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Starshine
Film student Ella Summers can’t believe her luck when she is selected to work on the set of the most anticipated film release of the year—STARSHINE. For the next four weeks, she’ll be in the studio with heart-throb and leading man Alex Denton, and his co-star—and recent ex—the stunning Amy Strickland.
But her first day on set has her questioning the true character of the enigmatic and sexy Alex. The charming celebrity she’s adored on screen disappears before her very eyes—if indeed he ever really existed.
Off-camera arguments between Alex and Amy become difficult to ignore, and when Ella uncovers layers of deceit and closely guarded secrets between them, she becomes involved in a battle that has far-reaching implications.
With the paparazzi hounding her every move for the most sensational story they can get, Ella becomes deeply embroiled in Alex’s life. Can she break down his seemingly impenetrable walls, or will he remain the arrogant ass she first met?
STARSHINE is set in London, England. Beware though—Alex Denton has a crude mouth, and an equally wicked smile.
But her first day on set has her questioning the true character of the enigmatic and sexy Alex. The charming celebrity she’s adored on screen disappears before her very eyes—if indeed he ever really existed.
Off-camera arguments between Alex and Amy become difficult to ignore, and when Ella uncovers layers of deceit and closely guarded secrets between them, she becomes involved in a battle that has far-reaching implications.
With the paparazzi hounding her every move for the most sensational story they can get, Ella becomes deeply embroiled in Alex’s life. Can she break down his seemingly impenetrable walls, or will he remain the arrogant ass she first met?
STARSHINE is set in London, England. Beware though—Alex Denton has a crude mouth, and an equally wicked smile.
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2017
1 person is currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Melody Winter
20 books115 followersMelody grew up in North Yorkshire, England. She's a North Yorkshire lass through and through, although she does have a tendency to holiday in Spain. She has dreams of moving to the warmer climate to sip on Sangria as the sun sets over the roof tops of surrounding buildings. But, for the moment, she still lives in North Yorkshire with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 13, 2017
I was with my accountant while she went through my taxes. (ya, I'm late) I'm waiting and reading this book and soon realized it was like reading a teenage girl's fantasy about falling in love with a BIG STAR...
It's well written. Very British, which was my favourite thing about about it. But it was the most childish story EVER. With not a lingering tie with reality. I skimmed through the excess to get to the good bits.
You see. I've worked on film sets in real life. Many times. In this story, the heroine is hired for training on set a movie with her fantasy crush. Yet, she doesn't do a stitch of work! She just makes trouble and causes drama. In real life, she would not have lasted a day! She would have been booted off the set for storming into the lead actors changing room and giving him an earful.
In real life, big stars have handlers, and no one, (And I mean NO ONE), can get near them without going through their PA or security. Let alone some girl who is there for 'Work Experience'. Being on set is work. It's thousands of dollars of money a day. The on set antics that take place in this story are absolutely ludicrous! Albeit funny and really really over the top!
*Scene in the boardroom where she makes a speech to one of the shareholders? Ummmm... WHAT? That was so far off left field that I laughed out loud!
Anyhow, this is the fairytale story for all young girl out there that dream of being swept away by a mega celebrity. Romance, Revenge, Sex, Stardom, Premieres, Marriage, Babies...
Like I said... Fairytale.
It's well written. Very British, which was my favourite thing about about it. But it was the most childish story EVER. With not a lingering tie with reality. I skimmed through the excess to get to the good bits.
You see. I've worked on film sets in real life. Many times. In this story, the heroine is hired for training on set a movie with her fantasy crush. Yet, she doesn't do a stitch of work! She just makes trouble and causes drama. In real life, she would not have lasted a day! She would have been booted off the set for storming into the lead actors changing room and giving him an earful.
In real life, big stars have handlers, and no one, (And I mean NO ONE), can get near them without going through their PA or security. Let alone some girl who is there for 'Work Experience'. Being on set is work. It's thousands of dollars of money a day. The on set antics that take place in this story are absolutely ludicrous! Albeit funny and really really over the top!
*Scene in the boardroom where she makes a speech to one of the shareholders? Ummmm... WHAT? That was so far off left field that I laughed out loud!
Anyhow, this is the fairytale story for all young girl out there that dream of being swept away by a mega celebrity. Romance, Revenge, Sex, Stardom, Premieres, Marriage, Babies...
Like I said... Fairytale.
July 16, 2017
This was a surprising win for me. Let me explain. This is the first book by Melody Winter I have read and when I flipped the cover noticed that it was pretty long compared to some of the reads I'd just gotten done with. Longer books tend to lose my interest sometimes, so to say I was concerned to begin with is an understatement.
But....guess what?!?!
I loved it.
Classic-ish story of fangirl meets idol. Falls in love...but the difference for me was that Alex needed Ella probably more than she needed him. It was nice to read a story where the man wasn't all alpha and could admit that he was weak in areas. And Ella was more than happy to be his support. Ella was no wallflower. She was strong yet sensitive at times. Really where one was weak the other was strong and it varied between the two of them. It showed that they were a good fit. I think the author did a really good job as writing these two as the soul mates that they came across as. It was fabulous.
As far as giving me the feels, I felt it. There was a section in this book I thought I was going to have to walk away from, my heart hurt immensely for the characters. I love when a book gives me that. Even though it gave me the feels, I didn't cry and I kind of expected to. Truly the connection between these two was worth all the reading hours, and I forgot to time it but a good estimate for me was 6-7 hours? Be prepared to be invested...and then also to not want to put it down.
There was immense drama in this story...I mean how can you have a book about actors and there not be drama! All totally worth it and I was constantly trying to figure out the truth in all matters. The author did a great job in keeping me guessing what would happen next!
Overall this is a great standalone novel, parts may not be realistic, but it's fiction so I am not holding that against the author.
July 20, 2017
I couldn't put this book down.
I got so hooked on the happenings between Alex and Ella.
I got so caught up in their lives and everything that was happening around them.
I wanted to jump into the book and give Amy a slap.
You certainly get a love and hate relationship with these characters.
Great mix of personalities within the characters.
I sure got emotionally involved.
We've all had that fantasy in our heads with our famous 'love'. But Ella gets a lucky chance to live that fantasy. Yes it isn't all plain sailing and that is what make this a fab book.
Will read it again for sure. It ended all to quickly.
I got so hooked on the happenings between Alex and Ella.
I got so caught up in their lives and everything that was happening around them.
I wanted to jump into the book and give Amy a slap.
You certainly get a love and hate relationship with these characters.
Great mix of personalities within the characters.
I sure got emotionally involved.
We've all had that fantasy in our heads with our famous 'love'. But Ella gets a lucky chance to live that fantasy. Yes it isn't all plain sailing and that is what make this a fab book.
Will read it again for sure. It ended all to quickly.
December 12, 2017
You see the thing is - I am a pretty big fan of an english actor that gained fame by being the lead in a Film series. And I repeat I am a fan of the actor not the Film. I am still going to his premiers now years after these films have been released.
I am not a "StarEyed" fan or anything I just respect that actor and truly like him. And I absolutely adore books that have a blurb like this ... If I might mention "Eversea" in this relation. I also read a bunch of fanfictions sure why not ... Hey I mean where do people think #50 shades came from.
(I know you can sense the but coming and I won't keep you waiting)
To me (and maybe that is really my imagination) this book feels exactly like a fanfiction mixture out of the life of this actor and his first big movie) As I said it might be just me but because I know his professional work and that series quite well - I thought I was already starting to recognize lines of the movie in it ... "stay very still" when getting a first kiss ? - Tugging a baseball cap and placing her hairs behind her ears ?(those are just two amongst a dozend or so) - and lets not even start with those movie titles that were used.... so yeah - as I said might be just me ...
- Again that would be no big issue - actually it would be pretty funny. IF ... yeah IF the characters would not appear like children... and I am so sorry for thinking that but they acted and behaved like teenagers and not only was their behavior childish no - they were also changing their decisions faster than english weather. -
I love a good fairytale like the next girl - and parts of this book appealed to me but in total even if I neglect everything that was unbelivable - like her being on that set without actually doing anything. In the end it was the childlike behavior of the leads that killed this book - and I am so sorry about that - it could have been a great fairytale ...
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April 21, 2017
If you ever dreamed about meeting your favorite movie star and fantasized what it would be like to have them reciprocate your feelings then this is a great read. It isn't that simple of a story though. Being famous seems like it would be a glamourous lifestyle but this story also gives you a taste of how awful being a famous superstar can be. How do you think you'd handle the invasion of your privacy and every aspect of what you do is put under a microscope?
Melody took me on a journey into what living a famous lifestyle might be. I found myself wondering how I would handle some of the situations Ella is put in. I'm not sure if I would handle the circumstances as well as she does.
I really loved this story and I think you will also.
Melody took me on a journey into what living a famous lifestyle might be. I found myself wondering how I would handle some of the situations Ella is put in. I'm not sure if I would handle the circumstances as well as she does.
I really loved this story and I think you will also.
May 30, 2017
This is the first Melody Winter book I have read and I loved every part. I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down.
This is the fabulous story of Ella Summers, film student, selected to work on the set of the latest film release and Alex Denton, leading star in the film. Unbeknown to Alex, Ella has a massive crush on him and she can’t believe her luck when she gets to work with him. But Alex is completely different to what Ella expected and her dreams of him are shattered.......Or are they?
Ella, I bloody loved her so much. She has spunk and is so feisty. I had a very love/hate relationship with Alex. One minute I swooned over him, the next I was shouting at him through my kindle for being an absolute ass! Without going into the story too much, Alex has issues and one of them issues is his co-star and ex girlfriend, Amy Strickland.... don’t even get me started on her... if I could have jumped into my kindle and throttled her I would have!
Ella and Alex start to get close but with everything going on and Ella getting thrust into the limelight, will what Ella and Alex have be over before it’s even started?
I think everyone will love this book. The characters are perfect together and Melody’s writing is fantastic. I was so drawn into the story and for those that have read this, should agree that we need to hear more about Megan and Dimples. #justsaying #fingerscrossed
This is the fabulous story of Ella Summers, film student, selected to work on the set of the latest film release and Alex Denton, leading star in the film. Unbeknown to Alex, Ella has a massive crush on him and she can’t believe her luck when she gets to work with him. But Alex is completely different to what Ella expected and her dreams of him are shattered.......Or are they?
Ella, I bloody loved her so much. She has spunk and is so feisty. I had a very love/hate relationship with Alex. One minute I swooned over him, the next I was shouting at him through my kindle for being an absolute ass! Without going into the story too much, Alex has issues and one of them issues is his co-star and ex girlfriend, Amy Strickland.... don’t even get me started on her... if I could have jumped into my kindle and throttled her I would have!
Ella and Alex start to get close but with everything going on and Ella getting thrust into the limelight, will what Ella and Alex have be over before it’s even started?
I think everyone will love this book. The characters are perfect together and Melody’s writing is fantastic. I was so drawn into the story and for those that have read this, should agree that we need to hear more about Megan and Dimples. #justsaying #fingerscrossed
May 29, 2017
*I was provided with an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Having read three of Melody's fantasy books (which I wholeheartedly recommend), I was curious how she'd take on a contemporary romance. Initially, I had a little bit of trouble joining female lead Ella as she started her college internship on a movie set, but then again, you have a perfectly normal young woman getting literally dropped right in the thick it: the director Rowan is a huge gossip and troublemaker, the male and female leads Alex and Amy can't stand each other, and their animosity towards each other bleeds out and infects everyone and everything on set. Just like Ella, you are thrust into an emotionally charged situation that sweeps you up and shakes you up like a dog roughhousing with a toy, but once you and Ella are brought up to speed, you start to see that appearances aren't exactly as they seem on the set of Starshine; Alex, while introduced as a foulmouthed and downright vile specimen of a human being, has nothing on Amy, whose innocent victim of heartbreak act should fool absolutely no one once the truth comes out.
Contemporary romances aren't really my go-to reading choice, but Melody creates interesting characters that keep me vested in the story. Even the secondary cast of characters play a crucial role, as they prove themselves to be true allies of Alex and Ella as they grow closer together in their whirlwind romance. The biggest takeaway I had from the book is that appearances are never as they seem. Alex's horrible personality at his introduction masks the betrayal he felt when Amy left him. Amy has clearly let superstardom go to her head, as she's desperate to do whatever it takes to keep herself in the spotlight regardless of how deep a hole she digs for herself. Even paparazzo Anthony isn't the vulture he first comes across as - he becomes more interested in the truth behind the hidden scandals of the Starshine cast, and chooses to help Alex and Ella enjoy the privacy and intimacy of their budding relationship in a world that couldn't care less about their needs.
Overall, I enjoyed this book - some parts had me question the realism of the film world crafted around the romance of Alex and Ella, but I enjoyed the interactions of the characters too much to worry about it. In the Starshine film world, emotions can grow to become hyper-charged, and when you get swept up in all the spotlights, camera angles and costume/make-up changes, maybe everyone is putting up an act of some kind. Thank heavens you have characters like Alex and Ella to realize it's all bull if you don't have someone you can just be yourself around at the end of the day.
Having read three of Melody's fantasy books (which I wholeheartedly recommend), I was curious how she'd take on a contemporary romance. Initially, I had a little bit of trouble joining female lead Ella as she started her college internship on a movie set, but then again, you have a perfectly normal young woman getting literally dropped right in the thick it: the director Rowan is a huge gossip and troublemaker, the male and female leads Alex and Amy can't stand each other, and their animosity towards each other bleeds out and infects everyone and everything on set. Just like Ella, you are thrust into an emotionally charged situation that sweeps you up and shakes you up like a dog roughhousing with a toy, but once you and Ella are brought up to speed, you start to see that appearances aren't exactly as they seem on the set of Starshine; Alex, while introduced as a foulmouthed and downright vile specimen of a human being, has nothing on Amy, whose innocent victim of heartbreak act should fool absolutely no one once the truth comes out.
Contemporary romances aren't really my go-to reading choice, but Melody creates interesting characters that keep me vested in the story. Even the secondary cast of characters play a crucial role, as they prove themselves to be true allies of Alex and Ella as they grow closer together in their whirlwind romance. The biggest takeaway I had from the book is that appearances are never as they seem. Alex's horrible personality at his introduction masks the betrayal he felt when Amy left him. Amy has clearly let superstardom go to her head, as she's desperate to do whatever it takes to keep herself in the spotlight regardless of how deep a hole she digs for herself. Even paparazzo Anthony isn't the vulture he first comes across as - he becomes more interested in the truth behind the hidden scandals of the Starshine cast, and chooses to help Alex and Ella enjoy the privacy and intimacy of their budding relationship in a world that couldn't care less about their needs.
Overall, I enjoyed this book - some parts had me question the realism of the film world crafted around the romance of Alex and Ella, but I enjoyed the interactions of the characters too much to worry about it. In the Starshine film world, emotions can grow to become hyper-charged, and when you get swept up in all the spotlights, camera angles and costume/make-up changes, maybe everyone is putting up an act of some kind. Thank heavens you have characters like Alex and Ella to realize it's all bull if you don't have someone you can just be yourself around at the end of the day.
June 28, 2017
Ella Summer goes to work experience (is that even a thing in college?! Shouldn't it be a job placement or something else, work experience is such a high school term, but I'm getting distracted here) for four weeks she's supposed to work observing a film director, working on one of the biggest block buster franchises Starshine, starring one of her favourite actors Alex Denton.
Ella is star struck from the moment she sets door on set, Alex is gorgeous but her opinion quickly changes when Alex is rude and arrogant and not what she was expecting and Ella calls him out. From there Ella and Alex form a bond (all on her first day really?!), and soon Ella is getting gossip from the director regarding Alex and his current co-star and former girlfriend Amy.
Pretty soon Alex and Ella are in a relationship, (after 3 days on set no less), and it's causing a world of problems for both of them as Amy may not want Alex, but she doesn't want anyone else to have him either. All isn't as it seems as Ella comes to learn more about why Alex and Amy split, and the lies and deceit runs deep, Amy seems to have something on everyone. Can Ella and Alex reach their HEA? Can they over come everything Amy is doing to try and tear them apart?
I liked this book, I was just flabbergasted at how they fall in love in 3 days, and how quickly things blew up... I get the paps and the celebrity obsession, and Ella while in her 20's was a decent character the fan girling was a little much, it almost seemed like a teenage fantasy come true, she goes from "work experience girl" to actress.
Anyway it kept me entertained.
Ella is star struck from the moment she sets door on set, Alex is gorgeous but her opinion quickly changes when Alex is rude and arrogant and not what she was expecting and Ella calls him out. From there Ella and Alex form a bond (all on her first day really?!), and soon Ella is getting gossip from the director regarding Alex and his current co-star and former girlfriend Amy.
Pretty soon Alex and Ella are in a relationship, (after 3 days on set no less), and it's causing a world of problems for both of them as Amy may not want Alex, but she doesn't want anyone else to have him either. All isn't as it seems as Ella comes to learn more about why Alex and Amy split, and the lies and deceit runs deep, Amy seems to have something on everyone. Can Ella and Alex reach their HEA? Can they over come everything Amy is doing to try and tear them apart?
I liked this book, I was just flabbergasted at how they fall in love in 3 days, and how quickly things blew up... I get the paps and the celebrity obsession, and Ella while in her 20's was a decent character the fan girling was a little much, it almost seemed like a teenage fantasy come true, she goes from "work experience girl" to actress.
Anyway it kept me entertained.
May 29, 2017
I had been craving a good contemporary romance for a while, and I'm happy to say that Winter provided exactly the kind of read I was after. Deliciously sexy, wickedly flirty, and tinged with Winter's signature ability to weave suspense into any world, real or imaginary, Starshine is a brilliant addition to Winter's repertoire.
Nothing is as it seems at first glance, and much like leading lady Ella, readers are thrust into the middle of a chaotic, tension-charged environment right from the beginning. The hero, Alex, is the epitome of abrasive, but as Ella gains her footing in this new world, she discovers he has good reason to keep people at arm's length. When your entire life is under the microscope that comes with celebrity-status, the line between acting and reality blurs. But as Ella and Alex grow closer, his icy exterior thaws and she learns to parse the real from the illusion.
Well-paced and full of insightful questions about the price of fame, I highly recommend Starshine to anyone looking for that next great summer read or swoon-worthy love story. And I sincerely hope to see more contemporary romance among Winter's ever growing list of romantic fantasies (also highly recommended).
**Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Nothing is as it seems at first glance, and much like leading lady Ella, readers are thrust into the middle of a chaotic, tension-charged environment right from the beginning. The hero, Alex, is the epitome of abrasive, but as Ella gains her footing in this new world, she discovers he has good reason to keep people at arm's length. When your entire life is under the microscope that comes with celebrity-status, the line between acting and reality blurs. But as Ella and Alex grow closer, his icy exterior thaws and she learns to parse the real from the illusion.
Well-paced and full of insightful questions about the price of fame, I highly recommend Starshine to anyone looking for that next great summer read or swoon-worthy love story. And I sincerely hope to see more contemporary romance among Winter's ever growing list of romantic fantasies (also highly recommended).
**Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
August 6, 2017
This was my first Melody Winter book and I loved it. She had me hooked from the first page to the last.
This story follows Ella Summers, who is an intern on a movie set, and Alex Denton, who is a star that Ella had always had a crush on. He turns out to be not who she thought he was and her crush dwindles, until she glimpses a peek of his sweeter side and she realizes her dream guy might still be in there. The journey of the friendship/relationship will be quite a read for all to enjoy.
This author wrote us characters you could love, characters you could get and even some characters that you weren’t too sure about. I loved how she handled the budding friendship/relationship between Ella and Alex. It was realistic and even relatable (minus the movie star part). The supporting cast of characters help round out the book and make it such a great and enjoyable read. I was worried that the pacing would be slow when the book started out but once you got into the first chapter it went smoothly and quickly. It’s not really a short book but the story is so engrossing that time flies while you’re reading it. If you haven’t read it yet- you are missing out!
This story follows Ella Summers, who is an intern on a movie set, and Alex Denton, who is a star that Ella had always had a crush on. He turns out to be not who she thought he was and her crush dwindles, until she glimpses a peek of his sweeter side and she realizes her dream guy might still be in there. The journey of the friendship/relationship will be quite a read for all to enjoy.
This author wrote us characters you could love, characters you could get and even some characters that you weren’t too sure about. I loved how she handled the budding friendship/relationship between Ella and Alex. It was realistic and even relatable (minus the movie star part). The supporting cast of characters help round out the book and make it such a great and enjoyable read. I was worried that the pacing would be slow when the book started out but once you got into the first chapter it went smoothly and quickly. It’s not really a short book but the story is so engrossing that time flies while you’re reading it. If you haven’t read it yet- you are missing out!
May 17, 2019
This was my first read by Melody Winter and this was a book that was jammed packed with words and story for sure .. I so enjoyed the story of Alex and Ella!
So Alex is a movie star on set of 3rd movie Starshine when he first meets Ella who is in work experience.. hes nasty horrible and everything she thinks hes not.
So Ella makes it her mission to change him. Cue drama.. emotions.. and a co star from hell.
So Alex is a movie star on set of 3rd movie Starshine when he first meets Ella who is in work experience.. hes nasty horrible and everything she thinks hes not.
So Ella makes it her mission to change him. Cue drama.. emotions.. and a co star from hell.
April 6, 2018
Loved it
Omg I so loved this story was intense sexy as hell and well written the. Characters were perfect for each other ...such build-up to an incredible ending five massive stars Melody looking forward to reading more from this author x x
Omg I so loved this story was intense sexy as hell and well written the. Characters were perfect for each other ...such build-up to an incredible ending five massive stars Melody looking forward to reading more from this author x x
August 15, 2019
Wow!
Bloody loved it! Could not put it down. The character dynamic was fantastic and the twists and turns made to fluctuate been adoring and hatred with some fondue characters.
Read it! You will not be dissappointed.
Bloody loved it! Could not put it down. The character dynamic was fantastic and the twists and turns made to fluctuate been adoring and hatred with some fondue characters.
Read it! You will not be dissappointed.
May 29, 2017
::..Reviewed for Red's Midnight Readers..::
I was kindly provided with an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have given it 5 sunshine filled stars.
First book I have read by the author and it certainly will not be the last. She is definitely one talented lady. She had me hooked from the very first word and held my attention captive until the very end.
I couldn't put it down!!
Normally celeb filled stories normally hold zero interest for me but there was something about Starshine that compelled me to read it. It was cleverly written and flowed nicely at a good pace with a plot that kept me turning the pages. It was so intense with lots of angst and drama and secrets that kept revealing themselves at every turn and unraveling the plot further and further. I almost felt like I was reading about real life at times.
Ella is sweet and charming and I couldn't help but fall in love with her. She was funny and genuine and definitely what Alex needed after years of heartbreak. Alex on the other hand, you have to break beneath his icy exterior to see his true self. He's clever and sexy and together these characters were electric.
This is an absolute must read!
I was kindly provided with an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have given it 5 sunshine filled stars.
First book I have read by the author and it certainly will not be the last. She is definitely one talented lady. She had me hooked from the very first word and held my attention captive until the very end.
I couldn't put it down!!
Normally celeb filled stories normally hold zero interest for me but there was something about Starshine that compelled me to read it. It was cleverly written and flowed nicely at a good pace with a plot that kept me turning the pages. It was so intense with lots of angst and drama and secrets that kept revealing themselves at every turn and unraveling the plot further and further. I almost felt like I was reading about real life at times.
Ella is sweet and charming and I couldn't help but fall in love with her. She was funny and genuine and definitely what Alex needed after years of heartbreak. Alex on the other hand, you have to break beneath his icy exterior to see his true self. He's clever and sexy and together these characters were electric.
This is an absolute must read!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews