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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
This may be my absolute favorite of the Chicago Stars series.
Wonderful. Another extremely solid book from the ever wonderful Susan Elizabeth Phillips!
I adore the Chicago Stars series. I adore SEP. I do not adore this book. It really pained me to give it such a low rating. I had so very many problems with this story, I frankly don’t even want to go into them all, because it would just take too long. There’s really only been about three books by her that I just have not liked, so that’s not too terrible of a track record, really. Besides the fact that both characters rubbed me the wrong way, I didn’t think their relationship was going to last, and the climax to the story was drawn out over several chapters, with many people and components contributing to what went wrong. It also had a LOT of characters, who are mentioned waaaaaay early in the story, and then not again until the end, but we’re supposed to know who the hell they are.
I don't know how this auther makes these kind of books so good.
When Stars Collide was another classic Susan Elizabeth Phillips! I feel like I'm always guaranteed great banter, solid character development, crazy antics and a happily ever after that leaves me smiling.
This particular book was a great look at how two ambitious people can balance career drive and an overwhelming love without losing themselves in the process. Olivia was a unique SEP heroine for me. She had her stuff together a lot more than past ones. All is not as it seems though and Olivia does have some growing to do. Thad was a classic SEP hero with the twist that he is not the superstar in the relationship. Both characters were likable and funny. I was definitely rooting for their HEA.
The other element in this book was the mystery/stalker aspect. I enjoyed the tension it brought but I think it had too many plot lines. It made it feel convoluted and a little clunky toward the end when I was just ready for them to resolve their differences and be together.
This book was a hit for me despite the mystery element dragging on a touch too long. My enjoyment level was super high and I definitely recommend to any SEP fans!
This particular book was a great look at how two ambitious people can balance career drive and an overwhelming love without losing themselves in the process. Olivia was a unique SEP heroine for me. She had her stuff together a lot more than past ones. All is not as it seems though and Olivia does have some growing to do. Thad was a classic SEP hero with the twist that he is not the superstar in the relationship. Both characters were likable and funny. I was definitely rooting for their HEA.
The other element in this book was the mystery/stalker aspect. I enjoyed the tension it brought but I think it had too many plot lines. It made it feel convoluted and a little clunky toward the end when I was just ready for them to resolve their differences and be together.
This book was a hit for me despite the mystery element dragging on a touch too long. My enjoyment level was super high and I definitely recommend to any SEP fans!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
I enjoyed listening to the author's interviews about this book more than the book itself. The opera singer FMC was kind of meh? I liked Thad and how he's the backup QB and such a prettyboy that he's almost uncomfortable with it. I liked the assistant side character, Hailey or something?, and how she was the one secretly posting pics of them together on social media to generate buzz and more attention to their watch ad campaign.
I was also surprised at why Olivia was so mean to Thad initially, because her "friend" told Olivia he raped her, wtf! Then later the friend was like oh no I made that up. Olivia apologizes but their relationship gets off to a rocky start. They're both touring around to promote these French watches. Olivia though she was so prissy and a diva, was very unlikable. While on tour Thad notices strange things - like someone broke into his room, someone is clearly following Olivia. At one point she is attacked but gets away. Then later they're robbed at gunpoint but the thief gets away. Thad suspects a crazy fan but the reality is even more insane.
Olivia had a finace that she broke up with right before they got married and he later suicided and wrote notes blaming her. The funeral was bad too and all his sisters blamed her too. Thad thought it was the sisters who were calling her, sending messages etc that looked like they came from beyond the grave. Olivia has lost her voice because she blames herself for the suicide. She later learns multiple woman have also been getting calls. I think they trace this back to her backup singer's husband was sending the messages to rattle Olivia so his wife could get her big break.
But there's another plot going on that the bracelet Olivia is wearing is some undeclared stolen Egyptian loot!? I forget who was involved.. but they were trying to steal it off her because its worth millions lol. They reveal that plot too and the people I think got apprehended.
I was also surprised at why Olivia was so mean to Thad initially, because her "friend" told Olivia he raped her, wtf! Then later the friend was like oh no I made that up. Olivia apologizes but their relationship gets off to a rocky start. They're both touring around to promote these French watches. Olivia though she was so prissy and a diva, was very unlikable. While on tour Thad notices strange things - like someone broke into his room, someone is clearly following Olivia. At one point she is attacked but gets away. Then later they're robbed at gunpoint but the thief gets away. Thad suspects a crazy fan but the reality is even more insane.
Olivia had a finace that she broke up with right before they got married and he later suicided and wrote notes blaming her. The funeral was bad too and all his sisters blamed her too. Thad thought it was the sisters who were calling her, sending messages etc that looked like they came from beyond the grave. Olivia has lost her voice because she blames herself for the suicide. She later learns multiple woman have also been getting calls. I think they trace this back to her backup singer's husband was sending the messages to rattle Olivia so his wife could get her big break.
But there's another plot going on that the bracelet Olivia is wearing is some undeclared stolen Egyptian loot!? I forget who was involved.. but they were trying to steal it off her because its worth millions lol. They reveal that plot too and the people I think got apprehended.