What do you think?
Rate this book
Love in Los Ángeles #1
Starling
Be careful what you wish for...
When J. Alex Cook, a production assistant on The Fourth Estate (one of network TV’s hottest shows), is accidentally catapulted to stardom, he finds himself struggling to navigate both fame and a relationship with Paul, one of Fourth’s key writers. Despite their incendiary chemistry, Alex’s inexperience and the baggage they’re both carrying quickly lead to an ugly break-up.
Because the stars aren't benign
Reeling from their broken hearts, Alex has an affair and Paul has an ill-advised reunion with an old flame. Meanwhile, the meddling of their colleagues, friends -- and even the paparazzi! -- quickly make Alex and Paul’s real life romance troubles the soap opera of the television season.
But while the entertainment value may be high, no one knows better than Alex and Paul that there are no guarantees when it comes to love in Los Angeles.
When J. Alex Cook, a production assistant on The Fourth Estate (one of network TV’s hottest shows), is accidentally catapulted to stardom, he finds himself struggling to navigate both fame and a relationship with Paul, one of Fourth’s key writers. Despite their incendiary chemistry, Alex’s inexperience and the baggage they’re both carrying quickly lead to an ugly break-up.
Because the stars aren't benign
Reeling from their broken hearts, Alex has an affair and Paul has an ill-advised reunion with an old flame. Meanwhile, the meddling of their colleagues, friends -- and even the paparazzi! -- quickly make Alex and Paul’s real life romance troubles the soap opera of the television season.
But while the entertainment value may be high, no one knows better than Alex and Paul that there are no guarantees when it comes to love in Los Angeles.
ebook
First published September 10, 2014
15 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Racheline Maltese
79 books184 followersRacheline Maltese is a queer writer living a big life from a small space. She flies planes, sails boats, and rides horses, but as a native New Yorker, has no idea how to drive a car.
A performer and storyteller focused on themes of celebrity, gender, desire and mourning, Racheline has a journalism degree from The George Washington University; studied acting and directing at the Atlantic Theater Company Acting School (New York City) and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (Sydney, Australia); and is a proud SAG-AFTRA member.
She lives in Brooklyn with her partner and their two cats.
A performer and storyteller focused on themes of celebrity, gender, desire and mourning, Racheline has a journalism degree from The George Washington University; studied acting and directing at the Atlantic Theater Company Acting School (New York City) and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (Sydney, Australia); and is a proud SAG-AFTRA member.
She lives in Brooklyn with her partner and their two cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 4, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm too lazy to summarize the story but the blurb for the book pretty much covers what goes on for a majority of the book. The names being thrown around at the start of the book was very confusing until readers could get a grasp on who was who and what their role in the book was.
The story in general was interesting for the most part and partly frustrating. The way Paul and Alex meet and get to know each other was alluring. Seeing them enter into a relationship they haven't defined and then have a misunderstanding resulting in them kind of breaking up and then ultimately trying to make a semblance of a relationship was entertaining in a way.
It took me a hundred pages into the book (after Paul has a talk with Vicktor about his relationship problem with Alex) for me to come to the conclusion that I really did not like the characters in the story. I mean throughout the story I was extremely detached from everything that was happening in the book and the character (mainly because of the execution style). I had to work to finish it though I must say that even though I had to work to finish it I thought the approach the authors took in telling the story made it stand out.
A major issue I had with the story was Liam and Paul's breakup. I thought Alex went about it all wrong. I didn't think of it as a breakup and more of a break for space (short separation) and for an odd reason I just couldn't accept that Alex would move on and fall into a sexual relationship with Liam, whom was in a committed relationship with Carly and had a side thing with Vicktor. It just felt wrong that Alex who was a virgin, gave his first time to a coworker and friend instead of his supposedly love interest Paul. There was feeling of betrayal present for me. Paul in turn gets back with his ex. Then when Alex starts contacting Paul with feelings of missing him the whole story just becomes lost on me. I can't imagine having feelings for someone and reconcile that with screwing someone else and continuing to screw then and try to reconcile with the person your emotionally attached to when that same person could help you with your issues if only Alex would let him. I get that Alex is young and only in his 20s and needs to grow up so I wasn't as turned off by the whole break and screwing Liam and other people. I also get that Paul was extremely dependent (needing a relationship to keep him steady) and had issues being independent.
I hated the feeling that no one in this book had any boundaries with anyone else. Everyone was interfering in someone else's life and while they wanted to make friends and be friends they had no respect for each other ( example Liam not caring about Paul's feeling. He knows it's probably going to be an issue for Paul later but he wants to comfort and help Alex find himself regardless of Paul's feelings and he states it when Carly forces them to make friends with each other). I felt like Alex and Paul were pawns and their lives were just games for other peoples amusement. By the end of the book I was practically jumping with joy because I managed to finish it until I saw and read the preview for the next book in the last few pages. It took me a while to realize it but this book just wasn't what I expected it to be. I felt it was a mess and I don't feel the way everyone was interfering in Paul or Alex life actually helped them grow that much. Paul was still dependent and had to be in a relationship. Alex, even though he realized the person he wanted to be with was Paul, was still scared of commitment and being in a loving relationship. Paul who had his own home for a long time had to move into Alex's home. He ended up giving his home to Alex's roommate to live in. There wasn't a lot of concession on Alex's part but a lot on Paul's.
I'm at war about the rating I want to give it one star because of the feelings it inspired in me but at the same time I though the idea and execution deserved three.
I'm too lazy to summarize the story but the blurb for the book pretty much covers what goes on for a majority of the book. The names being thrown around at the start of the book was very confusing until readers could get a grasp on who was who and what their role in the book was.
The story in general was interesting for the most part and partly frustrating. The way Paul and Alex meet and get to know each other was alluring. Seeing them enter into a relationship they haven't defined and then have a misunderstanding resulting in them kind of breaking up and then ultimately trying to make a semblance of a relationship was entertaining in a way.
It took me a hundred pages into the book (after Paul has a talk with Vicktor about his relationship problem with Alex) for me to come to the conclusion that I really did not like the characters in the story. I mean throughout the story I was extremely detached from everything that was happening in the book and the character (mainly because of the execution style). I had to work to finish it though I must say that even though I had to work to finish it I thought the approach the authors took in telling the story made it stand out.
A major issue I had with the story was Liam and Paul's breakup. I thought Alex went about it all wrong. I didn't think of it as a breakup and more of a break for space (short separation) and for an odd reason I just couldn't accept that Alex would move on and fall into a sexual relationship with Liam, whom was in a committed relationship with Carly and had a side thing with Vicktor. It just felt wrong that Alex who was a virgin, gave his first time to a coworker and friend instead of his supposedly love interest Paul. There was feeling of betrayal present for me. Paul in turn gets back with his ex. Then when Alex starts contacting Paul with feelings of missing him the whole story just becomes lost on me. I can't imagine having feelings for someone and reconcile that with screwing someone else and continuing to screw then and try to reconcile with the person your emotionally attached to when that same person could help you with your issues if only Alex would let him. I get that Alex is young and only in his 20s and needs to grow up so I wasn't as turned off by the whole break and screwing Liam and other people. I also get that Paul was extremely dependent (needing a relationship to keep him steady) and had issues being independent.
I hated the feeling that no one in this book had any boundaries with anyone else. Everyone was interfering in someone else's life and while they wanted to make friends and be friends they had no respect for each other ( example Liam not caring about Paul's feeling. He knows it's probably going to be an issue for Paul later but he wants to comfort and help Alex find himself regardless of Paul's feelings and he states it when Carly forces them to make friends with each other). I felt like Alex and Paul were pawns and their lives were just games for other peoples amusement. By the end of the book I was practically jumping with joy because I managed to finish it until I saw and read the preview for the next book in the last few pages. It took me a while to realize it but this book just wasn't what I expected it to be. I felt it was a mess and I don't feel the way everyone was interfering in Paul or Alex life actually helped them grow that much. Paul was still dependent and had to be in a relationship. Alex, even though he realized the person he wanted to be with was Paul, was still scared of commitment and being in a loving relationship. Paul who had his own home for a long time had to move into Alex's home. He ended up giving his home to Alex's roommate to live in. There wasn't a lot of concession on Alex's part but a lot on Paul's.
I'm at war about the rating I want to give it one star because of the feelings it inspired in me but at the same time I though the idea and execution deserved three.
December 25, 2018
A complex, messy, often emotionally wrenching queer celebrity romance series that's so far beyond what the phrase "celebrity romance" brings to mind that I'm almost not sure that's the right term for it. It starts with Starling, in which Alex Cook, 21, is plucked out of the crew on a hit television series and given a starring role. Alex is a deeply private person, scarred from growing up gay and poor in a small, unfriendly Midwestern town, so his life in the media spotlight turns out to be just as comfortable as you'd expect. His sudden fame puts major stress on his co-occurring new relationship with Paul, a gay writer on the show, who has his own issues.
Paul and Alex's relationship happens within a social circle / found family that includes Carly, Paul's ex, a bisexual woman who is in a committed open relationship with Alex's co-star Liam, a closeted bisexual man (who initially seems possibly non-neurotypical), who also has a somewhat ill-defined romantic/sexual relationship with frighteningly manipulative showrunner Victor, who is asexual (and Latino, though that doesn't play much of a role in the story).
What sucked me into this series is how it honors the reality that relationships can be really hard and painful, especially when people have experienced trauma, while also supplying meet-cute, sexy, and heartbreakingly tender moments. These characters do hurt each other, make terrible mistakes, and damage their relationships. Paul and Alex even break up/separate more than once. But the authors clearly love every single character, even and especially when they're being self-destructive, and so they give each one people in their lives who have a deep capacity to understand and care for them in various important ways. That caring is one of the most significant characteristics of this series IMHO, even when it's a case of the thought being what counts because the execution is a mess.
The second and third books, Doves and Phoenix, broaden the focus to the relationships among Paul and Alex and those other people, though Alex and Paul are still the central couple. (Paul and Alex consider themselves monogamous in terms of being each other's only primary partner, but if you need your central couple to only sleep with each other once they're together, this isn't for you.) Reduced to a plot summary, this series could sound like a soap opera, but it's much deeper than that. It's about the deeply strange experience of a personal life being public, how to even figure out building relationships in a culture that prescribes only one type, and how to fix things with other people after fucking up. Sometimes so hard to read because characters you've come to love are flailing, but well worth it.
The fourth book, Cardinal, has just come out, and it waiting on my Kindle so patiently... :)
Diversity note: McRae and Maltese are both queer.
Paul and Alex's relationship happens within a social circle / found family that includes Carly, Paul's ex, a bisexual woman who is in a committed open relationship with Alex's co-star Liam, a closeted bisexual man (who initially seems possibly non-neurotypical), who also has a somewhat ill-defined romantic/sexual relationship with frighteningly manipulative showrunner Victor, who is asexual (and Latino, though that doesn't play much of a role in the story).
What sucked me into this series is how it honors the reality that relationships can be really hard and painful, especially when people have experienced trauma, while also supplying meet-cute, sexy, and heartbreakingly tender moments. These characters do hurt each other, make terrible mistakes, and damage their relationships. Paul and Alex even break up/separate more than once. But the authors clearly love every single character, even and especially when they're being self-destructive, and so they give each one people in their lives who have a deep capacity to understand and care for them in various important ways. That caring is one of the most significant characteristics of this series IMHO, even when it's a case of the thought being what counts because the execution is a mess.
The second and third books, Doves and Phoenix, broaden the focus to the relationships among Paul and Alex and those other people, though Alex and Paul are still the central couple. (Paul and Alex consider themselves monogamous in terms of being each other's only primary partner, but if you need your central couple to only sleep with each other once they're together, this isn't for you.) Reduced to a plot summary, this series could sound like a soap opera, but it's much deeper than that. It's about the deeply strange experience of a personal life being public, how to even figure out building relationships in a culture that prescribes only one type, and how to fix things with other people after fucking up. Sometimes so hard to read because characters you've come to love are flailing, but well worth it.
The fourth book, Cardinal, has just come out, and it waiting on my Kindle so patiently... :)
Diversity note: McRae and Maltese are both queer.
May 7, 2018
3.5 Stars
We get a hard earn Happily for Now in this romance about two heroes who have a great deal of emotionial unrepressing to do.
It is a compelling read as the heroes struggle with fame and ambitions and creativity and inexperience in many aspects of their lives.
The age gap is handled with depth. There is a separation which off putting while reading a romance as the heroes get together with other people, it reads true to character and the story.
The writing... in some ways it is great but in others the tone is too removed for me. I feel like I am looking through a peephole at times because of the shut down emotions or swallowed ones anyway and lack of self awareness or rich conversations of the heroes. Not my favorite.
I will check out other books in the series as these writers explore some complex ideas about friendship and love.
We get a hard earn Happily for Now in this romance about two heroes who have a great deal of emotionial unrepressing to do.
It is a compelling read as the heroes struggle with fame and ambitions and creativity and inexperience in many aspects of their lives.
The age gap is handled with depth. There is a separation which off putting while reading a romance as the heroes get together with other people, it reads true to character and the story.
The writing... in some ways it is great but in others the tone is too removed for me. I feel like I am looking through a peephole at times because of the shut down emotions or swallowed ones anyway and lack of self awareness or rich conversations of the heroes. Not my favorite.
I will check out other books in the series as these writers explore some complex ideas about friendship and love.
September 26, 2014
I don't quite self-identify as a romance reader. I mean, I do read it (obviously), but I don't tend to think of it as a staple, no matter how much of it is actually in my reading diet.
That said, I've been looking forward to Starling since Racheline first mentioned it to me. I love backstage stories. I love books with complicated relationships in them. And, in particular, I love stories in which identities are allowed to be complex and fluid.
Starling basically nails all of these things and more.
There's the celebrity arc itself -- i.e. boy gets noticed, gets cast, and gets shoved into celebrity with all of the attendant weirdness -- which I think is handled with more realism and delicacy than a lot of stories that play with the same themes. Alex struggles, he has misgivings, and his sudden fame changes his personal relationships and makes it difficult for him to move freely in the world.
Alex is also young and relatively inexperienced, both romantically and professionally. This is mostly a result of his circumstances, but also the way Alex experiences the world. He's easily overwhelmed. He needs a lot of space. It's just the way his brain works.
It would have been easy to make Paul (who initially meets Alex under distinctly awkward circumstances) the sole mentor through this experience. Paul's roots are, after all, not too unlike Alex's. They're both in the industry, both are men who came to Los Angeles from more conservative, rural areas, etc. Instead, Paul has his own arc: finding his way and coming back into his own after the end of a long-term relationship.
And then, of course, there's Liam: high-energy, openly polyamorous, not-so-openly bisexual, and intimately connected to almost every one of the major players. That includes Victor, whose role as showrunner dovetails with his long working relationship with Paul, and his personal/professional relationship with Liam.
Starling is, more than anything, a book about people figuring out what they want through trial and error. It's compassionate in places, harsh in others, and demonstrates more ably than most books twice its length that human relationships don't have to look like just one thing. Sometimes the road to success doesn't look like we expect it to. Sometimes people get scared, or fail to communicate, or make dumb choices that get in the way of love.
And sometimes, if you're lucky, it all works out in the end.
This is why I loved Starling. It's a book that lets its characters be human and love in all kinds of different ways. The characters have pasts that matter and follow them and build to their present. It's sweet and awkward in all the right places, and I can't wait for book two.
(Disclosure: While I'm a paperback guy, and I'll be picking up a copy, Racheline fronted me a digital ARC for purposes of review.)
That said, I've been looking forward to Starling since Racheline first mentioned it to me. I love backstage stories. I love books with complicated relationships in them. And, in particular, I love stories in which identities are allowed to be complex and fluid.
Starling basically nails all of these things and more.
There's the celebrity arc itself -- i.e. boy gets noticed, gets cast, and gets shoved into celebrity with all of the attendant weirdness -- which I think is handled with more realism and delicacy than a lot of stories that play with the same themes. Alex struggles, he has misgivings, and his sudden fame changes his personal relationships and makes it difficult for him to move freely in the world.
Alex is also young and relatively inexperienced, both romantically and professionally. This is mostly a result of his circumstances, but also the way Alex experiences the world. He's easily overwhelmed. He needs a lot of space. It's just the way his brain works.
It would have been easy to make Paul (who initially meets Alex under distinctly awkward circumstances) the sole mentor through this experience. Paul's roots are, after all, not too unlike Alex's. They're both in the industry, both are men who came to Los Angeles from more conservative, rural areas, etc. Instead, Paul has his own arc: finding his way and coming back into his own after the end of a long-term relationship.
And then, of course, there's Liam: high-energy, openly polyamorous, not-so-openly bisexual, and intimately connected to almost every one of the major players. That includes Victor, whose role as showrunner dovetails with his long working relationship with Paul, and his personal/professional relationship with Liam.
Starling is, more than anything, a book about people figuring out what they want through trial and error. It's compassionate in places, harsh in others, and demonstrates more ably than most books twice its length that human relationships don't have to look like just one thing. Sometimes the road to success doesn't look like we expect it to. Sometimes people get scared, or fail to communicate, or make dumb choices that get in the way of love.
And sometimes, if you're lucky, it all works out in the end.
This is why I loved Starling. It's a book that lets its characters be human and love in all kinds of different ways. The characters have pasts that matter and follow them and build to their present. It's sweet and awkward in all the right places, and I can't wait for book two.
(Disclosure: While I'm a paperback guy, and I'll be picking up a copy, Racheline fronted me a digital ARC for purposes of review.)
September 26, 2014
[I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review]
4.5 stars
Sometimes there are books I have a lot of expectations about but ultimately fail them, other times instead there are books that surprise me in the most positive way..."Starling" definitely belong to the second category!
I really liked this story: it felt -while set in a world known for its half-truths and lies and obviously very distant to my own- so realistic and down to heart. As it was pointed out by another reviewer, more than a love-story "Starling" is a life-story.
Both Paul and Alex have their flaws and their secrets and both have a difficult time sharing their past with each other. They are quite different in some ways and not so much in others, and obviously that turns to be both a good and a bad thing at once. In many occasions they are afraid of saying or reveal too much and too soon and so they make mistakes and make each other suffer. All of this but also (maybe mostly) those moments when they're apart and find comfort in someone else while still not letting go of each other, make this two fictional characters so very real to me and make reading their story such a bittersweet experience.
In the very beginning both Paul and Alex voices were quite impersonal and as a reader I felt detached to them; but now, thinking about it, I feel like it makes sense and fits the story and its realism quite well: after all that's exactly the way it feels meeting someone for the first time!
The only criticism I feel to do is the following: I'd have liked to find out more about Paul's and Alex's past (bad) experiences since they were mentioned and implied more than once..I hope to have the chance in book 2
At last, I'd like to thank again the authors for the opportunity to read this book for free and I hope they appreciate my honest review.
4.5 stars
Sometimes there are books I have a lot of expectations about but ultimately fail them, other times instead there are books that surprise me in the most positive way..."Starling" definitely belong to the second category!
I really liked this story: it felt -while set in a world known for its half-truths and lies and obviously very distant to my own- so realistic and down to heart. As it was pointed out by another reviewer, more than a love-story "Starling" is a life-story.
Both Paul and Alex have their flaws and their secrets and both have a difficult time sharing their past with each other. They are quite different in some ways and not so much in others, and obviously that turns to be both a good and a bad thing at once. In many occasions they are afraid of saying or reveal too much and too soon and so they make mistakes and make each other suffer. All of this but also (maybe mostly) those moments when they're apart and find comfort in someone else while still not letting go of each other, make this two fictional characters so very real to me and make reading their story such a bittersweet experience.
In the very beginning both Paul and Alex voices were quite impersonal and as a reader I felt detached to them; but now, thinking about it, I feel like it makes sense and fits the story and its realism quite well: after all that's exactly the way it feels meeting someone for the first time!
The only criticism I feel to do is the following: I'd have liked to find out more about Paul's and Alex's past (bad) experiences since they were mentioned and implied more than once..I hope to have the chance in book 2
At last, I'd like to thank again the authors for the opportunity to read this book for free and I hope they appreciate my honest review.
October 4, 2014
I received a free copy of this book via the Goodreads Don't buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 dull stars
To start out, the blurb for this book hits on all points. No need to restate a summary of the story. I picked this book because the blurb sounded like a new adventure. I haven’t read any books set in the behind the scenes of a television show. This appeared to have a different look at how the magic happens.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect well with the characters. I think it was due to execution, because I normally have no problem with broken or not perfect MCs. These two, though, deserve each other. There were very few moments that felt real. I just did not lose myself in the story. It was too easy to put the book down for 4 days. I did finally finish. I wanted to know how Alex and Paul got back together, even if I didn’t care all that much.
ETA: This review explains my feelings so much better than I have: blub's review of Starling
2.5 dull stars
To start out, the blurb for this book hits on all points. No need to restate a summary of the story. I picked this book because the blurb sounded like a new adventure. I haven’t read any books set in the behind the scenes of a television show. This appeared to have a different look at how the magic happens.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect well with the characters. I think it was due to execution, because I normally have no problem with broken or not perfect MCs. These two, though, deserve each other. There were very few moments that felt real. I just did not lose myself in the story. It was too easy to put the book down for 4 days. I did finally finish. I wanted to know how Alex and Paul got back together, even if I didn’t care all that much.
ETA: This review explains my feelings so much better than I have: blub's review of Starling
October 20, 2014
I have been dipping into more romance novels lately, especially the ones which fall outside the traditional Harlequin mold, because I've been given great recs by smart ladies who love them. The result is that I have a lot more positive feelings about the genre than I might once have.
I loved Starling. I thought it was a smart, funny and compelling book about grown-ups at different points in that continuum, trying to figure out their lives and reconcile their pasts and presents. I came to love the different characters and to appreciate how different they were from the usual romantic "types." I loved the behind-the-scenes feel of the story, set in part on a hit television show amongst its actors and crew, and had fun pairing up the different characters with their possible real-world counterparts. And I loved the love story at its center, with all its messy complications.
I was going to say, while I loved it, this didn't read like a romance to me, and that's maybe not wrong, but the truth is, I did love the romantic pairing at its center, and I was rooting for it through all its many complications. It was just startling -- even in a gay romance novel -- to see love and relationships treated as real and messy and not the cure for anything at all, really, except for not being in a relationship. I loved that it took seriously complicated queer relationships of more than one kind, that it didn't dismiss the idea of an open relationship, or treat it like a joke, and that it treated friendships -- with or without a sexual component -- as a vital part of this world. It was a great, fresh take on an old trope, and once I got past the improbably series of events that led to the "Kid, you're gonna be a star" moment, I enjoyed every moment of it.
Whether you're a romance reader or not, there's certainly a rich enough world here to keep your interest, I think, and I am already on tenterhooks waiting for the sequel(s).
I loved Starling. I thought it was a smart, funny and compelling book about grown-ups at different points in that continuum, trying to figure out their lives and reconcile their pasts and presents. I came to love the different characters and to appreciate how different they were from the usual romantic "types." I loved the behind-the-scenes feel of the story, set in part on a hit television show amongst its actors and crew, and had fun pairing up the different characters with their possible real-world counterparts. And I loved the love story at its center, with all its messy complications.
I was going to say, while I loved it, this didn't read like a romance to me, and that's maybe not wrong, but the truth is, I did love the romantic pairing at its center, and I was rooting for it through all its many complications. It was just startling -- even in a gay romance novel -- to see love and relationships treated as real and messy and not the cure for anything at all, really, except for not being in a relationship. I loved that it took seriously complicated queer relationships of more than one kind, that it didn't dismiss the idea of an open relationship, or treat it like a joke, and that it treated friendships -- with or without a sexual component -- as a vital part of this world. It was a great, fresh take on an old trope, and once I got past the improbably series of events that led to the "Kid, you're gonna be a star" moment, I enjoyed every moment of it.
Whether you're a romance reader or not, there's certainly a rich enough world here to keep your interest, I think, and I am already on tenterhooks waiting for the sequel(s).
October 9, 2014
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
Probably 3.5 stars...
I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this one. There were a lot of good points. I really liked Alex - for the most part. I liked Paul, more than I thought I would originally. Liam was a treat I did not expect... I liked that the characters were real, but that being said, I also, really didn't like that about the story.
First thing that struck me when I started reading this was that the writer uses present tense to tell the story. So, personally, I struggle with that style, and had a hard time getting into the story. Once I got there though, I was able to get caught up with the characters... I felt for Alex, until I wanted to smack him, a couple times over. That happened at the point of the story where it stopped being that romantic fantasy and became more of a reflection of real life. The characters acted like normal people would if put in a similar situation. It wasn't a bad thing, I just didn't go into the story with that mindset.
There was nothing overly spectacular about Paul, though as I said I liked him. He was smart and nice... and I think there was a chemistry with Alex that wasn't instant but was developed... which was another good thing.
So, overall, this is a good story. There were a few things that personally didn't work as well for me, but that's just me. There's sequel to this that I'm curious about and there's a bit of a teaser included at the end... enough to make me think I may give it a go when it comes out.
Probably 3.5 stars...
I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this one. There were a lot of good points. I really liked Alex - for the most part. I liked Paul, more than I thought I would originally. Liam was a treat I did not expect... I liked that the characters were real, but that being said, I also, really didn't like that about the story.
First thing that struck me when I started reading this was that the writer uses present tense to tell the story. So, personally, I struggle with that style, and had a hard time getting into the story. Once I got there though, I was able to get caught up with the characters... I felt for Alex, until I wanted to smack him, a couple times over. That happened at the point of the story where it stopped being that romantic fantasy and became more of a reflection of real life. The characters acted like normal people would if put in a similar situation. It wasn't a bad thing, I just didn't go into the story with that mindset.
There was nothing overly spectacular about Paul, though as I said I liked him. He was smart and nice... and I think there was a chemistry with Alex that wasn't instant but was developed... which was another good thing.
So, overall, this is a good story. There were a few things that personally didn't work as well for me, but that's just me. There's sequel to this that I'm curious about and there's a bit of a teaser included at the end... enough to make me think I may give it a go when it comes out.
September 25, 2014
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars for this contemporary M/M romance.
Alex is a 20 y/o production assistant on a network drama when he gets called in to be an extra and suddenly lands a recurrent role. This poses all sorts of issues for Alex because he is intensely private and loathes then new scrutiny he is under--particularly related to hie "relationship" with his co-worker and on-screen love interest Liam.
While the twitter buzzes about their (possible) relationship, Alex is actually embarking on his first adult relationship with Paul, a 30 y/o writer for the show on which Alex and Liam work. Paul has just gotten out of a long-term relationship with Craig--who assumed custody of their Divorce Dog. Craig wasn't satisfied with what scraps of time Paul offered outside of his devotion to work, and left.
Alex, on the other hand is comfortable with limited contact. He's actually quite innocent and what he experiences with Paul is exciting and overwhelming--though the feel temporary. Having no experience in relationships, Alex isn't sure if he's in one with Paul--or if it's only working because in a few weeks Alex will leave for two months to film on other projects.
Paul and Alex have some serious communication issues, and they fail utterly at describing their relationship--even to each other. Paul thinks they are serious, Alex thinks they are not; and their separation is of the cooling off kind, much to each other's dismay.
Liam, filming on location with Alex, reveals his (closeted) bisexuality, and the two find some comfort with each other--Alex finally finding someone to share himself with when it's much lower stakes. This is, by turns, fulfilling and hollowing for Alex. Liam is a good friend, but he can't be a boyfriend. He's engaged to a woman after all. Plus, Alex still yearns for Paul.
For his part, Paul moves on quickly--and yet he still misses what he and Alex shared. During their separation they actually communicate much better, and the door is opened for them to reconnect.
For me, this book was a bit hard to follow--the POV switches often and is not limited to Paul or Alex, though those are primary. At times it felt as if there was a TV narrator catching me up to what was happening, which left me feeling detached and unable to really capture the emotions of the characters. While the only infidelity, per se, was that between Liam and his fiance, (who have an acknowledged open relationship) this story had a lot of awkward interactions. It seemed everyone wanted someone else, and that never settles well with me. It's a personal issue which I own, but I didn't connect well with the characters once Paul and Alex broke things off.
I appreciated the maturity differences between Paul and Alex, and I appreciated the growth that Alex made in his time away--time finding himself. I thought he was a better character for all his missteps, and I sympathized with his frustration at being in a spotlight he never desired.
Paul was the character I liked best, and I was glad to see his life come together in the end--which was HEA.
3.5 stars for this contemporary M/M romance.
Alex is a 20 y/o production assistant on a network drama when he gets called in to be an extra and suddenly lands a recurrent role. This poses all sorts of issues for Alex because he is intensely private and loathes then new scrutiny he is under--particularly related to hie "relationship" with his co-worker and on-screen love interest Liam.
While the twitter buzzes about their (possible) relationship, Alex is actually embarking on his first adult relationship with Paul, a 30 y/o writer for the show on which Alex and Liam work. Paul has just gotten out of a long-term relationship with Craig--who assumed custody of their Divorce Dog. Craig wasn't satisfied with what scraps of time Paul offered outside of his devotion to work, and left.
Alex, on the other hand is comfortable with limited contact. He's actually quite innocent and what he experiences with Paul is exciting and overwhelming--though the feel temporary. Having no experience in relationships, Alex isn't sure if he's in one with Paul--or if it's only working because in a few weeks Alex will leave for two months to film on other projects.
Paul and Alex have some serious communication issues, and they fail utterly at describing their relationship--even to each other. Paul thinks they are serious, Alex thinks they are not; and their separation is of the cooling off kind, much to each other's dismay.
Liam, filming on location with Alex, reveals his (closeted) bisexuality, and the two find some comfort with each other--Alex finally finding someone to share himself with when it's much lower stakes. This is, by turns, fulfilling and hollowing for Alex. Liam is a good friend, but he can't be a boyfriend. He's engaged to a woman after all. Plus, Alex still yearns for Paul.
For his part, Paul moves on quickly--and yet he still misses what he and Alex shared. During their separation they actually communicate much better, and the door is opened for them to reconnect.
For me, this book was a bit hard to follow--the POV switches often and is not limited to Paul or Alex, though those are primary. At times it felt as if there was a TV narrator catching me up to what was happening, which left me feeling detached and unable to really capture the emotions of the characters. While the only infidelity, per se, was that between Liam and his fiance, (who have an acknowledged open relationship) this story had a lot of awkward interactions. It seemed everyone wanted someone else, and that never settles well with me. It's a personal issue which I own, but I didn't connect well with the characters once Paul and Alex broke things off.
I appreciated the maturity differences between Paul and Alex, and I appreciated the growth that Alex made in his time away--time finding himself. I thought he was a better character for all his missteps, and I sympathized with his frustration at being in a spotlight he never desired.
Paul was the character I liked best, and I was glad to see his life come together in the end--which was HEA.
October 6, 2014
I received this book for free for an honest review.
I really liked this book. Alex is struggling with sudden, unwanted fame. He prefers to be alone or take people in small doses, so his celebrity is very overwhelming, but also leaves him feeling lonely. He begins a relationship with Paul, a writer on the show. Paul is 10 years older than Alex, but not really more successful in love. Alex also has a lot of interaction with fellow actor Liam. As we follow these men through their story, we are given a peek into the backstage life of actors on a series drama, as well as struggles of life and love in LA.
Our authors did a great job on character development. Although I don't always like how the characters behave, they seem realistic. They are given such life! I love how throughout the book, there are one sentence descriptors that perfectly sum up the character. For example, Alex is described as a cat who always lands on his feet and knows where his food comes from while Liam, another actor on the show, is a dog who runs off chasing squirrels. I also enjoyed the interactions of Alex with his roommate and best friend Gemma. Their conversation where she compares Alex to Marilyn Monroe is really funny.
The plot of Starling, is funny, heartbreaking and surprising. I feel like our authors Racheline Maltese & Erin McRae did a great job of making this story fresh and interesting. I do have a complaint about the POV. I think it is called 3rd person present tense. When I first started reading, I thought I was reading the description of the book, but looked back to see that I had actually started Chapter 1. Written in present tense, the narrative comes off somewhat jarring since it is so unexpected. If I have this wrong, so sorry, but I'm a math person. I just found it harder at times to get into the story because each time I came back to it, I had to reorient my brain to this narrative style. It was also hard to follow all the characters at the start because they were introduced by their names and also told what character they play on the TV show. Too many names!
Overall I enjoyed this book and will recommend it to others. Thank you to the authors for the opportunity to read and review this title.
I really liked this book. Alex is struggling with sudden, unwanted fame. He prefers to be alone or take people in small doses, so his celebrity is very overwhelming, but also leaves him feeling lonely. He begins a relationship with Paul, a writer on the show. Paul is 10 years older than Alex, but not really more successful in love. Alex also has a lot of interaction with fellow actor Liam. As we follow these men through their story, we are given a peek into the backstage life of actors on a series drama, as well as struggles of life and love in LA.
Our authors did a great job on character development. Although I don't always like how the characters behave, they seem realistic. They are given such life! I love how throughout the book, there are one sentence descriptors that perfectly sum up the character. For example, Alex is described as a cat who always lands on his feet and knows where his food comes from while Liam, another actor on the show, is a dog who runs off chasing squirrels. I also enjoyed the interactions of Alex with his roommate and best friend Gemma. Their conversation where she compares Alex to Marilyn Monroe is really funny.
The plot of Starling, is funny, heartbreaking and surprising. I feel like our authors Racheline Maltese & Erin McRae did a great job of making this story fresh and interesting. I do have a complaint about the POV. I think it is called 3rd person present tense. When I first started reading, I thought I was reading the description of the book, but looked back to see that I had actually started Chapter 1. Written in present tense, the narrative comes off somewhat jarring since it is so unexpected. If I have this wrong, so sorry, but I'm a math person. I just found it harder at times to get into the story because each time I came back to it, I had to reorient my brain to this narrative style. It was also hard to follow all the characters at the start because they were introduced by their names and also told what character they play on the TV show. Too many names!
Overall I enjoyed this book and will recommend it to others. Thank you to the authors for the opportunity to read and review this title.
October 10, 2014
I received a free copy of this book via the Goodreads Don't buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book, but it did not live up to the blurb or my expectations, and I’m disappointed by that fact.
No need to rehash the plot, since so many others have done so already.
I’ll start off with what I liked, and that was the TV production aspects. I’m a huge fan of behind-the-scenes of TV and films so this one hit the spot with all the insider details. I hadn’t realized all the things the actors and crew go through to make a show and all the different forces at work. The take on how fame changes a person and the pressures on those in the spotlight was well done.
But the reality is that from the first paragraph I felt adrift in the story. It starts with the summary of a scene that would have been interesting to watch unfold (for characterization reasons).
Then the POV switches around a lot and I wasn’t able to connect to anyone soon enough to care enough about them. The present-tense style of writing didn’t impart the immediacy that might have been intended, and it hampered my connection to the characters and the action even more.
There were out-of-character events (unless I just didn’t understand Alex and Paul well enough to know what was in-character for them!) and I had a lot of trouble warming up to Alex. He seems to hate everything about his job and the chance to be in front of the camera, and his negative attitude made me dislike him almost immediately.
Motivations didn’t always make sense on the romance side either. No one was happy with their partner and while there isn’t any outright cheating, there is a strong vibe of at least emotional infidelity, that everyone wanted someone else didn’t sit well with me, even for the Hollywood setting.
If you love stories about actors and TV insiders, you may like this one. If writing style (present-tense, POV issues, telling rather than showing, etc.) can pull you out of the action and ruin what might be a good tale, then unfortunately this probably isn’t for you.
I really wanted to love this book, but it did not live up to the blurb or my expectations, and I’m disappointed by that fact.
No need to rehash the plot, since so many others have done so already.
I’ll start off with what I liked, and that was the TV production aspects. I’m a huge fan of behind-the-scenes of TV and films so this one hit the spot with all the insider details. I hadn’t realized all the things the actors and crew go through to make a show and all the different forces at work. The take on how fame changes a person and the pressures on those in the spotlight was well done.
But the reality is that from the first paragraph I felt adrift in the story. It starts with the summary of a scene that would have been interesting to watch unfold (for characterization reasons).
Then the POV switches around a lot and I wasn’t able to connect to anyone soon enough to care enough about them. The present-tense style of writing didn’t impart the immediacy that might have been intended, and it hampered my connection to the characters and the action even more.
There were out-of-character events (unless I just didn’t understand Alex and Paul well enough to know what was in-character for them!) and I had a lot of trouble warming up to Alex. He seems to hate everything about his job and the chance to be in front of the camera, and his negative attitude made me dislike him almost immediately.
Motivations didn’t always make sense on the romance side either. No one was happy with their partner and while there isn’t any outright cheating, there is a strong vibe of at least emotional infidelity, that everyone wanted someone else didn’t sit well with me, even for the Hollywood setting.
If you love stories about actors and TV insiders, you may like this one. If writing style (present-tense, POV issues, telling rather than showing, etc.) can pull you out of the action and ruin what might be a good tale, then unfortunately this probably isn’t for you.
January 17, 2015
I think this is one of the best romances I've read in a very long time. I'm obviously a huge fan of the genre, and I love all of it, but one of the things I loved most about this book is how fresh it felt; it was romance but with a different tone.
I appreciate complex characters, and Alex and Paul (as well as Liam and Victor) were complex. They weren't perfect -- they have baggage and issues and it *shows*. I wasn't just rooting for Alex and Paul's romance -- halfway through the book what I was rooting for most was each character, regardless of what pairing they ended up in.
When the authors first took Alex where they did in DC I had an initial moment of panic because that was not something I generally want to see in a romance novel. But it worked so beautifully. Not just because it was hot and sexy and made a kind of sense, but because it was lovely and transformational and so important to Alex's growth.
On first read, I tore through this. It is well written and has incredibly hot love scenes (oh lord the one with the wine!!). It was also subtle and accessible (or not) on more than one level. There were moments when I read that I was a little frustrated by character dialogue or action because what was happening wasn't immediately apparent.
But that worked so well in the end. Because I wanted to know more. I loved the characters so much, and because I wanted more so I read it again and got to appreciate every moment from the start knowing more about them. This book does an incredible job showing without telling. The authors put a lot of trust in the reader here, and while that might not always work for some readers, it worked for me. I love investing in books I an drawn to reading over and over.
I have been counting down the days until the sequel comes out, and mourning that I have to wait for the third because I love instant gratification. This book is so well worth the read, an absolute five star read.
I appreciate complex characters, and Alex and Paul (as well as Liam and Victor) were complex. They weren't perfect -- they have baggage and issues and it *shows*. I wasn't just rooting for Alex and Paul's romance -- halfway through the book what I was rooting for most was each character, regardless of what pairing they ended up in.
When the authors first took Alex where they did in DC I had an initial moment of panic because that was not something I generally want to see in a romance novel. But it worked so beautifully. Not just because it was hot and sexy and made a kind of sense, but because it was lovely and transformational and so important to Alex's growth.
On first read, I tore through this. It is well written and has incredibly hot love scenes (oh lord the one with the wine!!). It was also subtle and accessible (or not) on more than one level. There were moments when I read that I was a little frustrated by character dialogue or action because what was happening wasn't immediately apparent.
But that worked so well in the end. Because I wanted to know more. I loved the characters so much, and because I wanted more so I read it again and got to appreciate every moment from the start knowing more about them. This book does an incredible job showing without telling. The authors put a lot of trust in the reader here, and while that might not always work for some readers, it worked for me. I love investing in books I an drawn to reading over and over.
I have been counting down the days until the sequel comes out, and mourning that I have to wait for the third because I love instant gratification. This book is so well worth the read, an absolute five star read.
September 26, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
-
The setup for this story was quite different from anything else I've come across so yay for that. Essentially, we have two very different characters not just in personality, but roles as well. Alex was a star and Paul was a writer working on the same project in Hollywood.
I admit I didn't particularly like Alex at first, but he grew on me. He started off as a production assistant and wound up landing a role in the hit show he worked at. It sounded like the perfect break everyone wants, but really, it was the last thing he wanted. But he agrees to take it in the end and therein begins all his struggles. I honestly felt bad for him sometimes because it's obvious how much he's struggling with his new found publicity while trying to keep his personal relationships in tact.
He wound up getting into a relationship with Paul who showed an interest in him even before his new found fame. The dynamic between the two was quite nice, but Paul had just broken up with his long term lover at the time. Which… was kind of weird because he didn't really seem all that broken up about it. (Attachment issues anyone?)
Anyways. This story did a great job with addressing the issue of uncertainty in a relationship. It didn't read like a typical romance where, despite the issues the couple faced, you knew for sure they'd end up back together. Although they did work out the many issues between them, it was dealt with in a fairly realistic manner.
I liked the story overall, but better editing was needed… I try not to care too much, but I also draw the line at words and punctuation missing from a sentence. Well, aside from those mishaps, the story wasn't badly written. However, it did read a little weirdly. The narrations felt unpolished and a little wooden at times. It made it a bit hard for me to really get into the story, although that could just be me.
-
The setup for this story was quite different from anything else I've come across so yay for that. Essentially, we have two very different characters not just in personality, but roles as well. Alex was a star and Paul was a writer working on the same project in Hollywood.
I admit I didn't particularly like Alex at first, but he grew on me. He started off as a production assistant and wound up landing a role in the hit show he worked at. It sounded like the perfect break everyone wants, but really, it was the last thing he wanted. But he agrees to take it in the end and therein begins all his struggles. I honestly felt bad for him sometimes because it's obvious how much he's struggling with his new found publicity while trying to keep his personal relationships in tact.
He wound up getting into a relationship with Paul who showed an interest in him even before his new found fame. The dynamic between the two was quite nice, but Paul had just broken up with his long term lover at the time. Which… was kind of weird because he didn't really seem all that broken up about it. (Attachment issues anyone?)
Anyways. This story did a great job with addressing the issue of uncertainty in a relationship. It didn't read like a typical romance where, despite the issues the couple faced, you knew for sure they'd end up back together. Although they did work out the many issues between them, it was dealt with in a fairly realistic manner.
I liked the story overall, but better editing was needed… I try not to care too much, but I also draw the line at words and punctuation missing from a sentence. Well, aside from those mishaps, the story wasn't badly written. However, it did read a little weirdly. The narrations felt unpolished and a little wooden at times. It made it a bit hard for me to really get into the story, although that could just be me.
September 5, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only each of the characters, but also the setting, which comes completely alive in the hands of its authors. We spend so much time, as a society, gawking over celebrities and speculating about their love lives, but we rarely stop to think about how all of that attention affects them.
The reality of it is, the attention affects them in many different ways. One of the best things about this book is the way each character has a different relationship with their status as a celebrity. Some of them love it, some of them hate it, pretty much all of them behave differently than they otherwise would because of it.
The love story (stories, actually, in the plural) of this book drew me in as well. I found myself desperately wanting all of these men (and women) to be happy. And that's what we can never know about celebrities in the real world, actually -- whether or not they're happy. Because their public face is a persona, and what they feel underneath is filtered through so many layers of media presentation and the preconceived opinions of fans that we observers can never really know what's honest and true. The beauty of this book is that in fiction, we can know what's in the character's minds for real, even as we see the spin and the hiding and the occasional true words that happen for public consumption.
I highly recommend this book. It pulled me in, and it was fascinating as well as entertaining. I've heard that there will be some sequels, and I'm eagerly looking forward to them! I definitely want to read more of this story.
The reality of it is, the attention affects them in many different ways. One of the best things about this book is the way each character has a different relationship with their status as a celebrity. Some of them love it, some of them hate it, pretty much all of them behave differently than they otherwise would because of it.
The love story (stories, actually, in the plural) of this book drew me in as well. I found myself desperately wanting all of these men (and women) to be happy. And that's what we can never know about celebrities in the real world, actually -- whether or not they're happy. Because their public face is a persona, and what they feel underneath is filtered through so many layers of media presentation and the preconceived opinions of fans that we observers can never really know what's honest and true. The beauty of this book is that in fiction, we can know what's in the character's minds for real, even as we see the spin and the hiding and the occasional true words that happen for public consumption.
I highly recommend this book. It pulled me in, and it was fascinating as well as entertaining. I've heard that there will be some sequels, and I'm eagerly looking forward to them! I definitely want to read more of this story.
October 7, 2014
I received a free copy of this book via the Goodreads Don't buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
I believe I am in the minority. I could not get into this book. I usually can devour a book in 1-2 days. This book seemed like forever. The blub seemed exciting and different: behind the scenes of a hot TV show. However the book fell flat. The first couple of chapters I was engaged and I wanted to read more about Paul & Alex; then, the different POV"s and the verb usage made this very difficult for me to read. Because it was awkward for me to read; it distracted me from the story. I did not connect to the characters at all. To me the author was telling me what was going on with the characters; I did not have an emotional connection with the characters. Now, it being in Hollywood and the different lifestyles: the infidelity and the different break ups of the characters ; yes that seemed realistic . I suppose if this was marketed as a journal, a memoir or a diary of the life behind the scenes of a hot TV show; I might have liked it better. I rounded up the rating; I didn't totally dislike it nor liked it. Just some where in the middle.
I believe I am in the minority. I could not get into this book. I usually can devour a book in 1-2 days. This book seemed like forever. The blub seemed exciting and different: behind the scenes of a hot TV show. However the book fell flat. The first couple of chapters I was engaged and I wanted to read more about Paul & Alex; then, the different POV"s and the verb usage made this very difficult for me to read. Because it was awkward for me to read; it distracted me from the story. I did not connect to the characters at all. To me the author was telling me what was going on with the characters; I did not have an emotional connection with the characters. Now, it being in Hollywood and the different lifestyles: the infidelity and the different break ups of the characters ; yes that seemed realistic . I suppose if this was marketed as a journal, a memoir or a diary of the life behind the scenes of a hot TV show; I might have liked it better. I rounded up the rating; I didn't totally dislike it nor liked it. Just some where in the middle.
February 20, 2015
I am going to let this review stand for both Starling and its follow-up, Doves, both of which I regretfully read.
The two authors are both skilled authors in the Glee fan community. There's nothing wrong with that. There are some decent writers over there. But the troubling thing of this book is that they have clearly based this book on their Glee RPF written under the pseudonym ChillAfterDark.
The book, who boasts a series of unlikable characters, appears to be thinly-veiled fantasy of Glee stars Kurt Colfer and Darren Criss, along with their respective significant others and Glee producer Ryan Murphy. Though it is being marketed as a "smart" Hollywood book, portions of the plot are very obviously based on blind gossip items and torrid rumors about the actors.
Hey, there are plenty of trashy Hollywood books with this kind of plot. What makes these two particularly bad is that these two writers are capable of much, much better.
The two authors are both skilled authors in the Glee fan community. There's nothing wrong with that. There are some decent writers over there. But the troubling thing of this book is that they have clearly based this book on their Glee RPF written under the pseudonym ChillAfterDark.
The book, who boasts a series of unlikable characters, appears to be thinly-veiled fantasy of Glee stars Kurt Colfer and Darren Criss, along with their respective significant others and Glee producer Ryan Murphy. Though it is being marketed as a "smart" Hollywood book, portions of the plot are very obviously based on blind gossip items and torrid rumors about the actors.
Hey, there are plenty of trashy Hollywood books with this kind of plot. What makes these two particularly bad is that these two writers are capable of much, much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
This felt like a fresh and new way of telling a well-established story about sudden fame. I loved it. Update: Equally loved the rest of the series. Recommended.
Read
June 21, 2023*grabs you by the collar* you need to understand HOW BAD this book is
it is SO BAD
it's... do people still remember Mystery Science Theater 3000? the surreal disconnect between a somewhat-polished final product and the utter woodenness of the acting, the hilariously incompetent dialogue? the baffling awareness that the people behind those movies knew enough to get the movie to screen but precious little else in terms of what a movie should actually be or do?
this is the book equivalent. it is so obviously written by fanfic writers who think you can write original work according to fanfic rules. and I will defend fanfic to the death! but now I feel bad for every other book I ever slagged off for being thinly-veiled fanfic. they were, and their authors should do better, but I swear I honestly had no idea the corners that could be cut in terms of characterization, motivation, plot development, or conflict. this isn't even the equivalent of "we have slashfic at home," this is like when your nana brings over the half-broken juice-sticky doll's house she found at a yard sale because you wanted a Barbie Dream Home for christmas.
"Gemma, as is her narrative destiny, has a waitressing gig" what does that even MEAN in this context authors I AM BEGGING YOU to read real books before you try to write one
it is SO BAD
it's... do people still remember Mystery Science Theater 3000? the surreal disconnect between a somewhat-polished final product and the utter woodenness of the acting, the hilariously incompetent dialogue? the baffling awareness that the people behind those movies knew enough to get the movie to screen but precious little else in terms of what a movie should actually be or do?
this is the book equivalent. it is so obviously written by fanfic writers who think you can write original work according to fanfic rules. and I will defend fanfic to the death! but now I feel bad for every other book I ever slagged off for being thinly-veiled fanfic. they were, and their authors should do better, but I swear I honestly had no idea the corners that could be cut in terms of characterization, motivation, plot development, or conflict. this isn't even the equivalent of "we have slashfic at home," this is like when your nana brings over the half-broken juice-sticky doll's house she found at a yard sale because you wanted a Barbie Dream Home for christmas.
"Gemma, as is her narrative destiny, has a waitressing gig" what does that even MEAN in this context authors I AM BEGGING YOU to read real books before you try to write one
February 26, 2017
This was not what I expected.
The second book is about the same characters it seems, so it makes sense that the story of the first book is what it is. (Sorry, I'm trying to be vague and non-spoilery)
So knowing that I'd probably go into this with different expectations. But I didn't know that when I started the book and therefore I don't know.. I'm a bit disappointed? This one was way less love story than it was a story about self discovery. Definitely not a bad story, just unexpected and not really what I was in the mood for.
And - because I won't spoil anyone - I'll just say: pay close attention to the blurb. Because it tells you what to expect. I just interpreted it the wrong way and also did not pay attention to a letter that changes everything.
Maybe I'll pick it up again - now knowing what to expect. For now it's 2.5 stars.
Edited to add: There's two different blurbs. I only read the one for the newer edition, but you get more info what exactly happens in the first edition blurb; so maybe read that.
The second book is about the same characters it seems, so it makes sense that the story of the first book is what it is. (Sorry, I'm trying to be vague and non-spoilery)
So knowing that I'd probably go into this with different expectations. But I didn't know that when I started the book and therefore I don't know.. I'm a bit disappointed? This one was way less love story than it was a story about self discovery. Definitely not a bad story, just unexpected and not really what I was in the mood for.
And - because I won't spoil anyone - I'll just say: pay close attention to the blurb. Because it tells you what to expect. I just interpreted it the wrong way and also did not pay attention to a letter that changes everything.
Maybe I'll pick it up again - now knowing what to expect. For now it's 2.5 stars.
Edited to add: There's two different blurbs. I only read the one for the newer edition, but you get more info what exactly happens in the first edition blurb; so maybe read that.
September 9, 2018
Well this situation is...messy.
January 30, 2015
Los Angeles has always been a mystery to me. I’ve never been, and my primary insight into how it works has been from whatever glimpses I get by following celebrities on Twitter or reading posts by a few “Tumblr people” who are familiar with LA and can fill in some of the blanks.
One of those people is Starling co-author Racheline Maltese, who often can provide context and tidbits about life in LA, and the film/television industry, to help me grasp the bigger picture around the events transpiring in and around my favorite shows and movies.
Starling feels a bit like an extension of that. It’s a romance novel first and foremost, yes -- and the relationship between the two main characters is in turns aggravating and inspiring over the course of the novel -- but it’s also a bit of a primer on life behind the scenes at a hit television show, on how stars and crew and writers (and even fans) collide and what happens when they do. Starling is fiction, of course, but it seems *real* to me -- but how much of it is actually an accurate representation of love (and life) in Los Angeles and how much of it is fantasy masquerading as reality with help from a talented wardrobe department?
I may never know, but I kind of don’t want to. A little mystery just provides an opportunity for readers’ imaginations to run wild, and this novel certainly leaves some mysteries for the reader to puzzle over -- not all of the blanks are filled in. Maybe that will change as the sequels come out; maybe it won’t.
There are a lot of characters in this book. I’ve seen other reviewers list that as a criticism, saying it’s too many to keep straight, but each of those side characters provides some sort of impetus for the story. Even the most minor characters -- Alex’s mother, or Nick, or a**hole Brian, for example -- do their part to propel the events of the novel forward.
One thing I appreciated about this novel was that when issues inevitably popped up between Paul and Alex, rarely did the fault fall solely to one of them. Usually, they were both in the wrong to some degree, but they were also both in the right. That’s a refreshing change of pace from so many novels in which one character consistently is to blame.
Something else that impressed me was that I couldn’t differentiate between what had been written by Maltese and that by co-author Erin McRae. Every once in a while, a phrase struck me as something Maltese might say, but I couldn’t be sure. I don’t know their process -- whether they each write one character’s perspective or trade lines back and forth or any other possible permutation of co-writing -- but whatever it is, it works. The end result is a seamless blend of both of their voices, and I can’t wait to read the next novel -- Starling sequel Doves -- from this talented duo.
One of those people is Starling co-author Racheline Maltese, who often can provide context and tidbits about life in LA, and the film/television industry, to help me grasp the bigger picture around the events transpiring in and around my favorite shows and movies.
Starling feels a bit like an extension of that. It’s a romance novel first and foremost, yes -- and the relationship between the two main characters is in turns aggravating and inspiring over the course of the novel -- but it’s also a bit of a primer on life behind the scenes at a hit television show, on how stars and crew and writers (and even fans) collide and what happens when they do. Starling is fiction, of course, but it seems *real* to me -- but how much of it is actually an accurate representation of love (and life) in Los Angeles and how much of it is fantasy masquerading as reality with help from a talented wardrobe department?
I may never know, but I kind of don’t want to. A little mystery just provides an opportunity for readers’ imaginations to run wild, and this novel certainly leaves some mysteries for the reader to puzzle over -- not all of the blanks are filled in. Maybe that will change as the sequels come out; maybe it won’t.
There are a lot of characters in this book. I’ve seen other reviewers list that as a criticism, saying it’s too many to keep straight, but each of those side characters provides some sort of impetus for the story. Even the most minor characters -- Alex’s mother, or Nick, or a**hole Brian, for example -- do their part to propel the events of the novel forward.
One thing I appreciated about this novel was that when issues inevitably popped up between Paul and Alex, rarely did the fault fall solely to one of them. Usually, they were both in the wrong to some degree, but they were also both in the right. That’s a refreshing change of pace from so many novels in which one character consistently is to blame.
Something else that impressed me was that I couldn’t differentiate between what had been written by Maltese and that by co-author Erin McRae. Every once in a while, a phrase struck me as something Maltese might say, but I couldn’t be sure. I don’t know their process -- whether they each write one character’s perspective or trade lines back and forth or any other possible permutation of co-writing -- but whatever it is, it works. The end result is a seamless blend of both of their voices, and I can’t wait to read the next novel -- Starling sequel Doves -- from this talented duo.
September 11, 2014
Full disclosure: I am not a reader of romance novels. On the rare occasion that I pick one up, I usually know what I'm in for. That's why it's so refreshing and encouraging to see a title like Starling making a stab at raising the level of literary quality and depth of substance in its genre.
The authors have painted a small Whedonesque universe with a carrying capacity well beyond this first installment. Their playful, informal style disguises the thoughtful treatment that each of their characters receives - the novel reads like someone telling you favorite stories about their best friends, and by the end you feel like you know them all just as well (while debating internally whether it would be impolite to ask the burning personal questions on your mind). Paul and Alex, the ascendant couple at the heart of the story, are just two in a surprisingly diverse cast, none of whom would seem out of place in a patented Aaron Sorkin walk-and-talk, or, on occasion, the discordant reverie of an episode of Mad Men.
Most refreshingly, however, the novel's unabashedly romantic heartline is in earnest dialogue with issues of fame, media and social identity in the digital era. Whereas most storytellers seem content to use celebrity's familiar glamour as window dressing, Starling takes an honest and considered point of view on Alex Cook's experience, and his romantic relationship with Paul Keane is given a full and equal role in this discourse, making a convincing presentation of how the universal pursuit of companionship, sincerity and passion takes a unique shape in a world of prodigal stardom that promises everything - and, let's be honest, delivers quite a bit - while at the same time mounting a suffusive assault on one's sense of reality and self-definition. (Mind, in and around this rich narrative are plenty of bits for you to enjoy reading one-handed, so to speak, if that's your appetite.)
You'll be hearing a lot more from these authors. I suggest you get in early.
This review is based on a pre-publication copy of the text.
The authors have painted a small Whedonesque universe with a carrying capacity well beyond this first installment. Their playful, informal style disguises the thoughtful treatment that each of their characters receives - the novel reads like someone telling you favorite stories about their best friends, and by the end you feel like you know them all just as well (while debating internally whether it would be impolite to ask the burning personal questions on your mind). Paul and Alex, the ascendant couple at the heart of the story, are just two in a surprisingly diverse cast, none of whom would seem out of place in a patented Aaron Sorkin walk-and-talk, or, on occasion, the discordant reverie of an episode of Mad Men.
Most refreshingly, however, the novel's unabashedly romantic heartline is in earnest dialogue with issues of fame, media and social identity in the digital era. Whereas most storytellers seem content to use celebrity's familiar glamour as window dressing, Starling takes an honest and considered point of view on Alex Cook's experience, and his romantic relationship with Paul Keane is given a full and equal role in this discourse, making a convincing presentation of how the universal pursuit of companionship, sincerity and passion takes a unique shape in a world of prodigal stardom that promises everything - and, let's be honest, delivers quite a bit - while at the same time mounting a suffusive assault on one's sense of reality and self-definition. (Mind, in and around this rich narrative are plenty of bits for you to enjoy reading one-handed, so to speak, if that's your appetite.)
You'll be hearing a lot more from these authors. I suggest you get in early.
This review is based on a pre-publication copy of the text.
March 25, 2017
While STARLING is a romance, I wouldn't call it a love story; but that's not a bad thing, because what I would call it is a life story.
Alex left his small southern hometown in a cloud of dust to find his dreams in Los Angeles. What he found instead was unexpected stardom that he wasn't looking for, didn't want, and was emotionally unprepared for.
Before being discovered by his fans, Alex was discovered by Paul. Drawn to the enigmatic and beautiful younger man, Paul quickly falls into his own expectations of what their relationship should be. The two have spectacular chemistry in bed and monumental communication failures. This eventually causes problems neither man wants, but both seem incapable of overcoming.
STARLING is a reader's treasure that completely engaged me from the very beginning. I found myself talking to my kindle, offering advice, yelling, cringing, cheering and processing each emotional experience as if it was my own. The realities of life, love and self discovery that are presented in this highly character driven story are exceptional. STARLING is well written and develops at a slow but steady pace that perfectly complements its raw emotionalism. I was thrilled with this first offering in the Love in Los Angeles series and am eagerly anticipating further additions by this exciting writing duo!
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
Alex left his small southern hometown in a cloud of dust to find his dreams in Los Angeles. What he found instead was unexpected stardom that he wasn't looking for, didn't want, and was emotionally unprepared for.
Before being discovered by his fans, Alex was discovered by Paul. Drawn to the enigmatic and beautiful younger man, Paul quickly falls into his own expectations of what their relationship should be. The two have spectacular chemistry in bed and monumental communication failures. This eventually causes problems neither man wants, but both seem incapable of overcoming.
STARLING is a reader's treasure that completely engaged me from the very beginning. I found myself talking to my kindle, offering advice, yelling, cringing, cheering and processing each emotional experience as if it was my own. The realities of life, love and self discovery that are presented in this highly character driven story are exceptional. STARLING is well written and develops at a slow but steady pace that perfectly complements its raw emotionalism. I was thrilled with this first offering in the Love in Los Angeles series and am eagerly anticipating further additions by this exciting writing duo!
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
December 21, 2014
Love it! Complex characters with real flaws. In addition to the rocky-road to romance, the glimpse behind the scenes of the TV industry and all the crap that stars have to put up with nowadays is fascinating. The authors put you into the mind of the newly-christened celebrity and his reaction to everything that is thrown his way. He doesn't respond in the healthiest of ways, but with very human reactions. I appreciate the writing style; it's what I came to expect after reading other works by Maltese. Very concise and realistic, without being flowery and overdone (in my opinion). Don't be fooled, however, conciseness doesn't mean that details are dumped; you get everything you need to know about the characters, their motives and lives. The conversations are realistic; I can imagine the troubled couple (Alex & Paul) talking in just this way. They aren't formal discussions but very realistic to how I would expect two men finding their way through a relationship in extraordinary circumstances would talk to each other: frankly & without mincing words.
Highly recommended M/M romance and TV industry story. Can't wait for "Doves," the sequel.
Highly recommended M/M romance and TV industry story. Can't wait for "Doves," the sequel.
October 7, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I didn't love it as much as I wanted to--I had a lot of trouble identifying with the characters, though from the bits and pieces we learned about them I knew I'd want to follow their stories. I found Alex especially frustrating because as a young adult who had grown up on the internet and as an active participant in fandom (who met his roommate and best friend because of fandom) I struggled to sympathize with his distaste for fame once he got it. It felt like he should have been more aware of what he was entering into, and having him feel victimized by his fans made me, as someone who is a fan and who is involved in many fandoms, feel uncomfortable with what that implied about my interests.
Starling was the first book I ever read that featured poly characters and relationships though, and I can't overstate the importance of that. The characters felt real and flawed, and if I was unsatisfied with what I found of them in Starling it only made me more eager for the next book in the series.
Starling was the first book I ever read that featured poly characters and relationships though, and I can't overstate the importance of that. The characters felt real and flawed, and if I was unsatisfied with what I found of them in Starling it only made me more eager for the next book in the series.
September 10, 2014
What makes a great romance novel — besides the requisite happily ever after? It needs a compelling, well-told story and characters you can fall in love with. Starling has all of the above in spades! Alex and Paul are complicated and flawed in ways that make them so, so interesting and appealing. It’s both painful and joyful to watch their story unfold, and it leaves me wanting more, more, more! (Thankfully, there are more books to come!)
Starling gives a window into the world of fame where suddenly so much of what you do and say becomes circumscribed because of the way the public deems it owns you — not to mention all the people involved in the way you make your living. Each person in Starling handles their relationship to it differently.
I love the world the authors created; the supporting characters are as complicated and intriguing as Alex and Paul, and I can’t wait to see more of them as the series continues.
Starling gives a window into the world of fame where suddenly so much of what you do and say becomes circumscribed because of the way the public deems it owns you — not to mention all the people involved in the way you make your living. Each person in Starling handles their relationship to it differently.
I love the world the authors created; the supporting characters are as complicated and intriguing as Alex and Paul, and I can’t wait to see more of them as the series continues.
June 7, 2015
You know what's nice about gay romance novels? There isn't necessarily a lot of the baggage that come with straight ones. It's possible to have someone hook up with a person other than their One True Love and still have it be ok. I think one of the things I most appreciated about this book is the fact that the characters get together with other people while on a break, and it's not reprehensible behavior on anyone's part. It's possible to be attracted to or even love a person and have it not be a long term thing without one of the parties having to be evil.
This is a pleasant bit of fluff. Quite a bit of angsting over the various issues that sudden unexpected fame can bring, and a very knowledgeable analysis of the dynamics of online fan behavior. One of the two protagonists spends a little time with his head up his ass, but he's young enough that it's excusable and he snaps out of it relatively quickly. Fun.
Note: One of the authors is an acquaintance of mine.
This is a pleasant bit of fluff. Quite a bit of angsting over the various issues that sudden unexpected fame can bring, and a very knowledgeable analysis of the dynamics of online fan behavior. One of the two protagonists spends a little time with his head up his ass, but he's young enough that it's excusable and he snaps out of it relatively quickly. Fun.
Note: One of the authors is an acquaintance of mine.
April 8, 2016
This was such a different story I am still processing it. As I was reading 'Starling' I kept hearing Scott Matthew's cover of the Whitney Houston song 'I Want To Dance With Somebody' with all that song's longing for love and connection with someone. And, I felt Paul and Alex's longing, want and need for love which are all emotions we have experienced over and over again. Some of us more successful at finding it than others. I am glad the authors gave Alex and Paul a chance to find their dance. All characters were fully developed and appealing. The writing was terrific and the description of the West LA industry and gay scenes were spot on. I mean that the authors fully realized in their writing the fluidity of relationships in both those scenes and the glory of sex even in it's casualness. It was easy to understand Alex's experimentation, search for meaning and testing of his beauty even if it was not with Paul. This was wonderful.
August 15, 2015
I find it hard to believe that only one person has pointed out that this is thinly veiled Glee/CrissColfer RPF. I did not know this going in to reading it, though I did know that at least one of the authors is in the Glee fandom. But I didn't know that she/they wrote Glee RPF. But I figured it out quickly. I'm really surprised that this was recommended to me by people who are staunchly anti-tinhatter when so much of this is storyline is based on blind gossip about real life people.
That aside, the book needs a better editor/proofreader. Many mistakes made it through. And the general writing style is just rather stilted.
I suppose there are plenty of people out there who won't mind that this is loosely based on real people and their supposed lives, but I think those who are not aware of this should know about it in order to make an informed decision about reading it.
That aside, the book needs a better editor/proofreader. Many mistakes made it through. And the general writing style is just rather stilted.
I suppose there are plenty of people out there who won't mind that this is loosely based on real people and their supposed lives, but I think those who are not aware of this should know about it in order to make an informed decision about reading it.
September 12, 2014
I really enjoyed this story, the characters are well-rounded and believable and it was a love story that felt real and difficult, even in the surreal environment of Hollywood.
I only gave four stars because there was a sparseness to the writing that I found frustrating sometimes, like no matter how carefully I read I was missing things, and that pulls you out of the story.
But overall it was an enjoyable read with some good twists and turns and characters I cared about. Looking forward to the next instalment.
I only gave four stars because there was a sparseness to the writing that I found frustrating sometimes, like no matter how carefully I read I was missing things, and that pulls you out of the story.
But overall it was an enjoyable read with some good twists and turns and characters I cared about. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews