Childstar 1 by JJ McAvoy

JJ. McAvoy has done it again! She is one of my favorite authors and I love her writing style. You can easily connect with the characters and immerse yourselves in her books. When I started this one, I couldn't put it down! Can't wait for the other releases!!

Amelia London and Noah Sloan had a history. Growing up as child stars, Amelia has the image of America's sweetheart, whereas Noah is known as the bad boy. As children, they went from coworkers to friends. As teens, friendship develops to love and then poof. It all falls apart because of a scandal, leaving Amelia with a broken heart and a determination to never cross paths with Noah again. Now, as their fame begins to dwindle, a opportunity emerges when a bestseller makes it to the big screen. One audition led to another and they come face to face after all those years apart. The attraction is still there but can they put their differences aside during film production?

I love the character development. As you read the story, layers begin to fall apart and you begin to understand what went wrong with their relationship in the first place. You can also see how they bring out the best and the worst out in each other. While I read it book, it felt like I was watching a movie because the chemistry between the two was SO GOOD! All their interactions were well written from the auditions to filming. I just love all the bickering, snide remarks, and the need to see each other when their brains say no. It's like there is an invisible line connected between them. When things are revealed and a plot twist occurs, you just want more! Overall, I love the book and wish all three books came out at once so I don't have to wait!!

4.5 STARS - Really Liked It!

Meet Me in Manhattan by Claudia Carroll

Let's just say I will be reading more Claudia Carroll books! I absolutely loved this one. It took me a while to get through the first couple chapters but I'm glad I powered through. It turned out to be a very sweet, funny and adorable novel! Makes me want to take my own trip to Manhattan during the holidays. 

Holly Johnson is like any single woman out there, hoping to find love. With technology these days, it's faster and easier to meet people online. Although I'm not quite of fan of online dating, Holly manages to connect with a guy who seems to be perfect. Andy McCoy is a pilot, family man, a guy who is willing to call first thing in the morning and right before you fall asleep. Unfortunately, emails and phone calls will only do for now with the Atlantic between them. So when there are opportunities of his plane landing in Ireland, promising arrangements to meet were made. After a couple of missed connections due to work conflicts, third time's a charm right? Sadly, no. A third cancellation leaves Holly wondering if this guy is even real. Through connections, she discovers that Andy's messages originate from New York City...not Atlanta where he is stationed. As a journalist, Holly wants to investigate and confront the guy behind the messages. So a surprise trip to Manhattan ensued and it leads to an unexpected adventure of discovering herself and finding love. With Christmas around the corner and snow fall in Central Park, it all makes the trip even more exciting. 

Carroll loves details so as you read, a picture was always painted. That's what I loved most about this book. It just makes you want to keep reading until it's finished. There are some twists and unexpected scenarios that makes you think: oh no! There are not many books that I've read, which started with two characters meeting online. So, it was refreshing to come across it. In the end, the book makes you wonder if the people you meet online are really who you think they are. It's true that people lie occasionally online but how far would the lies go?

4 STARS - Really Liked It!

Little side note: I just came back from a trip to Manhattan so it made me want to go back even more. Especially to all the places the characters traveled to! Next time, I'll have to add those to the list. Maybe, I'll even find a love like they did in the book. One can only hope! :)