Hi all you Seppies, she’s back with a new Chicago Stars book. Susan Elizabeth Phillips has penned a new fabulous story with cameos from her Chicago Stars series. I am a huge fan of both this author and series and was so excited to get my hands on WHEN STARS COLLIDE.  You could easily title this The Diva and The Quarterback. And their stars definitely collide in this heartwarming tale of opposites attract.

Those that are familiar with the Chicago Stars series know that couples come in all descriptions and that females are strong, intelligent and independent. Men love and respect their women. That is why WHEN STARS COLLIDE fits with this series. Two amazing characters that have their futures all mapped out and then the unimaginable happens, their lives connect in a very innocent way.

It makes sense. Rising opera star Olivia Shore and revered Chicago Stars quarterback Thaddeus Walker Bowman Owens are coupled for an extensive publicity tour for a luxury watch line. Both in the top echelon of their crafts. It starts off rocky which puzzles Thad since he is well known as one of the good guys and yet Olivia despises him on introduction. Thad realizes that Olivia is definitely high maintenance sort of woman but his role in this job is to pose with the opera singer. That’s it. That’s all he signed on for.

Thad really gets under Olivia’s skin, rather quickly. He is so laid back which she mistakenly thinks of as lazy. After all his entire career is now based on his ability to help the rising quarterback star which must really grate on his nerves. No one likes being replaced, even opera stars. And here’s where we get a glimpse into how these two characters have things in common. Both work tirelessly on their careers and in the back of their minds contemplate being replaced.

But the more they are different, the more Liv and Thad are very much alike. Thad is outgoing, friendly and protective of those he cares about. The more time spent with Liv Thad starts to see something hidden behind the shield of brittleness. Liv is being chased by ghosts. In particular the ghost of her ex fiancé that committed suicide. She feels culpable. And now someone is targeting Olivia with hate mail and threats. A voice from the grave. Not likely, then who. Thad is beginning to see himself as her protector, definitely not welcome. But without Thad, Olivia is flying solo and some of the threats are dangerous.

So in WHEN STARS COLLIDE, we see two worlds and two very different individuals join forces to expose the bad guy or guys. But more than that we witness a cooperative effort of folks that on the surface have nothing in common. And yet it all makes sense. Susan Elizabeth Phillips sees the possibilities and we are rewarded with a wondrous story of love conquering all odds, beyond all expectations. WHEN STARS COLLIDE is a divine addition to an already first-rate series by one of the best authors, Susan Elizabeth Phillips.