Started On: May 2, 2024
Finished On: May 14, 2024
Format: eBook/Kindle
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 21, 2024

The Starlight Studios, Book #1
Get the book here (paid link)

Perfect for you if you like:
Instalove
Celebrity
Hidden Identity
Secret Relationship
Forbidden Romance
Dual POV

Book Summary:

Kat:
Dropped by my acting agent? Check. Dumped by my crappy ex boyfriend? Check.
This was not what I envisioned when I moved to LA. So I’m starting at the bottom. Again. When I get a job as a PA on the set of an upcoming Starlight Studios movie, I am stuck catering to the whims of a has-been who treats me like dirt. It’s almost enough to make me reconsider this gig. That is until I meet a background actor who gives me butterflies and makes me feel like I’m alive again.

But looks can be deceiving. Especially when he is buried under layers of facial prosthetics and fake blood. Turns out he’s not a background actor at all. He’s James Everett, the film’s leading star. He’s smart, funny, ridiculously handsome, and everything I want.

Falling in love with a movie star? Check. But does that matter when the film studio is pushing him to enter a fake relationship with someone else?

James:
I have money, fame, and now the leadership role I’ve dreamed of for years at Starlight Studios is finally within my grasp. As long as I stay in line. Anyone would want to be in my shoes. But despite what the public believes, being a part of the Everett family acting dynasty isn’t all award shows and accolades. People only look at me for what they can get from me. Roles, connections, even just being seen in public with me is enough to boost someone’s image in Hollywood. It’s exhausting.

Then, I run into Kat… literally. She’s fun, feisty, and beautiful inside and out. Instead of wanting me for my name, she wants me for who I am. And she’s starting to make me question my father’s actions and his control over my career. The only problem? In order to get that promotion at my family’s film studio, I have to sign a relationship contract… with someone else. What we have is a bright spot in my life, but is it about to be extinguished?

(Summary from Goodreads)

Review/Thoughts:

This book started out strong with an interesting premise. It was really fun and light, but there unfortunately wasn’t much substance to it.

I struggled to connect with either of the main characters. Kat came off as whiny, and her constant self-pity was irritating. James, on the other hand, was forgettable.

The romance in this book happened way too fast for me. This book lacked the build up and that ended up with the relationship feeling forced and lacking chemistry.

The book’s pacing was a major issue. Many parts of this book were very slow and I started losing interest in the story. The second half, in particular, felt dragged out.

Overall, the book was fine. It wasn’t a terrible read, but a bit underwhelming.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.