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Birds of California
Former child actor Fiona St. James dropped out of the spotlight after a spectacularly public crash and burn. The tabloids called her crazy and self-destructive and said she'd lost her mind. Now in her late twenties, Fiona believes her humiliating past is firmly behind her. She's finally regained a modicum of privacy, and she won't let anything--or anyone--mess it up.
Unlike Fiona, Sam Fox, who played her older brother on the popular television show Birds of California, loves the perks that come with being a successful Hollywood actor: fame, women, parties, money. When his current show gets cancelled and his agent starts to avoid his calls, the desperate actor enthusiastically signs on for a Birds of California revival. But to make it happen, he needs Fiona St. James.
Against her better judgment, Fiona agrees to have lunch with Sam. What happens next takes them both by surprise. Sam is enthralled by Fiona's take-no-prisoners attitude, and Fiona discovers a lovable goofball behind Sam's close-up-ready face. Long drives to the beach, late nights at dive bars... theirs is the kind of kitschy romance Hollywood sells. But just like in the rom-coms Fiona despises, there's a twist that threatens her new love. Sam doesn't know the full story behind her breakdown. What happens when she reveals the truth?
Sparks fly and things get real in this sharply sexy and whip-smart romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a post #metoo Hollywood from New York Times bestselling author Katie Cotugno--page-turning escapist fun in the spirit of Beach Read, The Kiss Quotient, and Red, White and Royal Blue.
Unlike Fiona, Sam Fox, who played her older brother on the popular television show Birds of California, loves the perks that come with being a successful Hollywood actor: fame, women, parties, money. When his current show gets cancelled and his agent starts to avoid his calls, the desperate actor enthusiastically signs on for a Birds of California revival. But to make it happen, he needs Fiona St. James.
Against her better judgment, Fiona agrees to have lunch with Sam. What happens next takes them both by surprise. Sam is enthralled by Fiona's take-no-prisoners attitude, and Fiona discovers a lovable goofball behind Sam's close-up-ready face. Long drives to the beach, late nights at dive bars... theirs is the kind of kitschy romance Hollywood sells. But just like in the rom-coms Fiona despises, there's a twist that threatens her new love. Sam doesn't know the full story behind her breakdown. What happens when she reveals the truth?
Sparks fly and things get real in this sharply sexy and whip-smart romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a post #metoo Hollywood from New York Times bestselling author Katie Cotugno--page-turning escapist fun in the spirit of Beach Read, The Kiss Quotient, and Red, White and Royal Blue.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2022
273 people are currently reading
25072 people want to read
About the author
Katie Cotugno
23 books2,396 followersKatie Cotugno is the New York Times bestselling author of seven messy, complicated feminist YA love stories, as well as the adult novel Birds of California (Harper Perennial, 2022). She is also the co-author, with Candace Bushnell, of Rules for Being a Girl. Her books have been honored by the Junior Library Guild, the Bank Street Children’s Book Committee, and the Kentucky Association of School Librarians, among others, and translated into more than fifteen languages. Katie is a Pushcart Prize nominee whose work has appeared in The Iowa Review, The Mississippi Review, and Argestes, as well as many other literary magazines. She studied Writing, Literature and Publishing at Emerson College and received her MFA in Fiction at Lesley University. She lives in Boston with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,788 reviews
May 12, 2022
where do i start with this one?
for the most part, i enjoyed the story. i like the idea of the plot, the writing is easy to read, and the entire set-up is on par for a classic contemporary romance (not to mention im obsessed with the cover design).
but the thing is, no matter how many times i thought, “oh, i like this,” that feeling was almost always tainted by how much i didnt like fiona. shes one massive ball of negativity. shes mean, abrasive, has a short temper, and just honestly treats everyone like crap. i get that she went through something super traumatic, but because she goes through literally zero character development, i really struggled to empathise with her. not to mention the traumatic event barely gets addressed in the book, so that didnt help either.
i think if there had been some sort of resolution to what was making fiona act out, in addition to her character developing and shown in a different light, my feelings about her would probably be different. but none of these things happen, so im just left feeling pretty resentful about her ruining what could have been a cute story.
oh well.
thanks for the ARC, harper perennial.
↠ 3 stars
for the most part, i enjoyed the story. i like the idea of the plot, the writing is easy to read, and the entire set-up is on par for a classic contemporary romance (not to mention im obsessed with the cover design).
but the thing is, no matter how many times i thought, “oh, i like this,” that feeling was almost always tainted by how much i didnt like fiona. shes one massive ball of negativity. shes mean, abrasive, has a short temper, and just honestly treats everyone like crap. i get that she went through something super traumatic, but because she goes through literally zero character development, i really struggled to empathise with her. not to mention the traumatic event barely gets addressed in the book, so that didnt help either.
i think if there had been some sort of resolution to what was making fiona act out, in addition to her character developing and shown in a different light, my feelings about her would probably be different. but none of these things happen, so im just left feeling pretty resentful about her ruining what could have been a cute story.
oh well.
thanks for the ARC, harper perennial.
↠ 3 stars
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May 17, 2022After a memorable public breakdown, there’s nothing Fiona would like more than to continue living her life in private. When her former costar Sam reaches out about a reboot of their show, she surprises herself and agrees to hear him out. But as she and Sam spend more time together, long-buried secrets come to light. This tangled love story delivers on all fronts.
June 21, 2022
2.5 stars. I went into this with pretty high expectations because I've loved a handful of Katie Cotugno's YA novels, but unfortunately this one missed the mark for me. I genuinely liked all of our characters (Estelle and Claudia, especially!!!), but I struggled to connect to a single thing that actually happened in this story. For such a short book, this almost felt like a slog? It took so long for anything to actually happen, and then when it did the book wrapped up in what felt like 2 seconds. With that being said, I did actually really enjoy the way that the book ended! I just wish that we had gotten a little more time to actually appreciate what happened. I do still think I would read another adult work from Katie Cotugno in the future, but this one just... did not hit for me and I am bummed as heck :(
CW: grooming, ptsd, terminal illness (breast cancer), mentions of food shaming/disordered eating
CW: grooming, ptsd, terminal illness (breast cancer), mentions of food shaming/disordered eating
May 3, 2022
2.5/5
I was so excited when I received an early copy of Katie Cotugno's Birds of California in the mail. Unfortunately, it ended up being a huge waste of my time. The story, the characters, the conflict . . . it all grated on my nerves. I kept reading (although I should know better by now) hoping it would get better, but the conclusion was just as disappointing. There was zero resolution. Nothing was really addressed or discussed, no epilogue to let us know how events unfolded, just flipping from one page to the next and discovering there wasn't anything left to read. From the synopsis we get a clue as to how the story will unfold, so it was obvious from the start what had happened in Fiona's past, if not the specific details.
"...set against the backdrop of a post #metoo Hollywood..."
Additionally, the synopsis was VERY misleading. Birds of California was in no way like Beach Read, The Kiss Quotient, or Red, While and Royal Blue (all books I loved). Those were terrible comparisons for this story. It's also NOT a romantic comedy.
I know this was a review copy, but there were a ridiculous number of spelling and grammar errors in this book. I started marking them as I went along but decided to give up after about twenty or so sticky notes.
"Would you mind you trying it again?"
"...can almost feel he squish of it underneath..."
Also, Sam masturbates all the time. Bored? Jerks off. Hungry? Jerks off twice and then eats some baby carrots. He watches porn and acts like a total dude, but it was still weird that the author felt the need to mention how often he decided to get himself off throughout the book. He also mentions his mouth "tasting" like jockstraps after he's been drinking (pretty sure he made this reference more than once), and I just want to know how he knew what that would taste like . . . Personal experience?
Don't even get me started on the sex. It was weird and not at all relatable. I almost wish the author had chosen to fade-to-black instead of making me read through the nonsense that was their "romance" in this book. They were talking and sort of insulting each other as foreplay, and then suddenly it was "happening for him." Seriously, her whispering something about lying in his ear shouldn't have made him blow his load like that. Especially with how frequently he gets himself off . . .
Sam Fox was a coward. He let his agent walk all over him and claimed it was due to inexperience and a lack of understanding, but that was a cop out. He just didn't want to put forth the effort required to learn and do something about it. He also sought Fiona out for purely selfish reasons, was embarrassed by her outbursts, and didn't even ask her what her nightmare was about. Sam only cared about himself and what he could gain (or lose) from a situation. He was a garbage person that didn't deserve what little time she gave him. He was a terrible friend, an awful brother, and an even worse son. He's broke, can't pay his rent, but cares A LOT about how the public perceives him. Immature, shallow, obnoxious - the list goes on. He definitely wasn't a heartthrob or anything to swoon over.
When I turned the last page, my first thought was: "What the fuck was that?" I couldn't understand how it had ended without actually ending. Other problems I had . . .
1) Why did Fiona's dad suddenly decide to be present? What triggered his need to be involved again after checking out for nearly a decade? It wasn't believable, nor was it explained.
2) Does Sam eventually dump Russ and get an agent that actually gives a shit? Why was his agent being cagey and condescending to begin with??
3) How did Estelle get Sam's number?
4) It's worth mentioning again that the sex was weird and not romantic AT ALL.
5) Knew where the story was going even though we got a lackluster explanation from Fiona when she FINALLY decided to talk to Sam about it.
6) WHAT HAPPENED WITH JAMIE? Were there repercussions?
7) What were Fiona's nightmares about? Why did she like True Crime so much? Why was it helpful??
8) It feels like we learn absolutely nothing about Sam and Fiona. What makes them tick? I wanted more background information to explain why they were the way they were. We're basically forced to accept them as is, and they were both horrible.
I really, really wanted to like this one, but it was bad. I wish I could get those hours back . . . (★★⋆☆☆)
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
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I was so excited when I received an early copy of Katie Cotugno's Birds of California in the mail. Unfortunately, it ended up being a huge waste of my time. The story, the characters, the conflict . . . it all grated on my nerves. I kept reading (although I should know better by now) hoping it would get better, but the conclusion was just as disappointing. There was zero resolution. Nothing was really addressed or discussed, no epilogue to let us know how events unfolded, just flipping from one page to the next and discovering there wasn't anything left to read. From the synopsis we get a clue as to how the story will unfold, so it was obvious from the start what had happened in Fiona's past, if not the specific details.
"...set against the backdrop of a post #metoo Hollywood..."
Additionally, the synopsis was VERY misleading. Birds of California was in no way like Beach Read, The Kiss Quotient, or Red, While and Royal Blue (all books I loved). Those were terrible comparisons for this story. It's also NOT a romantic comedy.
I know this was a review copy, but there were a ridiculous number of spelling and grammar errors in this book. I started marking them as I went along but decided to give up after about twenty or so sticky notes.
"Would you mind you trying it again?"
"...can almost feel he squish of it underneath..."
Also, Sam masturbates all the time. Bored? Jerks off. Hungry? Jerks off twice and then eats some baby carrots. He watches porn and acts like a total dude, but it was still weird that the author felt the need to mention how often he decided to get himself off throughout the book. He also mentions his mouth "tasting" like jockstraps after he's been drinking (pretty sure he made this reference more than once), and I just want to know how he knew what that would taste like . . . Personal experience?
Don't even get me started on the sex. It was weird and not at all relatable. I almost wish the author had chosen to fade-to-black instead of making me read through the nonsense that was their "romance" in this book. They were talking and sort of insulting each other as foreplay, and then suddenly it was "happening for him." Seriously, her whispering something about lying in his ear shouldn't have made him blow his load like that. Especially with how frequently he gets himself off . . .
Sam Fox was a coward. He let his agent walk all over him and claimed it was due to inexperience and a lack of understanding, but that was a cop out. He just didn't want to put forth the effort required to learn and do something about it. He also sought Fiona out for purely selfish reasons, was embarrassed by her outbursts, and didn't even ask her what her nightmare was about. Sam only cared about himself and what he could gain (or lose) from a situation. He was a garbage person that didn't deserve what little time she gave him. He was a terrible friend, an awful brother, and an even worse son. He's broke, can't pay his rent, but cares A LOT about how the public perceives him. Immature, shallow, obnoxious - the list goes on. He definitely wasn't a heartthrob or anything to swoon over.
When I turned the last page, my first thought was: "What the fuck was that?" I couldn't understand how it had ended without actually ending. Other problems I had . . .
1) Why did Fiona's dad suddenly decide to be present? What triggered his need to be involved again after checking out for nearly a decade? It wasn't believable, nor was it explained.
2) Does Sam eventually dump Russ and get an agent that actually gives a shit? Why was his agent being cagey and condescending to begin with??
3) How did Estelle get Sam's number?
4) It's worth mentioning again that the sex was weird and not romantic AT ALL.
5) Knew where the story was going even though we got a lackluster explanation from Fiona when she FINALLY decided to talk to Sam about it.
6) WHAT HAPPENED WITH JAMIE? Were there repercussions?
7) What were Fiona's nightmares about? Why did she like True Crime so much? Why was it helpful??
8) It feels like we learn absolutely nothing about Sam and Fiona. What makes them tick? I wanted more background information to explain why they were the way they were. We're basically forced to accept them as is, and they were both horrible.
I really, really wanted to like this one, but it was bad. I wish I could get those hours back . . . (★★⋆☆☆)
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Amazon | Pinterest
May 13, 2022
Such a cute rom com!! For a second, I had no idea where the story was headed but the story couldn't have ended in a better way! The story revolves around child stars Fiona and Sam. They both were a part of a television series that abruptly ended because of Fiona's one too many teenage scandals. They meet again years later after the possibility of a reboot is offered to them. Sam goes to her with the idea of trying to convince her to do the show but can he immediately tell that's going to be a lot harder than he thought. Overall, I loved the story and the message that it brings up at the end, however, I will say that there were some moments where I didn't understand the direction it was going in. The ending made it all worth it since this rom-com is just what I needed to get out of my reading slump!
April 13, 2022
Sadly I did not love this one and it's a shame because I have loved Katie Cotugno's books in the past. Specifally How to love & 99 Days so I was excited for her foray into adult romance but this fell flat for me.
There wasn't a ton of character development and they never really addressed the big issue at hand. It was also short, not even 300 pages. I just wanted more from it.
There wasn't a ton of character development and they never really addressed the big issue at hand. It was also short, not even 300 pages. I just wanted more from it.
June 1, 2022
this was fun! i really like the banter between Fiona and Sam plus they referenced The Community’s “six seasons and a movie” which is my favorite sitcom so obviously it deserves a whole star. it was quick and it kept me giggling, i don’t know why this book doesn’t have higher ratings tbh.
April 16, 2022
STOP WRITING YA FICTION WITH SEX IN THEM AND CALLING IT ADULT ROMANCE 🔪🔪🔪🔪
October 27, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/4 -- 🌶🌶/5! -- Funny Quote: "Louder than Paula Deen calling her weird adult sons in for a fried chicken dinner down on the farm."
Well written and definitely made me laugh on more than one occasion because the main character is so witty!!
I wouldn't necessarily call this one a full-on romance, because although yes there is a romantic storyline - it's certainly got darkness and a lack of levity that gives due respect to the #metoo movement. I didn't know that's what I was going to be reading - and I definitely wasn't expecting this story.
Well written and definitely made me laugh on more than one occasion because the main character is so witty!!
I wouldn't necessarily call this one a full-on romance, because although yes there is a romantic storyline - it's certainly got darkness and a lack of levity that gives due respect to the #metoo movement. I didn't know that's what I was going to be reading - and I definitely wasn't expecting this story.
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July 15, 2022I’ve officially DNFed. If you know me you know I rarely and I mean RARELY DNF but y’all I can’t. I got like halfway through the pain that was the audiobook and then stopped bc angels sang or some shit and then thought about picking it back up for two months to get it done but I can’t.
My only memory is that he liked that she looked liked the girls back home from Wisconsin (ie not skinny) so yeah idk fam enter at your own risk. I also just remember he was the worst. I’ve also learned I hate messy hollywood books with unsavory characters. Yes I am absolutely glaring at Funny You Should Ask.
My only memory is that he liked that she looked liked the girls back home from Wisconsin (ie not skinny) so yeah idk fam enter at your own risk. I also just remember he was the worst. I’ve also learned I hate messy hollywood books with unsavory characters. Yes I am absolutely glaring at Funny You Should Ask.
August 14, 2022
i have no idea how to rate this!
i think that Birds of California brings something new to the romance genre, just in the story structure alone? the pacing and plot was different than what i'm personally used to for romance books. it was refreshing to realize i wasn't going to get the exact same story beats as usual.
i also really liked our heroine, Fiona. she's a victim of significant traumas and i think her character is extremely realistic for so many reasons. i've read some other reviews that find her irritating and unlikable, which i can understand... but i love Nesta Archeron-esque female characters and Fiona definitely reminds me of Nesta.
i liked the romance well enough. the love interest was cute and they had good chemistry. but i don't know... it still felt like something was missing? this book was quite short so maybe i just wanted a slower burn than what we got.
Birds of California also covers some heavy topics and i think does a good job of integrating these issues into the characters' stories without making the entire point of the book or the character. however, there were quite a few things left unresolved or brushed over at the end and i did wish we had some more closure.
i think one thing i particularly loved was that Fiona was a victim of grooming and though it profoundly impacted her as a person, it was not the crux of her character. it ripples into so many parts of her life but is not her whole life. she also never confronted her abuser or had the love interest confront him for her. the end alludes to her holding him accountable, but she never has to take on further trauma by doing it. i've never really read a book that addresses abuse and confronting abuse like this, so i appreciated it.
overall, i guess my main issue with this book is that i wished it were just a liiiittle bit longer. a little more slow burn and a little more time spent in the resolution section at the end. it's ultimately a fun romance with just a bit of social commentary, and i enjoyed it!
*3.5 stars
i think that Birds of California brings something new to the romance genre, just in the story structure alone? the pacing and plot was different than what i'm personally used to for romance books. it was refreshing to realize i wasn't going to get the exact same story beats as usual.
i also really liked our heroine, Fiona. she's a victim of significant traumas and i think her character is extremely realistic for so many reasons. i've read some other reviews that find her irritating and unlikable, which i can understand... but i love Nesta Archeron-esque female characters and Fiona definitely reminds me of Nesta.
i liked the romance well enough. the love interest was cute and they had good chemistry. but i don't know... it still felt like something was missing? this book was quite short so maybe i just wanted a slower burn than what we got.
Birds of California also covers some heavy topics and i think does a good job of integrating these issues into the characters' stories without making the entire point of the book or the character. however, there were quite a few things left unresolved or brushed over at the end and i did wish we had some more closure.
i think one thing i particularly loved was that Fiona was a victim of grooming and though it profoundly impacted her as a person, it was not the crux of her character. it ripples into so many parts of her life but is not her whole life. she also never confronted her abuser or had the love interest confront him for her. the end alludes to her holding him accountable, but she never has to take on further trauma by doing it. i've never really read a book that addresses abuse and confronting abuse like this, so i appreciated it.
overall, i guess my main issue with this book is that i wished it were just a liiiittle bit longer. a little more slow burn and a little more time spent in the resolution section at the end. it's ultimately a fun romance with just a bit of social commentary, and i enjoyed it!
*3.5 stars
April 20, 2022
So initially this book would have been three stars for me but cramming in sexual abuse and just fluffing over it in the last NINE PAGES Was downright offensive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2025
This was good, but not perfect! I’ll give it a 3.5
So here’s the thing. It was too short. I feel like it just needed a lot more! I didn’t get enough of the situation between her and Jamie, which I really would have loved to hear more about. That part just confused me.
The romance was okay. I feel like Fiona just didn’t give things back the way Sam did. Maybe it’s because she’s guarded, which makes sense, but the ending just felt cheap and way too rushed.
But it was still good. Just not my favorite.
So here’s the thing. It was too short. I feel like it just needed a lot more! I didn’t get enough of the situation between her and Jamie, which I really would have loved to hear more about. That part just confused me.
The romance was okay. I feel like Fiona just didn’t give things back the way Sam did. Maybe it’s because she’s guarded, which makes sense, but the ending just felt cheap and way too rushed.
But it was still good. Just not my favorite.
November 5, 2021
When Sam Fox’s show gets canceled and his only option seems to be a reboot of “Birds of California” - he is tasked with convincing former child star Fiona St. James (who was the star and played his sister on the show) to join the project or it isn’t going to happen. But after a particularly spectacular crash and burn that was on the front page of every tabloid Fiona has sworn off acting and the spotlight, choosing to lead a private life.
After multiple attempts on Sam’s part, Fiona agrees to have lunch with him - and what starts as Sam trying to get Fiona to re-join the show quickly turns into something more. But no one knows the real story behind her breakdown and exit from Hollywood - especially not Sam. And Fiona is not quite ready to reveal the truth.
Set against the backdrop of a post #metoo Hollywood, this book takes a really interesting look at how quick we are to judge people without knowing the whole story or what the driving causes are behind the ways they act out. How we can be so quick to assume we know everything about a person just because we read it in a magazine or heard it in the news even though it is the furthest thing from the truth. There is commentary on the toxicity of the media and the long lasting impact that continued abuse can have on a person.
This book had a way more serious tone than I was expecting going in. Sure there was banter and comedy but so much of it came from a place of trauma that it hits a little differently. I thought the character development was so dynamic and overall really liked this story - but some very key information is revealed right towards the end of the book (we are talking second to last chapter late) so the ending felt very rushed. I honestly guessed the “reveal” pretty early on and it is heavily implied - but for the characters they really only address a huge aspect of the plot in the last chapter and I wish that could have been more fleshed out.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for my honest review.
After multiple attempts on Sam’s part, Fiona agrees to have lunch with him - and what starts as Sam trying to get Fiona to re-join the show quickly turns into something more. But no one knows the real story behind her breakdown and exit from Hollywood - especially not Sam. And Fiona is not quite ready to reveal the truth.
Set against the backdrop of a post #metoo Hollywood, this book takes a really interesting look at how quick we are to judge people without knowing the whole story or what the driving causes are behind the ways they act out. How we can be so quick to assume we know everything about a person just because we read it in a magazine or heard it in the news even though it is the furthest thing from the truth. There is commentary on the toxicity of the media and the long lasting impact that continued abuse can have on a person.
This book had a way more serious tone than I was expecting going in. Sure there was banter and comedy but so much of it came from a place of trauma that it hits a little differently. I thought the character development was so dynamic and overall really liked this story - but some very key information is revealed right towards the end of the book (we are talking second to last chapter late) so the ending felt very rushed. I honestly guessed the “reveal” pretty early on and it is heavily implied - but for the characters they really only address a huge aspect of the plot in the last chapter and I wish that could have been more fleshed out.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for my honest review.
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October 10, 2022I felt this defensive, distant heroine was so highly relatable-loved the pairing of her sarcastic bite with Sam's lovely earnestness. In the end, they make so much sense to me.
It delivered enough emotional moments, humor, and intimacy,(plus!) heat to feel like a really well executed romance to me.
I'm a bit surprised it's pretty low rated, and my guess with that is readers don't enjoy the flawed, cowardly hero who is struggling in his career and to pay his bills paired with the prickly heroine... And well....I do.
It delivered enough emotional moments, humor, and intimacy,(plus!) heat to feel like a really well executed romance to me.
I'm a bit surprised it's pretty low rated, and my guess with that is readers don't enjoy the flawed, cowardly hero who is struggling in his career and to pay his bills paired with the prickly heroine... And well....I do.
April 28, 2022
more like 2.5
Okay, we know I’m not exactly a romance reader but give me a romance set around actors in Hollywood and I’ll give it a go.
For the most part I quite liked Birds of California. Did I think I was going into something more akin to a romcom? Yes, it’s just that it wasn’t quite that. There’s a much more serious note to the book which isn’t a bad thing, I just don’t feel like it landed in the way Cortugno thought it would.
This probably comes from the lack of character development across the book, specifically in our female lead, Fiona. Fiona is dealing with some deep-rooted trauma, that’s evident from the start (not sure if it was meant to be a shock reveal but anyone that knows the history of Hollywood can see what’s going on here), so I can forgive some of her personality traits, knowing that they come from repressed trauma and the need to protect oneself. But the constant instant flip from happy to angry started to feel repetitive and a bit like ‘here we go again’, which is not good, because you end up feeling like you’re just waiting for this to be over and it isn’t addressed until the final 20% of the book so... choices.
Anyway, an easy read but just not what it promises.
Okay, we know I’m not exactly a romance reader but give me a romance set around actors in Hollywood and I’ll give it a go.
For the most part I quite liked Birds of California. Did I think I was going into something more akin to a romcom? Yes, it’s just that it wasn’t quite that. There’s a much more serious note to the book which isn’t a bad thing, I just don’t feel like it landed in the way Cortugno thought it would.
This probably comes from the lack of character development across the book, specifically in our female lead, Fiona. Fiona is dealing with some deep-rooted trauma, that’s evident from the start (not sure if it was meant to be a shock reveal but anyone that knows the history of Hollywood can see what’s going on here), so I can forgive some of her personality traits, knowing that they come from repressed trauma and the need to protect oneself. But the constant instant flip from happy to angry started to feel repetitive and a bit like ‘here we go again’, which is not good, because you end up feeling like you’re just waiting for this to be over and it isn’t addressed until the final 20% of the book so... choices.
Anyway, an easy read but just not what it promises.
December 7, 2022
Oh man, how I love Katie Cotugno. I discovered her work years ago when I read one of her novels and fell hard for how well she wrote a certain sub-genre of young adult fiction—the kind dedicated to fast-paced plots, troubled boys, multi-facetd girls, and pop culture nods galore.
It was a delight to discover that, with the release of her adult debut, “Birds of California,” she has carried that talent and voice through a seamless transition into the Land of Grown-Up Fiction.
In “Birds,” the focus of the story is Fiona St. James, a young actress whose life has gone off the rails since starring in a (believably pitched) WB-style family drama called Birds of California. I read Fiona as Jessica Biel wanting out of 7th Heaven and finding her exit ramp via a series of troubling acts that draw the attention of the paparazzi (a la Britney Spears at the height of her public meltdown).
Fiona has gone back to as normal a life a possible in the wake of that era of her life—until the day she’s paid a visit by the actor, Sam Fox, who played her older brother on the series. Sam is a himbo of sorts (picture a young Justin Hartley if This is Us had never taken off) struggling to find his next steady acting gig and therefore needing the money promised with the pitch of a sequel to Birds. What happens when he tries to convince Fiona to join in on the reboot is what makes the sparks—and banter—between these two fly.
This one is a perfect read for your upcoming summer vacation. And bonus: Thanks to that eye-catching cover, it’ll look great next to the cocktail you order poolside and then photograph for that “Out of Office” post you plan on sharing with all your Instagram followers. 😉
TW: Without giving away too much of the plot, there are #metoo allegations made in this book. So if reading about rape or sexual assault (even if said allegations happen off page) is a problematic scenario for you, you may want to grab another title from Katie and skip this one.
It was a delight to discover that, with the release of her adult debut, “Birds of California,” she has carried that talent and voice through a seamless transition into the Land of Grown-Up Fiction.
In “Birds,” the focus of the story is Fiona St. James, a young actress whose life has gone off the rails since starring in a (believably pitched) WB-style family drama called Birds of California. I read Fiona as Jessica Biel wanting out of 7th Heaven and finding her exit ramp via a series of troubling acts that draw the attention of the paparazzi (a la Britney Spears at the height of her public meltdown).
Fiona has gone back to as normal a life a possible in the wake of that era of her life—until the day she’s paid a visit by the actor, Sam Fox, who played her older brother on the series. Sam is a himbo of sorts (picture a young Justin Hartley if This is Us had never taken off) struggling to find his next steady acting gig and therefore needing the money promised with the pitch of a sequel to Birds. What happens when he tries to convince Fiona to join in on the reboot is what makes the sparks—and banter—between these two fly.
This one is a perfect read for your upcoming summer vacation. And bonus: Thanks to that eye-catching cover, it’ll look great next to the cocktail you order poolside and then photograph for that “Out of Office” post you plan on sharing with all your Instagram followers. 😉
TW: Without giving away too much of the plot, there are #metoo allegations made in this book. So if reading about rape or sexual assault (even if said allegations happen off page) is a problematic scenario for you, you may want to grab another title from Katie and skip this one.
February 23, 2023
2nd reread
I randomly decided to pick this up, but this time i listened to the audio and OMFGGG julia! whelan! can we just get this woman to narrate every single book ever?!
_______________________________________
Read if you like:
- romances with some steam
- a pessimist snarky woman and her golden retriever love interest
- books set in California
- celebrity romances
- dual POVs
- and lots and lots of snarky humor.
I am so terribly and desperately in love with this book.
I found it so easy to get swept up in this story. The pacing, the dialogue, the banter...just everything about this book made it incredibly easy to feel invested in these characters lives. However, I desperately wish the author would have given us a little more at the end…or maybe, dare i wish, a sequel!! I would even settle for a longer epilogue. I just feel like there was a lot that went unresolved and was left very open ended.
I randomly decided to pick this up, but this time i listened to the audio and OMFGGG julia! whelan! can we just get this woman to narrate every single book ever?!
_______________________________________
Read if you like:
- romances with some steam
- a pessimist snarky woman and her golden retriever love interest
- books set in California
- celebrity romances
- dual POVs
- and lots and lots of snarky humor.
I am so terribly and desperately in love with this book.
I found it so easy to get swept up in this story. The pacing, the dialogue, the banter...just everything about this book made it incredibly easy to feel invested in these characters lives. However, I desperately wish the author would have given us a little more at the end…or maybe, dare i wish, a sequel!! I would even settle for a longer epilogue. I just feel like there was a lot that went unresolved and was left very open ended.
June 2, 2022
Number one, I was given a heads up by trusted friends/reviewers that this is a very heavy book, so please do take care to check CWs. This straddles the line between a litfic with romance elements and romance. I will spoil the ending at the bottom of the review for those who need to know.
Former child star Fiona St. James had a massive public break down (to me, felt like Britney Spears' televised trauma), ending her career on the hit family show Birds of California. Years later, she is sought out by her former co-star Sam Fox to see if she'd be interested in rebooting the show.
Sam himself has had continued success, but his money is almost gone (he supports many people including his mom) and his newest show has been cancelled. Sam would love to have this opportunity, but Fiona is a firm no.
Despite her no to the show, Fiona still has huge sparks with Sam, who played her older brother on the show, who she once kissed while drunk at a cast party. As they explore their sparks, Fiona's past traumas come back to haunt her, as the tabloids renew their interest in their combined celebrity.
The rest is spoilery -
Thankfully most of the hard stuff is reflected on and not in the moment - and while a tough read the prose was gorgeous and I was absolutely captivated by the story.
I've heard that the author does not want this marketed as a romance, which makes me feel some sort of way, but also the marketing blurbs etc all call this a rom-com. HELLO THIS IS NOT THAT. So negative stars for marketing but overall a book I really liked a whole lot.
I bought this book from B&N.
Former child star Fiona St. James had a massive public break down (to me, felt like Britney Spears' televised trauma), ending her career on the hit family show Birds of California. Years later, she is sought out by her former co-star Sam Fox to see if she'd be interested in rebooting the show.
Sam himself has had continued success, but his money is almost gone (he supports many people including his mom) and his newest show has been cancelled. Sam would love to have this opportunity, but Fiona is a firm no.
Despite her no to the show, Fiona still has huge sparks with Sam, who played her older brother on the show, who she once kissed while drunk at a cast party. As they explore their sparks, Fiona's past traumas come back to haunt her, as the tabloids renew their interest in their combined celebrity.
The rest is spoilery -
Thankfully most of the hard stuff is reflected on and not in the moment - and while a tough read the prose was gorgeous and I was absolutely captivated by the story.
I've heard that the author does not want this marketed as a romance, which makes me feel some sort of way, but also the marketing blurbs etc all call this a rom-com. HELLO THIS IS NOT THAT. So negative stars for marketing but overall a book I really liked a whole lot.
I bought this book from B&N.
July 25, 2022
I don't knoooooow. I didn't get it. I felt like there was a lot of the backstory I didn't totally understand. HOW popular were they/she/the show? What happens next?
It just left me a bit uneasy in the end, which is not how I like to leave a book.
Content warning:
It just left me a bit uneasy in the end, which is not how I like to leave a book.
Content warning:
July 4, 2022
Seeing the amount of young adult novels Katie Cotugno has written, it really surprises me that my first read from her is her foray into the adult genre with Birds of California. I used to exclusively read YA and knowing what I do now, I will definitely be digging into her backlist a bit. Anyway, the first thing that caught my eye with this book was the fact that the cover is completely gorgeous. I am a huge cover buyer/reader and I barely had to look at the synopsis to know I had to read it. Luckily, this worked out for me, and I ended up being a huge fan of this dramatic, slightly steamy, and engaging romance novel. The synopsis says romcom, but for all intents and purposes, I am going to say this falls more into the romance genre although it also covers some very serious topics as well (hence the post #metoo comment in the synopsis). I enjoyed Cotugno's decision to have the chapters alternate between Fiona and Sam, and it was a great way to get to know both of them plus each of their backstories.
The audiobook is narrated by a single narrator even though there is both a male and female viewpoint, and while I would have liked a man for Sam's POV how could I be mad that Julia Whelan narrates it all? Even though I was a touch disappointed to not have a male narrator, she was an excellent choice for someone to have to do both, and I thought she did a great job as the voice of both Fiona and Sam. I was satisfied with the end of Birds of California, but I gotta tell you I would definitely take a sequel! I loved that Cotugno explored what it is like to be a star in Hollywood and Fiona's story was both heartbreaking and transformative. She isn't always the most likable character, but I promise there is a reason, and I honestly suspected something was up, so I wasn't entirely surprised by what happened in the book. Although there is a nice dose of snarky humor, this was also a tough book to read, and I wouldn't call it lighthearted. So, who should read this? If you love explorations into what Hollywood can do to a person topped with a touch of spice, reflection, humor, and rawness - this is for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The audiobook is narrated by a single narrator even though there is both a male and female viewpoint, and while I would have liked a man for Sam's POV how could I be mad that Julia Whelan narrates it all? Even though I was a touch disappointed to not have a male narrator, she was an excellent choice for someone to have to do both, and I thought she did a great job as the voice of both Fiona and Sam. I was satisfied with the end of Birds of California, but I gotta tell you I would definitely take a sequel! I loved that Cotugno explored what it is like to be a star in Hollywood and Fiona's story was both heartbreaking and transformative. She isn't always the most likable character, but I promise there is a reason, and I honestly suspected something was up, so I wasn't entirely surprised by what happened in the book. Although there is a nice dose of snarky humor, this was also a tough book to read, and I wouldn't call it lighthearted. So, who should read this? If you love explorations into what Hollywood can do to a person topped with a touch of spice, reflection, humor, and rawness - this is for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 18, 2025
Julia Wheelan narrated this audio. While I was completely into it, I did feel there were parts of it that were hard to listen to. Even without knowing the details, one could just feel and imagine the pain and trauma that Fiona must certainly be feeling. One is rooting for her from the start, even though her actions and exterior would surely push anyone away. But there was an undeniable, palpable pull with Sam. This couple is spicy, and powerful, and very raw and real.
Fiona and Sam were child stars in a very popular household family TV show called Birds of California. They were the Bird Family, and they were recognizable world wide. Where the book opens up, it is about five or so years after the show's end. Sam is working as an actor and has maintained popularity. Fiona, the arguably superior actor, has been relegated into obscurity, after having ruined her reputation, and acted out supremely with her misbehavior splayed across social media and magazines. Fiona is better off separated from this time in her life as well as the people - and perhaps acting itself. She is hiding out with her family in the family business. Until..
The Powers that be want a reboot of Birds of California and to thrust everyone back into the limelight years later. And all of this hinges on Fiona. Who is badly hurt and wants nothing to do with the show and the Hollywood life ever again. Sam is in desperate need for this role. But equally so, finds himself in desperate need for Fiona. This love story has to be raw, spicy, careful, and unfolding. I could not have been more into it. I really loved it.
Fiona and Sam were child stars in a very popular household family TV show called Birds of California. They were the Bird Family, and they were recognizable world wide. Where the book opens up, it is about five or so years after the show's end. Sam is working as an actor and has maintained popularity. Fiona, the arguably superior actor, has been relegated into obscurity, after having ruined her reputation, and acted out supremely with her misbehavior splayed across social media and magazines. Fiona is better off separated from this time in her life as well as the people - and perhaps acting itself. She is hiding out with her family in the family business. Until..
The Powers that be want a reboot of Birds of California and to thrust everyone back into the limelight years later. And all of this hinges on Fiona. Who is badly hurt and wants nothing to do with the show and the Hollywood life ever again. Sam is in desperate need for this role. But equally so, finds himself in desperate need for Fiona. This love story has to be raw, spicy, careful, and unfolding. I could not have been more into it. I really loved it.
December 6, 2023
I loved this🥺🤍
February 20, 2022
It’s sexy, it’s smart, it’s laugh out LOUD funny, and it’s a glimpse into the world of Hollywood and the streets of Los Angeles in this wickedly addictive adult debut rom-com from bestselling YA writer Katie Cotugno.....I loved this book with my whole heart. It was compulsive and page turning; I just felt so deeply for the heroine, Fiona; I adored her. She was the perfect main character, Cotugno has just written her to perfection, and the enemies to lovers angle between Fiona and Sam was spicy and hilarious and just all around an enjoyable read.
I felt like the ending’s explanation for Fiona’s life choices felt a little forced... but that’s all I have negative to say about it. Thank you Harper Perennial for the ARC; I think I found my perfect summer book for Bookselling!
4.5 ⭐️
I felt like the ending’s explanation for Fiona’s life choices felt a little forced... but that’s all I have negative to say about it. Thank you Harper Perennial for the ARC; I think I found my perfect summer book for Bookselling!
4.5 ⭐️
June 25, 2022
3.5 stars
I continue to be impressed by Katie Cotugno's character work - she crafts such complex and realistic characters whose emotions jump off the page. They are flawed and well-meaning people who make mistakes and get angry, but they all have a goal and motivations. While I still loved her characters, I wanted more pages. This was so short, I felt we really missed some of the impact and fall out after Fiona's decision to share her past traumas. A great read, I just wish there was more of it.
I continue to be impressed by Katie Cotugno's character work - she crafts such complex and realistic characters whose emotions jump off the page. They are flawed and well-meaning people who make mistakes and get angry, but they all have a goal and motivations. While I still loved her characters, I wanted more pages. This was so short, I felt we really missed some of the impact and fall out after Fiona's decision to share her past traumas. A great read, I just wish there was more of it.
April 14, 2022
2.5/5
Boring. This is NOT a romantic comedy.
August 29, 2022
A thing about me is that I will follow Katie Cotugno anywhere! I love that her books are always so messy and interesting and DRAMATIC. People make bad decisions, just like in real life! And the dialogue...the atmosphere...her writing in general! Loved it. Also there was a line about Paula Deen and her "weird adult sons" that made me literally laugh out loud.
dnf
April 22, 2022Unfortunately dnfing at 36%. This is the authors first adult fiction novel yet it still feels very YA to me. The characters are falling a bit flat for me and while I want to love this (Julia Whelan narrates) it’s just boring me. Time for me to move on.
May 15, 2022
I didn’t care for the love interest or the romance at all. There wasn’t a lot of chemistry. I didn’t feel connected or care for the characters as much as I hoped I would..
I honestly found this boring most of the time + I feel like it was incomplete, there was something missing.
I honestly found this boring most of the time + I feel like it was incomplete, there was something missing.
November 24, 2021
My guilty pleasure is reading books about characters who are famous, so needless to say I was delighted to receive an ARC of this book. Ultimately, my thoughts on this book could be summarized in one phrase: "I wish *insert here* was fleshed out more."
I wish the romantic connection between Fiona and Sam was fleshed out more. I wish Fiona's relationship with the costar who played her father was fleshed out more. I wish I got to read about the aftermath of the decision Fiona makes at the end of the book.
At times, I found both the hero and heroine unlikable. Nothing infuriates me more when characters have a past of making stupid, reckless decisions, spend most of the book trying to convince the reader that those days of making stupid, reckless decisions are over, and then proceed to make more stupid, reckless decisions. Also, Sam was the self-absorbed L.A. douchebag type which does not scream book boyfriend to me.
I think this novel would have lent well to past/present POVs showcasing Sam and Fiona's dynamic while Birds of California was airing and juxtaposing that with the current nature of their lives in present day.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this free ARC!
I wish the romantic connection between Fiona and Sam was fleshed out more. I wish Fiona's relationship with the costar who played her father was fleshed out more. I wish I got to read about the aftermath of the decision Fiona makes at the end of the book.
At times, I found both the hero and heroine unlikable. Nothing infuriates me more when characters have a past of making stupid, reckless decisions, spend most of the book trying to convince the reader that those days of making stupid, reckless decisions are over, and then proceed to make more stupid, reckless decisions. Also, Sam was the self-absorbed L.A. douchebag type which does not scream book boyfriend to me.
I think this novel would have lent well to past/present POVs showcasing Sam and Fiona's dynamic while Birds of California was airing and juxtaposing that with the current nature of their lives in present day.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this free ARC!
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