James is the down-to-earth movie star boyfriend we all want to swoon over. He’s not perfect, but he’s pretty close to it — thoughtful, charming, unassuming, encouraging, quick to try to win over her friends.

Meanwhile, Kat’s a girl to whom we can relate. She’s just out of a serious relationship to a jerk, her own acting career hasn’t taken off, and she feels like she lost herself along the way. She’s getting a little help from her best friend while she tries to regroup and … her story unravels like a nice romantic comedy.

There’s enough tension and angst to move the storyline along and keep things interesting, but it’s mostly a sweet tale of two people who inspire each other to be better. I love that it’s the first in a series and cannot wait to read about James’ siblings’ romances.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Stars: 4 out of 5
Spice level: 3 out of 5
Tropes: Forbidden romance, celebrity romance, hidden identity, secret relationship, HEA

Starstruck by Ivy Dawes
Rating: 4/5
Tropes: Celebrity, Fake Dating, Opposites Attract.

Starstruck is a debut novel from Ivy Dawes and the first book in the Starlight Studios series.

Kat, is a struggling PA working on a movie set. She finds herself draw to James Everett, the leading man on set.

Starstruck follows the journey of Kat and James having to navigate their relationship as their feelings for one another begin to deepen.

I really loved Kat and James as a couple. Kat is one of those authentic FMCs that you just immediately relate to.

I recommend Starstruck if you’re looking for a sweet romcom that is the perfect balance of cosy/sweet and sexy.

I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Flower Bear Books for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Thank you NetGalley, Flower & Bear Books and Ivy Dawes for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kat is down on her luck - 6 months post breakup to a toxic man child , her acting career is not working out and she’s stuck being a PA to a jerk lead actor when her friend gets her a job.

Enter James, Hollywood royalty and the movies leading man, rendered unrecognizable due to his movie makeup (for a nasty post airplane crash scene) who literally runs into Kat after a bad day on set and makes her feel better. They strike up a fast friendship with on set meet ups, co-parenting a fish and late night talks. Only after a week does Kat realize who she’s been talking with.

This was a really fun book and I’m impressed this is her debut book. There are some heavier topics in the book (manipulating/toxic relationships, self doubt, etc) but also some great moments of support and clarity.

I enjoyed the found family created in this story and look forward to reading book #2 to learn about Romans story.

WHAT A DELIGHT THIS BOOK WAS! It was so cute I couldn't put it down. Loved the dynamic between the MC, the story flowed very well, and the spice was *chefs kiss* uhhhmazing!

100% going to blast this book all over my socials and make sure EVERYONE reads it!

Thank you so much for the ARC Netgalley

This was a refreshing, sweet read. I couldn't put it down. The movie set romance was a cool setting and I enjoyed the travel and variety in the settings. I loved Kat and James and their journey and look forward to reading the next book in the series!

I was truly intrigued by the premise of this story from the very start. The positive reviews that I'd seen before didn't hurt. However, this story just wasn't my cup of tea.

Each of the MCs, Kat and James, were interesting and enjoyable. Unfortunately, I just struggled to connect with them. They just didn't seem all that "real" to me.

However, I will definitely giving this story another shot in the near future!

I was so excited to receive this arc. The cover instantly drew me in & the story did not disappoint! This was Hallmark in a book. The storyline was fun, quirky, and unique. An excellent debut novel.

While I adored James and Kat’s relationship, the thing I loved the most was their individual growth! The side characters also added depth and enjoyment to the book.

The only reason this was not a total 5-star read for me was a few grammatical bloopers and the slightly slow start.

However, I’d recommend this adorable book to anyone in the mood for a light-hearted romantic comedy!

Thank you NetGalley and Ivy Dawes! I loved Starstruck and cannot wait for Roman and Clover’s story next.

4.5 stars
This is a fun, entertaining, good read. James and Kat are interesting, relatable, intriguing, complex, entertaining characters. Their romance with its twists and turns is entertaining to read. I really loved their meet cute and these characters. I really enjoyed these characters and their story. The book is easy to read and get into. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a feel good, rom-com, and I loved every minute of it! I loved the MCs and their character development, and I think the author did a great job of introducing the characters for the rest of the series. I'm super impressed that this is Dawes' debut novel, and I can't wait to read Roman's book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Flower & Bear Books for the ARC!

I just loved this, a balance of reason and romance! Kat may be downtrodden, badly treated and feel like dirt, but she won’t let others treat her that way. She was a great feisty, slightly naive but adorable main character to invest in. There was no saccharine, no flying on james’’ coattails and a lot of hard work and liking herself going on. I ploughed through this book, waiting for a suitable happy ever after that hit exactly the right note. Also, what a fish! A fish as a leading character and a pivot point, I love.

Title: Starstruck by Ivy Dawes
The Starlight Studio Series, Book 1
Release Date: May, 21st, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars


"Starstruck" by Ivy Dawes is a captivating debut novel that takes readers on a journey through the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Kat, a struggling PA on a movie set, finds herself drawn to James Everett, the film's leading star, despite his celebrity status. As their connection deepens, they must navigate the challenges of fame, fake relationships, and family expectations.

I adored Kat and James, They are complex and relatable. Kat's insecurities are portrayed in a genuine and authentic way, adding depth to her character. The chemistry between Kat and James is palpable, and their relationship is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching to witness.

Set against the backdrop of the entertainment industry in LA, "Starstruck" offers a refreshing take on the classic Hollywood romance. The dynamic between the characters, as well as the exploration of themes such as identity and celebrity status, adds depth to the story.

This novel is a rollercoaster of emotions, eliciting laughter, tears, and everything in between.

"Starstruck" is a delightful romcom with a perfect blend of sweetness and spice. I highly recommend this to readers looking for a charming and entertaining read, and I eagerly anticipate Ivy Dawes' next book in the series.


Tropes:

Celebrity
Hidden identity
Secret relationship
Forbidden romance


Thank you to The Publisher Flower & Bear Books, The Author Ivy Dawes & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I got this book through Netgalley and I'm so happy I got the opportunity to read it.

What an absolute gem of a book. I always love a celebrity romance and this one was such a good one. It gave so much dept to the story to see how they got through a lot of issues to finally be fully together. And the love for that fish, phenomenal.
It was a well written book that gets you hooked from the start.
4,5 stars from me

Can't wait for the next book

4.75/5

This book had me hooked from the first chapter! This is a debut novel??!! I can’t wait to see what else she writes!

Kat and James had so much chemistry I was blushing a giggling during some parts! I like that the book started off with James having a hidden identity but that it wasn’t dragged out and he fessed up to his real identity shortly after realizing he was crazy about Kat. And I like that James let Kat in despite his fame and family’s reputation. He never saw Lat as trying to get something from him, and he was always supportive of her dreams as well. I would recommend to anyone that likes romances!

🌟 Dive into Hollywood Romance: "Starstruck" by Ivy Dawes 🎬

💫 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)

🎭 The Lowdown: Kat's Hollywood dreams take an unexpected turn when she falls for James Everett, the leading star on the set where she works as a PA. But their budding romance faces challenges as James is pressured into a fake relationship by the film studio. Can their love survive the spotlight?

💖 Why You'll Love It: "Starstruck" is a delightful rom-com that sweeps you off your feet with its charming characters, swoon-worthy romance, and tantalizing Hollywood setting. With relatable themes and engaging storytelling, this book is a perfect escape into the world of glitz and glamour.

🎬 Character Highlights: Kat and James steal the show with their undeniable chemistry and endearing personalities. Kat's journey of self-discovery and James' struggle against familial expectations add depth to their romance, making their love story all the more captivating.

📚 Unputdownable Moments:

Heartfelt confessions and tender moments between Kat and James
Intriguing dynamics among the Everett siblings and supportive secondary characters
Fast-paced plot with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end

📝 Final Thoughts: With its irresistible charm and engaging storyline, "Starstruck" is a must-read for fans of Hollywood romance and enemies-to-lovers tropes. Ivy Dawes delivers a captivating debut that will leave you eagerly anticipating her next book! #Starstruck #HollywoodRomance #IvyDawes 📽💕

I started reading and got distracted after a few pages and then completely forgot about it for a week, BUT THEN, I started reading it from the beginning again and was HOOKED. I read it in 2 days once I restarted it.

Kat, a struggling actress with a less than sensitive boyfriend, finds herself needing a change and lands herself on a big movie set as a Personal Assistant. She meets the main actor in disguise and falls for him without even knowing what he looks like or who he even is. How can you get over that potential betrayal.

Kat and James' insecurities are incredibly relatable and it provides a dynamic between the two of them that pulls at your heart. Their banter, sensitivity, protectiveness, and overall personalities, are a match made in heaven. Of course, there is a bit of conflict that really fueled my desire to keep reading.

The way their relationship grew, halted, continued, had me blushing, giggling, smiling, screaming, and crying, in unison with them. The dynamic of celebrity status and finding oneself made me root for them even though so many things were pushing them apart.

I would 100% recommend you to read this debut novel. The story is sweet, sensitive, cute, with some spice mixed in there. 5/5. For this being a debut novel, I am thoroughly impressed and can't wait to see how Ivy portrays the next story.

Thank you Netgalley and Ivy Dawes for giving me an ARC for an honest review.

“You’re everything I didn’t know I was missing until the moment you walked into my life. I know this is fast, but it feels right.”


SUMMARY

“Starstruck” by Ivy Dawes, is a sweet rom-com set in Hollywood, LA where two actors fall in love with each other on a film set. It starts when Katherine Caplan, an aspiring actress, who is still looking to see where she fits, gets dropped by her agency and dumped by her boyfriend (talk about shitty timing) and James Everett’s Famous A-list Movie star.

To make a little money, Kat takes a job as a PA for a very annoying actor who treats her badly until she meets a background actor, with prosthetics on his face. Or she thought so until she got to know that he was James Everett, the main lead.

But the main problem arises when James has to sign a relationship contract with someone else.

REVIEW

THE BOOK

It is so good I read it in one sitting. The main characters Kat and James are so good. They have good chemistry. He cares for her a lot. He had some issues, but he did not make that his whole personality so that’s good. In the start, Kat is going through a breakup with a good-for-nothing ex, which she handles pretty well. I loved the secondary characters here. They are so supportive of each of them and give real advice, which is pretty much needed. And the Everett sibling’s relationship with each other was very nice. They were funny and always had each other back all the time.

THE WRITING STYLE

First of all, who does not love a dual POV? The book was fast-paced but well-written. I like that it also has a backstory about the breakup story. The characters are well-written and relatable. The writing style was engaging and kept me hooked on reading it in one sitting. And I am just so excited for the Roman’s book. I liked him in this book.

Overall, it was a nice read would totally recommend it.

CONCLUTION

In conclusion, “Starstruck “is for someone who loves a quick fast-paced but nicely done book with lovable characters and a good plot.

FAVOURITE QUOTES

“You have always deserved someone who puts you first and makes you feel seen and heard and loved. And I wasn’t doing a good enough job of that.”


Her hazel eyes framed with thick lashes, how soft her skin felt when I touched her… Christ, I’m even thinking about the cute way she was fidgeting.


~ *Swoon* I mean how James thinks of Kat is enough to make me blush

“I get that I’ll never be good enough in your dad’s eyes. I get that, and I can make peace with it. What I can’t get over is the fact that I’m not good enough in order for you to defy him.”


“Every fiber in my being is begging me to worship this woman and show her how she deserves to be treated.”


“You’re everything I didn’t know I was missing until the moment you walked into my life. I know this is fast, but it feels right.”


I received an ARC of this book at no cost from the author and Netgallery. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

⭐3/5
🌶️ 2.5/5
•••
Plot summary: Kat is a struggling actress dropped by her agent and recently escaped a toxic relationship. Out of desperation to pay the bills, she contacts a friend in the industry to get her a job as a PA on a movie set, where she meet-cutes an actor on set that, due to heavy set makeup and prosthetics, she doesn’t recognize right away as James Everett, the star of the movie she’s working on the set of. They instantly hit it off and begin to navigate the bumps in the road to their relationship including his very famous, big deal father not approving, typical obstacles and reservations regarding a new relationship, and more. Can they overcome it all? Will Kat ever find her place in Hollywood as an actress? Will James sacrifice his relationships and career aspirations for Kat?
•••
My thoughts:
What I loved:
- The main characters developing an emotional connection before their physical connection
- Kat’s story and strength; not staying or believing in her toxic ex relationship and pushing through despite the damage it left
- James’ slight golden retriever personality and respect for Kat that he shows in multiple ways
- the overall story is a very light, easy read so it was the perfect happy read with very little, if any at all, emotional distress on the reader.
•••
What I didn’t love:
- There were parts of the book the went by way too fast, and parts the were kind of dragging. I felt like anything mentioning her ex & that story line was way too long and dragged out, and then parts of Kat & James moments that were cut too short and I wish I had gotten more of those. This could just be me hating on the ex and loving Kat & James together, though.
- I felt like the fake dating subplot was an unnecessary obstacle and never was as big of a deal as it should/could have been
- Somehow every big name in Hollywood except our MMC was a stuck up snob? I know every story needs a villain but I wish we had more dynamic in side characters in that aspect
- As a spice loving reader, I didn’t totally love the spice in this book. I felt like it almost didn’t match the rest of the book at times, where I sometimes felt like I was reading a YA book, and then there was spice.
•••
Aspects/tropes to enjoy & expect:
- celebrity romance
- secret/hidden identity
- forbidden romance
- workplace romance
- meet-cute
- secret relationship
- fake relationship minor subplot
•••
You might also like this book if you’ve read To Love Jason Thorn or To Hate Adam Connor!
•••
Thank you to Flower & Bear Books, NetGalley and author Ivy Dawes for the ARC of Starstruck. All opinions are honest and my own.

I am so disappointed! This is my favorite trope (famous guy/regular girl), and I just couldn't love it. The main character was pretty unlikable, and I could not figure out what the hero saw in her.
(She actually asks him to list why he likes her, and the list is underwhelming.)

Her main charm seems to be the fact that she didn't recognize him with makeup on, in the movie he was staring in, that she was working on.

There were some other plot holes, too, but I could have forgiven those if the MC wasn't such a whiny dishrag.

Mostly it just wasn't for me. The characters were not appealing and I'm usually frustrated with characters who lie about who they are at the start because it leads to a miscommunication that didn't need to be. I DNF'd at 27% because I just want interested in reading further.

"Starstruck" by Ivy Dawes is a delightful romantic comedy that had me hooked from the very first page. Kat's journey from being a struggling PA to finding unexpected love on the set of a movie is both heartwarming and hilarious. The slow-burn romance between Kat and James is beautifully depicted, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming scenes. I appreciated the depth of the characters and the way their relationship developed organically over time. Despite the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the story feels grounded in reality, tackling themes of trust, self-discovery, and the pressures of fame with grace and humor.
Overall, "Starstruck" is a feel-good read that will leave you with a smile on your face. I highly recommend it to fans of romantic comedies looking for a charming and entertaining story.

Very grateful to the publisher and author for this copy, opinions are my own.