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Starstruck #1
Starstruck
Actress Cassidy “C.J.” Hayes is famous for her role in The Alchemidens, a fantasy show where she plays a kick-ass heroine. Her rising success has brought her quickly under Hollywood’s glaring spotlight. It also gained her the unwelcome attentions of an obsessive fan who wants more than just an autograph. Aiden Darrow is both a well-respected screenwriter and a writer of lesbian romances. As a big fan of actress C.J. Hayes, Aiden is astounded when the woman of her dreams ends up moving into the house next door to her. Their attraction is undeniable, but Cassidy is understandably nervous about getting too close to anyone. Aiden, meanwhile, is trying to separate reality from fiction because Cassidy is nothing like the character she portrays so well. All through her childhood, Aiden dreamed of a hero to come rescue her, but can she be the hero that Cassidy so desperately needs now?
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2016
12 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Davis
20 books83 followersLesley Davis lives in the West Midlands of England. She is a die-hard sci-fi/fantasy fan in all its forms and an extremely passionate gamer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 15, 2017
3.5 Stars for the Audiobook - rounded up to 4 Stars.
This book was not on my radar, but I was looking for my next audiobook so I searched for one of my favorite narrators, Nicola Victoria Vincent (Jenny Frame and Cari Hunter books). For once I listened to the sample and the prologue sounded interesting and suspenseful. The leading character is Cassidy "CJ" Hayes, a Hollywood TV actress on a fantasy show. Cassidy is British and the book opens up with Cassidy discovering that her stalker has been in her apartment. Vincent is in fine form in the sample. Until we hear the voices of the american characters (everyone else). Yeah, she doesn't do american accents all that well. At times it is perfect and at least once she gets the pronunciation wrong (Zumba is pronounced Zoomba in LA, but understandable that she didn't get it right). But mostly it just sounds odd. After a while I got used to it or rather I didn't let it bother me. I think a lesser narrator, I would have given it up because otherwise Vincent does a good job.
As for the story itself - I enjoyed it. I could relate to the other MC, Aiden. A well known writer of lesbian fantasy fiction and also screenplays. She is is also a geek who has a poster of her favorite TV character & action hero, Karadine Kourt (played by CJ Hayes) hanging in her office along with an impressive collection of superhero statues and memorabilia. I'm not a writer, but I do collect superhero statues/action figures and have been going to San Diego Comic con for over 15 years.
Aiden and Cassidy meet when Cassidy moves into her friend's empty house next door to Aiden. She moves there in hopes of evading her stalker. And off we go - as Aiden and Cassidy get closer and as does her stalker who is mentally spiraling downward.
I liked both Aiden and Cassidy and their romance. I loved Cassidy's best friend and co-star Mischa. Everybody needs a best friend like Mischa. Life would not be boring.
I can recommend this book. Its entertaining. I'm going to have to listen to Cari Hunter's Desolation Point narrated by Vincent to see if she improved her american accents. I loved the book, so it won't be a hardship for me to "reread" it.
One last complaint - the cover. Its wrong! Cassidy's stage name is CJ Hayes. The poster on the cover is of her character but it says Cassidy J Hayes. It should have read CJ Hayes. (geekness showing!)
This book was not on my radar, but I was looking for my next audiobook so I searched for one of my favorite narrators, Nicola Victoria Vincent (Jenny Frame and Cari Hunter books). For once I listened to the sample and the prologue sounded interesting and suspenseful. The leading character is Cassidy "CJ" Hayes, a Hollywood TV actress on a fantasy show. Cassidy is British and the book opens up with Cassidy discovering that her stalker has been in her apartment. Vincent is in fine form in the sample. Until we hear the voices of the american characters (everyone else). Yeah, she doesn't do american accents all that well. At times it is perfect and at least once she gets the pronunciation wrong (Zumba is pronounced Zoomba in LA, but understandable that she didn't get it right). But mostly it just sounds odd. After a while I got used to it or rather I didn't let it bother me. I think a lesser narrator, I would have given it up because otherwise Vincent does a good job.
As for the story itself - I enjoyed it. I could relate to the other MC, Aiden. A well known writer of lesbian fantasy fiction and also screenplays. She is is also a geek who has a poster of her favorite TV character & action hero, Karadine Kourt (played by CJ Hayes) hanging in her office along with an impressive collection of superhero statues and memorabilia. I'm not a writer, but I do collect superhero statues/action figures and have been going to San Diego Comic con for over 15 years.
Aiden and Cassidy meet when Cassidy moves into her friend's empty house next door to Aiden. She moves there in hopes of evading her stalker. And off we go - as Aiden and Cassidy get closer and as does her stalker who is mentally spiraling downward.
I liked both Aiden and Cassidy and their romance. I loved Cassidy's best friend and co-star Mischa. Everybody needs a best friend like Mischa. Life would not be boring.
I can recommend this book. Its entertaining. I'm going to have to listen to Cari Hunter's Desolation Point narrated by Vincent to see if she improved her american accents. I loved the book, so it won't be a hardship for me to "reread" it.
One last complaint - the cover. Its wrong! Cassidy's stage name is CJ Hayes. The poster on the cover is of her character but it says Cassidy J Hayes. It should have read CJ Hayes. (geekness showing!)
January 25, 2016
Hollywood actress meets fiction writer and viola love has been found. There you go, now you have read Starstruck by Leslie Davis. Just kidding! There is way more to it than that, I forgot to mention the crazy psycho stalker in on the loose.
Cassidy Hayes is a Hollywood actress on a relatively new but super popular television show. The British actress is sexy, fierce and has a fiery temper. Cassidy is also being tormented by a male stalker who wants nothing more than to make her his own personal plaything. Watch out Cassidy! This is where the book begins. Cassidy goes home to her apartment in Burbank, California and finds that the stalker has been in her home. Upon that violation she moves into a friend’s home in a gated community while said friend is vacationing is Aspen.
Enter Aiden Darrow, the handsome, noble writer/ next door neighbor. Aiden straight away rescues Cassidy form unruly automatic sprinklers and saves the day. This is a hint for the rest of the book. The nerdy neighbor has a hero complex and wants nothing more than to be Cassidy’s own personal superhero. She knows who Cassidy is, and is a HUGE fan of the actress's current sci-fi TV show, The Alchemidens.
Hollywood beauty meets stoic non-celebrity has been done before, a multitude of times. Really that’s totally fine, I’m not looking for a new concept every time I pick up a romance novel. Unfortunately when the book is middle of the road in that particular trope it is pretty noticeable. I could not help but begin thinking of past books I have read.
The story had parts that were interesting and captured my attention, but there were also times that the book came across dull and flat. Too much emphasis was put on Aiden’s being a superhero junkie. I didn’t quite buy it. I felt like this was the author speaking about her likes versus really being the character’s voice. Aiden could have been so much more, but she was never really given a lot of dimension. She spoke of her troubled past but it was done in a way that didn’t really come off a natural, I felt contrived to me.
The story while predictable, it was also entertaining.
This ARC was provided to me by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books in return for an honest review.
Cassidy Hayes is a Hollywood actress on a relatively new but super popular television show. The British actress is sexy, fierce and has a fiery temper. Cassidy is also being tormented by a male stalker who wants nothing more than to make her his own personal plaything. Watch out Cassidy! This is where the book begins. Cassidy goes home to her apartment in Burbank, California and finds that the stalker has been in her home. Upon that violation she moves into a friend’s home in a gated community while said friend is vacationing is Aspen.
Enter Aiden Darrow, the handsome, noble writer/ next door neighbor. Aiden straight away rescues Cassidy form unruly automatic sprinklers and saves the day. This is a hint for the rest of the book. The nerdy neighbor has a hero complex and wants nothing more than to be Cassidy’s own personal superhero. She knows who Cassidy is, and is a HUGE fan of the actress's current sci-fi TV show, The Alchemidens.
Hollywood beauty meets stoic non-celebrity has been done before, a multitude of times. Really that’s totally fine, I’m not looking for a new concept every time I pick up a romance novel. Unfortunately when the book is middle of the road in that particular trope it is pretty noticeable. I could not help but begin thinking of past books I have read.
The story had parts that were interesting and captured my attention, but there were also times that the book came across dull and flat. Too much emphasis was put on Aiden’s being a superhero junkie. I didn’t quite buy it. I felt like this was the author speaking about her likes versus really being the character’s voice. Aiden could have been so much more, but she was never really given a lot of dimension. She spoke of her troubled past but it was done in a way that didn’t really come off a natural, I felt contrived to me.
The story while predictable, it was also entertaining.
This ARC was provided to me by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books in return for an honest review.
July 17, 2016
Starstruck is a nicely done romance with a little bit of suspense thrown in. This is my fourth book by Lesley Davis, and I really like the way she tells her stories. Although this story is not particularly original (actress being stalked by a deranged fan), it kept me hooked up until the end because the plot runs smoothly with just enough suspense to be fun.
Davis is good in character development. Her soft butches are always very likable characters -- strong but vulnerable, somewhat withdrawn and shy but kind and understanding. Writer Aiden Darrow is just such a character. The other main character, actress Cassidy Hayes, is a good match for our gentle hero. Secondary characters are also great as always -- energetic Mischa Ballantyne and her equally boisterous family are delightful and funny.
It was nice to briefly meet again the characters from previous books -- Trent, Elton and little Harley.
If you like a sweet romance without a lot of angst, but with some suspense, you will not want to miss this one.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley for review*
Davis is good in character development. Her soft butches are always very likable characters -- strong but vulnerable, somewhat withdrawn and shy but kind and understanding. Writer Aiden Darrow is just such a character. The other main character, actress Cassidy Hayes, is a good match for our gentle hero. Secondary characters are also great as always -- energetic Mischa Ballantyne and her equally boisterous family are delightful and funny.
It was nice to briefly meet again the characters from previous books -- Trent, Elton and little Harley.
If you like a sweet romance without a lot of angst, but with some suspense, you will not want to miss this one.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley for review*
July 9, 2017
I found this to be a very average read with just enough spice to elevate it some. Formulaic, "by the book", tropey, and somewhat melodramatic comes to mind but it's also competently written and readable. It's like when I go to a movie that is entertaining enough to keep me in my seat but has so much predictability and little emotional investment I walk out just feeling kind of blah.
On the whole, the book felt flat and that's mainly due to a lack of depth for the characters. Aiden was written with greater depth but in a somewhat contrived way and I know almost nothing about Cassidy, the other lead, after finishing the book. I'm big into character and nuance so if it's missing, eh. That said, if you want a non-complex, straight forward read, light on just about everything with a minor element of danger and just enough interesting character interactions, throwing in an amusing sidekick, and a happily ever after insta-love romance, this works.
On the whole, the book felt flat and that's mainly due to a lack of depth for the characters. Aiden was written with greater depth but in a somewhat contrived way and I know almost nothing about Cassidy, the other lead, after finishing the book. I'm big into character and nuance so if it's missing, eh. That said, if you want a non-complex, straight forward read, light on just about everything with a minor element of danger and just enough interesting character interactions, throwing in an amusing sidekick, and a happily ever after insta-love romance, this works.
July 3, 2025
5 stars
I really like this one. The stalker storyline is kind of predictable, but Aiden and Cass are fun, have awesome chemistry and are cute together.
Mischa is an underappreciated gem, her comedic timing is epic.
So is it a thriller that will keep you awake at night? Nope
But it will make you laugh and keep you entertained while you read it
Edit July 2025: still very good, I had fun
I really like this one. The stalker storyline is kind of predictable, but Aiden and Cass are fun, have awesome chemistry and are cute together.
Mischa is an underappreciated gem, her comedic timing is epic.
So is it a thriller that will keep you awake at night? Nope
But it will make you laugh and keep you entertained while you read it
Edit July 2025: still very good, I had fun
August 30, 2016
I wanted to like this more than I did. First of all, the stalker thing was boring. As a plot device it added nothing to the storyline, it honestly would have been a better story without this element. Given that both women work in the same industry they could have met in a variety of other ways, and still have gotten together without the cliched plot that's been done a million times before, and done better, I have to say. I also don't know why every book that has an actress meeting a script writer/another actress/producer/publicist always ends with that actress' character coming out on their show, but it might be time for this particular trope to die.
The romance between the two leads is quite sweet and unfolds over a good time period so it's not a wham, bam thing. Cassidy's friend Mischa is a fun addition, and I was intrigued by the descriptions of Aiden's books, I sort of wish the author had written one of them instead. Aiden's backstory was also interesting, unfortunately Cassidy wasn't given any such background apart from 'actress being stalked'.
There are also some weird elements, like a scene that sets up Cassidy being invited over for dinner that we never get to see. There's also a contrived break up that is at least resolved quickly and an even more contrived 'misunderstanding' within a conversation.
The romance between the two leads is quite sweet and unfolds over a good time period so it's not a wham, bam thing. Cassidy's friend Mischa is a fun addition, and I was intrigued by the descriptions of Aiden's books, I sort of wish the author had written one of them instead. Aiden's backstory was also interesting, unfortunately Cassidy wasn't given any such background apart from 'actress being stalked'.
There are also some weird elements, like a scene that sets up Cassidy being invited over for dinner that we never get to see. There's also a contrived break up that is at least resolved quickly and an even more contrived 'misunderstanding' within a conversation.
May 13, 2021
I wouldn't change my rating from 2017 as this was definitely a four star read for me. I adored little Aiden and her cute innocence, and having her step up for Cassidy was just so fitting for adult Aiden.
Also, I love the guest appearance of Trent, Elton and baby Harley from the Playing series.
Also, I love the guest appearance of Trent, Elton and baby Harley from the Playing series.
February 3, 2016
I love Lesley Davis and her writing style so much, so this book really worked for me. I really liked how she executes the idea of when a famous person is a fan of another famous person.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/stars...
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/stars...
January 20, 2016
LA romances have their own little sub-genre I’m sure, but this one was better than most.
Aiden Darrow is a well-respected writer of lesbian romances, and a specialist for writing queer characters on screen. After a slew of foster homes, Aiden has one foot in the real world and the other in the world of fantasy. At the moment, her inspiration comes from a kick-arse character played by C.J. Hayes, a large poster of which adorns Aiden’s writing room.
Aiden’s next-door neighbour goes on vacation, and the woman who house-sits for her is none other than Cassidy Hayes, or C.J. Hayes as she’s known professionally. On the run from a stalker who now wants her dead, Cassidy is nervous about getting close to anyone, let alone a fan.
From there Davis takes us on the romance reel, but it’s such fun, and Aiden is so well written, that it is a joy. A third character nearly steals the show. Mischa is loud, boisterous and magnanimous, and Cassidy’s best friend and cast mate on the hit show. Mischa is also a huge fan of Aiden’s work. This character adds a lot of spice and is a great catalyst for the story. The fourth main character is the stalker, who doesn’t add much other than the potential for danger.
I did enjoy this romance with some thrilling bits in it. The dialogue was great, the characters fun and it was an adventure to read. Especially fun was the character of Aiden; queer and a geek, with enough complexity to have an interesting backstory without being so full of insecurities as to overwhelm the narrative. Get this one for an adventurous afternoon.
Aiden Darrow is a well-respected writer of lesbian romances, and a specialist for writing queer characters on screen. After a slew of foster homes, Aiden has one foot in the real world and the other in the world of fantasy. At the moment, her inspiration comes from a kick-arse character played by C.J. Hayes, a large poster of which adorns Aiden’s writing room.
Aiden’s next-door neighbour goes on vacation, and the woman who house-sits for her is none other than Cassidy Hayes, or C.J. Hayes as she’s known professionally. On the run from a stalker who now wants her dead, Cassidy is nervous about getting close to anyone, let alone a fan.
From there Davis takes us on the romance reel, but it’s such fun, and Aiden is so well written, that it is a joy. A third character nearly steals the show. Mischa is loud, boisterous and magnanimous, and Cassidy’s best friend and cast mate on the hit show. Mischa is also a huge fan of Aiden’s work. This character adds a lot of spice and is a great catalyst for the story. The fourth main character is the stalker, who doesn’t add much other than the potential for danger.
I did enjoy this romance with some thrilling bits in it. The dialogue was great, the characters fun and it was an adventure to read. Especially fun was the character of Aiden; queer and a geek, with enough complexity to have an interesting backstory without being so full of insecurities as to overwhelm the narrative. Get this one for an adventurous afternoon.
January 13, 2016
The story here was pretty by the numbers for me. Basic logline is--Actress stalked by fan, finds near-immediate love with the next door neighbor/famous writer. For me, when these woman-in-peril stories switch perspective to the pursuer, they take a serious nose dive in believability and substance. This particular guy behaves and is written just like every other lunatic in these types of stories. I also have a huge problem with law enforcement written like absolute buffoons. Example--an officer who was briefed on what the stalker looked like letting a suspicious guy behaving erratically go because he had a beard whereas the stalker did not. Really? Scenes like that could and should have been rewritten because they're weak and take the reader completely out of the story. I can't play in your story and be mesmerized if I'm questioning the most basic of your plots. The other irritation while reading was some very clunky dialogue both in length as well as it just not sounding like actual human interaction. Maybe in the author's head the cadence worked but I was cringing over it.
The book was okay, but is not particularly memorable. The characters are ho hum and you know pretty much within the first few chapters how the story will unfold. It's up toy out though if you want to take that predictable ride.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
The book was okay, but is not particularly memorable. The characters are ho hum and you know pretty much within the first few chapters how the story will unfold. It's up toy out though if you want to take that predictable ride.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
April 4, 2019
Audio book. Story was good, maybe not a 4star, probably 3 1/2. The narrator did a good job. I never lost interest in the story or what was going to happen next. The suspense part of the story was a little under played, but I’d rather that than over the top with no substance. I would recommend this story.
August 15, 2020
Really enjoyed this though not into sci-fi at all - but at it's base it's a love story and how far will you go to to look after the one you love? Good back characters and ideally placed within TV show business. Thank you.
February 4, 2016
Lovely story, lovely characters and plenty of laughs.
March 1, 2016
Wow what a ride this one hit all my emotions from happy, sad to frustrated especially when it came to reading Adam's part. All i kept say oh my he's creepy and please let nothing happen to Cassidy. Aiden's part was well written as well and who wouldn't love a best friend like Mischa she was funny as heck.
Arc given by NetGalley for honest review
Arc given by NetGalley for honest review
July 29, 2023
3/5
I wanted to rate this higher, but then I had a talk with myself where I try to think of something happening in this book worth more of 3 stars,and I failed.
I for one believe they were cute,the friendship was good too, but it wasn't anything life changing,it felt just medium,nothing too great nothing too bad,just in the middle
I wanted to rate this higher, but then I had a talk with myself where I try to think of something happening in this book worth more of 3 stars,and I failed.
I for one believe they were cute,the friendship was good too, but it wasn't anything life changing,it felt just medium,nothing too great nothing too bad,just in the middle
January 7, 2016
I enjoyed the read for most of the book However I found there were moments where I did lose interest and wanted the book to keep moving. I'm still unsure if I even liked Cassidy. I thought Cassidy had all the flaws but Aiden was perfect which was annoying for me. I did however love Mischa. The story line was what I found the best part of the book.
In saying that I did find the end action scene to not have to worked for me. The way it was described I found people to have gone oddly missing and then turn up when they were standing in the background all along. It just didn't sync well for me.
For me it was entertaining enough to keep me occupied but one I'll soon forget.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
In saying that I did find the end action scene to not have to worked for me. The way it was described I found people to have gone oddly missing and then turn up when they were standing in the background all along. It just didn't sync well for me.
For me it was entertaining enough to keep me occupied but one I'll soon forget.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
January 27, 2016
I received this novel as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
In truth, I wasn't blown away by this book the way I am with many others that come from BSB. The premise was great, the story was solid, but I believe I was expecting something more than the lukewarm novel that arose from such a great foundation. The romance was nice, and the suspense kept me interested, but it felt underwhelming in the end. I enjoyed the read in the long run, but I will probably not pick it up again.
In truth, I wasn't blown away by this book the way I am with many others that come from BSB. The premise was great, the story was solid, but I believe I was expecting something more than the lukewarm novel that arose from such a great foundation. The romance was nice, and the suspense kept me interested, but it felt underwhelming in the end. I enjoyed the read in the long run, but I will probably not pick it up again.
May 1, 2021
4.5/5
I got the urge to re-read this book after reading the sequel to it. I couldn’t remember a lot of this book so it felt good to re-read it.
This book deals with Cassidy, an actress who is being stalked by a pretty persistent “fan”. This man is obsessed with her and convinced that the two of them have a relationship. When he finds where she lives, she goes to stay at a friend’s house which happens to be next door to Aiden. Aiden is a writer who absolutely adores all things nerdy. Her geek flag is flying high and she’s shocked when she finds Cassidy wet in her neighbor’s lawn. The two become friends but Cassidy is hesitant to do anything more due to her stalker.
I really liked this book. I didn’t think it was as great as In the Spotlight, but it was still great.
Cassidy and Aiden are easily likeable characters. Cassidy seems like the nice, excited friend who always tries to make people feel welcome. Aiden is more of the shy kid in the corner who loves to discuss her interests. She’s kind of adorable and I love her. She likes the idea of heroes and, at one point, considers the idea that her bad past might just have been her hero origin story.
The two characters were really cute together. It was nice to see Aiden provide a safe-space for Cassidy to relax while Cassidy helped bring Aiden out of her shell a little. The side characters, specifically Mischa, were amazing. I love Mischa to death and would love a friend like her.
We do spend time with our stalker so it’s not a mystery who it is. I’m not a fan of those parts but not because they’re poorly written. I just don’t like being stuck in the headspace of a creeper. I did notice something on my second read through though. When the stalker thinks of Cassidy, he references her as C.J. – her stage name. I thought that was a really nice touch. A way of showing that he doesn’t see her for herself but rather for who she is as an actress.
There is some stupid drama that feels forced and some side events that didn’t have to happen, but overall, it’s a good book. I quite enjoyed it and I would recommend anyone who’s interested in the sequel to read this one first. It’s not necessary but it helps to have some backstory to the characters present in the sequel.
I got the urge to re-read this book after reading the sequel to it. I couldn’t remember a lot of this book so it felt good to re-read it.
This book deals with Cassidy, an actress who is being stalked by a pretty persistent “fan”. This man is obsessed with her and convinced that the two of them have a relationship. When he finds where she lives, she goes to stay at a friend’s house which happens to be next door to Aiden. Aiden is a writer who absolutely adores all things nerdy. Her geek flag is flying high and she’s shocked when she finds Cassidy wet in her neighbor’s lawn. The two become friends but Cassidy is hesitant to do anything more due to her stalker.
I really liked this book. I didn’t think it was as great as In the Spotlight, but it was still great.
Cassidy and Aiden are easily likeable characters. Cassidy seems like the nice, excited friend who always tries to make people feel welcome. Aiden is more of the shy kid in the corner who loves to discuss her interests. She’s kind of adorable and I love her. She likes the idea of heroes and, at one point, considers the idea that her bad past might just have been her hero origin story.
The two characters were really cute together. It was nice to see Aiden provide a safe-space for Cassidy to relax while Cassidy helped bring Aiden out of her shell a little. The side characters, specifically Mischa, were amazing. I love Mischa to death and would love a friend like her.
We do spend time with our stalker so it’s not a mystery who it is. I’m not a fan of those parts but not because they’re poorly written. I just don’t like being stuck in the headspace of a creeper. I did notice something on my second read through though. When the stalker thinks of Cassidy, he references her as C.J. – her stage name. I thought that was a really nice touch. A way of showing that he doesn’t see her for herself but rather for who she is as an actress.
There is some stupid drama that feels forced and some side events that didn’t have to happen, but overall, it’s a good book. I quite enjoyed it and I would recommend anyone who’s interested in the sequel to read this one first. It’s not necessary but it helps to have some backstory to the characters present in the sequel.
August 16, 2023
I'm such a sucker for characters with sad backstories, I cried multiple times reading this book. This book is worth the read for Aiden alone tbh. She's such a damn warrior it's inspiring. The stalker was a goddamn menace my god. I think the implications of his actions are so much scarier than his portrayal. He's a good stalker and it's terrifying.
if you like sapphic celebrity romances (like me) I cannot recommend this book enough
if you like sapphic celebrity romances (like me) I cannot recommend this book enough
January 21, 2016
Entertaining, but the ending could have been better.
March 8, 2018
One of the sweetest stories I read this year. I had a hard time to out this book down.
March 2, 2019
That book is ok. I enjoyed the audio but I was overcheesed. Soapy-soaped.
I almost rounded it up to 3 stars because I really like Nicola Victoria Vincent voice. She is very good except for men's voices. The narration for them seems slower and less fluid.
Back to the story
Both main characters, the actress & the writer, are charming & cute. The attraction seemed pretty insta for me. I'm not sure I could feel their chemistry.
Having a very feminine main character, with lot of self-confidence, used to seduce other women, falling in love for the first time, could have been better, if not for the whole stalker line (that part hurt my teeth, so textbook)
The writer would still have been interesting without the multiple sobs stories in her background. They didn't add anything to the romance. And they were so many of them :O
On the plus side, the secondary character I don't need to name and the geek universe and the whole reverse fan behavior, which was really funny
May 30, 2021
My favorite from this author. Hands down, tha characters are so engaging, especially Mischa & Cassidy’s interactions. I love wlw books about actors and acting which is why I stumbled onto this book. I’m so glad I did. It was different. It’s not about a closeted lesbian actress, which, let’s face it, a lot if not all are. One of my favorite lines is “Hello, lesbian here!” Which Cassidy says when retelling a story about something or other. She’s not unsure about her sexuality at all, yet has a clique full of friends who could care less, though they all love & care about her. Sparks fly when she temporarily moves into the house next door to highly popular, but shy,lesbian fiction/screenwriter. I love how the author has given Aiden’s backstory (to which I highly identified with, personally) which helps explain her love of fiction, superheroes and sci-fi. The stalker aspect makes for the plot and climax of the story, but it is truly a romance with all the steamy good stuff, as well. AND there is a second story now which brings these characters back. Buy them both & read this one first. You will enjoy it!
August 13, 2019
This was written with the talent of a middle schooler. There’s very little interaction before a spoiled actress decides to stop purposely sleeping around and is immediately in love with Aiden. Not to mention that after knowing each other for barely over a week and dating for even less time Aiden gets asked if they are thinking of kids. They aren’t married, have barely dated and yet friends think they should immediately adopt? Wtf! The story is a well known already trope but the writing for this book makes it even more cliched and trite.
April 23, 2020
"Probably a high maintenance femme", the character thought about her future love interest in the first chapter, and I knew exactly what I was in for. The only thing I found the least bit original in this book was that the 'butch' person in the story had glasses.
February 18, 2022
great read
Love the story and love the book… couldn’t put it down… page turner, drama, action, love story, and laughable moments… thanks
Love the story and love the book… couldn’t put it down… page turner, drama, action, love story, and laughable moments… thanks
March 2, 2016
Starstruck by Leslie Davis is a contemporary romance that I had trouble putting down. Actress Cassidy “C.J.” Hayes is famous for her role in The Alchemidens, a fantasy show where she plays a kick-ass heroine. Her rising success has brought her quickly under Hollywood’s glaring spotlight. It also gained her the unwelcome attentions of an obsessive fan who wants more than just an autograph. Aiden Darrow is both a well-respected screenwriter and a writer of lesbian romances. As a big fan of actress C.J. Hayes, Aiden is astounded when the woman of her dreams ends up moving into the house next door to her. Their attraction is undeniable, but Cassidy is understandably nervous about getting too close to anyone. Aiden, meanwhile, is trying to separate reality from fiction because Cassidy is nothing like the character she portrays so well. All through her childhood, Aiden dreamed of a hero to come rescue her, but can she be the hero that Cassidy so desperately needs now?
Starstruck is a realistic lesbian romance. Both Cassidy and Aiden have trauma in their past or present to deal with, and are struggling with letting another person in. Cassidy is dealing with a stalker that has escalated from wanting to get close to Cassidy to wanting to kill her, because if he cannot have her no one should. Aiden grew up in the foster system, and escapes from the real world through watching movies and writing. When the woman of her fantasies moves in next door, separating fiction and reality should have been hard, the real Cassidy is wonderful in her own way and the attraction cannot be denied. Of course conflict, including communication fails, assumptions, and so on take place. Real danger from the stalker and character growth and interactions are present as well. The balance of completely realistic relationship and personal fears and doubts with the concerns of high profile people, are address very well. I also liked the little cameo of characters I recognized from previous books by the author.
Starstruck is a pretty perfect contemporary romance. It dealt with problems the characters might face in the real world, and they reacted as anyone might. I like that the fact that the gender of Aiden and Cassidy are more of a side note than anything else for me. LGBT issues are raised, but it was organic rather than feeling forced or done for effect. I had trouble putting this book down, and have added Davis to me list of authors to watch and read regularly.
Starstruck is a realistic lesbian romance. Both Cassidy and Aiden have trauma in their past or present to deal with, and are struggling with letting another person in. Cassidy is dealing with a stalker that has escalated from wanting to get close to Cassidy to wanting to kill her, because if he cannot have her no one should. Aiden grew up in the foster system, and escapes from the real world through watching movies and writing. When the woman of her fantasies moves in next door, separating fiction and reality should have been hard, the real Cassidy is wonderful in her own way and the attraction cannot be denied. Of course conflict, including communication fails, assumptions, and so on take place. Real danger from the stalker and character growth and interactions are present as well. The balance of completely realistic relationship and personal fears and doubts with the concerns of high profile people, are address very well. I also liked the little cameo of characters I recognized from previous books by the author.
Starstruck is a pretty perfect contemporary romance. It dealt with problems the characters might face in the real world, and they reacted as anyone might. I like that the fact that the gender of Aiden and Cassidy are more of a side note than anything else for me. LGBT issues are raised, but it was organic rather than feeling forced or done for effect. I had trouble putting this book down, and have added Davis to me list of authors to watch and read regularly.
May 6, 2016
Five Stars: f/f contemporary
I was sent this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This is an absolutely blistering book. One of the best books I have read in ages. It was quirky, it made me laugh and above all when I finished reading it - it left me feeling really good.
A book that it is hard to put down, I kept on thinking one more chapter, but one was never enough. The leading ladies are both really likeable with strong characters but most important was their individual streaks of vulnerability, making them both very believable. The author presents the book almost like a fairy tale but for adults. Lovely comparisons, between good and evil, brave swashbuckling heroines and courtly adventures.There is the comic best friends, the down trodden policeman and the very evil protagonist. However when called for the tension is palatable. The growing bond between the two women is beautifully portrayed, with deep emotion and sensitivity.
The author holds your attention throughout the book and keeps a fine balance between, humour and romance and unease and trepidation in a spell binding way. A truly gem of a book which I can thoroughly recommend to anyone looking for a well written book that is unique and compelling. I can't wait to read more from this excellent author.
I was sent this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This is an absolutely blistering book. One of the best books I have read in ages. It was quirky, it made me laugh and above all when I finished reading it - it left me feeling really good.
A book that it is hard to put down, I kept on thinking one more chapter, but one was never enough. The leading ladies are both really likeable with strong characters but most important was their individual streaks of vulnerability, making them both very believable. The author presents the book almost like a fairy tale but for adults. Lovely comparisons, between good and evil, brave swashbuckling heroines and courtly adventures.There is the comic best friends, the down trodden policeman and the very evil protagonist. However when called for the tension is palatable. The growing bond between the two women is beautifully portrayed, with deep emotion and sensitivity.
The author holds your attention throughout the book and keeps a fine balance between, humour and romance and unease and trepidation in a spell binding way. A truly gem of a book which I can thoroughly recommend to anyone looking for a well written book that is unique and compelling. I can't wait to read more from this excellent author.
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