Kat; our sweet down on luck MFC. When all the dominos fall on her, the happiness of meeting a zombie background character is just want she needs.. until we find out he’s not a background character 🤭 being a PA for the bratty Branson, I’m not gonna lie everything he had her doing was kinda funny.. I don’t think I’d complain if that’s what I was getting paid to do… it could be worse💁🏼‍♀️
James; our MMC 🤍 swoon 🤌🏼 he was sweet, and perfection from the moment he stepped on the screen. Never once did you doubt how he felt for her even with the contract.. the oh-FISH-ically business was definitely my favorite part of the book🐟
The third act break up!? Oh wait, this book had none! 🤌🏼 I mean it did, but it wasn’t the cheesy you didn’t tell me something now I won’t talk to you for months and then regret it the entire time.. No, this one was a separate (but also not really) for growth in both careers! Ugh perfection 🤌🏼
This was such a cute easy lighthearted read!! I hope we get to see more of the family, i definitely can’t wait for a Romans story hopefully with a redhead spitfire?!?💀🤭🤭 and our beautiful Jill!? The relationship between the siblings was such a perfect united front 👌🏼

I loved this book! It is very rare that I find a book where I love everything about the main characters. Kat and James are likable, driven and willing to make the changes that need to be done in order to better themselves and their relationship.

I personally can’t believe that this is a debut novel! I am SO impressed!! Ivy’s storytelling and writing style is exactly what I love and I was surprised at the ease of which the story flowed. I was never bored and never wanted to skim past stuff. I was engaged the entire time.

The journey that Kat and James went on both individually and together was so satisfying. They aren’t needy or so wrapped up in themselves that they push the other to the side. They both realized their flaws and they make the changes that needed to be made so their relationship could survive.

Overall, I loved this story. If you are looking for light-hearted romance with a sparkling of spice, don’t hesitate to pick up this book!

Tropes:
Forbidden Romance
Hidden Identity
Movie Star
Secret Relationship
Insta Love

I truly wanted so badly to love this and the beginning showed so much potential. Unfortunately it really fell short for me in the second half. The story ended up feeling really rushed and towards the end the character development was confusing because we skipped the entire time period when they characters are supposed to be doing the work for that growth. I didn’t initially have an issue with them getting together quickly as I felt there was a lot that could be explored with their relationship but that never happened and so it felt like we rushed through the fun beginning/flirty stage and just straight to serious issues which then made the second half feel so slow. I had a hard time caring about James specifically but both of the main characters fell flat. Not a bad debut at all but it definitely felt like it needed more fleshing out.

This book is about an aspiring actress down on her luck. She’s just gotten out of a bad relationship and her career isn’t going how she wanted, so a friend of hers helps her get a job as a production assistant. In set she meets the star of the movie and doesn’t recognize him but it’s love (or lust) at first sight.
I so badly wanted to enjoy this book because the description is right up my alley but i just couldn’t connect with the characters and the plot felt a bit rushed to me. I got halfway through this book and felt so disconnected I couldn’t continue it and decided to dnf. I always believe in putting down a book you’re not enjoying. If you like fast-paced love stories this may be for you! It’s just personally not my cup of tea.

Happy Publishing Day!

James Everett was *mwah*, we're talking actor, billionaire, and oh-so-protective. The cherry on top? There are no thoughts in his mind, just blinding adoration and him fawning over her. Kat, the FMC, is witty and matches his energy. There's also a load of heart-melting fluff and fun banter.

"Stupid. Fucking. Pancakes.," he punctuates each word with a kiss.

the spice DID NOT disappoint. Since this was relatively fast-paced, I didnt have high hopes, but lord did it serve!

A NetGalley arc by Flower and Bear Books

4.5/5 ⭐️

- Secret Identity
- Secret relationship/forbidden romance
- Dual POV
- Meet-cute
- Rom-com vibes

This book was funny, romantic & cute, fast paced & had me hooked from the very beginning. This gave me 2000s rom-com vibes & I really enjoyed it! I still can’t believe this is a debut book because it didn’t read like one at all!

I loved the chemistry between James & Kat and the banter was so good. I love how much he cared for her & how supportive and encouraging he was with her. He really wanted her to see herself how he saw her & have confidence in who she was & how amazing she was. I really loved that. Kat was funny, quirky and I honestly saw a bit of myself in her in some moments in the story. If you enjoy tropes these tropes, I definitely recommend reading this!

Thank you to Ivy Dawes, Flowers & Bear Books and NetGalley for the ARC! This is my honest review!

After getting dropped by her agent and going through a nasty breakup, Kat Caplan is starting over with a new job working as a PA to a demanding jerk of an actor on the set of Starlight Studios' latest movie. After a chance meeting on set, she begins to fall for who she thinks is a kind and handsome background actor, only to receive a shock to find out that he's actually James Everett, the movie's other leading man. James needs this movie to be a success in order for his father to finally give him the leadership role he's always wanted at Starlight Studios. When a relationship contract with the film's leading lady becomes a condition for the promotion, can his fledgling relationship with Kat survive?

Starstruck is a sweet romance with plenty of spice and sizzling chemistry. Both James and Kat go on strong journeys of emotional growth throughout the story. Kat grows from an insecure woman who can't believe that someone like James would want to be with her, to a confident woman who knows her worth and is unafraid to ask for what she deserves. James has a complicated relationship with his family, particularly his father, due to the power he holds over him and the control that he exercises over his career. It is extremely powerful when he finally gains the courage to stand up and fight for what he wants.

The stage is set well for the forthcoming sequel featuring James's brother, Roman. There is enough mentioned in order to pique the reader's interest without making Starstruck feel incomplete, and I look forward to picking it up in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

James and Kat have an unconventional meet cute on a movie set and the tension between them builds and builds. James is supportive and protective over Kat helping to build up her self confidence. But his father isn't happy James isn't falling into line and is threatening to take away his position in the family company if James continues to see Kat. Laugh out loud banter, co-parenting of a blue and white fish, and a swoony romance Starstuck is a fast paced emotional read.

Dual POV, Spicy, Celebrity Romance, Actor x Aspiring Actress, Care Taking, Manipulative Parent

Starstruck by Ivy Dawes was everything I was hoping it would be.
I can’t believe this is her debut! Because she freaking killed it!
Romantic, delightful, and a captivating page turner!
This book had me gripped from the start… A great page turner that has you glued to the pages.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

First of all, I would like to thank Ivy Dawes, Netgalley, and Flower & Bear Books for the opportunity to read this book.

About:
Kat’s life in LA has hit rock bottom: she no longer has an agent and is dumped by her boyfriend. Her friend offers her an opportunity to be a Production Assistant (PA) for one of the leads in a movie produced through Starlight Studios. While onset she meets background actor who sparks something in her- she later finds the mysterious man is James Everett- and he is not only one of the leading stars in the film but is son of the owner of Starlight Studios. James has everything- money, fame and is in line to gain a leadership role at Starlight Studios IF he listens to his father and plays by his rules. However, things get complicated when one of the stipulations is that he must enter a fake relationship with the leading lady of the movie- forcing James to have to choose his career or undeniable attraction/budding relationship with Kat.

Review: Starstruck was entertaining, and I enjoyed reading this book- it is a romcom that is instalovely/a meet cute story. I loved the setting- Hollywood/Movie making scene. It reminds me of a Hallmark movie. I enjoyed the James’ character a lot- he was patient with Kat and wanted to do his best. Ivy did well with conveying his struggles with his family especially with his father. I felt that Kat could have been more understanding in certain circumstances. At the beginning of the book- she is down in the dumbs (which she has every right to be) however when giving James’s ultimatums when I did not see progression in her character growth- threw me off a little (example: it’s me or nothing- when more than half the book she was not as vocal or strong in expressing herself). We do see character growth near the end of the book for her. I loved the mental health rep scene where James is helping Kat overcome a panic attack. Overall I would recommend this book- it was enjoyable and it will be part of series!

I look forward to reading more from Ivy Dawes! I can’t wait to read Roman and Jill’s story.

Final rating - 3.25 ⭐️

I did enjoy this book more towards the end than I had in the beginning. The story is really cute and I liked all of the characters, tropes, and the ending. I found myself having a hard time getting through the first 60% of the book because of some of the writing felt unedited. It might have just been me, but in some parts it felt like it was there to hit a word count in a sentence. Then some of the plot points that happened occurred fairly quickly (like her ex storming into the apartment) and seemed a little jarring because when it was time for an in depth experience with it, it felt rushed to further along the story. That being said the writing felt and read better after the 60% mark and I started to really enjoy it. The love confession and reconciliation at the end was written really beautifully, but I just wish the beginning had the same feel to it. I’m sure if I wasn’t reading an arc I might have DNF’d 30-40% of the way in, but I’m glad I didn’t because the ending really was great. I think if there was one more editing round this book would have been a 4 ⭐️ for me. That being said I know the author is writing the siblings books as well and I look forward to reading Roman and Jill’s stories!

Thank you to Ivy Dawes, Netgalley, and Flower & Bear Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!

I loved this book, it was nothing short of dreamy. It had all the rom-com vibes!!

I wanted to pick it up because of the title, which is also the title of one of my favorite childhood movies!

I loved the plot and the characters! It felt like I was watching the story play out on a screen, instead of just reading it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves secret identities, secret workplace romances, and spicy, fast-paced romances.

This was such an amazing debut book! I was obsessed with the storyline and the characters (Kat and James), their chemistry was just amazing! It had me gripped from start to finish! Ended up reading the book in only a few sittings.

Thank-you to Flower&Bear Books and NetGalley for allowing me an early copy of this book. I will look out for more from Ivy Dawes in the future.

This book? It's like stepping into a time machine and landing smack dab in the middle of the Y2K rom-com era, and I mean that in the best possible way.

First off, can we talk about the chemistry between Kat and James? It's off the charts. Like, seriously, you can practically feel the sparks flying off the page. Dawes nailed it with these two. Their banter, their stolen glances - it's the stuff romance dreams are made of.

And can we take a moment to appreciate the hidden identity/secret relationship trope? Dawes flips it on its head and gives it a fresh spin that's so addictively good, you'll wonder why more authors aren't doing it. It's like finding a hidden gem in a sea of predictable plotlines.

Oh, and a heads up: this book is not holding back on the steam factor. We're talking open-door scenes that'll have you fanning yourself and reaching for a cold drink. But hey, it's all part of the fun, right?

In the end, "Starstruck" is one of those books you'll want to devour in one sitting, then immediately want to start all over again. With its lovable characters, addictive plot, and feel-good vibes, it's a rom-com gem that's sure to leave you starstruck. So do yourself a favor and grab a copy. Trust me, you won't regret it.

This was such a cute book, that made me think about romcoms (whick i love), and it made me like the book even more.
The tropes was a great yes to read this book, because i was craving this tropes, and they didn´t dissapoint me, i loved this so much.
Kat and James will have my heart forever.

Tropes:
- fake dating
- celebrity romance
- he falls first
- forbidden romance

I received an Arc copy in exchange of an honest review.

4/5 Stars Spice level 2.5/5

Tropes Include, but are not limited to:
Hidden Identity
Celebrity Love Interest
Dual POV
Secret Romance

Someone said that this was a perfect palate cleanser and I tend to agree.

Kat and James have good character arcs that are relatable to those of us that go through periods of self doubt and not knowing when to speak up for ourselves. Through an (almost) instant love, self doubts, meddling authority figures, and co-parenting a fish, these two find their way to becoming better people for themselves and each other.

A smooth read with spicy open door love scenes. I felt happy and optimistic reading it and overall it put a smile on my face and made me feel hopeful about love. Added bonus, the author did an excellent job of setting up curiosity seeds for the side characters to develop this series.

Thank you NetGalley and Flower & Bear Books for this arc.

The meet cute in this book was so cute and hilarious! Kat's healing journey, her increasing self-doubt, and her new anxiety stemming from her last relationship was so relatable. Her struggle to find herself before the relationship was amazing, and so inspiring. James' desire for parental approval was so sad and unfortunately relatable as well; his dad was so controlling and manipulative and just spiteful. We all knew his dad was not going to do anything for James without a benefit to him, and his dad had it coming for him!

In the end, Kat and James' chemistry was undeniable and off the charts. She refused to lessen herself for James, and he had to put in the work in HIMSELF so he could prove to himself that he deserved love and happiness as well.

Loved this book, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the next in the series!

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.*

Thanks to NetGalley, Flower and Bear Books and Ivy Dawes for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book was highly enjoyable - a sweet romp through Hollywood with an aspiring, down on her luck actress and a A lister leading man as they tackle challenges from Hollywood together and decipher their feelings. The romantic tension was palpable from the page they met, and it was fun to read about them as he falls first and harder. (One of my favorite tropes!)

This book definitely made me feel the feelings of first being in love, and I found that to be a fun addition - you know, the excitement of seeing them or hearing from them and being around them. Ivy Dawes does an excellent job of outlining these feelings and emotions throughout the process of falling in love, which was very fun. This was assisted by this book being a dual POV book, so that we saw and read about the thoughts and emotions of both leads.

This book handles some delicate topics really well, including the mental health representation. The FMC has a panic attack and the MMC helps to talk her through it until she feels better. It is beautifully written scene that really showed how much a support person and coping strategies can help someone in crisis. Not to mention, the MMC is just a really great communicator in general. Love that!

Trigger warning: Please note that there is an emotionally abusive parent in this book. The verbal and emotional abuse is pretty rampant throughout the book, so if this is upsetting, this may not be the read for you.

Overall, a fantastic read and debut novel. Read if you enjoy:
Celebrity Romance
Fake Dating
Secret Relationship
Found Family
He Falls First and Harder
Forbidden Romance

This book was so cute I adored the storyline and the characters so much!
It was a really quick and easy read and I loved how realistic it showed the entertainment industry can be.
This was my first book by this author and I will definitely be picking up further books released by her! Her writing makes it really easy to get into the storyline and get invested with the characters!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Ivy Dawes for giving me an arc to this book I thoroughly enjoyed it!