.”
When our leading man, James is tired of feeling like he’s mule in his fathers game, getting all the attention that comes with being an actor, and is inching to find some type of joy in his work, accidentally stumbles across the beautiful Kat, while being completely unrecognizable has a decision to make. Drastically, he decides to tell her a different name. They instantly bond and it leaves Kat feeling warm.
Kat is a striving theater actress, who was successful in her hometown, but when her boyfriend Dane decides the only way they can be “successful” is through tv and film they make the move to LA. Not only does he tear her down, ignore her, and treat her like shit but he instilled this feeling of “not good enough” and that she would never make it in the acting world. So our girl Kat is struggling in the scene, then she gets dropped by her talent agency and Dane leaves her. Trying not to succumb to the heavy weight of “failure” Kat’s best friend lands her a job as a PA. Ergo our meeting with James.
James is battling with his father and his demands for him to be in a fake relationship with his co-lead star Ava. But as he spends more time with Kat, he’s having a hard time juggling it all. He wants to be in a leadership role for Starlight Studios, which his father also owns. He wants to be with Kat. But when it comes to light, his father leaves him with a choice. Sign the contract, drop all ties with Kat or lose it all. No chance at the leadership role and being damn near black listed from the acting world. He has to make a decision, one that will either make him lose Kat, the girl who changed everything for him, or lose his career and future.
Thank you @Sunnybabepr for sending me a copy of this book!! <3
🔘Genre: Sweet romance
🔘Tropes: Co-workers/Forced Proximity, “My girl” vibes, Forbidden love, Secret Identity, Celebrity Romance, Forbidden Romance
🔘Triggers: Anxiety and a panic attack scene,
🔘Series/Standalone: This is book 1 and there will be a book 2, stay tuned!!
Y’all. YALL. This was such a cute read. Their meet cute?? Had me screaming. Literally just like Kat did when she first saw Alex.. *cough cough* James. Their instant connection was sweet and to see the affect they had one another from the get was magical. The way James poured his heart into Kat was immaculate. The picking her up when her feet hurt?? Bandaging her up?? Telling her he would wait for her?? Accepting whatever she was willing to give him with a smile on his face?? SWOOOOON a million times over. Kat is such a strong girl, and her ultimatum at the end was perfect in my opinion. It was mature and honestly put the pepp into James steps. He needed that push to be able to cut ties with his vile father. It wasn’t really so much of a choice he had to make, but the actually act of making the jump. He. Did. It. For. Her.
THIS ENTIRE BOOK IS AN EXAMPLE OF IF HE WANTED TO HE WOULD. And boy does James wannnnnnnnt to.
Dane can catch these hands.. ugh I’m sorry Dante… hahahaha i coulda laughed in his face.
Finley the fish deserves an honorable mention🐟🤍✨
May 14, 2024
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
Book Name : Starstruck
Author : Ivy Dawes
Stars : 4 stars
Tropes:
1. Hidden Identity
2. Celebrity Romance
3. Meet Cute
4. Secret Relationship
5. Forbidden Romance
6. Dual POV
Synopsis :
Kat:
Dropped by my acting agent? Check. Dumped by my crappy ex boyfriend? Check.
This was not what I envisioned when I moved to LA. So I’m starting at the bottom. Again. When I get a job as a PA on the set of an upcoming Starlight Studios movie, I am stuck catering to the whims of a has-been who treats me like dirt. It’s almost enough to make me reconsider this gig. That is until I meet a background actor who gives me butterflies and makes me feel like I’m alive again.
But looks can be deceiving. Especially when he is buried under layers of facial prosthetics and fake blood. Turns out he’s not a background actor at all. He’s James Everett, the film’s leading star. He’s smart, funny, ridiculously handsome, and everything I want.
Falling in love with a movie star? Check. But does that matter when the film studio is pushing him to enter a fake relationship with someone else?
James:
I have money, fame, and now the leadership role I’ve dreamed of for years at Starlight Studios is finally within my grasp. As long as I stay in line. Anyone would want to be in my shoes. But despite what the public believes, being a part of the Everett family acting dynasty isn’t all award shows and accolades. People only look at me for what they can get from me. Roles, connections, even just being seen in public with me is enough to boost someone’s image in Hollywood. It’s exhausting.
Then, I run into Kat… literally. She’s fun, feisty, and beautiful inside and out. Instead of wanting me for my name, she wants me for who I am. And she’s starting to make me question my father’s actions and his control over my career. The only problem? In order to get that promotion at my family’s film studio, I have to sign a relationship contract… with someone else. What we have is a bright spot in my life, but is it about to be extinguished?
Review :
This book will take you back to a 2000 romcom era - think Friends era. This debut book is an absolute must read if you are into swoon worthy romcoms.
This book shows real character development - when we meet Kat, she has lost most of her hope being dumped by her boyfriend and her agency in the same week. But by the end of the book, we see a version of Kat who knows what she wants and knows her value. Similarly for James, initially he wanted to be acknowledged by his father but by the end he knew better and he achieved his goals without his father’s name.
I really love how Kat and James met, the hidden disguises and the forbidden romance with appropriate amount of spice for it to resemble an early 2000 cliché romance.
I wasn't a big fan of the third act breakup but I understand it helped James get his head in the game and understand what is really important to him - Kat or an executive role in his father's agency. This time apart helped them grow in their own space and not be dependent on each other.
Also spoiler - They started of as co-parents to a Fish!
Favourite Quotes :
1. "If I hung up, I wouldn't have gotten to hear your cute snoring"
2. "And I am fucking crazy for you"
3. "I don't like how we ended that conversation downstairs. Can we talk?"
4. "My Girl"
Book Name : Starstruck
Author : Ivy Dawes
Stars : 4 stars
Tropes:
1. Hidden Identity
2. Celebrity Romance
3. Meet Cute
4. Secret Relationship
5. Forbidden Romance
6. Dual POV
Synopsis :
Kat:
Dropped by my acting agent? Check. Dumped by my crappy ex boyfriend? Check.
This was not what I envisioned when I moved to LA. So I’m starting at the bottom. Again. When I get a job as a PA on the set of an upcoming Starlight Studios movie, I am stuck catering to the whims of a has-been who treats me like dirt. It’s almost enough to make me reconsider this gig. That is until I meet a background actor who gives me butterflies and makes me feel like I’m alive again.
But looks can be deceiving. Especially when he is buried under layers of facial prosthetics and fake blood. Turns out he’s not a background actor at all. He’s James Everett, the film’s leading star. He’s smart, funny, ridiculously handsome, and everything I want.
Falling in love with a movie star? Check. But does that matter when the film studio is pushing him to enter a fake relationship with someone else?
James:
I have money, fame, and now the leadership role I’ve dreamed of for years at Starlight Studios is finally within my grasp. As long as I stay in line. Anyone would want to be in my shoes. But despite what the public believes, being a part of the Everett family acting dynasty isn’t all award shows and accolades. People only look at me for what they can get from me. Roles, connections, even just being seen in public with me is enough to boost someone’s image in Hollywood. It’s exhausting.
Then, I run into Kat… literally. She’s fun, feisty, and beautiful inside and out. Instead of wanting me for my name, she wants me for who I am. And she’s starting to make me question my father’s actions and his control over my career. The only problem? In order to get that promotion at my family’s film studio, I have to sign a relationship contract… with someone else. What we have is a bright spot in my life, but is it about to be extinguished?
Review :
This book will take you back to a 2000 romcom era - think Friends era. This debut book is an absolute must read if you are into swoon worthy romcoms.
This book shows real character development - when we meet Kat, she has lost most of her hope being dumped by her boyfriend and her agency in the same week. But by the end of the book, we see a version of Kat who knows what she wants and knows her value. Similarly for James, initially he wanted to be acknowledged by his father but by the end he knew better and he achieved his goals without his father’s name.
I really love how Kat and James met, the hidden disguises and the forbidden romance with appropriate amount of spice for it to resemble an early 2000 cliché romance.
I wasn't a big fan of the third act breakup but I understand it helped James get his head in the game and understand what is really important to him - Kat or an executive role in his father's agency. This time apart helped them grow in their own space and not be dependent on each other.
Also spoiler - They started of as co-parents to a Fish!
Favourite Quotes :
1. "If I hung up, I wouldn't have gotten to hear your cute snoring"
2. "And I am fucking crazy for you"
3. "I don't like how we ended that conversation downstairs. Can we talk?"
4. "My Girl"
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