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The Star Attraction

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Sophie is a Hollywood publicist who has a fabulous job, a fabulous boyfriend, and a fabulous life. She even scores her PR firm's most important actor client and every woman's dream--Billy Fox. But will a steamy make-out session in a restaurant alley with her big-name client cost Sophie her job? And does she really want an escape from her life and her loving, if imperfect, relationship with her investment banker boyfriend? The Star Attraction takes us on a wild ride through one woman's daytime soap come to life.

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

38 people are currently reading
1238 people want to read

About the author

Alison Sweeney

7 books208 followers
Alison Ann Sweeney is an American dramatic actress, author, novelist and reality show host. Sweeney is best known for her portrayal of Samantha 'Sami' Brady on NBC's long running 'Days of our Lives.' In this role, she has earned a Daytime Emmy Award. In 2007, she became the host of 'The Biggest Loser.'

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5 stars
169 (11%)
4 stars
473 (33%)
3 stars
559 (39%)
2 stars
180 (12%)
1 star
39 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
4 reviews9 followers
December 24, 2013
Wow! I love Days, and Alison Sweeney, so I really wanted to love this book. But, I didn't. Flimsy plot, even flimsier characters. Way too much name dropping, brand dropping, place dropping. My expectations weren't high, but this book was really disappointing.
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,866 reviews325 followers
May 14, 2013
Sophie is a Hollywood publicist who has a fabulous job, a fabulous boyfriend, and a fabulous life. She even scores her PR firm’s most important actor client and every woman’s dream—Billy Fox.

But will a steamy make-out session in a restaurant alley with her big-name client cost Sophie her job? And does she really want an escape from her life and her loving, if imperfect, relationship with her investment banker boyfriend?

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Alison Sweeney takes us behind the scenes into the life of a very successful Hollywood publicist and we find her days could be featured on any daytime drama. Being tempted by a new actor she is supposed to be representing could ruin everything she has worked years to obtain.

Sweeney writes what she knows. She has worked on Days of Our Lives for 20 years and knows the job of a publicist as she has probably worked with more than a few herself. I have a hard time accepting this is her first foray into the world of fiction publishing. I hope it is the first of many! The story flows perfectly and she has created a leading lady readers will love. We also get wrapped up so easily in the romantic triangle. I was glad I didn’t have to choose which man she would spend her life with.

Sophie Atwater is a 31 year old publicist headed for the top. She is addicted to her Blackberry and she calls herself a “glorified babysitter”. That’s what her job is – holding the client’s hands and keeping them out of trouble. She is on the red-carpet, at fundraisers and sitting in on interviews. She is far from the perfect woman she strives to be and truthfully can be quite a klutz, especially when Billy Fox is around. Her mishaps will have you absolutely laughing out loud.

This debut has it all drama, comedy, romance and even a bit of mystery. A fun-tastic read! It is the book you will see everyone reading this summer at the beach!
Profile Image for Jessica .
2,646 reviews16k followers
June 23, 2013
I absolutely love Alison Sweeney as the host of The Biggest Loser, so when I saw that she had written a book, I was really excited to see how it would turn out. I love chick lits and this one sounded like it was going to be the perfect chick lit to cuddle up on the couch with.

Everything in Sophie's life has been going great. She's got a gorgeous boyfriend of two years, a job as a publicist she loves, and friends who are always there for her. But when hot-shot Billy Fox walks into the office and Sophie is assigned to be his publicist, everything Sophie was so sure of in her life comes crumbling down. Is Jacob really as invested in their relationship as she is? Can she really handle everything thrown her way at her job? As soon as these questions pop into her head, Sophie can't seem to let them go. With a hot new celebrity giving her attention, Sophie has to decide what she really wants from her life.

I really really wanted to like this book. Like I said, I love chick lits and I am a big fan of Alison Sweeney. But NOTHING HAPPENED in this book. I read another review that described reading this book like reading someone's diary, and that is so true! I felt like I was getting over 200 pages of Sophie's diary of her thoughts and explanations about every detail in her life, and barely getting anywhere with the actual story. I wish there was just more to what she did and went through instead of having maybe two major events in the book. By the end, I was skimming because everything she was saying was so repetitive and I was tired of hearing her complain about her life.

Not only was there no action or oomph to the plot, I really wasn't all that big of a fan of Sophie. There wasn't that much chemistry that I felt between her and Billy, yet that's all she could talk about. Add onto that how she was constantly drinking and then complaining about how Jacob pointed that out. Honestly, Jacob was my favorite character and everything he said that was supposed to make him seem like the bad guy only made Sophie look like the worse character. Her complaining and whining about every other person in her life was annoying too. Not to mention the whole relationship with Priscilla, her enemy at work, was cliche and really predictable by the end.

In the end, this book really missed the mark with me. It was slow going and I really was not a fan of the characters. As much as I wish I could have enjoyed it, the cliche storyline just could't hold my attention. If you're looking for a good chick lit to read out on the beach this summer, I'd skip this one for now.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
3,015 reviews165 followers
January 26, 2015
Hollywood publicist risks her career and life with her long-term boyfriend for the chance with a hot actor and star.

Sophie Atwater loves her job and boyfriend, but what happens when she is distracted by the sexy, talented and oh-so-flirtatious Billy Fox? Will she fall for the actor and leave her career and boyfriend behind? Will her whole life fall apart, or is it just getting started?

I originally purchased this book because, for years and years, I watched Alison Sweeney on Days of Our Lives. My plan was to read the book, rate it as "ok" and then pass it off to my mom who is a huge Days fan. Luckily, the book was better than I'd expected and Ms. Sweeney definitely has a knack for writing a fun and interesting story. I especially enjoyed the behind-the-scene look at how movies / TV shows are made.

The humor and writing style reminded me of Sophia Kinsella.

3.5-4 stars
Profile Image for ava ford.
27 reviews
May 2, 2022
This book was pretty good but i didn't like the ending. I wanted the girl to end up with the star. Overall though it was a short read but perfect if you were on a plane or something. It wasn't too heavy or cheesy either
Profile Image for Laurel-Rain.
Author 6 books257 followers
October 5, 2013
Sophie Atwater's perfect world is falling apart.

In the opening page of "The Star Attraction," the reader is pulled into Sophie's orbit at a low point, just after a very devastating episode in her life as a celebrity publicist threatens to cancel out all the good moments of her career.

Then we are led through the weeks leading up to this event. It all started harmlessly enough—a flirtation with a celebrity client that came at a time in Sophie's life when her relationship with boyfriend Jacob seemed to be stalled. The ego boost that comes from the attention of a gorgeous man can be irresistible. But devastating.

Reading the story, I was totally immersed in Sophie's world. I could almost feel the energy that guided her through her days and nights, with her mind-numbing schedule. But she multitasks beautifully...until she doesn't.

I enjoyed this peek behind the scenes of what makes celebrity events happen, and also the daily moments of her life, like watching TV and enjoying time with friends, which make her seem like the girl next door.

What brings Sophie's "harmless" flirtation to the notice of her boss? And what will it take to discover who is behind her public disgrace? Will her relationship with Jacob be over, or is there hope for the two of them?

Predictably fun and coming together in a happily-ever-after way, the tale is a familiar one, but with some intriguing and charming twists. 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Suz.
1,560 reviews865 followers
gave-up-on
July 1, 2015
This wasn't terrible, I just knew I had took many good books here to do it!
373 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2018
4,5. I found the previous reviews a bit « weird » after reading this book. Yes there are a lot of name dropping, it’s PR world!
I really liked the book, surprisingly. A nice discovery. Even though I thought that I would slap Sophie’s face at one point and the drinking got under my skin
Profile Image for Jo Chorlton.
124 reviews
December 7, 2024
I read this for a book group, chosen for the theme 'a book about a star attraction'. I found the main character so annoying. She needed a jolly good talking to! The setting wasn't one I related to and I didn't get most of the fashion or cultural references. Not for me.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,516 reviews68 followers
August 18, 2015
Yeah, I should have known what I was getting into.


Thing is, I got this on Barnes and Noble for like $2 and I had a gift card and I already had a cart full of books for discounted, and this was all that was left, so I added it.

And since I plan on reading Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries by Neil Degrasse Tyson, I figured I needed some light-hearted stuff before I jumped into the heavy stuff requiring brain-power.


I should have stayed away.



This is precisely what I expected it to be, and probably precisely what you expect it to be. It's a spoiled woman making rash decisions, screwing everything up, then turning around and acting all mopey that she screwed up her own life. And then cue ridiculously handsome actor trying to win her heart, and rational but still sexy boyfriend (whom she cheats on) willing to pay $15,000 to win her back.

It's definitely wish-fulfillment. Because who doesn't want the world's most gorgeous actor fawning over her, while her boyfriend still gets appreciative looks from other women? This woman has everything in her lap and then makes some ridiculously idiotic decisions. The rest of the book is a "poor me" attitude until the very end where she gets her happily ever after.

And because I dislike this book so much, I won't bother putting a spoiler tag:

The actor agrees to be a prize in a silent auction: a dinner date with him for the lucky winner who bids the most. The woman's boyfriend, whom she cheated on then tried to justify it by saying "it was just a kiss", decides he misses her so he bids $15,000 on the actor. Why? Because he heard that the woman has to escort the actor during his winner's date with him. So he takes someone else's chance to meet the actor so he can go on a date with his girlfriend.


Awwww.













*barf*
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,338 reviews266 followers
August 19, 2013
LA publicist, Sophie Atwater, is one very busy lady. She’s juggling a high-pressure career, a relationship and now her latest client, sexy superstar Billy Fox. Sophie loves everything about her life, especially her exciting career – escorting celebrities on the red carpet, going to interviews and fundraisers.

When Sophie is assigned a new client, the hot actor Billy Fox, things start to change. Suddenly she’s not happy with her banker boyfriend, Jacob, and is more than a little flattered when Billy flirts with her. Unfortunately, after one kiss, the news gets out that Sophie is having an affair with her client and that’s a big no-no at Sophie’s company. Of course Jacob isn’t too thrilled either.

This is a fun summer read. It’s filled with misunderstandings, romance, LOL antics and even a little drama tossed in. The Star Attraction is a fast-paced book that will keep you laughing and smiling, although I must admit that sometimes Sophie’s decisions made me shake my head in disbelief. That often happens to me in chick lit books, though. Of course if the main characters did the right things all the time, there would be no story :)

The author is one of the stars of the daytime drama “Days of Our Lives”. She’s a great actress and now it looks as if she will have a nice career in fictional writing. This is her fiction debut and it’s off to a great start.





FTC Disclosure: Ashley from Triple 7 Public Relations provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Bianca Rowena.
Author 7 books22 followers
January 7, 2016
It took me a while to get into this novel. It wasn't until about halfway through that I felt the story really got started. Prior to that there was a lot of backstory and explanations about her life at the beginning. I could just imagine my editors notes all over the pages "too narrative".

While "telling" not showing isn't necessarily a bad thing in a novel, it isn't the style of writing I enjoy reading. Nevertheless I was interested enough to keep reading and the story became more 'present' and engaging as it went along. I rather enjoyed Billy Fox. Although I don't feel the author took any real risks. She definitely could have increased the stakes, gotten a little deeper, added a little more punch to the story. But that's just my opinion.

Overall this was an enjoyable read, although Sophie's life did feel a bit too perfect at times. Her worst day would still be one of my better days, which I suppose could arguably make for good escapism, for readers looking for that.

In conclusion, if you're not particular to "show don't tell" writing style, and you like a light romance, you'll enjoy the Star Attraction.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
937 reviews90 followers
November 22, 2013
The Good: A cute insider's look into the world of publicity in Hollywood. I definitely enjoyed the work aspect of Sophie's life more than anything else in the book. On the whole, it was a light, fluffy novel, perfect for a beach read.

The Bad: I didn't get the appeal of the "fabulous" boyfriend at all, but worse what Sophie's childish attitude towards the relationship. Another guy likes her (actor or not) and it makes her disillusioned about her own relationship? But she doesn't end said relationship. She self-sabotages "subconsciously" to give her an excuse to cheat (which is ridiculous anyway.) I just couldn't like Sophie and it made it rather difficult to see why either of the men were the least bit interested in her to begin with.
Profile Image for Patty.
189 reviews
June 14, 2013
Ok, so I like Alison Sweeney, but I did not like this book. It felt like reading the diary of an airhead blonde and I kept waiting for the 'Like, Oh my gawd!' to appear. I thought it was superficial and rambling, like listening to a teenager prattle on about high school.
I read a lot and once I start a book I do my best to finish it, but this one was tough to get through. Sorry Ali but I prefer seeing you on tv! :)
Profile Image for Pam Shuman.
7 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2013
This was a really good book! It was an easy read and enjoyable from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Brooke.
2 reviews
July 23, 2013
Super fluffy, but a fast good airport read.
146 reviews
June 11, 2024
Sophie finds herself wondering why her boyfriend of two years won't commit. Once you start having that train of thought...trouble can follow. Her job as a publicist is fun, she loves it, and she's good at it! Bonus is that her clients all love her. She lands a huge star in Billy Fox who's charming and good looking. They have to spend lots of time together and they hit it off to boot. The attraction starts to affect her, and she begins to stray from her boyfriend Jacob. Getting involved with a mega star is not good for her career.... When an angry coworker gets her "revenge", Sophie is put on suspension leaving her career in jeopardy. so is her relationship with Jacob when she has to tell him what happened with Billy.

I actually liked the character, Billy. I think he and Sophie could've been a lasting couple. Also liked Sophies friends-they are amazing true friends to her. Didn't like Jacob in the beginning. If you read it you'll see why.

Side note: Alison Sweeney is a star on Days of Our lives! Would love to see more books from her.
Profile Image for Cass.
202 reviews21 followers
April 23, 2018
This was a decently well-written book and a nice, easy read, but I can't say I really enjoyed it. The romance seemed kind of aimless throughout and I wasn't really convinced by the endgame romance at all . I also feel like Sophie's drinking problem (a symptom of her unhappiness) could have probably been dealt with better or not included as much - anyone that thinks a glass of wine or two a night to relax is normal (and/or healthy) needs help. I'd have liked to have seen more of Billy's personality and characterisation and general presence, since . Overall, a fine book but not one that I'd readily recommend or ever re-read.
Profile Image for Shanna, Clearing the Bookshelf.
201 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2020
I don't honestly remember where I got this book, but it seems like something my mom or I bought at a random bookstore outing a couple years ago. I've read it before and enjoyed it, but couldn't remember all of the details, so it was nice to revisit. Had a bit of an inner struggle, but I think I've decided to pass this one on to a new reader finally.
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It is pretty classic chick lit, but the plot keeps driving forward, and the characters are fun and engaging. A pretty quick read, but I was tackling it while packing up to move so it was nice to have something light and fluffy to distract me. Plus, Sophie's favorite TV show is Survivor, which is also mine, so an instant connection to the lead.
Profile Image for Esther.
322 reviews
July 3, 2019
This book I went into expecting it to be a cute, fluffy, romance book and it was! It didn't particularly have any deep themes and the characters were all pretty superficial but it ended up being a cute book. A Hollywood publicist ends up representing a major Hollywood actor that causes her relationship to change drastically. She questions her career choice and her love life. While I don't know if I'd recommend this book, it is nonetheless a good beach read or one for people who like comedic romance books.
Profile Image for Christina Cannon.
49 reviews
April 12, 2025
I became a fan of Alison Sweeney when I watched her as Sami Brady on Days of Our Lives. So I got a nice laugh out of Sophie commenting how people think she looks like Sami.

Poor Sophie has hit a rut in her life. Overworked in her job, but underappreciated in her relationship, Sophie falls for the easy charm of Billy Fox. It takes losing herself to find herself. Its a wonderful story, reminding me not to take my partner for granted. And communication is the key when faced with problems both in relationships (love and friends) and career.
Profile Image for Rina.
1,769 reviews9 followers
April 28, 2025
this is a very cute beach read, with some meat. Sophie, a Hollywood publicist (makes me exhausted just reading how much time she spends on her job) gets confused when a new important actor client kisses her. the confusion comes bc she has a boyfriend, Jacob, whom she loves and has been with for two years. the "make-out" session causes ripple effects in her job and relationships. And it won't stop until she decides what she wants most out of life.
Profile Image for Shari Nagy.
111 reviews9 followers
June 4, 2018
Somewhat predictable but a quick and enjoyable read! Sophie, as a Hollywood publicist, is not only a likable character, but extremely relatable. As a reader, we want her to succeed and find love! While I don’t necessarily agree with who she ends up with, she ends up happy. Excited to read Alison Sweeney’s next book!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
41 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2020
This isn't one of those I'm so smart I'm reading this book. It also isn't a trashy love novel. But I still like it. Because Alison Sweeney is an actress and has worked in the industry I feel like she is writing what she knows. This is a book of fiction but with Alison back ground you feel like it a peek behind the scenes. If you want a curl up read with some ice cream I say give this book a try.
1,128 reviews
April 13, 2020
Very enjoyable and absorbing. I know Alison Sweeney has a successful career as an actress, but I wish she would write more books, since I enjoy spending time with these women who perform essential jobs in film and television and associated industries (like the publicist who is the protagonist here) behind the camera. It's interesting and fresh.
165 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It was an easy quick read. The story follows Sophie who is a famous publicist who gets in a little over her head with a new famous client. Her career and romantic relationship with Jacob her boyfriend is tested. Of course at the end everything comes together and works out for Sophie!!
Profile Image for Amy.
270 reviews
November 9, 2017
Don’t get me wrong, I used to love Days of Our Lives, but Alison Sweeney’s Star Attraction was pretty bad. There was nothing “juicy” about this book at all, the writing was subpar and the plot line was so slow. I don’t think I’ll be reading another book by Sami Brady.
506 reviews18 followers
July 11, 2019
Another I found while browsing through the NC digital library romance/rom com section. But this was really chick lit, and I’m realizing the distinction is that chick lit involves making out while romance involves sex. I am a genius, I have broken the code.
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