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bluesmith's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Rape, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Drug use and Suicide attempt
amanda_mh's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book … I took my time with it, I’m glad I did, it had me sobbing throughout almost every chapter. This is my first Kacen Callendar book and I will be reading their other books now. Major and multiple trigger warnings so please check before reading. This is going down as one of my favourite books, some really important messages in this story. So much care went into telling Matt and Logan’s story 💜
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Addiction, Bullying, Cursing, Drug abuse, Rape, Body shaming, Physical abuse, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Biphobia, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Death of parent, Cancer, and Adult/minor relationship
danireadsbooks1's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This novel was so much more than I ever thought it would be, in a deep, emotional, and difficult way. I will say this: there are some serious trigger warnings that I did review but, thinking this would be a light little contemporary romance, should’ve taken way more seriously.
One major trigger warning is for parents and people with childhood trauma: there is not only parental neglect but purposeful parental negligence leading to repeated child rape that is not on the page but is referenced and discussed (not in-depth). It’s not easy to read or experience even fictionally that a parent would do that on purpose to their child, even at a high level and without details.
I enjoyed this novel, but it was hard to read. It’s a range of emotions and the author masterfully crafted this to sway the way you think and feel about characters as they yank your heartstrings right out of your chest. They answered questions before I had a chance to ask them and addressed situations incredibly well.
Yes, we get a wonderful celebrity gay romance with tons of depth and really important discussion of racism, colorism, childhood trauma, social expectations and the expectations put onto people in the public eye, but also a great discussion of the expectations we put onto others in our personal lives and whether that is justified or warranted.
I will say this is a solid, enjoyable novel, but damn was the ending really tough to read. Logan's trauma was tough to read about and work through. It was hard, but his journey is beautiful in the way he perseveres.
I think this novel is a reminder that you just never know what anyone else is going through or what they have experienced and have to work through. A reminder we all need.
I definitely recommend this book, but just know that you're in for an emotional journey.
One major trigger warning is for parents and people with childhood trauma: there is not only parental neglect but purposeful parental negligence leading to repeated child rape that is not on the page but is referenced and discussed (not in-depth). It’s not easy to read or experience even fictionally that a parent would do that on purpose to their child, even at a high level and without details.
I enjoyed this novel, but it was hard to read. It’s a range of emotions and the author masterfully crafted this to sway the way you think and feel about characters as they yank your heartstrings right out of your chest. They answered questions before I had a chance to ask them and addressed situations incredibly well.
Yes, we get a wonderful celebrity gay romance with tons of depth and really important discussion of racism, colorism, childhood trauma, social expectations and the expectations put onto people in the public eye, but also a great discussion of the expectations we put onto others in our personal lives and whether that is justified or warranted.
I will say this is a solid, enjoyable novel, but damn was the ending really tough to read. Logan's trauma was tough to read about and work through. It was hard, but his journey is beautiful in the way he perseveres.
I think this novel is a reminder that you just never know what anyone else is going through or what they have experienced and have to work through. A reminder we all need.
I definitely recommend this book, but just know that you're in for an emotional journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Drug use, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Racism, Racial slurs, Mental illness, Infidelity, Addiction, Grief, and Alcoholism
Minor: Child abuse and Pedophilia
duckyreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
Kacen Callender masterfully displays why writing romance is an art with Stars in Your Eyes. Logan Gray is a talented but troubled Hollywood childhood star known for having a negative public reputation. Mattie Cole is an up-and-coming actor with a blemish-free image. When Mattie and Logan are cast as leads in a romantic film, production convinces them that a fake relationship is the best way to create positive anticipation while filming is still ongoing. As they slowly develop feelings for each other and become more vulnerable, a complex and nuanced love story evolves. I am at a loss for words at how to describe the nuances and complexities of Matt and Logan's story. Both Mattie and Logan are biracial Black actors that acknowledge the role that colorism has played in their careers.
I really enjoyed that the narrative contains different mediums, including snippets of Mattie's memoir, YouTube transcripts from feral fans, and even Archive of Our Own chapters (the girlies that get it, get it). Kacen carefully discusses the overarching theme of trauma and how it can impact romantic and platonic relationships. Please take note of the content warnings including: past childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, bullying and harassment online, suicidal thoughts, homophobia and biphobia, parental rejection and verbal abuse, and mentions of potential overdose.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed that the narrative contains different mediums, including snippets of Mattie's memoir, YouTube transcripts from feral fans, and even Archive of Our Own chapters (the girlies that get it, get it). Kacen carefully discusses the overarching theme of trauma and how it can impact romantic and platonic relationships. Please take note of the content warnings including: past childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, bullying and harassment online, suicidal thoughts, homophobia and biphobia, parental rejection and verbal abuse, and mentions of potential overdose.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Child abuse, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Biphobia and Alcohol
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