The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes - (The Lillys) by Xio Axelrod (Paperback)

About the Book

"Growing up, Antonia "Toni" Bennett's guitar was her only companion...until she met Sebastian Quick. Seb was a little older, a lot wiser, and he became Toni's way out, promising they'd escape their small town together. Then Seb turned eighteen and split without looking back. Now, Toni B is all grown up and making a name for herself in Philadelphia's indie scene. When a friend suggests she try out for the hottest new band in the country, she decides to take a chance...not realizing that this opportunity will bring her face-to-face with the boy who broke her heart and nearly stole her dreams"--

Book Synopsis

Her 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.

Review Quotes

Fans of Daisy Jones & the Six will enjoy this rich, romantic novel. - Booklist

A sweet story of found family and the power of music. - Kirkus Reviews

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

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

Wonderfully fresh and original! This book will pluck your heartstrings with an aching riff. - Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author of Lies & Lullabies

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, NYT Bestselling Author

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, NYT and #1 International 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

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 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 NYT 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 writes compelling, emotional stories that keep me engaged to the very last page. Simply put, her books rock! - Jennifer Probst, NYT 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. - 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, NYT Bestselling Author