Review by Valerie

TITLE: Pop Star

SERIES: Famous #1

AUTHOR: Eden Finley

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 330 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 8, 2020

BLURB:

Harley

What happens when the most successful boy band on the planet breaks up?

How about twenty thousand fans screaming my name.

But the price of fame comes with an increased risk to my safety.

I’ve been avoiding the dreaded B word for as long as I can, but after a close call with a rambunctious fan, I can’t do it anymore.

It’s time to give in. I need to hire a full-time bodyguard.

And when he shows up, he not only screams badass, he’s another B word I try to stay away from: boyfriend material.

Brix

Protecting people is not what my company usually does, but the boss knows I need money, and the pop star is offering an insane amount to live with him and make sure no more crazy fans break into his house.

I’m doing it for the money and nothing else.

He may be the prettiest man I’ve ever seen, and I may feel sorry for the celebrity life he’s been forced into since he was a teenager, but that doesn’t mean anything.

Just because he fascinates me, that doesn’t mean I like him. It doesn’t.

Professionalism. I’m gonna live it. Breathe it. Enforce it … Mostly.

REVIEW:

The Bodyguard Trope.
Sigh
There’s just something about a big alpha guy – with those hard, bulging muscles – throwing himself in harm’s way to protect or rescue the man whose life he is guarding. *swoon* What’s not to love about the stoic bodyguard – all gruff on the outside but secretly soft and gentle on the inside – falling for the forbidden man he’s been hired to protect, not seduce? What’s not to love about Brix, the sexy security specialist chosen to be a celebrity bodyguard for pop star Harley? Absolutely nothing.  

This is a story about Harley and Brix – the Pop Star and the Badass – falling in love when it’s verboten. Harley was a member of the boy band, Eleven, for seven years. Now he’s working on a solo career, but is being stifled by his record label which allows him no growth, and wants to keep him in the straight, clean cut, boy band box that was so successful for him. Problem is, Harley doesn’t fit his public persona anymore.  

Brix gave up on his desire to be career Army because he is heavily in debt and needs a more lucrative job, which he finds working for LGBTQ security firm, Mike Bravo. When Harley is threatened by a crazed fan who breaks into his home, it’s time to hire a live-in bodyguard. In steps Brix, who’s not thrilled to be working for a privileged pop star, except … the money is right. Turns out, taking care of Harley seems to be built into Brix’s DNA. For some reason, Brix’s very presence seems to grant Harley the permission he needs to be himself, not the image his fans and record executives demand. 

The story progresses with dual conflicts: Haley’s safety, and how he can be true to himself. He wants to spread his wings musically and come out of the closet, but neither seems to be in the cards. 

In keeping with Eden Finley’s other books, this is well-written with strong character development. I hope to see more of secondary character, Iris, a quirky bodyguard. The editing is sound, the plot well-developed, and the pacing solid. I like that the love story develops at a natural pace. 

Pop Star is the first in Finley’s new Famous series, centered around the former members of Eleven.  Next up is Spotlight, the story of single dad, Ryder. Additionally, Finley says the Mike bravo crew will get their own series eventually. Yay! 

This is a perfect book for escaping the hard times facing the world presently. It’s low angst, sweet, steamy, and light, and comes recommended by this reviewer. Enjoy! 

RATING:

BUY LINK:

Amazon