Star Maker by Jessa Nevins transports readers to the vibrant and chaotic 1980s rock scene. The story follows Kit McKenna, a determined artist manager, and Sully Fox, the magnetic frontman of an emerging rock band. Their paths cross on the Sunset Strip, sparking an intense connection fueled by shared dreams and mutual admiration. As Kit and Sully navigate the tumultuous journey of love and ambition, they face the challenges that come with fame, passion, and the music industry’s relentless demands. This tale of love, dreams, and rock 'n' roll is a captivating ride through the highs and lows of stardom.

Jessa Nevins crafts a compelling narrative with Star Maker in blending heartfelt romance with the exhilarating world of rock music. The plot is engaging, weaving together the personal and professional struggles of the characters in a seamless flow. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers hooked from the first page to the last. The action, centered around the music scene, is dynamic and vividly described, adding an authentic touch to the story. The characters are well-developed, and Kit and Sully's relationship is portrayed with depth and nuance. Themes of ambition, love, and resilience are interwoven beautifully, making the story both relatable and inspiring. The writing is emotive and immersive, drawing readers into the characters' lives and the electrifying atmosphere of the 1980s rock world. Overall, Star Maker is a swoon-worthy romance filled with witty, laugh-out-loud moments that will leave readers both entertained and moved.

Star Maker, the first book in The Star Maker Series by Jessa Nevins, is a contemporary romance with elements of young adult and women’s fiction. The story is set in the heart of the 1980s rock scene on the iconic Sunset Strip, California. Kit McKenna, an enterprising woman, is the focal point as she dreams of making her mark in the music industry as an entertainment attorney. The story builds from her beginning law studies at UCLA and we follow her journey with her friends as they learn the rules of thriving in the new city and move along on the path of fulfilling their dreams. In parallel, we are introduced to Sully Fox, the lead singer of the band Gypsy Tango, and his journey from working in a kitchen to his aspirations of making it big on the Strip. Over the next couple of years, Kit's and Sully’s lives intertwine and disentangle as they experience personal growth, devastating losses, and the highs and lows of their passions and ambitions. Although they have an undeniable chemistry that keeps drawing them closer, it takes time for them to give in to their mutual attraction. Will Kit and Sully’s relationship withstand the pressures of their respective successes?

Being the first book in the series, Jessa Nevins takes her time to set the premise, introduce the characters involved, and explore the relationships between them. With multiple perspectives, Nevins uses a conversational writing style, with realistic and witty dialogues to make different personalities stand out. Kit McKenna is shown as competent, assertive, and capable of making critical decisions and influencing the people around her. The author’s experience in the music industry has helped give the narrative an immersive feel and provides a realistic peek into the challenges faced by musicians and the ins and outs of band dynamics. The detailed use of imagery helped to bring the story to life. I found that rather than being just another contemporary romance, this book dwells more on personal growth, pursuing dreams, and remaining true to oneself. The author also has focused on the significance of friendships and the effects of fame on personal lives. The stereotypes that Kit faces in the music industry and as an attorney bring to mind the challenges that women faced years ago. Kit and Sully’s story continues in the second book. Fans of contemporary romance, especially those interested in the behind-the-scenes world of rock and roll, will find this an interesting read.

It’s 1984 and Kit is moving to LA with her childhood friend Joe. Kit is due to start law school, and Joe is looking to further his music career with Kit as his manager. With support from old friends, they quickly settle into their new lives, and Joe is scouted to join a major rock band on their world tour. Meanwhile, Sully is fired from his job as a chef. Walking away with no regrets, he rallies his fellow band members. When Sully meets Joe at a bar where Kit is playing, he is captivated by her skill and introduces himself before her boyfriend sweeps her away. Sully is smitten. Kit’s friend recommends Gypsy Tango to her as a group she might like to manage, so one night she goes along to listen, noting a familiar face on stage. When she officially introduces herself, there is an instant connection with Sully and the rest of the band, and she knows she can help them be the best of the best. Star Maker by Jessa Nevins is the journey of Kit and the band: her mission to make them the biggest rock band the US has ever seen, the trials and tribulations they face together, and the testing of Kit’s ability to keep her work and personal lives separate.

Star Maker is a true rock and roll romance. Music runs through the veins of each character, and this brings them together in a tale that depicts the good, the bad, and the ugly of the music industry in Los Angeles. Most of the story is told from the perspective of Kit, who is a powerhouse of a protagonist. Not content with being a talented musician and band manager, she is putting herself through law school and is determined to make a name for herself in the male-dominated field of artist management. Despite external pressures and trying circumstances, Kit stays true to herself, and that’s what makes her such a relatable, inspiring character. Star Maker is quite fast-paced, with some chapters spanning months, but doesn’t feel rushed when reading. Thematically, Jessa Nevins has woven contrasting themes effortlessly together. Romance, friendships, and loyalty are set against the dark underbelly of drug misuse, sexism, death, and mortality. It is done skillfully so that the book overall maintains a lighthearted feel, but is also thought-provoking and insightful. I enjoyed this book immensely. It is engaging and entertaining, and took me on a rollercoaster of emotions that I wasn’t expecting. It seems clear that the author has experience in music and the industry, as every detail felt well-researched and authentic. I would advise caution to younger readers as there are some adult themes (such as drug use) that may not be appropriate or could be upsetting. I highly recommend Star Maker to anyone who enjoys romantic, music-based novels, or a bit of rock and roll.

Star Maker: The Star Maker Series Book 1 by Jessa Nevins is a wonderfully sweet and passionate story of the rock music scene in Los Angeles during the hedonistic days of the 1980s. Kit McKenna was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. The daughter of a highly successful Chicago lawyer, she wanted nothing except time and love from her parents. Determined to forge her path in life and not follow her father into his law firm, she followed her musical heart to Los Angeles, along with her childhood friends Joe, Maxine, and Alexa. While she did want to go into law, she wanted to specialize in entertainment law, as well as discover and promote new rock bands toward superstardom, including her best friend Joe and her new friend and romantic interest Sully.

In Star Maker, Kit, or Kit-Kat to her friends, is a multi-talented and multi-faceted character trying to make an impact in the patriarchal, “boys’ club” music scene in LA. Her fierce determination, coupled with her honesty, work ethic, and genuineness make her a strong, vibrant, and believable character that many will be able to identify with. The romantic threads that weave their way seamlessly through this novel provide the perfect backdrop to the hedonism, alcoholism, excessive drug use, and massive overinflated egos prevalent when talented, artistic people begin to receive the trappings of success and adulation. The 'will they-won’t they' aspect of Kit’s potential romances with Joe and Sully provides much of the dramatic tension in the story, and this is well played by Jessa Nevins. Many readers will identify with that moment when you begin to have romantic feelings for someone you only ever thought of as your best friend. Although not a great fan of cliffhanger endings, I appreciate that this is only the first iteration of an ongoing story with these characters. I await the continuation of Kit’s rapid rise in the world of show business and her potential equally rapid fall from grace. This is a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable read that I highly recommend.