Love, love, love. Nobody does whipsmart + funny + sexy like Katie Cotugno, and DAMN can she write a sentence. I can't remember the last time I paused in a romcom so many times to underline passages that gripped my ribcage or made me cackle out loud. Longer review and post to come closer to pub date, but safe to say her adult debut knocks it out of the park, and if you haven't read Cotugno yet because YA isn't your cup of tea, you've got a total treat coming with BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA. Fiona and Sam's story, the glimmering edges of Los Angeles, and a sweet sweet redemption song for women in the entertainment industry had me gulping this down in a single sitting.

Full pub day review:
“Dread surges up like groundwater until he can almost feel the squish of it underneath his feet[…]. Right away he’s worried he accidentally tweeted something offensive about little people or made a sex tape when he wasn’t paying attention.”
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Sam Fox is ancient history to Fiona St. James, just like the acting career she torpedoed via a series of spectacularly public breakdowns. When she took her leave of Hollywood she left behind everyone that was a part of that life, including the guy who played her brother on the flagship network dramedy Birds of California. So why is he walking through the door of her family’s printing business 8 years later?

Sam’s been coasting in showbiz since his teenage acting debut alongside Fiona, never quite making a big break but getting by just fine on his pretty face. When his current series gets canceled, his next paycheck might rely on his ability to convince Fiona out of hiding for a reboot of Birds—but the more difficult task will be getting her to trust him.
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Katie Cotugno is one of my favorite writers, by which I mean it was her work that clued my dumb 20-something brain in to the fact that a story could be a romance AND whipsmart + feminist, all at once. Girl will write a sentence that makes your neurons do a satisfied hum & in the same chapter, a pre-makeouts knee stroke so hot that you’re suddenly making a noise only certain species of bats can hear. I’ve gobbled every book/blog post/newsletter/etc she has written for 10+ years, & her version of love is always my favorite.

I fell for Fiona (prickly, delightful) from the jump, & though I dragged my heels on Sam, would now read the 1000-page prequel/sequel about he & Erin’s cheerfully mean friendship. Huge thanks to @harperperennial for this ARC. You can snag your copy of BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA from the shelf of your local bookstore TODAY!

While I loved the idea of this book and enjoyed a lot of aspects of it, there was something missing for me that would have made me love it.

The story presents itself as a book that takes place after the #MeToo movement in Hollywood, and focuses on the life of ex-child star Fiona as she navigates the potential reboot of her show, many years after it was canceled because of her wild-child behavior. Initially, this plot sparked my interest and I was fully prepared to read how Fiona’s story played into the #MeToo movement. However, we were never really introduced to this aspect of Fiona’s life until pretty close to the end of the book, and I think that was what was missing that would have made me love this book. I needed to read more about what happened after Erin’s series of articles came out, and how all of this played out for Fiona.

Now what I did really enjoy about this book was the chemistry between Fiona and Sam. I loved seeing how they progressed from teenage costars, to eventually each other’s love interest. They shared so many playful back and forth moments, and even a few steamy scenes. Their relationship was definitely the highlight of the book for me!

Overall, I would rate this 3.5/5 stars (round up to 4 stars for Goodreads and NetGalley). I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a cute romance with a bit of Hollywood flair.

Certainly a breezy read but I had some issues with it. I think the grumpy/sunshine pairing is not easy to do, and this book serves as an example. It isn't banter between Fiona and Sam. She comes across as rather mean-spirited and he just takes it. I think the storytelling withheld info from the reader so that there would be a reveal at the end, but it made for lots of moments that didn't quite make sense, and then the ending was rushed instead of a more thoughtful examination of the issues at hand. Even still, there were some very sweet moments.

Birds of California catches up with the stars of a fictional TV show by the same name, years after the show ends. This book has tons of romance but other plot lines about a possible reboot of the show. I figured out where the book was heading very early on, but I still couldn't put it down because I loved Sam and Fiona so much.

I am always all in on a book that is behind the scenes in fictional Hollywood. Fiona St. James is a former child star gone wild. Think Amanda Bynes, Lindsey Lohan, Bella Thorne the list is endless. She is now in her twenties and trying to get her life back when Sam Fox re-enters her life. Sam played her older brother in the beloved sitcom Birds of California. Think Full House, Boy Meets World or any #TGIF show in the 90s.
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Sparks fly unexpectedly between Sam and Fiona as talks of a reboot is in the works. Sam never knew what was behind Fiona’s public meltdown and when he finds out the truth it’s clear nothing is what it seems in Hollywood.
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Thank you @harperperennial for an advanced copy this book is out Tuesday.

Usually I take a ton of notes while reading a book and essentially have most of my review done by the time I finish it. In this case, however, I consumed the whole book without really taking notes. Even now that I’m done I am having a hard time explaining my experience with the book.

It wasn’t what I expected but I enjoyed it. While there were funny moments I’m not sure that I would categorize this as a romcom. I think it’s important to note that not a lot actually happens in the book. So much of this book was each of the main characters coming to terms with their own realities - both past and present. If you don’t enjoy this type of story, this is not the book for you.

I was really intrigued by the way the author paced this novel. That, paired with how so many things just lingered under the surface - hinted at but not explicitly stated - made me appreciate the book more than I would have if it hadn’t been crafted this way. Even though I predicted the “reveal” very early on - I felt like the author was very intentional in making it pretty obvious without necessarily focusing on the secret itself. Instead, the focus was on how that secret had so many repercussions in people’s lives.

There were various instances in which I had a clear understanding of why the main character was feeling the way they were. This book was a lesson on having compassion for others and not judging, as we may not have the whole story. It was definitely a commentary on the lasting impact that said judgment can have.

Overall, this felt like a timely piece as we navigate a world where someone like Britney Spears is finally sharing her story and past controversies are being reframed with the context of her experience. Similarly, this book encourages reflection on how we treat others and react based on assumptions rather than known facts.

*I encourage you to check trigger warnings prior to reading this book.

Former child star Fiona is offered a job reprising her role in the family show that made her famous. But she crashed and burned after her Hollywood career ended, and she has no desire to return to that world. Sam, who played her onscreen brother, wants to convince her to reconsider. His latest series has just been canceled, and he needs the money.

When they meet up again, they discover that their teenage infatuation is still alive. But Fiona can't be sure whether Sam is really interested in her or in getting her to agree to do the show. When he learns the truth about Fiona's breakdown, it changes everything. Can he be the man she needs to help her heal?

I loved this book. It's described as a rom com, but it's not. Think Taylor Jenkins Reid or Chanel Cleeton. Think #metoo.

This is an emotional book with well-developed characters, a powerful plot, and pacing that's on-point. Fiona is strong and understandably prickly, after the way she's been objectified since she was a teenager. Sam is sweet and charming, but a total goofball underneath that leading man façade. They really are perfect together, but they've got a lot of baggage to work through first.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Title: Birds of California
Author: Katie Cotugno
Publication: 4/26/2022
Genre: Romcom
My Rating: It was okay

In short: A reboot is being planned for a former popular show, Birds of California, the only problem is convincing the former star Fiona St James to join the project. After a spectacular crash and burn she disappeared from the limelight for a private life. Sam Fox, who was the star of the show, is struggling after his current show gets cancelled and needs this reboot. He gets Fiona to agree to have lunch with him and while trying to convince her to do the show something more grows between them.

My thoughts: This book started strong and I was really invested in the characters, their relationship and seeing what would develop. I loved the storyline of re-booting a favorite show and seeing the contrast of the characters then and now. I got bored though as the story continued to go along but never addressed the overshadowing issue of why Fiona left the limelight and acts the way she does until the 2nd to last chapter. The issue overshadowed the entire book but then was revealed at the last moment without any resolution. It left me wanting to know more and wishing it had been explored more.

I want to thank NetGally for an ARC of Birds of California by Katie Cotugno.

I rated this book 3 stars. This was my first time reading a book by Katie Cotugno. This book was okay, it is based around Fiona and Sam. They were on a tv show that got canceled called Birds of California. Fiona and Sam went different ways in terms of career paths. They then reconnected. This book is a modern day romance.

There was a lot I liked about this book but there was also a lot that was kind of just boring. Nothing really happened for a lot of the book and some of it felt very surface. I wanted more of a resolution in the grand scheme of things and I still have many questions. But my heart broke for Fiona and everything she went through with no real support system. And Sam was just a sweet, half clueless man that I couldn’t help but hope he did well in his life. I actually really liked the two of them together a lot. In the end, a quick read, but not one of may favorites by Katie.

Thank you NetGalley for this book ! This is literally of my top books this year. The author does such a great job at putting so much detail in this book. You would think it’s longer. I feel for this main character and the way we treat young celebrities is heartbreaking. I love the way she grows in this book. Please read this book you’re going to love it 💜💜

“Sparks fly and things get real in this sharply sexy and whip-smart romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a post #metoo Hollywood from New York Times bestselling author Katie Cotugno”

This was an addicting read with frustrating characters that you feel for. I think Katie is a phenomenal YA writer and parts of this read/felt a like a great YA trying to be an adult book. Now, since I am a frequent YA reader, this did not bother me as much but I can see it being an issue to others. I loved the setting, the romance and the idea of someone escaping Hollywood and the pressure to enter it again.

🥰really liked || 💋 some steam
🤟Hollywood, famous people, snarky heroine
📚The Comeback
🎶I Burned LA Down

I'll be honest, this book didn't sit right with me. It had the same tone and maturity as Katie Cotugno's previous young adult novels, just with more explicit sex sprinkled it. I didn't love it, and I wish it were elevated just a bit.

Read if you like romances with some steam; a pessimist snarky woman and her golden retriever himbo; books set in California; books about famous people; and lots and lots of snarky humor.

I am so terribly and desperately in love with this book. I found it so easy to get swept up in this story and feel invested in these characters lives. buuuuut I just wish the author would have given us a little more at the end…or maybe, dare i wish, a sequel!! I would even settle for a longer epilogue. I just feel like there was a lot that went unresolved and was left very open ended.

I don’t know this book just made me wish I could do yoga on the beach, drink some green juice and then maybe chase it down with a pina colada. So basically, it was a roller coaster of emotions.

Fiona is a former child star whose career imploded after a long string of high-profile incidents of "behaving badly" while her former co-star, Sam, is fighting to keep his celebrity after yet another project of his is cancelled. When the pair are approached to join a revival of their show, Fiona is adamant that she's out, while Sam jumps at the chance to bring back the hit show. Knowing that without Fiona, the show won't get the greenlight, Sam approaches Fiona to try to convince her that its in her best interest to revive her own career. But when his attempts to reconnect with her for the sake of the show turns into the possibility of a real relationship between them, they have to decide what's more important, and secrets about what happened in the past begin to threaten the future.

Birds of California is both a romantic comedy as much as it is a commentary on the post #metoo society and our obsession with celebrity - specifically exploiting their mistakes and humanity. Years after she allowed her career to implode, Fiona's still working to avoid the spotlight and reclaim her own identity and sense of self. But all her moves are still followed by the media, and both fans and critics approach her and demand photos while also making passive-aggressive comments about her to her face - behaving badly as if they own some slice of her for their own consumption and enjoyment. These incidents send her into a spiral and prevent her from enjoying life. On the flip side, Sam courts the press and celebrity, believing that it gives him an identity and a life worth living, so he begins chasing it. When he feels it slipping from his grasp, he becomes desperate to stay relevant in order to maintain the lifestyle he's become accustomed to living. The opposites-attract has never been more pronounced between them when the clear and obvious differences between how they chose to live their lives contradict their obvious chemistry. But resolution between them seems nearly impossible without each having to give up control or something they're desperate to maintain - their privacy or their celebrity - in favor of a chance at happiness together.

Original review at Smexy Books:

I had to go back and re-read the blurb for Birds of California about halfway through, because this is one of those cases where the marketing and the content don’t match. The promotional material refers to it as a “whip smart romantic comedy.” Whip smart, I will give it, but romantic comedy? No.

Birds of California is a novel about two actors who starred as kids on the television show by that name but went their separate ways as they neared adulthood. Sam, charismatic and attractive, left the show to pursue his acting career. Fiona went down in flames, attracting media attention as she self-sabotaged all over Hollywood until the show got cancelled mid-season. The book takes place years later when the head of the network and one of its adult stars decide to shoot a reboot. Sam has had some successes over the years, but his current show gets cancelled, leaving him with an expensive Tesla lease and no money. Fiona has been keeping her head down, evading attention and leading a reclusive life that involves keeping her clinically depressed father’s business afloat and taking care of her little sister. Since the show, she has received inpatient counseling and suffers from PTSD for reasons that aren’t clear until the end of the book. Sam needs the reboot, but Fiona flatly refuses to sign on.

For me, trying to figure out what Fiona went through overshadowed the slow build of the feelings between her and Sam. I got an inkling, but there is little to confirm my suspicions until deep into the book. She is prickly, defensive, and very self-aware. I thought the PTSD rep was good and appreciated the range of reactions and Fiona’s internal monologue. The book alternates between a close 3rd person view of both her and Sam. We see her thoughts, but we don’t know what is behind them. The concealment of what caused Fiona’s PTSD distracts from the slow building romance to the extent that I wasn’t as interested in whether they got together as I was in learning the truth. It builds a kind of suspense, but it also seems manufactured, given the window we have on Fiona’s other thoughts.

The characters both remember a kiss they shared at the last wrap party for Birds of California, and it seems like there is an attraction that was unexplored then. But the narrative does not make a great case for their relationship in the now. Sam is most convincing. Even though he seems a bit shallow, it’s his thoughts about Fiona that seem most caring. He struggles between his need for a paycheck and honoring Fiona’s wish to not do the reboot, despite not understanding her reasons. But he also puts up with a lot of verbal abuse from Fiona. Sure, it’s often said in a witty way, but I kept waiting for him to draw a line. You get the sense that this yet another defense mechanism, and maybe even her being dishonest with herself, but it doesn’t make for compelling romance.

We learn for certain what happened to Fiona at the end of the novel, but there are hints dropped starting about halfway through the novel. I understand why Fiona doesn’t tell Sam, and the moment she does is a signal of trust. We see Sam do a lot to earn that trust, and hopefully after the conclusion, she reciprocates.

CW: PTSD, clinical depression in father, sexual grooming, off-page sexual assault

Fiona St. James was child star of the hit show “Birds of California” until after several public incidents, her career as an actress was over. Years later, she helps her family’s printing business and has put her past behind her. Sam Fox who played Fiona’s older brother on the show, has hit rock bottom. His latest show is cancelled, he’s broke, and his mother is also ill. When his agent approaches him with the idea of “Bird of Paradise” reboot he is ecstatic, this may be the big break needs to save his career. The only catch, everyone needs to be on board, including Fiona St. James. Sam is tasked with trying to convince Fiona to take on the reboot which is harder than he thought. As the two spend more time together, they are both caught by surprise by the tension and passion between them. But there is things Sam does not know about Fiona’s past, the true reason for her public meltdown.

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The premise of the story immediately caught my attention, two Hollywood stars in a second chance romance. In the beginning I was not a fan of Sam given that at first his reasoning for reaching out to Fiona were completely selfish and for his benefit, but it was nice to read how their relationship changed and how slowly but surely Fiona is able to come out of her shell and find happiness. My heart broke for Fiona and everything she went through, and how it drastically affected her life. My main issue with this one was that I feel like at the end of this story we are left with A LOT of unanswered questions. There is one crucial situation to the plot that is briefly mentioned how is resolved but I really would have liked some more insight as to what happened afterwards, maybe even in an epilogue or something. I couldn’t fully connect with these two characters as well; I would have loved to see some more character development particularly on Sam’s part. I want to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This title will be released on April 26th, 2022.

Former teen TV actor Fiona St. James has kept hidden from the spotlight since the famous crash and burn that ended her career. Now years later, in the age of TV reboots, she is contacted to reprise her role. Meanwhile, Sam Fox, her TV brother learns his current show is being canceled. Sam is all for the reboot, but it’ll only happen if Fiona is on board. Can he convince her?

When I was starting this book, I thought I would be reading about the bad behavior of an actress, but it was so much more. Fiona’s character is deep and there are a lot of layers to her life even from when she was a teen. It actually made me sad and think of child stars like Britney Spears who had to grow up in the spotlight. How is it possible to know who wants to be with you for you or for your fame?

Learning about Fiona’s past and present through Sam’s eyes was interesting. Fiona questioned his motivation for wanting to hang out and even had me questioning it.

Letting us know that not everything on the surface or in the media is real or what it seems, this book was an impactful read!

Unfortunately this book felt a bit derivative of one of my favorite novels, The Comeback, but not nearly as good. I wanted to like this so much and although I don't take issue with the writing, I didn't really enjoy reading it. It was quick, which was good, but I felt like so much was lacking with the ending and the motivations behind the characters. I hope you have better luck!

Birds of California comes out next week on April 26, 2022 and you can purchase HERE.

"Why do all Goodwills smell the same?" he wonders out loud.

"Human dander and broken dreams," Fiona says glancing at him sidelong.

Birds of California is one of the better post-#MeToo showbiz-kids –grow-up-in-Hollywood novels.  Warm and inviting,with engaging characters who are enjoyable, it gets slightly dinged for pacing issues.

Fiona St. James was once the child star on the family dramedy The Birds of California, which combined the joys of ornithology with various issues surrounding growing up.  The show only lasted for four seasons, but Fiona is still an object of curiosity and sometimes has to battle back Twitter rumors that she’s died, especially as she took to the party scene when she was still a minor and went through a very public meltdown along the way. Her penchant for acting out and rebellion resulted in – among other things - her riding naked on the back of a lizard, leading to a media frenzy.  She doesn’t want to talk about it.  She’s in her late twenties now and is happily living her life out of the spotlight, working at her father’s print shop.  When her agent tries to get in touch with her, she ignores the call.

Sam Fox portrayed her brother on the show, and he’s eked out quite the life for himself, both in the Hollywood limelight and in several TV shows since then, becoming a minor heartthrob.  But after all of those highs, lows arrive. His last series was just cancelled, and his party lifestyle has resulted in an empty bank account.  His previous job went badly enough that his agent won’t take his calls. He’s currently jobless and prospectless, which causes him to agree to show up on a Birds of California reboot series.  The producers won’t agree to back a pilot for the show without Fiona, and since Fiona’s acting career has boiled down to taking community theater work, getting her to sign on will be quite a feat.

While Sam tries to convince Fiona to show up for the show, Fiona learns that the naturally comic Sam has secretly hidden dramatic ambitions that no sitcom role could scratch, and he learns that Fiona had a terrible reason for leaving Hollywood behind – and for breaking down.  But can Fiona trust Sam’s motives for getting the show together, and can Sam avoid letting the creature known as Hollywood swallow him up for good?

Birds of California is a good contemporary romance with a solid core and relatable/believable characters.  I loved Fiona a lot, although it takes a while for Sam to get over his oily behavior (there is a Big Downbeat moment where he has to reevaluate his behavior and realize what he’s lost in her).  The romance is a traditional enemies-to-friends-to-lovers slow-burn that’s engaging and involving, funny and touching, in equal amounts.  The way Fiona’s mental health crisis is handled worked for me, and I liked these completely flawed and messy and yet human people.

But the pacing toward the end of the book is definitely where it trips up, because everything happens at once.  This is one of those books that needed more time and pages to percolate its denouements, both of which drag the grade down.  But Birds of California is still a worthy if flawed piece of work.

Buy it at: Amazon, Audible or your local independent retailer
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