Book Review: Wishing on a Star in the City By Krysten Lindsay Hager

I’m pleased to be welcoming Krysten Lindsay Hager back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Wishing on a Star in the City.

Everyone thinks Ivy Macomb’s life is perfect as she’s a teen actress on a TV show, part of a well-known family, and has just started college with her football star boyfriend, Ryan. However, as Ryan’s on campus fame grows, the two break up leaving Ivy heartbroken. She makes up a cover story to save face about how they’re taking time apart, but she’s devastated and unsure how to handle things. She ends up having a crying meltdown in front of her great-uncle who is better known in the media as the most ruthless man in business. However, she learns there’s another side to Uncle Alfred as he not only offers advice, but helps her with her podcast.

Her cousin tries to get her to go out and show people she’s doing fine after the breakup. Enter freshman hockey player, Konrad Gorski. Ivy and Konrad become fast friends as he’s a shoulder to cry on for her as she deals with her feelings. He’s also been through a bad breakup and has trust issues. Konrad is selected to go overseas for a hockey opportunity and the two stay in touch daily. They begin to have feelings for each other, but she’s worried about getting hurt. Can Ivy open her heart to love again?

*****

On the surface, it looks as though Ivy Macomb has it all. A career in TV, a boyfriend and a wealthy family. Things are not always as they seem and soon Ivy finds herself struggling and opening up to people she didn’t expect.

I am such a fan of the Stars in the City series and couldn’t wait to get started on book four. I do recommend the first three novels, but this can be read as a standalone if it’s your introduction to Krysten Lindsay Hager’s books.

As I have said when previously reviewing this series, I am not its proposed target audience. In fact, with it being marketed to 11–17-year-olds, I am far from it. However, the themes explored, such as self-acceptance, body image, confidence, mental health, heartbreak and the darker side of the internet are things everyone can find some empathy with and can relate to. This book is very much a reminder that behind the screens and the comments are human beings with emotions and feelings. I know I get a lot from reading these books. If I were reading them as a teenager, they would hold the same love I have for Sweet Valley High and the Sisters series by Marilyn Kaye.

The characters are what really drive the plot and the story unfolded well and in a realistic way.

Ivy is so much stronger than she believes herself to be. There were so many times I wanted to reach in and reassure her that everything was going to be OK. Konrad is a great addition to the series and good for Ivy. It’s whether she can get out of her own way after having her heart broken by Ryan.

It was wonderful to have appearances from Valeria, Olivia and Paige and I loved Alfred and the dynamic he and Ivy shared.

Wishing on a Star in the City is a brilliant instalment to this well written series that gives us a glimpse of what it’s like to be a teenager in the modern world. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to to understand that better or, if you’re a teenager, it’s a book that will hopefully make you feel seen and will help you see that you’re perfect just the way you are.

About Krysten Lindsay Hager – 

Krysten Lindsay Hager is a bestselling author of YA and contemporary romance. She writes romance because she loves bringing people swoony moments and hope-filled happily ever afters.

She writes about falling in love, fame, fitting in, frenemies, first loves, and finding your way in the world. She loves reading, watching movies, and lipstick.

Say hello via her website, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, X and Tiktok.

Wishing on a Star in the City is book four in the Star in the City series and was released in March 2026. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, and Amazon Australia.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.