Review: Birds of California by Katie Cotugno

Birds of California by Katie Cotugno

Blurb from Goodreads:

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?

Unfortunately this book felt a bit derivative of one of my favorite novels, The Comeback, but not nearly as good. I wanted to like this so much and although I don't take issue with the writing, I didn't really enjoy reading it. It was quick, which was good, but I felt like so much was lacking with the ending and the motivations behind the characters. I hope you have better luck!

Birds of California comes out next week on April 26, 2022 and you can purchase HERE.

"Why do all Goodwills smell the same?" he wonders out loud.

"Human dander and broken dreams," Fiona says glancing at him sidelong.

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