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About the author:Xio Axelrod is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes different flavors of contemporary romance and what she likes to call, “strange, twisted tales.”
Xio grew up in the recording industry and began performing at a very young age. As a result, her knowledge of popular music is nearly encyclopedic. Seriously, look her up on quiz night. She might even be up for some karaoke! A completely unapologetic, badge-wearing, fic-writing fangirl, Xio finds inspiration in everything around her. From her quirky neighbors to the lyrics of whatever song she currently has on repeat, to the latest clips from her favorite TV series, SKAM, Xio weaves her passions into her books. (And if you’re curious about SKAM, ask her about it. Just be prepared to settle in for the long haul.) When she isn’t working on the next story, Xio can be found behind a microphone in a studio, writing songs in her bedroom-turned-recording-booth, or performing on international stages under a different, not-so-secret name. She lives in complete denial of the last five minutes of Buffy with one very patient, full-time, indoor husband, and several part-time, supremely pampered, outdoor cats. |
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The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes by Xio AxelrodHer name’s Antonia “Toni” Bennette (yeah, she’s heard all the jokes before) and she’s not a rock star. Neither are the Lillys—not yet. But the difference between being famous and being almost famous can be a single wrong note…or the start of something that’ll change your life forever.
Growing up in dive bars up and down the East Coast, Toni Bennette’s guitar was her only companion...until she met Sebastian Quick. Seb was a little older, a lot wiser, and before long he was Toni’s way out, promising they’d escape their stifling small town together. Then Seb turned eighteen and split without looking back. Now, Toni’s all grown up and making a name for herself in Philadelphia’s indie scene. When a friend suggests she try out for a hot new up-and-coming band, Toni decides to take a chance. Strong, feminist, and fierce as fire, Toni B. and the Lillys are the perfect match…except Seb’s now moonlighting as their manager. Whatever. Toni can handle it. No problem. Or it wouldn’t be if Seb didn’t still hold a piece of her heart…not to mention the key to her future. |
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Praise
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“Written with an expertise in—and deep reverence for—the music industry, The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes is a brilliant standout. Axelrod’s writing sings sweetly, transporting the reader to gritty clubs and brightly lit stages, making us feel the buzz of Toni’s burgeoning stardom even amidst the tangle of her heartache. Sharp, propulsive, and sexy. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Antonia and Seb are imprinted in my book-loving heart. I genuinely, truly, relished this book.”
--Christina Lauren, New York Times and #1 International Bestselling Author "Xio Axelrod has quickly become one of my go to authors, and The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes a favorite of 2021!" --Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author "Xio Axelrod's writing is like music—sensual, sweet, and utterly powerful. With captivating connections, swoony scenes, and characters so vivid you'll swear they're real, you'll be putting Xio's stories on repeat. Trust me." --Sierra Simone, USA Today Bestselling Author "You will lose sleep and fall in love with a book you never knew you needed. The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes is a stunning and magical novel full of swoon-worthy, complex, and deserving characters who I need in my life. Xio has found a fangirl in me and I bow in her greatness!" --Carrie Ann Ryan, New York Times Bestselling Author “I devoured The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes! It's so incredibly good! Axelrod's richly complex characters and her authentic world of up-and-coming musicians deliver a truly captivating read. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Xio Axelrod is an auto-buy for me!" --Karen Rose, #1 Internationally Bestselling Author “Written with an easy grace and vivid style… I was fascinated with the music scene, something I know nothing about, but which was brought to bright life in this engaging, vivid page-turner.” --Kristan Higgins, New York Times Bestselling Author "Xio Axelrod writes compelling, emotional stories that keep me engaged to the very last page. Simply put, her books rock!” --Jennifer Probst, New York Times Bestselling Author "The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes [will] linger in your memory like a favorite song that makes you smile as soon as you hear the opening chord. Xio Axelrod proves again why she’s a rockstar in romance." --Avery Flynn, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author "Xio Axelrod has a wonderfully poetic way with words. In the Girl with Stars in Her Eyes, Xio weaves a lush, evocative rock star fairytale full of emotion and heart." --Kristen Callihan, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author "Xio Axelrod hits it out of the park! Toni Bennette is the rock star heroine we need right now. You’ll be yelling encore at the end of The Girl With The Stars In her Eyes." --Kwana Jackson, USA Today Bestselling Author "Xio Axelrod consistently delivers the kind of story that will make your heart sing." --Farrah Rochon, USA Today Bestselling author of The Boyfriend Project "Wonderfully fresh and original! This book will pluck your heartstrings with an aching riff." --Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author of Lies & Lullabies "Sexy, achingly heartfelt, authentic, and original! With a compelling ensemble of interesting characters, Xio Axelrod brings Toni and Seb—and their music—vividly to life. This book is the true rock star!" --Laura Kaye, Wall Street Journal, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author "A sweet story of found family and the power of music." --Kirkus Reviews |
