A review by duckyreads
Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender

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.
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