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Fame Game #2
Starstruck
As the drama surrounding Madison, Carmen, Gaby, and Kate is played out in front of the cameras and the relentless paparazzi, the girls quickly discover that fame comes at a price. Featuring hot new characters and old favorites from the #1 New York Times bestselling series L.A. Candy, the second Fame Game novel chronicles the rise and fall of Hollywood’s newest reality stars.
---
Are the stars of The Fame Game ready for their close-ups?
Madison Parker has discovered that not all publicity is good publicity. After turning herself in for stealing some bling, the reality star is stuck doing community service while her Fame Game castmates soak up all the screen time. Not that newcomer Kate Hayes needs more attention—ever since her breakout song became an overnight sensation she's suddenly acting like she's Katy Perry. Aspiring actress Carmen Curtis is finally making a name for herself, but she's finding it harder than ever to get out from behind her famous mother's shadow. And in Hollywood, leading men are a dime a dozen, but a good man is hard to find. So when two of the girls have their eye on the same guy, that can mean only one thing: on-camera drama.
In the second novel in bestselling author Lauren Conrad's Fame Game series, friendships are tested, lines are crossed, and fashion crimes are committed—and that's before the cameras even start rolling.
Anyone who has ever wondered what it is like to make it in Hollywood will love this fun, addictive series written by someone who has seen—and lived—it all. Full of dishy details about young Hollywood that only an insider can reveal, bestselling author, fashion designer, and television star Lauren Conrad shows that the real drama happens behind the scenes.
---
Are the stars of The Fame Game ready for their close-ups?
Madison Parker has discovered that not all publicity is good publicity. After turning herself in for stealing some bling, the reality star is stuck doing community service while her Fame Game castmates soak up all the screen time. Not that newcomer Kate Hayes needs more attention—ever since her breakout song became an overnight sensation she's suddenly acting like she's Katy Perry. Aspiring actress Carmen Curtis is finally making a name for herself, but she's finding it harder than ever to get out from behind her famous mother's shadow. And in Hollywood, leading men are a dime a dozen, but a good man is hard to find. So when two of the girls have their eye on the same guy, that can mean only one thing: on-camera drama.
In the second novel in bestselling author Lauren Conrad's Fame Game series, friendships are tested, lines are crossed, and fashion crimes are committed—and that's before the cameras even start rolling.
Anyone who has ever wondered what it is like to make it in Hollywood will love this fun, addictive series written by someone who has seen—and lived—it all. Full of dishy details about young Hollywood that only an insider can reveal, bestselling author, fashion designer, and television star Lauren Conrad shows that the real drama happens behind the scenes.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2012
81 people are currently reading
4802 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Conrad
38 books2,010 followersLauren Katherine Conrad, often referred to as "L.C.", is an American television personality and an aspiring fashion designer. She is best known for being featured in the MTV reality series Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and for her spin-off show, The Hills, which follows her personal and professional life as she pursues a career in the fashion industry. She earns an estimated $1.5 million annually for her television appearances, fashion line, and product endorsements.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
November 2, 2012
Pure trash and I loved it. I read all three LA Candy books in a week and the first Fame Game book in a few days because I really enjoyed them and didn't want to put it down. The Hills (or any similar reality show) in book form. Obviously people are going to hate on this book because of Lauren or because of what it represents but if you just take it for what it is and don't get all serious then it's a very enjoyable read.
My favourite character in the book is Madison, and I can't believe I'm saying that because I despised her in LA Candy for the way she acted and the way she treated Jane. But in the first Fame Game book and again in this one you really get to know Madison and warm to her and as you learn more about her past you understand the way she is, she's a very fragile person living in the celebrity world and at times she struggles with it. So much so that the book ends on a cliffhanger! To prepare us for the third novel next year.
Unfortunately Madison is where the great character end and the rest of the cast just aren't as good. Sophia was basically a nonentity, Gaby was as hilarious and ridiculous as always but it's Kate and Carmen I can't take to. I found myself skipping their sections and dialogue because they are both boring, Carmen is a spoilt little rich kid who wants all the attention on her and Kate is a boring singer and acts about ten years of age. In fact it was Madison that held this book together for me and stopped me from giving up altogether.
However I can't wait for book three and to see where Madison ends up. She really is a great character and I hope Lauren (or whoever writes them) keeps writing trashy books like these as I love reading them.
My favourite character in the book is Madison, and I can't believe I'm saying that because I despised her in LA Candy for the way she acted and the way she treated Jane. But in the first Fame Game book and again in this one you really get to know Madison and warm to her and as you learn more about her past you understand the way she is, she's a very fragile person living in the celebrity world and at times she struggles with it. So much so that the book ends on a cliffhanger! To prepare us for the third novel next year.
Unfortunately Madison is where the great character end and the rest of the cast just aren't as good. Sophia was basically a nonentity, Gaby was as hilarious and ridiculous as always but it's Kate and Carmen I can't take to. I found myself skipping their sections and dialogue because they are both boring, Carmen is a spoilt little rich kid who wants all the attention on her and Kate is a boring singer and acts about ten years of age. In fact it was Madison that held this book together for me and stopped me from giving up altogether.
However I can't wait for book three and to see where Madison ends up. She really is a great character and I hope Lauren (or whoever writes them) keeps writing trashy books like these as I love reading them.
February 2, 2018
Even though I thought Starstruck was confusing because I don't have the first book this is the second book I enjoyed the premise of the book.
October 20, 2012
I think this is my favorite of all of L.C.'s books. I really enjoyed this installment! I just read it in a few hours this evening.
The characters are just more complex! Kate is no longer perfection personified, Carmen's impossibly great relationship with her mother has become realistic, Gaby's dangerous behavior has finally "paid off", and, best of all, Madison Parker is a human being. Obviously this storyline began several books back, but now it feels genuine. I feel so much sympathy for her now.
The guys, I have decided, are all just silly and stupid. And it's so unrealistic that they are ALL "unbelievably" hot. Drew is the best, but we're supposed to think that. Luke, Ethan- pathetic. And Ryan started off as an incredible asshole and suddenly became this super sweet guy and then again becomes an asshole. Lauren Conrad should work on their characerizations.
I do feel like there is a great continual thread of character development in these books. Seeds for stories that are just now happening were planted several books back. The long-term effect of all of these characters' lives is just now being seen. And it's being executed excellently.
I am very much looking forward to the next installment!
The characters are just more complex! Kate is no longer perfection personified, Carmen's impossibly great relationship with her mother has become realistic, Gaby's dangerous behavior has finally "paid off", and, best of all, Madison Parker is a human being. Obviously this storyline began several books back, but now it feels genuine. I feel so much sympathy for her now.
The guys, I have decided, are all just silly and stupid. And it's so unrealistic that they are ALL "unbelievably" hot. Drew is the best, but we're supposed to think that. Luke, Ethan- pathetic. And Ryan started off as an incredible asshole and suddenly became this super sweet guy and then again becomes an asshole. Lauren Conrad should work on their characerizations.
I do feel like there is a great continual thread of character development in these books. Seeds for stories that are just now happening were planted several books back. The long-term effect of all of these characters' lives is just now being seen. And it's being executed excellently.
I am very much looking forward to the next installment!
November 16, 2015
I actually thought this book was the best out of all the LC books. It had a little more dimension and character development but let's not forget we are hardly talking about a literary opus. Simply a quick and entertaining read.
August 8, 2019
My next re-read and oh boy this one was good! Madison finally gets to be a bit more human and we see a new side to her (sad that it is often overshadowed by her bleh stuff and her search for fame), see more Kate/Carmen/Luke drama and also see that Kate is now lingering for Drew (and he for her), Gaby is going totally haywire, Sophia is highly annoying, seeing Trevor plan all those little things made me dislike him even further, the drama and tension is high and I love it. Not too happy about Kate's pill use, I get that they work but please don't fall for that pit. Especially the way she was using the pills and how she got totally dependent on them.
The ending was WOW, and I can't wait to read the last (sad) book.
Thanks to me reading the L.A. Candy books not that long ago I finally got all the little references that were spread in the book. I knew now who Jane was. What L.A. Candy was and what happened to Madison. It made the books so much better and unlike the previous book of this series (before I read the L.A. Candy books) I wasn't confused! I was now mostly shaking my head or giggling at the little references.
As people probably know, I hated Madison over the course of the various books. But for magical reasons, I am starting to really like her. Of course she is still venomous and still is a little bitchy at times, but I also saw a different side of her in this book.
Sure, she hated her volunteering work, but in the end she didn't mind it that much and she even did something wonderful. Something I totally didn't expect her to do. After all we all know how Madison is, and thus her doing that... nope. It made her seem more human and more friendly.
I also love how she is towards people. Like I said, still a bit bitchy, but for some reason not that bitchy. I loved her with Kate and Gaby.
I was cheering for her during the parts with Sophia. Poor her, stuck with her sister.
Kate, urgh, I really dislike her at times. She is boring and plain, and makes drama out of everything! Seriously and really, everything! OMG Carmen had a hookup with Luke, AGES AGO, and has to have a fake relationship with him now, OMG let's be bitchy towards Carmen, because "OMG she should have told me before about her kissing my crush." Um, no? She didn't even know you when it all happened. She is not obligated to tell you things that happened before she knew you. Do you want all the details on Drew as well? No, you don't want that do you? *rolls eyes* Also her whole stage fright just gets annoying. I wish she would just get over it. And her resorting to pills? Bad idea, very bad idea.
I didn't like how she was, how often she drank herself to oblivion. It didn't fit her character.
Kate is kind of becoming the Madison in this series. The bitchy, I need attention NOW girl.
Carmen was interesting, and she is (next to Madison) my favourite girl. I really liked how she tried to make up with Kate (many times), I liked her when she doing the movie and I loved her and her interactions with Luke.
I do hope in the next books we will see her interact more with Luke and I also hope she will pick up some jobs, because the movie thing is (almost) done.
Gaby, I used to like her, but I am not sure what happened to the girl now. She has a drug problem, suddenly does operations on her body and several other things. I kind of miss the old Gaby. Who was ditzy, but still a fun character.
The story itself was fun. There is plenty of drama, "reality" show stuff, boys, romance and of course a new and improved Madison. The ending was a shock, while I could have expected it (considering what happened to that character) it still was a shock to see it actually happen. I hope everything will turn out fine in the next book!
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The ending was WOW, and I can't wait to read the last (sad) book.
Thanks to me reading the L.A. Candy books not that long ago I finally got all the little references that were spread in the book. I knew now who Jane was. What L.A. Candy was and what happened to Madison. It made the books so much better and unlike the previous book of this series (before I read the L.A. Candy books) I wasn't confused! I was now mostly shaking my head or giggling at the little references.
As people probably know, I hated Madison over the course of the various books. But for magical reasons, I am starting to really like her. Of course she is still venomous and still is a little bitchy at times, but I also saw a different side of her in this book.
Sure, she hated her volunteering work, but in the end she didn't mind it that much and she even did something wonderful. Something I totally didn't expect her to do. After all we all know how Madison is, and thus her doing that... nope. It made her seem more human and more friendly.
I also love how she is towards people. Like I said, still a bit bitchy, but for some reason not that bitchy. I loved her with Kate and Gaby.
I was cheering for her during the parts with Sophia. Poor her, stuck with her sister.
Kate, urgh, I really dislike her at times. She is boring and plain, and makes drama out of everything! Seriously and really, everything! OMG Carmen had a hookup with Luke, AGES AGO, and has to have a fake relationship with him now, OMG let's be bitchy towards Carmen, because "OMG she should have told me before about her kissing my crush." Um, no? She didn't even know you when it all happened. She is not obligated to tell you things that happened before she knew you. Do you want all the details on Drew as well? No, you don't want that do you? *rolls eyes* Also her whole stage fright just gets annoying. I wish she would just get over it. And her resorting to pills? Bad idea, very bad idea.
I didn't like how she was, how often she drank herself to oblivion. It didn't fit her character.
Kate is kind of becoming the Madison in this series. The bitchy, I need attention NOW girl.
Carmen was interesting, and she is (next to Madison) my favourite girl. I really liked how she tried to make up with Kate (many times), I liked her when she doing the movie and I loved her and her interactions with Luke.
I do hope in the next books we will see her interact more with Luke and I also hope she will pick up some jobs, because the movie thing is (almost) done.
Gaby, I used to like her, but I am not sure what happened to the girl now. She has a drug problem, suddenly does operations on her body and several other things. I kind of miss the old Gaby. Who was ditzy, but still a fun character.
The story itself was fun. There is plenty of drama, "reality" show stuff, boys, romance and of course a new and improved Madison. The ending was a shock, while I could have expected it (considering what happened to that character) it still was a shock to see it actually happen. I hope everything will turn out fine in the next book!
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
May 21, 2023
The Fame Game wordt voor het eerst uitgezonden op tv. De meiden krijgen allemaal te maken met de gevolgen van papparazzi. Kate bezwijkt onder haar podiumangst, Carmen heeft de rol van haar dromen en krijgt amle aandacht en Madison neemt de schuld van een diefstal op zich. Het voelt allemaal een beetje ongeloofwaardig dat hele dates en gebeurtenissen worden bedacht. Dat zal Hollywood wel zijn....
February 22, 2013
Spoilers are definitely included in this one.
WHY? Why end like that?
I seriously love Lauren Conrad as a writer. I think she's absolutely terrific. I love reading books like these because they're so easy to read but they suck you in. I love this series just as much as her first series.
The character growth in this book was captivating. Especially with Madison. Who would have thought she would give up everything to protect her father? And I loved the storyline between her and Ryan. Ugh. Ryan. How dreamy. Even with his messed up past, I love him. Hopefully he makes a return in the third book.
Gaby is crazy, although she's always been crazy. I only knew it was a matter of time before she overdosed. Hopefully she's ok in the third book.
Kate is starting to get on my nerves. She's supposed to be the girl from the small town but I think she's getting wrapped up in the Hollywood lifestyle too. I like her and Drew though. We'll see where that goes.
Carmen. Carmen was my favorite character in the first book, but is now at a tie with Madison. I loved how Carmen stood up to her mother and I like how she wants to make a name for herself without the help of her parents. I loved her and Luke together, even if it was fake. But there's something between them. I know it.
I cannot wait for the third book to come out. I need it ASAP. You go LC!
WHY? Why end like that?
I seriously love Lauren Conrad as a writer. I think she's absolutely terrific. I love reading books like these because they're so easy to read but they suck you in. I love this series just as much as her first series.
The character growth in this book was captivating. Especially with Madison. Who would have thought she would give up everything to protect her father? And I loved the storyline between her and Ryan. Ugh. Ryan. How dreamy. Even with his messed up past, I love him. Hopefully he makes a return in the third book.
Gaby is crazy, although she's always been crazy. I only knew it was a matter of time before she overdosed. Hopefully she's ok in the third book.
Kate is starting to get on my nerves. She's supposed to be the girl from the small town but I think she's getting wrapped up in the Hollywood lifestyle too. I like her and Drew though. We'll see where that goes.
Carmen. Carmen was my favorite character in the first book, but is now at a tie with Madison. I loved how Carmen stood up to her mother and I like how she wants to make a name for herself without the help of her parents. I loved her and Luke together, even if it was fake. But there's something between them. I know it.
I cannot wait for the third book to come out. I need it ASAP. You go LC!
November 18, 2012
4.5/5 stars
The Hills had been on for a while before I started watching it. Then one night I happened to catch an episode (it was when Lauren Conrad and Whitney went to Paris) and I was hooked. I found the concept so fascinating. And was always so curious as to how much of it was really real.
I read Lauren Conrad's LA Candy series. And now I've read the first two books of the Fame Game series. And I actually think that I like this series more than the first.
Kate is a sweet girl, a singer from Ohio. Carmen comes from a famous family and she is now filming The End of Love (a dystopian film). Madison has always been the mean girl.
The chapters alternate between Kate, Carmen and Madison, with one chapter narrated by Trevor (the boss in charge of The Fame Game tv show).
I'm so curious how close The Fame Game's process is to how filming was on the Hills (Lauren Conrad's reality show). On The Fame Game the stars have their talking points for the scene. The producer is always going behind the girls' backs crafting out storylines. I really wonder if this is what The Hills was like.
I definitely enjoyed Starstruck. Very interesting arcs for all the storylines. And I really am looking forward to the story continuing in book 3.
The Hills had been on for a while before I started watching it. Then one night I happened to catch an episode (it was when Lauren Conrad and Whitney went to Paris) and I was hooked. I found the concept so fascinating. And was always so curious as to how much of it was really real.
I read Lauren Conrad's LA Candy series. And now I've read the first two books of the Fame Game series. And I actually think that I like this series more than the first.
Kate is a sweet girl, a singer from Ohio. Carmen comes from a famous family and she is now filming The End of Love (a dystopian film). Madison has always been the mean girl.
The chapters alternate between Kate, Carmen and Madison, with one chapter narrated by Trevor (the boss in charge of The Fame Game tv show).
I'm so curious how close The Fame Game's process is to how filming was on the Hills (Lauren Conrad's reality show). On The Fame Game the stars have their talking points for the scene. The producer is always going behind the girls' backs crafting out storylines. I really wonder if this is what The Hills was like.
I definitely enjoyed Starstruck. Very interesting arcs for all the storylines. And I really am looking forward to the story continuing in book 3.
October 18, 2023
I am liking this series more than I thought I would as an adult. I would have been #obsessed if I had read it as a tween though. It was a fun gossip girl esque story about the behind the scenes of a reality tv show. The characters all deal with real issues and I think the characters are unique enough that each storyline is interesting and they all deal with it in their individual ways. Can't wait to finish this off and see where it ends up
April 2, 2019
3.5
I enjoyed it more than the first book in the series! We can see more of the dark side of the reality shows ! I don't know if I like this series more than L.A Candy yet but I'm excited to finish the series.
I enjoyed it more than the first book in the series! We can see more of the dark side of the reality shows ! I don't know if I like this series more than L.A Candy yet but I'm excited to finish the series.
September 21, 2015
Same old story in the same old format with the same old characters. This trilogy is getting so boring I don't even know if I'll read the last book.
March 14, 2019
A guilty pleasure read.. I liked this series less than L.A. Candy, but it was still entertainment. :-)
May 10, 2016
Nope. Couldn't finish. Just nope.
September 5, 2016
a rather dull plot with characters that didn't hold a lot of my attention. can't see myself reading any of her books again sadly.
August 22, 2021
I’m putting it out there, I think Fawn is the one spreading rumours about Carmen, although I think we’re meant to think its Lily. All shall probably/hopefully be revealed in the last book.
June 5, 2017
The girls are evolving and the plot is changing. It was pretty interesting and rather addicting. I love the behind the scenes of reality tv.
August 23, 2017
The series has grown on me. Enjoying.
October 29, 2017
This was the first audiobook I read for this series. I read the others via ebook. I wasn't disappointed. The narrator did an amazing job with the characters and accents.
September 6, 2019
It's a nice continuation to the first novel, made for a quick nice read. I enjoyed this book, it was cute and I've already started the 3rd book. I'd like to see where they all end up.
March 13, 2014
Starstruck, A Fame Game Novel is another addition to the bookshelf of Lauren Conrad’s work and the world of L.A. with her fictional characters. It will not disappoint as we dive deeper into the reality of the Fame Game for the four leading ladies. This book contains many changes of characters throughout it, for the good and bad.
Kate is a simple midwestern girl whose life completely changes just because of a Youtube video of her singing “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. She is the relatable girl that PopTV looked for when casting for the Fame Game. As she becomes more acquainted with Hollywood, Kate struggles to adapt to the superficial world she now lives in. She doesn’t know who she can trust and how the whole fame thing shakes out. Carmen is the daughter of two very famous parents. Her main battle is trying to separate from them in the way of gaining her own success and celebrity status. She doesn’t like being referred to as the “Silver Spooner” of her parents, and works to take her acting to the next level in her new film, The End of Love. Carmen and Kate were introduced in the first Fame Game novel, and they change very rapidly in this particular sequel.
Madison is an L.A. Candy (previous Conrad series) girl working to get as much screen time as possible. She was a wannabe for a long time, exposed to all by her jealous sister of her trailer trash background in Armor Falls. She had completely transformed herself and came to L.A. to be a star and live a life she could have never touched back home. Right now, after a stint with the law, she is fighting to stay relevant and keep her spot on the show. Gaby is also from L.A. Candy. She is the airhead of the show who basically works to be skinnier and therefore more anorexic. I would say her biggest struggle is with her image. She is obsessed with her shape and is ridiculously skinny with a very limited diet. I think self-confidence and the pressure of Hollywood is her initial issue that leads to her anorexia and other problems.
All characters are tested as tensions soar and they find out who really is on “their side”. As I mentioned earlier, there are many changes within the characters and their views in life. Kate Hayes is no longer a midwestern girl with a lack of style and no preference for a manicure. Now Kate is borderline demanding and forgetting some of her Ohio roots. Gaby still remains the clueless L.A. girl that she is as she continues to take more and more prescription drugs and invests in cosmetic surgeries. Carmen begins to speak up, as her rising star continues to ascend. She is continually annoyed by her parent’s fame as she is constantly compared and linked to them. Madison definitely surprises us all in this novel, as she actually changes. With the presence of her father and sister, she gets a better perspective on the important things in life. She starts to lose screen time and interest in it as she becomes a more down-to-earth person.
Madison experiences unthinkable priority adjustments due to her father’s unfortunate wrongdoings. She takes the fall for her dad to protect him, and is forced to complete countless hours of community service in order to pay “her” debt to society. This is a time when she begins to feel very alone and insignificant in The Fame Game. Kate Hayes continues to develop her music career and deal with her crippling stage fright. After many crazy treatments for ratings, she is prescribed some anti-anxiety drugs to help calm her down. This brings out the true rock star in Kate as her confidence sky rockets and she completely delivers. The story begins with a budding relationship between her and Luke, Carmen’s costar in The End Of Love. This leads to further complications for all.
Carmen gets deeper and deeper into her acting career, which creates very little time for anything other than filming: either through her movie or with PopTV cameras. She shows subtle hints of liking Luke, but also a very protective gaze over Drew as him and Kate become closer. A lot of Carmen’s patience is tested and she works to keep her composure amidst all of the false tabloid headlines. Gaby struggles to keep a job, as Trevor continually pulls strings in order to keep her employed. Her drug addiction worsens, especially under the influence of her not so innocent boyfriend Jay. She gets manipulated and farther into a dark hole, which leads to the climax of the book.
I really enjoyed this book and continually sought to try and figure out what would happen next. Lauren Conrad does a great job at foreshadowing through simple things like “Drew hovered protectively by her side, and after the frenzy had gone on for awhile, he gently drew her away” (141). If you look deeper into this quote, it shows how Kate and Drew are progressively getting closer and it makes the reader wonder what this relationship will turn into. Personally, I looked for these small hints as I was confident of what was to come. I also like the language she used and how the chapter titles did have significance. Each chapter came from the view of a different person, and many of them ended with some type of cliffhanger. I think that is one of the things that Conrad does best, as the ending carries this very mysterious tone. If you are into chick-lit, dramas, or romance this book is a great match for you. I have read her books since the very beginning with L.A. Candy, and I would recommend the whole series just as much. They all contain lots of scandal, plot twists, and crazy romances to provide for your entertainment. The next and last novel is Infamous, and I’m sure it will live up to the hype of the other books in this series. :)
Kate is a simple midwestern girl whose life completely changes just because of a Youtube video of her singing “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. She is the relatable girl that PopTV looked for when casting for the Fame Game. As she becomes more acquainted with Hollywood, Kate struggles to adapt to the superficial world she now lives in. She doesn’t know who she can trust and how the whole fame thing shakes out. Carmen is the daughter of two very famous parents. Her main battle is trying to separate from them in the way of gaining her own success and celebrity status. She doesn’t like being referred to as the “Silver Spooner” of her parents, and works to take her acting to the next level in her new film, The End of Love. Carmen and Kate were introduced in the first Fame Game novel, and they change very rapidly in this particular sequel.
Madison is an L.A. Candy (previous Conrad series) girl working to get as much screen time as possible. She was a wannabe for a long time, exposed to all by her jealous sister of her trailer trash background in Armor Falls. She had completely transformed herself and came to L.A. to be a star and live a life she could have never touched back home. Right now, after a stint with the law, she is fighting to stay relevant and keep her spot on the show. Gaby is also from L.A. Candy. She is the airhead of the show who basically works to be skinnier and therefore more anorexic. I would say her biggest struggle is with her image. She is obsessed with her shape and is ridiculously skinny with a very limited diet. I think self-confidence and the pressure of Hollywood is her initial issue that leads to her anorexia and other problems.
All characters are tested as tensions soar and they find out who really is on “their side”. As I mentioned earlier, there are many changes within the characters and their views in life. Kate Hayes is no longer a midwestern girl with a lack of style and no preference for a manicure. Now Kate is borderline demanding and forgetting some of her Ohio roots. Gaby still remains the clueless L.A. girl that she is as she continues to take more and more prescription drugs and invests in cosmetic surgeries. Carmen begins to speak up, as her rising star continues to ascend. She is continually annoyed by her parent’s fame as she is constantly compared and linked to them. Madison definitely surprises us all in this novel, as she actually changes. With the presence of her father and sister, she gets a better perspective on the important things in life. She starts to lose screen time and interest in it as she becomes a more down-to-earth person.
Madison experiences unthinkable priority adjustments due to her father’s unfortunate wrongdoings. She takes the fall for her dad to protect him, and is forced to complete countless hours of community service in order to pay “her” debt to society. This is a time when she begins to feel very alone and insignificant in The Fame Game. Kate Hayes continues to develop her music career and deal with her crippling stage fright. After many crazy treatments for ratings, she is prescribed some anti-anxiety drugs to help calm her down. This brings out the true rock star in Kate as her confidence sky rockets and she completely delivers. The story begins with a budding relationship between her and Luke, Carmen’s costar in The End Of Love. This leads to further complications for all.
Carmen gets deeper and deeper into her acting career, which creates very little time for anything other than filming: either through her movie or with PopTV cameras. She shows subtle hints of liking Luke, but also a very protective gaze over Drew as him and Kate become closer. A lot of Carmen’s patience is tested and she works to keep her composure amidst all of the false tabloid headlines. Gaby struggles to keep a job, as Trevor continually pulls strings in order to keep her employed. Her drug addiction worsens, especially under the influence of her not so innocent boyfriend Jay. She gets manipulated and farther into a dark hole, which leads to the climax of the book.
I really enjoyed this book and continually sought to try and figure out what would happen next. Lauren Conrad does a great job at foreshadowing through simple things like “Drew hovered protectively by her side, and after the frenzy had gone on for awhile, he gently drew her away” (141). If you look deeper into this quote, it shows how Kate and Drew are progressively getting closer and it makes the reader wonder what this relationship will turn into. Personally, I looked for these small hints as I was confident of what was to come. I also like the language she used and how the chapter titles did have significance. Each chapter came from the view of a different person, and many of them ended with some type of cliffhanger. I think that is one of the things that Conrad does best, as the ending carries this very mysterious tone. If you are into chick-lit, dramas, or romance this book is a great match for you. I have read her books since the very beginning with L.A. Candy, and I would recommend the whole series just as much. They all contain lots of scandal, plot twists, and crazy romances to provide for your entertainment. The next and last novel is Infamous, and I’m sure it will live up to the hype of the other books in this series. :)
January 28, 2020
More like 3,5 stars. Yet again a fun light read.
July 23, 2023
This book definitely held my attention. It was an easy read. I love how Lauren Conrad dives deeper into each character’s life and hints at what it like to be on reality tv.
November 9, 2012
Ah, it's been awhile since I wrote a review for a book. -_- But, anyway getting to the point. The second book of the Fame Game series by Lauren Conrad a book with drama causing complicated lives yet again. The cover is absolutely pretty with tiny stars forming the big star a symbol of fame perfect for the theme of the book since everybody is aiming to be the star of the show. Lies, deciet, and gossips are around the starlets Madison, Katy, Carmen, and Gaby. These unique girls will have to be mean and tough in order to withstand the critics or the paparazzi. Well, lets start from Madison Parker who happens to be my fave character even though I haven't read the L.A. Candy series which I should but I always forget ( got to write it down that's what post-notes are for!). Getting off topic again. So, Madison the loyal daughter of her runaway father who presumably stole the diamonds that would send him to jail but as sweet Madison would do covering for her daddy. Which is perfectly fine by me that Madison would be caring enough to do this for her father even if it involves doing community hours in a Pet store. Even though she kinds of deserves it just a little bit. Madison is then put to work even if she ruins her Chanel heels. Being, positioned to do the hardest jobs in the pet store by Ryan the manager who dislikes her of being one of those people that crave fame but eventually finds Madison to be different leading him to fall in love. Madison finds herself a pet, a ugly dog but cute to moi named Samson. Madison than makes a decision that shocks everyone including myself that she quits being in the Fame Game show with all these people backstabbing her not calling any names-- Sophia.
Kate Hayes the musician girl who has three ablums out which I wish I could hear if they were ever real. Kate has a beautiful singing voice and great musical talent but has major stage fright. Kate takes some Xanax and going to therapy to help cure this stage fright. Ignoring some texts from Carmen who stoled her boyfriend now ex-boyfriend. Kate is so over with Luke instead she falls in love with Drew the friend of Carmen. Drew helps Kate from being her so called idiot self. Which is sweet! Kate seems to be an honest girl which people trust her more such as Madison who talks to her more than Carmen.
Carmen Curtis the daughter of Phillip and Cassandra Curtis who are famous in the business. Carmen stars in a love show with Luke were they in love giving themselves good publicity but just friends. This friendship might change when Carmen looks at Luke differently. Also, having a little crush on her friend Drew who's always been there for her. Knowing Kate likes Drew it makes Carmen feel a little insecure of herself. As, Fawn would put it Carmen is just being paranoid and a little self-centered the world does not revolve over her.
Gaby the girl who is shown just a little bit not as much as the others. Gaby is worried about Madison as a good friend would do. Still, don't know why she puts up with her boyfriend, Jay who is a total ass****. Pardon my foul language but it is the truth. At, the end of the story Gaby is seen being passed out from pain meds and went to respiratory arrest hope she recovers quickly and we will send our best wishes to her.
Everything is topsy- turvy at this point so that concludes to the ending of my review and will wait for the third addition or the epic conclusion of the Fame Game series! :)
Kate Hayes the musician girl who has three ablums out which I wish I could hear if they were ever real. Kate has a beautiful singing voice and great musical talent but has major stage fright. Kate takes some Xanax and going to therapy to help cure this stage fright. Ignoring some texts from Carmen who stoled her boyfriend now ex-boyfriend. Kate is so over with Luke instead she falls in love with Drew the friend of Carmen. Drew helps Kate from being her so called idiot self. Which is sweet! Kate seems to be an honest girl which people trust her more such as Madison who talks to her more than Carmen.
Carmen Curtis the daughter of Phillip and Cassandra Curtis who are famous in the business. Carmen stars in a love show with Luke were they in love giving themselves good publicity but just friends. This friendship might change when Carmen looks at Luke differently. Also, having a little crush on her friend Drew who's always been there for her. Knowing Kate likes Drew it makes Carmen feel a little insecure of herself. As, Fawn would put it Carmen is just being paranoid and a little self-centered the world does not revolve over her.
Gaby the girl who is shown just a little bit not as much as the others. Gaby is worried about Madison as a good friend would do. Still, don't know why she puts up with her boyfriend, Jay who is a total ass****. Pardon my foul language but it is the truth. At, the end of the story Gaby is seen being passed out from pain meds and went to respiratory arrest hope she recovers quickly and we will send our best wishes to her.
Everything is topsy- turvy at this point so that concludes to the ending of my review and will wait for the third addition or the epic conclusion of the Fame Game series! :)
January 14, 2013
Title: Starstruck:A Fame Game Novel#2
Author: Lauren Conrad
Publication Date: 16th October 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Are they ready for their close-ups?
Madison Parker has discovered that not all publicity is good publicity. After turning herself in for stealing some bling, she's stuck doing some community service while her Fame Game costars soak up all the screen time. Not that newcomer Kate Hayes needs more attention ever since her breakout song became an overnight sensation she's suddenly acting like she's Katy Perry.
Aspiring actress Carmen Curtis is finally making a name for herself, but she's finding it harder than ever to get out from behind famous mother's shadow. And don't even get these reality stars started on their love lives. In Hollywood, leading men are a dime a dozen, but a good man is hard to find. So, when two of the girls have their eye on the same guy, that can mean only one thing: on-camera drama.
As their fortunes rise and fall, Madison,Carmen and Kate will have to prove they have what it takes to stay in the fame game.
From Lauren Conrad, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the L.A Candy series, comes a story of the complicated lives of TV's newest reality stars told with humor, heart, and a unique insight into Hollywood life both on- and off camera.
Lauren Conrad is my idol and I have loved other books that she has published, they were great reads indeed! Her first set of Novels were the L.A Candy Novels and they were brilliant! When I first found out Lauren was going to do another set of Novels where it is from another of the character's side of things I couldn't wait to grab a copy. This book is the 2nd book in the A Fame Game Novel Series!
We Meet the oh soo wonderful but snobby Madison Parker who if you read the last Series, You will know she turned herself in for stealing some bling however with a secret behind all that, she has to suffer by doing community service while her Fame Game costars soak up all the screen time. We have Newcomers Kate Hayes and Carmen Curtis who are new to the Fame Game, Kate Hayes being the singer who wants attention and to break free her singing career. Carmen Curtis is an aspiring actress who takes after her famous mother and is always lurking behind her shadow but wants to shine for herself and be known on her own not for being her Mother's daughter. We also meet Gaby Garcia who was also featured in the L.A Candy series, she is a bit of a wild party animal who is a complete and utter blonde who doesn't think before she speaks... All the girls are on a new reality tv show called The Fame Game owned by Trevor who has camera crew falling each of the girls and setting scenes...
I loved this book ever so much! It had me giggling straight away, I kept thinking how it compared to The Hills's when Lauren Conrad was on there. I loved all the characters in this book, I would say my favourite character would be Kate Hayes as she is just a bit of a quiet normal girl who just wants to be heard through music and let people love her music.
I loved the flow of the writing, all the chapters just flowed so easily and you could quickly follow each character in each chapter without getting confused.
This book is a definitely a must read and you will love these books i am telling you all! You must all grab a copy right now! If you love romance, drama, tears and friendships then this book is for you!
Author: Lauren Conrad
Publication Date: 16th October 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Are they ready for their close-ups?
Madison Parker has discovered that not all publicity is good publicity. After turning herself in for stealing some bling, she's stuck doing some community service while her Fame Game costars soak up all the screen time. Not that newcomer Kate Hayes needs more attention ever since her breakout song became an overnight sensation she's suddenly acting like she's Katy Perry.
Aspiring actress Carmen Curtis is finally making a name for herself, but she's finding it harder than ever to get out from behind famous mother's shadow. And don't even get these reality stars started on their love lives. In Hollywood, leading men are a dime a dozen, but a good man is hard to find. So, when two of the girls have their eye on the same guy, that can mean only one thing: on-camera drama.
As their fortunes rise and fall, Madison,Carmen and Kate will have to prove they have what it takes to stay in the fame game.
From Lauren Conrad, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the L.A Candy series, comes a story of the complicated lives of TV's newest reality stars told with humor, heart, and a unique insight into Hollywood life both on- and off camera.
Lauren Conrad is my idol and I have loved other books that she has published, they were great reads indeed! Her first set of Novels were the L.A Candy Novels and they were brilliant! When I first found out Lauren was going to do another set of Novels where it is from another of the character's side of things I couldn't wait to grab a copy. This book is the 2nd book in the A Fame Game Novel Series!
We Meet the oh soo wonderful but snobby Madison Parker who if you read the last Series, You will know she turned herself in for stealing some bling however with a secret behind all that, she has to suffer by doing community service while her Fame Game costars soak up all the screen time. We have Newcomers Kate Hayes and Carmen Curtis who are new to the Fame Game, Kate Hayes being the singer who wants attention and to break free her singing career. Carmen Curtis is an aspiring actress who takes after her famous mother and is always lurking behind her shadow but wants to shine for herself and be known on her own not for being her Mother's daughter. We also meet Gaby Garcia who was also featured in the L.A Candy series, she is a bit of a wild party animal who is a complete and utter blonde who doesn't think before she speaks... All the girls are on a new reality tv show called The Fame Game owned by Trevor who has camera crew falling each of the girls and setting scenes...
I loved this book ever so much! It had me giggling straight away, I kept thinking how it compared to The Hills's when Lauren Conrad was on there. I loved all the characters in this book, I would say my favourite character would be Kate Hayes as she is just a bit of a quiet normal girl who just wants to be heard through music and let people love her music.
I loved the flow of the writing, all the chapters just flowed so easily and you could quickly follow each character in each chapter without getting confused.
This book is a definitely a must read and you will love these books i am telling you all! You must all grab a copy right now! If you love romance, drama, tears and friendships then this book is for you!
October 25, 2017
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of reality TV? Lauren Conrad’s ‘Starstruck’ is a perfect glance into that world, filled with drama, romance decisions, and the struggles that come with fame. ‘Starstruck’ follows the stars of the ‘Fame Game’, a reality TV show. Kate is a rising pop star who struggles with anxiety and stage fright, and she may have to take extreme measures to solve this problem. Madison, the star of the show, is facing community service for a crime she didn’t commit, but she finds some pleasant surprises in her time volunteering at an animal shelter. Carmen is a new movie star who has landed a role in the newest blockbuster, but she struggles to escape from her famous mother’s shadow. Add boys, rumors, and hunger for fame, and things get very rocky.
‘Starstruck’ is the second book in the ‘Fame Game’ series, which followed the ‘L.A Candy’ books. I bought this book unaware of the previous books in the series, and I read it over the span of a month. This book really makes you think twice about the ‘perfect’ lives celebrities seem to lead. Lauren Conrad’s ‘Starstruck’ is best for teenage/young adult girls who have an interest or pop culture or entertainment. The writing is very realistic, written with the slang of a modern teenager, and is similar to the ‘Pretty Little Liars’ series, following a group of it girls, and also in the fact that each chapter switches to follow one of the three lead girls’ storylines, keeping it fast paced but also suspenseful. I enjoyed picking up this book in between my classes, and while I wouldn’t place it in a list of my top books, I’d recommend it.
‘Starstruck’ is the second book in the ‘Fame Game’ series, which followed the ‘L.A Candy’ books. I bought this book unaware of the previous books in the series, and I read it over the span of a month. This book really makes you think twice about the ‘perfect’ lives celebrities seem to lead. Lauren Conrad’s ‘Starstruck’ is best for teenage/young adult girls who have an interest or pop culture or entertainment. The writing is very realistic, written with the slang of a modern teenager, and is similar to the ‘Pretty Little Liars’ series, following a group of it girls, and also in the fact that each chapter switches to follow one of the three lead girls’ storylines, keeping it fast paced but also suspenseful. I enjoyed picking up this book in between my classes, and while I wouldn’t place it in a list of my top books, I’d recommend it.
June 28, 2018
Dans Starstruck, Lauren Conrad dépeint très bien les effets de la célébrités. Chacune de nos héroïne doit fait face à ses problèmes et bizarrement elles choisissent toute, plus ou moins, la mauvaise solution.
Le seul personnage qui semble évoluer de façon positive est Madison (en même temps elle a déjà une TV réalité d'avance sur Kate et Carmen). Vu la fin de ce tome j'ai vraiment hâte de découvrir la suite. Comment va-t-elle faire face à sa décision et surtout, trouvera-t-elle enfin le bonheur ?
J'ai trouvé Kate un peu redondante, le rôle de la girl next door est un peu dépasser pour elle, et clairement elle me semble un peu perdu à la fin de ce livre. Certes la chanson est toujours au centre de sa vie, mais je trouve qu'elle se concentre un peu trop sur sa vie perso.
Carmen continue de percer dans le cinéma avec la sortie prochaine de son nouveau film. Elle aussi se remet en question et doit faire face à de sérieuses décisions (il faut faire attention à ce que l'on désire ;)).
Enfin Gaby m'a vraiment fait de la peine. Même si elle est décrite comme un personnage un peu inutile, qui n'apporte pas grand chose (elle n'a même pas sa propre narration dans les livres), je la trouve très attachante. Son côté naïf m'émeut et j'espère que Madison la prendra sous son aile dans le prochain tome. Voir ce qui lui arrive à la fin de Starstruck m'a fait beaucoup de peine !
Le seul personnage qui semble évoluer de façon positive est Madison (en même temps elle a déjà une TV réalité d'avance sur Kate et Carmen). Vu la fin de ce tome j'ai vraiment hâte de découvrir la suite. Comment va-t-elle faire face à sa décision et surtout, trouvera-t-elle enfin le bonheur ?
J'ai trouvé Kate un peu redondante, le rôle de la girl next door est un peu dépasser pour elle, et clairement elle me semble un peu perdu à la fin de ce livre. Certes la chanson est toujours au centre de sa vie, mais je trouve qu'elle se concentre un peu trop sur sa vie perso.
Carmen continue de percer dans le cinéma avec la sortie prochaine de son nouveau film. Elle aussi se remet en question et doit faire face à de sérieuses décisions (il faut faire attention à ce que l'on désire ;)).
Enfin Gaby m'a vraiment fait de la peine. Même si elle est décrite comme un personnage un peu inutile, qui n'apporte pas grand chose (elle n'a même pas sa propre narration dans les livres), je la trouve très attachante. Son côté naïf m'émeut et j'espère que Madison la prendra sous son aile dans le prochain tome. Voir ce qui lui arrive à la fin de Starstruck m'a fait beaucoup de peine !
August 16, 2018
Unfortunately this series is not living up to the previous series’ drama. This book was very dull to read, and I had to push myself to finish it. Nothing really happened in this book besides Madison looking more like a person and less like a bully. One big problem I have with this book is the dealing with the character of Gaby. Throughout the book, various characters mention how thin she looks, or she’s not eating. This character is also dating an abusive guy and no ole does anything about it. Gaby is barely mentioned in the book, which sucks cause reading her perspective would have been very interesting this tome around. In all the books so far, Gabby has always been the but of sect dumb joke possible, and now finally something interesting and relatable happen and it’s not addressed well. The last 15 pages ends with something happening and I hope Lauren Conrad addresses the eating disorder storyline better in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2012
This is one amazing book. I enjoyed it a whole lot and honestly? I wanna read the first and last book because it's really really good. So Madison does community service at Lost Paws, Carmen and Luke had a fake relationship and fake broke up, and Kate is working on her music. Throughout the whole book, Madison goes completely crazy and ends up falling in love with Ryan Tucker, her boss at Lost Paws. At the end, Madison and Ryan breaks up, Gabby ends up in the hospital (I didn't give one fuck about her and Jay weirdly reminded me so much of Spencer Pratt) and Kate goes home, snaps at her mother and Ethan, and is liking Drew, who's Carmen's best friend. Ah.
July 28, 2013
Wow - Madison being responsible? I'm so proud! *grins with pride* She's all grown up.
----
now let's go to real life
Yeah, Madison is a way better person. I'm amazed at how the bad went so good. Then again, there's still some of that I'm-unpredictableness in there, so...
that's actually great.
Madison IS the star of the Fame Game. She went away - then they just had to have her come back. And then she adopted Samson...she's not all bad
Kate really needs to get over her stagefright if she wants to make it big, Gaby has to start eating, adn Carmen has to realize that sometimes, real life is better than reality (shows).
----
now let's go to real life
Yeah, Madison is a way better person. I'm amazed at how the bad went so good. Then again, there's still some of that I'm-unpredictableness in there, so...
that's actually great.
Madison IS the star of the Fame Game. She went away - then they just had to have her come back. And then she adopted Samson...she's not all bad
Kate really needs to get over her stagefright if she wants to make it big, Gaby has to start eating, adn Carmen has to realize that sometimes, real life is better than reality (shows).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2015
I'm not sure why, but this one was a little slow-going for me in the beginning. Still finished in a day, but for some reason I just didn't get into it as fast as I have the other four LC books I've read. Still, I feel like this was the 'meatiest' so far, if you can describe YA novels about life on reality tv as 'meaty'. It was refreshing to see a different side of Madison. Carmen is a mess of a character though. And poor Gaby, clueless, dumb Gaby.
As always, I miss Scarlett. But I think I might be liking The Fame Game better than LA Candy? Didn't think it was possible because of how much I hated Madison to start with. One to go, so we will see.
As always, I miss Scarlett. But I think I might be liking The Fame Game better than LA Candy? Didn't think it was possible because of how much I hated Madison to start with. One to go, so we will see.
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