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mlpercy's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
popgoesbitty's review
3.0
CWs: suicide
I find it hard to criticize Phillips because... well... she invented this entire genre. The Chicago Stars was the first of its kind--a sports romance series-- and I must acknowledge the elephant in the room. My favorite series of all time (The Bromance Book Club) wouldn't exist without her, without the Chicago Stars. The palpable parallels between the two underline Phillips' legacy to the subgenre. I understand. I acknowledge. I clap. I stan.
...which is why this review is so difficult to write. Truthfully, if I was rating just the first 65% of this book, it would have 5 stars. The romantic build up between these two was wonderful. The leads were super hot, and the whole setup was pure "Chicago Stars." They had a more complex chemistry than I like, but it worked really well and was true to this series. A not-so-brainless jock falling for a woman seemingly out of his league. I fall for it every time.
But dang it, Susan! Who writes a contemporary romance that's almost 400 pages long?!
The romantic tension is solved about 200 pages in. And you're left with an extraneous plot that is just so, so weak. Yes, as romance readers we are more than willing to suspend reality for a good plot arch. But a world famous opera singer who gets kidnapped like, over and over? Eek. I truly did not care what happened outside of these two people getting into bed together.
This hurts to say, but this felt like a watered down version of what Adam's does so much more skillfully in the Bromance series. Skip this, go for that.
I find it hard to criticize Phillips because... well... she invented this entire genre. The Chicago Stars was the first of its kind--a sports romance series-- and I must acknowledge the elephant in the room. My favorite series of all time (The Bromance Book Club) wouldn't exist without her, without the Chicago Stars. The palpable parallels between the two underline Phillips' legacy to the subgenre. I understand. I acknowledge. I clap. I stan.
...which is why this review is so difficult to write. Truthfully, if I was rating just the first 65% of this book, it would have 5 stars. The romantic build up between these two was wonderful. The leads were super hot, and the whole setup was pure "Chicago Stars." They had a more complex chemistry than I like, but it worked really well and was true to this series. A not-so-brainless jock falling for a woman seemingly out of his league. I fall for it every time.
But dang it, Susan! Who writes a contemporary romance that's almost 400 pages long?!
The romantic tension is solved about 200 pages in. And you're left with an extraneous plot that is just so, so weak. Yes, as romance readers we are more than willing to suspend reality for a good plot arch. But a world famous opera singer who gets kidnapped like, over and over? Eek. I truly did not care what happened outside of these two people getting into bed together.
This hurts to say, but this felt like a watered down version of what Adam's does so much more skillfully in the Bromance series. Skip this, go for that.
spclteach's review
5.0
Another great story
I get so engrossed in SEP’s books that I have to finish every page. I can’t wait for Clint’s story. Please let there be a Clint story.
The Chicago Stars series got me through some of the tough times when I was hospitalized with osteomyelitis and I love their stories!
I get so engrossed in SEP’s books that I have to finish every page. I can’t wait for Clint’s story. Please let there be a Clint story.
The Chicago Stars series got me through some of the tough times when I was hospitalized with osteomyelitis and I love their stories!
ellenrgph's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
meggie82461's review
4.0
I don’t have a whole lot to say besides this was a solid, fun book. SEP reminds me of Kristen Ashley without all the “babes” and “honeys” and believe me, this is a good thing. I’ve always loved KA plots but sometimes can’t stand her writing. So far, SEP is the solution: stories that I’m not necessarily blown away by, but that I enjoy reading and always keeps my attention.
In this particular story, the characters were greater than the story. I really loved them. It makes sense why this is book #9; off the top of my head, I can think of 5 side characters I would love to read about, from this book alone. I’ve banned myself from buying books, and only this one was available at the library. But if a sale happens, I can’t be held responsible for my actions
In this particular story, the characters were greater than the story. I really loved them. It makes sense why this is book #9; off the top of my head, I can think of 5 side characters I would love to read about, from this book alone. I’ve banned myself from buying books, and only this one was available at the library. But if a sale happens, I can’t be held responsible for my actions
puzzlegirl30's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
flaxgoldentales's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
her_eyes_flashed's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
serenaerinreads's review against another edition
2.5
Read This Book If…you enjoy celebrity romances!
⭐️⭐️💫/5
When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Genre: sports romance
Series: Chicago Stars # 9
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, 1-2 open door scenes
Setting: Chicago and around USA
POV: dual, 3rd person, past tense
Tropes: celebrity, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, dating pact, roommates, road trip
My Thoughts: Okay, this was my first time reading this author and it’s solely because this book was chosen for one of my book clubs. I’m sure there are better examples of her work, but this romance reads like it was written by someone whose first book came out before I was born (because it was). Neither of the leads felt like real people to me and the POV shifts felt both uneven and sudden. I normally enjoy a celebrity romance, but a football player and opera singer weren’t the most interesting choices. Opera is so hard to describe accurately on the page and I completely understand other reviewers for putting the book down to see what something actually sounded like. The mystery subplot woven throughout was fun, but the reveals felt more like “gotcha” moments instead of true plot twists and the suspense took priority over the romance at times. Overall, this read was just okay for me.