Title: Starstruck
Author Name & Publisher: Lesley Davis (Bold Strokes Books)
Publication Date & Length: January 19, 2016 – 240 pgs
Actress Cassidy “C.J.” Hayes is famous for her role in The Alchemidens, a fantasy show where she plays a kick-ass heroine. Her rising success has brought her quickly under Hollywood’s glaring spotlight. It also gained her the unwelcome attentions of an obsessive fan who wants more than just an autograph. Aiden Darrow is both a well-respected screenwriter and a writer of lesbian romances. As a big fan of actress C.J. Hayes, Aiden is astounded when the woman of her dreams ends up moving into the house next door to her. Their attraction is undeniable, but Cassidy is understandably nervous about getting too close to anyone. Aiden, meanwhile, is trying to separate reality from fiction because Cassidy is nothing like the character she portrays so well. All through her childhood, Aiden dreamed of a hero to come rescue her, but can she be the hero that Cassidy so desperately needs now?
The stalker story gives some threat to the story and makes the relationship between the two women even closer. He was always in the background, his presence malevolent and creepy. The steamy scenes were really well written and their growing closeness felt authentic. I also enjoyed the sci-fi convention description. Having attended a few myself I can attest that Lesley Davis got it spot on, from the Cosplay attendees, to the star talks and the entire feeling of such an event.
This story kept my interest throughout and made me keep turning pages. The story between Cassidy and Aiden is sweet, and reading about them falling in love was a treasure. At the same time, Cassidy is facing some serious problems with the police unable to catch her stalker, and that makes for some tense scenes. I loved Aiden’s geeky quirks and Cassidy seemed the perfect geek dream come true. But it was also interesting that Aiden differentiated so easily between Cassidy and the role she plays, after a bit of initial confusion. That was important for both of them. I got just as frustrated as they did that the police seemed ineffective at stopping the stalker, even though they knew exactly who he was. It was disorienting to hear what his thoughts were and compare those to the notes he actually left Cassidy, and it shows how out of touch with reality he really was.
The conclusion was tense and gripping and exciting, and just a bit scary as well. I’m glad the two found each other. Definitely a good read.
Amy P.
This book started out a little shaky, the first three chapters left me wondering what to expect from the rest of the book. Thankfully it leveled out and the remainder of the work kept me flipping pages, interested to see what would happen next. The characters were well developed and had realistic interactions (and reactions) to situations and each other. The plot was deep, twisted and totally creepy in the best way possible!
I couldn’t wait to see what kind of mess the two MCs would end up in as the story progressed and I wasn’t disappointed! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good edge of your seat type plot with a romance chaser. Well done!
~Rhayne
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Lesley Davis lives in the West Midlands of England. She is a die-hard sci-fi/fantasy fan in all its forms and an extremely passionate gamer.
