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Unlucky in Love #1
Stranger Than Fan Fiction:
Rule number one of former child stardom - never Google yourself in the midst of a pity party because you'll inevitably do something stupid. Case in point, me falling for a writer on a different continent who has no idea that I'm the star of her fictional fantasies.
I can’t stop thinking about Kate Dubois even as we talk everyday.
I should have told her the truth of who I was before things got this far.
In my defense, celebrity comes with a lot of baggage and it is nice to be seen (figuratively) for who I really am.
Now, I have a chance to actually meet her in person and there’s no way I can pass that up.
Just one harmless look at the woman who has changed my life and I can go back to hiding in English countryside obscurity.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Stranger Than Fan Fiction full-length romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is the first book in the Unlucky in Love Series.
390 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2022
431 people are currently reading
5616 people want to read
About the author
Piper Sheldon
23 books986 followersVisit me at pipersheldon.com and sign up for my newsletter here!
Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, daughter, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.
Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, daughter, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.
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June 21, 2022🎉STRANGER THAN FAN FICTION IS LIVE🎉
This romantic comedy is now available for purchase or #free to read for #kindleunlimited subscribers!!
Check it out if you like any of the following:
🐥A reclusive former child star/reluctant daddy to adopted chickens
🤫💌Secret identity/romantic correspondence
🤓A nerdy nod to fanfic
🥵And all the steamy romantic tension
🐓 purchase here: mybook.to/STFF!
STRANGER THAN FAN FICTION a secret identity Romantic Comedy from Piper Sheldon, is coming June 21st to Kindle Unlimited, and we have the gorgeous new cover!
**BLURB**
Rule number one of former child stardom - never Google yourself in the midst of a pity party because you'll inevitably do something stupid. Case in point, me falling for a writer on a different continent who has no idea that I'm the star of her fictional fantasies.
I can’t stop thinking about Kate Dubois even as we talk every day. I should have told her the truth of who I was before things got this far. In my defense, celebrity comes with a lot of baggage and it is nice to be seen (figuratively) for who I really am.
Now, I have a chance to actually meet her in person and there’s no way I can pass that up. Just one harmless look at the woman who has changed my life and I can go back to hiding in English countryside obscurity.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Stranger Than Fan Fiction, a full-length romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is the first book in the Unlucky in Love Series.
This romantic comedy is now available for purchase or #free to read for #kindleunlimited subscribers!!
Check it out if you like any of the following:
🐥A reclusive former child star/reluctant daddy to adopted chickens
🤫💌Secret identity/romantic correspondence
🤓A nerdy nod to fanfic
🥵And all the steamy romantic tension
🐓 purchase here: mybook.to/STFF!
STRANGER THAN FAN FICTION a secret identity Romantic Comedy from Piper Sheldon, is coming June 21st to Kindle Unlimited, and we have the gorgeous new cover!
**BLURB**
Rule number one of former child stardom - never Google yourself in the midst of a pity party because you'll inevitably do something stupid. Case in point, me falling for a writer on a different continent who has no idea that I'm the star of her fictional fantasies.
I can’t stop thinking about Kate Dubois even as we talk every day. I should have told her the truth of who I was before things got this far. In my defense, celebrity comes with a lot of baggage and it is nice to be seen (figuratively) for who I really am.
Now, I have a chance to actually meet her in person and there’s no way I can pass that up. Just one harmless look at the woman who has changed my life and I can go back to hiding in English countryside obscurity.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Stranger Than Fan Fiction, a full-length romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is the first book in the Unlucky in Love Series.
Read
June 15, 2022I've done a deep dive into fan fiction lately and Piper just nailed all my feelings about it. That should be no surprise, considering Piper is part of the reason I did that deep dive in the first place!
But seriously, I was so engaged in this story and couldn't put it down. The fantasy, the perfectly done character development, the real life issues—it was just perfection.
I haven't read a contemporary romance this fast in a long time. *chefs kiss*
But seriously, I was so engaged in this story and couldn't put it down. The fantasy, the perfectly done character development, the real life issues—it was just perfection.
I haven't read a contemporary romance this fast in a long time. *chefs kiss*
June 22, 2022
I just love an epistolary romance where the two characters fall in love with the person before the face. And this case, the face is one that everyone would recognize! Kate receives an email from Charles praising her fan fiction story of the popular TV show of which he starred. And from there blooms a two year pen pal relationship of the deepest sort. One where you know almost everything about the person, except their name and face.
When these two *finally* meet, all is not perfect and a lot of deep seated anxieties take over. But that doesn’t mean that their chemistry isn’t off the charts! After two years of only talking, they totally make up for it when they get together. That club scene… woah.
I really loved this book and if you’ve ever read/written any fan fiction and imagined yourself in a story with your favorite actor, you will especially love this! And as Kate and Charlie show us, the road to love is never easy, but it sure is worth it!
I requested an advance copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
When these two *finally* meet, all is not perfect and a lot of deep seated anxieties take over. But that doesn’t mean that their chemistry isn’t off the charts! After two years of only talking, they totally make up for it when they get together. That club scene… woah.
I really loved this book and if you’ve ever read/written any fan fiction and imagined yourself in a story with your favorite actor, you will especially love this! And as Kate and Charlie show us, the road to love is never easy, but it sure is worth it!
I requested an advance copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.
June 25, 2022
a former child star and a fanfic writer??? whaaat that's like my dreams come true ( still waiting for tom felton to read my fanfics about him on wattpad 💅🏽 )
anyways kate was so awkward and funny i adored her! and charles 😍 he was a dream with his little chicks <3
i loved side characters; agata, harrison and emma <3 i can't wait for harrison and emma's books!!
anyways kate was so awkward and funny i adored her! and charles 😍 he was a dream with his little chicks <3
i loved side characters; agata, harrison and emma <3 i can't wait for harrison and emma's books!!
September 13, 2025
this is such a fun cute book. it's my 2nd time reading it.
RTC
RTC
June 21, 2022
People, you are going to FLIP out for this story. Piper Sheldon's humor and heart and fantastic writing chops are on full display. Prepare thyselves for a totally unique experience. The romance between Charlie and Kate is completely engaging. While this story is romcom, there are SO MANY layers. So much emotional depth, character development, and very real (and relatable) issues. I can't wait for everyone to read this story. If you're looking for something fresh and fun, look no further than Piper Sheldon's delightful Stranger Than Fan Fiction.
June 8, 2022
Full review to be featured at LitBuzz VERY SOON.
Holy Freaking Spicy Bananas.
Piper Sheldon has become a go-to author for me, and dare I say…friend as well. Her fun and unique brand of storytelling is the kind that I adore. Stranger Than Fan Fiction is so completely Piper that reading it feels like she’s bared a part of her soul with her readers.
The love, the humor, the snark—all of it— that’s been injected into her newest release is all so palpable that I’ve been reluctant to step away from reading. Kate and Charlie’s characters are well-developed and crisp. I can see them and I feel like I know them personally.
Their friendship to romance reminds me of You’ve Got Mail with the flavor of Kate & Leopold…and now I have a hankering for all Meg Ryan rom-com cinema gold.
Equal parts ode to fanfic, epistolary romance, friends to lovers, and so much more I can say without doubt that this is my favorite from Piper Sheldon. Stranger Than Fan Fiction is an absolute highlight of a read for me this year, and one that I gladly gave up precious hours of sleep because I could not put it down.
Add this to your Must Read Immediately list ASAP.
Holy Freaking Spicy Bananas.
Piper Sheldon has become a go-to author for me, and dare I say…friend as well. Her fun and unique brand of storytelling is the kind that I adore. Stranger Than Fan Fiction is so completely Piper that reading it feels like she’s bared a part of her soul with her readers.
The love, the humor, the snark—all of it— that’s been injected into her newest release is all so palpable that I’ve been reluctant to step away from reading. Kate and Charlie’s characters are well-developed and crisp. I can see them and I feel like I know them personally.
Their friendship to romance reminds me of You’ve Got Mail with the flavor of Kate & Leopold…and now I have a hankering for all Meg Ryan rom-com cinema gold.
Equal parts ode to fanfic, epistolary romance, friends to lovers, and so much more I can say without doubt that this is my favorite from Piper Sheldon. Stranger Than Fan Fiction is an absolute highlight of a read for me this year, and one that I gladly gave up precious hours of sleep because I could not put it down.
Add this to your Must Read Immediately list ASAP.
June 21, 2022
I’ve been a fan of Piper’s since reading her
Scorned Women’s Society series. I love that series, so I was very excited that she was coming out with a new rom-com series. I just had to read it!
With the anonymity of email, Charlie has the ability to be himself, and it allows him to see that Kate likes him for who he is and not who he was. It also hinders him being able to share completely who he is with her. He’s afraid she’ll go to the press or, even worse, think he’s a perv for reading her fan fiction about him.
Charlie really starts liking Kate as more than a friend, but he’s insecure, dealing with loss of identity after the show, and feels he can’t offer her anything. Kate is struggling with her own insecurities as a writer and because she’s also liking Charlie more, is frustrated he won’t completely share himself with her.
This book had ALL of the pine, a forest of pine, there was that much pining. And when they finally meet, and Kate figures out who he is, their epistolary chemistry merges into physical chemistry and it’s a hot one.
It’s also so sweet to see them be cheerleaders for each other. I love that they understand each other and that we see the friendship grow over the two years. It’s paced well. You can feel they’re best friends before they actually meet.
This book was everything! It’s sweet and funny and downright sexy at times. There are meddling friends, a bossy, Polish housekeeper, a man you’re gonna want to smack, three adopted chickens, and a rooster named Nugget. What more could you really want?
It definitely opens a couple doors for more stories. Do I want to read more form this series? I am amenable to that request. 😉
I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book.
Scorned Women’s Society series. I love that series, so I was very excited that she was coming out with a new rom-com series. I just had to read it!
With the anonymity of email, Charlie has the ability to be himself, and it allows him to see that Kate likes him for who he is and not who he was. It also hinders him being able to share completely who he is with her. He’s afraid she’ll go to the press or, even worse, think he’s a perv for reading her fan fiction about him.
Charlie really starts liking Kate as more than a friend, but he’s insecure, dealing with loss of identity after the show, and feels he can’t offer her anything. Kate is struggling with her own insecurities as a writer and because she’s also liking Charlie more, is frustrated he won’t completely share himself with her.
This book had ALL of the pine, a forest of pine, there was that much pining. And when they finally meet, and Kate figures out who he is, their epistolary chemistry merges into physical chemistry and it’s a hot one.
It’s also so sweet to see them be cheerleaders for each other. I love that they understand each other and that we see the friendship grow over the two years. It’s paced well. You can feel they’re best friends before they actually meet.
This book was everything! It’s sweet and funny and downright sexy at times. There are meddling friends, a bossy, Polish housekeeper, a man you’re gonna want to smack, three adopted chickens, and a rooster named Nugget. What more could you really want?
It definitely opens a couple doors for more stories. Do I want to read more form this series? I am amenable to that request. 😉
I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book.
June 21, 2022
All the stars!! I just adored every single thing about this story!! Humor, heart and SWOON! Lots of romance even though the main characters connect through emails and messages and don’t even meet IRL until about half way into the book which I Loved!
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
September 26, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
This was so good! The story idea felt unique, while also pulling in some common great tropes. I loved the MCs and the side characters. It felt like a HP fanfiction book about fanfiction haha. Looking forward to Emma’s story next!
This was so good! The story idea felt unique, while also pulling in some common great tropes. I loved the MCs and the side characters. It felt like a HP fanfiction book about fanfiction haha. Looking forward to Emma’s story next!
June 21, 2022
Format - E ARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶 🌶
Series- Unlucky in Love #1
Troupes- pen-pales to friends to lovers, hidden identity, slow burn, Fandom Stans
CW- Gaslighting (not MC) lots of Cock jokes…
Ok don’t tell Piper but this is the first book I’ve read of hers🤫. But y’all this book, it’s freaking fantastic. This story is for all those Fan Stans out there who pour over their computers writing compelling and wonderful fan fiction. Correct me if I’m wrong but it seems like Piper has pulled on some real life fandoms to create this “TarraFormative” universe, a trio similar to HP and a Sci Fi show a’ la Star Trek or Battlestar Galactica. These little easter eggs (weather real or not) were so exciting to find and connect with!
I love a damaged hero with a soft spot for awkward chickens and tiny ninja house keepers and of course Fan Fiction about his childhood character. And boy does Piper deliver with not so charming Charlie. I also love a loner misunderstood heroine with a weird hobby, cause come on it’s a romance and we all can relate to that. Put these two totally different characters together and you get some fireworks and so many swoons you’ll get lightheaded.
I would be remise if I didn’t talk about the fact that the burn is SLOW with this one. We spend the better part of this book with them on opposite sides of the Atlantic emailing back and forth also there might be an asshole boyfriend to get rid of… But though a very coincidental set of circumstances they end up in LA at the same time. Piper delivers a couple of very spicy scenes for us. Its heart eyes and rainbows at first sight but its is defiantly not PG when Charlie and Kate finally get together!
I loved this book! I was in Tech for a show the week I read it and most days it was the thing that kept me motivated to push tough until lunch then dinner to the end of the night after a 15 hours day so that I could read a couple chapters on breaks and before bed. Pipers writing is easy and compelling to read and her characters are charming and relatable. I can not wait for the next in this series!
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶 🌶
Series- Unlucky in Love #1
Troupes- pen-pales to friends to lovers, hidden identity, slow burn, Fandom Stans
CW- Gaslighting (not MC) lots of Cock jokes…
Ok don’t tell Piper but this is the first book I’ve read of hers🤫. But y’all this book, it’s freaking fantastic. This story is for all those Fan Stans out there who pour over their computers writing compelling and wonderful fan fiction. Correct me if I’m wrong but it seems like Piper has pulled on some real life fandoms to create this “TarraFormative” universe, a trio similar to HP and a Sci Fi show a’ la Star Trek or Battlestar Galactica. These little easter eggs (weather real or not) were so exciting to find and connect with!
I love a damaged hero with a soft spot for awkward chickens and tiny ninja house keepers and of course Fan Fiction about his childhood character. And boy does Piper deliver with not so charming Charlie. I also love a loner misunderstood heroine with a weird hobby, cause come on it’s a romance and we all can relate to that. Put these two totally different characters together and you get some fireworks and so many swoons you’ll get lightheaded.
I would be remise if I didn’t talk about the fact that the burn is SLOW with this one. We spend the better part of this book with them on opposite sides of the Atlantic emailing back and forth also there might be an asshole boyfriend to get rid of… But though a very coincidental set of circumstances they end up in LA at the same time. Piper delivers a couple of very spicy scenes for us. Its heart eyes and rainbows at first sight but its is defiantly not PG when Charlie and Kate finally get together!
I loved this book! I was in Tech for a show the week I read it and most days it was the thing that kept me motivated to push tough until lunch then dinner to the end of the night after a 15 hours day so that I could read a couple chapters on breaks and before bed. Pipers writing is easy and compelling to read and her characters are charming and relatable. I can not wait for the next in this series!
June 28, 2022
I gave it 2 stars, is that too little? But 3 feels like too much for me, but I did like the book, and the emails, why can't we give half stars here on goodreads still? But FL was pissing me off, but it's consistent to her character since she's oblivious, with extremely delicate sensibilities, and dramatic tendencies of victimhood, is this too mean?
I can't send this...
2.5 stars. I liked this book, kept me entertained, but I kept wodering why in this day an age they didn't move their email exchanges to whatsapp or something 😆 I guess it's to dear author's credit that I enjoyed these characters and their almost cringy romantic journey without complaining about the lack of comedy, which is a personal point for me (I like my comedy, and I was promised a rom-com, aaanyway).
Loved Charlie, bless him, and I liked Kate, even though she acted more like a super naïve teenager than a grown ass woman. I guess her lack of understanding reality which gave way to her dramaqueen actions near the end kinda pissed me off, sorta, but if I think of her as having the maturity of a teen from the get-go then it's alright.
I can't send this...
2.5 stars. I liked this book, kept me entertained, but I kept wodering why in this day an age they didn't move their email exchanges to whatsapp or something 😆 I guess it's to dear author's credit that I enjoyed these characters and their almost cringy romantic journey without complaining about the lack of comedy, which is a personal point for me (I like my comedy, and I was promised a rom-com, aaanyway).
Loved Charlie, bless him, and I liked Kate, even though she acted more like a super naïve teenager than a grown ass woman. I guess her lack of understanding reality which gave way to her dramaqueen actions near the end kinda pissed me off, sorta, but if I think of her as having the maturity of a teen from the get-go then it's alright.
January 9, 2024
I tried to stick with this one; I made it to 82%. The first big chunk is too much surface level emailing and not enough character development. Then they finally meet and it's just alright but also weird. After the big reveal, it feels like it turns into a different book only to go back to feeling like the original book shortly after. Like, for a couple of chapters, Charlie and Kate are swapped with versions of themselves from a parallel universe; they're similar to what we've seen up to that point but not behaving like the people we've come to know.
I finally quit when behaviors were too annoying to put up with anymore. Everything seemed so forced, each interaction, each poignant thought... It read like a rough script and not naturally occurring moments. Nothing felt organic.
My biggest gripe, though, is that Charlie does not read like a guy. He reads like a woman wrote him, which is the case, but if you're going to write dual POV, I want to forget that a woman is writing when I'm supposed to be in the head of a man.
I finally quit when behaviors were too annoying to put up with anymore. Everything seemed so forced, each interaction, each poignant thought... It read like a rough script and not naturally occurring moments. Nothing felt organic.
My biggest gripe, though, is that Charlie does not read like a guy. He reads like a woman wrote him, which is the case, but if you're going to write dual POV, I want to forget that a woman is writing when I'm supposed to be in the head of a man.
June 25, 2022
Is it time I admit to myself that I actually do like epistolary fiction?
Not that any framework could save this book from being a two-star read. In fact, I'd one-star it if I weren't reserving that for books I absolutely loathe.*
*Edit 06/24/22: I'm back, and I've decided I loathe this.
The book is basically fan fiction about fan fiction, so (all due respect to fan fiction) it reads more like an exercise in wish-fulfillment than a novel. Kate's boyfriend/plot device was downright aggravating and made me lose respect for her. And Charlie is a puddle of self-pity. To put him in his own words: "I’m a recovering alcoholic who lives on a farm and does jack shite all day long...I work out and play with my chickens." (Note: by 'farm,' he means a dilapidated estate with four chickens.)
Not that any framework could save this book from being a two-star read. In fact, I'd one-star it if I weren't reserving that for books I absolutely loathe.*
*Edit 06/24/22: I'm back, and I've decided I loathe this.
The book is basically fan fiction about fan fiction, so (all due respect to fan fiction) it reads more like an exercise in wish-fulfillment than a novel. Kate's boyfriend/plot device was downright aggravating and made me lose respect for her. And Charlie is a puddle of self-pity. To put him in his own words: "I’m a recovering alcoholic who lives on a farm and does jack shite all day long...I work out and play with my chickens." (Note: by 'farm,' he means a dilapidated estate with four chickens.)
June 20, 2022
Oh, Fanfic- this is a true love letter to it and made me love this plot even more. It made me want to go down some deep rabbit holes. I have't read much but in college my best friend got attached to October Road and then they canceled it and she would read us the fanfic. This starts with a TV star reading it and falling in love with one of the author's work so he writes a thank you letter- the emails happen for years until they finally meet. This story has a very real vibe about it with the child stars - fans- attention-working through alcoholism and all that comes with Hollywood. This is not as steamy as Piper's other works but it fits the story-- very slow burn. I loved the draft emails we get for the male lead and his internal thoughts- which add so much to this story.
I can't wait to see where this series leads! If you love or enjoy Fan Fic you will really enjoy this story!
I can't wait to see where this series leads! If you love or enjoy Fan Fic you will really enjoy this story!
November 1, 2022
At first, it was kinda nice. But then it quickly became annoying and cringy. The stereotypical British way of talking which seemed over-exaggerated, when the main characters met and the male MC's dialogue and thinking became "wow, she's so beautiful. wow. her boyfriend is a prick, I want to punch him" lmao
June 21, 2022
All the stars!! I just adored every single thing about this story!! Humor, heart and SWOON! Lots of romance even though the main characters connect through emails and messages and don’t even meet IRL until about half way into the book which I Loved!
“What did friends get you anyway? Just look at Julius Caesar.”
Former child star, Charles, discovers fan fiction about his show and one particular author who’s words really speak to him.
One message to the author eventually turns into an email friendship. (And did I mention how much I love a good story told through email exchanges!?!) Both Charlie and Kate are conflicted. Kate, because her feelings for the elusive RC are growing at an alarming rate and he isn’t a part of her “real” life. Charlie is conflicted because of the secrets he is keeping by not revealing his real identity.
Stranger Than Fan Fiction is a stand-alone but I am SO excited to hear that it is book one of the Unlucky in Love series and we will get more stories with the characters that we meet in STFF… maybe even a chicken update???
-5+ Stars!!-
“What did friends get you anyway? Just look at Julius Caesar.”
Former child star, Charles, discovers fan fiction about his show and one particular author who’s words really speak to him.
One message to the author eventually turns into an email friendship. (And did I mention how much I love a good story told through email exchanges!?!) Both Charlie and Kate are conflicted. Kate, because her feelings for the elusive RC are growing at an alarming rate and he isn’t a part of her “real” life. Charlie is conflicted because of the secrets he is keeping by not revealing his real identity.
Stranger Than Fan Fiction is a stand-alone but I am SO excited to hear that it is book one of the Unlucky in Love series and we will get more stories with the characters that we meet in STFF… maybe even a chicken update???
-5+ Stars!!-
June 15, 2022
Kate and Charlie were adorable! The way they met, how they meshed, the chemistry coming through emails… it was intense and perfect. The story brought out intense emotions; I hated Pete, and was disappointed that Charlie was such a chicken. I thought Kate overreacted, and that Agatha was a beast. Honestly, the story was just perfect.
Harrison, Emma, and Charlie made me think of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grindt, and Emma Watson… and that just made imagining the story so much better.
Harrison, Emma, and Charlie made me think of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grindt, and Emma Watson… and that just made imagining the story so much better.
June 18, 2022
I honestly could have read another 1000 pages of Kate and Charlie. This was such a fun story and I fell more in love with both of them (and a few chickens) with every page. I loved how Charlie and his bffs were painted as flawed from their childhood careers. Kate was such a great heroine who had career goals. I can’t wait for more of the intrepid trio!
November 22, 2024
*CREO, CONSIDERO, OPINO* que hay veces que es mejor dejar las fantasías para cuando estás sola en tu casa escribiendo fanfics o para entradas de diario privado xd, se siente un poco rayita conoce a Harry Styles y se enamora de él sin saber quién es o la película está de Disney del cantante famoso bla bla bla ((pero más incómodo)) (((also kinda giving the golden trio fanfic pero con los actores o como se llamase eso en ao3)))
June 21, 2022
This was an adorable take on pen pals. It was a bit of a slow burn but super sweet with a wonderful HEA. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.
June 21, 2022
What a beautiful love letter to fanfic writers everywhere! Such a delightful and satisfying slow burn. I stayed up reading late last night (which for me is unheard of) because I could not wait to see Charlie and Kate’s happily ever after. Piper Sheldon is without a doubt a top author for me and this book should be a one-click-no-brainer for your e-reader or bookshelf. One of my favorite reads of 2022 so far!!
June 19, 2022
Quel(le) fan n'a jamais rêvé de pouvoir un jour échanger et même rencontrer son acteur favoris ? Cette romance de Piper Sheldon concrétise cela et en plus c'est très bien amené et très bien écrit.
Charlie a été propulsé dans la célébrité enfant, lui et ses 2 meilleurs amis étaient les stars d'une série TV de science-fiction qui a eu un méga succès et continue encore 20 ans plus tard. Contrairement aux 2 autres, Charlie n'a pas été un modèle de vertue lorsque la série s'est arrêtée : excès, alcool, scandales, tabloïds... Il en est venu à vivre isolé dans une grosse bâtisse perdue dans la campagne anglaise, avec pour seule compagnie une vieille dame polonaise qui lui fait son ménage et ses repas.
Un soir, au bord de la déprime, il se googlelise et tombe par hasard sur une fanfiction très populaire mettant à l'honneur son personnage. La surprise ne s'arrêtant pas là, cette fanfiction est merveilleusement écrite et les intrigues sont bien menées que cela en pourrait être des scenarios officiels. Charlie ne peut pas s'empêcher de tout lire et ça lui fait un bien fou. Sans même réfléchir, il va écrire -anonymement- un message de remerciement à l'auteur...
Et cet auteur c'est Kate, fan incontestée de la série de SF, elle rêve de devenir écrivain et de publier son 1er roman. Pour le moment c'est dans la fanfiction qu'elle s'épanouit, ses histoires plaisent énormément et elle a sa propre fanbase. Elle reçoit donc plein de messages, mais son attention va être attiré vers l'un d'eux, différent des autres. Elle y décèle une vulnérabilité et décide d'y répondre.
De là commence un échange inattendu. Charlie et Kate sortent rapidement du contexte de la fanfiction et vont alors parler de leurs rêves, de leurs problèmes, s'apportant chacun soutien et compréhension. Kate n'hésite pas à dire tout de suite qui elle est, mais Charlie reste anonyme, pensant que si son identité est dévoilé, tout changera.
Et tout va changer lorsque les studios veulent organiser un évènement pour les 20 ans de la série en invitant les acteurs, des fans, et en organisant des rencontres et des jeux filmés. Charlie refuse d'y aller, pour lui ce n'est que des mauvais souvenirs, mais quand il apprend que Kate a été invitée, il ne peut pas s'empêcher d'y voir une chance de la rencontrer (même si elle ne sait pas qui il est).
Sur ce je n'en dis pas plus, parce que sinon je me met à raconter tout le bouquin xD
Evidemment, toute personne normalement constitué verra dans le trio de jeunes acteurs une méga référence à Harry Potter, mais heureusement pour moi ça s'arrête là LOL. Ce livre m'a aussi beaucoup fait penser à Firefly : l'engouement toujours présent, le lien entre les acteurs et leurs fans qui dure depuis des années malgré l'arrêt de la série.
La rencontre en Kate et Charlie d'abord en épistolaire puis en vrai est très bien amenée, les deux personnages ont plus de profondeur et de subtilités que dans d'autres romances sur le schéma star/fan. Il m'a même arraché une larmichette !
J'ai découvert Piper Sheldon avec ses livres dans les Smartypants Romance, et je ne peux que vous conseiller de les lire, ceux-là et sa série "The Unseen", un mélange mi fantastique mi super-héroïne.
***********************
Which fan has never dreamed of being able to chat and even meet their favorite actor ? This romance by Piper Sheldon concretizes that and it is very well brought and very well written.
Charlie was rocketed into stardom as a child, he and his 2 best friends were the stars of a sci-fi TV series which was a mega hit and is still going strong 20 years later. Unlike the other two actros, Charlie was not a model of virtue when the series ended : excess, alcohol, scandals, tabloids... He decided to live isolated in a large house lost in the English countryside, with the only company of an old Polish lady who does his housework and his meals.
One evening, on the verge of depression, he googles himself and stumbles upon a very popular fanfiction about his character. The surprise doesn't stop there, this fanfiction is wonderfully written and the plots are so well conducted than it could be official scenarios. Charlie can't stop reading everything and it does him a world of good. Without even thinking, he write -anonymously- a message of thanks to the author...
And this author is Kate, an undisputed fan of the Sci-Fi series, she dreams of becoming a writer and publishing her first novel. For the moment it is in fanfiction that she flourishes, her stories are very popular and she has her own fanbase. She therefore receives a lot of messages, but her attention is drawn to one of them, different from the others. She detects a vulnerability and decides to respond to it.
From there begins an unexpected exchange. Charlie and Kate quickly step out of the context of fanfiction and go on to talk about their dreams, their problems, each providing support and understanding. Kate does not hesitate to say right away who she is, but Charlie remains anonymous, thinking that if his identity is revealed, everything will change.
And everything will change when the studios want to do an event for the 20th anniversary of the series by inviting actors, fans, and by organizing meetings and filmed games. Charlie refuses to go, for him it's just bad memories, but when he learns that Kate has been invited, he can't help but see it as a chance to meet her (even if she still doesn't know who he is).
On this I won't say more, because otherwise I'll start telling the whole book xD
Obviously, anyone normally constituted will see in the trio of young actors a mega reference to Harry Potter, but fortunately for me it stops there LOL. This book also reminded me a lot of Firefly : the ever-present enthusiasm, the bond between the actors and their fans that is still here despite the end of the series years ago.
The meeting of Kate and Charlie first in letters and then in real life is very well done, the two characters have more depth and subtleties than in other romances on the star/fan scheme. The book even tore a teardrop out off me !
I discovered Piper Sheldon with her books in Smartypants Romance, and I can only advise you to read them, those and her series "The Unseen", a mixture half fantastic half super-heroine.
-Read as an ARC-
Charlie a été propulsé dans la célébrité enfant, lui et ses 2 meilleurs amis étaient les stars d'une série TV de science-fiction qui a eu un méga succès et continue encore 20 ans plus tard. Contrairement aux 2 autres, Charlie n'a pas été un modèle de vertue lorsque la série s'est arrêtée : excès, alcool, scandales, tabloïds... Il en est venu à vivre isolé dans une grosse bâtisse perdue dans la campagne anglaise, avec pour seule compagnie une vieille dame polonaise qui lui fait son ménage et ses repas.
Un soir, au bord de la déprime, il se googlelise et tombe par hasard sur une fanfiction très populaire mettant à l'honneur son personnage. La surprise ne s'arrêtant pas là, cette fanfiction est merveilleusement écrite et les intrigues sont bien menées que cela en pourrait être des scenarios officiels. Charlie ne peut pas s'empêcher de tout lire et ça lui fait un bien fou. Sans même réfléchir, il va écrire -anonymement- un message de remerciement à l'auteur...
Et cet auteur c'est Kate, fan incontestée de la série de SF, elle rêve de devenir écrivain et de publier son 1er roman. Pour le moment c'est dans la fanfiction qu'elle s'épanouit, ses histoires plaisent énormément et elle a sa propre fanbase. Elle reçoit donc plein de messages, mais son attention va être attiré vers l'un d'eux, différent des autres. Elle y décèle une vulnérabilité et décide d'y répondre.
De là commence un échange inattendu. Charlie et Kate sortent rapidement du contexte de la fanfiction et vont alors parler de leurs rêves, de leurs problèmes, s'apportant chacun soutien et compréhension. Kate n'hésite pas à dire tout de suite qui elle est, mais Charlie reste anonyme, pensant que si son identité est dévoilé, tout changera.
Et tout va changer lorsque les studios veulent organiser un évènement pour les 20 ans de la série en invitant les acteurs, des fans, et en organisant des rencontres et des jeux filmés. Charlie refuse d'y aller, pour lui ce n'est que des mauvais souvenirs, mais quand il apprend que Kate a été invitée, il ne peut pas s'empêcher d'y voir une chance de la rencontrer (même si elle ne sait pas qui il est).
Sur ce je n'en dis pas plus, parce que sinon je me met à raconter tout le bouquin xD
Evidemment, toute personne normalement constitué verra dans le trio de jeunes acteurs une méga référence à Harry Potter, mais heureusement pour moi ça s'arrête là LOL. Ce livre m'a aussi beaucoup fait penser à Firefly : l'engouement toujours présent, le lien entre les acteurs et leurs fans qui dure depuis des années malgré l'arrêt de la série.
La rencontre en Kate et Charlie d'abord en épistolaire puis en vrai est très bien amenée, les deux personnages ont plus de profondeur et de subtilités que dans d'autres romances sur le schéma star/fan. Il m'a même arraché une larmichette !
J'ai découvert Piper Sheldon avec ses livres dans les Smartypants Romance, et je ne peux que vous conseiller de les lire, ceux-là et sa série "The Unseen", un mélange mi fantastique mi super-héroïne.
***********************
Which fan has never dreamed of being able to chat and even meet their favorite actor ? This romance by Piper Sheldon concretizes that and it is very well brought and very well written.
Charlie was rocketed into stardom as a child, he and his 2 best friends were the stars of a sci-fi TV series which was a mega hit and is still going strong 20 years later. Unlike the other two actros, Charlie was not a model of virtue when the series ended : excess, alcohol, scandals, tabloids... He decided to live isolated in a large house lost in the English countryside, with the only company of an old Polish lady who does his housework and his meals.
One evening, on the verge of depression, he googles himself and stumbles upon a very popular fanfiction about his character. The surprise doesn't stop there, this fanfiction is wonderfully written and the plots are so well conducted than it could be official scenarios. Charlie can't stop reading everything and it does him a world of good. Without even thinking, he write -anonymously- a message of thanks to the author...
And this author is Kate, an undisputed fan of the Sci-Fi series, she dreams of becoming a writer and publishing her first novel. For the moment it is in fanfiction that she flourishes, her stories are very popular and she has her own fanbase. She therefore receives a lot of messages, but her attention is drawn to one of them, different from the others. She detects a vulnerability and decides to respond to it.
From there begins an unexpected exchange. Charlie and Kate quickly step out of the context of fanfiction and go on to talk about their dreams, their problems, each providing support and understanding. Kate does not hesitate to say right away who she is, but Charlie remains anonymous, thinking that if his identity is revealed, everything will change.
And everything will change when the studios want to do an event for the 20th anniversary of the series by inviting actors, fans, and by organizing meetings and filmed games. Charlie refuses to go, for him it's just bad memories, but when he learns that Kate has been invited, he can't help but see it as a chance to meet her (even if she still doesn't know who he is).
On this I won't say more, because otherwise I'll start telling the whole book xD
Obviously, anyone normally constituted will see in the trio of young actors a mega reference to Harry Potter, but fortunately for me it stops there LOL. This book also reminded me a lot of Firefly : the ever-present enthusiasm, the bond between the actors and their fans that is still here despite the end of the series years ago.
The meeting of Kate and Charlie first in letters and then in real life is very well done, the two characters have more depth and subtleties than in other romances on the star/fan scheme. The book even tore a teardrop out off me !
I discovered Piper Sheldon with her books in Smartypants Romance, and I can only advise you to read them, those and her series "The Unseen", a mixture half fantastic half super-heroine.
-Read as an ARC-
October 28, 2022
Entertaining
This book tells the story of former childhood TV star and a fan as they correspond via email. I enjoyed reading their emails and the information the author shared about their lives, outside of the emails. The last 20% of the book dragged for me and I think the content could benefit with some additional editing, but otherwise, this was an enjoyable book.
This book tells the story of former childhood TV star and a fan as they correspond via email. I enjoyed reading their emails and the information the author shared about their lives, outside of the emails. The last 20% of the book dragged for me and I think the content could benefit with some additional editing, but otherwise, this was an enjoyable book.
December 12, 2022
Piper Sheldon created a beautiful connection between Kate and Charles based solely on their email exchanges.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 19, 2022
Charles Downing feels like he is a washed up childhood actor with little to give the world. As he tries to find a more normal life he does the one thing no one with a media presence should, Googles himself. This leads him to the world of fanfiction, including ones based on the show TerraFormative. The very show he essentially grew up on. One fanfiction author seems to stand out not only because she features Charles’ former character, Freddy, but because of her talent. Charlie reaches out to Kate Dubois via the fanfiction site and they soon begin an email relationship that occupies both of their minds.
The hidden identity tropes can make me anxious as I wait for the truth to be revealed. Oftentimes, it just feels unnecessarily drawn out. However, I think Piper did it in a unique way that held true for both the characters. Charlie is dealing with both his past and present, including how to be okay with his best self currently. Kate was a relatable character as well as she struggled with what others expected and what she truly wanted.
I love relationships that grow over a distance as they have to rely more on emotions and communication. This book dealt with a few heavy things, but the angst never overshadowed the comedy. It was a perfect balance. The idea of incorporating fanfiction into a romance book is so genuine to the community as so many authors and readers start there. The side characters are all different and leave us hoping for upcoming books. So who will be next, Emma or Harrison?
The hidden identity tropes can make me anxious as I wait for the truth to be revealed. Oftentimes, it just feels unnecessarily drawn out. However, I think Piper did it in a unique way that held true for both the characters. Charlie is dealing with both his past and present, including how to be okay with his best self currently. Kate was a relatable character as well as she struggled with what others expected and what she truly wanted.
I love relationships that grow over a distance as they have to rely more on emotions and communication. This book dealt with a few heavy things, but the angst never overshadowed the comedy. It was a perfect balance. The idea of incorporating fanfiction into a romance book is so genuine to the community as so many authors and readers start there. The side characters are all different and leave us hoping for upcoming books. So who will be next, Emma or Harrison?
June 17, 2022
The complicated past of an ex-child-actor turned recluse in the English countryside is seeping into every aspect of his life. So he breaks his number one rule and searches himself on the internet, finding a fanfiction written by the very talented Kate.
Charlie sends Kate a message and we’re immediately thrust into their whirlwind friendship complete with internet insecurities and awkward moments. My favourite parts were when we got to see the unsent drafts or hear the difference in what they were thinking and what they were writing to each other.
I loved how their relationship developed and how I was slowly given information to deepen my understanding of their characters as the story went on. Everything felt so natural. And when life gets in the way of being able to tell each other the truth, the two meet in a very unorthodox way. The drama of that situation was so delicious I couldn’t stop reading.
If you like celebrities with complicated pasts, aspiring artists, penpals, secret identities or slightly sexy slowburns, you should definitely check this one out. There’s also amazing friends and family and a side character you’ll love to hate. No spoilers, but once you read it, you’ll know.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Charlie sends Kate a message and we’re immediately thrust into their whirlwind friendship complete with internet insecurities and awkward moments. My favourite parts were when we got to see the unsent drafts or hear the difference in what they were thinking and what they were writing to each other.
I loved how their relationship developed and how I was slowly given information to deepen my understanding of their characters as the story went on. Everything felt so natural. And when life gets in the way of being able to tell each other the truth, the two meet in a very unorthodox way. The drama of that situation was so delicious I couldn’t stop reading.
If you like celebrities with complicated pasts, aspiring artists, penpals, secret identities or slightly sexy slowburns, you should definitely check this one out. There’s also amazing friends and family and a side character you’ll love to hate. No spoilers, but once you read it, you’ll know.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
June 12, 2024
Like Nothing I’ve Read Before!
Honestly, this was such a unique background to a romance and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. This was a delightful and witty novel that explored the unexpected romance between a former child star and a writer who has no idea he's the subject of her fantasies. The protagonist's struggle with fame and anonymity is both relatable and engaging, while his connection with Kate Dubois is heartwarming and authentic. The charming narrative and clever dialogue make for an enjoyable read, despite some predictable moments and a few aspects that I wish were evolved a bit more than they were. A solid 4-star book that id definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a good romcom!
Honestly, this was such a unique background to a romance and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. This was a delightful and witty novel that explored the unexpected romance between a former child star and a writer who has no idea he's the subject of her fantasies. The protagonist's struggle with fame and anonymity is both relatable and engaging, while his connection with Kate Dubois is heartwarming and authentic. The charming narrative and clever dialogue make for an enjoyable read, despite some predictable moments and a few aspects that I wish were evolved a bit more than they were. A solid 4-star book that id definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a good romcom!
June 8, 2022
This book was sweet and gooey and everything wonderful in a romance book. Charlie and his two friends (Emma and Harrison) grew up on a widely watched TV shows as kids. And if you ever wanted to child actor's story who didn't handle fame/stardom very well then this is the book for you. Charlie is a recovering addict trying to live but is too scared to put himself back out there in fear he'll relapse and be a disappointment. Kate is an aspiring writer who has made it big in the world of fan fiction. These two have an interesting meet cute because of her fan fiction stories and it was wonderful watching them interact. I really enjoyed the "Roxanne-esque" trope of Charlie writing Kate under a different name and then meeting her in person. I can't wait for Emma and Harrison to get a book especially Harrison.
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