"She had the crowd in the palm of her hand but didn't seem to realize it."

This was a great rockstar romance. We follow Toni and Seb who are friends. When they had no one else on their side, they had the support of each other. Seb leaves town when he turns 18 by leaving 16 year old Toni behind. Toni was pursing her dream of playing music there out of no where she meets Seb. I liked everything about this book.

3.5 ⭐️

After Toni Bennette’s mother put her on a bus at age 12 to stay with her father to pursue her dream of being a star, Toni found solace from the first friend she made—Seb. They formulated a plan to get out of their situations, saved money to get out of the dodge until one night, Seb upped and left without her. 8 years later, Toni is called to audition for an up and coming girl band that happens to be managed by Seb. With finances right, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime. But, what about all the fame and stardom that come with it? Toni sure as hell didn’t want to be like her mom. And how does she face seeing Seb again?

Beautifully written, this story was about Toni’s music journey, the path she thought she wouldn’t take. And, while it was mainly about the band and music production, the second chance romance was a nice angle. Just wished there was more! The slow burn also killed me. The first 40% didn’t even have Toni in the band yet, and disclaimer: Toni and Seb didn’t kiss until probably 70% in. I did get a lot of Josie and the Pussycats and Jem and the Holograms vibes, and I loved those movies.

"Fame. It was everything she hated about the music business. She had grown to appreciate the rush of playing onstage for an adoring crowd, but she'd never thought of herself as the kind of girl to get stars in her eyes."

Do you remember the first concert you ever went to? Mine was Whitney Houston! I adored her and grew up on MTV, so when Whitney came to Champaign, Ill., my mom and aunts decided to make my 5-year-old dreams come true by taking me to see her. I'm including a picture from that concert of me dancing and clapping in the aisles, so swipe on over to see a baby Nicole.

Ever since reading Daisy Jones and The Six by Tara Jenkins Reid @tj , I've been craving another rock 'n roll band story, and The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes by @xio absolutely delivered! It's the story of Antonia "Toni" Bennette. When her performer mother decides to hit the road for her career and sends Toni off to live with her estranged father, Mo, in Borden, Pa., Toni's heart is shattered. Luckily, she befriends Sebastian "Seb" Quigley, who soon becomes a pivotal presence in her life.

Fast forward eight years, and Toni is all grown up, making a life for herself as a singer and guitarist in Philly, playing in small bars and emerging into the indie rock scene. Everything seems to be panning out, until her absent mom and Seb re-enter her life as she signs on with one of the newest, hottest all-girl bands on the rise, The Lillys.

I adored how this book was written. I loved the use of flashbacks, the ability to gain both Toni's and Sebastian's perspectives, and of course, all of the amazing rock 'n roll references and behind-the-scenes glimpses of what it's like to both record and perform with a band. The coming-of-age story Axelrod tells is heartwarming, and I also loved the friends-to-lovers romance and the idea of overcoming childhood trauma to re-emerge stronger and more determined than ever. I loved all of the main characters (they are all so well-developed and richly written!), and just like in Daisy Jones, I began to imagine The Lillys as a real-life band! Imagine my delight when I realized they have their own Instagram page AND that you can listen to one of The Lillys' songs, 'I Burn' ?!?

This is to be a book series, and I absolutely cannot wait for the second installment!! Eee, I'm so excited!

Thank you so much to @xioaxelrod @sourcebooks @letstalkbookspromo and @berittalksbooks for an amazing buddy read and an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review!

Perfect for fans of "Daisy Jones and the Six" looking for another deep dive into the music industry!

TGWSIHE is basically pure competence porn. It's so incredibly clear that this book was written by a talented musician without feeling heavy handed. Toni's insights and ear for production feel so natural and really serve to underscore her innate talent as a musician. It's a delight to watch her navigate complex feelings about her upbringing and be able to see herself as a human deserving of good things after a tough childhood. She's certainly jaded, but she's not spitting mad, and I loved that she could really see her mother for the person she is. I was so, so happy that when her mother asked for the very expensive guitar she'd given Toni back that Toni didn't crack and give it to her. It's really frustrating to me in books when adult children enable the bad behavior of their parents. Axelrod's writing is also really clear and precise, making it a super enjoyable read from a technical standpoint.

Two things made this a four star read for me. First, Candi is insufferable. And she's meant to be! But Sebastian is so preoccupied with """saving""" her thinking it's in the band's best interest when it is overwhelmingly clear that she is bringing the group down. I don't understand why she was allowed to be a wedge between the band members and between Seb and Toni for so long. Secondly, Sebastian really beats himself up over not a whole lot. He's convinced he's just like his abusive father based on basically nothing. Sebastian, baby: go to therapy.

I am not musical at all. Not one bit. But I just love movies and books about music and I was so excited to get a copy of The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes by @xioaxelrod . It is the story of Toni Bennett, a girl sent off by her rock star mom to live with her estranged father in a small town where she befriends Seb. Fast forward to Toni all grown up, resilient and determined, performing in the indie rock scene in Philadelphia when Seb re-enters her life right as she joins the hottest new all-female rock band, The Lillys.

This book was so well done and so clever. It is a coming of age story of moving forward despite childhood traumas, mixed together with a friends to lovers romance and the heartfelt story of the struggles of making it in the music industry, especially as a woman. The characters were so dynamic yet so flawed that I became so attached to this band and their relationships. The lines between reality and fiction quickly became blurred that I felt like I was reading the story of a real band. I absolutely loved the pop culture and musical references peppered throughout and after watching the interview by @whimsicalyme and @berittalksbooks of @xioaxelrod , I loved it even more hearing how the author was raised by music and so deliberately selected all of the cover songs referenced in the book. It is a series so I cannot wait to read about the other band members! They have their own Instagram account - @thelillysrock and a song on Spotify so I can get ready for the next book!

The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes is a second chance romance set in the musical world. Told from dual perspectives, Antonia (Toni) Bennett and Sebastian Quigley meet as teenagers in small-town Pennslyvania and bond over their shared passion for music. Nearly a decade after Seb skips town, they unexpectedly cross paths in Philly. Then Toni gets the chance to audition for the country's hottest new girl band... and one of their decision-makers just so happen to be Seb.

I really enjoyed The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes. Seb and Toni were both complex characters with a lot of baggage, but their chemistry was evident thanks to the dual POV. They're supported by a great cast of characters as well - from fellow band members to Yvette and Richie. I also love books that take me behind the scenes. In this instance, we get an insider's look at the band at the beginning of their musical career.

Pick this up if you enjoy... music-centred fiction, second chance romances and strong female characters. Now I know it's a series, I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the ARC - all opinions are my own.

Antonia "Toni" Bennett has a passion and talent for music. She doesn't have celebrity aspirations, like her mother, Mary, knowing the ego that comes with stardom and fame, but with a dream to produce music. When her mother leaves her in the middle-of-nowhere, Pennsylvania, 12-year-old Toni meets Sebastian "Seb" Quigley and a friendship quickly blossoms with over their shared love of music. However, their frienship quickly ends with Seb splits town at 18, leaving Toni behind. Now, 10 years after his departure, Toni finds herself at a life-changing audition for The Lillys, but face-to-face with the man who deserted her.

Written in third-person with alternating perspectives between Toni and Seb, this contemporary romance is for the music fans and fans of childhood/second-chance romances. The writing left me anticipating and wondering what happened in the time from Toni arriving to Bordon, PA to her living in Philly in her late-20s at the cusp of achieving her dream of being co-owner of the music studio The Phactory. We meet Toni and her small found-family while simultaneously meeting Seb and his found-family and learning more about why he left Bordon and Toni. This is a heart-wrenching story of family trauma, love, friendship, finding your self-confidence, and learning to love yourself. I'm so excited that this is the first book in the series and I cannot wait to continue getting to know these brilliant and flawed characters.

I have zero musical talent but I have found that I enjoy stories set in the music industry. I used to binge on episodes of VH1’s Behind the Music and Pop-Up Video for all the behind-the-scenes gossip and trivia (back in the kids-free days, when I had entire Saturdays to waste. Sigh.) Plus, I absolutely adored Daisy Jones and The Six.

The author grew up in the music industry wearing multiple hats as a recording artist, songwriter, and performer, so all the details in the story felt very authentic. Also, this is apparently the first book in a series, so we are introduced to a wide cast of intriguing characters in supporting roles.

Here’s a synopsis: Growing up, Antonia “Toni” Bennett's guitar was her only companion...until she met Sebastian Quick. Seb was a little older, a lot wiser, and he became Toni's way out, promising they'd escape their small town together. Then Seb turned 18 and split without looking back.

Now, Toni B is all grown up and making a name for herself in Philadelphia's indie rock scene. When a friend suggests she try out for the hottest new band in the country, the all-female rock band The Lillys, she decides to take a chance. She's in for a surprise when one of the decision-makers turns out to be none other than Seb. Toni can handle it. No problem. Or it wouldn't be if Seb didn't still hold a piece of her heart, not to mention the key to her future.

I can’t wait to see how the story plays out! (Pun intended.) Thank you @NetGalley @letstalkbookspromo @SourcebooksCasa for the advance copy.

I was not expecting to this book to be so great! It has taken me a week to find the words to write this review and express how this book affected me and how invested I became in the characters, the music and the romance.

Toni was an amazing character to get to know. I loved that the author didn't skimp on the details when it came to telling her story. I loved Toni! I felt for the little girl who only wanted her mom's attention and admiration. As the story progressed, I came to admire the young woman that little girl had become. Strong and independent yet vulnerable and still looking for that place where she belonged.

With the use of flashbacks and inner musings we get to know a little about Sebastian. He was the one stable presence in her life at a time when she was feeling a little bit lost and a lot unwanted. He became her rock and having him run out of town without a word, changed Toni. She had already watched her mom walk away without a second glance, so having him do the same devastated her. Which is why after almost a decade without a word from the guy, she is surprised to find herself face to face with him. But mostly, she finds herself acknowledging the fact that she still harbored feelings for him and will probably be working closely with him if she gets a spot in the band.

Although I loved the romance aspect of the story, I admit that this element was just the icing on the already decadent cake. It was a treat to read Toni and Seb's story and see their faltering connection grow deeper. I especially enjoyed the candid and intimate moments where they reconnected and came to realize that what they shared was real. It was sweet and exciting yet steamy and emotional. I loved it! ❤️

But mostly, I loved the writing. Xio Axelrod's words brought the music to life on the page--every note, harmony and arrangement--like nothing I've read before. I felt like I was right there with Toni at every mic night and every rehearsal. Believe me, it's not an easy feat for me NOT to put the romance center stage in a story, but this one made it so. Ultimately, it wasn't about the romance for me, it was about Toni's journey and her growth. And if she and Sebastian ended up together? Win-win all around!!

All in all, a fantastic story packed-full of emotions and a slow-burn romance that will leave you wanting more.

I have no words to express how this book left me. Toni was a survivor and even though the odds were against her she still succeeded. Seb left Toni in the dust as teenagers never thinking he would see her again. Life however is not always what you expect.
This book really hits everything I want in a book. Read in one sitting, drama, romance, second chances, life changing, among others.


** I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review**

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casa for my arc of this title. All opinions are my own.

One sentence review: I really enjoyed this behind the scenes look at the making of a rock band and the drama (and romance) that ensues.

Do you enjoy books about the music industry? I love them. I love that background look into what it takes to make it in a really cutthroat profession. I especially enjoy the books that focus not just on the stars, but on other musicians who make a living doing things off stage.

The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes does exactly this. The story centers around Toni, a musician who is making ends meet by performing at night and doing session jobs in the music studio. She has a great opportunity when she is asked to audition for the Lillys, an all women rock group who is having problems with their lead guitarist. Their manager also happens to be an old friend and former flame of Toni's.

My thoughts:
- The music aspect of this book is what I really enjoyed. I loved the behind the scenes look - in particular the parts that take place in the studio.
- I loved that the focus of the story was a rock band made up of women - not girls, but complex women.
- The author does a great job developing some great characters for what I'm assuming will become a series about this group.
- If the story has a weakness it is probably the romance. We get the back story but I guess I wanted a little more about how their current relationship develops.

If you love books about rock stars - this book is a great one. Although the romance aspect wasn't a complete home run for me, I did really enjoy this book and can't wait for what I hope are future books in this series.

<i>The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes</i> is part-ode to rock music, part-romance and a fantastic novel altogether. It's clear this was written by someone who not only knows music but loves music too, because that bleeds through in every part of the story. Toni Bennette (who has heard all the jokes about her name already) is someone who is trying to find her voice not just in who she is, but in the artist she can fully become, and when she encounters her former childhood friend Sebastian in the last place she expects, she's also confronted with the memory of what happened when he seemingly abandoned her (and their hometown) back when they were teenagers. But Toni's also dealing with a potential rise to fame and fortune too, and it turns out Seb's the de facto manager of the all-girl rock band who needs to bring in a possible replacement for a member who keeps making drama in the headlines. The second chance romance of it all was definitely very slow burn in comparison to other storylines, but when these two finally get together? Whew. Talk about a long time coming.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Toni Bennette is content with her recurring gig at a rundown bar in Philadelphia—it gives her a chance to sing and play but doesn’t push her (much) to be the center of attention. Her dream is to go into music production, and so she uses her talents to gain entrance in recording studios and to make connections behind the scenes.

Sebastian Quick is a sort of facilitator for the up-and-coming, all-female band The Lillys, and he’s struggling with the increasingly toxic relationships within the band. Seb, Candi, and Lilly formed the band, drawn together by a passion for music and by sheer talent. But Candi’s dedication to the lifestyle is spiraling, and Seb—who has assigned himself a job as her keeper—has been drawn into that downward trajectory, endangering the future of the band when they’re on the cusp of true success.

Toni and Seb are drawn together through a series of accidental meetings, and as the narrative unfolds, it flashes back on their shared childhood and on Seb’s betrayal of their dreams. Now, as The Lillys take steps to salvage their chances for greatness, Toni is drawn definitively back into Seb’s life, and he has to deal with the mistakes he made in the past.

This second-chance romance is more than just a romance. Axelrod builds a rich history for Toni and Seb, one that looks at the way the past can inform who people become, the temptations that cycle through people’s lives over and over again, and the ways that characters can seek redemption for past mistakes. I really appreciated the rich characters, the complexity of the book’s structure—that slow unveiling of the full story, and the vivid descriptions of music and what it means to these characters. As a reader, I was propelled forward by the plot but also by the way that easy, initial judgments are made more complex as the book continues, the ways that the characters surprise the reader and each other.

The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes brilliantly balances heavy and light content, some serious stories with a lovely romance. This is also the first book in Xio Axelrod’s The Lillys series, and I can’t wait to read about the other characters in the band!

This is one of those very rare books that actually deserve all the hype I've heard about it for what feels like forever.
It's well-written, creative, and has a great message about being confident in yourself. All told through the story of a woman who knows and loves music and is willing to put herself out there to get what she wants, even when it means having to face a past she'd rather forget.
The story of Antonia "Toni" Bennette is one of abandonment (physical and emotional), but she doesn't let that take over her life. She loves music. She's a great musician. She knows what she wants out of life, and she works hard to get it. When the stars align and the most popular up-and-coming band needs a new member just as her dream of owning a recording studio is within sight, she begins a journey of exploration that leads her to truly realize who she is and what she can do. The fact that all of this is accompanied by a very sweet second-chance love story with her teenage crush, is icing on the top. The cherry on top of that is the great relationship and support that the all-female band show for each other and the found family vibe that surrounds all their interactions.
This is a great summer read full of characters that I connected with, excellent romance, and a fantastic message. Definitely on my list of recommended beach reads. for this year.

Many very happy thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for granting my wish to read it!

A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL FAIRYTALE! I was fortunate enough to get to host an IG live with Xio Axelrod, she told me her friend describe the book as a rock ‘n’ roll fairytale so I decided I was going to steal it! It is a perfect description of this fabulous story!A sweet second chance romance set in the music world. Xio’s Love and knowledge of music really came through on the pages of this book. I’d venture to say it was almost a love story to music and the second chance romance took a backseat to that. Toni had a tough childhood, a mother who was obsessed with fame and a father who didn’t know how to deal with a teenage daughter. The one bright spot in her teenage years was her best friend Seb. Seb and Toni shared a passion for music and were planning to get out of the small town where they lived as soon as they could. But then Seb up and left without a word and Toni was left picking up the pieces. Years later Toni is working as a studio musician and performing in small venues when she once again crosses paths with Seb.

If you love music and love strong female characters then you’re going to love this book! Toni finds herself temporarily filling playing guitar in an all girls band and this was a major focus of the book. This also was probably my favorite part of the story. I really loved the dynamics and banter between the bandmembers. And I am super excited that this is part of a series and all the other band members will be getting their own stories! The audiobook was narrated by Alexander Cendese and Tamika Simone. I loved the dual narration and thought they did A fabulous job. I particularly loved Alexander’s version of Candy’s voice. This was a fabulous story with a lot of heart!

*** Big thank you to Sourcebooks Casa & Dreamscape Media for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

From start to finish, this book delivered! I loved Seb and Toni. Their complex relationship drew me into every page and I devoured every word. I also have to say how much I loved the band and the dynamic between all of the members. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting, unique, and delightful read. I'm already looking forward to the next in the series!

This book published May 4 and is a BOTM ADD ON! For me despite my love of mostly thrillers, I realized after this and Daisy Jones I'm also a fan of books about bands!! Especially a rocking all girl band!

The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes was about more than music though, it's about found family, second chance romance, and the fall out when a precious friend goes off the rails and becomes a stranger. The band known as The Lillys had to replace a member that they loved because she was drug and alcohol addicted and wanted ALL of the spotlight on her despite missing events and practices because she was high or passed out. The group had to make hard decisions and replaces her with Toni who’s had a tough childhood. She grew up over her father’s dive bar after her mother abandoned here there to follow her own music dreams.
I loved these characters and I'm so excited that this is a series!
I heard that the next book is about Kayla and I can't wait!!!
Obviously a must read....⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank @sourcebookscasa for my digital copy of the book to review!!

This book is a cute romance that is just in time for the summer.

The quick rundown: Toni and Seb were best friends growing up. They shared a love of music and a turbulent home life. The two plan to take over the world musically, until Seb ups and leaves Toni behind. Not a text, email, note by a carrier pigeon, I mean, nothing. Toni is a badass musician who gets a big break. But, who is in on the deal, you ask? You know who, Seb.

This book is about facing the past so we can move forward. It’s also about forgiveness, and not just forgiving others, but ourselves for staying stuck and not stepping out to do what we are meant to. Toni was a star, a very talented musician, who allowed her past to stifle her. It was nice to see the progression in her character. I am left wanting to know more about her parents, though. Overall, I thought it was a good book. It’s out now! Oh, and there’s music too from the Lillys! Check it out here.

I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and Sourcebooks for my honest review. Thank you!

Oh my, what an engrossing read. THE GIRL WITH STARS IN HER EYES by @xioaxelrod @sourcebookscasa is a wonderful mix of coming of age and second chances. I couldn’t put it down, and although I read it a week ago I am still thinking about the characters and longing to get back to them, as if they were characters in a tv series and I could just turn them back on (but I can’t).
It’s the story of Toni, who is dropped off by her mother to live with her deadbeat dad, while her mother leaves to follow her own career. Toni’s life with her Dad is not easy, but then she meets Seb, they become fast friends and play the guitar together, and make plans to leave the deadbeat town in PA as soon as they can. But then Seb turns 18 and leaves, without a trace, and without notifying Toni, and she’s heartbroken. A few years later Toni is out on her own, she’s in Philly, and she’s picking up random gigs to make money and a name for herself. When a famous female rock band recruits her to fill in for their lead guitarist for a while, Toni decides it may be a great way to be seen and accepts the job. Then the last thing she ever expected occurs, Seb, who just happens to be the bands manager. How does she handle this situation? All the pain, hurt and distrust she developed when he left her alone come roaring back, along with the crush and the deep feelings she’s always hid from him too. Will they be able to work together and work things out?

This is an amazing read that uniquely utilizes music and the music industry to tell a tale about friendship, growing up and following your dreams with the bonus of a second chance at love. Axelrod tells a wonderful tale that is not only inspiring but has characters that you fall in love with and really start to care about. This was a complete page turner and Xio’s writing is just lyrical and all consuming. I cannot wait for the next installment of The Lillys Saga, and I highly recommend picking this one up. I cant’t help but sing its praises. 5 star read.

4.5 Stars!!!

Wow. This book made me feel all the feelings. I felt so much for Toni, who was definitely dealt a rough hand in the parents department and is a little guarded and fame-shy because of it. She's a kickass, talented musician who is instantly likable and easy to root for as the book progresses. Seb is also kinda damaged but still ultimately a good person, trying to do the right thing at all times and carry the burden himself, even when it's not a burden he should have to bear. He definitely has his frustrating moments as the story progresses, but his obvious infatuation with Toni and their shared past is adorable and I was rooting for them pretty much as soon as they ran into each other again!

The rest of the bandmates were also very fascinating characters. I do wish we could get a little more on them, because they seem like totally awesome people! Candi, the antagonist, was...a lot. By the time we meet her, she is unreliable and unlikable to the point where as a reader I was kind of wondering why anyone was still willing to give her a chance. However, this was a great story, and I wish the Lillys were a real band so I could buy their album!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!