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Falling Stars #1
Falling Stars
2016 READERS FAVORITE AWARDS for FICTION-DRAMA 2nd 2016 SWIRL AWARDS for CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE 2016 SWIRL AWARDS for BEST SERIES What if you met the right person at the absolute wrong time? Meet Val Saunders and Sam Newman, two Hollywood actors at opposite ends of their careers. Hers is skyrocketing while his, well, never really took off. Fate brings them together when they’re cast as lovers on a steamy new television series. The on-screen chemistry between them is off the charts and when it spills over into a real life attraction, they find themselves in a situation. Sam is an honorable man. He has been faithful to a toxic, Hollywood marriage for nearly half his life. He’s never strayed and isn’t about to start now, despite the fact that he is falling head over heels for his co-star. Val’s worked hard to get her career on the path to the A-list and the last thing she wants, or needs, is a scandal. If only her heart and her brain were working with the same script. Romance is an ideal. This is a love story. Falling Stars explores the possibility of second chances and asks hard questions about duty, fidelity, life in the public eye, and the cost of being happy. This is the beginning of a sexy, sensual, and emotional roller-coaster ride that reminds us that love, while not often easy, is always worth it. **Part one of a two-part story.**
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2015
30 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
Xio Axelrod
27 books1,187 followersXio Axelrod is a USA Today bestselling author of different flavours of contemporary romance. She also writes what she likes to call strange, twisted tales. Xio grew up in the music industry and began recording at a young age. When she isn’t writing stories, she can be found in the studio, writing songs, or performing on international stages (under a different, no-so-secret name). She lives in Philadelphia with one full-time husband and several part-time cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 25, 2015
This is a new writer for me. And like every new writer you "discover", there's a mix of emotions--a sense of elation that you found them, and a sense of betrayal that they've been hiding from you. Xio Axelrod's book 'Falling Stars' was a risk for me, because when I picked it up, I knew it was the beginning of a series, and I'm generally not a fan of those where each book ends inconclusively. First of all, this isn't one of those. 'Falling Stars' can stand on its own, whether or not another book about this couple is ever written, and second, the writing itself was so good that I didn't care if it ended in the steepest of cliffhangers (it didn't).
So ... about the book. Val Saunders is an actress on the rise and Sam Newman is an actor standing still. She's young and vivacious and he's just past the Hollywood prime, and stuck in a marriage of convenience. Convenient for his wife anyway, but for him, simply painful, lonely and stagnant. When Val and Sam are cast in a new hit series that bears a striking resemblance to the real life hit 'Scandal', the chemistry between them is immediate and difficult to ignore. But Sam is not one to betray his marriage vows no matter how imperfect the marriage, and Val is definitely not the kind of Hollywood starlet who casually hooks up with her co-stars, married or otherwise.
Given that, you wonder, how are we going to get a sense of that hot-as-hell chemistry? Not to fear. Xio Axelrod makes the genius choice of having Sam and Val live out their passion in the scenes they play for the television series. Their kisses, embraces and (most) of their physical encounters happen in the context of their characters, torturing them both as they fight against the urge to embark upon a relationship they both believe would be wrong. But the need to abstain in the real world forces Sam and Val to get to know each other on a much deeper level, and they forge a bond that is unmistakable and just leaps off the page.
I love this kind of writing about relationships, where the writer is able to show the growth of an emotional connection without resorting to sex just to convince us that connection is there. The doubt, longing, and delicious wait for intimacy were incredibly well done in this book. As were the occasional pretty impressive turns of phrase. This wasn't just a "good love story", it was a well-written and layered book. While I certainly look forward to the next installment, this one felt complete.
So ... about the book. Val Saunders is an actress on the rise and Sam Newman is an actor standing still. She's young and vivacious and he's just past the Hollywood prime, and stuck in a marriage of convenience. Convenient for his wife anyway, but for him, simply painful, lonely and stagnant. When Val and Sam are cast in a new hit series that bears a striking resemblance to the real life hit 'Scandal', the chemistry between them is immediate and difficult to ignore. But Sam is not one to betray his marriage vows no matter how imperfect the marriage, and Val is definitely not the kind of Hollywood starlet who casually hooks up with her co-stars, married or otherwise.
Given that, you wonder, how are we going to get a sense of that hot-as-hell chemistry? Not to fear. Xio Axelrod makes the genius choice of having Sam and Val live out their passion in the scenes they play for the television series. Their kisses, embraces and (most) of their physical encounters happen in the context of their characters, torturing them both as they fight against the urge to embark upon a relationship they both believe would be wrong. But the need to abstain in the real world forces Sam and Val to get to know each other on a much deeper level, and they forge a bond that is unmistakable and just leaps off the page.
I love this kind of writing about relationships, where the writer is able to show the growth of an emotional connection without resorting to sex just to convince us that connection is there. The doubt, longing, and delicious wait for intimacy were incredibly well done in this book. As were the occasional pretty impressive turns of phrase. This wasn't just a "good love story", it was a well-written and layered book. While I certainly look forward to the next installment, this one felt complete.
January 16, 2016
Have you ever read a book that you just didn't want to end... well this one was it for me. The story was written well with passion and heart and Sam and Val will leave you saying ahhhhh, literally.
I tend to give too much away in my reviews so I recommend this book to readers who love the ideals of true chemistry and love even though major obstacles were in their paths.
You will love Axelrod's writing style! Her words are cleverly crafted.
Read this one and I promise you will love it too!
5 great STARS *****
I tend to give too much away in my reviews so I recommend this book to readers who love the ideals of true chemistry and love even though major obstacles were in their paths.
You will love Axelrod's writing style! Her words are cleverly crafted.
Read this one and I promise you will love it too!
5 great STARS *****
December 18, 2015
Sometimes we meet the right person at the wrong time in our lives. That's what happens in Xio Axelrod's Falling Stars on the set of We the People--the fictional TV show set where Val and Sam, two actors on the opposite spectrums in their careers, meet and fall in love.
One of the things that I love most about Falling Stars is the spot-on character development. Both Val and Sam are fully-fleshed characters whose flaws make them all the more real. As we follow their relationship (and their attempts to remain platonic when it's already written in the stars that they should be together), we get to know what makes them tick and we understand immediately why they resist and why they are tempted to give in.
I also loved the behind the scenes look at life on the set of a popular TV show. This aspect of the story adds context and complexity to the situation Val and Sam find themselves in--they are actors who play lovers, they are falling in love in reality but trying to hide it. The reader feels like she gets an insider's look at Hollywood and how life in Tinseltown can be life in a fishbowl.
Xio does a great job of handling the struggle for Val--and especially for Sam--as they both try to do the right thing. They want to be together, but they can't--not when Sam is still married--but the chemistry between them is off the charts and they are drawn to each other time and again.
I loved Falling Stars--this is definitely one of my favourite books of 2015. It's a beautifully written love story that will challenge and intrigue you. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
One of the things that I love most about Falling Stars is the spot-on character development. Both Val and Sam are fully-fleshed characters whose flaws make them all the more real. As we follow their relationship (and their attempts to remain platonic when it's already written in the stars that they should be together), we get to know what makes them tick and we understand immediately why they resist and why they are tempted to give in.
I also loved the behind the scenes look at life on the set of a popular TV show. This aspect of the story adds context and complexity to the situation Val and Sam find themselves in--they are actors who play lovers, they are falling in love in reality but trying to hide it. The reader feels like she gets an insider's look at Hollywood and how life in Tinseltown can be life in a fishbowl.
Xio does a great job of handling the struggle for Val--and especially for Sam--as they both try to do the right thing. They want to be together, but they can't--not when Sam is still married--but the chemistry between them is off the charts and they are drawn to each other time and again.
I loved Falling Stars--this is definitely one of my favourite books of 2015. It's a beautifully written love story that will challenge and intrigue you. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 18, 2015
When I picked up my copy of this book, I'd already read one of Xio's books and had seen several positive reviews for this one. Now I know why.
It's real. Sure it's fiction, but it covers real life and real emotions beautifully. Understand, while it has romance, it's not the standard romance fair...and I didn't care a bit. The characters were all richly developed and the story beautifully crafted. I'm greatly looking forward to seeing where things end up with Val and Sam in Starlight, the next in the series.
It's real. Sure it's fiction, but it covers real life and real emotions beautifully. Understand, while it has romance, it's not the standard romance fair...and I didn't care a bit. The characters were all richly developed and the story beautifully crafted. I'm greatly looking forward to seeing where things end up with Val and Sam in Starlight, the next in the series.
January 13, 2016
Really good I can't wait for book two!!!!!!
December 12, 2016
I really enjoyed being able to sink into a well written work with such layers. This is a romance novel that told a story and left me feeling full and invested in the characters. I just DNF'd a book that had more pages and all sorts of drama, but left me feeling like I was bloated on empty calories -- I couldn't even finish the book!
But this one -- what a night and day difference! And this story isn't even finished.
Which actually is one of my issues with the story... but before I get to that...
I generally don't like Hollywood set books. I feel sometimes that romance novels can often be mired in such a hyper-reality fantasy world that adding the faux-allure of Hollywood on top of it is just sort of overkill. And honestly, I don't think enough writers who have tv or film actors as their main characters get the details right. Some do... you can tell they've worked in the industry because there is an authentic feel to the setting & the characters. But for most, there just doesn't feel like there is enough insider knowledge of how film & tv work and get made so that the work or characters feel right.
But this one... worked. I often lament that lately romances don't do 'workplace' well. Authors make their hero a generic billionaire and somehow they have a ton of time to tool around in jets and whisk the heroine away to exotic vacations. But this one allowed Sam and Val to work. It makes sense, this was a work-place forbidden romance after all. We see them doing table reads, blocking scene, learning lines, and other on set activities. There are scenes with wardrobe and publicists and publicity tours. So as a workplace drama it really delivered.
The biggest conflict is the forbidden nature of the attraction between Sam and Val. You could almost hear them thinking: It is bad enough they are co-workers and on scene lovers, but it would be such a cliche for them to have an on-set romance. But that is the least of it. Sam is married. So while Sam and Val understand that introducing a romance in work is not wise regardless of their individual relationship status, the bigger issue is Sam just isn't available. So when both of the characters realize they are attracted to each other, they fight against it (even trying to deny it is even there). So there is a lot of great tension from a story standpoint. I know I was tense. Do I want them to acknowledge it? Are they good enough actors to hide it from the people who are around them 24/7? Can they not be so sizzling in their love scenes?
So yeah this was good. Smart writing. well drawn characters, and lots of sexy tension.
I really only have two quibbles with the story:
1) It doesn't end on a resolved HEA! Usually this is a deal-break for me. These days I actually do flip to the end before starting a book to see if it ends resolved. If it doesn't I table it till later. But there is another book already written, so I can live with that because I can slide right into the next one without a pesky wait.
2) Sam's wife/marriage. One the one hand I loved that as conflict. It is a good one. But on the other hand I really disliked how it seemed he was such a hostage to his marriage. There was some guilt there and some gratitude there and other issues with his wife Karen that kept him tied. So logically it worked from a story standpoint, but in my head I couldn't help but be exasperated with Sam and felt it kinda weakened him as a character for me.
But like I said this was a quibble.
But this one -- what a night and day difference! And this story isn't even finished.
Which actually is one of my issues with the story... but before I get to that...
I generally don't like Hollywood set books. I feel sometimes that romance novels can often be mired in such a hyper-reality fantasy world that adding the faux-allure of Hollywood on top of it is just sort of overkill. And honestly, I don't think enough writers who have tv or film actors as their main characters get the details right. Some do... you can tell they've worked in the industry because there is an authentic feel to the setting & the characters. But for most, there just doesn't feel like there is enough insider knowledge of how film & tv work and get made so that the work or characters feel right.
But this one... worked. I often lament that lately romances don't do 'workplace' well. Authors make their hero a generic billionaire and somehow they have a ton of time to tool around in jets and whisk the heroine away to exotic vacations. But this one allowed Sam and Val to work. It makes sense, this was a work-place forbidden romance after all. We see them doing table reads, blocking scene, learning lines, and other on set activities. There are scenes with wardrobe and publicists and publicity tours. So as a workplace drama it really delivered.
The biggest conflict is the forbidden nature of the attraction between Sam and Val. You could almost hear them thinking: It is bad enough they are co-workers and on scene lovers, but it would be such a cliche for them to have an on-set romance. But that is the least of it. Sam is married. So while Sam and Val understand that introducing a romance in work is not wise regardless of their individual relationship status, the bigger issue is Sam just isn't available. So when both of the characters realize they are attracted to each other, they fight against it (even trying to deny it is even there). So there is a lot of great tension from a story standpoint. I know I was tense. Do I want them to acknowledge it? Are they good enough actors to hide it from the people who are around them 24/7? Can they not be so sizzling in their love scenes?
So yeah this was good. Smart writing. well drawn characters, and lots of sexy tension.
I really only have two quibbles with the story:
1) It doesn't end on a resolved HEA! Usually this is a deal-break for me. These days I actually do flip to the end before starting a book to see if it ends resolved. If it doesn't I table it till later. But there is another book already written, so I can live with that because I can slide right into the next one without a pesky wait.
2) Sam's wife/marriage. One the one hand I loved that as conflict. It is a good one. But on the other hand I really disliked how it seemed he was such a hostage to his marriage. There was some guilt there and some gratitude there and other issues with his wife Karen that kept him tied. So logically it worked from a story standpoint, but in my head I couldn't help but be exasperated with Sam and felt it kinda weakened him as a character for me.
But like I said this was a quibble.
February 13, 2016
Such a Tease!!! I loved this book! I really enjoy Xio's writing style and the story was well written. Though I was waiting with bated breath for Val and Sam to finally get together. You're so cruel to tease me like that, Ms. Axelrod!!! Of course, this story hits a soft spot for me because of the parallel to the show Scandal. I have often analyzed Kerry and Tony's body language and interaction during interviews, wondering if the off-the-charts chemistry they have on camera crosses over to the real world. So Falling Stars was right up my alley. I can't wait to get into the sequel. Great job again, Xio!
April 12, 2014
Xio has a way of crafting Sam and Val so beautifully. When I was first introduced to her novel, it was total fate. Reading this novel made me believe in love and falling in love. Please support this novel and my lovely friend! Starstruck will be a novel you will NEVER forget. Sam and Val have stayed with me. I cannot wait to read more of her works.
June 2, 2025
I don't know where I saw this book, but I found a copy of it at the library and this had me SCREAMING. I am convinced this is Scandal fic and I won't hear anything else. This was like deliciously messy and also not long enough. I needed to see Val and Sam admit their love and while they sort of did....they didn't do it fast enough 😂
Some small things took a star off:
- .
The author note said she was writing this on her Tumblr and you can sort of tell (not derogatory) because it's sort of conversational, but easy to read. I can excuse a lot of the characterizations that felt a little side eye worthy because this was from 2015 and we know what things were looking like then lol.
I'm so sad this is out of print so I can't hoard it for a re-read but idk I guess if you can find this somewhere, and you like Scandal lmao. Read it.
Some small things took a star off:
- .
The author note said she was writing this on her Tumblr and you can sort of tell (not derogatory) because it's sort of conversational, but easy to read. I can excuse a lot of the characterizations that felt a little side eye worthy because this was from 2015 and we know what things were looking like then lol.
I'm so sad this is out of print so I can't hoard it for a re-read but idk I guess if you can find this somewhere, and you like Scandal lmao. Read it.
November 29, 2020
This one came recommended to me by someone who's tastes usually match mine, but this didn't work for me. The whole TV show within the book, hero in a 20 year plus marriage where it seems the love has dried up, but he won't leave her even though she stays at home drinking all day long, even for breakfast. He tried to reach out to her to make meals, but she turns him down, leaves room to drink by herself. Then there is the heroine, who I liked, yet something was off. As their show went on their chemistry was off the charts, but at this point it bothered be due to hero's situation. In the end this one just wasn't for me.
January 15, 2016
Team Samerie
Wow!!!! This was such a good read. I enjoyed the story of Sam and Valerie. If you are a fan of Scandal then you will enjoy this love story. Sam and Val are the leading love interest on the prime time show We The People. Both are heavily attracted to one another both on the screen and off, but Sam is married. And he's not the type to break his vows. On the flip side Sam's marriage is nothing more than a partnership that has passed its time limit. It's heartbreaking when you find the right one but it's at the wrong time. What do you do????
Wow!!!! This was such a good read. I enjoyed the story of Sam and Valerie. If you are a fan of Scandal then you will enjoy this love story. Sam and Val are the leading love interest on the prime time show We The People. Both are heavily attracted to one another both on the screen and off, but Sam is married. And he's not the type to break his vows. On the flip side Sam's marriage is nothing more than a partnership that has passed its time limit. It's heartbreaking when you find the right one but it's at the wrong time. What do you do????
December 7, 2015
This was a very well written book and a great read. The author did a great job in creating sympathic and vibrant characters. Adultery is always a hard sell in romance but here because of the way the author has crafted the story you are actually hoping for a happy ending for Sam and Valerie. Yes this book also gave me vibes of a certain tv show that I've recently stopped watching. Looking forward to part 2.
January 30, 2016
I don't know how I missed reviewing this. I read it awhile back and am about to dive into the next book. What can I say? This sucker wrapped itself around me and squeezed until I couldn't breath. And then ended on a cliffhanger. I'm going to have to deal with Ms. Axelrod on that issue. lol. Loved it.
January 29, 2016
Right person wrong time
Valerie and Sam are stars on a tv show that have great chemistry on and off set but Sam is married, so they don't cross the line. The author makes you feel you are on set watching the scenes take place. There is a second book
Valerie and Sam are stars on a tv show that have great chemistry on and off set but Sam is married, so they don't cross the line. The author makes you feel you are on set watching the scenes take place. There is a second book
February 16, 2016
Disappointed
This book was highly recommended by a few people but unfortunately I don't share their enthusiasm. It started off slowly for me, which caused me to stop and start a few times. I'm halfway in and I just can't connect with the characters.
This book was highly recommended by a few people but unfortunately I don't share their enthusiasm. It started off slowly for me, which caused me to stop and start a few times. I'm halfway in and I just can't connect with the characters.
August 21, 2017
I felt like I was reading a loosely base. In dept behind the scene look of the lead characters of Scandal. :)
January 28, 2016
5 solid stars.
The writing is solid, the characters are flawed, beautiful, and believable, and the story is nicely paced. The chemistry and feeling that the author has written into these characters and this book come through strongly. This is the first book of Ms. Axelrod's that I have had the pleasure of reading. I read this story at the perfect time- right before the release of its sequel (Starlight). The Falling Stars series has earned its place on my favorites list. I look forward to reading more work from this talented author.
The writing is solid, the characters are flawed, beautiful, and believable, and the story is nicely paced. The chemistry and feeling that the author has written into these characters and this book come through strongly. This is the first book of Ms. Axelrod's that I have had the pleasure of reading. I read this story at the perfect time- right before the release of its sequel (Starlight). The Falling Stars series has earned its place on my favorites list. I look forward to reading more work from this talented author.
November 28, 2015
This was an amazing read! Well written, beautiful imagery, realistic scenes from the 'script' writing to the dialog between Sam and Val, Sam and Karen... I felt some shades of ShondaLand and the popular show reminiscent of 'Scandal'. I love the re-imagination in fiction form! Can't wait to read part two!
December 8, 2015
Amazing!!! Does not do this book justice.
This book is sooooo freaking awesome I almost can't even put it into words. Val and Sam are so well written it feels as if they're real, you WANT them to be real! These two almost leap off the pages for for you. I cannot wait til the next book comes out. Xio did a fantastic job creating these two. Loved it!!!!!!
This book is sooooo freaking awesome I almost can't even put it into words. Val and Sam are so well written it feels as if they're real, you WANT them to be real! These two almost leap off the pages for for you. I cannot wait til the next book comes out. Xio did a fantastic job creating these two. Loved it!!!!!!
November 30, 2015
How can finding your soulmate be wrong? When one half is unhappily married, that's Sam and Val's dilemma. Once you begin reading it's hard to stop. Sam and Val are so appealing, you just want them to be together. I love a good romance story and this is one. Standing ovation for Ms. Axelrod.
December 24, 2015
This was a good book. I was left wanting more and I can't wait to see where this author takes the story between the hero and the heroine. Definitely want to see noticeable progression in their love relationship.
December 29, 2015
O. M. G.
It's been a long time since I got so wrapped up in characters in a book that I wanted to shout at them. What a great, complex story. A tragedy/romance combo that left me panting for more. So glad to hear there is more coming. An Awesome Read!!!
It's been a long time since I got so wrapped up in characters in a book that I wanted to shout at them. What a great, complex story. A tragedy/romance combo that left me panting for more. So glad to hear there is more coming. An Awesome Read!!!
February 6, 2016
This is my first read of this author.I read and heard many praises from people that enjoy her works and it didnt surprise me how good she is.I really enjoyed reading this book,im rooting for h/h to have their HEA,cant wait for the second installment!
May 30, 2013
Excellent writing. Once you start, you can't put it down.
October 10, 2015
Awesome. Love Val and Sam.
November 28, 2015
I can't wait for book 2.
January 5, 2016
A great read! - fans of "Scandal"(Tony &Kerry...), will definitely like this I think.
January 31, 2016
This was an interesting read. Just two people having to deal with falling in love at the wrong time. I find myself wanting to see how it all comes together in the end.
December 29, 2019
I don’t feel like I can properly review this book without giving spoilers so don’t read past this paragraph if you want to avoid them. In short, I enjoyed the book so much more than expected and will have to read the next one!
This book was well-written. My first instinct at realizing Sam was married was a groan and I was prepared to dislike the book. Even finding out his marriage was a mess through little fault of his own didn’t shake that “but he’s married” voice in the back of my head. However, this author is phenomenal and approaches the attraction and intimacy moments so uniquely that I was able to appreciate the relationship Sam and Val developed. There were times I confused Finn and Tara for Sam and Val for just a moment — genius. There is also depth to Sam’s crumbling marriage and it isn’t all “Karen is terrible” which is sometimes all the author focuses on in this scenario. I mean, yes, Karen is pretty terrible, but there is more to it. The ending is perfect. It isn’t a HEA but it shouldn’t be as even if Sam has asked for a divorce from Karen, he needs time to heal from that before jumping headfirst into a relationship. The characters and the story have so much depth. The only thing I wish there was more of is Val, outside of the Sam and Val storyline. I feel like it was hinted at that she has a bit of her own story and I hope to see that in the next book. I look forward to the next book!
This book was well-written. My first instinct at realizing Sam was married was a groan and I was prepared to dislike the book. Even finding out his marriage was a mess through little fault of his own didn’t shake that “but he’s married” voice in the back of my head. However, this author is phenomenal and approaches the attraction and intimacy moments so uniquely that I was able to appreciate the relationship Sam and Val developed. There were times I confused Finn and Tara for Sam and Val for just a moment — genius. There is also depth to Sam’s crumbling marriage and it isn’t all “Karen is terrible” which is sometimes all the author focuses on in this scenario. I mean, yes, Karen is pretty terrible, but there is more to it. The ending is perfect. It isn’t a HEA but it shouldn’t be as even if Sam has asked for a divorce from Karen, he needs time to heal from that before jumping headfirst into a relationship. The characters and the story have so much depth. The only thing I wish there was more of is Val, outside of the Sam and Val storyline. I feel like it was hinted at that she has a bit of her own story and I hope to see that in the next book. I look forward to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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