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renpuspita's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.0
Written like a love letter to telenovelas and soap operas, surprisely I end up enjoy this one. Since telenovelas also shape my childhood, together with Chinese historical period drama (wuxia). A hero with emotional baggage is not my favorite since they can act as a jerk, but Ashton's vulnerability is well written. That his fear regarding his own guarded secret (his son) and his PTSD from having a stalker break into his house is somehow understandable. Jasmine who is desperate for any attention, craving for love and affection, therefore always end up in a messy breakup is somehow I can relate to. Although her own family is far from family of hell, she always think that she is not good enough. Which is weird, because if I have a daughter as an actress I will at least proud of her when she got award, not show it with somehow lukewarm reaction.
I also liked that both characters are in their 30-s with Ashton almost 40. Since all books I read from early this year (2023) mostly told from 1st PoV, it's nice to read romance that written with third PoV from both heroine and the hero. Therefore, we know their feelings to each other, their struggle and inner anguish and how they interact. Although, not much banter and snarkiness, maybe because Ashton is imho, pretty much down to earth and Jasmine respect him as one of her senior in telenovela worlds. The steaminess is off the chart, and although their romance can be perceived as insta-lust because of close proximity, I don't mind it at all. Another plus point is the family theme, with the sisterhood between Jasmine and her cousins, Michelle and Ava that support her (their chat group called Primas of Power). I'm really green with envy for Jasmine, because I'm never that close to my cousins (and my own sisters hahaha). Jasmine's reluctant about her Abuelita's campaign to wear eye cream everyday is almost like a comic relief, but also show that deep inside she love her grandmother.
I like the way Daria write about the film productions. One of the plus point is how she write about intimacy coordinator, since the tv series that Jasmine and Ashton starred, Carmen in Charge is a romance flix. Reading the way intimacy coordinator work is a blast, like how they try to coordinate the actors in romantic scene and sex scene, while reaffirm their consents to do it, even it just act. Through Ashton's narrative, Daria show that in the past the telenovela world didn't reconsider their actors feelings in filming romantic scene and just let go with the flow. I also like how diverse the casts, like Jasmine is biracial, mix of Puerto Rico and Filipino, and so on. The Spanish dialog kinda throw me aback since English is not my native languange, and I just understand one or two if spanish word (like hola, come estas or bueno noches/dias, etc). So thanks for google translate to help me to understand when Ashton speaking in Spanish. I never highlighted so much in my Kobo e-reader with new Spain vocabulary!
The downgrade is maybe the third act feel too dramatic for my sense and how they lashed to hurting each other just make me rolling my eyes, because..uhm..communication? Sure Jasmine and Ashton have heart to heart talk before, but with Ashton's secret, he's always guarded. One of reviewer also point out why they are afraid to see dating with each other, because co-stars dating everytime, and I kinda agree. Although I see the reason behind that, especially from Ashton's PoV. He's scared of his life. I do liked the way Daria handle both of character's redemption, although, you know this is contemporary romance, the mistake is pretty common in character relationship. I also feel that Daria's writing somehow clunky? When I see how much chapter in the book, I'm surprised because wtf, 40 chapters?? And then, oh, it's just short ones lol, since I finish reading the book under 4 hrs. I just hope when Daria writing about the filming scene between Jasmine (as Carmen) and Ashton (as Victor) is pretty much about the scene, not there are random sentences about what Jasmine or Ashton think. Or maybe she can write it in italic.
Con-rom novels about celebrity is not my forte, but I liked the way the story untold and reading the dynamics between Jasmine and Ashton, and their families (big and small). I also love the production process behind the scene, although the angst can be too much sometimes.
I also liked that both characters are in their 30-s with Ashton almost 40. Since all books I read from early this year (2023) mostly told from 1st PoV, it's nice to read romance that written with third PoV from both heroine and the hero. Therefore, we know their feelings to each other, their struggle and inner anguish and how they interact. Although, not much banter and snarkiness, maybe because Ashton is imho, pretty much down to earth and Jasmine respect him as one of her senior in telenovela worlds. The steaminess is off the chart, and although their romance can be perceived as insta-lust because of close proximity, I don't mind it at all. Another plus point is the family theme, with the sisterhood between Jasmine and her cousins, Michelle and Ava that support her (their chat group called Primas of Power). I'm really green with envy for Jasmine, because I'm never that close to my cousins (and my own sisters hahaha). Jasmine's reluctant about her Abuelita's campaign to wear eye cream everyday is almost like a comic relief, but also show that deep inside she love her grandmother.
I like the way Daria write about the film productions. One of the plus point is how she write about intimacy coordinator, since the tv series that Jasmine and Ashton starred, Carmen in Charge is a romance flix. Reading the way intimacy coordinator work is a blast, like how they try to coordinate the actors in romantic scene and sex scene, while reaffirm their consents to do it, even it just act. Through Ashton's narrative, Daria show that in the past the telenovela world didn't reconsider their actors feelings in filming romantic scene and just let go with the flow. I also like how diverse the casts, like Jasmine is biracial, mix of Puerto Rico and Filipino, and so on. The Spanish dialog kinda throw me aback since English is not my native languange, and I just understand one or two if spanish word (like hola, come estas or bueno noches/dias, etc). So thanks for google translate to help me to understand when Ashton speaking in Spanish. I never highlighted so much in my Kobo e-reader with new Spain vocabulary!
The downgrade is maybe the third act feel too dramatic for my sense and how they lashed to hurting each other just make me rolling my eyes, because..uhm..communication? Sure Jasmine and Ashton have heart to heart talk before, but with Ashton's secret, he's always guarded. One of reviewer also point out why they are afraid to see dating with each other, because co-stars dating everytime, and I kinda agree. Although I see the reason behind that, especially from Ashton's PoV. He's scared of his life. I do liked the way Daria handle both of character's redemption, although, you know this is contemporary romance, the mistake is pretty common in character relationship. I also feel that Daria's writing somehow clunky? When I see how much chapter in the book, I'm surprised because wtf, 40 chapters?? And then, oh, it's just short ones lol, since I finish reading the book under 4 hrs. I just hope when Daria writing about the filming scene between Jasmine (as Carmen) and Ashton (as Victor) is pretty much about the scene, not there are random sentences about what Jasmine or Ashton think. Or maybe she can write it in italic.
Con-rom novels about celebrity is not my forte, but I liked the way the story untold and reading the dynamics between Jasmine and Ashton, and their families (big and small). I also love the production process behind the scene, although the angst can be too much sometimes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Stalking
Minor: Abandonment
triple_m's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
4.0
Really cute, I enjoyed it a lot! This book had a really nice scene with consent/boundaries which I love to see in a book. I thought the telenovela-inspired show setting was really fun and unique.
Here me out, I loved Jasmine and Ashton and I did genuinely enjoy them together. I have a hard time fully rooting for couples where I feel like one them is desperate though. Jasmine, self-admittedly, has a bad habit of falling in love too easily and jumping into relationships. I don’t think any less of her as a character for that, but it does make me feel the relationship is less special. In a way, he could’ve been anyone, and she’s just lucky he’s not a piece of shit. But he is genuinely wonderful so I’m still here for it.
Here me out, I loved Jasmine and Ashton and I did genuinely enjoy them together. I have a hard time fully rooting for couples where I feel like one them is desperate though. Jasmine, self-admittedly, has a bad habit of falling in love too easily and jumping into relationships. I don’t think any less of her as a character for that, but it does make me feel the relationship is less special. In a way, he could’ve been anyone, and she’s just lucky he’s not a piece of shit. But he is genuinely wonderful so I’m still here for it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Stalking, and Panic attacks/disorders
bookishjaybird's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.5
Rounded up from 3.5 stars!
I enjoyed this so much! It was really cute, and I love the setting of the tv set and Jasmine's relationship with her family and the relationship she builds with Ashton. It did frustrate me a bit towards the end because of the climax and both of them putting their own issues onto each other etc but it didn't bother me like it does in most books because Alexis Daria actually had them WORK through it instead of apologizing and moving on from it. I really appreciated it and wish more books would have their love interests work through their own trauma and anxieties vs apologizing and forgetting it exists.
I think the only issue I had was the pacing of the book. It went a bit too slow in my opinion and I wish it had been more fast paced in the beginning when building everything and slower paced at the end with Jasmine and Ashton's relationship.
Other than that, I really did enjoy this, and I can't wait to pick up the sequel.
I enjoyed this so much! It was really cute, and I love the setting of the tv set and Jasmine's relationship with her family and the relationship she builds with Ashton. It did frustrate me a bit towards the end because of the climax and both of them putting their own issues onto each other etc but it didn't bother me like it does in most books because Alexis Daria actually had them WORK through it instead of apologizing and moving on from it. I really appreciated it and wish more books would have their love interests work through their own trauma and anxieties vs apologizing and forgetting it exists.
I think the only issue I had was the pacing of the book. It went a bit too slow in my opinion and I wish it had been more fast paced in the beginning when building everything and slower paced at the end with Jasmine and Ashton's relationship.
Other than that, I really did enjoy this, and I can't wait to pick up the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Stalking
noellelovesbooks's review against another edition
4.25
Content Warnings: Sexual scenes, panic attacks, and stalking. Mention of: Home invasion, racism, parental abandonment, and toxic relationships.
This was a fun read, we get a somewhat slow-burn romance between two co-stars as well as getting to read some of the actual scenes their characters go through. I love when any book, involving actors, gives us bits of the script to read through instead of just mentioning the show/movie they're working on without giving us details.
I have to say though...I needed more groveling. Things were said that were harsh, hurtful, and just plain mean. I feel like the resolution just happened much too quickly. I would have liked to see a bit longer separation before the open heart that leads to total forgiveness and the HEA.
Really enjoyed getting to know these characters and I look forward to picking up the next book in the Primas of Power series to see what couple is next!
This was a fun read, we get a somewhat slow-burn romance between two co-stars as well as getting to read some of the actual scenes their characters go through. I love when any book, involving actors, gives us bits of the script to read through instead of just mentioning the show/movie they're working on without giving us details.
I have to say though...I needed more groveling. Things were said that were harsh, hurtful, and just plain mean. I feel like the resolution just happened much too quickly. I would have liked to see a bit longer separation before the open heart that leads to total forgiveness and the HEA.
Really enjoyed getting to know these characters and I look forward to picking up the next book in the Primas of Power series to see what couple is next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Stalking, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Racism and Toxic relationship
kfmcf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.25
This book was a lot of fun to read. Jasmine is a fantastic MC and I was rooting for her 100%. Ashton could have used a bit more depth but was perfectly fine.
I'm definitely excited to read the sequels (only one is out so far, I think?). Big fan of Daria's writing!
I'm definitely excited to read the sequels (only one is out so far, I think?). Big fan of Daria's writing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
shaipanda's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
I read this one after it’s sequel and I loved them both so muchhhhh!!! These books are absolutely adorable and I love the characters omg
I actually think I might have liked this one even more than the sequel (which tbh I now am so tempted to reread lol) cause I just believed in the couple so much and their chemistry was unbelievable
Loved itttt
I actually think I might have liked this one even more than the sequel (which tbh I now am so tempted to reread lol) cause I just believed in the couple so much and their chemistry was unbelievable
Loved itttt
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Stalking
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, and Death of parent
Minor: Racism
simplexdreams's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent and Cancer
mwp_'s review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
tense
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
4.0
I loved the writing and the characters, so I do want to read more of Daria’s work. And I would recommend this one to people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Stalking
space_corgi's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Racial slurs and Panic attacks/disorders
picoledenaranja's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking and Panic attacks/disorders