hazelgirl21's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Mental illness and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Cancer and Abandonment
ayeh_h's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Abandonment and Cancer
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
kdailyreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Bullying, Cancer, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Mental illness, Terminal illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
aqtbenz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content, Cancer, Adult/minor relationship, and Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual assault and Abandonment
mmage's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
Moderate: Abandonment, Drug use, and Cancer
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Self harm
Spoiler
Adult/minor relationship, sexual assault, sexual harassment, Rape, Pedophilia, Gaslightingbooksbytheglass's review
3.25
fiona st james went off the rails a few years ago, as most former child movie stars do. now, she’s just trying to live out her normal life, until sam fox, her former co-star on birds of california, comes waltzing back into her life. and the worst news of all is that the studio wants to reboot the show. sam is immediately torn between convincing fiona to do something she doesn’t want to do and saving his career … or admitting his longtime feelings for the former actress herself.
to me, this felt like evelyn hugo’s distant cousin - it had all of the same elements, but failed to make the same impact as she did.
still, I enjoyed learning the back and forth life of riley bird herself, fiona st. james (another evelyn hugo reference lol) and how her past shaped her future. stories about hollywood are a slippery slope, and while I’m glad I read it, I would recommend others more.
it was a predictable yet fun storyline, and I’m super glad I got to preview this one!! thank you to netgalley and harper ol line for the advanced copy in exchange for a review.
rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: california merlot
Graphic: Abandonment and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape