A review by andrea_author
Birds of California by Katie Cotugno

5.0

Former child star Fiona is offered a job reprising her role in the family show that made her famous. But she crashed and burned after her Hollywood career ended, and she has no desire to return to that world. Sam, who played her onscreen brother, wants to convince her to reconsider. His latest series has just been canceled, and he needs the money.

When they meet up again, they discover that their teenage infatuation is still alive. But Fiona can't be sure whether Sam is really interested in her or in getting her to agree to do the show. When he learns the truth about Fiona's breakdown, it changes everything. Can he be the man she needs to help her heal?

I loved this book. It's described as a rom com, but it's not. Think Taylor Jenkins Reid or Chanel Cleeton. Think #metoo.

This is an emotional book with well-developed characters, a powerful plot, and pacing that's on-point. Fiona is strong and understandably prickly, after the way she's been objectified since she was a teenager. Sam is sweet and charming, but a total goofball underneath that leading man façade. They really are perfect together, but they've got a lot of baggage to work through first.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.