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American Superstar #1
Set the Stage
Lennon Emery, an aspiring singer and closeted lesbian, auditions for a spot on the famous American Superstar, a singing competition that promises fame and fortune for the winner. Lennon's goal is simple, win the show and become the performer she was born to be, and then maybe her parents might finally be proud of her - all the while keeping her secret just that, a secret.
Camila Bianchi, child star turned wild party girl turned redeemed performer. Camila was finally coming out on top, her image rebrand finally allowing her to reap the rewards. She has one more deal to fulfill with her label before she would be free of their clutches - be a judge on American Superstar and mentor the hopeful singers. Falling for one of the performers was not part of the plan.
Camila Bianchi, child star turned wild party girl turned redeemed performer. Camila was finally coming out on top, her image rebrand finally allowing her to reap the rewards. She has one more deal to fulfill with her label before she would be free of their clutches - be a judge on American Superstar and mentor the hopeful singers. Falling for one of the performers was not part of the plan.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2022
76 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 9, 2024
**'It should neither be accepted as a good thing, bad or truly golden whenever i write an advice -- because it is just that, an advice. Just finish whatever story that you're telling..'
Enjoyable read!
A nicely written love story of the behind the scenes activities of reality Tv with this book #1 of 'American Superstar' series. Add in their (Lennon & Camila) chemistry, supportive friends, religious cultish families, good character development and you have an enjoyable storyline.
Recommended book!
Enjoyable read!
A nicely written love story of the behind the scenes activities of reality Tv with this book #1 of 'American Superstar' series. Add in their (Lennon & Camila) chemistry, supportive friends, religious cultish families, good character development and you have an enjoyable storyline.
Recommended book!
January 31, 2022
Set the stage is an interesting, well written tale about two young musicians involved in a “reality TV” program called American Superstar.
Lennon is serious about her music, her streaming channel is pretty successful and she has a faithful following on social media. What she wants is a record company to sign her on. Her best friend and “manager”, Jesse, persuades her to enter into American Superstar.
Camila has been made a star by her fame and money hungry mother, but at some point the expectations, the fame and the money have got into her head and she went off the track and on drugs. Working on the revival of her career with a new manager her record label has promised her artistic freedom for her come-back, if she successfully finishes a stint as judge on the show.
Both are lesbian, but Camila is out and Lennon is not and afraid of her parents judgment, who are members of a new “conservative” sect, and was subjected to reformations camps, disguised as summer camps, run by her uncle.
From the beginning there is a strong attraction between the two. The romance is well credible and beautifully written, but what I was missing was more information on the two as to their musical background. Did Camila write her own music or her own texts or was it her ex, Helena, who wrote their music or both? Did they perform music someone else wrote (or partially as in someone’s music but their own lyrics or vice versa)? The same question bugged me the whole time about Lennon’s stream. She comes across as an excellent full blooded musician and there are so many songs on her stream, are they all just interpretations? Hard to believe given her talent.
Being an old roadie and equipment designer for Rock shows those questions bugged more and more towards the end of this first volume of the series, hence only 4 stars.
Lennon is serious about her music, her streaming channel is pretty successful and she has a faithful following on social media. What she wants is a record company to sign her on. Her best friend and “manager”, Jesse, persuades her to enter into American Superstar.
Camila has been made a star by her fame and money hungry mother, but at some point the expectations, the fame and the money have got into her head and she went off the track and on drugs. Working on the revival of her career with a new manager her record label has promised her artistic freedom for her come-back, if she successfully finishes a stint as judge on the show.
Both are lesbian, but Camila is out and Lennon is not and afraid of her parents judgment, who are members of a new “conservative” sect, and was subjected to reformations camps, disguised as summer camps, run by her uncle.
From the beginning there is a strong attraction between the two. The romance is well credible and beautifully written, but what I was missing was more information on the two as to their musical background. Did Camila write her own music or her own texts or was it her ex, Helena, who wrote their music or both? Did they perform music someone else wrote (or partially as in someone’s music but their own lyrics or vice versa)? The same question bugged me the whole time about Lennon’s stream. She comes across as an excellent full blooded musician and there are so many songs on her stream, are they all just interpretations? Hard to believe given her talent.
Being an old roadie and equipment designer for Rock shows those questions bugged more and more towards the end of this first volume of the series, hence only 4 stars.
December 30, 2025
Superbly written, with enough angst and twists to keep you on your toes. I couldn't put this down. Now on to the second installment!
January 22, 2025
Seriously good series!
June 19, 2025
Really enjoyed this: laying the foundations of a longer series, but I buy the main characters and they act in a ‘real’ way. Knew it was a ‘series’ but missed it is one continuous story with, reading burbs, much angst. Might leave it here.
February 3, 2022
I’m conflicted, because there are so few decent lesbian romance books, but the writing was not great here. Dialogue was super stilted and it was hard to get into the story. I liked the characters well enough, but honestly the POV shifts didn’t feel different enough? It was like they were the same character (they even had similar struggles; ie conflict w parents, bad breakup/evil ex). Also, the ending was so ambiguous??
Edit: it was like Her Royal Highness, and it hit a lot of the same fun trope-y points, but the execution was just not fully there imo.
Edit: it was like Her Royal Highness, and it hit a lot of the same fun trope-y points, but the execution was just not fully there imo.
February 15, 2022
When I read a romance novel, I expect the MCs to interact a lot. I’m past page 150, and their interactions maybe make up 20 pages, if that. It makes sense given the set up and the situation, and some people may enjoy reading about their past, their family drama, their time with friends, and (mis)adventures with their exes. Personally, that’s not for me when it comes to romance novels.
June 20, 2025
3.25 ⭐
October 12, 2022
Lennon is a 25 year old singer who left college to pursue her dream. Her parents are Evangelical Christians who are critical of her choices, especially since she is living with a gay male couple. She's also deeply in the closet, which leads to the break up of her most recent relationship when her gf wants Lennon to come out. When Lennon auditions for American Superstar, a reality TV contest show, she's an instant favorite and her social media explodes. Camilla is a famous singer who is talked into being the newest judge on the show. She's still trying to rebuild her image after she and her ex were wild partiers and her ex attacked a photographer.
As Lennon competes for the show, she and Camilla each recognize their attraction, knowing that nothing can come of it. The book brings the reader through the early rounds of the competition, up through its live broadcasts.
This is a very long book that starts out strong but then feels a bit wearying with as the author brings us through the intricacies of the show's competition. I didn't realize this was a "to be continued" novel so the cliffhanger ending surprised me. I thought this was a series about different characters who appear on the show.
In addition to the unnecessary length of the book, there were also some terminology mistakes the Australian author made in a book based in the US. Some of these were issues of phrasing ("I was meant to do that") while others were more blatant, e.g., lift instead of elevator.
If I had half stars, I'd go with 3.5, but I'm going with 3 given all of the above. On the other hand, I might pick up the second book when it is released. We'll see.
As Lennon competes for the show, she and Camilla each recognize their attraction, knowing that nothing can come of it. The book brings the reader through the early rounds of the competition, up through its live broadcasts.
This is a very long book that starts out strong but then feels a bit wearying with as the author brings us through the intricacies of the show's competition. I didn't realize this was a "to be continued" novel so the cliffhanger ending surprised me. I thought this was a series about different characters who appear on the show.
In addition to the unnecessary length of the book, there were also some terminology mistakes the Australian author made in a book based in the US. Some of these were issues of phrasing ("I was meant to do that") while others were more blatant, e.g., lift instead of elevator.
If I had half stars, I'd go with 3.5, but I'm going with 3 given all of the above. On the other hand, I might pick up the second book when it is released. We'll see.
May 14, 2025
This is book one in Shay Paris' American Superstar series. It's a three book series covering the rock star Camila Bianchi and undiscovered talent Lennon Emery.
Camila is trying to rebrand herself after a period of her life when she was a troubled party girl. The past year has gone well enough and she's serious about changing how the public looks at her. Her label is happy with her progress thus far but forces her to sign on as a judge on the reality TV show American Superstar.
It's during the early phases of that show where she meets Lennon Emery and realizes Lennon has one of the most amazing voices she's ever heard. She also discovers she's attracted to Lennon as well.
Lennon, meanwhile, is thrilled at this chance but since she's still a very closeted lesbian due to her homophobic family, she can't and won't act on anything, especially her long time crush on Camila.
But then each finds out they're attracted to each other and the fire is lit. At the same time, Camila getting involved with one of the contestants could get herself and the contestant kicked from the show.
Book one ends after the initial auditions weed them down to 9 final contestants, who will compete via shows at locations all over the USA, which means that Camila and Lennon will be sharing a bus for the next ten weeks. They've already kissed once by that point and both are wondering how they are going to keep their hands off the other for ten straight weeks.
This has been a fun series so far. I'm in the early pages of Book Two, Time To Shine. I'll be reviewing that and the final book, Drop The Mic as well.
Camila is trying to rebrand herself after a period of her life when she was a troubled party girl. The past year has gone well enough and she's serious about changing how the public looks at her. Her label is happy with her progress thus far but forces her to sign on as a judge on the reality TV show American Superstar.
It's during the early phases of that show where she meets Lennon Emery and realizes Lennon has one of the most amazing voices she's ever heard. She also discovers she's attracted to Lennon as well.
Lennon, meanwhile, is thrilled at this chance but since she's still a very closeted lesbian due to her homophobic family, she can't and won't act on anything, especially her long time crush on Camila.
But then each finds out they're attracted to each other and the fire is lit. At the same time, Camila getting involved with one of the contestants could get herself and the contestant kicked from the show.
Book one ends after the initial auditions weed them down to 9 final contestants, who will compete via shows at locations all over the USA, which means that Camila and Lennon will be sharing a bus for the next ten weeks. They've already kissed once by that point and both are wondering how they are going to keep their hands off the other for ten straight weeks.
This has been a fun series so far. I'm in the early pages of Book Two, Time To Shine. I'll be reviewing that and the final book, Drop The Mic as well.
June 12, 2023
I was invested in the story!
Wow, the first two chapters were jam packed with excitement and the two main characters hadn't even met each other yet! Lennon, who dropped out of college to pursue a singing career, auditions and is accepted to be on the reality show American Superstar. Wild party gal, Camila has finally redeemed herself and is asked to be a judge on this show. She is an out lesbian while Lennon is still in the closet due to parental unacceptance.
I found myself immersed in this book as I am a bonafide junkie of reality music shows. I enjoyed the author's style of writing. I could feel the nerves and excitement of the contestants, the magnetic pull the main characters had for each other, and the bitterness in their past relationships. And don't get me started on Lennon's family. Yikes!
I knew I was running out of pages when I was 98% finished and they hadn't finished the contest. Surprisingly, it was to be continued. There is so much more story to tell. I'm glad I didn't read this when it was first published because now I don't have to wait for the sequel!
Wow, the first two chapters were jam packed with excitement and the two main characters hadn't even met each other yet! Lennon, who dropped out of college to pursue a singing career, auditions and is accepted to be on the reality show American Superstar. Wild party gal, Camila has finally redeemed herself and is asked to be a judge on this show. She is an out lesbian while Lennon is still in the closet due to parental unacceptance.
I found myself immersed in this book as I am a bonafide junkie of reality music shows. I enjoyed the author's style of writing. I could feel the nerves and excitement of the contestants, the magnetic pull the main characters had for each other, and the bitterness in their past relationships. And don't get me started on Lennon's family. Yikes!
I knew I was running out of pages when I was 98% finished and they hadn't finished the contest. Surprisingly, it was to be continued. There is so much more story to tell. I'm glad I didn't read this when it was first published because now I don't have to wait for the sequel!
March 29, 2022
I LOVE a good series, and this was a pretty good start to one, but really it just left me wanting. Definitely great potential. I mean, I was struggling at whether to give it more or less stars, because right now I'm feeling like when I match with someone online and we talk for a bit and then we never talk again.
I will say again, that I saw great potential, but this takes slow burn to a whole new meaning when it was essentially just flickering embers where the two never actually even come together except for literally the "to be continued". So, not gonna lie, I feel a little ghosted right now.
My hope though, is that this is only the beginning and that my initial desire to give it 5 stars was the better way to go, but right now, I'm kinda just wondering if I met a match or I just met a ghost.
I will say again, that I saw great potential, but this takes slow burn to a whole new meaning when it was essentially just flickering embers where the two never actually even come together except for literally the "to be continued". So, not gonna lie, I feel a little ghosted right now.
My hope though, is that this is only the beginning and that my initial desire to give it 5 stars was the better way to go, but right now, I'm kinda just wondering if I met a match or I just met a ghost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2025
Lennon aspiring singer still in the closet since her parents are members of a church that never would allow that, she was even sent to conversion camps as a teen by her mom. Camila big superstar that tries to get back on track after some bad choices and a drug addiction that started already when she was a teen and managed by her horrible money hungry mom.
Lennon applies to the singing competition American Superstar to try to make it. The first song that hooked me was the audition video song Here With Me with Elina: Great song and Swedish singer I have never heard about Elina before despite being Swedish but now she is on my radar.
Camila is a new judge and mentor this year in her attempt to rebrand.
Chemistry between them at once but impossible, Lennon in the closet and Camila her mentor, so all they do is pine for each other.
Great book and I went to book 2 at once after finishing this one.
Lennon applies to the singing competition American Superstar to try to make it. The first song that hooked me was the audition video song Here With Me with Elina: Great song and Swedish singer I have never heard about Elina before despite being Swedish but now she is on my radar.
Camila is a new judge and mentor this year in her attempt to rebrand.
Chemistry between them at once but impossible, Lennon in the closet and Camila her mentor, so all they do is pine for each other.
Great book and I went to book 2 at once after finishing this one.
February 10, 2024
I'm so glad I found this set!
I read this pretty much straight through in one day and I'm so glad the next two books in the set are already out! This needs to be а series, the queers and baby gays need to see а series like this. Thankful it's the weekend and I can dive into book two right away! Read this book! Love the writing, the back and forth pops, and the love scenes oh my, some of the best descriptions I've read and I look forward to more!
I read this pretty much straight through in one day and I'm so glad the next two books in the set are already out! This needs to be а series, the queers and baby gays need to see а series like this. Thankful it's the weekend and I can dive into book two right away! Read this book! Love the writing, the back and forth pops, and the love scenes oh my, some of the best descriptions I've read and I look forward to more!
June 30, 2024
DNF
I’m so sorry but I couldn’t get into this book. With each percentage it felt harder and harder to keep going. I don’t know if it was the whole talent show aspect, or the inability for me to connect with the characters but I think it was both of these reasons. Perhaps it’s me and where I’m at right now, but it just wasn’t for me. For anyone who loved this book, I’m so happy for you, but just not for me. 💔
I’m so sorry but I couldn’t get into this book. With each percentage it felt harder and harder to keep going. I don’t know if it was the whole talent show aspect, or the inability for me to connect with the characters but I think it was both of these reasons. Perhaps it’s me and where I’m at right now, but it just wasn’t for me. For anyone who loved this book, I’m so happy for you, but just not for me. 💔
May 13, 2022
Amazing and Amazing
A beautiful story behind and front stage of a Music contest. Emotions, feelings, lust, families and friendships. This book has them all intensively. I couldn’t stop reading it and now I want to know when the 2nd book will be available. Please Shay Paris publish it soon. Just amazing!!!
A beautiful story behind and front stage of a Music contest. Emotions, feelings, lust, families and friendships. This book has them all intensively. I couldn’t stop reading it and now I want to know when the 2nd book will be available. Please Shay Paris publish it soon. Just amazing!!!
December 28, 2022
ONE OF THE BEST FF ROMANCE!
I was hooked, and cannot put this down. This review came a lil bit late, and I am already onto the 2nd book. Camila & Lennon’s chemistry is just 🔥🔥🔥 and I was always looking forward to their interaction, and alone time together! Definitely one of the best celebrity books I’ve read!
Shay Paris is a great writer!
I was hooked, and cannot put this down. This review came a lil bit late, and I am already onto the 2nd book. Camila & Lennon’s chemistry is just 🔥🔥🔥 and I was always looking forward to their interaction, and alone time together! Definitely one of the best celebrity books I’ve read!
Shay Paris is a great writer!
October 9, 2024
3,5/5
Just started a new series, I'm so excited cause I actually liked this book.It was giving me the feelings of nostalgia I felt when I was a kid and hiding to read wattpad stories.
It definitely gives the vibe of a wattpad story,but sometimes the book doesn't necessarily needs to be good to enjoy it.
I liked the characters, I didn't even realized how much I attached until I started crying.
Just started a new series, I'm so excited cause I actually liked this book.It was giving me the feelings of nostalgia I felt when I was a kid and hiding to read wattpad stories.
It definitely gives the vibe of a wattpad story,but sometimes the book doesn't necessarily needs to be good to enjoy it.
I liked the characters, I didn't even realized how much I attached until I started crying.
March 12, 2022
To Be Continued.......saddest three words in the book I truly can't wait for the next. Loved the book, loved the characters and as I was reading I thought I was reading about American Idol seemed so real.
March 18, 2022
Good Story
I really enjoyed this story and I very much like the authors style of writing. I will say though, that I don't like the way she ended it... felt like a TV series cliffhanger and I'm not a fan. But I will be watching for the next book!
I really enjoyed this story and I very much like the authors style of writing. I will say though, that I don't like the way she ended it... felt like a TV series cliffhanger and I'm not a fan. But I will be watching for the next book!
April 2, 2022
Great Start
Loved the characters in this book, with the background of the American Superstar reality TV show as the backdrop. Looking forward to reading Book 2 and finding out how Lennon and Camila survive life on the road.
Loved the characters in this book, with the background of the American Superstar reality TV show as the backdrop. Looking forward to reading Book 2 and finding out how Lennon and Camila survive life on the road.
April 3, 2022
Can't wait for the second instalment
Great read, current, engaging, flirty...
Every bit the 'journey to fame' novel, with an unexpected depth to it that hooked me throughout.
When's the second one coming?
Great read, current, engaging, flirty...
Every bit the 'journey to fame' novel, with an unexpected depth to it that hooked me throughout.
When's the second one coming?
September 20, 2023
When I started reading this I was not aware there was a second part, so I was a bit peeved when this one ended. But I immediately started the second part because, frankly, I needed to know how all that dram unfolded :D
September 24, 2024
Cute, happily for now, first part of the series
Seriously cute and gripping. Love this story, the two leads and the premise. The plot is probably somewhat easy to anticipate but that stops none of the fun.
Seriously cute and gripping. Love this story, the two leads and the premise. The plot is probably somewhat easy to anticipate but that stops none of the fun.
September 25, 2024
I loved this series (the first 3 book at the moment of writing this review). It's a slow burn story, and I would say the main arc is not finished until the end of the 3rd book, but it still finishes with a cliffhanger, where you can't wait to get to the next book.
March 14, 2025
Excellent!!! Three part series that's really one 1100+ page novel following the two pop singer main characters in a reality show singer contest. Great story with both MCs having unsupportive parents and one MC in the closet.
April 24, 2022
beautiful strong book
Amazing. Now I’m waiting for book 2.
Love these characters. I feel sorry for one of them tho. I’ll definitely read more from the author.
Amazing. Now I’m waiting for book 2.
Love these characters. I feel sorry for one of them tho. I’ll definitely read more from the author.
August 10, 2022
I'm patiently waiting for book 2. It left me hanging and it's been a few months since I read this one...
January 22, 2023
Loved getting to know these characters and looking forward to book 2! 🤩
added-it
July 24, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/24/2023)! 🎁
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews