Birds of California

A Novel

By: Katie Cotugno

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

"Exquisite and delicious. . . Katie Cotugno has outdone herself." —Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones & The Six and Malibu Rising

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

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?

©2022 Katie Cotugno (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Loooooved!

I loved this book! I wish it were longer. The dry sarcastic wit of Fiona was body armor for the wounded person she was. I loved that Sam saw through the camouflage and chose the alternate path of authenticity even when he didn’t want to. I was so impressed with Julia Whalen’s handling of the dialog to the point of forgetting she was a single narrator as I listened to two distinct voices engage in rapid fire banter. Hoping for s sequel to further explore Erin’s role and the aftermath of her work.

Romance with an Edge

This is not a rom-com but an edgy romance whose main characters have some deep issues that aren't easily resolved. Although Fiona and Sam had worked together in the past, they really didn't know one another at all. As they begin a torrid relationship, secrets, both old and new are the barriers they must overcome.
Nicely narrated by Julia Whelan. This story is divided into Fiona and Sam chapters and could have had a male narrator for Sam's chapters.

This. Book. 🙌🏼

Great story. Love how the characters and dialogue went from snarky (seriously caught myself literally laughing out loud) to sobering and back again throughout the book. Checks all my rom com boxes: depth, wit and Julia Whelan. That woman is pure magic.

A Vintage Postcard Morning

This is on the members monthly sale list. l am past the current day Romance genre, except when on sale by my favorite narrators as they bring out the best the author is trying to achieve. Ms Whelan's male voice makes our hero so sweet and kind of reminds me of the young sexy Burt Reynolds of yester year.
The author does enough good snark dialogue that does not over power this romance.
Were my comments of help?

Sweet Story - Excellent

Really enjoyed listening to this book. Hope there's a sequel, as I didn't want it to end. Narrated by the GOAT-JW.

Cute

Besides the obvious abuse, I really liked the writers style, and the characters. I will definitely look for more from this author.

Surprised

I accidentally found this book. Although I’m thinking now it wasn’t an accident because if Julia Whelan is narrating, then I’m listening. So it was probably in my recommendations or whatever.
I just fell in love with this book. I liked the characters, it was funny, it was sweet, sexy, and little emotional. I wish I had a little more time with them. I wish I didn’t devour it.
Julia is amazing as always.

Fun, enjoyable and well read

It was a fun read, and a great performance. it's a perfect weekend read.

snarky and spicy

this book kind of gives Emily Henry vibes with extra heat. like, it gets reeeeal spicy at times, which doesn't bother me but if you're looking for syupy sweet rom com stuff then this prob isn't the one for you. But it was also super funny with that dry, snarky sort of back and forth that Julia whelan executes so perfectly. I loved it and im giving 5 stars but I'm pretty easy to please and give out 5 star ratings pretty liberally so take that for what it's worth. I really only chose this title because I'm obsessed with JW and will listen to literally anything she narrates. but also, I once heard an interview with her and she was asked how she chooses which books to take on and she said something like, she only does books that she would actually enjoy reading. And that is how my favorite genre became Julia Whelen.

Just okay

The performance was fine. Not outstanding but pretty good. But the book itself was meh. I don’t know why I just couldn’t get into it. I had trouble connecting to the characters. It wasn’t bad, it was just okay.