The Reluctant Star: A Modern Day Eros and Psyche Retelling

by Loren Sorensen

Only the test of true love will be revealed when the lights shine down, and the cameras begin rolling…

Norah Reid, a PhD Psychology candidate and part-time barista, finds herself caught in a whirlwind romance with Marlon Spenser, Hollywood’s Darling and the son of the Hollywood heiress, Vivianne Spenser. As their love blossoms, Vivianne's meddling ways throw Norah and Marlon into a reality TV show to test their relationship. Suddenly, Norah is thrust into the dazzling world of Hollywood, unsure if her fairytale romance can withstand the pressures of fame and fortune. Can Norah and Marlon's love conquer all or is it just a dream that the fates are playing with?

In this celebrity/local retelling of Eros and Psyche, The Reluctant Star is a tale set in modern day Hollywood. One of instant and fast love, of healing and forced proximity, Marlon and Norah’s story measures the depth of roots and new love when it’s tested against time and who will remain on top.

This is an updated version of the original novella with slight revisions that was featured in As Fate Would Have it, the gods and goddesses adult retelling anthology with an additional 7500 words in an additional chapter.

Genres: Retellings

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2025

Reviews

[Rachael Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this modern romance novel based on the myth of Eros and Psyche. Both of us enjoyed studying Classical Civilisation at secondary school and our love for Greek mythology has only grown in the years since then. The lovely Loren Sorensen gifted us both the ARC to enjoy and we would like to thank her for that too!

Meet Norah, a highly driven, highly intelligent 25 year old who is studying psychology at UCLA. When she has a chance encounter with her professor’s brother, Marlon Spencer, a very famous Hollywood actor, she is immediately drawn to him and he to her. Marlon is known for his romantic nature, always falling hard and fast, a true Romeo of Hollywood and Norah doesn’t want to become just his latest conquest. With looks similar to his famous mother, fame and Marlon’s busy schedule to contend with, this relationship isn’t always plane sailing but both of them feel that it is something worth fighting for…

We really enjoyed the range of POVs, often from Norah and Marlon but sometimes from his brother Anthony, the media coverage and the text conversations between characters in the book too. Norah was sometimes a little too perfect, despite her stubborn streak but we really loved Marlon. Yes he loved hard and fast but he knew who he was and wasn’t afraid to show his love for his girl!

Today, The Reluctant Star is released and really recommend it! If you fancy a romantic, enjoyable read, then this book is for you! Loren Sorensen has created loveable characters in a world obsessed with image, where love tries to conquer all.

[Ems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my god this was such a cute, classical romance 🥰, the novella just kept getting better and better. Loren really have a certain way with words, its descriptive to the point that it completes the story, and its just poetic. And I love the newspaper pages, so amazing and gives a extra punch to the story due to the content of the story. I love Norah and Marlons relationship, they seem so at ease with each other and stabilize each other, bring out the better part of each other and it just made my heart beat more for them. I do not like Marlons mother, she is evil!! And if I were Marlon I would have stopped calling her mother! Why? You need to read the book to find out😁

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars, because i was a bit dissappointed with the ending, it went by a bit too fast. The ending could have been a bit longer to clearify some things that had caused issues for Norah and Marlon. Otherwised I love this book, Loren write in a way that i can only describe as classical romance, that even though there are steamy scenes, they are quite clean and not overdone with details, and that i really liked.

I can recommend this book to anyone who are in the mood for a cute, slow burn, classical romance. And for me, the slow burn was so worth it.

[Caitey Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reluctant Star is an utterly captivating modern retelling of the classic myth of Eros and Psyche, and I genuinely could not put it down. Loren breathes fresh life into ancient lore with a story that’s romantic, emotionally rich, and perfectly paced for a novella.

What truly sets this book apart is its heroine. The female main character is not just beautiful—she’s brilliantly smart. Loren doesn’t fall into the trap of making her choose between brains and beauty; instead, she’s a shining example of both. That alone makes the story a standout for me.

The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and fans of Greek mythology will find themselves absolutely immersed in the clever ways the original myth is reimagined. Loren’s attention to mythological detail without overwhelming the reader is masterful.

Whether you’re a longtime mythology lover or just someone looking for a short, swoony read with emotional depth, The Reluctant Star delivers in spades. It’s the kind of story that makes your heart ache and race at the same time—and leaves you wanting more.

Highly recommended for fans of modern myth retellings, romantic novellas, or just plain good storytelling.

[Michelle-Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5

Imagine if the Goddess Aphrodite really existed and was living amongst the glitz and glam of Hollywood, the pinnacle of beauty and perfection and idolised by everyone. Her handsome son Marlon is a modern day Eros, a true God of loving with a bad reputation for loving too freely, meets and falls in love with an "ordinary girl" who's beauty is compared to the Goddess herself. What could go wrong..... right?!

This book was an amazing retelling of an ancient Greek myth; the love story of Eros and Psyche. Aphrodite becomes enraged at this female mortal who had captured her sons heart, and we all know hell hath no fury like a woman scorned lol! Marlon has to not only prove to Norah that his feelings are genuine despite his reputation, has to prove to his family that this time things really are different, prove to himself that he's capable of loving whole heartedly and prove to his mother that she really doesn't have control over every aspect of his life!

A deliciously slow burn leading to one hell or a steamy scene that's guaranteed to bring a tint to your cheeks, I literally devoured this decent sized novella in a day. Loren has a way of bringing her characters to life through humour, banter and they felt like they were old friends of mine. I celebrated their successes and damed them for their failures! Highly recommend it!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨This was such a sweet and sparkly retelling of Eros and Psyche 🫠

Norah and Marlon had instantttt chemistry 🔥 I loved watching their slow burn romance unfold in the glitz of Hollywood 🌟 It gave heart, humour, and heat in all the right doses. A bonusss 👀 who doesn’t love a meddling mother, secret identities, and a fairytale twist?

I really loved how Norah’s intelligence wasn’t overshadowed by the romance, she felt like a real person with goals and heart 🥰

The reality show angle added such a fun twist, and the tension during the filming scenes was so well done. Also, that extra chapter was totally worth it! it gave the perfect emotional payoff.

I loveeeedddd this book soooo much

Tropes
🎬 Celebrity x normal girl
❤️‍🔥 Instant connection
📚 Greek myth retelling
💖 Reality TV romance
🔥 Slow burn
🫢 Overbearing parent
🥹 Hidden feelings

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review | 4.75 stars

The Reluctant Star is a modern-day Eros & Psyche retelling with a swoony Hollywood twist—and I loved every bit of it!

Norah, a smart and grounded PhD student, finds herself in a whirlwind romance with movie star Marlon. Their chemistry is instant but layered with vulnerability and heart. I especially enjoyed the creative format with text messages, articles, and even a QR code for the original myth—such a fun touch! 📱✨

The romance was sweet, emotional, and perfectly paced for a novella. I only wish it were longer because I wasn’t ready to leave their story behind. If you love modern myth retellings, emotional depth, and a touch of Hollywood drama, definitely add this to your TBR!

Thank you to Loren Sorensen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Haya Jayswal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly loved this book so much. The moment I finished the first chapter, I just knew I was in for something amazing. The writing is super simple and easy to get into, which made the whole experience even better.

Marlon and Norah's chemistry? Obsessed. And those little text conversations between them? So cute! they really added to the vibe of the story.

There was this one scene that totally got me:
“The view is stunning,” she said.
“It is,” he replied, still looking at her.
I was literally jumping while reading that. It gave me all the feels.

I seriously can’t wait to read more from this author. Solid 5/5 from me!

[Bethanys_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg , she has done it again . Loren has turned me into a romance, girly a little bit a little on the softer side. She’s got all the spice you can need. With amazing banter and characters that feel so real to today’s world I love the way she brought the old Eros and psyche mythology to today’s world . The way she brings it all together while adding the perfect amount of spice to such amazing storytelling. Marlon and Nora are like that one Hollywood couple you see and just have to love when she comes from not much and he comes from everything the trials to stick it out and the tabloids in today’s world. It’s just a wonderful retelling with its own story inside that I absolutely loved.

[Stephanie Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this modern retelling of the Eros and Psyche myth.
Norah is a PhD student who’s never been in love, and she ends up meeting a famous actor, Marlon, who hides his identity at first.
Their relationship builds slowly through text messages until his identify is revealed.
The format of the novella with text dialogue, and newspaper articles interspersed between the chapters gives it a fresh and modern spin.

I’ve not read many novellas. I was sorry when this one ended as I would have happily continued.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You are the heart of my desire and the foundation of my hope." - your new book boyfriend, Marlon Spencer.

This story is the retelling of Eros and Psyche from ancient Greek mythology, one of the few with a happy ending. When Norah Reid (Psyche) starts dating Hollywood darling Marlon Spencer (Eros), things go steady, until dear Mother gets involved.

Filled with quick banter, lines to make you squeal and giggle, and a relationship that warms your heart, The Reluctant Star is a fantastic read. This author leaves me wanting more. I can't wait to see what comes next!

[Storm In A Teacup · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this book—it was insta-love for Ash and Nor, and honestly, insta-love for me too. Their chemistry was electric from the start, the kind that makes you grin like an idiot and root for them through every stolen glance and whispered promise. Without Vivienne’s constant meddling, they would’ve been pure perfection. But of course, no good love story comes without a little drama, right?

I’ve always had a soft spot for Greek myth retellings, and this one hit all the right notes. Giving it a modern spin in the glitzy, cutthroat world of Hollywood was genius—it felt fresh, bold, and completely captivating. The story doesn’t waste time pulling you in, and despite being a novella, it delivers a full, satisfying romantic arc that left me smiling.

If you’re a fan of modern mythology, swoon-worthy couples, and stories that sparkle with both glamour and heart, then this is a must-add to your TBR. You won’t regret it.

[booksthatbleed · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing retelling of Eros and Psyche from Ancient Greek Mythology, this novella blends captivating romance with Hollywood glitz and glamour that pulls you straight into the world of emotional storytelling. A fantastic read with sizzling chemistry between the characters!

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed a change of pace, and I got exactly what I was looking for! cute classical novella. Slow burn chef's kiss!
I could not put this down. I will be recommending to everyone!

[Johanna Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. I love when authors reimagine myths. This is a modern twist on Eros and Psyche. It’s set in Los Angeles and has a Hollywood mega star with a mega star mother who meets a UCLA doctoral candidate (who also has parents in the industry but aren’t actors). I loved how we got to see Marlon grow as a character and the points of view from him, Norah, and Anthony (Marlon’s brother), I also enjoyed the text chains between multiple characters and the tabloid pages we got to read that helped keep the story flowing. One very spicy scene but otherwise just a lot of good romance and character development along the way. A quick novella that any fans of mythology or Hollywood drama will enjoy.

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying Loren Sorensen is an amazing author and did an absolutely amazing job on this book. This was a modern day retelling of Psyche & Eros. I love how in the beginning she gave the link to the original story and I’m glad she did it helped me with reading this book. Norah the FMC and Marlon the MMC were absolutely amazing. I love how there love was tested and tried in the reality show way. This was just the amount of spice and just the amount of everything. You know an author has truly captured your attention with a book when you have emotional outburst through them. I did to say the least LOL! Loren did this retelling so well and i am honored that i got to read it as an ARC reader. So what are you waiting for girlies throw this on your TBR and grab it as soon as it’s released June 5, 2025!!!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even with this being a novella, I feel like Loren did the myth justice. The storyline pulled me in and the characters were easy to relate to. I really enjoyed her writing style.

[SpiderMam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so sweet and heartwarming. The modern day retelling of Eros and Psyche. What I loved was that the author provided the original myth story and gave the reader the options of reading the myth or watching a video about it to help them with the storyline. To enhance the vibes, a music playlist is also provided for the reader.

The story of Norah and Marlon was a sweet and romantic journey of them falling in love. Marlon the insufferable movie star who falls in love regularly but fleetingly, meets Norah by chance and he is instantly enamoured by her and it becomes his goal to woo her because he can just feel this is different to all the others that haven’t lasted. Is Norah his endgame?

Marlon’s vapid and jealous movie star mother will
prove to be an issue for the couple as they try to navigate their feelings while she tries to control the narrative.

I won’t give away any spoilers but the journey is sweet and heartwarming and definitely swoon worthy. Do they stand the test? Will they be endgame? Can they overcome the challenges of fame and notoriety?

We will have to wait to find out!
I very much enjoyed this retelling and I’m excited to see how it all plays out ♥️

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhhh this was so cute and well written … the author put a QR code in the book so you can either watch a YouTube video on the Greek mythology that this was based off of or an option to read it … I thought that was the coolest thing !!! It is always fun to compare and contrast retellings for me !!!
I hope there is more bc the ending … had me going!!!
If you like retellings and romance … check this one out !! Short quick and easy read !!!

[CONNIEBENNETT26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loren Sorensen has written a definite modern retelling of Eros and Psyche.
I really loved this perspective, page turning story.
Old Hollywood with an authors authentic dynamic. Stars don’t only fall from the sky they can shoot, too.
Marlon and Norah Story is a must read.!

[theshadyivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

General: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫦🫦

✨✨✨ The Reluctant Star by Loren Sorensen (@lorensorensenwrites), is a greek mythology retelling novella of Psyche & Eros and will releaseed in June 5th.✨✨✨

Dedication:
To the dreamers who have stars in their eyes: you are the maker of your own truths. Your dreams aren’t as far away as you think. You got this.

꧁𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔꧂
🎬Local/Celebrity
🎬 He Falls First (and Hard)
🎬 Healing
🎬 First Love
🎬 Forced Proximity
🎬 Instalove

This is a captivating romance that blends Hollywood glamour with deep emotional struggles.
At its heart, the story follows Norah, a brilliant PhD student in social psychology, and Marlon, the film industry’s golden boy. For him, it’s love at first sight—but his past relationships have left him with bad habits he’s desperate to unlearn. He wants to treat Norah the way she truly deserves. However, Norah, having been burned before by friends who saw her only for her beauty, is wary of trust. When she uncovers Marlon’s secret, she is forced to confront her fears and rediscover how to open herself up to love—something that becomes even more difficult when his mother enters the picture.
This book delivers a deliciously slow-burn romance, filled with witty banter and electric chemistry. It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the messy, beautiful process of learning to trust again. And the best part? There’s a second book coming, so readers won’t have to say goodbye to Norah and Marlon just yet.
If you love romances with emotional depth, a touch of Hollywood magic, and characters who will stay with you long after the last page, The Reluctant Star is a must-read.

Quotes:

“Call me Spence,” he murmured, tugging the ends of her hair, and Norah shivered. “For Spencer?” she whispered, the hair on her arms tingling up her body.

“That’s it sweetheart,” Marlon growled his pleasure. “Suck the tip harder; I like it rough. That’s it. Use your tongue, love. Gods, you’re such a good girl.” His

⁉️QOTD: Would you want to live in Hollywood, constantly under the scrutiny of the media? ⁉️

#indieauthor #booklover #bookgirl #books #reader #spicybooks #booksta #bookrecs #bookstagramer #bookboyfriends #steamyromance #spicyromance #slowburn #firstlove #celebrity #arc #review #currentlyreading #kindleunlimited #theshadyivy

[Samantha Bosnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes
#Local/celebrity
#He falls first
#Healing
#First Love
#Insta love
#Forced Proximity

The Reluctant star a modern retelling of Eros & Psyche but named Marlon and Norah.
This book is a slow burn romance, which had quick banter, a relationship that you will fall in love with, you will laugh, and get irritated with the characters, but they are learning and growing. The playlist Loren chose for this was perfection and liked how she gave you the option to read the original tale and a youtube video.

Marlon is a great MMC, he knows what he wants, and he is going to go after it. He is a famous actor and is used to getting what he wants as well. He hides at first who he is, can’t blame him, sometimes you need to do that to see if people are really truthful.

“You are the heart of my desire and the foundation of my hope”

Norah is beautiful and smart, she is a PHD student who’s never been in love, and she is pure and then she meets Marlon.
As you read and watch this relationship bloom, you will see that they are made for each other, but you need to convince Norah that. These two made each other better, had heart and humor and there was some heat, just enough for this beautiful story.

“That’s it sweetheart.” Marlon growled his pleasure. “Suck the tip harder; I like it rough. That’s it. Use your tongue, love/ Gods, you’re such a good girl.” HIS

“Is it so bad that I think you deserve a weekend getaway?” Marlon asked in return. “You are the hardest working person I know!” “—It’s only been a month, Marlon.” “That doesn’t make it a lie!” Marlon flared back. “The passage of time doesn’t make our feelings or intentions any less meaningful. There isn’t a timeline for how to feel or when you feel it. You are my exception to every rule, Norah. I’d like to think I was yours too. And when you meet the one person in your life who is the exception, love isn’t made with expectations or contingencies. Or… so I thought.” Words failed her, and when Norah didn’t respond, Marlon continued. “Look—I’ll just… take some time, Norah. We can figure out Paris later.” His jaw flexed with annoyance.

[Harmony E. Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loren Sorensen is an amazing author and did an amazing job on this modern twist of Psyche & Eros. I think it was a brilliant move strategy wise to provide the readers with the original link to the story. It allowed us to fully comprehend her inspiration. And I think the characters like Marlon and Norah added the right amount of drama and romance. And the over the top Hollywood mom from HELL Vivianne, who's constant verbal assaults and nonstop interference on her son Marlon's relationship or Ashley as she affectionately calls him, left the readers feeling sympathetic towards Norah and Marlon. Everything Loren wrote was done with ease and humor. My only real critique is the book Reluctant Star being a little too literal. I feel like certain words like "goddamned", "Hades", "Gods" and "Fates" were used way too frequently that it kind of became distracting. Only because Loren explained the inspiration behind her book, I feel like those words didn't need to be used so often. I think if they are cut back a bit that it would help with the overall flow of the book. But besides that, I definitely think Loren Sorensen is a force to be reckoned with in the author world. And I can't wait to see what she writes next.

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Marlon defends a barista from an unruly customer, he doesn't realize how important Norah would become to him. Focused on finishing her Ph.D, Norah doesn't think twice about romance. When a super man swoops in to save her, then keeps popping into her life, she decides to give him a shot. Marlon being a famous actor puts both Norah and their relationship into the spotlight, and Norah is put to the test when Marlon's Hollywood star mother decides to broadcast their love.

Did I pick this one up because the FMC and I share a name? Possibly. She also drives a Subaru, so she actually scores two points in the awesome category. I enjoyed the bits her and Marlon's relationship that were told, but the story is only partially focused on then. Alternating between their POVs, various text message conversations, and news articles about their relationship, the timeline skips chunks here and there rather abruptly. It's a modernized retelling, and there's lots of mentions of the Fates, gods, and other mythological head nods that are casually thrown in. No world building or context is given, however. I did enjoy the overall story, and the one spicy scene was a literal lifesaver in a sea of otherwise PG content.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
2.5 chiles

Loren somehow pulls off a combo HEA & cliffhanger ending and I love it!

This novella is a sort of origin story retelling of the Psyche and Eros Greek myth with a real housewife twist.

Norah (our FMC) is a PhD candidate and part time barista, and Marlon (our MMC) is a Hollywood movie star. The novella explores how they meet, fall in love, how that love is challenged and how they (maybe) overcome it. No spoilers here. Like I said: part happy ending, part cliff hanger...

Loren's writing style is very lyrical, but also polished. This may be a contemporary romance, but there's a sort of old world "invoke the gods" vibe to it that I really enjoyed. Loren takes the time to build her characters and their relationships so when it all falls apart, so do you.

[TheLiterary Mug · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of mythology and craving a sweet romance as I do love retellings (Eros & Psyche) this was a sweet pick me up. It was beyond my expectations, it was so sweet and adorable. Full of modern elements, love, heartbreak, with a over bearing mother and forgiveness.
It’s such an engaging easy read, featuring well-developed strong characters Norah and Marlon both brilliant in their own right. In the midst of Hollywood glamour, encompassing instant chemistry, a yummy slow burn romance and twisty drama elements are a delight. So prepare to fall for this glorious reimagining of Greek mythology, beautifully written and not over reaching in a modern retelling.

[Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella.

I loved the modern Hollywood twist on the Psyche and Eros story. It was so much fun to read.

I liked Marlon and Anthony’s brotherly relationship. It felt real.

Marlon and Norah were really cute together.

I loved the articles scattered throughout. It added a little more depth into the Hollywood side of the story to me, and on the plus side, gave me a little more insight into it as well.

I really wish the story was a little longer and was fleshed out a little more.

[Brittany Grammatica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Greek retellings and this book hits it outta the park! This is a modern day take on Eros and Psyche, in which you have Marlon and Norah being tried and tested in a reality show way!! Absolutely loved this take and the cliffhanger makes me so excited to see what else Loren Sorensen has in store

[Lydia Anslow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the way this book fused classical myth with the current day with this modern take of Eros and Psyche.

The range of POVs kept the interest going, often from Norah and Marlon but sometimes from his brother Anthony, the media coverage and the text conversations between characters in the book too helped with a change of pace to keep you reading more. Norah was sometimes a little too perfect, despite her stubborn streak but I loved Marlon. He fell fast but whilst knowing who he is and not being afraid to show his love to his girl

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was had at "Greek Myth Retelling" having it be an Eros/Psyche retelling just was the cherry on top! They are one of my favourite couples and are so under represented in modern retells.

The chemistry, the Mama-Drama, and the dialogue are all key parts that made this novella a fun, snappy read.

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

This retelling was a quick read, and an enjoyable one.

Marlon and Norah's relationship was sweet. The texts, the banter, the humour and the slow burn romance - it was all amazing.

The ending was a little abrupt, so I hope there's more to come!