by Kasie West
Release Date: February 5, 2019; HarperTeen
From Goodreads:
Lacey Barnes has dreamt of being in a movie for as long as she can remember. However, while her dream did include working alongside the hottest actor in Hollywood, it didn’t involve having to finish up her senior year of high school at the same time she was getting her big break. Although that is nothing compared to Donavan, the straight-laced student her father hires to tutor her, who is a full-on nightmare.
As Lacey struggles to juggle her burgeoning career, some on-set sabotage, and an off-screen romance with the unlikeliest of leading men, she quickly learns that sometimes the best stories happen when you go off script.
Rating: 3 of 5 stars
No kidding, I've read all of Kasie West's books. From the Pivot Point duology to all her YA contemporaries since. And in all that time, I give my most love and obsession for Split Second (Trevor AND Connor), The Fill-in Boyfriend (because there's nothing better than the fake girlfriend/boyfriend trope) and PS I Like You (that "man bracelet" scene!!). But, admittedly, for all the love and adoration I have for West's books, I also have a least favorite. Lucky in Love just didn't click with me. And unfortunately, I feel the same way with Fame, Fate and the First Kiss.
I love the fuzzy, refreshing and heartwarming feeling of West's books. Fame, Fate and the First Kiss was no exception to that. However, my biggest issue with the book comes from my lack of connection to it. I wasn't sold on the romance and I didn't care enough for the characters, even Lacey. I honestly loved the Abby and Cooper cameos more than what's happening "on set". And I don't know why, but Grant's portrayal leaned on him being a shallow character and it just didn't sit well with me. I honestly think there's more to him. And I'm really sorry to say this but Donavan seemed like a generic love interest. Nothing about him stood out to me. Which I found really disappointing. The Nancy Drew vibe was unexpected but very much welcome. Although you can probably guess the mystery easily, it was no less entertaining to see unfold. I liked Amanda. She's... different.
I wanted to love this book so much. The cover is everything and Kasie West is one of my favorite authors ever. It just didn't work out as well as I expected, I guess.
Nevertheless, I will continue to watch out for more books from Kasie West and fangirl about her new releases!
I received an e-arc via Edelweiss+ to read and review.
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