Title: Lucky Star
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

This is a nice, cute and easy read. A fairly common (but still awesome trope) about a fake relation becoming something more. I love that they orchestrated this so seamlessly and there wasn’t quite as much angst as expected when they start moving towards something more. There’s a little of it (because otherwise it really wouldn’t be worth the read), but nowhere near as much drama as I expected.

I absolutely love that the lead female in this is honestly a total fan girl. I mean, she’s literally written blogs and fanfiction to him. But, instead of looking at him as the object of her fandom, she actually takes the time to get to know him. I love this switch and the way she is able to see past her enjoyment of his job to who he is as a man. And help him get over the abuses of his past.

Nix manages to beautifully deal with the realities that people (anyone) face when they are overcoming an abusive relationship. It is definitely a difficult journey. One that is still a work in progress at the end of this story. But one that has so much hope and enjoyment for the future. Nix is able to really work to remind you that there are all kinds of abuse, and they happen to EVERYONE. No preconceived notions.

This is yet another sweet and fantastic romance from Nix. It’s fun and easy to read. But also sweet, with just the right level of intensity to it that you can’t help but be obsessed. Plus, there’s also the great reminder that everyone has their hurdles to overcome. And relationships are all about finding a way move toward a better future together.

Image source: Amazon

Title: Rising Star
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Another wonderful contemporary romance set on film sets by Susannah Nix. I love that it talks about the background people as part of an on-set acting crew. Although I watch a lot of TV (as many of us do), I’d never really thought about the background actors, those who say nothing and are just there to fill the set. I loved the insight into this that I had never thought about. And what it would actually be like to work on a TV show set. I love that Alice’s experiences with this are positive, and although some of the toxicity of fame is still highlighted in this novel, Alice’s experiences are overall quite positive. It was a nice little moment of brightness in a storyline that could have otherwise been a really tragic story, partly because of Alice’s backstory and her experiences in academia.

The fact that Rising Star features a woman who is trying to make her way in academia was wonderfully familiar, and not so wonderful in some ways. Alice’s battles within academia are seriously heartbreaking, and I spent a whole lot of this book wanting to reach out and give her an incredibly big hug. It may not be quite my own experience in academia, but it definitely had the effect of bringing up a whole lot of issues that are unresolved from my time in this field. You know that Nix is a good writer when the similarities (and dissimilarities) occur to make you feel some fairly potent emotions from your own experiences. Alright, so Alice’s experiences aren’t necessarily academia-based, their sexual harassment-based. But, considering the difficulties she faces and the potential backlash, it was pretty hard to read in moments. I also love that in this story she chooses not to come forwards – because of the horrors that we inflict upon victims of this total and utter crap. Alice’s points and reluctance are so realistic and what I know a lot of people experiences when in this, and similar positions.

Alice’s counterpart, Griffin, is definitely swoony (at least how I’m picturing him in my head). But he’s also a little bit, incredibly, self-centred. He spends most of this book focused on his own emotions, experiences and desires. And although he obviously cares for Alice from fairly early on, it’s only when the consequences get pretty intense that he actually decides to stop and think about someone else. Relationships aren’t exactly healthy when one person is focused on their own needs and desires, to the detriment of the other’s feelings. Luckily, and because this is just an all-round awesome romance, he grows and is able to seriously stop and consider where exactly he’s gone wrong. I loved imagining at the conclusion of this book the growth that Griffin is able to continue to go through with Alice’s help.

Although this is an amazing slow-burn romance, for me Taco frequently stole the show. Which, admittedly, pretty much always happens for me when a dog is involved. I love how it is through a dog that two people are able to so strongly bond – probably because I just love dogs in general. There are a number of misunderstandings and mistakes along the way, but ultimately, this is a wonderful and adorable novel that I look forward to reading again and again. Not just for the romance, but also for the many Taco moments throughout.

Image source: Goodreads

Title: Fallen Star
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

This is the second book in an absolutely adorable series, and it’s just encouraging me to read more and more within this world. I mean, I’m absolutely falling in love with Nix’s writing, but I’m probably also just, in general, becoming more and more enamoured with the world created in the Starstruck series. Mostly because they’re all just so damn cute. And they wonderfully investigate issues of self worth, and the persona we show the world versus our actual self.

I love how a simple mistaken impression and prejudice completely derails a relationship from the very beginning of this story. A stupid comment made in a moment not only screws with the relationship between Scott and Grace. But it also pretty seriously messes with Scott. Not only is this story all about them both overcoming their initial impressions to find a way to work. But, it is also, very much, about Scott learning how to overcome his own nonsense.

Nix does a fantastic job of dealing with mental health and addiction. She does this in a way that is beautifully relatable and accessible. Scott’s battles are so heartbreaking in moments. Particularly later in the story when he acts as his own worst enemy. Recovering from addiction is a constant journey, one that takes an immense amount of willpower. Nix also reminds us that it is an ongoing battle. For some people, mental health never leaves, but is our constant companion. And that is okay.

This was a brilliant cover to cover read when I was having a bad night. Whilst it deals with some pretty serious issues, it’s also just incredibly cute and adorable. Honestly, an incredibly easy read. With just enough drama and emotion, without making me literally grip the edge of my seat. Seriously enjoyable.

Image source: Goodreads

Title: Star Bright
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

This is one of the few stories lately where I actually read the blurb. So I was wondering how the Meet Cute was going to work between the two leads. The fact that it started with a panic attack and just spiraled deliciously from there… it definitely left me with all of the happy feelings.

Kimberleigh was fun as a lead. She was incredibly neurotic and had so many issues. But she was also adorable and I fell completely in love with her throughout the whole story. I particularly liked joining her in her journey when she started to acknowledge and deal with her shit.

Spencer is also completely adorable. I love how he spends the whole time trying to find ways to support Kimberleigh. He does have a few horrible habits in his past, but he’s willing to change. I like how Kimberleigh’s comments make him stop and think about his actions and decisions. Particularly that hot topic of always asking female actors about their damn underwear!

This is my third Susannah Nix novel. And the third beginning to a new series on my shelves. And, as with the others, I fell completely in love. This was just too cute and a whole lot of fun.

Image source: Goodreads