by Allison Rushby
4 stars: Recommended
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher, for review
Publication: February 28, 2012 (Hardback)
Pages: 272
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Buy it: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she’s sent on an undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett—teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been kind to her—at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat in Boston. The money will be enough to pay for Jo’s dream: real photography classes, and maybe even quitting her paparazzi gig for good. Everyone wants to know what Ned’s in for. But Jo certainly doesn’t know what she’s in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment.
Jo was practically born into the paparazzi business, her father being a celebrity of sorts among them, and her eyes and ears quick to catch wind of something worth shooting. The problem is that she’s only in the business for the money. Once she has enough for future schooling in photography, she’s out. Then Melissa, an editor she works for, offers her a deal with an impossibly large sum of money, enough to get her out for good. The catch? It’s going to involve compromising some morals.
Shooting Stars is as fun and light-hearted of a read as it sounds. Jo is a clever girl, using her short height and looks to pass for a kid in order to get into places where her fellow paparazzi can’t enter. The best part is where she got the idea to use her small physique. Jo is a bundle of fun. She loves the thrill of being on the tail of a scoop, but her true interest lies elsewhere. It’s crazy for her, but I love her whole moral dilemma about invading the privacy of the one celebrity who has been good to her.
The love interest is very swoon-worthy. Ned is a hot guy, both in terms of appearances and personality. And the kissing scenes? More swoon. Of course, where there’s a celebrity involved, there are secrets, and Jo has some of her own. The retreat turns out to be one for teenagers to deal with issues and take a break from the world, and Jo finds herself getting more involved than she meant. In fact, while Jo may have been sent to Ned’s retreat for snooping, it turns out that she’s the one who needs a little break–and some reflection on her life.
If you’re looking for a humor, some sleuthing, and romance, I recommend reading Shooting Stars. There are the paparazzi scenes, the moral dilemma (Money! Ned! Money!), double crossing, and the blossoming of a relationship.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Kali S says
This sounds like a cute, quick read. If my library carries it I'll definitely give it a read. We'll see! I can't afford to put down $8 for a book 🙁 The life of a poor college student…cry!
Christina Kit. says
WOW! This sounds totally awesome:))
And isn't it cool that she's a teen paparazzi?!
What I find interesting is how she's pulled into the rehab environment to an extent that she benefits from it.
Thanks for introducing us to this book! Definitely on the TBR.