Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Book Review: "Stars in Your Eyes" by Kacen Callender

I’ve had this book on my stack for quite a while. But if I had known had incredibly good it was, I would’ve read it sooner!

Mattie is on his way to becoming Hollywood’s golden boy. He’s handsome, sweet, and Southern, but he’s not quite comfortable with the scrutiny of fame yet. But he’s just been cast in a gay romantic comedy that could launch him into the big time.

His costar, Logan, has been acting since he was young, but he’s better known for his trips to rehab and his bad behavior. Just before the movie starts shooting, he says that he doesn’t think Mattie has any talent. That’s not awkward…

When Logan gets caught up in another scandal, the producers aren’t happy that his behavior is killing interest in the movie. So they suggest that Mattie and Logan pretend to date and fall in love. While Logan is dubious, Mattie admires Logan, and is willing to try and convince the public of his feelings.

Little by little, the chemistry between them intensifies, and it becomes more difficult to distinguish fiction from reality. But Logan has an inability to let anyone get too close to him, and he sabotages any chance at happiness. Mattie wants to help Logan, but Logan has to help himself first.

This is an emotional and beautiful story, but there are a number of trigger warnings listed at the front of the book. There’s definitely a lot of trauma and hurt that Logan, and to some extent, Mattie, have to deal with. I’m such a fan of Kacen Callender and they hit it out of the park with this one.

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