Scott Deacon was on top of the world until his drug-fueled flame-out got him blacklisted in Hollywood. Now, four years after losing everything, he’s clean, sober, and desperate to revive his career.But first he’ll have to prove to the world that he’s a changed man. And he’s determined to start with the ice queen renting the house next door.Grace Speer knows better than to fall for a Hollywood bad … for a Hollywood bad boy like Scott. He may be sex on wheels, but beneath the charming facade he’s just another cocky jackass destined to make her life more difficult.
Except…
The more time they spend together, the hotter the fire between them burns. With every flirtatious smile and brush of his hand, she feels her defenses crumbling.
But can she trust him with her heart? Or is she buying herself another front-row ticket to heartbreak?
FALLEN STAR is a standalone story set in the same universe as RISING STAR, featuring a brand new couple with their own happy ending. The books in this series can be read in any order.
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Such a great book! You don’t want to miss out on Fallen Star!
Grace and Scott are likeable and relatable protagonists (not that I’ve ever been a celebrity with drug problems, or ever worked in Hollywood at all, but hey…).
Their story feels real, and I love seeing their relationship grow from mutual dislike into something bordering on respect, then a tentative friendship, and then – finally! – into so much more.
The problems and hang-ups they face are realistic and dealt with in a grown-up manner.
This is the first book in the series I have read, but now Rising Star is definitely on my TBR pile!
I just loved “Fallen Star”, the second book in Ms. Nix’s “Starstruck” series. You don’t need to read the first book, “Rising Star” to enjoy “Fallen Star”. In fact I read Fallen first and then, because I liked it so much, I went back to read Rising. Full disclosure: Susannah Nix is an automatic one-click author for me, so I’m excited to share my thoughts.
Scott Deacon is a former child star whose life and career imploded because of drug addiction. Clean and sober now, friends of his went out on a limb to secure a leading role in a new movie. Grace Speer is the script supervisor for the project, and isn’t looking forward to working with someone who she thinks is going to be a train-wreck. But Scott surprises everyone, and earns Grace’s grudging respect. After a while, that respect turns into friendship. Will their friendship turn into something more, or would life back in the spotlight ruin their chances?
Scott and Grace are great characters. Scott is an actor, so he uses his acting ability to hide his insecurities about stepping back into the professional film world. He knows that because of his past, this may be his only shot. On set, he is gregarious, friendly, and flirty, but when he’s alone his demons surface to try to undermine his success and sobriety. I think Ms. Nix did a great job of revealing his insecurities and emotions, and showing how they have the ability to affect his sobriety. Grace is all about the details. As script supervisor, it’s her job to make sure the scene set-ups are the same for each shot (continuity) and makes notes of any script changes. She’s not quite sure what to think about Scott. I liked the way she allowed herself room to adjust her opinion of Scott as things developed. The secondary characters are well-rounded and fleshed out as well. I especially like actress Poppy Carpenter and Carmen Vargas, the costume supervisor.
The book’s plot centers around a film set. Ms. Nix filled the pages with all sorts of interesting information and tidbits. Those details helped create a realistic “look behind the scenes” feel to the story. Scott’s and Grace’s love story is a very slow burn. It makes sense that Grace isn’t going to go from thinking Scott is the biggest jerk on the planet to being head over heels in love in just a few days. Their friendship blossomed first over the course of several weeks, and then Grace slowly realized she has feelings for Scott. But she’s unsure of his feelings for her. When they finally do come together, it’s a big payoff for the reader.
Overall, I loved it! And I highly recommend “Fallen Star” to you. (I received an Advanced Reader Copy, and this is my honest, voluntary review.)
I received an ARC of this book. I really really really enjoyed this book; most importantly, I think I loved the H more than the h, which is unusual for me. Grace is a wonderful person, understandably wary about getting into a relationship with another actor, especially one who is a gorgeous, recovering addict, but ultimately she is unable to resist the awesomeness that is Scott. Scott, like real-life Robert Downey Jr, is a great actor and a genuinely nice guy who crashed and burned from too much stardom, too fast, too young. He is making a slow, painful comeback and doing all the right things, but is plagued with doubt and self-worth issues. Grace is the perfect other half that makes him whole, because she is kind, practical and pure of heart. She loves him for who he is, not because he is famous (and looks like Zac Efron.} I love this book because is tackles painful, difficult issues but is optimistic in tone. Yay HEAs!
I loved this as much as I thought I would! Scott and Grace don’t start off as enemies, exactly, but they definitely weren’t friends either. I loved the evolution of their relationship!
I’ve been looking forward to Fallen Star ever since Rising Star came out and I devoured it. Susannah has always been a 1-click author for me and she continues the epically good stories with Fallen Star. Highly recommend!!
I love this series, this romance follows a recovering drug addict, his problems, how he tries to reestablish his foothold in acting, how the girl who falls in love with helps him along the bumpy road back. This was an ARC from the author and my honest opinion
Fallen Star is a beautifully written book with wonderful characters and a relatable plot. We are so quick as a society to make judgements about people based on their past, based on something we read on social media, so quick to judge without knowing the person, without knowing what really happened, or the circumstances surrounding things. Susannah Nix also tackles the tough subject of drug addiction with class.
I loved watching their relationship evolve. To see it grow from distaste to friendship to romance and love was beautiful and realistic. The knock-knock jokes were fun and made me fall in love even more with Scott. Nix writes her characters so true-to-life that the readers feel connected to them in every way.
Susannah Nix is one of my favorite authors. She always pulls me in from the beginning of her books, and not only writes an amazing romance, but also teaches and/or reminds me of valuable life lessons.
I was one of the lucky ones to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. That being said, I loved this book.
I recently discovered Susannah Nix and I have yet to be disappointed. Fallen Star is an enemies to lovers slow burn romance.
Scott is a well known actor who has had his share of troubles. He’s a recovering addict that stayed in the news for his mishaps similar to real life celebrities. Underneath his cocky attitude is a man who suffers from insecurities and anxiety. Grace is your everyday girl working as a script supervisor. Due to her break up with her actor ex-boyfriend, she has vowed never to date another actor.
Grace has her preconceived notions of who Scott is and made an enemy out of him before officially meeting. Scott makes it his mission to win her over by allowing her see who he really is. And as she changes her mind about him and he drops his guard, they fall in love. These two are written with such depth that they are relatable and their experiences are believable. Their journey to falling in love wasn’t too rushed and wasn’t too slow. It was just right.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I don’t throw that kinda thing around for just any book either (especially in cap lock, wow!), so please know it’s the real deal. Up front notes – I’m trying to avoid serious spoilers, so most of this review will be general discussion. This is the second book in a series called “Starstruck”, but it is absolutely a stand-alone. I read the first book (Rising Star) after I finished this one, and I did not miss out on a single thing by doing it that way. Lastly, go grab Rising Star too. You’ll thank me later.
Back on topic with Fallen Star…why do I love it? Well, the reasons are many, but the overarching theme is the relatability and richness of both the characters and the story. Every aspect from backstory to location descriptions has an amazing attention to detail that brings it instantly to life. BUT, it also has excellent pacing; we are in no way rushed to the finish line (rushing is bad). While you are IMMEDIATELY invested in Grace and Scott, the threads of each scene are meticulously woven together to build the not only their romance, but their lives, and the lives of those around them. Absolutely unputdownable. Spell-check thinks that’s not a word, so it obviously hasn’t read this book.
On top of that, I adore Grace! She’s (again) “real” – driven, strong, smart, and successful in her OWN right. She doesn’t need saving, and she’s easy to like. That’s not to say she’s perfect, which is what MAKES her perfect as a character to root for, laugh with, and love. Not surprisingly, the same goes for Scott. Perfectly imperfect? I think that works! When we first meet him, we are privy to some private struggles that define so much of his character. He’s a Hollywood mega-star who has fallen out of favor after a public battle with addiction. Scott is a fantastic example of a person fighting a battle that you know nothing about, and the (sometimes evil) power of preconceived notions. The introduction of his struggle & recovery is exceedingly well done. Of course this is a hot-button topic, and it’s presented in a positive and realistic way. Throughout the story you are simply drawn to him. Even when he would make “man” choices – the kind where you’re talking at your Kindle at 1 AM saying “Scott…noooooo”. It’s ok, you’re still rooting for him. Having no personal experience with his particular brand of demons, I was nevertheless living it right there with him. He broke my heart and put it back together all at the same time with his determination to make his second chance a success. I didn’t even know you could DO that! Team Scott for the win.
Do you remember that scene in Pretty Woman when Richard Gere asks Julia Roberts “What happened after (the Prince) climbed up the tower to rescue (the Princess)?” Julia Roberts says “She rescues him right back.” Yea….THAT’S it! *all the feels*
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. However, it’s not the first of Susannah’s books I’ve read, and I would have HAPPILY paid for this book five times over. Just sayin’.
I was excited to read Scott and Grace’s story after I loved Rising Star, Alice and Griffin’s book. Fallen Star does not disappoint.
I adored and rooted for Scott from the beginning. You very quickly get his point of view and understand his fear and anxiety about making a comeback. His struggles really showed the difficulties of becoming sober and rebuilding your life and career.
Grace is not expecting much from Scott due to his reputation, and it shows in her early interactions with him. However, I really liked seeing how their relationship evolved as they got to know each other better.
Susannah Nix writes interesting, driven, and flawed characters that feel realistic. They are not perfect and not everything in their lives has been easy, but they have big hearts and are people I would love to be friends with.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Hollywood done right.
Grace Speer is a script supervisor on an independent feature, she’s working late (um, script has princess calls and they leave as soon as the notes are copied and turned in). She’s doubtful of the director and his wife’s casting of Scotty Deacon, former child star, all around bad boy and recovering addict.
Scott Deacon has been struggling with fame, the lack of fame and addiction. He’s been in recovery for two years and this is his first film in four years. He’d been blackballed in Hollywood. He overhears Grace vocalizing his greatest fears about himself.
Once the production moves to New Orleans, they get to know each other and its refreshing to see a nice build up as they do so mixed in the with filming aspects. I liked how Scott had to debate when to kiss Grace. And it was realistic that he continues to struggle with his issues.
Highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
I zoomed through this! Susannah Nix’s books are always great but she’s really shining with her Starstruck series. It was fascinating to see what it’s like for an actor to try to break back in to the industry after substance abuse issues trashed his reputation. And I was fascinated by Grace’s job as a script supervisor and all the continuity details she has to keep track of. Scott and Grace were so good together and I loved the evolution of their relationship. There was so much angst and longing and yet it’s such a fun, engaging read at the same time. I couldn’t get enough!
CW: substance abuse and recovery
Disclosure: I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received this as an ARC from the author for an honest review. I would definitely recommend this to other readers. I liked the authors take on an actors comeback from frame after a hard fall. I enjoyed the build up of the characters from and almost hate to love. That’s always my favorite. I do feel like it ended a little abruptly and the epilogue could have delved deeper into “where are they now” detail. I love my epilogues.
Can Scott revive his career AND win Grace’s heart despite his checkered past?
March 5, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
I adored this couple and their all too real insecurities as they meet and get to know each other on a film set in New Orleans. Grace is prejudiced against Scott from the get-go due to his history of wild behavior and addiction. This is no instalove romance and it’s all the better story for it! The writing is really good and makes the pages fly by. Despite a major blip in the hero’s usually considerate treatment of the heroine which made me wonder whether he really deserved her, I loved the resolution and happy ending.
I have read every one of author Susannah Nix’s romances and really like the direction she has taken in this latest series set in tv and film industry. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I loved this book!! I don’t like to give up plots and take away from reading this story, but I will say once you start you can’t put it down! The characters are well built with strengths and flaws. With pasts that overshadow some of the relationship they are trying to build – first as work partners and then naturally evolving. Scott is an actor trying to come back but he will have to do some things he is not used to or likes. In spite of this he takes it with great stride and learns from it.
Grace is trying to overcome the fact that this project has a lot of potential however the director has cast Scott who she thinks doesn’t deserve the chance and will spoil everything for the entire crew.
There is enough tension to give the characters a good start and as you flip pages from chapter to chapter you see this tension just grow taking different ways to where Scott and Grace give each other a chance to see each other’s flaws and insecurities and how much they complement each other. Opposites do attract and they push each other out of their comfort zones which makes them evolve and grow individually.
One of the things I enjoyed about the book was that it was so much fun learning and getting a close and detailed look at behind the scenes without going into too much details and taking away from the story line.
This is the second title I read from Susannah Nix and she has become one of my favorites!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I received an advanced reader’s copy on which I based my review. This review contains spoilers.
Fallen Star is a funny, romantic story that makes the characters work for their happily ever after. A book that proves first impressions are rarely accurate and don’t leave room for what the person is dealing with privately.
Grace is a script supervisor and going on location for the latest movie she is working on. Scott is an actor and recovering addict, trying to redeem himself and make his way back into the movie-making business. Grace has read all about Scott’s infamous bad behavior, both on and off the set, and wants nothing to do with him. When forced to work with him, Grace slowly learns that Scott isn’t the asshole she initially thought he was.
Scott is working to prove to Hollywood, and himself, that he doesn’t need drugs to be as talented as he once was. Insecurities plague him, but if he can change Grace’s mind about him, the person with the least amount of faith in him, maybe he’ll feel like he deserves all the help he’s been given.
Watching Grace and Scott slowly fall in love is fun and enjoyable. You can’t help but root for them, both individually and as a couple.
Susannah Nix makes you sympathize with both Grace and Scott because she seamlessly weaves their backstories into the story without feeling as if you’ve taken a detour to exposition avenue and are just waiting for the plot to start back up again. Reading this, you wonder if Nix has experience on a movie set, as the details are spot-on and not romanticized. Her humor is great and perfectly placed. Nix also doesn’t side-step their issues, especially Scott’s.
Fallen Star is a great book and wonderful way to spend some time.
This sweet and heartfelt story had a quite heartwrenching start and a perfect and well deserved ending. It is as mesmerizing as it is funny, and the author has written two well developed protagonists.
This is the second amazing standalone story in the Starstruck series, and Susannah Nix is fast becomming my favorite author.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
I love it, I love it, I. LOVE. IT! This was my 2nd Susannah Nix read and I have absolutely fallen in love with Grace and Scott. It’s definitely one of those books that’s hard to put down. As I was laying in bed reading this, I kept saying that I’d read to 50% and then go to sleep, but that turned into devouring every single word into the late hours of the night. From beginning to end, these two will pull at your heart and emotions and you’ll quite possibly shed some blubbering tears.
Where do I even begin with their story? From the characters, the setting and the plot … there wasn’t a damn thing wrong with it. I hurt sooooo much for Scott. He’s someone that’s trying to move forward from his past and dealing with the everyday troubles of being an addict. Despite being two years sober he still has a lot of things to figure out. And adding another person in his life who could potentially be someone so much more, he’s coming across unknown territories and doesn’t know how to deal with them.
Everything about their relationship felt so real and just relatable. From the not knowing what the other person is thinking, second guessing every little move or thought and don’t get me started on the endless list of ‘what ifs’. From the beginning it wasn’t exactly quick for them to fall into something more, it took time on both of their parts. Grace having a horrible history with a previous ex brought all her vulnerabilities to the front. And Scott was just so unsure what she thinks of him.
The pace and development was so perfect and it kept me from reading this book so quickly. To me, this story seemed to focus a lot on Scott and his road of being someone addicted to drugs. He’s thrown into so many situations that he’s not familiar with and instead of talking about it and accepting certain things, he buries them and makes matters worse for himself. Communication wasn’t something he was great at.
I liked Grace, but didn’t love her, at first. I have no idea what it’s like to be with someone who has an addiction, so I can’t say much on that front. I thought she was rather quick to judge Scott right off the bat, but maybe I’m being hypocritical because everyone does that. What matters is that they change their opinion, which she did, of course. But I got a bit disappointed with her lack of understanding of what Scott is dealing with. Insecurities aside, she needed to look at the bigger picture and didn’t notice until towards the end. By the end, I was rather proud of her and just wanted to hug her.
Their story wrapped up nicely and I love the steps they both took together to have a more solid foundation for their relationship.
Everything about this book was phenomenal, the writing, the characters and even the story. Deep issues are talked about without going over the top and you’re constantly engaged. I haven’t read the first book in this series, so I’ll definitely be doing that soon. Fallen Star absolutely makes my favorite list for 2019!
Susannah Nix
“Fallen Star” centers on Scott Deacon, a former child star turned grown-up Hollywood bad boy, and Grace Speer, a script supervisor who has sworn to never again date an actor after her last boyfriend left her for his younger co-star. Scott and Grace are thrown together on a location shoot for Scott’s latest movie in New Orleans, his attempt at a comeback after several years spent away from the spotlight overcoming a drug addiction. Scott is desperate to prove that he still has what it takes to be a successful Hollywood actor. Grace, meanwhile, has serious reservations about Scott due to his bad reputation and is determined to keep her distance, but her job forces her to work closely with him throughout the shoot. Not only that, Grace and Scott end up living next door to each other in rental housing provided by the production, and eventually form an unlikely friendship while fighting stronger feelings for each other. Will Scott be able to overcome Grace’s reservations about dating an actor, especially one with his track record of addiction and fear of commitment? You’ll just have to read the book for yourself to find out! 🙂
What I love most about Ms. Nix’s books are her relatable, sympathetic characters, and Scott and Grace are both great examples. I have never acted, nor have I ever been a drug addict (thankfully!), and yet because of Ms. Nix’s believable characterization, I was able to completely understand the difficulties Scott faced on both fronts. Although it may seem glamorous to those of us on the outside, acting is not an easy job. For example, walking around naked in front of co-workers is a nightmare scenario for most of us, but Scott is forced to do just that several times while making the movie. In addition to the difficulties of the job itself, Scott is plagued with self-doubt, continually questioning his own talent and self-worth. It’s easy to see why he turned to drugs to cope in the earlier stages of his career, especially since he doesn’t seem to have had a strong family support system in place.
As for Grace, her trust issues are completely understandable following her previous boyfriend’s betrayal. However, as she gets to know Scott, she comes to realize that there is much more to him than his reputation and past bad behavior. I loved watching the two of them get to know each other and gradually fall in love. Their path to happiness wasn’t easy, but they managed to make it work.
Overall, I highly recommend “Fallen Star.” It was absolutely a 5-star read for me. I can’t wait to see what Susannah Nix writes next!
*Ebook provided by the author via InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review.