Valeria Joseph seems to have it all: career as actress on the soap opera, Charmed Lives, and everyone wants to be her. Her so-star, Cecily Taylor, fixes her up with a rising pop star named Dex Doyle and suddenly Valeria has a bigger spotlight on her.
Then, on the busy streets of New York City, she runs into her first love, Davis, who she never got over. Davis is a college basketball player who is dealing with high pressure stressors of his own and they find themselves supporting one another and falling back in love.
But, just like being on a daytime soap is full of drama—so is the publicity that surrounds Valeria. Throw in a pop star who’s crazy about her, an award show event that trends on social media for all the wrong reasons, and tons of swoony moments. Can Valeria find true love in the big city?
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers’ Favorite Stars in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager is about an actress called Valeria. Her life seems calm, but a lot of things are happening simultaneously. Hayley has been Valeria's best friend since she moved into the city. Making friends isn't easy, which is why Valeria is deeply hurt when Hayley betrays her by taking her boyfriend. Worse still, Valeria has to work with Lance. Cecily introduces Valeria to another guy, but things become more complicated for her when she gets in touch with her high school boyfriend. Valeria is very fond of him, and their communication is frequent. How does Valeria handle all the pressure that comes with her acting career, and how will her love life turn out?
Stars in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a must-read! The page-turner got me hooked from the first chapter to the last with its well-crafted dialogue that brings the story and characters to life. Valeria's life is a glimpse into what famous people go through; things that are not seen by most fans who are willing to castigate such people easily. Reading this book also got me thinking about the impacts of social media and cyberbullying on people. Krysten also ensured a logical and systematic flow of events, leaving no room for confusion for the reader. The suspense and the drama keep one intrigued and yearning for more. The characters are well-developed, and the steady pacing also contributes to the overall beauty of the book. I look forward to reading something else by this talented author.