What a fun and emotional return to Phillips Chicago Stars series! This has been one of my all time favorite series and I was excited to revisit this world. Chicago Stars second string quarterback, Thaddeus Walker Bowman Owens and one of the world’s greatest opera singers, and major diva, Olivia Shore, are thrown together on a tour to promote a line of high end watches. They did not like each other at first, despite being attracted to each other. After a few awkward and hilarious encounters, they soon learn to respect each other. Their attraction grows and so does their chemistry, but because of previous heartbreak, they try to keep their distance. As they spend more time together, it becomes impossible to ignore their feelings, and agree to a no strings affair towards the end of the tour. When strange, and dangerous events start happening, Thad's protective instincts kick in, and he will do whatever it takes to protect Olivia. As the walls come down, they begin to want more, but can two passionate people, who want to be the best in their demanding careers, be happy being second place to the other? I really liked both Olivia, and Thad, the way they challenged each other, making each other stronger, and their slow burn chemistry was palpable. I had fun revisiting this world that I have always loved so much, as well as learning a bit about opera. This fun, heartfelt, suspenseful, and steamy story is a great addition to this series.

Thaddeus "T-Bo" Walker Bowman Owens, backup quarterback for the Chicago Stars, is a talented sideline coach, has on occasion been a male underwear model. Now he is paired with a spoiled, opera Diva travelling across the country to promote a luxury watch.

Olivia Shore, international opera superstar, is a perfectionist seeking justice and running from guilt. She is very resentful that she has to spend time with a jock.

The diva and the jock will engage in some combatant moments, deep thoughts, trash talking that will eventually lead to some hot and steamy encounters. This cross country jaunt will also include some threatening letters, morbid photographs and some dangerous encounters.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips writes an emotional, funny and passionate story about two people struggling with where their careers and their personal lives are heading.

With latest entry in the long-running Chicago Stars series, "When Stars Collide" I was glad to see the premise was unique enough to pique my interest: Theo, a professional football player, and a world-renowned opera singer must travel together on a brand trip while pretty much trying not to strangle each other in the process. Oh, and someone is sending ominous and threatening mail to Olivia that relates to her past. It very much reminded me of the first book in the series, “It Had to Be You,” featuring Phoebe and Dan. Sadly, they are only briefly mentioned in passing along with a few other characters from previous titles.

The overall story was nicely paced. I liked that our main characters were not already in love with each other one weeks into knowing each other and that the relationship was more of a slow burn. Events seem to naturally progress and seem to hit the same beats as previous SEP books.

There were two small issues I had with the book. Potential spoilers ahead.

The first issue was at the beginning of the book when Olivia lobbied a pretty serious accusation against Theo which was just chalked up to misinformation and then dropped. I left that this whole part was just kind of shoe-horned in a weak attempt to create friction between the two. The second being when Olivia ends the relationship first and everyone around her gives her crap for it. Even though Theo had acknowledged that he could not give Olivia a more serious relationship. It felt more like he was upset that she beat him to the punch than he was about her ending things.

But again, these were but two small, infinitesimal gripes I had with the book and that ultimately did nothing to detract me from enjoying the book. It is a solid entry that most fans of SEP will enjoy.

This was the first book that I have read by Susan Elizabeth Phillips and I enjoyed this book once it got to the plot of the story. The descriptions of every action performed by the characters was so much that I wanted to skim. I also felt as if she went into too much detail of rooms and places. I really don’t want to know how the curtains were folded, but other than that it was a good read. All of the characters were well written and meshed well together. The two main characters were great together and had a few funny and great romantic scenes.

We are introduced to the two main characters Olivia Shore, an opera singer who was going through a painful and terrifying time, and Thaddeus Walker Bowman Owens, a once amazing football player who is coming to terms that his career on the field was over.

The two are promoting a high fashion watch and are stuck together for four weeks doing photoshoots and interviews across the country. I started to feel like the main focus was the watch because I was told about it in great detail down to the inner workings of the watch itself. But once the tour started, the story really picked up and got really good.

I really enjoyed the banter that went on between the two characters. I loved how they both helped each other discover their passions again and was glad that they grew to really love each other. There are a lot of mysterious occurrences that are happening to Olivia that she is trying to ignore but Thad wants to be the one to protect her from harm. I felt like he was the perfect white knight and Olivia was the stubborn woman who thought she could take care of herself. It had some great action and a twist and turn that threw me for a loop.

The ending was wrapped up nicely. I didn’t feel like it was rushed to make end on a happily ever after. I like when there is an epilogue that will give an excellent wrap up and not just rush to the end. All in all it was a great book and really enjoyed the authors knowledge of the opera and football.

~ Brooke

This is book 9 in the Chicago Stars series, but can be read as a stand alone. We hear about old characters (LOVED THAT!) and meet new ones who will get their stories told next (I HOPE 🤞🏻🤞🏻)

While Olivia & Thad’s story is less sports romance and more mystery/romance suspense, I still liked it! You’ll dive deep into the world of opera and mystery. Thad is completely out of his element. And I laughed at those parts. Olivia and Thad are both outspoken, strong willed, career driven individuals. Their banter was really good! And we can not for get the steam! Looooooooved it!!

If you like enemies to lovers, forces proximity with sports and divas- THIS IS FOR YOU!

Happy Publishing Day! I really enjoyed this book. I've read most of the books in the series and this one was just as good. It kept me reading late into the night until I finished the book. I really liked Thad and Olivia.

When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Philips
Book 9 of the Chicago Stars series. Can be read as a stand-alone. Contemporary romance.

Beautiful story. Wonderfully written. Actually lyrical in places.
It took me a bit to warm up to the heroine. It was probably more than 20% when I learned enough about her to appreciate her standoffish behavior and attitude that she projected to the hero and the world. By that point, I was routing for them both.
Interesting twists and complexity.
I fully agree with him that he went too far but admired her tenacity in her efforts.
Effectively a PG romance. The sex scenes were a seductive dance which was a bit amusing.
Loved so much, the epilogue for the glimpse into the future and their lives which was complicated and loving.
A+ and all the stars.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.

Opera singer Olivia Shore is an ice princess, according to professional football player, Thad Owens. The pair are spending four weeks traveling the country to promote a luxury watch brand. The two cannot stand each other, but must make nice in front of the cameras. But after Thad discovers that Olivia is being blackmailed after her ex-fiance commits suicide, he jumps to her rescue and the close proximity forces the pair together.

When Stars Collide is part romance, part mystery. The book was not what I expected when picking it up, which was a fun surprise. The book is a part of a large series, but I read it as a standalone. I did not feel that I was missing anything by not reading the other books in the series first.

I really enjoyed Thad's character. He was overprotective, said what he wanted and didn't play games. I also thought it was a fun twist that he was the perpetual back-up quarterback, instead of being the team star. Olivia denies her attraction to Thad at every turn, but once she gives in, the chemistry is well-balanced and believable. The way the pair low key cares about each other, yet denies it at every turn was super adorable.

I liked the book, but didn't love it. I had a hard time with the POV switching mid-chapter continually. There was an air of mystery throughout the book, but it did feel as though it drug on and the plot was tedious at times. The book could have been shorter, in my opinion.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Fun fact: Susan Elizabeth Philips is one of THE authors that got me into romance. 10 years ago, I read Simply Irresistible and I think I ran straight to the library to stock up on every single book in her catalog (this was pre-kindle). I was beyond excited to see she had a new book coming out.

When Stars Collide returns us to the world of the Chicago Stars. Part rom-com, part thriller, the 9th book in the series (holy cow, 9!), throws together Opera Diva, Olivia Stone, and Stars backup QB, Thad Bowman on a tour promoting luxury watches. Olivia is dealing with a lot - her ex-fiance seems to be stalking her from the grave, and she's lost her voice. As she and Thad are thrown together as they travel across the country, Olivia is determined not to cave to their chemistry and fall into her old relationship trap of minimizing her career for the sake of her partner. And Thad is determined to keep her safe and to help her find her voice.

This book was a really slow start. Firstly, I did take some issue with the premise of a promotional tour for watches. It was a little far-fetched to me that these (fairly minor) celebrities would be traveling to places like Pheonix to do press for timepieces, no matter how luxurious. The relationship between Olivia and Thad was initially set up as an enemies to lovers - Olivia under the mistaken impression he had once assaulted her friend. But this was quickly resolved, and felt fairly unnecessary as it really did nothing to set up the tension between them.

On the other hand, I did think Philips did a great job with the Opera details. A modern Opera star is unique! It was super fun to revisit with some of the old Chicago Stars characters. This book was filled with classic SEP details, complete with the overprotective hero and quirky, hot mess heroine. It wasn't her best work, but it's a great comfort read if you're feeling nostalgic

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

OCD people, cover your eyes:

*takes a deep breath*

THISISMYFIRSTCHICAGOSTARSBOOKANDTHESECONDIREADBYSEP

#sorrynotsorry

I have no idea how the others in this series compare but this one was a winner for several reasons. Did I have issues with it? Sure. When I started reading this one I was completely taken aback because the heroine hated the hero from the get-go. I was very worried that I'd have two unlikable characters on my hands and would have to drag myself through the story. So for those who are tempted to quit early - don't. After resolving this first issue I really started to like Thad and Olivia.

Both of them have a totally wrong perception of one another although they are so alike on so many levels. Both of them professionals, a football player and a celebrated opera singer. Due to impaired vision Thad couldn't be the starter quarterback for the stars, he always had to play second fiddle. Olivia's ex-boyfriend had always begrudged her her success and when she broke up with him he committed suicide. So a relationship in which her partner wouldn't support her 100% and would demand too much of her headspace wasn't going to happen again. From the onset it seemed that these two didn't have the best cards to work out but over the course of the story Thad and Olivia learned to understand one another on a very deep level. I enjoyed their banter so much - I have to say that SEP's dialogues are some of the best out there. I had so much fun with Thad and Olivia going head to head.

Afraid you can’t keep up with me, aren’t you? Afraid you’ll be a dud.”
“I’m not afraid I’ll be a dud.” She stuffed her hands in her jacket pockets. “Okay, I might be a dud.”
He laughed. “You’re adorable when you’re insane.”


The opera setting was quite unique and although I'm not an opera fan I grew up in Vienna where classical music and opera are a big thing. When Olivia lost her voice Thad helped her to get out of her head and was so incredibly supportive (although his last act of support was stupid and hurtful). Olivia is high-strung but the beginning notwithstanding I didn't hate her. She was a kind, smart and funny woman who simply was scared. She definitely frustrated me but I loved her anyway, which is weird because I usually can't stand this kind of characters.

“You’re at the top of your game. In the starting lineup! A fucking tornado, not some twenty-year-old pretender afraid to open her mouth!”
“That’s easy for you to say. You’re not—”
“Stop being such a pussy.”


I loved Thad's protective nature, when Olivia received threatening letters he was always there to save the day. I got a little annoyed when Olivia put herself in harm's way despite knowing that it was dangerous. I also had an issue with how Thad treated Olivia towards the end. That last conflict felt more like him throwing a temper tantrum and being intentionally cruel. I understand that this was supposed to build up to a grand gesture but I didn't feel that the way Thad handled it was fair. But then again, there wasn't just one diva in this relationship.

She was so fierce and strong—ready to avenge wrongs and slay selfish lovers with her powerful arias—but he’d also seen her vulnerability.


I loved their chemistry though, the way they embraced each other's flaws, their unwanted attraction and I think my favorite part was when they started to respect one another. They fought their feelings tooth and nail but they were also very open and honest about every aspect of their relationship. I also enjoyed the suspense aspect of this story which was very well done and just what I needed.

Despite everything I loved WHEN STARS COLLIDE. SEP's writing style is very engaging and riveting and whenever I picked the story back up I didn't want to put it down. So I get it, I totally get why this author is such a big deal. I'm glad I have a huge backlist to catch up to. Yay.

This is the #9th book in the Chicago Stars series. From my Goodreads history I have read 1-7. I need to read #8 can't believe I missed one!

I just love this series!  I went looking and found a few, Match Me If You Can is one of my comfort reads! But I love them all!

Do you love sports romances? I love how strong these men are and how these much smaller women end up being stronger than they are but being just perfect matches they didn't know they needed.

Thad a second string QB for the Stars and Olivia a Opera star are both contracted to 

be the face of Marchand watches. Due to some faulty info given to Olivia they have a rough start. But soon they become friends and a little more.

Olivia though has been getting threatening messages and things get dangerous for awhile. There are quite a few suspects, who could be trying to get to her.

There are so many "oh this is a nice wrap up". Then another hiccup or roadblock. Oh wait what's going on ok, now we are wrapping up no wait. Now I'm crying??!!!! My heart broke a little and it's raining. 

I definitely finished this book last night lying in my daughters bed while she fell asleep with tears falling down my face. 

Brava! Brava! Another beautiful story in the books!

I just love these collection of books and this is another great addition to the love stories!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you william morrow books and net galley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

This is number NINE in the Chicago Stars series, and here I go, having to pick up 8 additional books. It’s a standalone, but I liked it enough to check out the rest. I love a good sports romance, but I love one with a unique counter part. I loved how the opera was used in When Stars Collide. Olivia was a perfect MC.

Olivia and Thaddeus were a perfect pair. They did a lot of fun things that I would probably do as well. From the karaoke of Garth Brooks in Nashville and the crocs, hilarious.

It’s kind of wild because as a thriller lover, there was a bit of mystery with a romantic comedy twist. I was not expecting a little mystery. I was very confused about the culprit. There was a lot going on and it wasn’t very clear until we got the reasoning as to why. I liked that little mystery in my romcoms. I don’t feel it took away from the romance, so it was nice. The narrator made sure I loved the romance, which I am thankful for. It’s essential to have the best narration, and this was perfect.

Speaking of romance, it romance was chefs kiss wonderful. They both did a fake romance to light a fire under each other and it was hilarious. It showed how wonderful their friendships are that they could do something so confident with their friends to do so.

Overall, this was a fun romcom with a side of mystery. I enjoyed the characters and thought the plot was so unique and the situation rare. Thank you so much HaroerAudio for the gifted audio copy! When Stars Collide comes out tomorrow, and it’s a fun one!

Thaddeus Walker Bowman Owens is the backup quarterback for the Chicago Stars. Thad won the Heisman trophy in college but he hasn't become the greatest QB in the NFL as he hoped, but he still gives 100% to his team. When Thad agrees to be a spokesperson for Marchand Timepieces in the off season, he never expected to be spending four weeks touring with Olivia Shore, the diva of the opera world who will also be a spokesperson.

When Olivia treats Thad in a negative way because of something from her past that she heard, the fun begins. As these two divas duke it out, you get the fun, typical banter one is used to from Susan Elizabeth Phillips. As Olivia and Thad are one upping each other....and really starting to enjoy each other's company....Thad realizes that Olivia's life is in danger. As the chemistry between these two starts to sizzle, they realize that they can't hold back any longer and decide to just spend the time on the tour together and then it's over. How could two people who put their job above everything else, ever have anything more than just a fling?

As their feelings start getting stronger, and the danger keeps ramping up, Olivia and Thad both find out things the other was hiding. As these two strong individuals try to figure out what they want, it all comes crashing down. Just when it looks like everything is over, one of them has an epiphany and is determined to set things right. It will take some crazy dramatics, a scary kidnapping, but in the end Olivia and Thad will get their happy ending.

I just LOVED this sexy story! I loved how these two people, so the same, yet so different just worked. They both thought they knew what they wanted in life, but they were both so wrong. I enjoyed how Olivia was trying to not repeat the past and I understood her reasons. I really adored Thad. He sounded like just the perfect man and he now is my favorite new book boyfriend! I can't wait for the next Chicago Stars book and I am hoping it will be Clint's!

For the sake of full transparency, I was sent an ARC of “When Stars Collide” by NetGalley to read and provide my unbiased feedback and thoughts on. Also, I went into reading this book cold, having never read any of the other Chicago Stars novels. Having discussed my thoughts with my bookworm friends who also were reviewing this book, I have discovered familiarity with the series and SEP’s rom-com writing style directly links with the level of enjoyment one has with this book.

For me, a newbie, with no background, I found the book to be fun, the dialogue witty and amusing, the storyline a little bit crowded (almost like she squeezed in one too many twists), but overall a pleasant way to spend my Sunday reading. Basically solidly good, but the story won’t stick in my mind past starting the next book, so 3 stars. (Which my followers know is what I enjoy having 60-70% of my reads be. I don’t have the emotional bandwidth to read the majority 4 and 5 star books throughout the year) I shared that tidbit, so people understand I didn’t think this was a bad book by any means, just a quick easy read. Now my friends who are SEP devotees, likened “When Stars Collide” to a visit with an old friend and point blank told me the fact I was able to easy breeze it was because I was missing the background that would let me savor the breadcrumbs and tiny details she left about previous beloved characters. So maybe that will help some of you to know.

I quite enjoyed this tale. The opera diva vs the backup quarterback. There was a lot of technical info incorporated that showed the author did some research or had very good advisors on the opera. Taking two people from quite different worlds and showing how they were similar in personality made a good case for relationships based on values and personality more than what they seemingly had in common. The misunderstandings were handled in a mixture of humorous and mature ways... mostly. The "I'm going to kiss someone to make you jealous" was a little off-putting. I wish the explanations at the end didn't feel so rushed. I've not read all of the previous books, but several, and it was nice to see old characters pop up. SEP is always on my TBR and one-click list when I have extra funds! I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review but my opinions are all my own.

When Stars Collide by @sepauthor is book 9 in the Chicago Stars series and I was excited to read this one! I listened to the other 8 books back in 2016-2017 so it's been a few years but this book really does work as a standalone book!

What will happen when a football superstar and a world famous opera singer go on a publicity tour for a luxury watch company? I love sports romances and Susan Elizabeth Phillips is the original queen on them! It also had forced proximity, enemies to lovers and a little bit of suspense!

A fun romance with witty banter and I just love Susan Elizabeth Phillips!

Usually I love Susan Elizabeth Phillips, but this book is not for me. From the first interaction with the heroine, the hero's behavior was stalkerish and reeked of toxic masculinity. When he actually assaulted the heroine at the 8% mark, I was done. In the post-#MeToo era, a hero doesn't put his hands on the heroine without her permission unless her safety is threatened. The repeated negative use of the word "diva" to describe her because she's (1) an opera singer and (2) sure of herself is just unseemly. This is some 1980s-era misogyny right here.

I have read every book Susan Elizabeth Phillips (SEP) has published. I know that if I pick up a book by SEP, I am guaranteed scenes that make me laugh out loud, witty banter, and a romance between two larger has life characters that I would love to meet.

Olivia is an opera singer at the top of her game (she's a diva). Thad is a backup quarterback who is know for his ability to develop first string quarterbacks (even though he's not the top QB on his team, he's a superstar- he won a Heisman). They are both hired to promote a fancy watch line and they have to travel together,, and they're not happy about it. Thad has no patience for a diva, and Olivia has a reason that makes her immediately dislike him. So, we've got forced proximity, two strong characters who are used to getting their way, an enemies to lovers vibe, and a little bit of danger and mystery (threatening letters, oh my!).

It was the perfect mix! I had so much fun reading this and thoroughly enjoyed it! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

This book made me want to go back and read the other books set in the Chicago Stars world. If you haven't read any other books in this world, no worries, this will read just fine as a standalone and then you can dive into the others.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When Stars Collide is the 9th book in the Chicago Stars series, something I didn't realize going in to this. I think that this book worked well as a stand alone.

CW: suicide (past and off-page of a side character), stalking, attempted kidnapping, attempted murder, anxiety, false sexual assault allegation

When opera star Olivia ends up on a tour promoting a luxury watch with football player, Thad, sparks fly. The two decide to hook-up after putting an expiration date on it. This book was different from what I expected. It was heavy and full of suspense and mystery, more so than romance for me. I enjoyed the discussions around what it would be like to have competing careers. However, the ending fell a little flat for me. I just never felt like I was invested in Thad and Olivia or that I wanted to root for Thad.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

This book is #9 in the Chicago Stars series but my first and I can't wait to go back and read the others in this series! This one follows Olivia who is a world renowned Opera Singer and Thad who is the backup quarterback for the Chicago Stars. The two are paired together for a month long ad campaign for luxury watches. This started out as a classic enemies to friends to lovers and I loved every minute of their story. My favorite parts were the insight into the opera world and I kept googling performances that were mentioned in the book. I also really enjoyed Thad and his dedication to his team. He knows he is second string and even though he wants to be a starter he never doesn't give his all in training the young quarterback who is the starter. I loved how Thad referred to him as the idiot and I really hope he gets his own book because I loved his character so much!! This was such a fun romance with a dash of mystery and I highly recommend checking this one out! Thank you William Marrow and Netgalley for my gifted copy for review, this book is out 6/29/21.