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Under the Stars #1
Your Fallen Star
A decade and a half ago, Leo Stone was famous. Fans galore, and money pouring in like a waterfall. Music industry royalty.
…And then the band broke up.
Leo went from a prince to pauper, and now he’s trying to make a comeback. To clean up his image and grab a little publicity, his manager hires Jamie Sheffield to write his biography.
Straight out of college, Jamie can’t believe his luck. He’d never quite gotten over his teen-aged crush on Leo, and now here he is, talking with Leo, thinking about Leo. Sleeping with Leo. And the heat between them is enough to set paper on fire.
But Leo’s afraid to commit to Jamie, no matter how much Jamie wants it. Not with the tabloids standing by, waiting for their next serving of scandal. And all the while, the book is getting closer to being finished. Will their story be cut short, or can they make it last forever?
Your Fallen Star is a 75,000-word gay romance novel, complete with a cranky, lovable, washed-up musician, a young and starry-eyed hopeful writer, and a cat named Mr. Ginger Boots. A little slow-burn, a lot of steam, and a happily-ever-after ending. It is the first book in the Under the Stars series, featuring the former members of the boy band 5*Star, but can be read alone or as part of the series.
…And then the band broke up.
Leo went from a prince to pauper, and now he’s trying to make a comeback. To clean up his image and grab a little publicity, his manager hires Jamie Sheffield to write his biography.
Straight out of college, Jamie can’t believe his luck. He’d never quite gotten over his teen-aged crush on Leo, and now here he is, talking with Leo, thinking about Leo. Sleeping with Leo. And the heat between them is enough to set paper on fire.
But Leo’s afraid to commit to Jamie, no matter how much Jamie wants it. Not with the tabloids standing by, waiting for their next serving of scandal. And all the while, the book is getting closer to being finished. Will their story be cut short, or can they make it last forever?
Your Fallen Star is a 75,000-word gay romance novel, complete with a cranky, lovable, washed-up musician, a young and starry-eyed hopeful writer, and a cat named Mr. Ginger Boots. A little slow-burn, a lot of steam, and a happily-ever-after ending. It is the first book in the Under the Stars series, featuring the former members of the boy band 5*Star, but can be read alone or as part of the series.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2017
121 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 4, 2017
~4.25~
I read this book on a whim after it showed up in my Amazon recommendations. I'd never heard of this author, but the blurb sounded really good (it had me at "cranky, lovable, washed-up musician" and "young and starry-eyed hopeful writer"), so I gave it a go.
Spontaneous decisions about reading choices rarely pay off, but I loved this story!
Seriously, Your Fallen Star hit all my buttons: clean writing (I noticed only a few minor typos); complex characters (I adored both MCs); mild angst, with some sweet comfort; age gap (Leo is 36 to Jamie's 22); passion & tenderness (plenty of hot lovin', including sex on the hood of a car!); and a swoon-worthy HEA.
Leo is a former pop star who lives in his big house in Los Angeles with no one but the neighborhood cat for company. He's a talented pianist but has lost all faith in himself. Leo lingers in obscurity, remembered more for touting the Blade-Chopper in an embarrassingly bad infomercial than for being part of 5*Star, a popular 90s boy band.
Leo's last chance at reviving his career is Jamie, a young writer newly arrived in Los Angeles with the hope of producing his screenplay. Jamie is energetic and enthusiastic. Once upon a time, he had a huge crush on Leo Stone and can't believe his luck when he's hired to write Leo's biography.
Jamie and Leo are absolutely adorable together. The chemistry between them is a live wire.
While Leo is positive he's a lost cause and doesn't want to drag Jamie down with him, he can't help but be drawn to Jamie the moment he lays eyes on him. And Jamie is equally smitten.
The story is told in alternating first-person POV, but I was never confused as to who was narrating each chapter. The men are given distinct voices.
My heart broke for Leo, for his self-inflicted shame and sadness, and for Jamie, so innocent, so full of LIFE and faith. I was rooting for these two from page 1. I knew they could have a beautiful thing together.
The story isn't without some relationship angst (NOT drama), but the ending is a swoon-worthy HEA. This is apparently the first book in a series (all previous members of 5*Star will get their own book). I honestly can't wait for more!
I read this book on a whim after it showed up in my Amazon recommendations. I'd never heard of this author, but the blurb sounded really good (it had me at "cranky, lovable, washed-up musician" and "young and starry-eyed hopeful writer"), so I gave it a go.
Spontaneous decisions about reading choices rarely pay off, but I loved this story!
Seriously, Your Fallen Star hit all my buttons: clean writing (I noticed only a few minor typos); complex characters (I adored both MCs); mild angst, with some sweet comfort; age gap (Leo is 36 to Jamie's 22); passion & tenderness (plenty of hot lovin', including sex on the hood of a car!); and a swoon-worthy HEA.
Leo is a former pop star who lives in his big house in Los Angeles with no one but the neighborhood cat for company. He's a talented pianist but has lost all faith in himself. Leo lingers in obscurity, remembered more for touting the Blade-Chopper in an embarrassingly bad infomercial than for being part of 5*Star, a popular 90s boy band.
Leo's last chance at reviving his career is Jamie, a young writer newly arrived in Los Angeles with the hope of producing his screenplay. Jamie is energetic and enthusiastic. Once upon a time, he had a huge crush on Leo Stone and can't believe his luck when he's hired to write Leo's biography.
Jamie and Leo are absolutely adorable together. The chemistry between them is a live wire.
While Leo is positive he's a lost cause and doesn't want to drag Jamie down with him, he can't help but be drawn to Jamie the moment he lays eyes on him. And Jamie is equally smitten.
The story is told in alternating first-person POV, but I was never confused as to who was narrating each chapter. The men are given distinct voices.
My heart broke for Leo, for his self-inflicted shame and sadness, and for Jamie, so innocent, so full of LIFE and faith. I was rooting for these two from page 1. I knew they could have a beautiful thing together.
The story isn't without some relationship angst (NOT drama), but the ending is a swoon-worthy HEA. This is apparently the first book in a series (all previous members of 5*Star will get their own book). I honestly can't wait for more!
July 11, 2017
*3.5 stars**
I’m surprised by myself. I’m going to be honest : this is not something I would usually enjoy. However, the author had a way to make the MCs so endearing for me that I just went with the flow and listened to my sappy side.
Leo is a former member of a boys band and now lives his life quietly and shyly. Until the young and enthusiastic Jamie enters his life in the role of his biographer and sees the real Leo. No angst, but some delicious hotness mixed with a great deal of tenderness and a sweet fight against low self-estim.
For fan of sweet and sexy romances with age-gap or when in need of a comfort read.
I’m surprised by myself. I’m going to be honest : this is not something I would usually enjoy. However, the author had a way to make the MCs so endearing for me that I just went with the flow and listened to my sappy side.
Leo is a former member of a boys band and now lives his life quietly and shyly. Until the young and enthusiastic Jamie enters his life in the role of his biographer and sees the real Leo. No angst, but some delicious hotness mixed with a great deal of tenderness and a sweet fight against low self-estim.
For fan of sweet and sexy romances with age-gap or when in need of a comfort read.
June 10, 2017
3.5 stars
Leo is a former boyband 5*Star member who is struggling to find life after the fame; and he's stuck with rehashed news about previous scandal and the very infamous informercial. Jamie is a newly graduated student who takes the job to write down biography about Leo. Of course when they meet, there's that (instant) connection and attraction, and things go from there :)
I picked this one up solely on a whim -- because I saw my friend, Dani loved it. I thought, well, if she did, it couldn't be that bad. Even if Dani and I have different taste. She did warn me that she thought this might be too sappy for me.
Well, she was completely right
I definitely think this book was too sappy for my taste. Having said that, I didn't dislike it. I mean, at times I also thought it was sweet. I could very much feel Leo's frustration and I sympathized with him. Seriously, Leo is pretty much around my age. If I'm being offered to star in my own commercial where I will be the "December" part of a May/December couple, I'd probably walked out of the meeting too. My God, since when is under 40 years old considered a "December"?
So yes, of course I loved the age gap between Leo (he's 36) and Jamie (he's 22). I enjoyed the times that Leo and Jamie together. I thought Jamie is a god-send for Leo. He's such a wonderful human being; the small things he does like searching for Leo's favorite candy just makes me want to hug Jamie so badly. He believes in Leo and he's definitely good for the older man. Doesn't mean that Jamie is mooching of Leo though; Jamie has his own talent and he's pursuing his own dream in between writing the biography.
There's enough angst here without being too overwhelming. It also has abundant of sweet sappy moments, some sexy times too, and a happy ending. I admit there is one moment where I got all choked up with happiness for Leo. So yeah, I enjoyed this. I think I'll stick around and check out the story of the other 5*Star member.
Leo is a former boyband 5*Star member who is struggling to find life after the fame; and he's stuck with rehashed news about previous scandal and the very infamous informercial. Jamie is a newly graduated student who takes the job to write down biography about Leo. Of course when they meet, there's that (instant) connection and attraction, and things go from there :)
I picked this one up solely on a whim -- because I saw my friend, Dani loved it. I thought, well, if she did, it couldn't be that bad. Even if Dani and I have different taste. She did warn me that she thought this might be too sappy for me.
Well, she was completely right
I definitely think this book was too sappy for my taste. Having said that, I didn't dislike it. I mean, at times I also thought it was sweet. I could very much feel Leo's frustration and I sympathized with him. Seriously, Leo is pretty much around my age. If I'm being offered to star in my own commercial where I will be the "December" part of a May/December couple, I'd probably walked out of the meeting too. My God, since when is under 40 years old considered a "December"?
So yes, of course I loved the age gap between Leo (he's 36) and Jamie (he's 22). I enjoyed the times that Leo and Jamie together. I thought Jamie is a god-send for Leo. He's such a wonderful human being; the small things he does like searching for Leo's favorite candy just makes me want to hug Jamie so badly. He believes in Leo and he's definitely good for the older man. Doesn't mean that Jamie is mooching of Leo though; Jamie has his own talent and he's pursuing his own dream in between writing the biography.
There's enough angst here without being too overwhelming. It also has abundant of sweet sappy moments, some sexy times too, and a happy ending. I admit there is one moment where I got all choked up with happiness for Leo. So yeah, I enjoyed this. I think I'll stick around and check out the story of the other 5*Star member.
June 25, 2017
*3.5*
March 27, 2023
The ending just too cheesy and pat for my tastes
While I often appreciate a corny, "happily ever after" gay romance, the ending of this story has just too extraordinarily successful (and unbelievable) resolutions for my tastes. This was especially disappointing as I felt the first 80%+ of the book worked well, drawing me into caring about two interesting characters, their mutual attraction, and also hesitations about romantic involvement. It started a bit slowly, but I found both characters to have a bit of depth and were likable, and their eventual physical connection was nicely heated.
However, the relationship "obstacle" was resolved way too quickly for my preferences. Even if Jamie could shrug off the sudden break, what really ruined the ending for me was that the couple's broader professional success just struck me as utterly unbelievable (in a “fairy tale” kind of way that didn't work for me).
Clearly the quick and pat ending wasn't an issue for most readers, but it really undermined my enjoyment of the romance and heat (and the believability of the characters).
While I often appreciate a corny, "happily ever after" gay romance, the ending of this story has just too extraordinarily successful (and unbelievable) resolutions for my tastes. This was especially disappointing as I felt the first 80%+ of the book worked well, drawing me into caring about two interesting characters, their mutual attraction, and also hesitations about romantic involvement. It started a bit slowly, but I found both characters to have a bit of depth and were likable, and their eventual physical connection was nicely heated.
However, the relationship "obstacle" was resolved way too quickly for my preferences. Even if Jamie could shrug off the sudden break, what really ruined the ending for me was that the couple's broader professional success just struck me as utterly unbelievable (in a “fairy tale” kind of way that didn't work for me).
Clearly the quick and pat ending wasn't an issue for most readers, but it really undermined my enjoyment of the romance and heat (and the believability of the characters).
June 30, 2017
Note to self:
- Dual POV
- Jamie is just out of college (22); Leo is a former boy-band member (36)
Things I liked:
- Leo was so awkward around Jamie at first ("When he lifted his eyes to mine I freaked out and looked down thankful as ever for the dim lighting. I could feel myself blushing. Stupid, stupid, stupid.")
Things I didnt like:
- Leo was Jamie's teenage crush
- Leo instantly regretting/having second thoughts after kissing Jamie for the first time (but he never really give any real reason why he thinks it was wrong - just that he doesnt deserve Jamie & that he was scared he wanted him
- Leo says they need to keep a professional relationship after the kiss (but sends a bit of mixed signals)
- Leo thought very little of him self and let other peoples opinions of him influence him and reconfirm his negative thoughts about himself which led him to breaking up with Jamie the same day he asked him to be his boyfriend (it was minutes between him asking Jamie to the conversation he overheard at the part about him and making the decision to end it)
- the ending seemed too easy (Leo steps in to help an employee at the talk show hes supposed to announce his book on and ends up playing the piano - Jamie is there and after the show they hug and decide they want to be together. Leo just gets over his issues because he played once and people didn't hate it?)
- Dual POV
- Jamie is just out of college (22); Leo is a former boy-band member (36)
Things I liked:
- Leo was so awkward around Jamie at first ("When he lifted his eyes to mine I freaked out and looked down thankful as ever for the dim lighting. I could feel myself blushing. Stupid, stupid, stupid.")
Things I didnt like:
- Leo was Jamie's teenage crush
- Leo instantly regretting/having second thoughts after kissing Jamie for the first time (but he never really give any real reason why he thinks it was wrong - just that he doesnt deserve Jamie & that he was scared he wanted him
- Leo says they need to keep a professional relationship after the kiss (but sends a bit of mixed signals)
- Leo thought very little of him self and let other peoples opinions of him influence him and reconfirm his negative thoughts about himself which led him to breaking up with Jamie the same day he asked him to be his boyfriend (it was minutes between him asking Jamie to the conversation he overheard at the part about him and making the decision to end it)
- the ending seemed too easy (Leo steps in to help an employee at the talk show hes supposed to announce his book on and ends up playing the piano - Jamie is there and after the show they hug and decide they want to be together. Leo just gets over his issues because he played once and people didn't hate it?)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2017
Sweet, easy read. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
August 1, 2017
Very pleasantly surprised by this one
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book as I've never read this author before but the premise interested me and the story itself turned out to be thoroughly enjoyable.
Any book that not only has a hot wall sex scene but which throws in sex of the hood of a car is certainly aiming to excite the reader and it worked to its advantage because it was pinned on top of two nicely defined characters who worked well together.
I loved sweet and excitable Jamie. He was perfect for breaking through the wall of malaise and self doubt that former boy band star Leo had erected.
The other thing I loved about this was that all the band mates were still friends, I liked that it didn't follow the cliche of having the really successful solo career guy be an arse.
Loved the cover too which worked well to reflect the story within.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book as I've never read this author before but the premise interested me and the story itself turned out to be thoroughly enjoyable.
Any book that not only has a hot wall sex scene but which throws in sex of the hood of a car is certainly aiming to excite the reader and it worked to its advantage because it was pinned on top of two nicely defined characters who worked well together.
I loved sweet and excitable Jamie. He was perfect for breaking through the wall of malaise and self doubt that former boy band star Leo had erected.
The other thing I loved about this was that all the band mates were still friends, I liked that it didn't follow the cliche of having the really successful solo career guy be an arse.
Loved the cover too which worked well to reflect the story within.
May 28, 2019
So I did finish the book yesterday, and I did not enjoy enough to read the next book... let me explain myself.
1. It's too calm, too quiet. Like... nothing happens and I'm not into that kind of book those days.
2. It's kind of insta love between the 2 MCS. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes not. This is a time without.
3. I was waiting for someting that never came:
Despite all of that, I enjoyed the writing style :)
1. It's too calm, too quiet. Like... nothing happens and I'm not into that kind of book those days.
2. It's kind of insta love between the 2 MCS. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes not. This is a time without.
3. I was waiting for someting that never came:
Despite all of that, I enjoyed the writing style :)
May 2, 2019
Sweet
Super sweet and relatively low angst. I really liked the characters and the sex was hot. I kept waiting for something scandalous to happen but it never did. However it was an easy read that put a smile on my face!
Super sweet and relatively low angst. I really liked the characters and the sex was hot. I kept waiting for something scandalous to happen but it never did. However it was an easy read that put a smile on my face!
June 30, 2022
Leo Stone is a former boy band member who is having a biography written about him to restart his celebrity status. Jamie Sheffield is the fresh from college writer chosen. They fall in love. Great thing happen. Jamie's script becomes a new netflix series and Leo composes and plays the music for the show. Jamie wins a golden globe. Leo proposes at the cliffs overlooking LA.
June 11, 2017
Leo; i might be falling for him - he's hot - oh shit, we cant do this, i will ruined his carrier because he's so young and i'm an old bastard, my carrier has ended - but god, he's hot and i want him so i kissed him and fuck him again, i dont care about the world because i'm horny! - no. we cant. i should tell him that we cant do this anymore - screw it, i want to kiss him! - no we can't - repeat.
Jamie: holy shit, this is Leo! my teenager crush! - ofc he's hot - omg he's wonderful good guy bla bla bla - what? we can't do this? okay. it's hurt. but okay, i can be profesionnal too - wait, he said we can't do this, but fuck it i like this guy - repeat.
2.5 stars rounded up because i feel happy today.
Jamie: holy shit, this is Leo! my teenager crush! - ofc he's hot - omg he's wonderful good guy bla bla bla - what? we can't do this? okay. it's hurt. but okay, i can be profesionnal too - wait, he said we can't do this, but fuck it i like this guy - repeat.
2.5 stars rounded up because i feel happy today.
September 7, 2017
This was okay. The writing is pretty basic but the editing didn't throw me off too often.
Sadly, I thought Jamie and Leo were completely mismatched. Both in different places in their lives with different motivations (or none in Leo's case). I know the epilogue was all happy fantasy everything goes perfectly for them easily but that just made it more unrealistic for me.
Leo is lucky Jamie came along and gave him a purpose.
Sadly, I thought Jamie and Leo were completely mismatched. Both in different places in their lives with different motivations (or none in Leo's case). I know the epilogue was all happy fantasy everything goes perfectly for them easily but that just made it more unrealistic for me.
Leo is lucky Jamie came along and gave him a purpose.
January 20, 2020
I must be getting picky in my old age. Gave this 3 stars because while I liked it the story was very much a nothing. There was a very basic plot and that was it. I didn't like Leo, perhaps he needed professional help as he seemed to be teetering on major depression. Whatever I didn't get too invested in the story as it very one dimensional and I kept waiting for something to add another layer.
June 29, 2017
4.3 stars...This wasn't bad. I actually enjoyed it. This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed Leo and Jamie they really were sweet together...
July 23, 2017
Is it me or was this to fast moving? I felt I wanted more with these two! I love the fact that Leo is part of an old boy band group from my generation! It made me reminisce of all the old boy bands that last for 5 seconds hahaha. I kinda want netflix to make Made Contact into a series cuz I wanna watch. I really enjoyed these guys and I love the age gap.. off to the next!
P.s free on kindle unlimited!
P.s free on kindle unlimited!
November 15, 2019
Sweet ... still mulling over rating ... !!
May 1, 2018
A bit of a Fairytale!
A fun fairytale story about the romance of Jamie & Leo. Although, it seems a little far fetched type of romantic story.
It’s still a fun read!
A fun fairytale story about the romance of Jamie & Leo. Although, it seems a little far fetched type of romantic story.
It’s still a fun read!
June 9, 2017
This was just an okay M/M read for me. Good premise of young, recent college graduate being hired to write a biography of a mid-thirties former boy's band pop star whose career is fading into oblivion. The young man has been a fan of the singer since puberty but the singer goes hot and cold in his feelings toward the younger man and this got irritating and not really believable as the book went on. Then in valuable pages that the author could have spent developing the relationship, there were page after page of sex scenes that I skimmed. So, I liked it but was not overly taken by the story.
June 11, 2017
Loved!!!!!
Oh man this brought me back to my teenage years when I had posters of boy bands on my wall man this brought so many memories and Leo Stone is no different the fact he had too fight what he knew was nothing more than he use for is true talent says a lot and Jamie never gave up and knowing that they fell in love along the way was romantic in its self I just loved the story
Oh man this brought me back to my teenage years when I had posters of boy bands on my wall man this brought so many memories and Leo Stone is no different the fact he had too fight what he knew was nothing more than he use for is true talent says a lot and Jamie never gave up and knowing that they fell in love along the way was romantic in its self I just loved the story
May 21, 2017
I loved the characters of Leo and Jamie. I thought that they were very interesting. Leo is an ex-pop star and Jamie is a newly graduated from college. I loved the chemistry that they had with each other. The story just drew me into it. It was a great escape from reality.
I voluntarily received a copy of this story.
I voluntarily received a copy of this story.
June 24, 2017
Hot and Sweet
I was rooting for Leo from the beginning. There weren't any thrilling twists and turns. It was just a sweet story with endearing characters that you just want to have it all. Everyone needs a Jamie in their life. Eternal optimism and a loving personality; who doesn't want that?! Just a great story and I can't wait to read the next one!!
I was rooting for Leo from the beginning. There weren't any thrilling twists and turns. It was just a sweet story with endearing characters that you just want to have it all. Everyone needs a Jamie in their life. Eternal optimism and a loving personality; who doesn't want that?! Just a great story and I can't wait to read the next one!!
June 11, 2017
3.5 stars
There was age difference of 14 years in this story and while there was a lot of focus on one character being a washed up has been and the other with a bright future age difference wasn't an issue at all which I find strange.
There was age difference of 14 years in this story and while there was a lot of focus on one character being a washed up has been and the other with a bright future age difference wasn't an issue at all which I find strange.
Read
June 15, 2017Didn't work for me, it sort of lost steam along with my interest.
August 11, 2017
4 Hearts
I will freely admit that when I see a cover I do get some preconceived notions on how a story will play out. Sometimes I’m right, and sometimes I’m wrong. I’m not the biggest fans of covers like this and I’m not sure why. Maybe subconsciously I’ve read a book that I disliked and it had a cover similar to this. Who knows, but for whatever reason I didn’t think I’d enjoy this story quite as much as I did. Raleigh Ruebins is a new to be author and I have to say, I really like how this story was written. I liked how the characters communicated, that was something that struck me early on. The characters talked to each other and they both were so damn likeable. Even Leo with all his weird quirks and low self-esteem he was so sweet and sincere that I couldn’t help but fall in love with him.
Once upon a time, a long time ago, Leo Stone was a star. Now, years later he’s been forgotten and unsure of what is suppose to come next for him. At a point in his life where he doesn’t want to be thrust back in the spotlight but he also doesn’t want to remain forgotten Leo agrees to have a biography written about him. Maybe a book will shed some light on what he’s supposed to do next.
James Sheffield is beyond excited to write a story about Leo Stone. As a young aspiring writer, James knows he’s beyond lucky by given the opportunity to tell Leo’s story. Not to mention that he’s crushed on Leo throughout his whole childhood.
Meeting Leo in person is everything James could have imagined. Leo is sweet, funny, and down to Earth…plus it’s also quite obvious Leo’s attracted to the much younger man.
I liked the coming together of these two characters. I loved how they communicated with each other and how their relationship built from their amazing communication.
It’s great to see both James and Leo evolve into their relationship. Both men need to get over their own issues so that they can be stronger together.
Totally enjoyed this story…looking forward to book 2….
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I will freely admit that when I see a cover I do get some preconceived notions on how a story will play out. Sometimes I’m right, and sometimes I’m wrong. I’m not the biggest fans of covers like this and I’m not sure why. Maybe subconsciously I’ve read a book that I disliked and it had a cover similar to this. Who knows, but for whatever reason I didn’t think I’d enjoy this story quite as much as I did. Raleigh Ruebins is a new to be author and I have to say, I really like how this story was written. I liked how the characters communicated, that was something that struck me early on. The characters talked to each other and they both were so damn likeable. Even Leo with all his weird quirks and low self-esteem he was so sweet and sincere that I couldn’t help but fall in love with him.
Once upon a time, a long time ago, Leo Stone was a star. Now, years later he’s been forgotten and unsure of what is suppose to come next for him. At a point in his life where he doesn’t want to be thrust back in the spotlight but he also doesn’t want to remain forgotten Leo agrees to have a biography written about him. Maybe a book will shed some light on what he’s supposed to do next.
James Sheffield is beyond excited to write a story about Leo Stone. As a young aspiring writer, James knows he’s beyond lucky by given the opportunity to tell Leo’s story. Not to mention that he’s crushed on Leo throughout his whole childhood.
Meeting Leo in person is everything James could have imagined. Leo is sweet, funny, and down to Earth…plus it’s also quite obvious Leo’s attracted to the much younger man.
I liked the coming together of these two characters. I loved how they communicated with each other and how their relationship built from their amazing communication.
It’s great to see both James and Leo evolve into their relationship. Both men need to get over their own issues so that they can be stronger together.
Totally enjoyed this story…looking forward to book 2….
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
November 7, 2017
A darling love story
This was a very sweet and easy to love romance!
Leo is a washed up former member of a 90s boy band. His life has not gone the way he hoped, from hiding his sexuality while in then band, to the break up and loss of his career and goals, then drowning in scandal until he faded to obscurity. As a hail Mary he is having his biography written to jump start his career. When his cute biographer starts to work his way into his heart, Leo is torn between having something good in his life, and fears of destroying Jamie's career with associations to his own.
Jamie is fresh out of school, living in LA, and almost broke. He knew making it inthe the city wouldn't be easy, but it almost looked like it was going to be done before it started. When his first big break is a biography of his first celebrity crush he is beyond excited. And as they work together and Jamie sees through the cranky outside to the shy guy he fell for, Jamie can't help but have his crush come back. When Leo starts to reciprocate his feelings it is too good to be true- but he'll take it while he can.
Rather than being an 'opposites attract', this was more of being reminded how you used to be. Leo sees a bit of his younger self in Jamie, optimistic and hopeful, and it brings a bit of that out in himself. But Jamie is also outgoing, and he complements the introverted Leo, encouraging him to play to his strengths and work how he is comfortable. Neither tries to make the other into something they are not, and the sweet build up of romance was a very enjoyable read.
This was a very sweet and easy to love romance!
Leo is a washed up former member of a 90s boy band. His life has not gone the way he hoped, from hiding his sexuality while in then band, to the break up and loss of his career and goals, then drowning in scandal until he faded to obscurity. As a hail Mary he is having his biography written to jump start his career. When his cute biographer starts to work his way into his heart, Leo is torn between having something good in his life, and fears of destroying Jamie's career with associations to his own.
Jamie is fresh out of school, living in LA, and almost broke. He knew making it inthe the city wouldn't be easy, but it almost looked like it was going to be done before it started. When his first big break is a biography of his first celebrity crush he is beyond excited. And as they work together and Jamie sees through the cranky outside to the shy guy he fell for, Jamie can't help but have his crush come back. When Leo starts to reciprocate his feelings it is too good to be true- but he'll take it while he can.
Rather than being an 'opposites attract', this was more of being reminded how you used to be. Leo sees a bit of his younger self in Jamie, optimistic and hopeful, and it brings a bit of that out in himself. But Jamie is also outgoing, and he complements the introverted Leo, encouraging him to play to his strengths and work how he is comfortable. Neither tries to make the other into something they are not, and the sweet build up of romance was a very enjoyable read.
June 2, 2019
So delightful! Lovely engaging read about Leo, a 36 year old guy who feels he's washed up after being in a boy band 20 years ago, and Jamie, a 22 year old new college grad who moved to LA to get his screenplay produced. In order to jumpstart his career, Leo's agent thinks that someone should write Leo's biography and since Leo doesn't have much money, Jaime is hired to write the book. Really liked Leo. You could feel his vulnerability and his struggle to find his way. I liked his foibles, particularly his penchant for his soap opera. He was down to earth yet very sexy. Sort of blew my mind when he and Jamie succumbed to their UST. Like, wow, didn't know Leo was such a sexy beast. Liked Jamie as well - might have thought he was a mouse but anyone who can move clear across the country and ignore all those naysayers is a strong person! This is a new to me author though I seem to have many of her books. Very well written and readable with likeable and relatable MCs, witty dialogue, uber sexy bits that smoked my Kindle and strong writing. I purchased the other books in the series before I finished. Every so often you need a mushy, sweet book with lots of steam just to sigh and say "awwwww." This was that kind of book. Loved the ending.
May 15, 2017
I found myself getting very annoyed at Leo's waffling between what he wants and what he thinks is best for Jaime - all without talking to Jaime about his own desires. The whole 'I know what's best for you because I'm older and so I'm going to make major decisions on your behalf' schtick gets really old for me. And then he would reverse himself after making that choice, over and over again.
Other than that one aspect of his character, I loved the match of Leo with Jaime in this story. It was great that Leo had the integrity to turn down job offers that he felt were demeaning even though he needed the money. I also enjoyed the dichotomy between Leo's jaded cynicism and Jaime's wide-eyed innocence; especially when Jaime's enthusiasm and faith in Leo helped him to reach beyond the limitations of the life Leo was living.
Overall, this was a heart-warming story of new beginnings and sweet romance. I enjoyed it and definitely plan on reading more from Raleigh Ruebins.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Other than that one aspect of his character, I loved the match of Leo with Jaime in this story. It was great that Leo had the integrity to turn down job offers that he felt were demeaning even though he needed the money. I also enjoyed the dichotomy between Leo's jaded cynicism and Jaime's wide-eyed innocence; especially when Jaime's enthusiasm and faith in Leo helped him to reach beyond the limitations of the life Leo was living.
Overall, this was a heart-warming story of new beginnings and sweet romance. I enjoyed it and definitely plan on reading more from Raleigh Ruebins.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 4, 2024
cute but….
I’m having a bit of a hard time rating this book. On the one hand it’s a sweet melodrama about two men who sort of fall into and onto each other leading to their HEA. On the other, it was filled with name dropping of Actual celebrities and companies and that did get old after a while. So here’s my two cents and why I dropped a star off the rating. I don’t like using real people in stories. I think it’s a little weird to reference “oh I met (pop star name here)” at fictional star’s mansion. You could do all of this without referencing anyone real because it sort of reads like fan fiction when real people are referenced in a fictional romance and that has always given me the ick. Real people don’t belong in fictional works (unless you have their permission). The ending with a mega company especially sounded almost trite. In fact I didn’t like the rather ridiculous ending at all even though it kind of fits the whole Cinderella story arc. I can’t say more without spoiling the ending but I skimmed the last bit rolling my eyes.
I’m having a bit of a hard time rating this book. On the one hand it’s a sweet melodrama about two men who sort of fall into and onto each other leading to their HEA. On the other, it was filled with name dropping of Actual celebrities and companies and that did get old after a while. So here’s my two cents and why I dropped a star off the rating. I don’t like using real people in stories. I think it’s a little weird to reference “oh I met (pop star name here)” at fictional star’s mansion. You could do all of this without referencing anyone real because it sort of reads like fan fiction when real people are referenced in a fictional romance and that has always given me the ick. Real people don’t belong in fictional works (unless you have their permission). The ending with a mega company especially sounded almost trite. In fact I didn’t like the rather ridiculous ending at all even though it kind of fits the whole Cinderella story arc. I can’t say more without spoiling the ending but I skimmed the last bit rolling my eyes.
May 15, 2017
Another wonderful story by Raleigh Ruebins. This author has a way of writing that get me hooked every time. Once I start reading I can’t stop. It is so natural and flowing I keep turning the pages.
Jamie and Leo are great characters whom I fell in love with. Although Leo was a famous popstar he is very down-to-earth and a really nice guy. Jamie is a sweetheart. A bit starry-eyed at first when facing his long-time crush, but that didn’t last long. The gentle teasing and joking are the best that could happen to Leo. There is a 14 year age gap, but that doesn’t diminish their attraction in the slightest. Their chemistry is sizzling hot, but there is always a touch of tenderness beneath the sparks. You feel the connection in every touch and word. They are so cute together. And I can’t forget Mr. Ginger Boots.
Raleigh proofs time and again that a beautifully written love story doesn’t need drama, angst or heavy subjects to be a great read.
Jamie and Leo are great characters whom I fell in love with. Although Leo was a famous popstar he is very down-to-earth and a really nice guy. Jamie is a sweetheart. A bit starry-eyed at first when facing his long-time crush, but that didn’t last long. The gentle teasing and joking are the best that could happen to Leo. There is a 14 year age gap, but that doesn’t diminish their attraction in the slightest. Their chemistry is sizzling hot, but there is always a touch of tenderness beneath the sparks. You feel the connection in every touch and word. They are so cute together. And I can’t forget Mr. Ginger Boots.
Raleigh proofs time and again that a beautifully written love story doesn’t need drama, angst or heavy subjects to be a great read.
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