#Starstruck

I am SO glad that I found Sariah Wilson’s novels. They are so GOOD! #Starstruck is another story I could not put down. I read this full-length novel in less than 24 hours. Yes, I did stay up until 2:00 AM one morning reading — that’s how engrossed I was in the storyline. #Starstruck is another “out-of-her-league” romance, which we all know by now if my most favorite trope ever. In this novel, we have a Hollywood megastar who pursues a girl-next-door heroine. Many who have reviewed this book online have called it a “wish-fulfillment” story, which took me aback a little. One, I’ve never heard of that type of story; and two, it’s not accurate. The main character, Zoe, never wishes to be with Chase, the hero. She admits to having a typical fantasy, school-girl crush on a famous Hollywood actor that began in her early teens, but Zoe is a realist. In no way does she have actual dreams that she will marry a famous person. Kind of like in Jane Eyre — in no way did Jane actually think Rochester would admit feelings for her because of his upper-class station. Why would he even think of her? She’s a servant. It’s pretty much the same in #Starstruck — Zoe is shocked time and time again that Chase wants to be with her. Cause in real life do most Hollywood megastars ever come down from their ivory towers to associate with us regular people? I actually found it quite funny how often Zoe has to fight against her dismay that Chase wants to know her. Back to the “wish fulfillment” idea: perhaps you could make an argument that Chase, once he is intrigued by Zoe, wishes to be with her, but you’d really have to stretch that. Zoe’s best friend is a bit obsessed and clearly has a wish-fulfillment issue, but Zoe does not. Actually, I think that is why I love these “out-of-her-league” romances — the heroine is typically very down-to-earth and realistic, and sees the world for what it actually is. Some may call this cynicism, but I call it being very real.

So, I loved the plotline in #Starstruck because I’m a sucker for these kinds of stories. But there is so much more that I loved about this book. The characters are wonderful. As I mentioned above, Zoe is great because she is super down-to-earth and totally relatable. These qualities make me root for her character all the more cause she’s just like all of us regular gals. I always want the regular gal to get the notice she deserves. For me, Chase is the real star of this story (hahaha — pun intended). He is a fantastic hero. He genuinely cares about Zoe — what she thinks, how she feels, what her future goals are, what her current interest are, her past, etc. He also may be one of the MOST respectful heroes I’ve ever read. He has a sordid past and he’s been working on bettering himself for the past couple of years when this story begins. One of the things he is working on is being more intentional and authentic. Posing for cameras and “looking” a certain way for MSM is one thing, but in his real life he wants to be true to his authentic self. He wants to be an actual good man. There is a scene in this story where Chase illustrates this drive to be a good man where he physically shows Zoe that her relationship boundaries as an unmarried woman are super important to him — it may be one of the BEST scenes I’ve ever read in a Romance novel. Oh! It’s so good. BUT, he’s not perfect. In fact, there is a moment where Chase messes up and almost ruins things. I like this because it makes Chase more real. He’s not the perfect hero, he’s just a really good man who missed the mark — so like life! This moment also leads to one of the best make-up scenes ever, just so you know! And, while I’m talking about characters, I have to mention Zoe’s baby sister. OH. MY. WORD. What a sweetie. Actually, I really loved all of her young siblings as they definitely added a ton of hilarity to the story, but her youngest sister, who is 2 years old, is THE BEST. She is actually the true star of this show.

I’ve got to end here. I could go on and on, but I don’t think anyone wants to read a 72-paragraph review about why I love this book so much. LOL! Suffice to say, #Starstruck is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it. I am so glad I took the time to read this seriously delightful Romance.

I borrowed a copy of this novel in eBook form through my Kindle Unlimited subscription on June 4, 2021, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

If you haven’t read this one yet, you need to add it! I read it years ago and it’s still stuck in my mind as one of my favorites! Closed door romance with lots of chemistry! (Just like all of Sariah’s books)

One of the best romantic reads I’ve ever read.

My first reading of Sariah Wilson and it won’t be my last!! I really loved this story! It was refreshingly original and so well written I didn’t miss the steamy parts!! Love these characters!! Just grabbed#Moonstruck!!

I LOVED this book! I couldn’t stop smiling. It made me happy. Aside from that, I also appreciated that he never argued with her about her celibacy, or try to convince her to drop it. He respected her decision and even helped her maintain it. And I loved the cute dates. Can’t wait to read the next.

First time reading this author. Really enjoyed this book. It was emotional and heartwarming. The characters really leaped off the page and came to life.

Loved the book. Great descriptions of going to the beach with four children and the celebrity wedding. Enjoyed hearing about secure entrances and private guides at Disneyland. The tidbits of nerdy information was an awesome addition.

Oh my gosh. Yummmmmm. This was just a fun ride from start to finish. Couldn’t put it down. This book was just dessert to read. If you love a good romance with some great tension and good characters this is for you. I didn’t know if this author could pull off this story line and make it believable but she did. Woowza! This is a clean read but has many many references to behind the bedroom door. So many great one liners in this book and so much good honest fun!Fish are Delicious! #Z+C

I’m not really big on celebrity characters, but this one was worth stepping out of my comfort zone. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

Really fun, easy, sweet read. Hollywood A-lister falls for the shy fan girl.
Well edited.

Zoe led a rather sheltered childhood. When she went to a new school, Lexi offered to be her friend as long as she was a Chase Covington fan. Well okay – instant fangirl. Several years later, Zoe makes a Twitter comment that garners Chase’s attention. They strike up a conversation – but really? Is she being punked? Through a series of circumstances, Zoe and Chase end up beginning a friendship. They are both very cautious – Zoe has taken life lessons from others and decided to remain abstinent until marriage. Chase has taken his own life lessons and decided that marriage is not for him. Not to mention he feels like every person in his life is only interested in what he can do for them and not the real him. No one in Zoe’s life knows that she is dating Chase. Except maybe her 4 siblings, but they are too young to see anything other than the fun guy that hangs out with them. What happens when their secret hits the tabloids? Will Chase trust in Zoe? Will Zoe trust in Chase? Will their differing views on marriage bring an end before they really get a beginning?

Thoroughly enjoyable read. Zoe’s youngest sister, Zia, is so funny – “I want my Cheese!” There was a great discussion on abstinence as a valid life choice in Zoe’s Women’s Studies class. People make different choices for different reasons. And, in the end, it was great to see her class take a stand behind her when the tabloids and media got crazy. Enjoy.