This was a super cute, easy and fluffy read - romances lovers will adore this one. Thank you again for the ARC opportunity

Katherine and James made me swoon. Starstruck is sweet, sexy, and fun. Kat growing into her own was such a great character arc to see! I loved all of it.

**Review of "StarStruck" - 4 Stars**

"StarStruck" by Ivy Dawson is an engaging and heartfelt romance novel that successfully blends the glamour and grit of Hollywood with a genuinely touching love story. The novel follows the intertwined lives of Kat and James, two characters from vastly different worlds who find solace and connection in each other amidst the chaos of the film industry.

Kat, an aspiring actress, has faced her share of setbacks. Dropped by her acting agent and dumped by her lousy ex-boyfriend, her move to LA isn't turning out as planned. Starting over as a PA on a Starlight Studios movie set, she finds herself at the mercy of a demanding has-been actor. However, her luck seems to change when she meets a background actor who makes her feel alive again. The twist? He's not just any actor, but James Everett, the film's leading star.

James, despite his fame and fortune, feels trapped by the expectations of his family's acting dynasty. Tired of people only seeing him as a means to an end, he is drawn to Kat, who sees him for who he truly is. Their connection is immediate and genuine, offering James a much-needed escape from his stifling life. However, his career ambitions come with strings attached – namely, a forced relationship contract with someone else, orchestrated by the studio.

The chemistry between Kat and James is palpable, and their personal struggles make them relatable and endearing. Kat's resilience and James's vulnerability create a dynamic that keeps readers rooting for their happiness. The novel's exploration of the pressures and superficialities of Hollywood adds depth to the story, highlighting the often unseen difficulties faced by those in the spotlight.

The only drawback is the somewhat predictable nature of the plot. While the romance is sweet and satisfying, some twists and turns feel anticipated. Nonetheless, the strong character development and emotional resonance make up for this minor flaw.

Overall, "StarStruck" is a delightful read that offers a perfect blend of romance, drama, and a peek behind the Hollywood curtain. Fans of contemporary romance will find themselves captivated by Kat and James's journey and eager to see if love can triumph over the industry's demands.

I found this to be a very sweet story. Kat’s character was pretty cute, and relatable, and James was great. I loved how patient he was with her at first, and how she was then, and how good they were at respecting each other’s boundaries. They were just right for each other and you could feel it.

« I don’t know how I existed so long in a world where you weren’t mine, and I hope I never have to ever again »

✨ Publication date: May 21, 2024✨

Starstruck is the first book in a new celebrity romance series The Starlight Studios by Ivy Dawes.

James Everett is the oldest sibling in Everett family and finally has a chance to prove to his dad he deserves a seat as an executive for the family owned Starlight Studios. James is well known not just because of his family but he’s starred in a number of films and has a popular fan base.

Kat Caplan has truly lost it all. She was dumped by her agent after too many failed auditions and then shortly after dumped by her aspiring actor boyfriend of 5 years. Thank goodness for her best friend who secured her a production assistants job on the new James Everett film.

After a chance meeting, James and Kat have an instant connection they desperately want to explore. As they try to get to know each other Kats insecurities get in the way while James’ father is forcing him into a fake relationship contract with the female star of the movie so they can increase the publicity of the film.

I’m not usually an insta-love fan but this was well done with great chemistry and banter. I appreciated that there was no large misunderstanding that kept them apart. The obstacles were well placed and not dragged on. This was a cute start to a new series and one I’m looking forward to continuing. This was a 3.5 star for me!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #ivydawes #starstruck

Super cute concept, but I felt like it was lacking a little something. It was a great read Overall, cute!

Such a cute romcom set in the entertainment industry in LA about 2 actors who fall for each other on set! Thought it was super sweet and I loved James and Kat together.. Overall 4.5 stars and i would 100% recommend you to read this sweet but spicy debut novel

⭐ 5 stars
🌶️ 3 spice

In Starstruck by Ivy Dawes, the story follows down-on-her-luck, struggling actress Kat (FMC), and James (MMC), who is the son of starlights with a strained relationship with his parents and a troubled past. Kat was recently dumped by her longtime boyfriend as well as her agent, it is safe to say she is working to pick up the broken pieces that is her life. She takes a job as a personal assistant on a film production where she meets James, the starring actor on the film. Throughout their run-ins, their relationship begins to bloom. Is this relationship too good to be true for Kat? Will James be able to live his life freely from his overbearing father? Will Kat and James be able pick up their broken pieces to be the best version of themselves?

What a debut novel!! I really enjoyed this read. The emotion was portrayed so well throughout this novel. You could really feel for the characters, especially Kat. I feel like Kat and James were relatable characters in that fact that some of the things that they were working to overcome could be translated to the reader’s own experiences. The flow was great and I felt like I couldn’t put this book down. I would recommend this book to any contemporary romance novel lovers, especially if you enjoy some spice! So excited for book two!

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC of Starstruck by Ivy Dawes in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the free book in exchange for a review!
Starstruck is about Kat, who working on a film set as an assistant to one of the actors in the movie where she meets James, a famous actor. She doesn't realize who he is at first and thinks he is a background actor in the movie, they are instantly drawn to each other and they start to fall in love. But what happens when James's father tries to force him to sign a relationship contract with the lead actress?

This was an amazing debut novel, it was the perfect combination of sweet and spicy romance and I read this book in one or two sittings! I loved following James and Kat through their way through the movie production and their way through their relationship. I am so excited to read the next book about the MMC's brother, which will be the second book in the series!

!!!Spoilers!!!
I loved how Kat left movie acting to act on stage. I think it spoke a lot about her personality and character. I love seeing more theatre and acting in romance books.

This was a finished this book in one sitting.

Kat a struggling actress finds herself as a PA for a whole set of big actors of a movie.

That is where she falls in love with James one of the main actors, but his identity is hidden.

Kat is insecure, while James is having issues with his family.

Their relationship was so pure. Like you fall in love with them, step by step.

This was a knock it out of the park for a debut novel.

3/3.5 ⭐️

This was super fun, quick sweet read. I really
enjoyed the nastalgia it gave me for the early 2000s rom com movies! It could easily be adapted and be a super fun rom com movie.

I was surprised that it was a debut as it was well planned and super early to read! The character depth was nice and it was easy to connect and root for the MCs.

i’m eager to dive into book 2 when it comes out!

Starstruck by Ivy Dawes is an adorable debut novel that’s perfect for fans of celebrity romance. If you enjoy meet-cute stories that blossom into insta-love, this book is for you! Filled with drama that keeps you hooked, it’s a cute and fun read that's sweet, funny, and yes, even a bit spicy. Dawes delivers a charming story that leaves you wanting more.

Super cute concept, but I felt like it was lacking a little something. It was a fun read, but I don’t know if I would go back for a second round. Overall, cute!

I could not put this book down!! It was so dang good! I love forbidden romance, secret relationships, ESPECIALLY Celebrity Romance! I am blown away the fact that this is a debut novel- this book read so well. I loved the main character Kat she is beautiful so well written! Kat is a struggling actress and she falls inlove with the main character on the set of the movie she is working on as a PA, there is some spice (which I love!) all around I can't wait to see more from this author as a whole! You need to pick this up!!

I really enjoyed this book! There were times where I felt the pain that Kat was feeling specifically her insecurities but I loved how James saw Kat for who she is. Thank you for allowing me to read and review this ARC.

This book was so easy to get in to. It is a sweet rom com which I could definitely see being its own film. Kat is an actress whos life is a on mundane side until she find her long-term boyfriend cheating on her. She meets James (Alex) who is a famous movie star. The story is a cute romance. Highly recommend reading this book. Thank you to Ivy and Net Galley for allowing me to reading this in exchange for an honest review.

The sadness at home feels crushing, the
loneliness gnawing at me. The walls feel like they’re creeping in closer and
closer, preparing to suffocate me and put me out of my misery.

I want to start by stating that this is an incredible debut book. I wanted to read a sweet, fast-paced romance novel, and this was literally the PERFECT book for that. I loved the whole part of this novel including the small things. I loved the chemistry between the two MCs. I loved that the female MC wasn’t with him for his career or name, but it felt genuine through the pages; and continued throughout the book. It never once felt like the chemistry stopped between them.

Anger burns through me. I hate that I have a father who talks to me like
this, and what's worse is I hate how I take his tone to heart and feel the sting
there too. I should know better, and I know I shouldn’t let it affect me, but it
does.

Kat and James approached challenges maturely and made relationship choices that set a solid foundation for the future. It was a breath of fresh air to read a romance novel featuring a "healthy" couple, as opposed to one that requires extensive couples therapy to stay together. James always made Kat feel like she was the most beautiful person in the room. Kat was worried because he was famous, and she wasn’t, and she sometimes wondered how he could want her. But he made it known that she was smart and talented and just made her feel worthy of everything. The character grows and changes to deserve her. From the start, I would not have accepted anything less than perfection for her. And yet there had to be something about him that needed to change before they could be together because conflict is a necessary part of a good romance.

I can't wait to kiss her again, but it's
going to be on her terms. She’s got to be the one to initiate it this time. And
I am going to enjoy myself while I wait for it to happen.

The anxiety attack, as someone who sometimes also gets these attacks, was very well explained, and the 5 senses technique is so useful and it works in real life also. Although there are many different approaches, this is one of the quickest.

Thoughts that she wasn't enough? Self-doubt? They have
no place in my girl. She always has been and always will be enough for me,
and I'm going to spend every waking moment trying to prove it.

I watched the movie The Idea of You and I felt a HUGE hangover and was looking for something close to that feeling, and this book WAS IT.

Now, it’s not age gap but it was everything else I wanted. I loved the chemistry between our two MCs. I loved that our female MC wasn’t with him for his career or his name, but it really felt genuine through the pages; and continued throughout the book. It never once felt like the chemistry stopped between them. They were mature in situations where others would have not been.

Romances are my favorite genre to read and this one made it to my top favorites so far this year! Not only with things it made me feel but because it was different than most romances and surprised me in the end.
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and it was completely different than what I thought would happen and the squeal I let out was extreme.

Starstruck is a really cute first novel from author Ivy Dawes. If you love celebrity romance, a meet-cute story turning in a insta-love, plus secret relatationship tropes, this one's for you! It could have been really cheezy or feeling rushed, but I really appreciate Dawes takes of her story.

I must say, Kat and James love story is not perfect - at all ! - and they clearly both have issues to deal with, before being able to truly lives their love (family drama, work and personal growth). There's a third-act breakup - not my favorite trope, I must say - but it feels quite realistic within its context, and I believe it was necessary for the story to progress. And, mostly, for our characters to finally achieve their happily ever after.

I also really appreciate the tight group of supporting characters around the MC : Kat's best friend, James' PA and his mua especially, and his brother & sister too. I hope they'll make a return in future books in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Flower & Bear Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange of an honest review.

This was a cute and light-hearted forbidden romance set in Hollywood! I really loved the first part of the book and how the relationship between Kat and James started. They had a great meet-cute, good chemistry and it just didn't feel forced which I really appreciated.

Unfortunately the story got a bit slow after that. It's a bit repetitive and flat, and I would've liked it a lot more if it had some depth. James and Kat are both sweet characters, but I didn't get completely invested in them.

I thought this was an entertaining read with some really great tropes, but for me it lacked that little extra something to make it stand out.