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Culture Shock
Lucy Leighton currently had no clients lined up. What she did have was the knowledge of being well versed in all things trendy—being a freelance wedding and elopement photographer meant that new styles, colors and popular fads were all novelties that were in her wheelhouse. When she is summoned to help aid her sister at San Diego Comic-Con though, Lucy is thrown into a world where the latest fashion tides are replaced with a foreign comicverse. And she’s in way over her head.
After an uncomfortable confrontation with a deranged cosplayer, Lucy strikes up a wordy and flirty conversation with the handsome man that came to her rescue. It matters not that he happens to be Velram Comic’s hottest A-list celebrity—Lucy is clueless to the fact. Jake Stanley may be at the top of his career, but coming face to face with someone who doesn’t recognize him is a rarity these days—and also 100% refreshing.
Learning of Jake’s identity after the fact, Lucy shrugs it off. It’s not like she’ll ever see him again. That is, until her sister signs her up for a photography gig on the upcoming six-week Velcon Comic Circuit. Having to stare at his gorgeous mug for eight hours would be all in a day’s work, right? The carefree commitment-phobe and the dashing mega star are smitten immediately. But just as Jake begins to imagine a future with Lucy, their whirlwind romance comes to a screeching halt, leaving the two wondering what went wrong.
What happens when two opposites collide? The resounding repercussion is the true definition of culture shock.
After an uncomfortable confrontation with a deranged cosplayer, Lucy strikes up a wordy and flirty conversation with the handsome man that came to her rescue. It matters not that he happens to be Velram Comic’s hottest A-list celebrity—Lucy is clueless to the fact. Jake Stanley may be at the top of his career, but coming face to face with someone who doesn’t recognize him is a rarity these days—and also 100% refreshing.
Learning of Jake’s identity after the fact, Lucy shrugs it off. It’s not like she’ll ever see him again. That is, until her sister signs her up for a photography gig on the upcoming six-week Velcon Comic Circuit. Having to stare at his gorgeous mug for eight hours would be all in a day’s work, right? The carefree commitment-phobe and the dashing mega star are smitten immediately. But just as Jake begins to imagine a future with Lucy, their whirlwind romance comes to a screeching halt, leaving the two wondering what went wrong.
What happens when two opposites collide? The resounding repercussion is the true definition of culture shock.
- GenresContemporary
Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2022
About the author
Piper Collins
15 books100 followersPiper Collins writes contemporary suspense to modern day royals; her books are packed with humor, emotion and a whole lot of sexiness.
Piper lives in the heat of the south. She enjoys reading, writing and naps. When she's not doing any of those things, you can find her spending time with her husband, son and their springer spaniel, Fiona.
You can follow her on Instagram @piper.collins.author or on TikTok @authorpipercollins
Crown Prince Chronicle Novels
Book I: Bastian
Book II: Remy
Book III: Kasper
Will Power (a standalone romance)
Culture Shock (a standalone romcom)
The Sugarplum Fairy: A small town, fish out of water Christmas romantic comedy
Chrysus Defense Series
Book I: To Colombia, With Love
Book II: Jerks and Caicos
Sapphire Valley Ranch Series
ROPED: A Small Town, Opposites Attract Romance
Piper lives in the heat of the south. She enjoys reading, writing and naps. When she's not doing any of those things, you can find her spending time with her husband, son and their springer spaniel, Fiona.
You can follow her on Instagram @piper.collins.author or on TikTok @authorpipercollins
Crown Prince Chronicle Novels
Book I: Bastian
Book II: Remy
Book III: Kasper
Will Power (a standalone romance)
Culture Shock (a standalone romcom)
The Sugarplum Fairy: A small town, fish out of water Christmas romantic comedy
Chrysus Defense Series
Book I: To Colombia, With Love
Book II: Jerks and Caicos
Sapphire Valley Ranch Series
ROPED: A Small Town, Opposites Attract Romance
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 11, 2022
Nerdy girls rejoice! This is YOUR rom-com set at Comic-Con!
Lucy is a free-spirit and self-professed commitmentphobe. She is a photographer who gets a last-minute gig via her sister at a huge comic book convention. Lucy is very like her namesake Lucille Ball. She's always getting herself into hilarious predicaments. One of these predicaments has her running into movie star Jake. She has no clue who he is and he finds that totally refreshing. We follow them on the 5-stop comic-com tour.
There were a few areas I think the plot could have been fine-tuned and there were some instances where the 4th wall was broken. (I'm not sure how I feel about the latter.) But overall this was a really sweet funny romance. Perfect for you medium spice-loving girls. There were scenes but no graphic details. Even though they are together through most of the book they don't become intimate till later on in the relationship. In fact, he doesn't even get her phone number till the 4th or 5th meeting.
Some of my favorite parts were at the conventions to see how much fun the fans and actors were. It makes me want to visit a comic convention.
Lucy is a free-spirit and self-professed commitmentphobe. She is a photographer who gets a last-minute gig via her sister at a huge comic book convention. Lucy is very like her namesake Lucille Ball. She's always getting herself into hilarious predicaments. One of these predicaments has her running into movie star Jake. She has no clue who he is and he finds that totally refreshing. We follow them on the 5-stop comic-com tour.
There were a few areas I think the plot could have been fine-tuned and there were some instances where the 4th wall was broken. (I'm not sure how I feel about the latter.) But overall this was a really sweet funny romance. Perfect for you medium spice-loving girls. There were scenes but no graphic details. Even though they are together through most of the book they don't become intimate till later on in the relationship. In fact, he doesn't even get her phone number till the 4th or 5th meeting.
Some of my favorite parts were at the conventions to see how much fun the fans and actors were. It makes me want to visit a comic convention.
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November 23, 2022CULTURE SHOCK is now live!
What happens when two opposites collide? The resounding repercussion is the true definition of culture shock.
Lucy Leighton currently had no clients lined up. What she did have was the knowledge of being well versed in all things trendy—being a freelance wedding and elopement photographer meant that new styles, colors and popular fads were all novelties that were in her wheelhouse. When she is summoned to help aid her sister at San Diego Comic-Con though, Lucy is thrown into a world where the latest fashion tides are replaced with a foreign comicverse. And she’s in way over her head.
After an uncomfortable confrontation with a deranged cosplayer, Lucy strikes up a wordy and flirty conversation with the handsome man that came to her rescue. It matters not that he happens to be Velram Comic’s hottest A-list celebrity—Lucy is clueless to the fact. Jake Stanley may be at the top of his career, but coming face to face with someone who doesn’t recognize him is a rarity these days—and also 100% refreshing.
Learning of Jake’s identity after the fact, Lucy shrugs it off. It’s not like she’ll ever see him again. That is, until her sister signs her up for a photography gig on the upcoming six-week Velcon Comic Circuit. Having to stare at his gorgeous mug for eight hours would be all in a day’s work, right? The carefree commitment-phobe and the dashing mega star are smitten immediately. But just as Jake begins to imagine a future with Lucy, their whirlwind romance comes to a screeching halt, leaving the two wondering what went wrong.
What happens when two opposites collide? The resounding repercussion is the true definition of culture shock.
Lucy Leighton currently had no clients lined up. What she did have was the knowledge of being well versed in all things trendy—being a freelance wedding and elopement photographer meant that new styles, colors and popular fads were all novelties that were in her wheelhouse. When she is summoned to help aid her sister at San Diego Comic-Con though, Lucy is thrown into a world where the latest fashion tides are replaced with a foreign comicverse. And she’s in way over her head.
After an uncomfortable confrontation with a deranged cosplayer, Lucy strikes up a wordy and flirty conversation with the handsome man that came to her rescue. It matters not that he happens to be Velram Comic’s hottest A-list celebrity—Lucy is clueless to the fact. Jake Stanley may be at the top of his career, but coming face to face with someone who doesn’t recognize him is a rarity these days—and also 100% refreshing.
Learning of Jake’s identity after the fact, Lucy shrugs it off. It’s not like she’ll ever see him again. That is, until her sister signs her up for a photography gig on the upcoming six-week Velcon Comic Circuit. Having to stare at his gorgeous mug for eight hours would be all in a day’s work, right? The carefree commitment-phobe and the dashing mega star are smitten immediately. But just as Jake begins to imagine a future with Lucy, their whirlwind romance comes to a screeching halt, leaving the two wondering what went wrong.
November 12, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review so this it;
I absolutely LOVED it!
The story of Lucy and Jake filled my heart with so much joy. It was so easy to read and I cannot remember the last time a book legitimately made me laugh out loud so many times. It was just so much fun (and poor Luce is just chaos which I LOVE!)
Watching the non-nerdy girl fall inlove with the star of the hottest superhero movies was really great. Their connection was so beautiful and their banter constantly had me smiling and giggling. They played off each other so well, and even the side characters (Lucy’s sister E and Jake’s best friend Liam) were really entertaining.
There is a little spice but nothing super graphic; although it doesn’t need it. The connection they have goes beyond the lust filled physical stuff and is based on real respect and adoration for each other. I thoroughly enjoyed how the foreplay and stuff leading up to the “smexy” times showed real feelings between Lucy and Jake, like they were meant to be. 😍
The nerd in me was just so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read this and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a super cute nerdy romance with a HEA 🥰
I absolutely LOVED it!
The story of Lucy and Jake filled my heart with so much joy. It was so easy to read and I cannot remember the last time a book legitimately made me laugh out loud so many times. It was just so much fun (and poor Luce is just chaos which I LOVE!)
Watching the non-nerdy girl fall inlove with the star of the hottest superhero movies was really great. Their connection was so beautiful and their banter constantly had me smiling and giggling. They played off each other so well, and even the side characters (Lucy’s sister E and Jake’s best friend Liam) were really entertaining.
There is a little spice but nothing super graphic; although it doesn’t need it. The connection they have goes beyond the lust filled physical stuff and is based on real respect and adoration for each other. I thoroughly enjoyed how the foreplay and stuff leading up to the “smexy” times showed real feelings between Lucy and Jake, like they were meant to be. 😍
The nerd in me was just so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read this and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a super cute nerdy romance with a HEA 🥰
May 1, 2023
So Good, You feel
I am always on the hunt for a unique romance setting and this book delivered. As a regular ticket holder of Comic Con I had a feeling Culture Shock would be right in my wheel house. I had so many laugh out loud moments that my notes on this book are extreme. This story follows a girl named Lucy who gets booked as a photographer last minute for comic con, where she meets a handsome actor..... And an amazing strangers to lovers romantic comedy ensues.this was a solid 4 star read for me. Which to me is phenomenal for a contemporary romance. This category Normally ranks at 2 star for me. So mad props to Piper Collins
I am always on the hunt for a unique romance setting and this book delivered. As a regular ticket holder of Comic Con I had a feeling Culture Shock would be right in my wheel house. I had so many laugh out loud moments that my notes on this book are extreme. This story follows a girl named Lucy who gets booked as a photographer last minute for comic con, where she meets a handsome actor..... And an amazing strangers to lovers romantic comedy ensues.this was a solid 4 star read for me. Which to me is phenomenal for a contemporary romance. This category Normally ranks at 2 star for me. So mad props to Piper Collins
January 28, 2023
I’ve been waiting for Culture Shock forever, since I heard its premise as a Comicon romcom, and after finally getting my hands on it, it did not disappoint. This is one of those books that you can devour in a day because the writing flows so easily and the characters are expertly crafted. Jake is total book boyfriend material. As the star of the Velram Cinematic Universe (complete with his own signature superhero pose), he’s not the usual egotistical movie star. Instead, he’s strong, kind, and charming in the most sincere way. The perfect counterpart to fun, frenetic, and endearingly ditzy Lucy, the new photographer on the circuit—who falls in love with him and the VCU after she’s thrust into comic nerd culture for the first time.
There are details and side characters I loved that contributed to the richness of the story and added hilarious moments (often lacking in a romcom), making it a very enjoyable read. Plus, if you’re a paperback reader, the graphic design from the cover to the pages numbers and everything in between was perfection!
There are details and side characters I loved that contributed to the richness of the story and added hilarious moments (often lacking in a romcom), making it a very enjoyable read. Plus, if you’re a paperback reader, the graphic design from the cover to the pages numbers and everything in between was perfection!
July 4, 2023
Cute nerdt romance
I loved this book so much! It was cute and funny. I loved that it had different elements from more nerdt stuff, too. I love how easy Jake and Lucy's relationship was as well!
I loved this book so much! It was cute and funny. I loved that it had different elements from more nerdt stuff, too. I love how easy Jake and Lucy's relationship was as well!
November 21, 2022
loved the romcom vibe!
November 11, 2022
Culture Shock by Piper Collins is a rom-com that is going to take you through every emotion. One minute I am laughing, next I am crying, then falling in love with the characters, to lastly feeling my heart break apart (and then put back together again).
I loved that it was a love story that about two unlikely people falling in love. Lucy an eccentric freelance destination photographer is off to help her sister at a ComicCon (she knows nothing of ComicCon world). Lucy bumps into the biggest star there, Jake (hubba hubba). It felt like an honor to read about their love story. Jake plays a superhero (muscles and all) , but in real life is a down to earth man, that falls head over heals.
There is some spice, it is good (but not graphic). Piper Collins did an amazing job leading up to it and even after. Phew it was hot!
I have never been to a ComicCon but know a little about superheroes through my hubby and son. I definitely think we need to attend. They sound like so much fun!
If you want a lighthearted sweet rom-com I fully recommend Culture Shock!
I loved that it was a love story that about two unlikely people falling in love. Lucy an eccentric freelance destination photographer is off to help her sister at a ComicCon (she knows nothing of ComicCon world). Lucy bumps into the biggest star there, Jake (hubba hubba). It felt like an honor to read about their love story. Jake plays a superhero (muscles and all) , but in real life is a down to earth man, that falls head over heals.
There is some spice, it is good (but not graphic). Piper Collins did an amazing job leading up to it and even after. Phew it was hot!
I have never been to a ComicCon but know a little about superheroes through my hubby and son. I definitely think we need to attend. They sound like so much fun!
If you want a lighthearted sweet rom-com I fully recommend Culture Shock!
November 16, 2022
3,75 stars! I was lucky enough to recieve an ARC of this book and it was a very cozy and lovely read! I could relate to so many things in the book, as a huge comic nerd myself. It was like Piper jumped into my brain and put my fantasy into writing haha. Thank you Piper!
What made me not give it a full 4 stars is that I thought the story went a bit too smoothly, I wanted something bigger to happen that made the MC’s drift apart for a bit to then reconcile in a nice romantic way, fight a little bit at least you know haha, but other than that I really enjoyed the book!
What made me not give it a full 4 stars is that I thought the story went a bit too smoothly, I wanted something bigger to happen that made the MC’s drift apart for a bit to then reconcile in a nice romantic way, fight a little bit at least you know haha, but other than that I really enjoyed the book!
November 9, 2022
I was sent the arc for this book by the author, and it made my nerd heart so happy!
The FMC Lucy is a photographer who gets kind of shoved into the Comiccon world even though she doesn't really care about it. She accidentally falls for the biggest actor there, Jake (total book boyfriend!).
There is some spice but nothing graphic. It's a quick read and a great light hearted Romcom!
The FMC Lucy is a photographer who gets kind of shoved into the Comiccon world even though she doesn't really care about it. She accidentally falls for the biggest actor there, Jake (total book boyfriend!).
There is some spice but nothing graphic. It's a quick read and a great light hearted Romcom!
November 21, 2022
This book was so good and well written. I love Jack and Lucy's relationship and how it started. I love how they are friends then fall in love. I think its amazing how Jack try's to show Lucy how much he cares for her. You will get made at Lucy for how she runs way and really hurts Jake. Then you love how she shows how she loves him in an epic way. The end is great spice is a 3. This is like a comic con romance comedy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
I was very thankful to read an advanced copy of this incredible story. I loved the light-hearted moments, and the intense moments, and the sad moments. Beautifully woven together, and I swear to god, I need to see this turned into a movie! Collins continues to wow me with her attention to detail, loveable characters, and romance to make one swoon! There's also some nice spice thrown in, which I appreciate in a good romantic comedy.
The author poured her heart and soul into every word, so you don't want to miss out on this heartwarming book! I don't read a lot of romcom, but this is high on my recommendation list. Quirky, relatable female lead. Handsome, yet humble, male lead. Comic Con. Tourist attractions. Awesome pop culture references. This book has it all!
The author poured her heart and soul into every word, so you don't want to miss out on this heartwarming book! I don't read a lot of romcom, but this is high on my recommendation list. Quirky, relatable female lead. Handsome, yet humble, male lead. Comic Con. Tourist attractions. Awesome pop culture references. This book has it all!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews