Slowly but surely, this story gives you a background on both main characters in a very organic way, with both of them opening up to each other. One of the things that was a bit over the top was Naomi’s meddling mother, and I only wish Naomi would have stood up to her long before she did, but when she did, it was quite satisfying. Naomi grows before the reader’s eyes as she finally begins to stand up to both her mother and Chance.
A nice read by another new-to-me author, and I look forward to reading more from her and definitely going back for the first book in the series.

Chance Colburn is learning just how difficult it is to say sober and make a comeback, but he knows that his deal with Clay Benedict’s Shooting Stars label may be his last chance. His star status in the country music world was not just dimmed; it was almost obliterated by his self-destructive behavior that included DUI charges, an arrest for public drunkenness and indecency after a nudie stroll down a Nashville street in broad daylight, and other offenses that lost him two record contracts in less than six months and made him country music’s biggest scandal since George Jones claimed headlines. But Chance has a year of sobriety behind him along with a ninety-day stint in rehab and four months in a sober living facility. He is set to cut his first record on the Shooting Stars label in a month. But first he has to find a way to end his songwriting drought and to get along with his label’s PR director, who has a very good reason to loathe him.

Naomi Mallard may have no choice about working with Chance Colburn, but no apology from him can wipe out the heartbreak he dealt her seven years earlier. Deeply in love with Chance and thinking about a forever with him, she caught him in bed with her boss, her twenty-year older, infamous boss. Naomi may tell herself that she is over the pain and anger, but one meeting with Chance brings it all back—the emotions he awakened in her and the devastation of his betrayal. She will be professional in her dealings with him, doing all she can to see that his reboot is successful because it is in the best interests of the label, but their relationship will remain strictly business

When an unexpected meeting at a local club exposes Naomi’s current boyfriend for the scum he is, Chance becomes her protector. As they begin to spend time together, it is clear to both of them that they still have feelings for one another. When a vulnerable Chance allows Naomi past his defensive walls, it looks as if they can make their relationship work this time. But Chance’s demons are deeply rooted, and when a crisis confronts them, his distrust drives Naomi away. An HEA seems an impossibility for this couple.

Falling Star, the second novel in Terri Osburn’s Nashville-based Shooting Stars series, is a darker, more intensely emotional tale than Rising Star, the story that introduced the series. Naomi is a sympathetic character from the beginning, and I found her more appealing as the story developed, showing her strong enough to forgive and strong enough to survive another, different kind of betrayal. Chance is more complicated and less sympathetic at times. His inner darkness has multiple layers, and Osburn does not simplify his battle with alcoholism. She shows that any victory in that arena is one that must be won again and again.

Reunited lovers and redemption tales are tropes that generally prove irresistible for me. Finding them combined in a single story with protagonists who are flawed, interesting, and believable pretty much ensured that I would love this novel. I’m a country music fan, making the setting another plus, and Osburn’s affection for Nashville came through clearly and added to the appeal. So does a strong cast of secondary characters. Fans of the first book will be pleased that Dylan and Charley make an appearance, and Shooting Stars owner Clay Benedict and Chance’s manager and step-sister Shelly Needham will leave readers eager for their stories. Two other things made Falling Star an extraordinary read for me. (1)The grovel scene is a winner because it exacts a cost and because it is not an instant fairy-tale fade to an HEA. (2) The villain gets what he deserves, no more and no less.

If you like contemporary romance with a country beat, a generous amount of angst, and characters who will linger in your memory, I highly recommend this book.
~Janga for The Romance Dish
4.5 Stars

This is more about a country music star's road to fame after admitting he is an alcoholic, than a romance. There is romance, but it takes a back seat. And there is a colder tone to the book. I didn't care for it

This is the second book in the author’s rising star series. I must say I liked this book as much as I liked the first book. The female character Naomi Mallard is a PR manager for shooting stars records, and she is their go to women to fix whatever or whom is the problem. Her problem is Chance Colburn who after a stint in rehab is trying to get his career back on track, but he has not been able to write anything for the upcoming recording session and he is beginning to worry. He has never been able to write a song, which is what he is known for, well that and drinking, getting arrested and you get the idea. Now showing up at a honk tonk listening to music and being with a friend. He sees the one person that he messed up with and is wondering if there would be any way he could fix it with her. Naomi is at the bar because her new boyfriend singer is playing singing that night. When she spots Chance she is worried that he is drinking and goes to confront him and when the music stops after one song for a break and Chance does like the way he grabbed her and now has him up against the wall. Naomi ever the fixer, gets Chance out and fixes this one. The story takes off from her and you realize there is more to their story. Like Carly Pearce song “Hide the Wine”, there’s not enough good wine or cheap wine for this story because they are drawn to each other like a long slow drink. It is not until Chance faces his demons of his childhood that he begins to make progress with her and he still might lose her. One thing though he is writing, which is more important the music or the girl? Read this wonderful book and find out. I like the characters in this book also.

This was such a cute book by Terri Osburn. As someone who have loved some of her previous books, I enjoyed this one. It's not my favorite from her but it's definitely not bad either.

As a PR manager for Shooting Stars, Naomi is good at fixing problems, but she faces her biggest challenge yet when she takes on country music bad boy Chance Colburn. Even worse, it's not easy for Naomi to be around Chance since they were once involved until he broke her heart. Luckily though, Naomi is a professional and willing to do everything she can to keep him out of trouble. However, when something happens that will bring these two closer together, will Chance be able to win Naomi back or will they lose their second chance at happy ever after?

What an absolutely entertaining, fast-paced, wonderful read Ms. Osburn has penned in this second book of her Shooting Stars series where the hero has been through tough times, but is now starting to get his life back on track; the heroine is determined to keep things professional while doing her best to help the hero stay on track and get back to what he does best -- write and perform music; and the obstacles this couple face are tough, but had me loving the hero's determination to fight his addiction and the heroine's willingness to help the hero despite the fact that he broke her heart badly years ago. What will it take to help the hero to start writing songs again?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and this couple's past history where the hero really hurt the heroine by what he did. Why did he have to do the one thing that Naomi might never forgive him for? Moreover, the heroine is strong, brave and I liked her determination to keep things strictly professional when it comes to dealing with the hero, even though there's still so much chemistry between them that seems impossible to ignore. I also liked how the heroine deals with everything she faces, especially when it comes to facing off against the hero's manager. What is the woman's deal? Why does she have such a dislike towards the heroine?

While the hero, he has so much to make right in both his personal and professional lives. Will he be able to get his music career back on track? Will he be able to make things right with the heroine? However, in saying that, he's a fighter and I liked the battles he faces when it comes to his addiction because he's determined not to fall back on old habits, even though it's hard sometimes. I also liked how the heroine inspires the hero when it comes to the songs he writes. The words are splendid and show that the heroine is good for him. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was how protective he was of Naomi, even though his protective instincts could get him into trouble if he's not careful, which is proven by what he does for her.

Overall, Ms. Osburn has delivered another great read for this series where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance was delightful and had me loving this couple together; and the ending left me completely satisfied by the hero's determination to fight for his relationship with the heroine because they deserve a second chance. I would recommend Falling Star by Terri Osburn, if you enjoy second chance romances or books by authors Jamie Beck, Catherine Bybee, Jill Sanders and Kim Law.

Before I get into Falling Star, I have to do a PSA. I’m not a fan of authors writing abuse into their stories. If an author or publisher chooses to include abuse in their stories, I think they owe it to the character, readers, and themselves to acknowledge that this is wrong and to mention ways for someone being abused to get help. In Falling Star, Naomi is abused by someone and she chooses not to report it. I can’t stress enough how this sends the wrong message. End of PSA.

I’m one of those fans who falls in love with one series of an author’s and then compares all their other stories and series to my favorite one. I loved Terri’s Anchor Island series. In my mind, no other books could be as good as those. I was wrong. Her Shooting Stars series is easily becoming a favorite as well.

Clay Benedict, founder and executive of Shooting Stars Records, has just signed the second artist to the label. Chance Colburn isn’t a newbie to Nashville or the record business. He’s a thirty-two-year-old recovering alcoholic and fallen star trying to make a comeback. Put in charge of making him look good to the world is Shooting Star’s PR manager Naomi Mallard. Naomi is extremely good at her job. However, her skills, patience, and heart are going to be put to the test when she has to work with Chance, the man who broke her heart seven years previously.

Chance is a man who knows what demons are and what they can do to your life. He’s been running from his demons pretty much his whole life. To a certain extent, he still hasn’t truly faced them. All of that is about to change. But before his demons can be slayed, Chance and Naomi are going to be pushed to their limits.

I have no words to express how much I loved Falling Star and the characters of Naomi and Chance. These two are truly good together and for each other. This is a second chance romance with characters who truly deserve a second chance. Their time apart allowed them to grow, mature, and truly become people who could offer someone forever.

I loved that Terri didn’t shy away from the struggles of being an alcoholic and what a person and family going through the disease goes through. I also loved that this was a story about reconnecting on an emotional and psychological level, with sex being a goal, but not happening until 75% into the book.

If you’re looking for a story about second chance love and characters you can easily fall in love with, then Falling Star is definitely a must read. While this is the second book in the Shooting Stars series, it is a standalone read.

I couldn't finish this book. I tried but it didn't draw me in. Plus I tried to read it as a standalone but I felt way too lost. The fact that it couldn't draw me in didn't make me rush to read the first one. If it had and I read the first one maybe this one would have gone better for me but it didn't unfortunately.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series. I would recommend that you read Rising Star first as the underlying plot is ongoing, and we do meet up again with Dylan and Charley.

Chance has come out of rehab and needs to satisfy his new record contract with songs for his album... but along with the drink has gone his muse. When he discovers that his ‘one that got away,’ Naomi, is his label's PR guru, he cannot believe he is going to have to work with her. Naomi's memories of their breakup are raw too, so they both have a big task ahead. I really liked this setup, and as we learn why he did what he did and as Naomi does too, then we just have to trust that Ms. Osburn will manage to wrangle things so they work out by the end. The journey is a good one, with some difficult issues tackled, and some really insightful points about addiction, love, hope, and trust.

There were some important characters who acted as foils to the story, and gave us a less biased view of the couple and their possible romance. The book also deals really well with a number of difficult issues that arise from rehabilitating a country music star to where he belonged. It was good to see Dylan doing well, and the promise of more romance at Shooting Stars records.

Loved this book of second chances!! Chance is trying to make a comeback in the country music and is a recovering alcoholic. Plus he might just get a second chance of love with Naomi. Naomi is a fixer, she is the PR manager of Shooting Stars and has a history with Chance, professionally and romantically.

Chance has lived a hard life but his a survivor, but can such a butt head. He made me so mad at times. Naomi is a fixer and wants to keep everything professional but her heart leads her to romance. Loved how she stood up to Chance. Great romance between the two.

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend.

Second chances come in many shapes and forms. Whether it be in romance or a career. This book has both Chance is coming back from rehab a recovering alcoholic only one label will give him a chance. They set him up with Naomi for PR and what a shock it is for both of them, the way they left things.
She has to put her feelings aside and not only deal with him but his manager too. The story twists and turns and it does not disappoint.


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

Terri Osburn has become one of my auto-buy authors. Her books are real with flawed characters I can easily love. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review Falling Star, I quickly accepted.

As with all Ms. Osburn's books, I was immediately pulled into the story and couldn't stop reading until the last word. The pacing is quick and lively without feeling rushed. The writing is emotionally-charged with just the right amount of description.

Naomi Mallard's character is a total nurturer, wanting to take care of everyone in her life. This comes through when Chance Colburn injures his hand. She immediately takes charge and ensures he has the best surgeon to guarantee he would have a full recovery. She does this, even though she knows her heart is at risk.

Chance is a fantastic hero with plenty of flaws that only makes him more loveable. He struggles with his temper, but he listens to his AA sponsor. He realizes he messed up big time years before when his inexcusable behavior left Naomi with no choice but to leave. Now that she is back in his life, he wants to get her back.

The chemistry between Naomi and Chance is blazing. I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship grow and mend. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending, and of course, this is romance, so they do. I totally loved the heart-warming ending.

If you're looking for a character-driven love story with engaging characters and believable plot, then you will love Falling Star as much as I did. This is Ms. Osburn's best book so far. I can't wait to read the next one in this series. Happy reading!

Falling Star is book two in the Shooting Stars series by Terri Osburn. I fell in love with the first book in this series, Rising Star, so I’ve been waiting impatiently for this book. It most definitely did not let me down. This book is about Shooting Stars record label’s second big talent they signed on, bad boy Chance Colburn. I simply fell in love with Chance. I think you will too.

Chance Colburn has never had it easy. A childhood of abuse and neglect led to an adult life of alcohol abuse. Chance is a famous country music star but the success and fame did nothing to erase the darkness of his past. After a very public arrest, Chance has now been sober for one full year. Shooting Stars was brave enough to offer him a recording contract and a second chance. All he has to do is stay clean and write enough songs to make an album. The problem is, he hasn’t been able to write a word.

Naomi Mallard is a publicist for Shooting Stars and she’s good at her job, great even. Except that her latest project is none other than Chance Colburn. It’s her job to redeem him in the public eye. To make sure he stays out of trouble and that the public sees the new and improved man. Naomi and Chance have a history, though. Seven years ago they were a couple but it didn’t end well. In fact, it ended horribly, with her heart broken. But it’s been seven years and Naomi is a professional. She can do her job without letting her own emotions get in the way. Can’t she?

Chance is a work in progress, battling his demons every day. The scheduled time in the studio for recording the album is fast approaching and he still hasn’t written the first song. But then he and Naomi finally came face to face and had their first conversation. As soon as he got home, the words started coming. It seems he has found his muse.

Chance and Naomi are quickly reminded why they were together seven years ago. The attraction, that chemistry, is still there. They both fight it but it’s too strong. An accident, though, complicates everything. But Naomi is determined to take care of Chance and the time together gives them the opportunity to get to know each other again.

Of course, there is someone is the background that doesn’t want Chance to succeed, who will do whatever it takes to take him down. The question is, what will Chance do when everything is exposed?

I loved this book, I loved both Chance and Naomi. Chance is talented and sweet, yet flawed. I thought that Terri Osburn’s portrayal of his struggles with alcohol were spot on. I loved how Shooting Stars supports their clients. They are like a family and they protect each other. When everything goes down with Chance, Shooting Stars was right there by his side to help. I also really loved how all of the other record labels in Nashville came together when they needed to, even though they were also competitors. I really enjoyed the author’s acknowledgements. Make sure you don’t miss those. I am just loving this series and can’t wait for the next book.

Loved this book! It's a fantastic story. With the feel of the TV show "Nashville" the author gives us a comeback story wrapped around a second chance romance. Naomi and Chance are both great characters but I really admired the way the author developed Chance. He owns his past mistakes and problems. Never does he try to make light of them. His apologies always felt real and true. You couldn't help but cheer for his success as he tries to get his career back on track. He did have his moments of being a jerk but considering the demons he is facing I thought that made his character more authentic. Naomi is a great strong female character and I thought she fit Chance perfectly.

This is one for the must read list. I highly recommend it.

The second book in the Shooting Stars series, this is a second chance romance about Chance, who is looking for his own second chance professionally and his PR handler Naomi who he cheated on early in his career. The sparks are there immediately and Chance has his work cut out from him from the start of the book to win over both Naomi and the reader. He quickly won me over and I enjoyed seeing him prove to Naomi how he had changed and see how genuine both of their love was for each other, even if they weren't ready to do anything about it yet. This is a great book for anyone who loves a second chance romance or books about celebrities that doesn't focus on them actually being a celebrity.

Full review to be published online the end of March.

With FALLING STAR, author Terri Osburn tackles an appealing romantic topic, the second-chance-at-love trope. Chance and Naomi have begun to rekindle their long dormant romance; but both have issues to overcome. Naomi is dealing with a mother who wants to manage her life to the point of picking a man for her to marry. Unfortunately, her mother’s choice for her leaves something to be desired. Naomi didn't like Neal when they were in high school, and medical school hasn’t made him any more acceptable. When her mother arranges to have Neal at their usual Sunday dinner, Naomi finds out and Chance offers to go along as a make-believe boyfriend. Naomi's mother's rude behavior causes Naomi to walk out on the dinner; and makes her reassess her long held beliefs on Chance’s suitability as a romantic partner.

FALLING STAR is a lovely romance. Chance who has had overcome so much and was trying so hard made quite an appealing character. As for Naomi, she is not willing to give up on Chance; and once she decides she wants him, refuses to give up on him. Although this is the second book in Osburn’s “Shooting Stars” series, it can easily be read standalone. Recommended read.

I'm sort of on the fence with this one and a big part of it is that I found Chance to be too cocky, even when he was repentant he came off as cocky and didn't seem all that sorry for his actions. Over and over through out the book Chance would lash out to those close to him, his sister and Nadia. I liked that towards the end both women called him out on his behavior and that he tried to change. I especially liked it when Chance stood up in a meeting and owned up to his actions the night before.

Nadia was a sweetheart, not sure how because her mom is a bit crazy and a bit of a bitch. I liked how Nadia did her job for Chance at the start, even though you could tell she really didn't want to. Even later when Chance's world was coming down she did what she could to stop it.

Chance is a recovering alcoholic and a country music star who has been given a second chance in the business. But the oil for his music was always the bottle and now that he is dry the songs aren’t coming.

Naomi was betrayed by Chance years earlier and is determined it will not happen again. But she is his publicist and both their careers depend on him writing a hit album.

Terri Osburn has been a favorite author since a friend pointed me to her first novel and told me to check it out. Back then, she was in a small group of writers who were reinventing the romance genre which, to be honest, had grown a little tired –– I had all but walked away. It took Penny Reid and Terri Osburn to get me reading Contemporary Romance again and I’m still reading it largely because of these two fine writers.

Falling Star is great. It feels like a more personal book for some reason and I’m not really sure why. But I love these characters and I love where this series is heading.

Chance Colburn had it all, a high-flying music career in country music, money, fame - until he self-destructed gaining a police record and a stint in rehab. Now Chance has been clean and sober for a year and is trying to make a comeback at a Shooting Star after losing contracts with two other labels. Naomi Mallard is the PR director who is trying to redeem Chance's reputation. But Naomi and Chance have a history.

Naomi and Chance dated seven years previously when she caught him sleeping with her boss and he broke her heart. She wants to think that she is long over him but the hurt and the anger have never gone away. Nor has she been able to form a relationship with another man.

Chance and Naomi meet again when the record label throws him a birthday party. Chance uses the opportunity to apologize which is part of his recovery process. Naomi accepts the apology but makes it clear that, while she needs to work with them, they will never be friends.

Things change when they meet at a club where her jealous boyfriend Michael picks a fight with Chance and is then abusive to Naomi when she decides to leave. The boyfriend and Chance have a history of their own wherein Michael blames Chance for cutting him out of an opportunity to advance his career.

Chance and Naomi begin to rekindle their romance but both have demons to overcome. Naomi is dealing with a mother who wants to micromanage her life to the point of picking a man for her to marry. She didn't like Neal when they were in high school together and can't imagine that medical school has made him any more acceptable. When her mother arranges to have Neal at their usual Sunday dinner, Naomi finds out and Chance offers to go along as a boyfriend. Naomi's mother's behavior when Chance shows up causes Naomi to walk out and makes her realize that Chance is still important to her.

This was a great romance. I loved Chance who had overcome so much and was trying so hard. I also loved the way the Naomi wasn't willing to give up on him and called him on his behavior and wouldn't be chased away no matter how bad things got.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants a feel-good romance.