REVIEW: Muse by Katy Evans

In Muse (Manhattan #3) by Katy Evans, In the midst of writing what she’s sure will be her breakout book, everything comes to a screeching halt for fledgling romance author Becka. Call it writer’s block or say that her muse is missing in action, it doesn’t matter. She’s stuck. And it seems that even spending time in NYC with her close friend can’t seem to give Becka the perspective she needs to finish her novel. It’s when she’s at her most frantic, in an airport having lost her beloved hot pink laptop and missing her flight home to Texas that she finds her muse again. And it’s all thanks to Noah Steele. The man she felt an instant connection with long before she figured out that he’s a movie star. His offer for one night of passion is pretty tempting. But one-offs aren’t Becka’s style. Although, as she gets to know the real Noah Steele, she begins to think that spending any of amount of time with him–between the sheets, or anywhere for that matter–sounds just about perfect.

“Who do you think you are?”
“I’m the guy whose name you’ll be screaming all over tonight.”

Running into quirky but beautiful Becka when Noah misses his flight is somehow the highlight of his craptastic time spent in the Big Apple. Changing the course of his runaway career has proven to be next to impossible. And while he knows he should be thankful for the roles that have made him a star, Noah is looking for something more meaningful. He thought NYC would hold the key. Turns out that the most important, down to earth part of his time in the city is getting to know Becka. He’s knocked out by her mind and her perceptiveness. No wonder he’s sure she’ll be a success as a romance author. When Noah goes on a wild goose chase to help Becka find her missing laptop, he doesn’t realize he’s setting into motion all the changes he’s needed in his life. All because of one missed flight. And one lovely woman who he’s not sure he’ll be able to let go of when it’s time to head home again.

‘Hollywood is plastic. Fake. And she’s the realest thing I’ve ever seen.’

Couldn’t. Put. It. Down. Muse had everything I love about Katy Evans’ writing, all in one place: Explosive chemistry, solid plot, characters you can’t help but adore, and a romance that is so right and so honest, you just know the HEA will be nothing short of spectacular.

‘I could take a risk. I mean, all love is about taking risk. As impossible as we are, even if there’s one chance in a million this could work…maybe it’s worth it.’

When it comes to romance, if Katy Evans writes it, then I’m there. And I know I’ll have a fantastic time with whatever she cooks up for us fans. With Becka and Noah here in Muse, well, this might just be my favorite couple she’s written to date. (Although I feel like I say that with every new book and new couple…lol) But it’s true. They were the sweetest lovematch ever. And I thought it was interesting that they were people who just happened to be at a standstill in their respective careers, and who were quite stressed out over the lack of direction their “muse” was giving them.

Noah and Becka’s story was a little bit different than some of Evans’ other work in that this mostly took place in a matter of a few days. Although she did include one of her Epic Epilogues that I so love. For some readers, given the abbreviated timeline and the quickness of Becka and Noah falling for each other, it may seem like insta-lust/insta-love. (Talk about smokin’ hot attraction and sexy time scenes, though!!) But for me, it felt right. They were basically stuck in an airport together, sort of a forced proximity trope, so of course being the artistic type of people they were–a writer and an actor–Becka and Noah couldn’t help but get to know each other better. They paid attention to the minute details and really listened to each other’s concerns. I loved that about them. How they honestly were good people and wanted to help each other find that next step they needed to take in their lives and in their careers. So heartwarming.

After I read Muse, I saw Katy Evans say that Becka is basically her on paper. And it’s funny because while I was reading this book, I wondered how much of herself she put into this character. I mean, Becka was a romance writer. So how could Evans’ not base at least *some* of Becka’s struggles, mannerisms and thoughts on herself, right? No wonder she seemed so real. She was a fun, charming, super cute woman who had a wonderful mix of sass and shyness. It’s hard to explain. But it totally worked when paired with Noah’s sexy superstar persona and his hidden thoughtful side. It feels like I always fall in love with Evans’ heroes quite easily, but I really liked Noah from page one. Especially once we got to look inside his head and figure out that he wasn’t a spoiled actor just trying to find a way to make more money in Hollywood. There was an inner struggle going on that was true and honest, and it made him seem more relatable.

Katy Evans writes the smexiest of stories but with tons of heart and true emotional depth. And I think Muse, with its heroine you’ll want as your BFF and a hero who will make you drool (and swoon), will captivate readers just as it did me, right from the very start.

Book Info:

Publication: September 14th 2018 | Katy Evans | Manhattan #3

It was supposed to just be a quick trip to Manhattan.
My best friend was heartbroken. She needed support, and I needed inspiration.
I hoped to love the city. Bustling. Crazy. Inspiring New York.
But I ended up at the airport, heading home in the same condition that I arrived.
In a rut.
Add to all that, missing my flight and losing my laptop—the laptop, where the Best Love Story Ever sat on my hard drive.
Enter Noah Steele. Eerily familiar. Movie star. Heartthrob. Sultry romeo with bedroom eyes.
(But we’re not going there.)
He missed his flight too.
Noah is so smoldering, lip-bitingly hot, he’s not taken seriously as an actor, and is struggling to launch his career in New York.
He’s only ever had superficial girlfriends, so he’s having trouble showing true passion in his acting—the same challenge I’m having with this book.
When we met, we didn’t know that our connection would bring us the change we’d been craving.
That we’d be the very thing the other needed and didn’t know.
Each other’s muse.

** MUSE is a complete standalone, no previous reading is necessary to enjoy.