This was a lovely debut novel. Thank you to NetGalley and Flower & Bear Books.

Starstruck is a story about soul mates more than anything. When struggling actor Kat Caplan hits rock bottom, she takes a job as a production assistant on the set of a new film produced at Starlight Studios. James Everett is the leading man and son of the head of Starlight Studios. His future at the studio hinges on the success of the film. When a chance meeting has the two crossing paths, sparks fly immediately.

I enjoyed the interactions between James and Kat. James is a genuinely good guy carrying around just a boat load of childhood emotional and mental trauma, trying to navigate a world that already isn't kind to outliers. Kat is an interesting character who has paralyzing self-doubt and anxiety, but together, they seem to find some peace. I appreciated the growth of both characters throughout. I can't wait to read Roman's story next!

wasn’t my favorite ever but i liked it! it was a cute fluffy romance and a really great debut for ivy dawes!

Dropped by my acting agent? Check. Dumped by my crappy ex boyfriend? Check.This was not what I envisioned when I moved to LA. So I’m starting at the bottom. Again. When I get a job as a PA on the set of an upcoming Starlight Studios movie, I am stuck catering to the whims of a has-been who treats me like dirt. It’s almost enough to make me reconsider this gig. That is until I meet a background actor who gives me butterflies and makes me feel like I’m alive again. But looks can be deceiving. Especially when he is buried under layers of facial prosthetics and fake blood. Turns out he’s not a background actor at all. He’s James Everett, the film’s leading star. He’s smart, funny, ridiculously handsome, and everything I want. Falling in love with a movie star? Check. But does that matter when the film studio is pushing him to enter a fake relationship with someone else?

This book has a LOT going on. I enjoyed the book, but really wish James had stood up to his father much sooner. Great epilogue! Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I would like to thank netgalley and Flower & Bear Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Average celebrity romance.

This was absolutely delightful - precisely as I anticipated. An endearing, humorous, light-hearted tale of romance with a touch of allure woven throughout the narrative. ❤️

If you're in search of a charming, light-hearted romance, with just a hint of sizzle on the pages, then look no further! (And when I say hint, I mean, roughly half a paragraph ♥️)

It's a story of a Celebrity and an Aspiring Actress, whose relationship hangs in the balance due to a crucial contract.

Aspiring Actress Katherine (Kat to her friends) Caplan is feeling disheartened. Her recent breakup, coupled with a demanding superior and stagnant career prospects, leave her feeling defeated. Little does she realize, one misstep could alter the course of her life forever.

Enter James Everrett, the leading man in Starlight Productions' latest film, "Under Violet Skies." While fame has its advantages, for James, the spotlight is not his preferred place. Eager to wrap up filming and ascend to a new level of management within his family's business, his plans take an unexpected turn when he encounters a tearful assistant behind the studio.

Kat and James both exude warmth and authenticity. Witnessing their journey of self-discovery and mutual healing was immensely gratifying, and the late-night conversations evoked a sense of youthful romance and nostalgia.

Oh My Goodness, this book is AMAZING! Ivy Dawes' debut book, Starstruck, is such a well written story with characters that you want to make your best friends cause they're whitty & fun!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book on #NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own, buy do yourself a favor & read this one. John & Kat are both actors in this story, one struggling & one well established. Their relationship makes you swoon & get pretty invested from the beginning rooting for them. There is also drama, friendship, family, lots of passion, & laugh our loud one liners that make you want to finish this book in one sitting.
My only issue with Starstruck is now I have to patiently wait for the next book in this series to come out so I can read Roman & Clover's high-anticipated story!

Full review is posted on Good reads, Linked below:
Published on April 20th 2024

Shortened review:
4 stars 🌟.
Thank you Ivy Dawes, Netgalley and Flower & Books publishing for the opportunity to read this book early.

Kat is an example of a young woman, trying to pick up the pieces after a toxic relationship. When she is given the opportunity to “restart” her life working as a PA for an older famous actor on a set of a war movie, which in the beginning she finds annoying but thats where she meets James. So when she meets our MMC, a young and attractive costar of her boss who happens to be also a son of a movie executive, she is at first off put by his “stardom” but realizes that there is more than meets the eye.

James respected Kat’s boundaries for their relationship throughout the book and was there to help her in a tough moment with her ex. Watching their relationship progress felt true to the characters, considering Kat’s previous relationship. The spice is open door, but it is written in such a way that when the spice happens it is meaningful for their progressLike 1-2 🌶️ rating.

It was a great book for spring and can’t wait to read more for Ivy Dawes!!

I was fortunate enough to receive an arc of this book and let me just say, it was a cute and fluffy time!

This book was really sweet, I think I love James!

As someone who typically HATES third act breakups, I feel the need to touch on this one. When it first happened, I was not on board, but the communication and the way James and Kat worked it out made it all so worth the payoff!!

I’m looking forward to seeing more of these characters and getting Rose and Taylor’s book, hopefully next!

Adorable. I loved how sweet James was to Kat and always supported her in anyway he could. A failing actress gets a job as a PA on a film set where she meets the famous leading man - only he has a prosthetic covering half of his face and she doesn't recognize him. Insert fake name scenario! There was intense family drama and a cute blue AND white fish. All in all, I think it was solid for a debut author! I enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

If you are someone who loves early 2000s rom-coms this is a book for you. This book brought back a lot of nostalgia in the pacing and trying to decide what each character wants. Kat was such a real character dealing with heartbreak and confusion about life in your 20s and feeling like you’re starting over. James was such a sweetheart and though he had his issues I’m glad that he wasn’t “perfect” throughout the book. The side characters were also incredibly loveable and I cannot wait to see what future books will hold.

Starstruck by Ivy Dawes was such a cute romcom set it the LA entertainment industry. I’ve never read a book about two actors and was actually a huge fan! It was so cute to see the way James and Kat both grew in order to be better versions of themselves to be happy together! I loved how to conflict wasn’t what I thought it was going to be and was pleasantly surprised!

4/5 stars and would definitely recommend!!

It is always refreshing to read a romance novel where the guy falls first and is absolute love. That is this story. James and Kat. James being an actor who Kat originally thought was a guy named Alex. James completely falls in love Kat but is put in a tough position when his father, who is an awful guy makes him have to sign a contract and have a fake girlfriend. That enters in Ava and she is sure something else. This puts James in a tough spot and his love for Kat is threatened. I love how James never gave up on Kat. And I love how Kat made something of herself on her own. She deserved it. There are characters in this one that will make you get upset but the love James and Kat have make it worth it.

This was just amazing what I expected and wanted in this book. A cute, funny, light-hearted romance with a little spice sprinkled between the pages. This book was interesting and I read it in one sitting. I love the fish 🐟
James was a great character and I’m glad we got to see to his life and get to know him.
A great read and I definitely recommend

This book was so cute. I loved Katy growing into herself and I loved the little meet cute with Alex (aka James). I loved watching their relationship grow and overcoming challenges even if at times I wanted to strangle James for being dumb. I was proud of Katy’s strength and ability to always go for what she wants and work on herself and achieving her goals. This was my first book of Ivy’s and has made me an absolute fan. I can’t wait to read more of hers in the future.

I cant say enough good things about this. First it was really low key spicy, not like all the time. Second the banter was fun, and its about Hollywood stars so you know. I like the dual POV it was nice, and I also liked the story and how protective James is of Kat. You could tell that it would him falling the hardest, but they both seem to be likeable characters.

this is a cute hollywood rom com by a debut author
it's fresh and good
i can't express how much this book makes me want to melt like a scope of ice cream in a scorching hot summer day

First and foremost, thank you NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start by saying that James calling Kat “my girl” had me by the throat. I know, I know, probably overreacting, but, at the same time, OMG, James was everything.

Ok, into the review itself. This book got me hooked from the beginning. The writing is fluid and engaging, and it makes you want to continue to read, to know what it’s going to happen and to see the development of the relationship between the main characters.

As mentioned before, I absolutely adored James. His concerns and preoccupations were important to the story, and he had a clear character development. Kat, however, was a bit immature and insecure, and I feel their relationship was a little bit rushed. I’d classify this book as fast burn, as opposed to a slow burn, and although I loved reading about them as a couple, things felt rushed at times, and I wanted a little bit more of a build-up between James and Kat.

The side characters, specially James’ family, got my curiosity and I can’t wait to read Roman’s book.

Altogether, it was a great read, super cute (Finley the fish, I love you) and definitely a light read that is reminiscent of 2000s rom-coms.

This book was absolutely adorable! James is a very famous actor from a very well known family in the entertainment business and Kat is a struggling actress who was just dumped and let go by her agent. They meet on the set of the movie that James is staring and Kat is. PA to another actor on the film who is making her life very difficult. When they meet James is in full war makeup and Kat does not recognize him so he pretends to be someone else. They have several encounters before he reveals who he actually is. Their relationship is so sweet and James is an excellent book boyfriend. My biggest issue with the book was that the story did not feel very original in concept and therefore may tend to be forgetable but there were several things that were good about the book which is why i am giving it 4 stars, I enjoyed that the couple worked on themselves during the third act breakup before deciding to get back together. All in all this was a very enjoyable sweet book and with lots of fun spicy scenes. I am also excited for the next book in the series.

I loved everything about this book and I could not put it down!

Starstruck is a dual POV romance between Kat and James and it is the perfect combination of plot, sweet moments and spice! I found Kat to be so relatable and loved how supportive and caring James was. I was so invested in their love story, I read this cover to cover in one sitting! If you like celebrity romance, secret relationships, Hollywood romance, hidden identities, or just a swoony love story with some spice, you definitely have to give this a read! I cant wait for Roman & Clover’s story next!

Thanks Netgalley, Flower & Bear books, and Ivy for the ARC!

Kat and James were such a good love story! I didn't know what to expect going in, but it certainly wasn't what I got. Because while their love story is cute, it's also heartbreaking. Seriously, a certain someone's family had me wanting to scream! However, I think the ups and downs of their relationship is what's going to keep you glued to this book.

I loved reading as Kat blossoms from a heartbroken, insecure woman to someone knowing exactly what she wants and going for it. And let's not forget James who finally puts his foot down and decides to put himself first rather than caving in to his father's whims.

This forbidden, celebrity romance was everything I didn't know I needed. I am so looking forward to the next installment.