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Starred
"Change everything you need to, to survive."
Fame costs, someone once said. Anna Anderson, the British actress formerly known as the Grand Duchess, has paid the price—with friendship, with her self-respect� and almost with her own life. But now she’s walking with her head held high, moving on from Rehab, stepping towards a brighter future.
Hoping she’s going to start feeling something again. Just as soon as the Universe chooses.
"But what if that's everything I am?"
US Marine Lukas Starr knows what feelings are like. He remembers what it felt like to be a hero. He remembers what it felt like, the day his life changed forever. He remembers what it felt like to be whole.
Now this broken knight has promised to spend two weeks walking the Rose Sky Hills, helping his friends keep their business afloat, guiding a bunch of civilians haul ass round a bunch of hills. He just didn’t realise there would be a princess in the ranks. Or that she’d make him want to be a hero again.
Her hero.
Sometimes it’s not about changing yourself. It’s about finding who you were, all the time.
Anna and Lukas have both been to hell, and they’re both wearing the scars. Can they trust each other, can they trust themselves, and can they trust this star-crossed feeling they get every time they come too close? Enough to become the stars in their own love story?
Fame costs, someone once said. Anna Anderson, the British actress formerly known as the Grand Duchess, has paid the price—with friendship, with her self-respect� and almost with her own life. But now she’s walking with her head held high, moving on from Rehab, stepping towards a brighter future.
Hoping she’s going to start feeling something again. Just as soon as the Universe chooses.
"But what if that's everything I am?"
US Marine Lukas Starr knows what feelings are like. He remembers what it felt like to be a hero. He remembers what it felt like, the day his life changed forever. He remembers what it felt like to be whole.
Now this broken knight has promised to spend two weeks walking the Rose Sky Hills, helping his friends keep their business afloat, guiding a bunch of civilians haul ass round a bunch of hills. He just didn’t realise there would be a princess in the ranks. Or that she’d make him want to be a hero again.
Her hero.
Sometimes it’s not about changing yourself. It’s about finding who you were, all the time.
Anna and Lukas have both been to hell, and they’re both wearing the scars. Can they trust each other, can they trust themselves, and can they trust this star-crossed feeling they get every time they come too close? Enough to become the stars in their own love story?
- GenresRomance
343 pages, Paperback
Published June 18, 2022
2 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Josie Johnston
4books20followersRomance is fun and bedroom scenes should sizzle. I write strong, dependable heroes, feisty heroines with brains. And of course� all the kisses, all the swoons!
I live in the beautiful Malvern Hills, in the middle of England. I’m an educator by day and a writer by night, I’m married to an artist and enslaved to a huge tuxedo cat. Tea and Bradley Cooper addict.
My whole life I have loved reading of all kinds, but romance has been my greatest passion since I was eleven and read Jane Eyre for the first time. My favourite romance authors writing today are Elizabeth Hoyt, Mariana Zapata, Talia Hibbert and Charlotte Stein.
I can be reached at [email protected]
I live in the beautiful Malvern Hills, in the middle of England. I’m an educator by day and a writer by night, I’m married to an artist and enslaved to a huge tuxedo cat. Tea and Bradley Cooper addict.
My whole life I have loved reading of all kinds, but romance has been my greatest passion since I was eleven and read Jane Eyre for the first time. My favourite romance authors writing today are Elizabeth Hoyt, Mariana Zapata, Talia Hibbert and Charlotte Stein.
I can be reached at [email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 28, 2022
Romance novels usually aren't my bag, but I enjoyed this, largely because it avoids the tropes of the genre I find most aggravating - love triangles and idiotic characters. There was no love triangle, just Anna and Lukas, two broken people trying to heal.
Anna is a very likable character and I wanted to see her find her happiness after she suffered the slings and arrows of life as a celebrity and an addict. She was strong, determined, and intelligent, and though she likes her luxuries, she did just fine on her hiking/camping trip.
Lukas is a Marine veteran still trying to cope with life as an amputee. The loss of his hand left him psychologically wounded. He's a strong, stoic type in a world that demands men be strong and stoic, but stoicism isn't going to heal his psychological wounds. He must be strong enough to get help. Lukas did annoy me a bit as he does have shades of another trope I despise in the genre - the neurotically overprotective boyfriend, but the author makes this work because Lukas realizes he's neurotically overprotective, knows it's a flaw, and works to overcome it. I found that to be a very refreshing change.
So while romances aren't my thing, I enjoyed this one. Well done, Ms. Johnston.
Anna is a very likable character and I wanted to see her find her happiness after she suffered the slings and arrows of life as a celebrity and an addict. She was strong, determined, and intelligent, and though she likes her luxuries, she did just fine on her hiking/camping trip.
Lukas is a Marine veteran still trying to cope with life as an amputee. The loss of his hand left him psychologically wounded. He's a strong, stoic type in a world that demands men be strong and stoic, but stoicism isn't going to heal his psychological wounds. He must be strong enough to get help. Lukas did annoy me a bit as he does have shades of another trope I despise in the genre - the neurotically overprotective boyfriend, but the author makes this work because Lukas realizes he's neurotically overprotective, knows it's a flaw, and works to overcome it. I found that to be a very refreshing change.
So while romances aren't my thing, I enjoyed this one. Well done, Ms. Johnston.
June 15, 2022
I am generally a fast reader, though admittedly it’s because I’m a skimmer, glossing over inconsequential details, eager to just get to the point of it all. Not this time. This book took me quite a while to read, because I didn’t want to miss even one savory word.
Josie Johnston is extremely gifted in the art of conveying emotion and telling a story through body language alone, creating a wonderful...let’s say...tension and release for the reader. Did I just say that? Curl up next to your partner while reading this book- they’ll be thrilled. :)
What I really enjoyed is the fact that Starred strikes the perfect balance between smutty and story worthy, as the characters are likable and have interesting back stories—you care about them and want good things for them. And the sex scenes, while graphic, aren’t cheesy or weird. The dialogue is fun too—well done on all fronts.
The storyline is a bit cliche - wounded boy meets wounded girl, wounded boy loses wounded girl...will wounded boy and girl get their shit together? Ya know. And perhaps a bit longer than needs to be, but it works for its intended purpose, and is sure to satisfy romance readers.
Josie Johnston is extremely gifted in the art of conveying emotion and telling a story through body language alone, creating a wonderful...let’s say...tension and release for the reader. Did I just say that? Curl up next to your partner while reading this book- they’ll be thrilled. :)
What I really enjoyed is the fact that Starred strikes the perfect balance between smutty and story worthy, as the characters are likable and have interesting back stories—you care about them and want good things for them. And the sex scenes, while graphic, aren’t cheesy or weird. The dialogue is fun too—well done on all fronts.
The storyline is a bit cliche - wounded boy meets wounded girl, wounded boy loses wounded girl...will wounded boy and girl get their shit together? Ya know. And perhaps a bit longer than needs to be, but it works for its intended purpose, and is sure to satisfy romance readers.
May 15, 2022
The "About the Author" section at the end of this book says: "Romance is fun and bedroom scenes should sizzle. I write strong, dependable heroes, feisty heroines with brains."
All that is certainly true of this book. It ticks all those boxes as well as a few more. Two people with The Hots for one another, each of them wounded by life and trying to cope. Snappy dialogue and a gorgeous mountain setting.
Right from the start, the reader is given florid descriptions of her reactions to him, and vice-versa. Like this: "Even from this distance, that smile was a hell of a weapon. It could probably bring down incoming enemy aircraft, and raze insurgent-occupied buildings with its power. � Oh, Sweet Jesus. That thing going on in her knickers. It might be a—a feeling. She may also have made some weird type of keening sound. High in her head, and toward the back of her throat. Because, oh, Sweet Jesus."
There is no doubt that ex-Hollywood actress Anna Anderson (formerly known as Annastasia Romanova) and ex-Marine Lukas Starr experience insta-lust from their first meeting. As the hiking group Anna and her friend are part of experiences the outdoors, with Lukas as one of the guides, they lurch from encounter to encounter, misunderstanding to revelation, and into a relationship.
Both characters are memorable for their physical characteristics (which are frequently described in detail) and the deep dives into their thoughts and emotions. Of the two, Anna seems the more stable. Lukas is tough on the outside but often nearly hysterical on the inside. Supporting characters step in as needed, to contribute support and a couple of crises. Anna's pal Thea is especially well-written.
Extras include "quotations" from fictional guides instead of chapter titles, one for the Modern Princess and the other for the 21st Century Knight. These signal the tone of each chapter and induce a few giggles. As do capitalized terms in Anna's thinking, such as "Close Encounters of the Awkward Kind" and "The Glaring Presence."
The bedroom scenes certainly do sizzle and there are enough of them to satisfy any fan of steamy romance. The ending is suitably heartwarming. Five pink stars!
All that is certainly true of this book. It ticks all those boxes as well as a few more. Two people with The Hots for one another, each of them wounded by life and trying to cope. Snappy dialogue and a gorgeous mountain setting.
Right from the start, the reader is given florid descriptions of her reactions to him, and vice-versa. Like this: "Even from this distance, that smile was a hell of a weapon. It could probably bring down incoming enemy aircraft, and raze insurgent-occupied buildings with its power. � Oh, Sweet Jesus. That thing going on in her knickers. It might be a—a feeling. She may also have made some weird type of keening sound. High in her head, and toward the back of her throat. Because, oh, Sweet Jesus."
There is no doubt that ex-Hollywood actress Anna Anderson (formerly known as Annastasia Romanova) and ex-Marine Lukas Starr experience insta-lust from their first meeting. As the hiking group Anna and her friend are part of experiences the outdoors, with Lukas as one of the guides, they lurch from encounter to encounter, misunderstanding to revelation, and into a relationship.
Both characters are memorable for their physical characteristics (which are frequently described in detail) and the deep dives into their thoughts and emotions. Of the two, Anna seems the more stable. Lukas is tough on the outside but often nearly hysterical on the inside. Supporting characters step in as needed, to contribute support and a couple of crises. Anna's pal Thea is especially well-written.
Extras include "quotations" from fictional guides instead of chapter titles, one for the Modern Princess and the other for the 21st Century Knight. These signal the tone of each chapter and induce a few giggles. As do capitalized terms in Anna's thinking, such as "Close Encounters of the Awkward Kind" and "The Glaring Presence."
The bedroom scenes certainly do sizzle and there are enough of them to satisfy any fan of steamy romance. The ending is suitably heartwarming. Five pink stars!
April 30, 2022
This is the second book in the American Princes contemporary romance series by Josie Johnston.
Fun, sexy, honest, heart-felt and beautifully written. A wonderful romance read for the summer.
"Change everything you need to, to survive."
Fame costs, someone once said. Anna Anderson, the British actress formerly known as the Grand Duchess, has paid the price—with friendship, with her self-respect� and almost with her own life. But now she’s walking with her head held high, moving on from Rehab, stepping towards a brighter future.
Hoping she’s going to start feeling something again. Just as soon as the Universe chooses.
"But what if that's everything I am?"
US Marine Lukas Starr knows what feelings are like. He remembers what it felt like to be a hero. He remembers what it felt like, the day his life changed forever. He remembers what it felt like to be whole.
Now this broken knight has promised to spend two weeks walking the Rose Sky Hills, helping his friends keep their business afloat, guiding a bunch of civilians haul ass round a bunch of hills. He just didn’t realise there would be a princess in the ranks. Or that she’d make him want to be a hero again.
Her hero.
Sometimes it’s not about changing yourself. It’s about finding who you were, all the time.
Anna and Lukas have both been to hell, and they’re both wearing the scars. Can they trust each other, can they trust themselves, and can they trust this star-crossed feeling they get every time they come too close? Enough to become the stars in their own love story?
Fun, sexy, honest, heart-felt and beautifully written. A wonderful romance read for the summer.
"Change everything you need to, to survive."
Fame costs, someone once said. Anna Anderson, the British actress formerly known as the Grand Duchess, has paid the price—with friendship, with her self-respect� and almost with her own life. But now she’s walking with her head held high, moving on from Rehab, stepping towards a brighter future.
Hoping she’s going to start feeling something again. Just as soon as the Universe chooses.
"But what if that's everything I am?"
US Marine Lukas Starr knows what feelings are like. He remembers what it felt like to be a hero. He remembers what it felt like, the day his life changed forever. He remembers what it felt like to be whole.
Now this broken knight has promised to spend two weeks walking the Rose Sky Hills, helping his friends keep their business afloat, guiding a bunch of civilians haul ass round a bunch of hills. He just didn’t realise there would be a princess in the ranks. Or that she’d make him want to be a hero again.
Her hero.
Sometimes it’s not about changing yourself. It’s about finding who you were, all the time.
Anna and Lukas have both been to hell, and they’re both wearing the scars. Can they trust each other, can they trust themselves, and can they trust this star-crossed feeling they get every time they come too close? Enough to become the stars in their own love story?
May 22, 2022
Okayyyyy Josie Johnston, what did you just do to me?
I am NOT a fan of romance books. I'm not.
BUT
2022 has been all about some romance books and I swear, I'm becoming a fan every time I finish one. It all started with the Love Hypothesis.
But this? Starred? Man.... Now I have to go back and read the first one, and then read others by this author. Thanks, Miss Johnston. Now I have to binge read. Great.
I zoomed through this one. Had to. Had to see the two main characters get together, then break up, then get together, then fight, then get together.... had to.
You've got your pretty-in-pink, blacklisted starlet and your GI Joe, grunting guy, thrown into this nature trail-hike thing. They should hate each other, right? I mean, really. They're absolute polar opposites.
They were cute.
They were cute and funny.
I laughed. I emoted.
I gained a new appreciated for pink, princess-cut things-Oh Johnston, I'm only trying to hint here, but just know, this magical moment, the specific THINGS you added in, what a wonderful way to wrap it all up nicely in a pretty, pink bow.
It was all so unexpected.
I think fans of romance, rom-com, whatever-type books will enjoy this one as much as I did, if not more. From page 1 it was engaging.
The only reason I took off 1 star was because from page 1 on... it was LONG. Even though it was written well, a quick and easy read, which I appreciated, there was a LOT in it. That's just my personal quirk, I'm sure most people wouldn't bat an eyelash at the length of this one.
I am NOT a fan of romance books. I'm not.
BUT
2022 has been all about some romance books and I swear, I'm becoming a fan every time I finish one. It all started with the Love Hypothesis.
But this? Starred? Man.... Now I have to go back and read the first one, and then read others by this author. Thanks, Miss Johnston. Now I have to binge read. Great.
I zoomed through this one. Had to. Had to see the two main characters get together, then break up, then get together, then fight, then get together.... had to.
You've got your pretty-in-pink, blacklisted starlet and your GI Joe, grunting guy, thrown into this nature trail-hike thing. They should hate each other, right? I mean, really. They're absolute polar opposites.
They were cute.
They were cute and funny.
I laughed. I emoted.
I gained a new appreciated for pink, princess-cut things-Oh Johnston, I'm only trying to hint here, but just know, this magical moment, the specific THINGS you added in, what a wonderful way to wrap it all up nicely in a pretty, pink bow.
It was all so unexpected.
I think fans of romance, rom-com, whatever-type books will enjoy this one as much as I did, if not more. From page 1 it was engaging.
The only reason I took off 1 star was because from page 1 on... it was LONG. Even though it was written well, a quick and easy read, which I appreciated, there was a LOT in it. That's just my personal quirk, I'm sure most people wouldn't bat an eyelash at the length of this one.
September 22, 2022
Disgraced actress Anna Anderson, formally known as the Grand Duchess, just finished rehab for her addiction and is ready to move on. She and her friends Thea decide to go on a hiking trip through the Rose Sky hills. But even here in the wilderness, she had to suffer judgemental and scorn from her fellow hikers.
Former marine Lukas Starr lost his hand in the service, but not in any way that would make him a hero, so he thinks. When his friend asks him to help lead a group of civilians through the wilderness, he reluctantly agrees. But he might have his work cut out for him after he meets a princess dressed in pink even down to her boots. But as time goes on he realizes there's more to her than he thought. He grows to like her teasing comments about his terminator attitude, her strong will in standing up to everyone that judges her, and the fact that she's still attracted to him despite his scars. Can these two wounded souls learn to trust and heal each other or will their pasts tear them apart?
I love how this author's characters are so real and flawed. Anna seems to be this superficial pretty princess, but has a tragic past and real issues. And Lukas from the outside is gruff, robotic, and standoffish, self conscious of his injury but inside just a soft and romantic teddy bear. I loved these two characters together. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Former marine Lukas Starr lost his hand in the service, but not in any way that would make him a hero, so he thinks. When his friend asks him to help lead a group of civilians through the wilderness, he reluctantly agrees. But he might have his work cut out for him after he meets a princess dressed in pink even down to her boots. But as time goes on he realizes there's more to her than he thought. He grows to like her teasing comments about his terminator attitude, her strong will in standing up to everyone that judges her, and the fact that she's still attracted to him despite his scars. Can these two wounded souls learn to trust and heal each other or will their pasts tear them apart?
I love how this author's characters are so real and flawed. Anna seems to be this superficial pretty princess, but has a tragic past and real issues. And Lukas from the outside is gruff, robotic, and standoffish, self conscious of his injury but inside just a soft and romantic teddy bear. I loved these two characters together. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 10, 2022
This is the second in a series, but worked well enough as a standalone so don't feel you have to get the first before getting to this one. Not surprisingly with a romance, the book is dominated by the two central characters, Anna and Lukas, who both carry a lot of emotional baggage. Their back stories gradually emerge and the story is driven by how their past problems both keep them apart and then draws them closer. Largely placing the development of their relationship in a camping trip and out of their normal physical comfort zones works well, but the hurdles they have to overcome tend to derive more from their damaged lives than external challenges.
The two characters bounce off each other with enough sparks to keep the reader wanting to stay with them on the journey. Anna in particular is a well drawn character. Lukas as the physically and mentally scarred former soldier/marine at times verges on a stereotype (which is difficult to avoid given how many books and films include characters with that kind of background) but the author manages just to stay on the right line of that.
I wouldn't claim to be an expert on romance novels, but this does seem to have more of a psychological deep dive than the run of the mill will-they-won't-they pattern that is common in the genre. Romance fans won't be disappointed.
The two characters bounce off each other with enough sparks to keep the reader wanting to stay with them on the journey. Anna in particular is a well drawn character. Lukas as the physically and mentally scarred former soldier/marine at times verges on a stereotype (which is difficult to avoid given how many books and films include characters with that kind of background) but the author manages just to stay on the right line of that.
I wouldn't claim to be an expert on romance novels, but this does seem to have more of a psychological deep dive than the run of the mill will-they-won't-they pattern that is common in the genre. Romance fans won't be disappointed.
December 26, 2022
The novel follows a classic romance path: she comes from there; he comes from the opposite of there. What can be more different than a glamorous actress and a hard soldier?
A few months ago, Anna was the “Grand Duchess�, the favorite of the public, a celebrity followed by a cortege of paparazzi, and a drug addict. She starts her new life by throwing her mobile phone into the water, drowning all her tumultuous past and Hollywood contacts with it.
Before losing an arm, Lukas was “the type of guy to lead his team without fuss, without flourish and without favor�. He starts his new live in a hospital, sleeping hand in hand with a frightened, wounded child.
They meet in the airport, and he has those super abs, and she has those super long legs. She is hot. And he is hot. It doesn’t take them long to spot each other.
Anna is a tongue-in-cheek woman, but perhaps a little too outspoken, and trying too much to be witty. Lukas is a protective man, but perhaps a little too overprotective, and a little too grumpy. Their interaction is snappy in the beginning; eventually, they find their way together.
This is an easy read, with a touch of humor, made even more entertaining by the well-written mottos introducing each chapter, extracts from “Hope’s Etiquette for the Modern Princess� and “A Knight’s Guide to Chivalry in the 21st Century�.
A few months ago, Anna was the “Grand Duchess�, the favorite of the public, a celebrity followed by a cortege of paparazzi, and a drug addict. She starts her new life by throwing her mobile phone into the water, drowning all her tumultuous past and Hollywood contacts with it.
Before losing an arm, Lukas was “the type of guy to lead his team without fuss, without flourish and without favor�. He starts his new live in a hospital, sleeping hand in hand with a frightened, wounded child.
They meet in the airport, and he has those super abs, and she has those super long legs. She is hot. And he is hot. It doesn’t take them long to spot each other.
Anna is a tongue-in-cheek woman, but perhaps a little too outspoken, and trying too much to be witty. Lukas is a protective man, but perhaps a little too overprotective, and a little too grumpy. Their interaction is snappy in the beginning; eventually, they find their way together.
This is an easy read, with a touch of humor, made even more entertaining by the well-written mottos introducing each chapter, extracts from “Hope’s Etiquette for the Modern Princess� and “A Knight’s Guide to Chivalry in the 21st Century�.
November 7, 2022
This is not my usual genre to read, but the author did make it quite enjoyable, nonetheless. Anna is a Hollywood starlet looking to get her life together, and she meets a Marine who has his own baggage. Being from a military family, I could definitely get more interested in the story, as the writing flows well and some of the characters are actually men I can relate to. While they are both broken people with a lot of regrets, they end up on a hike in the woods and have to find ways to really relate to one another. The trope of a man and woman annoying each other and bantering back and forth is a bit old, but this author writes it with a lot of flare and humor. The chapter headings and titles are quite interesting, and while this book doesn't do anything to reinvent the wheel, it is certainly better than many cliché romance novels. The Marine missing a hand certainly reminds me of my dad's tales of the horrors of being a Navy corpsman, attached to the Marines, who saw some pretty terrible things. Having to watch a man lose a limb or get burned badly, or lose other valuable parts, and then watch wives or girlfriends struggle to accept him or walk away--that is one of the worst emotional moments ever, so that part stuck in my mind.
August 29, 2022
Starred is a delightful little romance between two broken people; Anna, a Hollywood actress who stumbled into addiction and is recently out of rehab, and Lukas, a Marine gunnery sergeant who lost a hand in combat. They’re thrown together in a multi-day nature hike that Anna signs up for as part of her treatment, with Lukas as the trail guide who’s charged with seeing that all the participants return in one piece. The formula applies—initially, the two get on each other’s nerves, but the meant-to-be attraction won’t be denied, until they’re finally in each other’s arms. Almost, that is, because who brings birth control on a nature hike? But the heart wants what the heart wants, so we’re treated to some progressively steamier love scenes until the magic moment arrives. But what would a romance be with out a break-up and reunion?
Starred is written very tongue-in-cheek (and in other places, too!). The characters are far from cardboard and the prose is snappy and interesting. I especially liked the chapter heads from two fictional treatises; Hope’s Etiquette for the Modern Princess and A Knight’s Guide to Chivalry in the 21st Century.
Starred is written very tongue-in-cheek (and in other places, too!). The characters are far from cardboard and the prose is snappy and interesting. I especially liked the chapter heads from two fictional treatises; Hope’s Etiquette for the Modern Princess and A Knight’s Guide to Chivalry in the 21st Century.
October 12, 2022
Anna was a famous British actress until she embarrassed herself with drugs and irresponsible behavior. Now that she has been through rehab and is off on a hiking trip with her friend, she is anxious to get on with her new life. Lucas was a marine, hardworking and loyal to his family and his friends. His life changed when he became an amputee. He is going to help a marine buddy hiking the Rose Sky Hills.
I loved this book! The characters showed so much emotion as they tried to overcome their shortcomings. I loved how Luke tried to do all he could with his limited abilities. Luke did a great job of overcoming his limitations while helping his friend and readers got a better understanding of what it takes to live as an amputee. I think it is important to include characters that suffer disabilities. Anna also showed readers that one can get stronger after diversity. There is a lot of humor, struggle, love scenes, and adventure in this book. The setting was done very well. I felt like I was camping and hiking right along with them.
I loved this book! The characters showed so much emotion as they tried to overcome their shortcomings. I loved how Luke tried to do all he could with his limited abilities. Luke did a great job of overcoming his limitations while helping his friend and readers got a better understanding of what it takes to live as an amputee. I think it is important to include characters that suffer disabilities. Anna also showed readers that one can get stronger after diversity. There is a lot of humor, struggle, love scenes, and adventure in this book. The setting was done very well. I felt like I was camping and hiking right along with them.
August 25, 2022
Anna,a Hollywood icon with a troubled past and her friend Thea set off on a hiking trip to clear their heads and figure out what’s next. Lukas tough, overprotective Marine Gunnery Sergeant with his own demons is helping his friends with their hiking tour business. The minute Anna and Lukas meet each other sparks fly, but will they ignite passion or set off a land mine? The Princess and the Knight set off on a whirlwind hike of the century!
Will Lukas listen to his own insecurities and wallow in self pity and judgement or honestly trust her? Can Anna overcome her past and allow herself to have a home, family and love again?
Well written romantic comedy, great likable characters, realistic banter and story line. Plus, the expected sexy, hot romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.
Will Lukas listen to his own insecurities and wallow in self pity and judgement or honestly trust her? Can Anna overcome her past and allow herself to have a home, family and love again?
Well written romantic comedy, great likable characters, realistic banter and story line. Plus, the expected sexy, hot romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.
September 29, 2022
judgemental
We all make mistakes, it´s only human and there´s nothing wrong about is as long as you learn from your mistakes. But there will always be people pointing their fingers at others, acting like they are perfect, judging, even treating others with disrespect maybe to shift the focus from their own imperfections. Before we form an opinion about others we should take a good look at ourselves and consider that what might be the motives for unusual behaviour. Both Anna and Lukas have suffered from stressful, tragic incidents and their reaction might not be regarded as proper but in the end two wonderful people find healing with each other.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We all make mistakes, it´s only human and there´s nothing wrong about is as long as you learn from your mistakes. But there will always be people pointing their fingers at others, acting like they are perfect, judging, even treating others with disrespect maybe to shift the focus from their own imperfections. Before we form an opinion about others we should take a good look at ourselves and consider that what might be the motives for unusual behaviour. Both Anna and Lukas have suffered from stressful, tragic incidents and their reaction might not be regarded as proper but in the end two wonderful people find healing with each other.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2022
The story
Anna’s an actress who has spent the last few months in rehab. When she and her friend Thea fly to the US and tackle a serious multi-day hike, she meets retired Marine Lukas Starr. They have insta-attraction but the challenges that their baggage brings to the relationship might just bring things to an end before it even gets going.
My thoughts
This is the second story in this series that I have read, and they definitely have similarities. Big name stars in trouble, rescued by the love of a good person and a dose of therapy and self love. There is a lot of attraction and spice in this story, as well as good friendship and caring. A fun read.
Read an eARC copy courtesy of Booksirens and the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Anna’s an actress who has spent the last few months in rehab. When she and her friend Thea fly to the US and tackle a serious multi-day hike, she meets retired Marine Lukas Starr. They have insta-attraction but the challenges that their baggage brings to the relationship might just bring things to an end before it even gets going.
My thoughts
This is the second story in this series that I have read, and they definitely have similarities. Big name stars in trouble, rescued by the love of a good person and a dose of therapy and self love. There is a lot of attraction and spice in this story, as well as good friendship and caring. A fun read.
Read an eARC copy courtesy of Booksirens and the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
August 25, 2022
Anna, losing a battle with the vicious world of Hollywood, and Lukas, former marine, meet on a hiking trip. 2 broken people recovering from traumas. There is so much chemistry between the 2 and everything you would expect from a love story happens, they make up, break up and make up again.
The story is beautifully written with deep details keeping you hooked as you read on to see what happens next. The two central characters are portrayed as a princess and a knight. This is an excellent book to read next after The Walker which I've also read and which I recommend you read first if you haven't.
The story is beautifully written with deep details keeping you hooked as you read on to see what happens next. The two central characters are portrayed as a princess and a knight. This is an excellent book to read next after The Walker which I've also read and which I recommend you read first if you haven't.
October 9, 2022
Even though I am an avid reader of romance, I often fall into the trap of reading generic romance stories. But lucky for me, "Starred" is anything but!
"Starred" could best be described as a modern-day fairytale. Anna and Lucas are brought together by fate, on a hike that pieces their broken selves into one. He is the trail guide, and she's there as a part of her treatment. From the very beginning, there is indescribable chemistry between the characters, which made me unable to put down the book as a reader.
Josie Johnston has a wonderful gift for putting meaning and sizzle in the romance genre, and I will definitely read more of her work!
"Starred" could best be described as a modern-day fairytale. Anna and Lucas are brought together by fate, on a hike that pieces their broken selves into one. He is the trail guide, and she's there as a part of her treatment. From the very beginning, there is indescribable chemistry between the characters, which made me unable to put down the book as a reader.
Josie Johnston has a wonderful gift for putting meaning and sizzle in the romance genre, and I will definitely read more of her work!
January 3, 2023
"Starred" was fun. It's basically a story that's been told before—opposites annoy each other while attracting each other—but the author delivers this standard plot with freshness, humor, and sometimes pathos. I enjoyed the apt and funny quotes at the beginning of the chapters. The two main characters, while opposite, are both obnoxious in their own way and often unlikable. However, as the story unfolds, they kind of knock the edges off each other and become better people. Again, this is a common plot, but for a reason; it is satisfying to readers to watch broken people heal. And I think readers of romance fiction will be more than satisfied with this entertaining novel.
September 23, 2022
This is Anna and Lukas’s story. It’s part of American Princes series, but works as a stand-alone just fine. She’s a celebrity, trying to find her way again, so she sets off on a hiking trip with her bestie. He’s a veteran, still trying to cope with his injury. They are two broken people trying to heal. The minute they meet sparks fly. This is a very well written romantic comedy in my opinion. The characters are likable, the banter is entertaining and realistic. I enjoyed it very much.
October 26, 2023
One of my new favorite authors!
I was originally drawn to "Starred" because of the bright cover with my favorite colors (I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover...) and continued reading it because of the funny, thoughtful, and romantic story I found within. Anna and Lukas's story is filled with second chances, layers upon layers, and the reminder that people are always more than what they seem. I can't wait to read more by Josie Johnston.
I was originally drawn to "Starred" because of the bright cover with my favorite colors (I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover...) and continued reading it because of the funny, thoughtful, and romantic story I found within. Anna and Lukas's story is filled with second chances, layers upon layers, and the reminder that people are always more than what they seem. I can't wait to read more by Josie Johnston.
August 29, 2022
I’m not usually a fan of romance books, I found this one through a friend’s recommendations and thought I’d give it a try. Starred strikes a good balance between story and steam; it feels a little longer than it needed to be and the pacing drags a little here and there but it was a fun read for a day in the hammock with a cocktail or two :-)
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October 10, 2022i just wanted them to find their love and heal. This was a good one. Glad i was able to read it. Another gem and liked every minute of it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2022
To paraphrase the author, Anna is an interfering smart-arse who can't be trusted to look after herself. Lukas is a conclusion-jumping know-all prick. Anna hit a low point in her life in the last book (Walker), and is starting over. She was completely unlikable then, with all the crap she put May through. But she seems to have gotten her act together. Mostly. Her nemesis here is Lukas Starr a/k/a/ Captain Mansplain a/k/a Sergeant Sunglasses, and they have a host of other crazy names for each other. They're both broken, learning to deal with new realities. I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, from A Knight's Guide to Chivalry in the 21st Century, and Hope's Etiquette for the Modern Princess. I thought the last book was good� This one is even better. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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