Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - Stars in Your Eyes

"True joy can't shine until we work through the darkness and look at the trauma - until we begin to heal. Isn't it more satisfying, then? To see a happily ever after that has been fought for in the end."
Stars In Your Eyes isn't a traditional romance story. Thank you to Read Forever for my eARC for review!
Matthew Cole and Logan Grey are actors, both cast in the LGBTQ romance film, Write Anything. Mattie is Hollywood's new golden guy, Grey has a reputation as the bad boy. They are not only results of their damaged upbringings, but of celebrity culture and the entertainment industry.
What starts as a fake relationship publicity stunt, eventually has the pair building a relationship amidst a history of trauma.
Author Kacen Callender doesn't hold back - this story encompasses all things messy and dark. But it's also emotional and beautiful, ultimately about connection and finding safe places to land. It's beyond the expected tropes, about loving others but also yourself.
Be ready for heartbreak and heart-warming, all at once. Absolutely recommended!
Released on Oct. 10.
⚠️ TW: homophobia and biphobia, childhood sexual abuse, online harassment/bullying, suicidal ideation, parental rejection.

Content Warnings

tc_booksandmore's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the free eARC. This is my honest opinion.

I read this in one sitting, breaking only to take care of bodily functions. I loved Mattie and I wanted to give Logan the biggest hug in the whole world. This was phenomenally written (even the AO3 cringe writing) and the depictions of CPTSD, anxiety, depression, shame, and guilt resonated deeply with me.

I loved the storyline, the tropes, and the fact that they both had to adjust and mature. The side chapters with other people commenting, gushing over the celebrities rang so true to things I've read on social media, so the memoir bits from Mattie's pov were a welcome intermission to all the toxicity. This is a story that makes you think, it is a romance, but to say that this is the only plot, ignores all the important things that happen.

Logan's backstory rings true and while it doesn't excuse his actions, it does help explain them. I was cheering him along with every step he made to get out of the hole he had made and actively booed the people that wanted to keep him where he was. Mattie, even with his golden retriever personality, has a lot going on and I loved him so much.

5 out of 5 stars, 2.5 out of 5 🌶 for the spice level. Highly recommend for those who enjoyed Red, White and Royal Blue, The Charm Offensive, and Boyfriend Material.

Content Warnings