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Shooting Star
Not all desires are shiny and sweet—and the dark ones might change you forever… It’s not the kind of obsession a tough Army guy can admit to—a jones for Ava, the pretty-princess pop star. Not just her body, the perfect product that sells all those magazines. Her music. The critics call her human lip gloss, all style and no substance. To Joe Ivanchan, Ava is the exact blend of reality and fantasy that he can tolerate, the closest he’s willing to get to giving his heart after the injury and breakdown that got him out of the service. But Ava is real. She’s a flesh and blood woman with a publicity machine and an album deadline, along with a whole team of handlers paid to shellac a pristine sheen over a damaged, desperate soul. A woman with fears, with secrets, with desires. When Joe finds himself in an interview to join her security team as her driver, his instinct is to get away. But the woman behind Ava’s carefully focus-grouped image is even harder to walk away from. The angry needs tormenting her speak to something within Joe. Something empathetic, protective—and primal… Besides, even a falling star can light up the darkest night.
332 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2018
About the author
Jeffe Kennedy
100 books1,357 followers💙She/her💙 Award-winning Bestselling Author of epic fantasy romance. Taoist. Swiftie. Santa Fean. Cat lady @sfwa_inc Past-President. Rep by @seyitsme
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 27, 2018
Rated 3.5 Stars
Shooting Star is packed with secrets, lies and betrayal. At it's very core it's about two broken people who's jagged edges forge something that I can only describe as ugly-beautiful.
It took a while for me to get into it because the beginning felt very slow but make no mistake it was an enjoyable read.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
Shooting Star is packed with secrets, lies and betrayal. At it's very core it's about two broken people who's jagged edges forge something that I can only describe as ugly-beautiful.
It took a while for me to get into it because the beginning felt very slow but make no mistake it was an enjoyable read.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
February 22, 2018
Mon avis en Français
My English review
This is a new romance that Jeffe Kennedy offers us today, something a little different, a little darker, with wounded and difficult characters.
Joe is a former member of the military who was forced to leave after an accident. We do not know exactly what happened and it is rather in the second part of the story that we will learn exactly what happened. The only thing that has helped him so far is Ava, this young pop star who managed to touch him with her music, to the point that at the beginning of the novel he became practically an obsessive fan. The last thing he expected after being able to recover was to be contacted to become the young woman’s bodyguard and driver. Determined to set limits and protect her, he did not expect to discover the secrets that Ava hides, as well as the pain she tries to deal with on a daily basis. Yet together they may be able to accept their differences, to open up to each other and to try to move forward.
It is a story of broken beings, it is not a simple story and we discover little by little what the characters hide. I really enjoyed discovering the real Ava, the one she usually hides and finally, seeing Joe trying to help her, to share with her a piece of his life so that she realizes she’s a lot more than what she thinks.
I was a little afraid at the beginning of the novel with the unhealthy and obsessive side of the hero, but finally, he becomes a normal fan again. I admit that I had trouble seeing when the transition took place, because once in the service of Ava, he manages to set limits that I did not think possible at the outset.
It was a good read and I loved to discover more about the characters, even if we discover with sadness all they have undergone each of their side.
My English review
This is a new romance that Jeffe Kennedy offers us today, something a little different, a little darker, with wounded and difficult characters.
Joe is a former member of the military who was forced to leave after an accident. We do not know exactly what happened and it is rather in the second part of the story that we will learn exactly what happened. The only thing that has helped him so far is Ava, this young pop star who managed to touch him with her music, to the point that at the beginning of the novel he became practically an obsessive fan. The last thing he expected after being able to recover was to be contacted to become the young woman’s bodyguard and driver. Determined to set limits and protect her, he did not expect to discover the secrets that Ava hides, as well as the pain she tries to deal with on a daily basis. Yet together they may be able to accept their differences, to open up to each other and to try to move forward.
It is a story of broken beings, it is not a simple story and we discover little by little what the characters hide. I really enjoyed discovering the real Ava, the one she usually hides and finally, seeing Joe trying to help her, to share with her a piece of his life so that she realizes she’s a lot more than what she thinks.
I was a little afraid at the beginning of the novel with the unhealthy and obsessive side of the hero, but finally, he becomes a normal fan again. I admit that I had trouble seeing when the transition took place, because once in the service of Ava, he manages to set limits that I did not think possible at the outset.
It was a good read and I loved to discover more about the characters, even if we discover with sadness all they have undergone each of their side.
February 21, 2018
This book is different from Jeffe's other Contemporary Romances in that it's a lot darker and tackles some pretty serious themes.
That said: I love it with all my heart!
Joe has been through hell and there was only one thing that made him hold on: Ava and her music. Some may see Joe's obsession as stalkerish, I myself recognized so much in how Joe feels. I've had times that I felt really bad, and when there was just this one song, this one special book, or movie that kept my grounded, or that told me things would get better if I just held on. At the start of the book Ava is that one thing that kept Joe grounded, and then he meets her and gets to know the real Ava.
Ava is just as damaged as Joe, if in another way. She's been in the spotlights from a very young age and that has taken its toll. She made mistakes, trusted the wrong people, and feels trapped in the persona she has become. Joe is the first person in a long time who isn't hand picked to cater to what people think she needs.
The romance between these two isn't an easy one. Both have issues and traumas to work through before they can even think of being there for someone else. But seeing them try, seeing them open up, and realize there is a better future possible, is so beautiful. I rooted for them to break the chains that keep them shackled to their past and to grow and heal.
All in all this is a beautiful and emotional romance about two damaged people who find each other and learn how to heal and move on.
That said: I love it with all my heart!
Joe has been through hell and there was only one thing that made him hold on: Ava and her music. Some may see Joe's obsession as stalkerish, I myself recognized so much in how Joe feels. I've had times that I felt really bad, and when there was just this one song, this one special book, or movie that kept my grounded, or that told me things would get better if I just held on. At the start of the book Ava is that one thing that kept Joe grounded, and then he meets her and gets to know the real Ava.
Ava is just as damaged as Joe, if in another way. She's been in the spotlights from a very young age and that has taken its toll. She made mistakes, trusted the wrong people, and feels trapped in the persona she has become. Joe is the first person in a long time who isn't hand picked to cater to what people think she needs.
The romance between these two isn't an easy one. Both have issues and traumas to work through before they can even think of being there for someone else. But seeing them try, seeing them open up, and realize there is a better future possible, is so beautiful. I rooted for them to break the chains that keep them shackled to their past and to grow and heal.
All in all this is a beautiful and emotional romance about two damaged people who find each other and learn how to heal and move on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2018
Kennedy’s writing brought this tabloid-filled plot line to life. Contemporary romance isn’t a genre that I read often but I couldn’t put this book down. Ava is a train wreck, one that we’ve all seen on magazine covers and listened to on teh radio. But now Kennedy gives us a look at what might be behind the polished, public face.
The hero, Joe, who I kept picturing as Channing Tatum, is equally damaged goods. He has worked through his demons and even though he has his moments, he has his therapy dog Arlin and some solid common sense to get him through. Both of which he shares with Ava when he sneaks her away from life in front of the camera for a weekend away.
Their time together is hot and also emotionally healing. This book is dark, which makes it feel so real.
The end is just perfect. Nothing revealed, but we get to see powerful Ava doing her thing and it’s because of what Joe gave her that she is able to be there doing it. What’s that? Oh, ok if you must know. The only real thing we can give someone else, honest love.
*ebook from author in return for an honest review. Reviewed at Reading Between the Wines Book Club
Kennedy’s writing brought this tabloid-filled plot line to life. Contemporary romance isn’t a genre that I read often but I couldn’t put this book down. Ava is a train wreck, one that we’ve all seen on magazine covers and listened to on teh radio. But now Kennedy gives us a look at what might be behind the polished, public face.
The hero, Joe, who I kept picturing as Channing Tatum, is equally damaged goods. He has worked through his demons and even though he has his moments, he has his therapy dog Arlin and some solid common sense to get him through. Both of which he shares with Ava when he sneaks her away from life in front of the camera for a weekend away.
Their time together is hot and also emotionally healing. This book is dark, which makes it feel so real.
The end is just perfect. Nothing revealed, but we get to see powerful Ava doing her thing and it’s because of what Joe gave her that she is able to be there doing it. What’s that? Oh, ok if you must know. The only real thing we can give someone else, honest love.
*ebook from author in return for an honest review. Reviewed at Reading Between the Wines Book Club
http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
The hero, Joe, who I kept picturing as Channing Tatum, is equally damaged goods. He has worked through his demons and even though he has his moments, he has his therapy dog Arlin and some solid common sense to get him through. Both of which he shares with Ava when he sneaks her away from life in front of the camera for a weekend away.
Their time together is hot and also emotionally healing. This book is dark, which makes it feel so real.
The end is just perfect. Nothing revealed, but we get to see powerful Ava doing her thing and it’s because of what Joe gave her that she is able to be there doing it. What’s that? Oh, ok if you must know. The only real thing we can give someone else, honest love.
*ebook from author in return for an honest review. Reviewed at Reading Between the Wines Book Club
Kennedy’s writing brought this tabloid-filled plot line to life. Contemporary romance isn’t a genre that I read often but I couldn’t put this book down. Ava is a train wreck, one that we’ve all seen on magazine covers and listened to on teh radio. But now Kennedy gives us a look at what might be behind the polished, public face.
The hero, Joe, who I kept picturing as Channing Tatum, is equally damaged goods. He has worked through his demons and even though he has his moments, he has his therapy dog Arlin and some solid common sense to get him through. Both of which he shares with Ava when he sneaks her away from life in front of the camera for a weekend away.
Their time together is hot and also emotionally healing. This book is dark, which makes it feel so real.
The end is just perfect. Nothing revealed, but we get to see powerful Ava doing her thing and it’s because of what Joe gave her that she is able to be there doing it. What’s that? Oh, ok if you must know. The only real thing we can give someone else, honest love.
*ebook from author in return for an honest review. Reviewed at Reading Between the Wines Book Club
http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
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March 4, 2018This is actually the first book by her that did not work for me. Yes I get it was darker and for me that was one issue. There was nothing wrong with the story or writing. How wonderful that two damaged souls can find solace in each other, but....but it was the characters.
Joe creeped me out! I get that her music saved him when he came home and was in the hospital. But it was just too creepy. How he was all yay she is over 18 now and has done a center fold. And he was so obsessed that he watched the things she did as a kid too. Too far, too far. I never got over that first creepy impression.
Ava was human lipgloss. Sure I get that she portrayed that because she was broken inside after years getting told what to do and having a raving B as her mom. But she was just too handsy, mouthy and I did not like her.
I know that some can still enjoy the story, but I guess that characters really break or make a book for me. So these two can have each other then.
Two broken people find something they are missing in each other. And get some hot passion out of it too.
Joe creeped me out! I get that her music saved him when he came home and was in the hospital. But it was just too creepy. How he was all yay she is over 18 now and has done a center fold. And he was so obsessed that he watched the things she did as a kid too. Too far, too far. I never got over that first creepy impression.
Ava was human lipgloss. Sure I get that she portrayed that because she was broken inside after years getting told what to do and having a raving B as her mom. But she was just too handsy, mouthy and I did not like her.
I know that some can still enjoy the story, but I guess that characters really break or make a book for me. So these two can have each other then.
Two broken people find something they are missing in each other. And get some hot passion out of it too.
March 12, 2018
Initial Thoughts: I picked up this novel because I really enjoy the author. However, as I started reading it, I worried that it wasn't going to be my cup of tea. However, Ms. Kennedy surprised me yet again. Though it is a darker contemporary romance, it's not DARK. The demons that plague both our hero and heroine are the consequence of deeply traumatic events. It is understandable that they are utterly altered, scarred, but not broken, not ruined. Ava and Joe find solace in each other and a road to healing. I loved that although Joe may have an obsession with Ava, it was one that was not psychologically harmful...which was my concern from the start. He was honest with himself about it and I loved how that obsession changed into something healthy. Joe's ability to see Ava and recognize her for who she is deeply helped her to open up and find a path to freedom. This story was truly gripping and far more fascinating than I thought. Please click on the link to go the full review posted at That's What I'm Talking About blog: http://twimom227.com/2018/03/review-s...
March 18, 2019
Usually I love Jeffe Kennedy. Her writing is brilliant and her stories are different and edgy. But this time around I had to stop reading at around the 40% mark.
I hated Ava. I truly did. She is an inconsistent character who is bitchy, slutty and acts like a victim even though she has no reason. She was constantly throwing teenage tantrums and it felt like half of the things she did were just because someone told her not to do it. I really hated her. This made the entire reading process a bit complicated.
On top of that I thought Joe wasn't that great of a character. He felt unfinished. There is unfinished trauma from his military days, he is for some reason obsessed with a bubblegum pop sensation and that's about it. Everything else was left out and it seems as a reader we are just meant to know that he is a muscled, tough specialist from the army.
Plotwise there wasn't much there. There is no story. IT's just all so disappointing. I really wanted a new Jeffe Kennedy book I loved, but this one, for me, missed the mark a long shot.
I hated Ava. I truly did. She is an inconsistent character who is bitchy, slutty and acts like a victim even though she has no reason. She was constantly throwing teenage tantrums and it felt like half of the things she did were just because someone told her not to do it. I really hated her. This made the entire reading process a bit complicated.
On top of that I thought Joe wasn't that great of a character. He felt unfinished. There is unfinished trauma from his military days, he is for some reason obsessed with a bubblegum pop sensation and that's about it. Everything else was left out and it seems as a reader we are just meant to know that he is a muscled, tough specialist from the army.
Plotwise there wasn't much there. There is no story. IT's just all so disappointing. I really wanted a new Jeffe Kennedy book I loved, but this one, for me, missed the mark a long shot.
March 6, 2018
I have to admit I am not a fan of rock star series and dark romances that being said it is a well written story. Initially I could not stand any of the characters. Not one seem to have any redeeming qualities. Ava was a famous, spoiled, obnoxious singer who always got what she wanted and that was the recently hired bodyguard/driver who happens to have a crush on her. I found Jack to be a rather whiny lovesick pup. Ava has a scene with her mother and the bosses want Jack to take her out of town. He takes her to his family cabin. At first Ava get what she wants sex. As time passes they reveal more about themselves and slowly a bond starts to develop. They have to go back and Jack get fired but Ava tells the bosses what happened to her in her youth. Everyone is upset. They are not as bad as they seemed more mellow and Jack and Ava decide to date.
July 8, 2020
I really wish Jeffe Kennedy would write more books like this one. It's a romance, but deeper and edgier than any of hers I've read before, and I like it. There's a rawness and realness. I wish the story continued so we could see more of Joe and Ava. I would love to see how Ava and Katey started to heal and I would love to see Ava again with the Ivanchan Clan. I'd even love it if Jeffe wrote a book with Katey as a protagonist.
Most of all Jeffe's talent at telling a story shines through Shooting Star. She creates characters that are flawed, but strong. They're easy to cheer on and cheer for.
Most of all Jeffe's talent at telling a story shines through Shooting Star. She creates characters that are flawed, but strong. They're easy to cheer on and cheer for.
July 6, 2020
Suuuuper angsty, which could be good or bad. I actually think it could have been fleshed out a little more. I do like it when the heroine is the rock star.
April 30, 2018
I didn't believe I could learn to love a book about a stuck-up rock starlet, but I really enjoyed Eva's character and all the nuances.
Jack (yeah, I'm calling him Jack) is the epitome of damaged hero (I would have liked to see him on the cover. Sans shirt, of course...) Eva doesn't, however, do all the rescuing--Jack and Eva make a sweet couple who both have what the other is lacking. Eva might think she is in control of the relationship, but she has some surprises coming...
My favorite part of the book is the dialogue between the characters, which is often laugh-out-loud witty and fun.
Jack (yeah, I'm calling him Jack) is the epitome of damaged hero (I would have liked to see him on the cover. Sans shirt, of course...) Eva doesn't, however, do all the rescuing--Jack and Eva make a sweet couple who both have what the other is lacking. Eva might think she is in control of the relationship, but she has some surprises coming...
My favorite part of the book is the dialogue between the characters, which is often laugh-out-loud witty and fun.
March 12, 2019
Read Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Shooting Star by Jeffe Kennedy is a story you may need to take in stride. These characters had to grow on me. I wasn't too keen on either of them in the beginning. Joe seemed skeezy and Ava seemed like the stereotypical child star all grown up, but as the story progresses, they learn about each other and themselves, and really do some major character growth. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it was entertaining.
Shooting Star by Jeffe Kennedy was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.
Shooting Star by Jeffe Kennedy is a story you may need to take in stride. These characters had to grow on me. I wasn't too keen on either of them in the beginning. Joe seemed skeezy and Ava seemed like the stereotypical child star all grown up, but as the story progresses, they learn about each other and themselves, and really do some major character growth. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it was entertaining.
Shooting Star by Jeffe Kennedy was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews