Starving with the Stars

The Extra #5

by Megan Walker, Janci Patterson

“Oh my god, please tell me that was not your plan.”

After being pushed off the stage at the VMAs last year, Alec Andreas’s life hasn’t gotten much better. Music fans everywhere hate him for his poor treatment of ex-girlfriend and former bandmate, Jenna Rollins. Fearing the backlash, the music industry has all but shunned him.

Afraid of falling into obscurity, Alec reluctantly takes a spot on the new reality show Starving with the Stars, where failing celebrities are stranded on a desert island to compete in challenges and outlast one another—and hopefully revive their flagging careers. Alec is certain that only one thing will make him likeable in the public eye; he needs to cuddle up to one of the cute girls on the island and remind all of America what a great boyfriend he can be.

When he meets Jillian Fall—an aspiring Broadway actress who’s become a cabaret-singing internet meme—he finds much more than the arm candy he was hoping for. And what can be the harm in reviving his career and getting the girl?

Alec’s falling deeper than he thought possible, but as the contestants vie for the coveted final spots in their island adventure, his schemes are brought to light. Alec’s lost everything, but losing her hurts the worst.

With the cameras always watching, can Alec convince Jillian he cares about her more than changing his image as pop music’s most notorious liar?

Starving with the Stars is a standalone romance with no cliffhanger, no cheating, and a swoon-worthy Happily Ever After. There is some R-rated sexual content and swearing.

"Packed with outrageous drama, family turmoil, and the tease of a love triangle, THE EXTRA sweeps the reader into the tumultuous life of a soap opera set." –Kelly Siskind, author of New Orleans Rush

[THE EXTRA is] delightful, spunky, and deliciously well-written" –Bestselling Author Jen Greyson

Genres: Romance

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2019

About the author

Megan Walker lives in Utah with her husband, two kids, and two dogs-all of whom are incredibly supportive of the time she spends writing about romance and crazy Hollywood hijinks. She loves making Barbie dioramas and reading trashy gossip magazines (and, okay, lots of other books and magazines, as well.) Megan has also written several published fantasy and science-fiction stories under the name Megan Grey.

For more on The Extra series, or to sign up to receive bonus content and all the latest series news, visit www.extraseriesbooks.com

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a free copy for my honest review from the authors.
Meet Alec and Jillian.
Alec was originally in a previous book and came across as a total dick but has redeemed himself in this one.
They both meet on a desert island with other stars trying to win the converted prize of one million, some just want to revive a career that is dying, Alec originally went on to try an get his career going again after the fiasco that was his previous relationship.
I laughed in places at the antics of this couple and totally at what stunts the other celebs pulled off, but most especially a pink sock puppet now that scene was hilarious. I won't give away what happens but it was hilarious.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There’s no certainty in life, You just love the best you can."

Watch out Reality TV, this book is coming to play!

Like a hybrid of all the best reality game shows (Survivor, The Amazing Race, The Great British Bake Off, and Big Brother) Janci and Megan take celebrity "has beens" reality tv to a whole new, romantic level.

I love that we get to see what happens to Alec AFTER he and Jenna (and simultaneously 'AJ' split up)!

In the book before, it was clear that Alec wasn't necessarily a BAD guy, but that his motives and actions were not the best. No matter how goid his intentions may have been.

I am excited to read the next book!

[Shari Salomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! I highly recommend this “Survivor” like story. Following each character with their own specific personalities and characters “flaws” as they learn to work together and then not so much. I loved watching the story unfold between Jillian and Alec and how Jasons energy excited the island. Su-Lina puppets become their own people too. Each character gets developed and Andd you become vested in each one. You wait for each one to be voted out and route for the winners in the challenges too! Enjoy the story and route for the underdogs because everyone can always be a winner. You never know! Great read!

[Salla Majaniemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

cw: sexual content

I love the extra series and how it switches between new and old characters but this book was the worst of the series yet.

There were many inconsistencies which I guess could be because the book has two authors but I hadn’t noticed that in the previous books so I don’t know what happened here.

Anyway, it bothered me that the second challenge was done in pairs since at that point there would have been an uneven number of participants so how was that actually arranged? Also there was a part where Jillian gave Alec a handjob under the sheets and he jizzed on her hand and then Jillian proceeded to grab Alec’s ass so like with the jizz hand or what? Ew. Maybe I was paying attention to irrelevant things but I just felt this book was either written in a rush or the editing was just bad.

The sexual content also didn’t really feel natural so I’m not sure why the authors thought it would be a good idea to add more heat to the series when it’s been perfectly fine without those kinds of scenes so far.

I’m still giving 3 stars because I did enjoy the story and the reality tv aspect felt very plausible and I like Alec and am happy I got to read how his life turned out after AJ broke up.

[madtrekkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jillian and Alec

After Alec spectacularly destroys his career, friendships and life, his manager suggests that he do a reality show. Alec agrees with the idea of meeting someone new to rebuild his career. Meeting Jillian has Alec reexamining his life, especially when he falls in love.

This is such an AMAZING story of second chances, redemption and restoration of pride in oneself. Alec is at the lowest point in his life when he finds Jillian. Jillian can't believe that Alec could be interested in her. A well placed word places doubt in Jillians mind. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engaging, entertaining and compelling story. The characters are likeable, relatable and have interesting backstories. Told from dual POVs reveals intimately their thoughts, feelings and emotions as they explore their relationship. There's plenty of chemistry between them and they overcome many obstacles in their relationship. There's an HEA 💓

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Felix and Jenna's story (stories, really), I didn't think I would want to see Alec - who truly acted like a douche-canoe extraordinaire - redeem himself. Turns out I was wrong. :)

The reality TV setting certainly played a part in making me feel more sympathetic towards Alec (I felt sorry for - almost - all the contestants). Plus, being privy to his inner monologue and getting to see that he might not be the total jerk he seemed to be helped as well.
I loved Jillian, and her story broke my heart (Janci Patterson and Megan Walker are reallyreally good at that, I must say).

The other contestants and the group dynamics were a hoot (the authors are reallyreally good at that, too! :) ), and their bickering and scheming was highly entertaining. It was also wonderful to meet a couple of old friends. *waves at Jason and Su-Lin*

Can't wait to read more in the series!

[Janci Patterson]

Hey all! Just wanted to tell you a little bit about Starving with the Stars--this book is our love letter to Survivor. We started watching "a couple seasons for research" and both binged through all then-40 seasons of the show and became super fans. If you like hot, bad boy rock stars (with a heart of gold), survival television, or watching people conquer the consequences of their own bad choices, then this is the book for you.

The heat level in this book is R-rated, and a tiny bit of an escalation from the previous books in the series, so be warned. (If that sounds amazing to you, this is your book!) There's also a little bit more raunch in this one than a lot of our others. (Again, if that's your thing, you are in for a treat.)

Most of all, we hope you love Alec and Jillian's story, and that you fall in love along with them, like we did.

Janci

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Starving With The Stars is book 5 of the Extra series by Megan Walker and Janci Patterson. This book falls in line as what I expect from them. It is a romantic comedy that has characters that grow and change for the better. Alec killed his likeability and his fame is sinking fast. As a last resort he agrees to go on a reality show, hoping to change his image.

Then he meets Jillian. Will he be the @ss he was in the last book or will he learn to be selfless and truly love? I enjoyed the plot and chuckled at the antics. I mean it is realty TV and we all have seen it. It is crazy and usually steamy and this book fits the bill.

[Eyleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had the best attraction between the MCs so far in this series, but also the most unnecessary drama, so I'm a bit torn on how to rate it.
I definitely enjoyed the setting on a reality show.
A really weird thing about this series is how they all get married after a couple of weeks.

[Sierra Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a reality show watcher, this one was extra fun. I didn't know how much I was rooting for Alec until I read this one. He's such a great guy, and I was really rooting for him to find love!

[Kim Territo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

His career has fallen just as he had when pushed off the stage. He treated his ex girlfriend and former band member badly and now everyone is against him. He signs up for a reality tv show hoping it would help show him in a better light. He meets a girl but will history repeat itself? Will he realise he wants her more than fame? See how he will cope

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan of Alex so it was interesting to see what was in store for him. His agent recommends going on a reality tv show with a lot of has beens to improve his imagine. Maybe hookup with someone so they can see another side to him but of course it backfires!
Jillian found fame in a commercial & has found it hard to be recognised for anything else. The reality show was for her sick mum.
If you're a fan of this particular real life show you will love the similarities & how they made it their own version. It was witty, clever & there were some lols in the tale. The contestants were a good mix of uniqueness. Very typical of ones that get selected.
So where does this leave Alex? I suggest you read it to find out if gets his HEA!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. 4.5*

[Melanie Durrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had felt bad for Alex in Everything We Are and The Jenna Rollins Real Love Tour

I thought it was really classy of Jenna and Felix to take Alex on tour with them to try to improve his image.

I liked the way his motivations where explained, I never felt that they had come from a bad place.

I have never really followed the Survivor type reality shows, but the book seems to have hilariously nailed the genre. I really enjoyed the wrap-up show.

I always liked Su-Lin, every time Gabby went to Fong's, now I am eager to read her book.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this stand-alone story in this series. The premise was interesting and the way it evolved was very well done. It is a more mature book than the others in the series. Overall, I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Giofab21 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having travelled through this series I'm left in neutral. The first book was my favourite but as it went on I think I lost relating to the characters. I wanted to like it more but seemed different than what the blurb promised. I know this a love or hate situation but I'm really just riding the middle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked 'Starving with the stars'! It's the first book I've read in the series and I immediately want to read the rest! The story is mostly set on a deserted island. Some celebrities joined a Survivor-style show where they have to survive on the island, do some challenges and vote people out. It's a show I love watching on tv, so reading about it is awesome for me. Everyone knows the participants are not really alone on the island, but it's still fun to read about the behind-the-scenes in the book. For example, the cameramen are always following. The story was really well written. The events in the book were most of the time unpredictable. There were definitely some plot twists. I also could really feel with the characters, especially with Jillian. Sometimes they made references to tv shows or the judges in the challenges were real celebrities. This was fun to read. Like the synopsis says, the book has a happy ending. And it was a perfect one! I really loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Energy Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the ups and downs of the last year, Alec is worried that he doesn't have a place in the music world, that perhaps everything that has happened has made him appear unlikable. So when he's offered the chance to go onto a reality tv show to try and rebuild his image, he jumps at the opportunity. The cast is full of other celebrities, all hoping to restart their careers in various ways, and if he can cozy up to a female, it will definitely make him look good, and he could gain a potential ally in the show. Jillian just might be the perfect person. What could possibly go wrong?

Some of the supporting characters were so much fun, I wasn't quite ready to let them go, and then I saw that one of my favs would have her own book down the road, and I couldn't be happier. The setting created some funny situations amongst the characters, and the characters were wonderful, all of it combined made the book really hard to put down at the end of the day.

I've read all the books that have come before this one in the series, and I think this one would tie for my most favorite with The Extra. I really loved how well Alex and Jillian got along. I loved Jillian's personality and how complimentary she was to Alec. Because they're surrounded by people all the time, and they're being filmed, there aren't many opportunities for true alone time, and that creates the perfect setting for a nice, slow-burn. Such a great addition to the series!

[lf · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK but not my favorite of the series

Starving with the Stars is the fifth book in The Extras series by Janci Patterson and I have read them from the beginning. I am just going to come out and say this - I do not like so called "reality" TV. I know this story contained that but I was not sure how large of a "character" it would be so I decided to pick this book up and continue to read the series. Well I am still not a fan of reality TV but I thought this book was OK. Alec was basically a really unlikable character from earlier books so I was hoping he would redeem himself in this story, or at least starve himself to death. So he did have some redeeming qualities and did some things that helped redeem him but he also did some real underhanded and scheming things that come to light. So he got about half way there in my estimation but definitely not all the way.

As with the other books the author's have produced a well written book. The characters were interesting, even when you wanted to shoot them, and the story-line was for the most part entertaining. But again...............not a fan of "reality" TV so I could not really get into that part of the story.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, it was nice to know that Alec got his happy ending too!