Member Reviews

I have officially found a new favorite author! This story was truly wonderful! I just loved the characters that Ms. Clipston developed in this story! I found Heather as just an awesome character. I laughed out loud when she first turned down this music star "Alex Kirwan" from attending his concert (he was trying to give her tickets as an apology for the huge mess his brothers left in her family's restaurant) by telling him she would be busy washing her hair that night! Her sister talked her into going, and it was a life changing event for Heather.

I simply loved how Heather's personality was developed so opposite of how so many just swoon over stars. She isn't easily impressed. However, Alex was also very unique in his desires and goals in life. Without giving away the ending, I will just say this author truly brought home these unique characters and their personalities when she revealed the direction they would take going forward. It was not expected, and it was so refreshing and wonderful! I will absolutely be seeking (and purchasing) more books by Ms. Amy Clipston. She is a truly gifted storyteller!

Thank you so much, Netgalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing, for giving me this tremendous opportunity to read this advanced title simply in exchange for an honest review. It was amazing!

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Starstruck is an enthralling romance novel that tells the captivating story of a rockstar and a waitress who initially dislikes him. The book is narrated in the third person and follows two perspectives, providing a deeper understanding of the character's thoughts and feelings. The first person we meet is Heather, a waitress who works in her parents' diner. Heather dreams of owning her own bakery/bookstore and has a passion for baking. She names all her desserts in the diner after bookish themes, which adds a charming touch to her character.

While working in the diner, Heather meets Alex, the male protagonist, and his band when they stop by for dinner. However, the band leaves the diner in a mess, which infuriates Heather. Alex tries to make amends by offering her and her sister free concert tickets. From here, their relationship blossoms, and they can't seem to get enough of each other. Their connection is shown through their constant communication, whether it's via phone calls, facetime, or emails.

I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that the book did not mention sex, drugs, or alcohol in the context of a rockstar. This is a refreshing change from other stories about rockstars that tend to focus on these elements. What sets this book apart is that it portrays a wholesome romance that develops over time. The characters are endearing and genuine, and the story portrays a simplistic courting romance where nothing really goes wrong. This makes it a perfect read for anyone who is looking for a heartwarming and sweet romance.

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Heather and Alex’s lives can’t be more different. She is a small town girl, works in her parent story restaurant and her dream is to open a bookshop and bakery in her hometown. He is a handsome rock star, touring the world with his brothers. But fate make them meet and fall in love. Can they have a chance at HEA or will their differences break them apart? Sweet and heartwarming. The audiobook, with Madison Lawrence is great

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Such a cute story! I absolutely breezed through the audiobok. I had heard good things about this author but this is the first book I read from her and it won't be the last

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I enjoyed the book.
It's a beloved romance that leaves us with a smile on our lips.
I liked that they started their relationship as penpal friends and all the correspondence between them.

I think that in terms of plot there were no surprises, but the writer put her touch on the characters with things related to books.

I really liked the narrator, she brought voice to the characters and involved us in the small town where things take place.

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I have been trying to think of how I wanted to review this book. I loved the concept and having a baby sister OBSESSED with the DCOM Starstruck the title caught my attention first. I think that a lot of my negative feelings of the book come from the narration. I find it very hard to take dual POV stories seriously when one gender reads the whole book. VERY few people can pull that off and make it not sound cringe-y. I found Alex hard to relate to and believe because of it. Some of the story line was a bit too cavity inducing sweet to be believable for me but I think I would have enjoyed the book more not via audio.

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3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐🎧

This book was a very wholesome book. I liked it; thought the characters were well-written, and the premise of the overall book was sweet. I loved the hometown feel, even with a big celebrity in the mix.

A few things I didn't love, Heather not thinking that she wouldn't get flax for being with someone famous, not just famous mega-famous. The long-distance thing. It always makes me laugh when characters forget what it takes for a rockstar to work.

I think Alex handled everything so well; he could have gotten more bent out of shape, but he handled her insecurities like an adult. I loved that.

I enjoyed the narration a lot. I would listen to this narrator again.

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This book was just like a warm hug: not too deep, not too hard, but still leaves you feeling a little better than before. I would call this a Jonas Brothers fan-fiction. The MC is Heather (my name!), and she is a baker (romance 101) who has a meet-cute in her family restaurant with the elsest brother when the band comes through her town. She attracts his attention, and the usual celebrity romance ensues. This is where the celebrity and the MC fall for each other, but his fame gets in the way. Usually, this part of the trope bugs me with how long it will drag out, but the author gave us a few twists and kept the drama minimal. No sex, but I didn't really miss it because the chemistry was there. I'll take that hug!

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Starstruck made me smile, laugh, and swoon. I suggest you add this to your TBR if you enjoy contemporary romance fiction that is a feel-good read complete with a swoon-worthy romance!

In the pulsating world of the music industry, fate orchestrates an unexpected encounter between a small-town sweetheart, Heather, and an internationally renowned rock sensation, Alex. From the moment their paths cross, a harmonious bond forms, transitioning from the cadence of friendship to the passionate crescendo of love.
Amy Clipston wrote Starstruck in such a way that it includes the perspectives of both main characters! This offers readers the delightful opportunity to step into the minds and hearts of Heather and Alex as they navigate the complexities of fame and love. This approach adds depth to the story, allowing us to witness their unique viewpoints and vulnerability, making their romance even more engaging and relatable.

This novel offers a captivating blend of small-town charm and global stardom, creating a juxtaposition that adds layers of complexity to the characters' love story, making it a must-read for those who enjoy a mix of settings and atmospheres in their contemporary romance.

This narrative resonates with an enchanting allure, immersing you in the electric symphony of romance that strikes emotional chords. Amidst the melodies of their connection, witty interludes compose moments that'll set your heartstrings vibrating. The vivid backdrop paints the vibrant tapestry of a close-knit small town, adding depth and resonance to the tale.

Amy Clipston's fresh take on contemporary romance ensures that Starstruck will not only entertain but also leave a lasting impression, making it a valuable addition to any reader's TBR list.

I was one of the lucky Goodreads Giveaway winners of Starstruck provided by the publisher, TNZ Fiction. I also received the ARC version of Starstruck’s audiobook via HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley (which, by the way, was excellently narrated by Madison Lawrence). I want to emphasize that I neither had an obligation to compose a favorable review nor received any compensation for my words. The sentiments expressed here genuinely reflect my sincere evaluation of this delightfully fun novel.

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Sweet, uncomplicated book. Reads like a YA book. No major angst or drama, kind hearted characters. Easy read, great narration.

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This was such a sweet romance! A little cheesy but it is a Christian romance so I expected a little of that. This is very much like a Hallmark movie.

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Starstruck is a sweet romance by Amy Clipston that grows between an aspiring bookseller/bakery owner and a rockstar. I enjoyed the first half of this book with Heather (bookseller/bakery owner) going from despising Alex (rockstar) to becoming friends and then more.
The second half fell flat for me. Heather became whiney and unable to communicate with really anyone around her. Alex is a saint throughout the book and works with Heather to make their relationship work.

Overall, this would be a great romance read if you're looking for a clean romance and don't mind the lack of communication trope.

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Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollinsChristian publishing for an advanced copy of this audiobook.
Firstly I should make a confessiob I did not realise this was a Christian genres book because my main criticism was going to be that the relationship between Heather and Alez was very cheesy and unrealistic but I guess I now understand why the was very little physicality and no sleepovers! lol
That aside I liked the meetcute and the beginning of their relationship through texts, calls and emails but the lack of drama save for what seemed like 5min of paparazzi drama made it somewhat flat.
If you like Hallmark movies I recommend however if you want a more realistic story this is not for you as there will be much eyerolling.

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Starstruck by Amy Clipston is a sweet and heartwarming contemporary romance novel. The story follows Heather Gordon, a small-town waitress, and Alex Kirwan, the lead singer of a world-famous rock band. When Alex and his bandmates start a food fight in Heather's family's restaurant, she's understandably upset. But when Alex apologizes and invites her to one of their concerts, Heather finds herself drawn to him.

As Heather and Alex get to know each other, they realize that they have more in common than they thought. They're both kind, compassionate, and passionate about their work. But their relationship is complicated by the fact that Alex is a celebrity and Heather is a small-town girl.

Despite the challenges, Heather and Alex fall in love. But their relationship is put to the test when Alex goes back on tour. Heather must decide if she's willing to give up her life in her small town to be with Alex.

I really enjoyed Starstruck. It's a well-written and engaging story with likable characters. I loved the relationship between Heather and Alex. It's slow-burning and believable. I also liked the way Clipston handled the challenges of their relationship, such as the distance and the fact that Alex is a celebrity.

Overall, I highly recommend Starstruck to fans of contemporary romance novels. It's a sweet, heartwarming, and satisfying read.

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Thank you to HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook.

I had never read any books prior to this one by Amy Clipson, but this one caught my attention on NetGalley's website and I thought I would request it.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a clean Rock star romance and just a lot of fun. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie.
This book is a sweet story about Heather who works in her parent's restaurant in a small town and dreams of opening her own bakery/bookstore. What Heather doesn't plan on is Alex (lead singer of his family band) stopping in and capturing her heart.

This book was just fun and that is exactly what it is meant to be. I will definitely check out other books by this author.

I listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator.

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Starstruck is a great book with excellently developed characters. This was a story that I wanted to love but just ended up really liking it. I felt it was missing something to push me over to love.

The story follows Heather who lives in a small town. A rock band comes through her town and has dinner where she works. Two of the band members make a mess and when Heather is left cleaning it she meets the older brother and third member of the band, Alex. Heather doesn't know who Alex is or even who the band is, which is so refreshing to Alex. After this chance encounter Alex and Heather start talking and Alex finally has someone who is talking to him for who he is, not just because of what he is.

Alex and Heather are so cute together and are really well-written characters. They immediately face relationship problems due to the nature of Alex being on tour and all of the press she now gets for dating him. Heather is not used to that and doesn’t know if that’s a life she can ever be used to.

I wanted nothing but the best for Alex and Heather so I liked seeing their relationship grow but I did feel that for a good portion of the story we were basically standing still. Nothing was really happening in either direction. Then without warning everything started to happen at once. This is a story that has been done before so that’s why I think I was expecting something a little more. I hate to use terms like this but it was almost too generic. What really saved this book was how great the characters were.

If you like romance books with perfectly written characters, this story is for you!

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Starstruck features a chance encounter where Heather, working at her family restaurant, meets Alex, a famous rockstar. Alex feels an instant connection with Heather but she resists afraid he will break her heart.

This is a sweet romance, kissing only, and fans of Hallmark movies would enjoy

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Many thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Who doesn't like a Rockstar romance?!!! This was also a small town romance. Highly recommend! I fell in love with the characters!

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Starstruck by Amy Clipston was such a sweet romantic story; I loved it!!! I am not as familiar with Amy’s book, but I was drawn to the title and the premise sounded cute. I am SO glad I opted to try it out. I was delighted the whole way through. Heather and Alex are both down to earth characters who have real life experiences and conversations. Yes, Alex is famous rock star, but he has the heart of an everyday guy who just wants to be loved and accepted for who he is, not what he offers. I love the sass of Heather and the genuine friendship that strikes up between them. Alex is just a really sweet guy who falls hard and fast for an everyday, small-town girl. I loved their conversations as they got to know one another and become more immersed in each other’s world.
I had the added bonus of listening to an audiobook narrated by Madison Lawrence who genuinely brought the characters to life.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

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I love the celebrity trope and enjoyed this one. This was a cute no steam romance. I wanted more from the brothers. Maybe there will be more stories.

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