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Love in London #3
Falling Stars
Perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Lucy Score, Meghan Quinn and Ella Maise!
Hollywood superstar Josh Lander swept me off my feet at my first ever Cannes Film Festival. Our NSFW dance floor meet-cute went viral. I fell hard for him, while the press fell hard for us. Until he dumped me. On Twitter.
I’ve moved on, winning Oscars, battling an invisible illness, and forgetting all about He Who Shall Not Be Mentioned. Until we’re both cast in the biggest TV period drama of the decade. I’m the Duchess. And the Duke is… you’ve got it. Twitter Boy, straight from rehab and a box office bomb (karma's a bitch).
The world is watching, giving me the perfect platform to show him he was out of his mind to cast me aside (maybe I’ll put my Academy Award on display in my trailer). It should all be fine, save for a few minor hurdles: this guy was made for tight breeches. His fake British accent and ducal demeanour send shivers down my spine. And most alarmingly, he’s says he's reformed. I call BS.
Can I stand my ground? Withstand his temptations? Or will I disgrace my feminist image by swooning at His Grace’s fine ankles IRL?
Falling Stars is a celebrity, lovers to enemies to lovers, second chance romance with lashings of heart and heat and a #CrohnsWarrior heroine.
This trope-tastic romp forms part of the Love in London series of interconnected stand-alones.
Hollywood superstar Josh Lander swept me off my feet at my first ever Cannes Film Festival. Our NSFW dance floor meet-cute went viral. I fell hard for him, while the press fell hard for us. Until he dumped me. On Twitter.
I’ve moved on, winning Oscars, battling an invisible illness, and forgetting all about He Who Shall Not Be Mentioned. Until we’re both cast in the biggest TV period drama of the decade. I’m the Duchess. And the Duke is… you’ve got it. Twitter Boy, straight from rehab and a box office bomb (karma's a bitch).
The world is watching, giving me the perfect platform to show him he was out of his mind to cast me aside (maybe I’ll put my Academy Award on display in my trailer). It should all be fine, save for a few minor hurdles: this guy was made for tight breeches. His fake British accent and ducal demeanour send shivers down my spine. And most alarmingly, he’s says he's reformed. I call BS.
Can I stand my ground? Withstand his temptations? Or will I disgrace my feminist image by swooning at His Grace’s fine ankles IRL?
Falling Stars is a celebrity, lovers to enemies to lovers, second chance romance with lashings of heart and heat and a #CrohnsWarrior heroine.
This trope-tastic romp forms part of the Love in London series of interconnected stand-alones.
352 pages, ebook
Published March 26, 2022
451 people are currently reading
4563 people want to read
About the author
Sara Madderson
18 books481 followersI like to change things up! I spent my 20s as a banker and my 30s bringing up small children and running my own fashion brand (Madderson London).
Now, aged 43, I find myself writing, and I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner.
I’ve always loved writing. My daughter Tilly has an old notebook of mine filled with half-finished stories and accompanying drawings. I’ve read for as long as I can remember, guzzling up books so quickly that my mum always protested that I couldn’t be reading them properly. You can see my original, dog-eared version of A Little Princess in my photo. Its protagonist, Sara Crewe, is one of my all-time favourite heroines (alongside Anne Shirley, naturally).
I published my first book, Metamorphosis, in February 2020, right before lockdown happened. It’s a non-fiction book about escaping from our cocoons and living as a butterfly. As lockdown progressed, I found escapism in devouring lots of delicious chick-lit (for want of a better title) and I realised I had a few novels in me too. I have loved every single minute of writing them.
I’ve published my books independently, and I love the freedom it provides. The world of independent publishing is fascinating and so empowering—I’m delighted to share more of my experiences of self-publishing if you’re interested.
Now, aged 43, I find myself writing, and I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner.
I’ve always loved writing. My daughter Tilly has an old notebook of mine filled with half-finished stories and accompanying drawings. I’ve read for as long as I can remember, guzzling up books so quickly that my mum always protested that I couldn’t be reading them properly. You can see my original, dog-eared version of A Little Princess in my photo. Its protagonist, Sara Crewe, is one of my all-time favourite heroines (alongside Anne Shirley, naturally).
I published my first book, Metamorphosis, in February 2020, right before lockdown happened. It’s a non-fiction book about escaping from our cocoons and living as a butterfly. As lockdown progressed, I found escapism in devouring lots of delicious chick-lit (for want of a better title) and I realised I had a few novels in me too. I have loved every single minute of writing them.
I’ve published my books independently, and I love the freedom it provides. The world of independent publishing is fascinating and so empowering—I’m delighted to share more of my experiences of self-publishing if you’re interested.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
May 8, 2022
I saw a tiktok from Sara Madderson about this book and she said it was inspired by Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston and I was instantly in. And they’re working on a tv show similar to Bridgerton? Also 100% in.
Elle and Josh have a whirl wind romance from the start. They meet in Cannes at the premier of her movie. He is a huge Hollywood star and she is just starting out. They are both entranced by the other. They are both hiding their true selves from the other - Josh is an addict and Elle has Crohn’s disease. She thinks that things are going great until he sends a tweet that says they aren’t together anymore and that’s it. Fast forward five years, Elle becomes a massively successful actress and Josh is no longer on her radar. Until they are both cast in a Bridgerton-esque tv show playing love interests.
The character development for both were really good. They both cared so much for the other, but they needed to first take care of themselves. And they both did that and it was the absolute best choice they could have made. Elle turns into a strong independent woman. She was fueled by the loss of her relationship and the anger she felt toward Josh. He was the villain in her story and she made her to do everything and anything to prove that she was better than that. Josh was a mess honestly. But he was able to get this job offer and finally get clean and sober and have it stick. He was also fueled by the loss of the relationship, but in a different way. He finally realized that he has to actually feel things to keep going, hiding the pain isn’t ever going to help.
I thought that their relationship was sos were at first. And the middle was ROUGH. I was rooting for Elle, because like her I didn’t believe in Josh at all. It was so well written that it was easy to let him fall into what Elle believed to be true of him. Until she FINALLY allowed him to give her the full story, it was easy to see they were both making the right choice.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review and I am SO excited to go back and read the other books in this series. I am also looking forward for Nora’s story this summer!
Elle and Josh have a whirl wind romance from the start. They meet in Cannes at the premier of her movie. He is a huge Hollywood star and she is just starting out. They are both entranced by the other. They are both hiding their true selves from the other - Josh is an addict and Elle has Crohn’s disease. She thinks that things are going great until he sends a tweet that says they aren’t together anymore and that’s it. Fast forward five years, Elle becomes a massively successful actress and Josh is no longer on her radar. Until they are both cast in a Bridgerton-esque tv show playing love interests.
The character development for both were really good. They both cared so much for the other, but they needed to first take care of themselves. And they both did that and it was the absolute best choice they could have made. Elle turns into a strong independent woman. She was fueled by the loss of her relationship and the anger she felt toward Josh. He was the villain in her story and she made her to do everything and anything to prove that she was better than that. Josh was a mess honestly. But he was able to get this job offer and finally get clean and sober and have it stick. He was also fueled by the loss of the relationship, but in a different way. He finally realized that he has to actually feel things to keep going, hiding the pain isn’t ever going to help.
I thought that their relationship was sos were at first. And the middle was ROUGH. I was rooting for Elle, because like her I didn’t believe in Josh at all. It was so well written that it was easy to let him fall into what Elle believed to be true of him. Until she FINALLY allowed him to give her the full story, it was easy to see they were both making the right choice.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review and I am SO excited to go back and read the other books in this series. I am also looking forward for Nora’s story this summer!
December 15, 2022
They have an insanely short ‘relationship’, he ghosts her, five years later they star as the romantic leads in a Bridgerton-like show leading to them being thrown into the closest of proximities again.
Maybe I just don’t like actors working together falling in love but in general but this one had similar problems to another romance with this set-up. The protagonists, Elle and Josh, had a short-term fling and now are supposed to act out romantic and sexual scenes - what irked me was how happy Josh was to get this physical closeness that Elle wouldn’t have permitted otherwise and her not being able to say no because it’s part of her work. There also was a general failure (of both characters) to separate themselves from the fictional people they were playing.
There also was a whole #MeToo sub-plot that was really weird and didn’t sit right with me as the media somehow lifted her up to the movement’s figurehead and ran with that narrative, without Elle ever publicly speaking out about this. That was especially wild considering what Elle & Josh’s situationship was; they had a fling, he publicly dumped her, that’s it. Embarrassing, but not #MeToo, no matter how much the in-book media made fun of Elle for this.
Maybe I just don’t like actors working together falling in love but in general but this one had similar problems to another romance with this set-up. The protagonists, Elle and Josh, had a short-term fling and now are supposed to act out romantic and sexual scenes - what irked me was how happy Josh was to get this physical closeness that Elle wouldn’t have permitted otherwise and her not being able to say no because it’s part of her work. There also was a general failure (of both characters) to separate themselves from the fictional people they were playing.
There also was a whole #MeToo sub-plot that was really weird and didn’t sit right with me as the media somehow lifted her up to the movement’s figurehead and ran with that narrative, without Elle ever publicly speaking out about this. That was especially wild considering what Elle & Josh’s situationship was; they had a fling, he publicly dumped her, that’s it. Embarrassing, but not #MeToo, no matter how much the in-book media made fun of Elle for this.
April 4, 2022
Well if this isn't the breath of fresh air I desperately needed after my last read fell flat for me I don't know what is. I've been anxiously awaiting Falling Stars for some time now, knowing that it would hit all the right spots for me - swoon worthy male lead, strong feminist leading lady, and an enemies to lovers story ripe with witty banter and the right amount of heat.
Ellery Hart is on the come up. Big time. She's the star of the indie production Gracie being shown at the Cannes Film Festival. It's the hit breakout movie and everyone can see Elle's star power is rising. Enter famed playboy actor Josh Lander. The guy is every woman's dream, gorgeous, charming, and a Hollywood superstar to boot. He takes notice of Elle immediately and the two become the hot couple, that is until Josh dumps her. On Twitter. Elle gets her revenge after being ghosted though, achieving every level of success possible in her career and skyrocketing fame. Five year later, the two are signed onto star as the romantic leads in a regency era drama, a la Bridgerton. Can the two work together despite their past drama? Better yet, can Elle safeguard her heart from the notorious rake?!
I loved this SO much. If I didn't have so damn many responsibilities, I would have devoured this in one sitting. Yep, it's that good. I love how each of the main characters had something they were dealing with outside of their careers and relationships. It made them more relatable. And that ending... Oof! Now I can't wait for the next one about Nora and Theo. I loved Nora as a side character in this!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ellery Hart is on the come up. Big time. She's the star of the indie production Gracie being shown at the Cannes Film Festival. It's the hit breakout movie and everyone can see Elle's star power is rising. Enter famed playboy actor Josh Lander. The guy is every woman's dream, gorgeous, charming, and a Hollywood superstar to boot. He takes notice of Elle immediately and the two become the hot couple, that is until Josh dumps her. On Twitter. Elle gets her revenge after being ghosted though, achieving every level of success possible in her career and skyrocketing fame. Five year later, the two are signed onto star as the romantic leads in a regency era drama, a la Bridgerton. Can the two work together despite their past drama? Better yet, can Elle safeguard her heart from the notorious rake?!
I loved this SO much. If I didn't have so damn many responsibilities, I would have devoured this in one sitting. Yep, it's that good. I love how each of the main characters had something they were dealing with outside of their careers and relationships. It made them more relatable. And that ending... Oof! Now I can't wait for the next one about Nora and Theo. I loved Nora as a side character in this!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 27, 2022
DNF’d at 20%
It was so boring, I didn’t even get past the first aforementioned break up scene. I thank the author for being the first to write a book of this effect (inspired by hiddleswift), but this was written like someone’s first manuscript that never got beta readers before it was published. The MC was too full of herself, I don’t want to know about her health problems (which I hope play some significance later on, considering how much it’s talked about). Characters can have specific disabilities or issues with their health, but not to the point where it overtakes the main plot. Also the apostrophes as quotation marks? Huge ick. Do not plan on picking up to finish ever.
It was so boring, I didn’t even get past the first aforementioned break up scene. I thank the author for being the first to write a book of this effect (inspired by hiddleswift), but this was written like someone’s first manuscript that never got beta readers before it was published. The MC was too full of herself, I don’t want to know about her health problems (which I hope play some significance later on, considering how much it’s talked about). Characters can have specific disabilities or issues with their health, but not to the point where it overtakes the main plot. Also the apostrophes as quotation marks? Huge ick. Do not plan on picking up to finish ever.
April 8, 2022
[I received an ARC from the author for an honest review!]
3.75🌟
This was such a fun read!! It came at the perfect time post my Bridgerton season two binge watch and it was so fun getting wrapped up in a Hollywood romance hehe
I will admit, the cynic in me was absolutely NOT having it with Josh in part one but the grovelling (which of course, can never be too much) five years later kind of made me like him better 🤪 except he says “baby” way too much which is a problem for Elle to deal with and for me to simply skip over lol
With this being a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope, I was scared of Elle forgiving Josh way too easily but it was so nice to see how self aware she was and the thought process that went into every decision she made.
This book made me laugh and also lowkey cry, which I was not expecting, and also wish I lived in the library made for the set of Grosvenor 👀
3.75🌟
This was such a fun read!! It came at the perfect time post my Bridgerton season two binge watch and it was so fun getting wrapped up in a Hollywood romance hehe
I will admit, the cynic in me was absolutely NOT having it with Josh in part one but the grovelling (which of course, can never be too much) five years later kind of made me like him better 🤪 except he says “baby” way too much which is a problem for Elle to deal with and for me to simply skip over lol
With this being a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope, I was scared of Elle forgiving Josh way too easily but it was so nice to see how self aware she was and the thought process that went into every decision she made.
This book made me laugh and also lowkey cry, which I was not expecting, and also wish I lived in the library made for the set of Grosvenor 👀
May 19, 2022
I picked this book up because it was advertised as a Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston whirlwind romance / Bridgerton crossover by the author on TikTok. Plus, I do like this type of cover.
The story was promising but it all fell rather flat. The writing was plain, simple and even boring at times. The main characters showed a lot of promise but they ended up being quite one-dimensional. The romance between these two was pretty rushed, how did they develop feelings so instantly makes very little sense to me as they appeared to have little chemistry together. To be honest, Josh even appears a little stalkerish in the first part.
Finishing the book ended up being a real challenge, I almost DNFed it around halfway through as nothing important/interesting was really happening. Generally speaking, I'd say this book seems unfinished to me. It would have benefitted from more feedback on the manuscript and probably a bit more editing too.
The story was promising but it all fell rather flat. The writing was plain, simple and even boring at times. The main characters showed a lot of promise but they ended up being quite one-dimensional. The romance between these two was pretty rushed, how did they develop feelings so instantly makes very little sense to me as they appeared to have little chemistry together. To be honest, Josh even appears a little stalkerish in the first part.
Finishing the book ended up being a real challenge, I almost DNFed it around halfway through as nothing important/interesting was really happening. Generally speaking, I'd say this book seems unfinished to me. It would have benefitted from more feedback on the manuscript and probably a bit more editing too.
July 6, 2022
0/5 ⭐️
I deserve a reward for even getting 45% way through this book. Would not recommend. Definitely have read better stories written on Wattpad. Curse you TikTok for giving me high expectations.
Will not finish.
I deserve a reward for even getting 45% way through this book. Would not recommend. Definitely have read better stories written on Wattpad. Curse you TikTok for giving me high expectations.
Will not finish.
January 5, 2023
1.5 stars in solidarity for a main character who shits her pants just like me
July 16, 2022
OMG.
Me encantó!!
Porque no veo a más personas leyendo este libro?
La historia empieza con Elle, una actriz en inicio en Londres y Josh, un actor ya reconocido en Hollywood. Se conocen en una de las fiestas del festival de cine de Cannes, dónde después de un baile sexy empieza su historia bajo un montón de especulaciones (son famosos, obviamente) y problemas (drama).
Fue muy lindo, como la autora creo la historia y la química que tenían los protagonistas 😍, ame y luego odie a Josh, y luego volví a amarlo. Pero Elle, ella fue toda linda y con carácter, me encantó.
Y más porque la autora se baso en el baile de Tom Hiddleston y Taylor Swift en la fiesta del Met gala de 2016.
Me encantó!!
Porque no veo a más personas leyendo este libro?
La historia empieza con Elle, una actriz en inicio en Londres y Josh, un actor ya reconocido en Hollywood. Se conocen en una de las fiestas del festival de cine de Cannes, dónde después de un baile sexy empieza su historia bajo un montón de especulaciones (son famosos, obviamente) y problemas (drama).
Fue muy lindo, como la autora creo la historia y la química que tenían los protagonistas 😍, ame y luego odie a Josh, y luego volví a amarlo. Pero Elle, ella fue toda linda y con carácter, me encantó.
Y más porque la autora se baso en el baile de Tom Hiddleston y Taylor Swift en la fiesta del Met gala de 2016.
July 6, 2022
mi única pregunta es: por qué escribís un second chance romance en un timeline lineal en vez de en flashbacks??????
muy cringy, muy mal escrito
muy cringy, muy mal escrito
July 17, 2022
The storyline is cute, but there were several jokes that made me feel uncomfortable. I think there are many other things to say than a guy being certain he would be attracted to her when she was a literal kid and then said he would’ve been a felon. There were a couple others that stopped me from rating this higher because not only can it be triggering content, it’s written off as a silly joke.
July 15, 2022
This was a 5-star book, right until about 70 percent. I didnt like how the author resolved the conflict AT ALL. Like I expected more resistance from the female Main character. Anyway, still a sweet romance with interesting themes (Crohn's disease, drug addiction, stardom) and felt very down to earth (honestly, them suddenly casually mentioning masks reminded me that this was written recently) and realistic. Considering that this is her first book, I am deeply impressed and stoked to read more!
April 20, 2022
It was soooo f-ing boring sorry miss Sara 😭. The story was promising, but the writing was so plain and boring, the characters were one-dimensional, not charming or funny at all. I got bored in the middle of the book and was seriously considering not to finish it. It was just not interesting enough.
April 2, 2022
3.75 stars — super lighthearted and cute romcom. very much inspired by bridgerton and taylor swift. i loved the main character, i wouldve liked josh more if he didn’t say “baby” every other sentence it was really getting on my nerves! but i really liked the lovers to enemies to lovers trope - the groveling… so good! had to bring it down a bit because i hate when authors include pop culture references like tiktok.
March 30, 2022
I LOVEDD this book seriously it was such a nice read, it had the best tropes
Sara served one of the best strangers to lovers to enemies to colleagues to lovers book hahahah
I think what I liked the most about this storie was the way we gradually start to root for josh even though we only discover his reasons later in the book but I was so invested and convinced that he had grown and changed way before the whole thing was explained also the references were so cool like the Cannes festival setting and the way the regency show is described it was just *chef kiss*
ALSO I loved the fact that josh was so sensible I’m a sucker for a mmc who can cry it’s just PERFECTION
Anyways this was my first book by Sara but definitely not the last and it was such a nice surprise
I really enjoyed reading falling stars
Thank u Sara for sending me this ARC 🇧🇷💜
Sara served one of the best strangers to lovers to enemies to colleagues to lovers book hahahah
I think what I liked the most about this storie was the way we gradually start to root for josh even though we only discover his reasons later in the book but I was so invested and convinced that he had grown and changed way before the whole thing was explained also the references were so cool like the Cannes festival setting and the way the regency show is described it was just *chef kiss*
ALSO I loved the fact that josh was so sensible I’m a sucker for a mmc who can cry it’s just PERFECTION
Anyways this was my first book by Sara but definitely not the last and it was such a nice surprise
I really enjoyed reading falling stars
Thank u Sara for sending me this ARC 🇧🇷💜
May 12, 2023
Another charming book from a highly talented author. Great characters who redeem themselves and share so much about wholeness that can be achieved living with a chronic illness or addiction.
April 1, 2022
I was super lucky to get an ARC of this book, and it was such a treat to read! I wasn’t sure how much I was going to enjoy this book, having taken a chance on it based on a short Tik Tok explaining the concept. However, I was completely taken by Josh and Elle’s story! From their whirlwind romance to the Twitter breakup to being co-stars, I was just excited about everything going on between them. I definitely recommend giving this one a shot!
May 7, 2022
this was fun!! about two actors who dated/then broke up/then got cast to play the leads on a bridgerton-esque show (anthony and kate vibes). gave a little slice of my beloved historical romance with modern twist
July 14, 2022
una buena idea ejecutada para el orto
September 12, 2025
Falling Stars had me falling in love from page one!
MCs Josh and Elle’s chemistry was insanely good from the jump and I ate it right up! My heart also broke when they did too.
When they are reunited, and he tries to make amends and profess his love for her, it was butterfly inducing.
A beautiful second chance romance with a lot of push and pull, angst and heartbreak, and incredible emotion from beginning to end to end. Josh and Elle are easy to root for and to see them get their HEA was truly a delight.
MCs Josh and Elle’s chemistry was insanely good from the jump and I ate it right up! My heart also broke when they did too.
When they are reunited, and he tries to make amends and profess his love for her, it was butterfly inducing.
A beautiful second chance romance with a lot of push and pull, angst and heartbreak, and incredible emotion from beginning to end to end. Josh and Elle are easy to root for and to see them get their HEA was truly a delight.
April 25, 2022
I had gone into this book pretty blind, having only seen 1 random tik tok that peeked my interest and having a general idea of the story. It started off strong, I was genuinely enjoying my time reading it and was speeding right along.
That all changed at about the half-way mark. At that point, it started to feel like it was all dragging on and I found myself getting bored of the characters and not caring about what happened. 2 stars for the strong start but can’t give it 3 because I know I will not be recommending this to anyone.
That all changed at about the half-way mark. At that point, it started to feel like it was all dragging on and I found myself getting bored of the characters and not caring about what happened. 2 stars for the strong start but can’t give it 3 because I know I will not be recommending this to anyone.
May 4, 2022
2.5!!!
I did enjoy reading this and felt the illness rep was really good.
However, I did find Josh and Elle a bit flat at times but overall I liked them as a couple. They became much more interesting in the five years later part. I felt the Nora plotline that I assume is the next book (?) was a bit force fed into this one, where I wanted to focus more on Josh and Elle. Loved the setting on a TV set and I want more romances on soundstages and studios !! So fun.
I did enjoy reading this and felt the illness rep was really good.
However, I did find Josh and Elle a bit flat at times but overall I liked them as a couple. They became much more interesting in the five years later part. I felt the Nora plotline that I assume is the next book (?) was a bit force fed into this one, where I wanted to focus more on Josh and Elle. Loved the setting on a TV set and I want more romances on soundstages and studios !! So fun.
July 11, 2022
A total cringe.
El hombre diciendo baby a cada rato fue lo peor.
El hombre diciendo baby a cada rato fue lo peor.
March 31, 2022
4.5 stars!!
This book took me on a ride!!! I was in a bit of a reading slump and it was just what I needed. I’m a massive Bridgerton and Taylor Swift fan, so when I saw that Falling Stars took inspiration from both, I was sold. And not disappointed at all!!
This is a story about a passionate, but short, relationship between Josh and Elle, two actors who met at Cannes Film Festival and just hit it off. Their relationship was very public, and so was their fall-out when Josh breaks Elle’s heart for all the world to see. Five years later, they are both cast as the main leads for a Bridgerton-inspired show, and the real fun begins. Lovers to enemies to lovers, with tons of groveling and spice, is just the perfect recipe for a new favorite book! And this one delivered in spades!
There are SO many things I just adored about this book! I love that we have a heroine who suffers from an autoimmune disease. It’s uncommon in romance. While the book doesn’t revolve around her struggles with it, it still strongly discusses it and sheds a light on it- how a person copes and the lifestyle changes that people must endure. It’s different, real and refreshing. Josh wasn’t like your typical male character or reformed bad guy. He’s protective, fierce and no longer afraid to fight his demons- for Elle and mostly for himself. Without giving too much away, the groveling and making amends part of the story is just everything I wanted it to be.
The production and BTS stuff of “Grosvenor” (the show J&E have to film together) were SO well done and not glossed over. It made the Falling Stars and its world real. The research that was done just reflects beautifully and enriches the subplot immensely! I truly loved everything about the book. Josh and Elle have my heart and I just want to keep on reading more and more about their beautiful story! Can’t wait for Nora and Theo this summer! I can already tell it’s gonna be spicy and fun!
This book took me on a ride!!! I was in a bit of a reading slump and it was just what I needed. I’m a massive Bridgerton and Taylor Swift fan, so when I saw that Falling Stars took inspiration from both, I was sold. And not disappointed at all!!
This is a story about a passionate, but short, relationship between Josh and Elle, two actors who met at Cannes Film Festival and just hit it off. Their relationship was very public, and so was their fall-out when Josh breaks Elle’s heart for all the world to see. Five years later, they are both cast as the main leads for a Bridgerton-inspired show, and the real fun begins. Lovers to enemies to lovers, with tons of groveling and spice, is just the perfect recipe for a new favorite book! And this one delivered in spades!
There are SO many things I just adored about this book! I love that we have a heroine who suffers from an autoimmune disease. It’s uncommon in romance. While the book doesn’t revolve around her struggles with it, it still strongly discusses it and sheds a light on it- how a person copes and the lifestyle changes that people must endure. It’s different, real and refreshing. Josh wasn’t like your typical male character or reformed bad guy. He’s protective, fierce and no longer afraid to fight his demons- for Elle and mostly for himself. Without giving too much away, the groveling and making amends part of the story is just everything I wanted it to be.
The production and BTS stuff of “Grosvenor” (the show J&E have to film together) were SO well done and not glossed over. It made the Falling Stars and its world real. The research that was done just reflects beautifully and enriches the subplot immensely! I truly loved everything about the book. Josh and Elle have my heart and I just want to keep on reading more and more about their beautiful story! Can’t wait for Nora and Theo this summer! I can already tell it’s gonna be spicy and fun!
March 28, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book and I couldn't put it down !!
This book focuses on Elle, a British actress who shot to fame after starring in an indie film and her romance, with actor Josh, who may or may not have broken up with her previously over twitter.
The way this book was written was electric, almost seemingly to be lined with the most addictive drugs that you couldn't get rid of. Elle is the strongest protagonist I had read in a while, and the Chrons rep is something I have not seen before in a book.
Now, let's talk about Josh. On the surface he appears to be any other Hollywood sleaze-bag; predictable, arrogant and all around a massive red flag, however, when you continue to read on through the book its almost as if that persona is exploded and he slowly becomes much more deeper.
When reading this book, the quote came to mind: "You're like my own personal brand of Heroin", and whilst that might seem entirely cliché as it is is a Twilight quote, it is entirely fitting for their love story and Josh, individually.
However, the one fault I would pick, would be how similar it was to real life and other things I had seen before, especially with what was happening in the library, as it happened in Bridgerton and I couldn't get rid of that scene from my head. As well as this, the talkshow host was definitely Graham Norton which I couldn't get over.
The one red flag this book had was Elle's obsession with the Daily Mail as its just... ugh.
I made a spotify playlist for the pair: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0S9...
I most definitely will be checking out both the other books in the series and Madderson's other titles, and will be anxiously waiting on the edge of my seat for the next title in this series.
This book focuses on Elle, a British actress who shot to fame after starring in an indie film and her romance, with actor Josh, who may or may not have broken up with her previously over twitter.
The way this book was written was electric, almost seemingly to be lined with the most addictive drugs that you couldn't get rid of. Elle is the strongest protagonist I had read in a while, and the Chrons rep is something I have not seen before in a book.
Now, let's talk about Josh. On the surface he appears to be any other Hollywood sleaze-bag; predictable, arrogant and all around a massive red flag, however, when you continue to read on through the book its almost as if that persona is exploded and he slowly becomes much more deeper.
When reading this book, the quote came to mind: "You're like my own personal brand of Heroin", and whilst that might seem entirely cliché as it is is a Twilight quote, it is entirely fitting for their love story and Josh, individually.
However, the one fault I would pick, would be how similar it was to real life and other things I had seen before, especially with what was happening in the library, as it happened in Bridgerton and I couldn't get rid of that scene from my head. As well as this, the talkshow host was definitely Graham Norton which I couldn't get over.
The one red flag this book had was Elle's obsession with the Daily Mail as its just... ugh.
I made a spotify playlist for the pair: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0S9...
I most definitely will be checking out both the other books in the series and Madderson's other titles, and will be anxiously waiting on the edge of my seat for the next title in this series.
March 29, 2022
Wow, Sara, you have well and truly surpassed yourself with this book. I simply couldn’t put it down - it was spellbinding. An absolutely cracking storyline with so many twists and turns. It really is an amazing romantic novel with the most detailed and graphic sex I’ve ever read, but so tastefully written. As with all Sara’s books it also touches on serious subjects and through this educates us on Crohn’s disease. I knew what it was but really didn’t fully understand how it impacted the sufferer and with many other similar conditions like IBS where you can’t see the condition you therefore tend to overlook the debilitating effect it has on the poor sufferer. Another subject covered in the book is addiction and how many forms it can take and how this is an illness and not, as so many people think, simply a selfishly chosen way of life. If you’ve read all of Sara’s books you’ll be pleased to know the characters from them also appear in this book and if you’ve not read all of Sara’s books then I strongly urge to (honestly I’m not on commission I just like to share the truly fabulous things in life). Sara it’s official - you are my favourite author. I’ll be counting down the days ‘til your next book. If you don’t get a RoNA Award I will be outraged!
April 21, 2022
This book has everything. Very different from what I've had ever read. It's divided in two parts and it helps to understand Elle and Josh and how everything happens for a reason.
I liked how we got to know Elle and her chronic disease, and how it doesn't stop her to get what she always wanted to be.
Josh's development was amazing. Yeah, it wasn't nice how the first part ended but once we hear the story, we can agree that he did the best he could at that very moment and that let him (and Elle) be the best of themselves in the future. I'm not saying it was ok but that sometimes something has to happen or someone takes a choice and not always it's good or bad.
And I can't finish this review without talk about mental health and self-improvement. This book isn't just romance, it's about how we all fail, how we all make mistakes, how we all struggle with things and that everybody has something to fight with. I have something to fight with, and that's why I felt very connected to Josh and some of his thoughts, and they deserve to be here.
"But self-punishment doesn't really work... At the end of the day, to be a mentally healthy person, you need a good dose of self-compassion"
"The Josh I am today... understands how important it is to let myself feel. Even if it's... agony"
"Trying to find a base equilibrium that will bring me peace... It's allowed me to be a lot more present. And it's meant I have to feel- the good and the bad"
"The pain means I'm feeling. Feeling is what we all fear, especially me, and the pain reminds me that on the other side of that fear is nothing I can't handle. I can survive this".
I liked how we got to know Elle and her chronic disease, and how it doesn't stop her to get what she always wanted to be.
Josh's development was amazing. Yeah, it wasn't nice how the first part ended but once we hear the story, we can agree that he did the best he could at that very moment and that let him (and Elle) be the best of themselves in the future. I'm not saying it was ok but that sometimes something has to happen or someone takes a choice and not always it's good or bad.
And I can't finish this review without talk about mental health and self-improvement. This book isn't just romance, it's about how we all fail, how we all make mistakes, how we all struggle with things and that everybody has something to fight with. I have something to fight with, and that's why I felt very connected to Josh and some of his thoughts, and they deserve to be here.
"But self-punishment doesn't really work... At the end of the day, to be a mentally healthy person, you need a good dose of self-compassion"
"The Josh I am today... understands how important it is to let myself feel. Even if it's... agony"
"Trying to find a base equilibrium that will bring me peace... It's allowed me to be a lot more present. And it's meant I have to feel- the good and the bad"
"The pain means I'm feeling. Feeling is what we all fear, especially me, and the pain reminds me that on the other side of that fear is nothing I can't handle. I can survive this".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2022
I LOVED this book. I usually hate a second chance romance but this was done so well. Josh and Elle have such banter throughout the book, whether they are in bed, pushing each other's buttons, or declaring their feelings.
TW: addiction and Crohn's disease. But these two heavy topics are handled beautifully. Josh's journey to sobriety is handled realistically, with struggle and temptation and meetings. I don't know much about Crohn's but the way it is described here is not glamorized and I appreciate that. I like how so much of this book was fun to read but also rooted in fact and reality.
The on-set moments had an opportunity to be so over the top but I think Madderson does a superb job in talking about the safety of on-screen intimate scenes and how much the industry is changing to be more proactive and prevent issues of abuse.
Aside from all of these topics, the romance is so charming. Elle is hilarious and relatable in all the best ways. Josh is an incredible book boyfriend. The smut is....oh so good. And we avoided the 75% misunderstanding break-up!!! Praise be the romance gods!!! The way these two support each other in the tough moments was very tender and touching to read.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Sara for the ARC!!
TW: addiction and Crohn's disease. But these two heavy topics are handled beautifully. Josh's journey to sobriety is handled realistically, with struggle and temptation and meetings. I don't know much about Crohn's but the way it is described here is not glamorized and I appreciate that. I like how so much of this book was fun to read but also rooted in fact and reality.
The on-set moments had an opportunity to be so over the top but I think Madderson does a superb job in talking about the safety of on-screen intimate scenes and how much the industry is changing to be more proactive and prevent issues of abuse.
Aside from all of these topics, the romance is so charming. Elle is hilarious and relatable in all the best ways. Josh is an incredible book boyfriend. The smut is....oh so good. And we avoided the 75% misunderstanding break-up!!! Praise be the romance gods!!! The way these two support each other in the tough moments was very tender and touching to read.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Sara for the ARC!!
August 2, 2022
I loved this book! It gives such a cool look into filming and the lives of celebrities. It makes you look at them more as people instead of untouchables, if that makes sense.
I love how the book was written and how you get to see their story when they first meet as well as years later and can understand why they act the way they do.
The one thing that was a bit awkward for me was how One character has Chron’s disease and I seriously just kept panicking thinking the character was gonna have a flare up in the middle of sex or something. I’m not sure why my mind kept going there, but it was a secret and I was just waiting for it to pop up and cause a lot of embarrassment for the character. However, I love that it helped humanize the character and made them more relatable.
I don’t think the epilogue was really needed. I’d much rather have a jump to later in their relationship instead of basically a glimpse of the next book in the series. The epilogue just felt more like a continuation instead of an epilogue, if that makes sense.
Overall, I LOVED the book. ❤️
I love how the book was written and how you get to see their story when they first meet as well as years later and can understand why they act the way they do.
The one thing that was a bit awkward for me was how One character has Chron’s disease and I seriously just kept panicking thinking the character was gonna have a flare up in the middle of sex or something. I’m not sure why my mind kept going there, but it was a secret and I was just waiting for it to pop up and cause a lot of embarrassment for the character. However, I love that it helped humanize the character and made them more relatable.
I don’t think the epilogue was really needed. I’d much rather have a jump to later in their relationship instead of basically a glimpse of the next book in the series. The epilogue just felt more like a continuation instead of an epilogue, if that makes sense.
Overall, I LOVED the book. ❤️
August 28, 2025
This rollercoaster ride of celebrity lives. The way the relationship initially stuttered nearly broke my heart and I’m not sure I could have been as forgiving.
The way Elodie brings the stresses of celebrity life to the reader makes me thankful I’m not famous.
The way Josh redeemed himself is lovely and was the only way Elodie would take him back.
Watch for further mentions of this glamorous couple in future books.
The way Elodie brings the stresses of celebrity life to the reader makes me thankful I’m not famous.
The way Josh redeemed himself is lovely and was the only way Elodie would take him back.
Watch for further mentions of this glamorous couple in future books.
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