Publisher's Weekly Review
A queer romance with a side of coming-of-age tale and a sliver of suspense, Alexander's delightful if occasionally slow debut begins when Noa Birnbaum drops out of college for a job as a makeup artist on the set of a B-list horror movie. She's excited to paint gore and grime on the cast, and just as excited to meet her crush, the leading actress and "final girl" Lilah Silver. It's Lilah's biggest role yet, and she hopes it will be her chance to bust out of horror flicks and into the mainstream, but she's hiding a secret that makes her feel like she's acting even when she's off camera. Sparks fly in the makeup chair and soon enough off-set, too, but a crazed fan, a leak to a gossip magazine, and their own insecurities might drive this budding couple apart. Alexander, who has worked in TV production, brings insider knowledge and hilarious detail to the Hollywood back lot, enhancing both the tender romance and sweet coming-out narrative. A subplot involving a stalker is less successful, though, dragging the novel down in the middle. With hints of Casey McQuiston, a quirky supporting cast, and undeniable heart, this makes a charming addition to the growing list of New Adult queer rom-coms. (Aug.)
Kirkus Review
A movie star and a makeup artist fall in love on the set of a horror movie. Noa Birnbaum has just dropped out of UCLA for a makeup gig on a real Hollywood production. Even though it's a low-budget horror flick called Scareodactyl, Noa loves horror movies, and she'll gain valuable experience for her portfolio. As an added bonus, she'll be working with actress Lilah Silver, her longtime crush. Lilah hopes this role, her first leading part, will finally put her career on the map and pave the way to landing more prestigious films. Alexander's debut has all the hallmarks of new-adult romance: It's about young people freshly out in the world experiencing the awkward, emotional struggles of a first relationship. Lilah is plagued with insecurities: She knows she can act, but too many people assume she's just a pretty face. She is comfortable with her bisexuality but has never had a relationship with a woman. Meanwhile, Noa feels awkward around Lilah's cool, Hollywood smoothness. Noa grapples with her own internalized misogyny, which causes her to unthinkingly judge Lilah's more traditionally femme traits and interests. Lilah and Noa are attracted to each other, but they are young and inexperienced, and their romantic tension is rooted in misunderstandings and snap judgments. They each make assumptions about the other's behavior, which stalls their budding relationship. Both women's fears and worries are detailed in long internal monologues, but without action or forward progress their thoughts sometimes devolve to navel-gazing. Production problems and the threat of a stalker bring movement and action to this warm, gentle romance. A sweet, low-heat debut will appeal to readers who like introspective, angst-y romances. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
After dying early in a few horror movies, actress Lilah Silver is headlining for the first time. Noa Birnbaum just dropped out of college to take a makeup artist/special effects job on Lilah's movie. Lilah hopes this final girl role will open her up to serious acting opportunities. Noa hopes this gig will get her the hours and recommendation she needs to join the union. There is chemistry between them when they meet, but a rule against fraternization between cast and crew complicates things. Add an uncannily accurate anonymous item in a gossip magazine and evidence of a dangerous fan, plus the heightened emotion of an intense film shoot, and you have a fast read filled with warmth, romance, coming out, vivid supporting characters, and a behind-the-scenes peek at Hollywood. Lilah and Noa are believably imperfect young Jewish women navigating early adulthood with the support of their friends and families, stumbling into solvable problems on their way to each other. A charming entry in the new adult queer romantic comedies trend in the vein of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall.
Library Journal Review
DEBUT Noa Birnbaum, an aspiring special effects artist, has landed her first film job, doing makeup for an upcoming horror movie. She's worried about playing it cool in front of her celeb crush Lilah Silver, the star of the film. Lilah wants to be taken more seriously as an actress; she also wants to impress her cool makeup artist Noa (Lilah is bi, but not out). They spend many intimate hours together on set, but Lilah's fear of being hurt and Noa's judgmental nature threaten to end their relationship before it can begin. The stress of the job--on-set shenanigans, shooting on location, temperamental film execs--only heightens the stakes of their attraction. VERDICT This debut is perfect for fans of B-movie horror and rom-com flicks alike. The two main characters are both Jewish, and the book features a large cast of queer and trans supporting characters. A content warning for some stalking, but otherwise this a fun, fast-paced read.--Claudia Berger, New York, NY
