Wonderstruck by Dana LeCheminant: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

He’s Hollywood’s golden boy. She’s determined to stay invisible. When their lives—and their secrets—collide, neither is ready for what comes next.

After years of living for the cameras, Derek Riley needs an escape. Training for a movie role on a remote river sounds perfect, until his whitewater guide, Donovan, treats him like he’s just another tourist. For the first time in his career, Derek doesn’t know his lines…or how to uncover the person beneath Donovan’s armor.

Donovan left her old life behind for good reason, but Derek’s kindness and warmth make him far too easy to fall for, even if he threatens the careful walls she’s built. Letting him in means facing a past she swore to forget, but she can’t help but be drawn to the flawed man beneath the perfect veneer.

When the tabloids close in and old wounds resurface on both sides, Derek and Donovan have to choose between the safety of silence and the risk of something real. Because sometimes, love is the most dangerous truth of all.

Wonderstruck is a closed door celebrity romance that’s a standalone story with character connections to the other books in the series. Full of witty banter, mutual respect, and sizzling chemistry, it’s perfect for fans of protective heroes, confident women, and love that heals.

The Author

Dana LeCheminant writes sweet romantic comedies, heartwarming contemporary love stories, and swoony historical romances—with a twist. Known for putting a fresh spin on beloved tropes, she lets her characters lead the way, believing they always know their stories best. Her books are full of banter, emotion, and connection—all of the swoon, none of the spice. When she’s not dreaming up her next twisty trope or emotional arc, she’s hiking the remote Utah backcountry or cruising down rivers in search of new inspiration. Dana has been telling stories since before she could spell and has no plans to stop anytime soon.

Book Review

For anyone who has read the previous books in the Starstruck Love Stories series, Derek's story has certainly been one to look forward to. While we've gotten to know him throughout the series, there's always been a bit more of a mystery behind him and I was definitely looking forward to getting to see more from him. I am happy to say, his story most certainly did not disappoint! First of all, the banter and the chemistry between Derek and Donovan? So good! I couldn't help but love these two right from the very start. They had me smiling throughout... but it also went deeper and gave us some tender and emotional moments that made me love their story all that much more. A 'love that heals' is certainly right with this one... and I absolutely loved it. I don't want to give too much away, but there are definitely some good twists that you'll want to experience for yourself. If you love hidden identity and celebrity romance with sizzling chemistry, you absolutely won't want to miss this one. 

Wonderstruck is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minimal minor language. It is the fifth book in the Starstruck Love Stories series, and while I do think it could be enjoyed as a standalone, I think that those who have read the previous books will get the most out of it. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/4bgO9J5