Name: Shareca's review of Birds of California by Katie Cotugno
Item: Birds of California
Rating: 4
Author: Shareca

Katie Cotugno

Sparks fly and things get real in this sharply sexy and whip-smart romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a post #metoo Hollywood from New York Times bestselling author Katie Cotugno—page-turning escapist fun in the spirit of Beach Read, The Kiss Quotient, and Red, White and Royal Blue. 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?

A Novel

Birds of California

Genesis (@whisperingchapters)

Shareca

Birds of California
Katie Cotugno ★★★★
AB: Julia Whelan ★★★★

🐡 pgs: 288
🐳 genre: rom+com adult contemporary
🦭 pace: quick (≤300)
🦞 sex: 🍆🍆🌶️🌶️
🦑 dual pov: Fiona & Sam (alternating)

My romance mood continues — we have another adult contemporary romance: 'Birds of California' by Katie Cotugno, narrated by Julia Whelan.

Reading 'Birds of California' was quite enjoyable; the characters, the plot, and the ease of reading worked well for a heartwarming romance novel. 😌

My preference for romance is the type of novel in which characters already know each other (especially from their past). I prefer to skip over ✨any✨ miscommunication and get right down to the nitty-gritty of the relationship. Since my boyfriend and I have been together for seven years, I tend to gravitate toward the romances that involve a deep and abiding relationship/connection; those that portray the authentic trials and tribulations that cause you to stay with a person. Fiona and Sam are both outstanding in this regard. 🙌🏾

Being acquainted a decade+ earlier contributed greatly to the strength of their relationship; their romance progressed smoothly, as did their communication. The narration of this book added to its vividness, as Whelan was able to paint a vivid picture of Fiona and her struggles as a child actress. It is a story that, in 288 pages, encompasses Sam, Fiona, and the supporting characters in an impressive way. The growth of Fiona and Sam is witnessed in the growth of those around them as well.

The reading remains consistent, even when it becomes awkward (but, keep in mind, they are meant to be 'adult-children' because they did not have a "childhood"). The focus is largely on the growing relationship, as well as the couple's ability to overcome the challenges of mid-twenties to early thirties adulthood, especially coming from a background as a child actor.

🍆 There were also some wonderful sex scenes to enjoy. They were tasty. 🤤

Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
Birds of California by Katie Cotugno

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Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &Birds of California by Katie Cotugno

Reviews

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Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
Birds of California by Katie Cotugno