“What are you, some kind of parallel parking expert?”
Birds of California
Katie Cotugno
Summary: Former child actor Fiona St. James dropped out of the spotlight after a spectacularly public crash and burn. The tabloids called her crazy and self-destructive and said she'd lost her mind. Now in her late twenties, Fiona believes her humiliating past is firmly behind her. She's finally regained a modicum of privacy, and she won't let anything--or anyone--mess it up.
Unlike Fiona, Sam Fox, who played her older brother on the popular television show Birds of California, loves the perks that come with being a successful Hollywood actor: fame, women, parties, money. When his current show gets cancelled and his agent starts to avoid his calls, the desperate actor enthusiastically signs on for a Birds of California revival. But to make it happen, he needs Fiona St. James.
Against her better judgment, Fiona agrees to have lunch with Sam. What happens next takes them both by surprise. Sam is enthralled by Fiona's take-no-prisoners attitude, and Fiona discovers a lovable goofball behind Sam's close-up-ready face. Long drives to the beach, late nights at dive bars... theirs is the kind of kitschy romance Hollywood sells. But just like in the rom-coms Fiona despises, there's a twist that threatens her new love. Sam doesn't know the full story behind her breakdown. What happens when she reveals the truth?
My Review: I read Birds of California in about 6 hours on a drive to California. I kept trying to put it down, focus on the road, talk to others in the car, but I was fully rude and did not. This book had be caught from the dedication, which reads something like (I apologize, I don't have my copy with me while I'm writing this) "you know what, I wrote this one for me". I'll say this: Katie, I am so glad that you did. This romance is sharply funny, witty, and the banter is top tier. I love the two main characters, and I've found a new niche of loving Hollywood/L.A. romances specifically by people who live in Los Angeles/Southern California, because it feels like they get it. There's no sparkly sheen here - we get into the nitty gritty of Hollywood and I loved every second of it.
Recommended ages: Adult
Comments