What if one day all the things you thought defined you as a person came crashing down one after the other? In Krysten Lindsay Hager’s Falling for a Star in the City, Paige experiences this firsthand. Her job as an actor in a soap opera is shelved, her aspiring rock musician boyfriend Walker gets his ticket to stardom right after she breaks up with him, and her family doesn’t think she has her priorities right. Paige can see her world crumbling around her. An internship at the TV station offers her a fresh start and introduces her to the world of sports reporting, but also makes her cross paths with Victor, a hockey player, with whom she sparks a connection. While their friendship turns into a potential relationship, Paige questions her desires and is still unsure about her stance on Walker and his attempts to rekindle their romance. Will Paige manage this emotional rollercoaster and discover what she aspires to be and who her true love could be?

Falling for a Star in the City is a contemporary romance that will put you through the emotional wringer. Krysten Lindsay Hager puts her main character Paige through so many setbacks in the initial chapters that you can’t help but empathize with her. Paige felt like a broken needle in a compass, unable to find direction in her career, relationships, or even her own identity. The story moves with some unusual twists while Paige still figures out her purpose. Victor is depicted as an individual with his emotional baggage, and it is interesting to see how the characters grow along with the storyline. I found it especially intriguing that Hager portrayed Walker, the ex-boyfriend, as a captivating character. Even though he comes across as a flake who thrived after their breakup, the narrative avoids painting him as a villain. The story also briefly touches on the loss of a dear one and the bond formed by friends over shared experiences of grief. Falling for a Star in the City captures the highs and lows of finding one’s path and true love.

In Falling for a Star in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager, readers are introduced to Paige, a young woman navigating the complexities of career aspirations, relationships, and self-discovery. Paige’s life seems perfect with a role on the soap opera Charmed Lives and a relationship with Walker, a budding rock star. However, her world quickly unravels when her acting role is reduced, and family pressures push her toward a more conventional career path in journalism. To add to her turmoil, Walker signed a record deal immediately after their breakup and released an album inspired by their relationship. Things begin to turn around for Paige when she secures an internship in the sports department of a local TV station, where she meets Viktor, a college hockey player. As Paige and Viktor grow closer, Paige struggles with doubts about their compatibility and the presence of Walker, who wants to get back with her.

Falling for a Star in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager is more than a love triangle story; it’s about self-reflection and confronting insecurities, family expectations, and personal fulfillment. The novel explores themes of identity, ambition, and the courage to overcome external pressures and live life as one wants. The novel’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of contemporary challenges, engaging dialogue, and a narrative that balances romance with personal growth. As readers follow Paige’s journey, they will be inspired by her resilience and determination to grow, ultimately seeking genuine love and a deeper understanding of herself. Falling for a Star in the City will appeal to readers of young adult novels with strong overtones of romance, inspiration, and identity.