A Kiss to Build a Dream On by Holly Stevenson {Review}

A Kiss to Build a Dream On (Harvest Ranch Romance #9) by Holly Stevenson

Kindle Edition, 178 pages

Publication: March 22nd 2021 by Olive Leaf Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given 

She’s determined to save her orchard … even if it means dealing with an imposing film producer for a while.

Meg Atwood loves the orchard she grew up on and would do anything to keep it afloat, including allowing it to be used as the filming location for the next Fletcher Forsyth movie. Meg isn’t excited about having her beloved land overrun with actors and film crews, but she can’t turn down the money they’re offering—even if she has to put up with the arrogant film producer for a little while.

The moment Fletcher laid eyes on the rural Virginia farmhouse and surrounding orchards he knew it would be an ideal filming location. What he didn’t expect was the cute orchard owner to prove to be such a distraction. Meg is completely different from the women Fletcher has known, and he finds himself falling fast for the hard-working country girl. But Meg seems just as protective of her heart as she is of her property.

As Meg and Fletcher spend time together, the attraction between them blossoms like the first buds of spring and they’ll have to decide whether to let the frost of fear and doubt harden their hearts, or whether they can let love bloom where its planted.

 

 

    

My Review: 4 Stars

 

One of my favorite things about this series is to see the same events and characters from other stories make appearances from a slightly different perspective. I love this small community of Harvest Ranch and I'm enjoying the many facets and people. This story showcases an orchard and the hardworking brother and sister who run it. In order to bring in more money, Dillon allows it to be used for a film and Meg is against all things Hollywood, but steps in to help out when a family emergency arises.

 

The director, Fletcher, formed an insta-attraction with Meg, but there are obstacles to climb. This author does a good job of blending Hollywood and farm life with two fantastic characters who each possess some depth and stubbornness. Although Meg is fiercely independent and headstrong, she is also loyal and feels things deeply, which made her easy for me to relate to.

 

Most of this book took place within a day or two, so it felt like things happened quite quickly for my taste, but when you know, you know. It was heartwarming to watch these individuals come together for a common cause and I look forward to seeing these new friends again.

 

Content: mild romance

My Best Friend Prince Charming (Sweet Mountain High #6) by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

My Best Friend Prince Charming (Sweet Mountain High #6) by Cindy Ray Hale

Kindle Edition, 139 pages

Publication: July 9th 2020

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

    

They were best friends. He’s always wanted more. Will his newfound fame destroy them?

Shannon
Ryker and I have been best friends since third grade. We were the poor kids in the school, but that didn’t matter. We always had each other. And we had big plans to get scholarships and make something out of our lives. But now he’s been discovered by a big time Hollywood film director who wants to cast him as Prince Charming in an upcoming production of Cinderella. 
Our college plans have been flushed down the toilet overnight, and now Ryker’s become famous with a ridiculous amount of money coming his way.
Thanks to the paparazzi, girls are swarming him both in person and online. And Ryker seems to love every minute of it. It’s so annoying.
I feel like I’m losing my best friend in the worst way possible, and I’m starting to wonder if maybe I’ve been lying to myself about my feelings for Ryker for a long time. 

Ryker
I’ve secretly had feelings for my best friend Shannon for years, but she’s solidly kept me in the friend zone. 
When a famous Hollywood director sees me as the lead in his niece's high school play, he casts me on the spot as Prince Charming in his upcoming Cinderella film. I’m in shock and on top of the world as my biggest, wildest dreams are coming true. I’m finally leaving behind my old life of poverty and moving up in the world. 
But now Shannon’s acting super weird and withdrawn. I don’t understand why she can’t just be happy for me. I wish she could see that I don’t care about the fangirls. Shannon’s the only girl I’ve ever wanted, and nothing, not even fortune and fame will change that. 
But I’m afraid that all this luck may prove to be unlucky after all. Because if I lose Shannon, will it really have been worth it?

My Review: 4 Stars

I, for one, am charmed by royalty and back in the day, loved daydreaming about my favorite Hollywood crush, so this story settled right into my past self's heart.

I loved the deep friendship that Ryker and Shannon share and as they come to recognize their true feelings in this rags-to-riches, friends-to-lovers, young adult romance, I was captivated. The chapters alternated points-of-view, which enhanced the story, although there were times when I wished for more depth. Keep in mind, these are teenagers, and while at times they seem utterly mature, there are plenty of times when their age shows, leaving plenty of room for the angst and drama.

Sweet Mountain High is a beloved place for me, but the setting for this one really focuses on the theatrical, Hollywood side that is introduced because of Ryker's acting talent and the buzz that ensues was almost crushing. Ryker is very accommodating and sweet, while Shannon is a little more cynical and hesitant, but their relationship works and they are both great characters. This is a great series that takes me back in time.

Content: mild romance

Hollywood and Ivy by Judy Corry {Review}

Hollywood and Ivy by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 270 pages

Published November 18th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

He's got a million fans, but I'm not one of them.

Sure, I’ve watched every movie he’s starred in.

And yes, I read all the tabloids he’s on the cover of.

But that’s only because it was my job as a gossip blogger.

I stopped actually caring about him the night he stood me up for our high school prom.

So when he shows up at the bed-and-breakfast where I’m filling in, I make sure he knows I won’t treat him like royalty just because he’s famous now.

Because I can see through the facade he has his fans believing.

Only, meeting him again isn’t what I expected.

He’s not as full of himself as I thought an A-list star would be.

And when he asks if we can start over, I find myself falling for his charm.

But it could just be a part of his act.

Giving him a second chance would be stupid, right?

My Review: 4 Stars

Have you ever assumed something and then looked back, after realizing the truth, and felt like you've wasted your life away? I think everyone has regrets in life, but Ivy's grudge hurt my soul. And Justin's heart. Because things aren't always as they seem to be.

Ivy and big-time actor, Justin, have a past and when he shows up again years later, Ivy realizes that everything she's thought about him over the years might be wrong. Time and maturity has a way allowing a person to forgive and give a second chance. This story was a fun escape and it's always fun to see a Hollywood hunk as an every day, normal man.
 

Everyone has a past to overcome and hard challenges to deal with, but I loved how this book handled them in a great way, without bringing the mood down. I completely fell for Justin's charm, as well as the charm of this lovely small town. 

 

Content: mild romance

Simply Starstruck by Aspen Hadley {Review}

Simply Starstruck by Aspen Hadley

Kindle Edition, 252 pages

Published November 13th 2018 by Cedar Fort, Inc. 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

    

It’s been two years since Kate Evans unexpectedly lost her husband and one year since her aunt Cassandra stepped in and moved Kate and her son back to Colorado to start a new life.
 

Just when Kate is starting to get comfortable in her new reality, three very different men enter her life. Alec is young, easygoing, and up for anything. Nate is a divorced dad who is steady, reliable, and everything Kate should want. Jess is quite literally the boy next door, not to mention a real-life movie star straight from every girl’s dreams.
 

Is she really ready to jump into the dating scene again? Or does she stay in the same safe place free from heartache? In between braving water slides to cheating at croquet, Kate is forced to confront things she’d rather leave buried, along with the possibility of a new love that is exactly what she needs.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Imagine struggling to get back on your feet after the loss of your husband and discovering that a movie star is moving in next door. That's just what happens to Kate. I enjoyed watching her find herself again after her devastating loss, through a series of dating relationships and self-evaluations. 

Kate is the type of character that I want to mother. Luckily, she has her aunt and her aunt's help/friend to get her back on her feet again. She's endured so many losses and in the process, as lost who she is. She's a slightly snarky and hilarious character, with two left feet and a penchant for sweats, but underneath all that is a real treasure.

Her dating experiences were fun, and somewhat cringe-worthy, but the icing on the cake is Jess. He's everything from every girl's dreams all wrapped up in a Hollywood persona. It's a fun story to read because the emotions are real and the characters are well-written, and when you add that to humor and romance, it's a recipe for a winner.

Content: mild romance

Scripted Unscripted by Kristina Miranda {Review}

Scripted Unscripted by Kristina Miranda

Kindle Edition, 267 pages

Published May 14th 2019 by Turner

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Ellie Quinn has spent most of her sixteen years behind the scenes, helping her father manage a crew of four-legged movie stars. Although she longs to be acknowledged as an animal trainer in her own right, she often gets stuck babysitting actors' personal pets and is known around the studio as "the dog sitter for the stars."

When teen megastar Kate Montgomery's sidekick gets fired while filming a pilot, Ellie is forced to temporarily fill-in. The producers seem to be enamored with Ellie--and so do Kate's two love interests on the show, "it boy" Logan Canfield and brand-new actor Cam Alvarez--causing trouble on and off the set.

Now Ellie must decide between living the drama in front of the camera or behind it. If she quits and the pilot fails, she and her father will have to close their failing business and move to her grandfather's lettuce farm. But if she stays on the road to stardom, it could mean losing the boy she's fallen for--and herself--in the process. Can she save the TV show and her father's business without losing everything else?

My Review: 4 Stars

Fun facts about me: I haven't ever had the desire to be an actress, but I love Hollywood and celebrities. I'm fascinated with the behind-the-scenes of movies/tv shows. I enjoy a good story about an every-day-normal girl rubbing shoulders with the stars. Of course I had to read this one because it incorporated so many of these interests into this story.

Ellie assists her dad with animal handling for Hollywood movies and tv shows and finds herself acting in the pilot of a new show. In a effort to save her family's business, she ends up navigating the cold, brutal, and lonely world of fame. 

The confidence and wisdom that Ellie imparts is atypical of a teen girl her age, but those characteristics made me adore her, especially as a parent. The drama, backstabbing, and good acting allow for an entertaining story, with characters to love and others to hate, but overall, the message and moral of the story is a good one. Mistakes are made and compromises are requested, which makes it hard for some of these characters to stay true to who they are. This is a fun coming-of-age tale, Hollywood style, and I think most teen girls would enjoy it.

One last note--I felt the book ended way too abruptly and would have loved a more solid and complete finale.  

Content: mild romance

Saved by the Movie Star by Michelle Pennington {Review}

Saved by the Movie Star by Michelle Pennington

Kindle Edition, 171 pages

Published February 10th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

She'll risk anything for the role of her dreams—anything but her heart.

Veronica Pantoni is a rising star in Hollywood, but her last movie came with unexpected consequences. When the movie’s A-list stars and real-life couple, Chris Sanderson and Kim Donnelly broke up, rumors that it was her fault went viral. It wasn’t fair. Despite her growing attraction to him, they’d been nothing but friends and professionals. No one will believe them, however, so the only thing she can do is wait for the scandal to be forgotten. When she's offered a chance at her dream role, she can't believe her good fortune—until she learns that Chris Sanderson will be her costar and love interest. Not only will it continue to fuel the rumors that haunt her life, she's not sure her heart can handle being so close to him again. Still, she just can’t turn it down.

Chris Sanderson knew the fallout from his break up with Kim would be rough, but he had no idea Veronica's name would get tangled up in the inevitable rumors. Maybe if they hadn't become such good friends and had such great chemistry, the rumors never would have started. But as bad as he feels, he's determined to make another movie with her because she brings out the best in him as an actor. He's tired of being seen as nothing but screen-candy and knows that she is his best chance at earning real respect as an actor. The only hard part will be remembering his oath to never get involved with a costar again. Especially when their chemistry begins to flame into something more.

But it isn't long before they discover that love isn't the biggest danger they'll have to face.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Hollywood and its stars have always been so fascinating to me. I loved the vivid details surrounding the making of this film and the chemistry between the co-stars, Chris and Veronica, was off the charts. There are good parts to acting and bad parts and Veronica wants to focus on the good, but finds herself entangled in the bad in the midst of a very public breakup that honestly has nothing to do with her. But a new role lands her right in the arms (and heart) of Hollywood heartthrob (and part of the scandal equation), Chris Sanderson and it takes all of her willpower and acting skills to stay true to her craft.

The dashes of mystery and danger splashed throughout the story really added some flavor and made the romance that much better. I loved Veronica and wish I could really see her act in real life, especially as she brought out the best in Chris too. This movie sounds amazing--too bad it's not real.

I get why Chris and Veronica didn't want to give in to their chemistry, but wowza! It was sizzling hot (in a totally clean way) and set my heart aflame. I love the way this author brings her characters to life and sucks the reader right into the book. Great characters, great connections, and great story!

Content: mild, swoony romance; mild moments of danger/violence

Lies, Love, and Breakfast at Tiffany's by Julie Wright {Review}

Lies, Love, and Breakfast at Tiffany's by Julie Wright

Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication: November 6th 2018 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

The Lie
Women in Hollywood are just pretty faces. But Silvia Bradshaw knows that’s a lie, and she’s ready to be treated as an equal and prove her worth as one of Hollywood’s newest film editors.

The Love
She and Ben Mason had worked together as editors before Silvia got her big break, so he’s the perfect person to ask for feedback on her first major film. But even as their friendship begins to blossom into something more, a lawsuit surfaces, jeopardizing both Ben and Silvia’s jobs—as well as their fledgling romance. Audrey Hepburn once said: “The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.” Silvia agrees. Or she used to. It’s one thing to risk her job and her heart, but can she really risk Ben’s, too? Does she have the right to make decisions for her own happiness when they affect so many other people?

The Breakfast
With everything to lose, Silvia meets Ben for breakfast at his favorite diner, Tiffany’s, for one last conversation before the credits roll on true love.

My Review: 4 Stars

Hollywood isn't all it's made out to be and Silvia learns that the hard way. I love old movies and the glitz and glamor of a famous lifestyle, but a lot of it is simply a facade. Basing this one on Audrey Hepburn was pure genius, especially the "object" with her namesake.

Silvia is a film editor and she's good at what she does, but has had to fight to get to where she is. I love that she's strong and not a person to back down when treated unfairly. She's a very quirky, confident woman, yet she has fears just like anyone else. I loved when she gets Ben, her former boss, to help her with a project. He's a genuinely funny and sweet guy and the banter they shared using movie quotes was both hilarious and endearing.

It was fun to see Silvia's best friend, Emma (from Lies Jane Austen Told Me), make some appearances. People who can accept others, flaws, quirks, and all are winners in my book. The supporting cast of characters was great--especially Silvia's spunky, sassy grandma. I love a book with great relationships and this one scored on all levels.

Content: mild romance  

Keeping June (The June Series Book 4) by Shannen Crane Camp {Review}

Keeping June (The June Series Book 4)

by Shannen Crane Camp

Paperback, 244 pages

Published December 21st 2015 by Sugar Coated Press



June Laurie has spent the better part of her young adult years in the Hollywood world of fame, envy, and rumors, and has managed to come out of it mostly unscathed. Now that she’s finally followed her heart and married her true love, she knows she’s found the perfect end to her story. But at twenty-two years old, it turns out her story is only beginning — and marriage, it seems, is more of an opening act than a finale. When fans of June’s television show start spreading online rumors about her faithfulness to her new husband and fabricating an off-set romance between her and her costar, she learns that even marriage offers no immunity from the gossip that always seems to haunt her. With complications in her personal and professional lives threatening to topple them both, will June be able to hold to her beliefs and her newfound happiness, even as what she thought was her perfect ending transforms into the challenges of reality that lurk beyond the fairytale?

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My Review: 4 Stars

This is a series that must be read in order, as it builds upon each book. June is a Hollywood actress, who happens to be LDS, and is ready to marry her childhood sweetheart. She struggles to balance her personal and professional lives, as she adjusts to marriage and Hollywood life.

June is a normal, likable character--not a diva in any way. I can't even imagine the pressures of acting, let alone the drama that ensues because of the paparazzi and gossip. I also can't imagine having to fake love and romance with someone other than my husband, but it's all in a day's job for June. Based on the description of the book, I thought this would be a bigger issue to the story than it actually is.

Of course, Joseph, June's husband is adorable and a great asset to the story. He handles their life with ease. There are some issues to work through, as most newlyweds know, and this couple has more than their fair share. I enjoyed the conflict and resolution, as many emotions are evoked. This isn't an easy happily-ever-after. 

As always, I enjoy the supporting cast in this series. From June's ex-boyfriend and current on-screen love interest, to the snarky make up artist and best friend, to the other sweet and shocking characters. I've loved watching their friendships throughout the series and found satisfaction in the end. True friendships aren't always wrapped up in pretty little bows. There are some aspects of the story that are really glossed over and because I feel such a part of these characters lives, I wanted a little more detail to some of them, such as the wedding and the day-to-day settling in of their marriage. This is a great read for those who enjoy a clean contemporary romance set in Hollywood and don't mind some religious details.

Content: squeaky clean romance, with one or two very vague comments of innuendo; some hard emotions; moderate religion, specific to the LDS church. Clean!

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Buy Links:

Other Books in the Series

 

About the Author

Shannen Crane Camp was born and raised in Southern California, where she developed a love of reading, writing, and anything having to do with film. After high school, she moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where she received a degree in Media Arts and found herself a husband in fellow California native Josh Camp. The two now live in Utah with their miniature schnauzer Hemingway. Shannen's true love is Young Adult Fiction though she often dabbles in New Adult, Paranormal, and Mystery. She takes any opportunity to include her love of film and video games in her writing and you might just find a nerdy Easter Egg or two hidden in her works.
Shannen loves to hear from readers, so feel free to contact her at Shannencbooks@hotmail.com or visit her website for more information: http://shannencbooks.blogspot.com

  

Just One Kiss (Kissed by the Bay #3) by Susan Hatler {Review}

Just One Kiss (Kissed by the Bay #3) by Susan Hatler

Kindle Edition, 145 pages

Published June 4th 2016 by Hatco Publishing 

 

Charlie Rockwell’s divorce from her rock star ex left her with a broken heart, a mansion on the bluffs in her hometown of Blue Moon Bay, and an empty back account. Now, Charlie has to generate enough income to keep the house she loves.

When producers of the soap opera, Just One Love, offer to rent Charlie’s house for a sizable fee, Charlie’s tempted. Only she wants nothing to do with the spotlight or dating someone famous again, and the show’s sexy star, Luke Montgomery, has her in his sights. Reluctantly, Charlie agrees to rent her home and vows to stay out of Luke’s way.

Unexpectedly, as filming progresses, Charlie witnesses Luke’s sweet side. She also remembers her college theater days and love of acting. During an on-set emergency, she’s asked to stand-in during a scene, and her undeniable chemistry with Luke impresses the producers enough that they want Charlie full-time.

Can Charlie finally have the career she’s dreamed about? And will Luke break her heart, or will he be everything he seems and what she always wanted?

 

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My Review: 5 Stars

 

Susan Hatler is a queen of clean romance! This is such a great series and I loved reading Charlie's story. Each book in the series can stand alone, but other characters make appearances, as each book is about a different woman in a group of friends.

 

Charlie gave up her acting dream to marry her high school sweetheart, turned bad boy rock star. After a messy divorce, she's healing in her mansion in her hometown and agrees to have a popular soap opera film in her house for a month to save herself from bankruptcy. Luke, a star of the show, is full of good looks and charisma, but she's not sure she can head down the road of fame again, with another relationship.

 

Charlie is someone that I could totally be friends with. For a woman who lived in the shadows of fame for so long, she's really personable and down-to-earth. Right off the bat, Luke oozes charm and he's such a gentleman--it's hard not to fall for him. I love a book with an intense connection and chemistry and this one delivers. I remember a time in middle school when it was "the thing" to watch a certain soap after school and this brought back some fun memories.

 

The story plays out in a way that's balanced with romantic moments, slightly humorous events, and tense situations. There's a good mix of conflict and resolution and I couldn't help but heave a delighted *sigh* at the conclusion, as it is a satisfying read. If you like clean romance with a bit of Hollywood and a beach involved, then this one is for you!

 

Content: mild romance (kissing, vague implications of unfaithful partner in marriage). Clean!

 

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

 

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Buy Links:

 

 

About the Author:

  

SUSAN HATLER is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan's books have been translated into German, Spanish, French, and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.

You can reach Susan here:

Facebook: facebook.com/authorsusanhatler
Twitter: twitter.com/susanhatler
Website: susanhatler.com
Blog: susanhatler.com/category/susans-blog

From Fake to Forever by Jennifer Shirk {Review}

From Fake to Forever by Jennifer Shirk

Kindle Edition, 208 pages

Published June 6th 2016 by Entangled Publishing, LLC (Bliss) 

Sandra Moyer’s preschool is struggling, so when her sister suggests allowing a super-famous actor to research his latest role there, she reluctantly agrees. Except the actor turns out to be Ben Capshaw—a playboy who’s never serious, always joking around, and who knows zero about kids or being a parent. Case in point: his involvement in the untimely death of the preschool’s class pet…

Ben is enjoying teaching more than he thought he would, but that doesn’t mean he’s looking for a permanent position. Sure, he’s ready for more serious movie roles and less goofing off, but the buttoned-up, beautiful Sandra and her young daughter are more than he bargained for. Plus, Sandra still won’t trust him—what if it’s all an act, research for the role? As the lines between make-believe and reality blur, Ben will have to decide if love is worth casting aside the role of his life for a new role…that could last a lifetime.

Previously released as The Role of a Lifetime - (May 2008) and has been enhanced with new material.

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My Review: 5 Stars

Sandra is the owner of a preschool and when famous Hollywood actor, Ben Capshaw, comes to research his potential role, she's not impressed. Little does she know, she had an encounter with him the previous day and thought he was a criminal! Add that to the fact that she has a past with an actor and that doesn't help Ben's case.This isn't a new idea, but this one is well done. I'm not a huge fan of a quick falling in love story, but this one is done in a way that is believable and fun--I loved every minute of it!

Isn't it said that opposites attract? I love the way these characters help each other become more well-rounded. Ben and Sandra each have their reasons for their respective behaviors (serious and playboy) and their personalities meshed well. I loved the witty banter, great sizzling (clean) chemistry, swoon-worthy moment, and humorous events--times when I was smiling and laughing out loud. This book has all the feel-good moments that capture my attention and took me for quite a ride. I love a good supporting cast and this one has that, for sure.

Ms. Shirk is a go-to author for a great, clean romance with a little zing. Her characters are dimensional and the story lines are very entertaining with perfect pacing. As always, I'm eagerly awaiting her next book!

Content: clean romance with kissing and some mild innuendo.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links:

 

About the Author:

Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy-which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet (and sometimes even funny) romances for Avalon Books/Montlake Romance and now Entangled Publishing. She won third place in the RWA 2006 NYC's Kathryn Hayes Love and Laughter Contest with her first book, THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME. Recently, her novel SUNNY DAYS FOR SAM won the 2013 Golden Quill Published Authors Contest for Best Traditional Romance.

Lately she's been on a serious exercise kick. But don't hold that against her.

Feel free to join her newsletter! eepurl.com/Q6TH1 Monthly giveaways! 

Catching June (June #3) by Shannen Crane Camp {Review}

Catching June (June #3) by Shannen Crane Camp

Paperback, 286 pages

Published December 6th 2014 by Sugar Coated Press



June Laurie’s life in the spotlight of Hollywood is anything but normal. Between paparazzi watching her every move, and online fandoms voicing opinions on her relationship with her boyfriend and co-star Ryan Hex, things can get confusing. But June is more than confident that she has her life planned out perfectly, with her childhood friend Joseph Cleveland coming home from a mission soon, and a successful television show under her belt, things seem to be falling into place perfectly. But when jealousies both on set and off start to shake the foundation of perfection that June has tried to build up, she’ll be forced to, once again, assess just how important her deeply seated standards are, and who really fills the empty spaces in her life. With the overbearing threat of popular opinion constantly hanging over her, will June be able to clear the clutter in her life and come to terms with what will bring her true happiness?

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My Review: 4 Stars

Why, oh, why do these love triangles break my heart so much? June is finding a lot of success in Hollywood in this story and is in love with her co-star, Ryan. June has high moral standards and amazingly, manages to hold on to them throughout her career. Ryan is very understanding and patient with "waiting for marriage" for certain things and they're so happy together. Until her best friend, Joseph, comes home from his LDS mission. 

What I loved: the characters. June is very convincing and likable. I love how committed she is to what she believes in and doesn't force it on those around her, but states what she expects and hopes for the best. Gran is a force to be reckoned with and I absolutely adore her wisdom and humor more and more with each book in the series. Ryan is such a great guy, but one situation had my opinion of him crumbling and I was stunned. Joseph is every girl's dream best friend and is finally mature and confident. I absolutely adore him!  

What I didn't love: some of the events. Okay, so a great story evokes emotion and I didn't like some of the things that happened, but they HAD to happen or this story wouldn't be this story! A Catch-22...

The setting is very intriguing. Is that what really goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood? I loved the flow, natural progression, and pacing of the story. I can't wait to read the finale of the series!

Content: some mild innuendo, kissing; moderate religious elements specific to the LDS church; mild talk of being violent (punching someone). Clean!

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Buy Links:

  

About the Author:

Shannen Crane Camp was born and raised in Southern California, where she developed a love of reading, writing, and anything having to do with film. After high school, she moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where she received a degree in Media Arts and found herself a husband in fellow California native Josh Camp. The two now live in Utah with their miniature schnauzer Hemingway. Shannen's true love is Young Adult Fiction though she often dabbles in New Adult, Paranormal, and Mystery. She takes any opportunity to include her love of film and video games in her writing and you might just find a nerdy Easter Egg or two hidden in her works.
Shannen loves to hear from readers, so feel free to contact her at Shannencbooks@hotmail.com or visit her website for more information: http://shannencbooks.blogspot.com  

Star Struck by Kathi Oram Peterson {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Star Struck by Kathi Oram Peterson

Kindle Edition, 288 pages

Published February 1st 2016 by Covenant Communications

 

 

Mercedes Grant is known to the world as Stormy Ryan, action hero. Her movie-star status has led to some unpleasant interactions in the past, and even a few stalkers, but none has ever come close enough to her to seem dangerous—until now. When she receives a death threat on her personal cell phone, she is understandably shaken. Seizing the opportunity to take some time away from the limelight while the police investigate the phone call, Mercedes escapes to her remote cabin near Idaho’s Snake River. She knows it is the perfect place to lie low, but she doesn’t realize how low she’ll actually feel once she arrives. After days of suffering from a cold she just can’t shake, Mercedes visits the town physician, Luke Parker. The handsome doctor, a fan of the stunning celebrity, performs the necessary tests and is devastated at the unexpected diagnosis he must give her. Mercedes is sick—really sick. He knows she can handle crazy fans, but the news he has to give is another story. As Mercedes struggles to come to terms with her new future, she relies on Luke’s support. But neither imagines the disease is not the only danger Mercedes is facing—because just out of view, someone is watching her and is determined to make good on their threat.

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My Review: 3 Stars

Hollywood actress, Mercedes, is taking a break from fame at her cabin in small-town Idaho, when a devastating diagnoses sends her life into a tailspin. Dr. Luke Parker is good at what he does, but the lines between physician and friend are blurred.

Mercedes is very down-to-earth, personable, and I felt sorry for her with her situation. Luke is a great, strong character--someone who has his friends backs. I loved the spunky receptionist, Winona, as well as Luke's daughter.  There was just something missing in the relationship and I had a hard time believing it and feeling that emotional connection. I think it's that the characters are more superficial and I wanted to hear their voices, feelings, and thoughts more, digging deeper into who they really are. 

One thing that I thought was really well done is the suspense angle of the story. Mercedes has received threats and is being subtly stalked and I loved how creepy and mysterious it all is. This is what really drives the story and what drew me in. There are some emotional events and things to come to terms with and I didn't feel that things resolved. I wanted more from the ending, but maybe it's left open for an additional story. All in all, it is entertaining.

Content: moments of peril, mild violence; religious references, specific to the LDS religion; mild romance (kissing, mild innuendo). Clean.

*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

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