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Fools for Love #1
When a Star Falls
Ruby's on her way to stardom and finding true love...if she doesn't trip over her own two feet first! Ruby Harkwad is a gifted songwriter with big ambitions. The day she meets Collin Moore, a brilliant rocket scientist and an all-around epitome of male perfection, she literally tumbles into his arms. Not only does he bring out Ruby’s klutziness, he also inspires the lyrics she’s been struggling to get on paper.
The pair quickly becomes inseparable, but after Collin posts a video of an impromptu performance Ruby does on a dare, she’s recruited by a top record label when it comes to their attention. As Ruby’s being whipped into superstar shape by a ruthless beautician, Collin’s career takes off, too. Soon, Ruby discovers that there are perils to stardom, namely an eccentric diva who’s taken Ruby under her wing, a ridiculously handsome backup guitarist, and sky-high stilettos that threaten to be the death of her. Ruby’s life becomes a whirlwind without much place for Collin.
Worse, his beautiful and cunning personal assistant is no help when she sets her eyes on him. Ruby must decide between making a name for herself or sacrificing it all to keep from losing Collin for good...
***Ruby would never do anything to make you blush! When a Star Falls is a clean romantic comedy***
The pair quickly becomes inseparable, but after Collin posts a video of an impromptu performance Ruby does on a dare, she’s recruited by a top record label when it comes to their attention. As Ruby’s being whipped into superstar shape by a ruthless beautician, Collin’s career takes off, too. Soon, Ruby discovers that there are perils to stardom, namely an eccentric diva who’s taken Ruby under her wing, a ridiculously handsome backup guitarist, and sky-high stilettos that threaten to be the death of her. Ruby’s life becomes a whirlwind without much place for Collin.
Worse, his beautiful and cunning personal assistant is no help when she sets her eyes on him. Ruby must decide between making a name for herself or sacrificing it all to keep from losing Collin for good...
***Ruby would never do anything to make you blush! When a Star Falls is a clean romantic comedy***
240 pages, ebook
First published April 9, 2018
232 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Eliker
119 books124 followersRachael Eliker was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying Animal Science with an option in Biology. She currently lives on an acreage in Indiana, with her husband and children where she enjoys challenging home improvement projects, keeping up with a handful of livestock, running on lonely stretches of country road, and writing.
Read more about her upcoming work and sign up for her newsletter at https://rachaeleliker.com.
Read more about her upcoming work and sign up for her newsletter at https://rachaeleliker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 8, 2019
Romance, clean; series, but stand alone read
Cute fun romance set in the recording industry. Ruby and Collin's story was a cute fun read, some great side characters. Light romance, with honest, caring, main characters that had great chemistry, loyalty, and devotion to each other. The setting made it interesting, and fun family back story.
Cute fun romance set in the recording industry. Ruby and Collin's story was a cute fun read, some great side characters. Light romance, with honest, caring, main characters that had great chemistry, loyalty, and devotion to each other. The setting made it interesting, and fun family back story.
August 20, 2020
If this story made me snort-laugh, I’m not sharing. I will say that I giggled and at times wanted to jump into the pages and smack some sense into people.
Ruby can’t walk in heels, or in any other type of shoes, without falling. Collin is a bit quirky too, but he recognizes Ruby for the talent that she is. She respects his intelligence and kind spirit. When both of them have the opportunity to make their dreams come true, they learn just how hard it can be to balance a relationship and busy schedules when you hardly get to see each other.
Ruby can’t walk in heels, or in any other type of shoes, without falling. Collin is a bit quirky too, but he recognizes Ruby for the talent that she is. She respects his intelligence and kind spirit. When both of them have the opportunity to make their dreams come true, they learn just how hard it can be to balance a relationship and busy schedules when you hardly get to see each other.
Read
November 29, 2023DNF but still counts as reading it idc
November 9, 2018
A cute, yet stormy romance between an up and coming singer/songwriter and her long-distance beau.
With both of them traveling for work, usually in opposite directions, and interfering co-workers meddling in their love lives, it's almost a miracle that they have a happy ending, as well as create one for an old friend of her family.
With both of them traveling for work, usually in opposite directions, and interfering co-workers meddling in their love lives, it's almost a miracle that they have a happy ending, as well as create one for an old friend of her family.
July 15, 2018
This is an entertaining book, albeit fast paced.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 3, 2018
Music & Intelligence
Loved reading this book - fell in love with Ruby & Collin. The way they came together and challenges they had... But love did survive. I wish we could have read about a wedding & family for them. Overall I really fell in love with them.
Loved reading this book - fell in love with Ruby & Collin. The way they came together and challenges they had... But love did survive. I wish we could have read about a wedding & family for them. Overall I really fell in love with them.
November 1, 2018
So fun!
This was a very fun book. It was a great way to take my mind off of not feeling well. I would definitely recommend it as a lazy day or stress relief book. I also loved that it was clean and could be enjoyed by pre teens to adults.
This was a very fun book. It was a great way to take my mind off of not feeling well. I would definitely recommend it as a lazy day or stress relief book. I also loved that it was clean and could be enjoyed by pre teens to adults.
November 8, 2018
Fun sweet read
An easy read with a good pace throughout. Likeable characters and plenty of fun, angst and spontaneity. Nice surprise was the variety of characters’ ages in the book!
An easy read with a good pace throughout. Likeable characters and plenty of fun, angst and spontaneity. Nice surprise was the variety of characters’ ages in the book!
April 21, 2018
This is a cute, fun story! I enjoyed it!
July 18, 2018
A 4 star read because it actually got me laughing-out-loud. Parts of the story were eh, but I still enjoyed the book.
September 1, 2018
So cute, clean, and funny!
A great story about chasing your dreams, reaching for the stars, and learning what is most important in life. Can't wait for more!!!
A great story about chasing your dreams, reaching for the stars, and learning what is most important in life. Can't wait for more!!!
October 8, 2018
The Scientist and the Pop Star
Two very different people meet but their paths go in different directions. Can they find their way to happily ever after? Sweet clean romance.
Two very different people meet but their paths go in different directions. Can they find their way to happily ever after? Sweet clean romance.
November 1, 2018
Cute & fun Celebrity book. Clean and very well written. It was super fun to read.
October 20, 2023
I… truly hated my experience reading this book. I’ll explain, sans spoilers.
The plot - ahh so this is a … small town to celebrity romance, with a touch of a love triangle? There aren’t any popular tropes actually besides the celebrity bit in it… it is a HEA in a series of interconnected standalones, and there is no smut so it could be considered a YA novel for the spice contained inside (see: none). It was honestly a quite funny book, so I loved that, I’m a sucker for a romcom, hence why it wasn’t a DNF. Now for my issues with it. I didn’t know where the fuck this book was going. The overarching plot of the FMC becoming famous was okay, bit drawn out and boring, but it was a decent plotline. I didn’t know which male to like, which was going to be the love interest… it seemed like every single character was a dick. Even the side characters were assholes who just weren’t lovable or likable. I didn’t even like the characters we were supposed to like by the ending! It was ridiculous. How can you create so many unlikable characters?? I don’t know…
The MC - our FMC is Ruby, and she was cute. Clumsy, awkward, and the human equivalent of a blush. Literally. She’s sweet and naive and trying to navigate love when she clearly has no experience. I don’t blame her for anything that happened in this book, she reacted accordingly and if I’m honest, I would’ve been more violent in my reactions than she was.
The men in this book - smh. smfh. SHAKING MY FUCKING HEAD. I didn’t like any of them. Troy? What a cunt. Absolute dickhead I would be happy to run over with my car. Loved the bad boy energy at first but even then he just felt *off* … Collin? This man can go jump off a cliff for all I care. A man who is so unfeeling about a woman’s concerns does not deserve even the smallest sip of oxygen to stay alive. FUCK OFF THE PAIR OF YOU. Neither were a good fit for Ruby.
The plot - ahh so this is a … small town to celebrity romance, with a touch of a love triangle? There aren’t any popular tropes actually besides the celebrity bit in it… it is a HEA in a series of interconnected standalones, and there is no smut so it could be considered a YA novel for the spice contained inside (see: none). It was honestly a quite funny book, so I loved that, I’m a sucker for a romcom, hence why it wasn’t a DNF. Now for my issues with it. I didn’t know where the fuck this book was going. The overarching plot of the FMC becoming famous was okay, bit drawn out and boring, but it was a decent plotline. I didn’t know which male to like, which was going to be the love interest… it seemed like every single character was a dick. Even the side characters were assholes who just weren’t lovable or likable. I didn’t even like the characters we were supposed to like by the ending! It was ridiculous. How can you create so many unlikable characters?? I don’t know…
The MC - our FMC is Ruby, and she was cute. Clumsy, awkward, and the human equivalent of a blush. Literally. She’s sweet and naive and trying to navigate love when she clearly has no experience. I don’t blame her for anything that happened in this book, she reacted accordingly and if I’m honest, I would’ve been more violent in my reactions than she was.
The men in this book - smh. smfh. SHAKING MY FUCKING HEAD. I didn’t like any of them. Troy? What a cunt. Absolute dickhead I would be happy to run over with my car. Loved the bad boy energy at first but even then he just felt *off* … Collin? This man can go jump off a cliff for all I care. A man who is so unfeeling about a woman’s concerns does not deserve even the smallest sip of oxygen to stay alive. FUCK OFF THE PAIR OF YOU. Neither were a good fit for Ruby.
October 13, 2022
Sometimes it IS rocket science... explosive!
Engineering doctoral candidate Collin is the hot, quintessential nerd substitute teaching music major Ruby's required science class for graduation. His voice is the first checkbox. Then... she looks up. He was exactly what she needed to inspire the lyrics for her current composition.
The chemistry between them was immediate, and mutual. But when Collin teases her to perform her song on their date, he records it and uploads it to the internet, going viral. Collin supports and encourages Ruby every step of the way as she is signed by a record label to be the opening act for their biggest star.
Collin secured a job at StarTech, a space exploration and development company, on graduation and is assigned to public relations, to explain the company to investors and the public. He is also assigned a personal assistant who knows the company structure well, but is far more invested in the 'personal' than the 'assistant'.
Collin is the guy we all want. Intelligent, good looking, and best of all, genuinely nice. In the whirl of all the traveling and media attention to hype her career, can Ruby remember Collin's character and trust her judgment?
I received a gift copy of this story from the author via Amazon and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Engineering doctoral candidate Collin is the hot, quintessential nerd substitute teaching music major Ruby's required science class for graduation. His voice is the first checkbox. Then... she looks up. He was exactly what she needed to inspire the lyrics for her current composition.
The chemistry between them was immediate, and mutual. But when Collin teases her to perform her song on their date, he records it and uploads it to the internet, going viral. Collin supports and encourages Ruby every step of the way as she is signed by a record label to be the opening act for their biggest star.
Collin secured a job at StarTech, a space exploration and development company, on graduation and is assigned to public relations, to explain the company to investors and the public. He is also assigned a personal assistant who knows the company structure well, but is far more invested in the 'personal' than the 'assistant'.
Collin is the guy we all want. Intelligent, good looking, and best of all, genuinely nice. In the whirl of all the traveling and media attention to hype her career, can Ruby remember Collin's character and trust her judgment?
I received a gift copy of this story from the author via Amazon and voluntarily chose to share my review.
October 13, 2021
When a Star Falls by Rachael Eliker is a very cute read. I like that this is a book a reader can pick up and have done in a day or two. It is fast-paced and engaging and has a storyline that will make a reader smile the whole time. There are a few hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud, too. As far as characters go, Collin is wonderful. He is handsome, loving, and slightly clueless. He adores Ruby so much he just can’t help but gaze upon her every time she enters a room. It’s super sweet and helps make him quite a swoony hero. Ruby is delightfully klutzy and funny, and also very relatable and real. She is a great blend of naive innocence, unique creativity, and bold fearlessness. I enjoyed following her through her journey to stardom and found the what-it-takes-to-be-a-star details rather interesting (and rather hilarious — transforming from a “regular” girl into a diva is no joke. Some of the funniest moments happen during Ruby’s metamorphosis). I also enjoyed Ruby and Collin’s relationship. They make a great team, and I feel like they illustrate well the ups and downs of a long-distance, romantic relationship. All in all, When a Star Falls is a very enjoyable Contemporary Romance that I highly recommend.
I borrowed a copy of this novel in eBook form through my Kindle Unlimited subscription on September 19, 2021, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I borrowed a copy of this novel in eBook form through my Kindle Unlimited subscription on September 19, 2021, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 26, 2019
I think this book would be better enjoyed by a younger reader than I. It felt young adultish. I don't know if that was the intention of the author or not. The story line of her becoming a pop star was interesting and I loved Collin and his ditzy cuteness but I couldn't quite get past the hypocrisy of Ruby as one minute she is madly in love with Collin and upset that his personal secretary is hitting on him though he is too obtuse to see it, and then the next she is lusting after her guitarist. And then she theoretically decided for sure on Collin but got upset when she saw the guitarist making out with someone? What right did she even have to care what he does? So basically I couldn't get past the conflict of the story. I kind of felt like Ruby didn't deserve Collin at all.
I liked Kiki and Ms. Osborne tremendously. And I loved Collin.
I listened to the audio book and thought the narrator did a good job.
*I received a complimentary copy of this audio book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I liked Kiki and Ms. Osborne tremendously. And I loved Collin.
I listened to the audio book and thought the narrator did a good job.
*I received a complimentary copy of this audio book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2020
It's good for a laugh
The romance ends pretty much after the first kiss (which was pretty adorable).
This is only from Ruby's POV, so we're missing Collin's perspective . And from Ruby's perspective, it is really hard to determine how much Collin means to her. UNTIL someone else wants him.
She flirts and admittedly leads on another guy (the fact that he is a giant jerk and was only using her is irrelevant, despite efforts to show otherwise). Ruby has a meltdown after she catches this guy kissing someone else, even though she was with Collin since she met him.
Collin is portrayed as a bumbling idiot (maybe trying to play off the rocket science thing?). We don't see a lot of them actually together. There are a few sweet moments, but it feels empty with only one perspective.
One other thing that bothered me was Ruby and her meltdowns if Collin couldn't make one of her events. Serious meltdowns. But she never made an effort to be at any of his events. He had to follow her around like a groupie.
Overall, funny. But lacking in romance.
The romance ends pretty much after the first kiss (which was pretty adorable).
This is only from Ruby's POV, so we're missing Collin's perspective . And from Ruby's perspective, it is really hard to determine how much Collin means to her. UNTIL someone else wants him.
She flirts and admittedly leads on another guy (the fact that he is a giant jerk and was only using her is irrelevant, despite efforts to show otherwise). Ruby has a meltdown after she catches this guy kissing someone else, even though she was with Collin since she met him.
Collin is portrayed as a bumbling idiot (maybe trying to play off the rocket science thing?). We don't see a lot of them actually together. There are a few sweet moments, but it feels empty with only one perspective.
One other thing that bothered me was Ruby and her meltdowns if Collin couldn't make one of her events. Serious meltdowns. But she never made an effort to be at any of his events. He had to follow her around like a groupie.
Overall, funny. But lacking in romance.
August 24, 2019
Ruby is kind of over the top and yet such a believable character at the same time. And Collin is wonderful - a little too good to be true, in a nerdy way, but that's forgivable in a hero. They are much alike & yet their career interests are very different.
Their chosen professions make it a serious challenge to stay together. Ruby's insecurity, her emotionalistic way of handling Jill was frustrating, but still understandable & believable.
Overall, the story was delightful & frequently made me laugh out loud. This is one of my favorite series!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
Their chosen professions make it a serious challenge to stay together. Ruby's insecurity, her emotionalistic way of handling Jill was frustrating, but still understandable & believable.
Overall, the story was delightful & frequently made me laugh out loud. This is one of my favorite series!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
November 5, 2019
A wonderful well written entertaining fun romance story. This amazing storyline is a quick addicting story with insecurities, interesting twists, laugh out load moments, romance, and plenty of ups and downs that had me turning page after page to a great ending that pulled it all together perfectly. The characters are interesting loyal, have amazing devotion, loveable, believable and have great chemistry. This fantastic story about a rising pop star has me looking more from this incredible author. It is wonderfully narrated. She was fun energetic and really have me feeling the emotions that pulled me in. I can't wait for more from and incredible author and narrator.
January 27, 2020
I mostly liked it
I really liked this book for the most part. It was pretty fast paced and had some fun quirky characters and plenty of awkward situations that were humerous. I liked Ruby's character for the most part, she was flawed yet lovable. However, I actually did get kind of annoyed by her main flaw of being a bit melodramatic at times. I do understand her bring under a lot of stress and make some poor choices because of that, which I thought was portrayed well, but it was still kind of annoying to me. But I had a hard time putting the book down while I was reading, and I was well entertained.
I really liked this book for the most part. It was pretty fast paced and had some fun quirky characters and plenty of awkward situations that were humerous. I liked Ruby's character for the most part, she was flawed yet lovable. However, I actually did get kind of annoyed by her main flaw of being a bit melodramatic at times. I do understand her bring under a lot of stress and make some poor choices because of that, which I thought was portrayed well, but it was still kind of annoying to me. But I had a hard time putting the book down while I was reading, and I was well entertained.
May 31, 2022
When a Star Falls is a sweet, heartwarming, fish out of water romance. It has been sometime since I read and thoroughly enjoyed the other books in this series. We will never know how I overlooked book one but I am glad that I have read it now. Ruby and Collin are both loveable klutzes! A long distance relationship is never ideal, but it is the only way these two can have a relationship as they pursue their dream jobs. Ruby's issues with heels and her introduction to stardom make from many laugh out loud moments. If you need a break from your reality, this book will provide one. Ms. Eliker has written the perfect ending!
May 28, 2019
Hearty warming.
lovely easy read domancd.Ruby is a must Ian slowly vainingrecognition inn her own until Collin videos impromptu singing in a state and it for
Several on the aeb. Then a new sfar!Josh vs ,a!so obnlind. Evidence knows it, she has a contract with a .music compsng. In the
D.dsntj.Edge and z k!!in are dysfunctions a fomsnvf. Th h th inks Collins LA is trying to break them up. In the end it jellyfish is a straight forward !I've ztofh.just a delightful fdzf. Highly re on me csd
lovely easy read domancd.Ruby is a must Ian slowly vainingrecognition inn her own until Collin videos impromptu singing in a state and it for
Several on the aeb. Then a new sfar!Josh vs ,a!so obnlind. Evidence knows it, she has a contract with a .music compsng. In the
D.dsntj.Edge and z k!!in are dysfunctions a fomsnvf. Th h th inks Collins LA is trying to break them up. In the end it jellyfish is a straight forward !I've ztofh.just a delightful fdzf. Highly re on me csd
September 3, 2023
Ms. Eliker certainly has a talent for romantic comedy.
Poor Ruby. She's clumsy in both body and words. And yet, you can't help feel sorry for her putting her foot in her mouth and speaking without thinking.
Collin will be your next book boyfriend. And Jill will be the next wicked witch you want to drop a house on.
Lots of fun reading how our lovebirds navigate long distance while living out their dreams.
Poor Ruby. She's clumsy in both body and words. And yet, you can't help feel sorry for her putting her foot in her mouth and speaking without thinking.
Collin will be your next book boyfriend. And Jill will be the next wicked witch you want to drop a house on.
Lots of fun reading how our lovebirds navigate long distance while living out their dreams.
September 2, 2019
Sometimes, you goals change because of opportunities
Funny, clean, and exciting. All she wanted to do was finish her last course in science, and graduate from college with her music degree
He filled in for only one day when the professor took a leisure day off. And then the story begins. It is thrilling!
Funny, clean, and exciting. All she wanted to do was finish her last course in science, and graduate from college with her music degree
He filled in for only one day when the professor took a leisure day off. And then the story begins. It is thrilling!
June 29, 2020
Cute read on long distance relationships
I liked this story of Ruby and Collin, and the navigation of a long distance relationship. I really could not stand Collins assistant. She drove me nuts. But this was a fun little read about chasing dreams and balancing a relationship.
Content: Clean
Language: Clean
Religious: No
Happy reading!
I liked this story of Ruby and Collin, and the navigation of a long distance relationship. I really could not stand Collins assistant. She drove me nuts. But this was a fun little read about chasing dreams and balancing a relationship.
Content: Clean
Language: Clean
Religious: No
Happy reading!
February 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this one! Ruby and Collin were cute together and I was a little sad to see the romance move so quickly in the beginning. I also feared Ruby would make the wrong choice, but it ended well. I'm excited to buy the other books in the series!
May 13, 2019
Funny and entertaining
Parts made me laugh out loud!! Loved the story and the characters were believable. Being a klutz myself, I could identify with Ruby. I loved that Ms Osborne got her happily after too.
Parts made me laugh out loud!! Loved the story and the characters were believable. Being a klutz myself, I could identify with Ruby. I loved that Ms Osborne got her happily after too.
May 15, 2019
Review
I sing not on this level but I perform and so this book was right up my alley. Great storyline and interesting characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I sing not on this level but I perform and so this book was right up my alley. Great storyline and interesting characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
May 27, 2019
Fame
Being a performer is MUCH harder than it looks. Stir in misunderstandings about love and lack of confidence in your abilities and you get a sweet love story. Anything you want to be good at takes continuous hard work, but the end result is so worth it.
Being a performer is MUCH harder than it looks. Stir in misunderstandings about love and lack of confidence in your abilities and you get a sweet love story. Anything you want to be good at takes continuous hard work, but the end result is so worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews