Cover Image: #Starstruck

#Starstruck

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Member Reviews

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book which I received through Netgalley.
Another amazing sweet romance story by Sariah Wilson. I loved the story of Chase and Zoe.

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Loved this one. I've become a huge fan of Wilson. Her stories are clean, but still have heat. I loved Chase he was so sweet and had such integrity. Zoe was was equally endearing and lovely. The pace was just write and as always I love Wilson't writing style. Can't wait to see what she writes next.

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Zoe Miller is an everyday person and Chase Covington is the hottest actor in Hollywood. One tweet later and Zoe's world is about to be turned upside down.

Sariah Wilson is starting to become a bit of a favorite author for me. I love the feminist discussions and that the MC had made a decision about her sexuality and didn't change her mind/was talked out of it by the hero. I also loved the tweets and texts.

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Ms. Wilson makes the impossible seem plausible. She blurs the line between fantasy and reality, while running away with your heart. #Startruck is a romantic dream. It blends witty dialogue, unbelievable situations and spine-tingling attraction to create an almost perfect modern day fairytale. Zoe has her feet planted firmly on the ground until a spur of the moment act has all eyes on her. The man of her secret dreams is about to rock her world. Chase resides in a world that thrives on fantasy, but his reality is quickly getting old and his heart is ready to get back to the real world. Sariah Wilson puts her heart on full display with each story she creates and that is why she is a favorite of mine.

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3.5 Stars

This is my first book by this author. I thought the story was pretty good, I liked the premise behind it. The only thing that bugged me was how very insecure Zoe is. Towards the end I was rolling my eyes at her for thinking the things she did about Chase. I just wanted to yell hey girl, stop it. I also wasn’t a very big fan of her bestie, she kinda rubbed me the wrong way. But besides that, it was a sweet story. Oh, this book is also PG. There’s no sexy times to be had, only kissing.

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Usually, I don't like books where someone is supposed to be famous. It's too hard to suspend one's disbelief about that. But the idea of someone catching someone's attention with one witty comment (in this case, through Twitter), despite a clamour for their attention from many other people, appealed to me, and I was pleased to be approved for this book.
It was to be a big disappointment. Zoe is one-dimensional and just a proxy for the reader to insert themselves into the story. The love interest is bland. The story is uninspired.
But what makes this book a huge no is the backwards attitudes displayed in it. Stereotypes about homosexuality. Misinformation about safe sex. Judgement about STDs and accidental pregnancy. Shaming her friend for having a sex life. Pushing an abstinence stance on the reader. Complete ignorance about modern feminism and historical feminist movements, as well as about feminists themselves. Bad representations of female friendship. It would be one thing is these were the attitudes of a flawed character or an unreliable narrator, but we're supposed to be fully on the protagonist's side in this case.
I'm pretty sure the bland nature of the main character was due to the author wanting a Mary-Sue onto which to project her own attitudes rather than any actual desire to create an original personality.
Avoid.

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Zoe Miller is just a normal college student and fan of movie star Chase Covington. Until one day everything changes when Chase responds to her tweet. As she gets to know him better she finds it harder and harder to keep herself from falling hard
for him.

I really liked Zoe as a narrator. She has her own struggles with self-image as most young women do, but it was refreshing to see how passionate she was about much in her life. She loves her friends, family, and working for a non-profit organization.

Chase complimented Zoe really well even though they come from vastly different backgrounds. He has a big heart, recognizes his own imperfections, and truly respects Zoe. I liked learning more about him and his past as the story progressed.

My one wish is that we had gotten to see a little bit of the story from Chase's perspective. His tweets that were interspersed throughout the book were fun, bit it would have been nice to get a little bit more of his thoughts.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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“You’ve done better.”

With one uncharacteristically sassy tweet to her longtime celebrity crush, Zoe Miller’s life turns upside down. Ultrahot A-lister Chase Covington doesn’t just respond to Zoe’s tweet, he does the unthinkable: he messages Zoe directly. Now she must decide between walking away or meeting her crush in person.

Chase knows better than to trust anyone from the Internet, but Zoe’s saucy challenge has totally caught his interest—and her girl-next-door personality is keeping it. He’s been burned enough to know he needs to keep his heart close. But his feelings for Zoe might be a lot more than just an online flirtation. He just has to convince her…

When the press gets wind of Zoe and Chase’s secret relationship, their romance turns into tabloid headlines. Will they be able to hold on to their Hollywood love story?

Zoe has been a fan of Chase Covington’s since she was 12 (he was just a teen actor at the time). When she responds to one of Chase’s tweets and lets him know that one of his movies was sub-par, it catches Chase’s attention. They start to converse via direct message and ending up meeting. After an incident with a bowling ball and his PA, Zoe becomes his personal assistant. She’s not sure how she’ll do it as she is in her last semester of college, takes care of her brothers and sisters when needed and has an internship at a foundation as well. Chase makes it easy on her and they spend a surprising amount of time together.

The more time that Chase and Zoe spend together the closer they become although at times Zoe’s not sure what Chase’s intentions are. They seem to be on dates at times, but he never kisses her. He seems to have no problem with the fact that she’s celibate and waiting for marriage, but is that what’s holding him back? When a question of trust comes up between Zoe and Chase neither one is sure they can trust the other to be in their life for the long haul.

This was a very cute and sweet story. I really liked Wilson’s writing style and her sense of humor. She made me laugh on more than one occasion and I loved that.

Zoe was a great girl and I really liked her. She tried to be the best person she could be. She was so good with her younger siblings and I loved seeing them interact. She kept her relationship with Chase a secret from her best friend and roommate, Lexi, which I had mixed feelings about. They didn’t seem like they would have a relationship where they would keep secrets but I kind of understood Zoe’s insecurities and thoughts that Chase might choose Lexi instead. I didn’t think he would be I got that a young girl might think that way. It did kind of annoy me that she kept thinking of him as Chase Covington for such a long time rather than just Chase. I guess that goes with the title of the book so I tried to let it slide when it happened.

Chase was a nice person. He said he hadn’t always been but the person he was at the time of this story was kind and for an A-list star, pretty down to earth. He did have one moment in the book where I wanted to hit him, hard, but he made up for that in the end. :)

Overall the book was cute and fun and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Rating: 4 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on Book Binge.
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With one snarky tweet to a celebrity crush, Zoe's life turns crazy. Not only does the celeb crush Chase Covington respond to her tweet, he messages her directly as well. Now she has to decide whether to keep him as a fantasy crush or meet him in person.

Zoe's tweet catches Chase's attention and her personality keeps it. The press catches wind of their secret relationship and it's all over the tabloids. Will they be able to keep their romance together?

So I definitely needed a cute romance read because I've read a lot of dark and heavy things. This one had me intrigued. It's a situation I'm sure we all dreamed of happening to us as teenagers. This seemed along the lines of a Kasie West book (she's one of my faves❤) and I needed a spirit cleanse from all the sad parts in the other books I've read (the ending of Wintersong killed me😢).

This is such an adorably cute read, I highly recommend it!

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Fantastic, sweet, lovely story of falling in love. These characters were full of tension and exceptionally well rounded. Must read!

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I received a copy of #Starstruck by Sariah Wilson from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was intrigued initially by the summary and am happy to report that the book did not disappoint.

Yes, the plot was a little predictable and the female lead character, Zoe, made me want to throw my hands up at times with her low self confidence (never attractive to repeatedly dog on oneself), but it was a fun read - and a quick read. The banter (including Twitter and text exchanges) between the main characters was amusing and actually made me laugh out loud a few times.

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Starstruck,  Sariah Wilson


Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction (Adult) , Romance

I'd enjoyed Sariah's first Monterra novel, didn't like the second much, so I had mixed feelings about this read. I enjoyed it pretty much as the first Monterra one, funny dialogue but a few issues with plot.

Zoe's a great girl, I loved her younger siblings, when she was with them there were some great times, typical kid centred humour, and when Chase joined them, that day at the beach for instance, I really had fun reading about them and it tightened the connection between him and Zoe.
I did think given the * star * Chase is there would be more fan issues and more of the paparazzi out to photo him. Usually a Mystery Woman sighting would send them into a frenzy, but it seemed very muted.
Chase too is a great guy, he's very genuine, been in the business sometime, and is jaded from the usual people who surround him. Apart from a couple of close friends he feels everyone wants something from him, tells him what they think he wants to hear and not what they really feel. That must happen a lot, its the nature of fame sadly. He makes a change too from the usual I Am Important film star/rock star type. Its good to see someone who can see through the fakers, and who values his good friends.
When That Event comes, the Big Split drama, I understood how he felt even as I felt so sad for Zoe. We are shaped by our pasts, what happens back then does influence how we act, speak, feel now, and this was a perfect example from both sides.

The things that stopped this from being five star were those issues, plus the huge one of Zoe and her friend. Would she really have been like that with a friend she'd had since childhood? I know she was making excuses to herself, but its something that we could see was going to cause huge issues when revealed. I didn't think she would have acted that way, it wasn't in her nature. It just felt wrong to me, jarred from the very first and was such a major part of the book.
Still, it does provide for some fabulous drama, and I adore all that and the angst that comes with it. The fallout was perfect, gave me all the sadness and grief I love to wallow in.... but I so wish the catalyst had been different.
I didn't see the other big trigger event, noted it when it happened but it was slid in so deftly that I'd forgotten about it until the big bang so to speak. That was perfect, exactly how I love drama, when things come up that either I'd forgotten or didn't know so it comes as a surprise.

Stars: 4, a really fun read, full terrific characters, and with the exceptions I've mentioned, felt very real.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and publishers

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Things I love that this book included:
- Jeopardy!
- chat bubbles and social media posts
- baking
- discussions about feminism
- introverts
- Hallmark/cheesy romcom movies

#Starstruck was the perfect pick-me-up read. The romance was really cute and the characters were funny and well written. Zoe is a witty and relatable character, but she still has her flaws. One thing I really appreciated about this book was that the characters are more self-aware than seen in typical romance novels. The male love interest is usually a jerk that shames women, even though they claim to respect women. Chase never criticized Zoe's choices and he always treated her with respect. I also always appreciate more feminism in romance novels. I would've liked a bit more interaction with the side characters (One-F sounded intriguing and I liked reading about Lexi and Gavin), but since this says #Lovestruck, #1 on Goodreads, maybe this means we'll be getting companion novels about the minor characters in the future. Either way, I will probably read whatever comes next in the series.

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This was the first book I have ever read by this author and I am so glad I saw this gem and requested it. This book was amazing, I loved every part of it...it made me laugh, cry, and angry in parts. It even tore my heart out at one point...then dusted it off and bandaged it back together.

I loved the whole Twitter aspect of this book, it brought an element of real ness to the book. As hard as that is to believe...with all the social media outlets this was a very ingenious way to incorporate reality into the fictional world the author has created.

I can’t express how much I LOVE the characteristic traits for Zoe...the whole celibate angle is one you don’t see in books, especially romance novels. As an avid reader of romance we tend to get pulled into a book the hotter the sex scenes, but this book had no sex scenes, there was an element of steam and certainly a whole load of sexual tension but that made this book so much better (and believe me I am all for the raunchy reads). Then there was Chase...I fell I love with his character from the first tweet.

I HIGHLY recommend this book and have already been telling friends to read this even before I finished it myself.

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I love to read a good romance and this certainly fits the bill. Chase and Zoe were such a great fit as a couple, they both had some insecurities that they had to address. Chase was just perfect he was so romantic towards Zoe, he was so patient and loving, as was she, their honesty from the beginning was refreshing. I absolutely loved this modern twist on a hollywood romance. I also have to mention the kids they were brilliant especially the adorable Zia. Overall a swoon worthy (clean) funny, realistic romance definitely worth a read.
#Starstruck #NetGalley

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Oh, My. Goodness. Read this book. BUY this book. I can't remember the last time I read a book that I enjoyed THIS much. It was cute, adorable, swoon-worthy, everything. It's every girl's dream come to life: your celebrity crush takes notice of you. I mean, just that aspect of the plot was all I needed to be sold on it. But it gets better: the actual celebrity is just... sigh. I don't fall in love with characters in books too often, but Chase Covington changed that. He comes off a little strong at first, a little odd, and, to be honest, almost a little creepy/weird. After all, he doesn't know Zoe. At all. Perhaps the world has jaded me. Read his words as they're intended to be: flirting. Strong flirting, and from a guy who's grown up in the spotlight and probably doesn't get told no (or "don't be weird") too often.
I thought Zoe was adorably awkward and I loved it. Seriously, you could practically feel the awkward moments that she had. Fabulous writing and story telling, truly. And I loved the celibacy plot. Especially because Zoe's in college. It was just freshing to read a romance book where it wasn't all about sex. Chemistry, relationships were built. Even though the beginning felt rushed, the other 90% did not.
Lexi was such a great supporting character. I do wish Zoe had told Lexi sooner, but, you know, can't have everything your way. I felt like she was a good compliment to Zoe. Same with Zoe's family. They added a cute depth to Zoe and the story.
I don't know what else to say without spoiling it other than, I seriously can't recommend this book more. If you're looking for an adorable, quick, clean, near-perfect read, look no further. As for me, I'll be reading everything else by this author. And possibly re-reading #Starstruck.

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If you've ever wanted to read a book that puts a big ol' smile on your face, aka PERMAGRIN, this is the one you should grab right now. I absolutely LOVE Sariah Wilson's books. She always has great characters who are witty and spunky, down to earth, sassy, loving, forgiving, a good friend and so much more. This book had it all with these characters.

Zoe and her best friend Lexi are the biggest fans, and I mean, completely over the moon and creators of his fan club (well not really but you get the idea), biggest fans of Chase Covington. They know everything about him and have promised they would meet him someday. Zoe follows him on Twitter and even has her handle as a shout out to him. So when he tweets and asks for everyone's opinion on his latest movie (which by the way, according to Zoe was awful) she can't help but lay the honest truth at his feet. #you'vedonebetter. OUCH! Well, little did Zoe know that her complete honesty would lead to the most #amazing and #surreal experience of her life. Meeting Chase Covington. And let me tell you that they're meeting was #heartpounding!

Can I just say that the use of Twitter in this book was so stinking fun! Every time I knew a tweet was coming (or didn't) I couldn't help but instantly smile. Instant reaction because every single one was so fun. #happy I kept reading reviews from friends who had an advanced copy and knowing that our tastes were pretty similar, it really made me very excited to read this book. I searched NetGalley and found it was available, instantly requested it and waited, and waited and waited. I don't usually go snag books on release day unless it's one I've been anticipating or a sequel in a series that I absolutely love. Well, I'm here to say that the night before I had pretty much decided I was going to go use the magical one click button and read this book. Woke up, started to clear out my email, and gave a little squeal. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee..... I won the Goodreads giveaway for a kindle copy of this book!!!! *commence Carlton dance* The permagrin started long before I started reading the book my friends, long before. Then to make it even better, later that day I was granted a copy from NetGalley. Ha! As another friend said, I guess it was meant to be that I read this book. But even if I hadn't won or been given a copy, I would have snagged my own. That's how much I love Sariah's books! If you haven't read them and enjoy fantastically written humor and romance, stop reading this and do yourself a favor, go get it and enjoy the real thing and not my paltry ramblings for how good it is!

I want to start at the beginning and tell you EVERYTHING about this book, all those funny scenes, the butterfly inducing scenes, the swoony scenes. All of it! But I won't because the book is so much better than me trying to tell you all about it.

Their first meeting. Zoe's disbelief that it could even be real. I mean, come on, she's just an average (awesome) girl. He's like the most eligible bachelor and mega movie star of the world. Pssshhh, like he'd even notice her, especially after her tweet.

#whatwasshethinking? #thespiceisreal #needmesomecookies #sunscreenanyone #babysittingisthebestdateever #luvmesomeCHEESE #zomo #Ilovejeopardy
#littlehouseontheprairie #bestfriendsarethebest #truelove #eatfishtheyareyummy

I know, most of those probably make no sense, unless you've read the book. If you have, I am so calling you out on the smile I see on your face right now. Don't try to hide it, it's real. #PERMAGRIN This is definitely one of those books that I want to go back and reread right away and again and again and again. You get the idea.

Here's a couple quotes for your enjoyment and to pique your interest...

"I'm sorry I broke your friend," I told Chase. All I kept thinking about was that scene from Dirty Dancing where Baby was trying to act cool and impress Johnny and went to that party and blurted out, "I carried a watermelon!" and then beat herself up afterward for saying something so stupid. That was how I felt. It was my "I carried a watermelon" moment.

"Careful! Don't brand me with [the curling iron]." "You must really like this guy. I've never seen you so clumsy. You are completely and totally twitterpated." If only she knew how on the nose her proclamation was, given that Chase and I had met on Twitter.

I don't ever want to get you out of my system

I have so many more quotes but I just can't bring myself to share them because they'll spoil all the fun surprises you have waiting for you within the pages of this book. Seriously go read it, you'll thank me, but most importantly, you'll thank Sariah Wilson (and then quite possibly be hooked on her writing). Last thing before I end my review, I love Jeopardy and will never watch it again without #Starstruck running through my mind! #happycontentedsigh

Content: Clean. Zoe has a women's rights class and they talk about abstinence verses being free and having sex. Throughout the book Zoe talks about her choice to be abstinent until marriage while a couple other characters are not. Nothing graphic is discussed but there are some very mild innuendos scattered throughout the book. A couple spends the night together in the same room but nothing happens. Kissing and a couple make out scenes, but again nothing further than kissing.

My own personal copy I won through a Goodreads giveaway and a copy from the publisher, Montlake Romance, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

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I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I honestly went back and forth in regards to my feelings.

This book appeals to the fan girl in all of us. It was a fun read that me escape into the old day dream of my favorite star falling head over heals over me which was a standard fantasy when I was a tween (and maybe a little older). I got swept up by the fairy tale of it.

What I didn't like was that some of the humor really misses the mark and is more mean spirited than funny in places and the author has some misguided things to say about feminism and sexual positivism. That all took me out of the story repeatedly and made it hard at times to root for a main character that was that mouthpiece of these views.

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Sweet, fun, clean romance!

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I need to go back through all of my previously rated books and compare them to this one - this is truly a 5++++! I have read several other books by this author and I have just added her to my list of one to follow! This book was AMAZING! I will encourage my own teenage daughter to read it - it is clean and shows girls to hold out for Mr Right, be true to yourself and your beliefs. I will be reading this book again!

Two of my favorite parts from this book:
Quote - "Happiness doesn't leave scars"

Nod to the author's other books - “How about Marry Me? I love that show.” Lexi scrolled through our DVR with the remote. “Nah. They haven’t had a good season since they had those Monterran princes on it.”

I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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