Princess is a pop star at the top of the world with her new single burning up the charts. But life in LA isn’t always fun, games, and fancy dress–behind the glitz and the glamor are lies and loneliness. For Princess, she’s going to keep her friends close, and when she falls in love–it’ll be forever.
Thank you NetGalley/WattPad for providing an ARC of Sand, Sequins & Silicone
While I appreciate the premise of this book which highlights the reality of fame/stardom and what it’s like to first hand be a witness to how toxic Hollywood can be from the perspective of an up and coming starlet. I believe the author, Pia Mia, used a lot of her own life experiences when she was writing the book.
I found this very boring, it reads more like a teen/YA than an adult romance, the story did not capture my attention very well and I often found myself skimming through some for the dialog. The writing was honestly not for me, the characters were very surface level & lacked depth.
Overall 2⭐️.
I personally wouldn’t recommend this & I will not be continuing the series. But if you want a really quick, light fluffy read and enjoy the ins & outs of Hollywood, this might be for you!!
Sand, Sequins, & Silicone- friendship set against the backdrop of Hollywood. Not my favorite read of the year but I will recommend to anyone needing a light, fluffy beach read.
Thank you to NetGalley & Wattpadd WEBTOON Book Group for this ARC!
Sand, Sequins & Silicone is the first book in the Starlight series. It was fun, easy and perfect for the summer. It's nothing too complex, great to escape reality for a little bit and surround yourself with the highs and lows of being famous. I actually really enjoyed how the author showed us that being famous isn't always as glamorous as they make it seem, what happens behind the scenes isn't always pretty. The toll and damage it can have on one's mental health and how they end up coping with it. I thought for a debut the author did a good job at keeping the reader engaged in the story. With the author being a singer herself, I feel she really poured some of her real life experiences into this book which made it feel very real.
The characters did seem a little on the younger side, it did have more of a YA feel than an adult feel to it. Some of the actions and dialogues felt more immature, which is totally fine, but I think this book would resonate a bit more with a younger audience. I enjoyed how we got to explore the toxicity of the friendships, relationships, stalker fans and everything that encompasses the music industry. I couldn't help but root for Princess for her to truly find herself and her HEA!
Overall, this was a perfect beach read. It kept me engaged and interested throughout. It felt real and exposed some of the realities of being famous which I enjoyed reading about.
✨️Thank you to @fpxwpbooks, @wbywattpad & @piamia for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sand, Sequins and Silicone is an insight into what it's like to be a young star surrounded by vultures. Pia Mia's debut as an author is incredibly promising as one would think she's a seasoned pro with how captivatingly written the book is.
The book is a glimpse behind the reality of fame and stardom. It paints a real picture, away from the glitz and glam, Sand, Sequins and Silicone lifts the veil on the reality of life in LA for a popstar and the rollercoaster ride of the music industry.
This is the definition of a page turner, you're kept hooked throughout the book wanting to know what happens next to Princess as she navigates the big, bad world of showbiz. I think we will need a sequel. Pia Mia as an author is here to stay, look forward to more.
Thanks to Valentine PR for this eARC! Here is my honest review.
Between Glitter and Emptiness
Glittering lights, sun-drenched beaches, and perfectly sculpted bodies form the backdrop of ‘Sand, Sequin and Silicone’. It is a world where beauty seems manufacturable and appearance promises success. Yet behind the façade of luxury and self-confidence lies something fragile, something restless. Mia Pia draws the reader into an environment where illusion and reality constantly collide.
The story breathes atmosphere. The contrasts between glamour and emptiness are tangible and lend the novel an almost suffocating undertone. Everything revolves around being seen, around striving for perfection while it is precisely there that the deepest insecurities arise. This theme feels timely and recognisable, especially in an age where social media and self-image are inextricably linked.
The writing style is smooth and accessible, allowing the story to flow easily. This also makes it a perfect book for the beach: you quickly find yourself transported to sun, sand, palm trees, and the shimmer of sequins. At the same time, a clear psychological tension simmers beneath the surface. The characters’ inner struggles, in particular, add an extra layer to the narrative and reveal that beauty offers no protection against doubt or pain.
The structure of the story shows an uneven pace. Some scenes would have benefited from more space to fully resonate, while others pass by too quickly. Certain developments are also fairly predictable, which slightly diminishes the tension. Additionally, some characters remain somewhat underdeveloped, preventing every emotion from fully landing.
‘Sand, Sequin and Silicone’ leaves its strongest impression through its atmosphere and thematic depth. It is a story about appearances, identity, and the price of perfection. It invites the reader to look beyond what merely sparkles on the surface.
***Dutch***
Tussen glitter en leegte
Glitter, zonovergoten stranden en perfect gevormde lichamen vormen het decor van ‘Sand, Sequin and Silicone’. Een wereld waarin schoonheid maakbaar lijkt en uiterlijk succes belooft. Maar achter de façade van luxe en zelfverzekerdheid schuilt iets broos, iets onrustigs. Mia Pia trekt de lezer mee naar een omgeving waar schijn en werkelijkheid voortdurend met elkaar botsen.
Het verhaal ademt een sterke sfeer. De contrasten tussen glamour en leegte zijn voelbaar aanwezig en geven het boek een bijna beklemmende onderlaag. Alles draait om gezien worden, om perfectie nastreven, terwijl juist daar de grootste onzekerheden ontstaan. Die thematiek voelt actueel en herkenbaar, zeker in een tijd waarin sociale media en zelfbeeld onlosmakelijk met elkaar verbonden zijn.
De schrijfstijl is vlot en toegankelijk, waardoor het verhaal zich makkelijk laat lezen , daardoor is het ook een goed boek voor op het strand: je waant je al snel in de zon, tussen de palmbomen en de glans van zand en pailletten. Tegelijkertijd zit er een duidelijke psychologische spanning onder de oppervlakte. Vooral de innerlijke worstelingen geven het boek die extra laag en maken duidelijk dat schoonheid niet beschermt tegen twijfel of pijn.
De opbouw kent een wisselend tempo. Sommige scènes hadden meer ruimte mogen krijgen om dieper door te dringen, terwijl andere momenten juist snel voorbijgaan. Ook zijn bepaalde ontwikkelingen redelijk voorspelbaar, wat de spanning iets afzwakt. Daarnaast blijven sommige personages aan de oppervlakte, waardoor niet elke emotie volledig binnenkomt.
‘Sand, Sequin and Silicone’ is een roman die vooral indruk maakt door zijn sfeer en thematische kracht. Een verhaal over uiterlijk vertoon, identiteit en de prijs van perfectie, dat uitnodigt om verder te kijken dan wat schittert aan de buitenkant.
25% in as of (5/16) however I can already leave a review and comment on the book. Princess is a new upcoming artist in Hollywood trying to figure out fame, love, friendship, and everything else that can come with attention in that hectic industry. You follow her along her journey in LA, in this crazy world of fame. You get connected to her whole group of people, her ex. If you enjoy close knit detailed stories you’ll love this.
In my opinion, this book was weak in the plot. The details were far too much. A lot of this could have been cut out but I do think some of it made sense. Princess is constantly being judged and looked at that she is giving the read the same details and information, outsiders (press, fans, industry people) would look for. Does that make sense? This felt exactly like a wattpad book. It seemed a bit childish and immature. All these relationships and characters feel very surface level, I didn’t really get any depth from Princess or her friends even though all of these girls are said to super close friends. Princess i know can be a real name of course but it felt like a stage name, exactly what someone in LA would develop once they got “discovered”.
This is Pia Mia’s debut book so congratulations.
Thank you NetGalley and Frayed Pages x Wattpad Books for this arc. I will continue reading and finish up the book however I will write this review based on this 25%.
I just reviewed Sand, Sequins & Silicone by Pia Mia. #SandSequinsSilicone #NetGalley. I normally like reading about Hollywood but I found this book really hard to get through. At first, I thought I missed the first couple of chapters and I went back and redownloaded it. Of course, I didn't. I also found there was too many characters. I found myself flipping back to see who that person was in relations to the main character. I didn't like any of the characters and didn't feel the need to like them. I normally would have DNF this book but since I received it as part of of #NetGalley, I felt compelled to finish it.
Saying I finished it because this is the most whiny prissy stuck up bitch book I could’ve ever bought. Fuck MiaPia for the cute book cover and wasting my money and time thinking it’d be a cute beach book read when it indeed made me think I was back in middle school. DNF. This is probably top 2 worst books I’ve ever read.
This series dives into all the pressures of being a celebrity. The series follows Princess, an up and coming popstar. She is totally swamped with putting out hit songs, killing it on stage, and dealing with all the drama from her record label.
Oh and talk about complicated relationships! Her connection with Win is super solid, but then there's John, her ex and music partner, who just can't keep things professional. That means tons of Hollywood drama, messy love triangles, and secrets lurking in the spotlight. (Yes, everything that would make this a good tv series)
Plus, this series really digs into self-worth and ambition in an industry where you're "only as valuable as your latest hit." Princess is constantly pushing to prove herself and show everyone what she's really made of.... which means I can never be in this business. Anyways I can't wait to dive into book 2! Woohoo!
Pia Mia is an international recording artist and the debut author of The Starlight Series: Sand, Sequins & Silicone. Though the story centers around a singer in Hollywood and her experience in the music industry, including business aspects, social aspects, and love interests, it reads almost like a memoir. It’s relatively light and short without any heavy topics. There are a few party scenes, but I didn’t think those were anything outlandish. Likely targeted for a young audience, I still enjoyed the story and found it entertaining.
a true insight into hollywood, influencers and fame from pia mia’s perspective through her alias “princess”
this book was well written, funny yet shows how fickle hollywood can be. the fact pia mia uses her own experiences of fame and hollywood really shows and makes the story even more realistic to the reader. from backstabbing friends, stalker fans to relationships falling apart this book is perfect for a summer read as it’s simple yet each page sucks you in deeper. overall for a debut novel and a first time author pia mia’s work really shined and i’m excited for her other works to come.
thankyou so much to netgalley and wattpad & webtoon for allowing me early access and a ARC. all opinions are my own
Sands, Sequins, and Silicone by Pia Mia is the perfect beach read this summer. With a mix of romance, friendship, and the harsh realities of the music industry, this book will keep you entertained and wanting more. Princess's journey to success and finding true love will have you rooting for her every step of the way. Grab your sunglasses and a cold drink, because Sands, Sequins, and Silicone is the ultimate summer page-turner.
First of all, I’m a fan of Pia Mia! I enjoyed reading this book because I feel like it gives me a glimpse of her Hollywood life specifically in the music industry. Her song keeps playing in my head while I read this, Princess and Touch if you know, you know! It reminds a lot of my teen age years <3
But as a romance reader, I’ll give this book 4 stars. It’s doesn’t perfectly match my interest when it comes to romance books but hey! This is not bad for a debut novel. I’m not into celebrity life/gossip type of story but again, I’m a fan of the author that’s why it caught my interest and I am smiling at the ending of the book.
Also, I wanna know what happens next, I’m left hanging on the ending that’s why I only gave it 4 stars, but I think that’s what the next book is for! According to Pia Mia’s tiktok live this is a series and I can’t wait to read the next part of this book.
I also hope we get a point of view of her friends, I mean if they will be having their own story just like the other series that looks like interconnecting that would be so much fun.
I recommend this book if you want a light feel good novel, gossips, contemporary romance, music, betrayal, and friendship. I feel like this is more like a chick lit novel which is also one of my fav genre, there’s a little bit of spice and it’s perfectly balanced compared to those exaggerated “spicy romance” books that sometimes I hate because you learn nothing.
This is a good cleanser if you came from reading a heavy written novel or stories that are too much to handle.
I would still buy a physical copy of this book, if only I’m not having a hard time ordering it since I’m from the Southeast Asia. I badly want to pre-order the signed copies and I hope I’ll be able to get one.
I will be posting my book review too on my Booktok Account :)
Thank you so much NetGalley and Frayed Pages x Wattpad Books for the ARC! <3
Firstly to my girl Pia Mia I am so incredibly proud and was left speechless. I’ve was blessed to receive an arc from Frayed Pages and I could not be more excited to share all my thoughts with you! (no spoilers of course 🙈)
Princess is on top of the world. A global superstar and musical sensation. But the life of fame and riches will come at a price. Along the way, Princess will discover who her true friends and real enemies are. The path ahead is filled with secrets, lies, and maybe even love?…
Princess’s story was so inspiring and truly shows the sacrifices that come with the ‘perfect’ Hollywood life. We truly don’t know what goes on behind that paparazzi pic or insta post. From toxic men and backstabbing friends to the pure and simple support of a mother’s love, this book had it all.
Even knowing that Pia drew from some experiences herself made this book so vulnerable and personable. Check out the debut release of Pia’s novel when it hits shelves this summer! ☀️✨
This could have been great, from showcasing the lies & toxicity that can happen with fame & everyone knowing your every move, the friendships lasting, & tough decisions to make when you know something is bad for you, but it was boring. Oh so boring.
I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is Pia’s debut novel, and it’s such a cute, fluffy, beach read, just in time for summer. I wasn’t sure what to expect when going into this, and was pleasantly surprised. This just left me happy, and was a fun escape from reality. Recommend to anyone looking for a beach read in time for summer!
𝘛𝘙𝘖𝘗𝘌𝘚: - Summer time romance - Beach setting - Coming of age - Parties - Heartbreak - Music industry - Friendship
𝖡𝖫𝖴𝖱𝖡:
Sand in my toes, wind in my hair, and my friends by my side . . . What more could I ask for?
Princess came to LA to make something of herself, to share her music, and find real love . . . She’s got an amazing squad of friends and a certain blue-eyed man who she can’t get out of her head. With a new single just released, everyone wants a piece of her: party invitations, paparazzi, and custom couture dresses abound. She’s living her California dream.
But Hollywood isn’t exactly what she thought it would be. Behind closed doors, there’s lies and loneliness disguised by smiles and laughter. It’s hard to know who to trust, or what’s fake and what’s real. Princess just wants success―on her own terms―but needs to make sure she doesn’t lose herself in the process.
This juicy debut novel by international recording artist Pia Mia is an intimate, insider peek at the ups and downs of fame in the music industry, told from the point of view of an up-and-coming pop star.
A popstar named Princess is trying to find her way in the complicated lifestyle of the rich and famous in LA, showing the ups and downs that come along with being a singer/songwriter and the fierce competition. Princess is such a likable character who wants to just be able to follow her dreams while not always being in the spotlight for drama. Sand, Sequins & Silicone is a page-turner about friendship, falling in love, and finding your voice.
I have heard of Pia Mia before and was interested to read her debut novel. I didn't know what to expect, but I enjoyed this book. It took me a second to feel captivated by the story, but after the first 50 pages, the story caught my attention. It felt like a BTS look at what it's like being a young public figure/celebrity. I loved that Princess takes readers on a journey with her, almost reading like a vlog.
Two of my favorite parts of the book were the friendships she had with her group of ride or die besties and the love interest, Win. No, John, I didn't look forward to you toying with Princess over and over again. The drama and lifestyle felt what I imagine life is like as a celebrity, having to wonder who likes you for you and not for who you are. Princess is talented and not everyone has her best interest at heart. Cough cough Riley. Overall, I think this is a unique and entertaining romance. I look forward to reading her next book!
Hollywood, fame, best friends, heartbreak, betrayal and excitement all in one book.
Sand,Sequins and Silicone By pie Mia is coming real soon. (Add to your TBR now)
This is Pia’s debut romance novel. I honestly can’t believe she wrote a romance book.!
Sand, Sequins & Silicone is the most perfect summer read.
This world was so intoxicating, addictive to read, I couldn’t get enough of it. Princess world just completely captivate me from the first chapter.
I am someone who follows celebrities, musicians and to see an inside into this type of life was a real eye opening to these types of industry. It’s quite raw read at times. There is one particular time I did get a little teary. You feel the realness when reading it. Hence the high rating. I was completely pulled in and I love everything minute of it.
The spice is light, but it’s there and I wasn’t expect that at all if I’m honest. It was a nice surprise. As I love a spicy romance. There is a bit of tension and build up for the next book. I can’t wait for it. I’m actually kind of dying to read more of Win and Princess.
If you like…. 🤍Summer romance 🩵Parties 🩵Beach setting 🤍Coming of age 🩵Heart break 🩵Music industry 🤍Friendship 🤍Betrayals 💔
I just finished Sand, Sequins & Silicone by Pia Mia and here are my musings.
Princess is a pop star and her career is at its peak.. It may look glamorous from the crowd but the reality is loneliness…
Well this was exactly what I needed… This was my kind of summer romance read. Now it kind of reads like a memoir which I thought was a clever way to highlight the career of a young pop artist in a fictionalized story.
Now, going in, you have to realize that this is more YA than adult. Some of the banter was juvenile but think about it logically…. She’s been raised into stardom… Of course she is going to sound bratty! I think the author did an amazing job of bringing the realism to life. Hollywood is fickle and this felt really saw and realistic to me.
It was well written and had some really delightfully funny moments. I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t a heavy read but it sure was an entertaining one.
4 stars
Thank you to @wbywattpad & @piamia for my gifted copy!
ARC review - thank you to Valentine PR for the early access!
Sometimes you just have to read a messy, drama-filled book, and that time was now for me, apparently. While I try to stay away from celebrity drama books just because even IRL it's not for me, this was surprisingly entertaining in all the ways reality TV and tabloids feel sometimes. You get the messiness of Hollywood, trifling ex-best friends, and a guy who honestly just sucks - it's peak celebrity culture.
I think some of the redeeming qualities of the book were that (1) I knew it was written by someone who probably experienced all of the things that the main character, Princess, went through, and where I kind of wondered if the book was lowkey kind of an autobiography, just not outright, (2) her fears and anxieties were literally justifiable, and (3) she had a really great circle of friends. I was worried at first that the people in her inner circle were going to be dodgy, but they weren't, and I loved how empowering they were and how they all had each other's backs.
Overall, it was definitely a guilty pleasure read for me, but it wasn't one that I regret at all. I think it's a one-time read for me, but if Pia Mia drops a book two I would be lying if I said I wouldn't read a sequel.
If you want to see what Hollywood is all about ... then you can start here. You get sucked into a life with fame, money, paparazzi, gossip, good friends and fake friends.
Princess has it all, the best friends anyone can ask for, they will do anything for you and for you and she also has an ex-best friend who did her dirty and continues to try and jeopardize Princess' success. Princess is just trying to live her life and do what makes her happy and she's always happy to help others out and put a smile on her fans faces.
Her nemesis just causes more drama than anything and so does her ex-boyfriend. She doesn't have faith in love with what happened to her until a man, Win, is there for her throughout everything. He supports her career and loves the way she is.
The only questions is, is Princess ready to give love another try?
If you like this type of read, then I say go for it.
“Because that’s the thing about Hollywood. Beneath all the glitter, there’s a whole lot of glue…”
This book is perfect escape from the post holiday winter blues! Following pop super star Princess and her best friends as she releases a new single goes to Cochlea and jet-sets to five star hotels, yacht parties, and pristine beaches was my perfect escape.
But nothing is as perfect as it seems in a world that is staged, managed and produced. Princess may be a super star but she feels alone struggling with heartbreak, fake friends, betrayal, and a love triangle.
This book was so much fun. A suspension debut novel, I didn’t know which characters to trust. In an industry that makes money on gossip and views everyone becomes a suspect. This is a slow burn that ends on a cliffhanger and I am so excited to see what happens next for these friends!
🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂 🖤 Hollywood ✨️ Pop Star 🖤 Frenemies ✨️ Liars and Cheaters 🖤 Friendships ✨️ TW: Drug Use
The story is told by our FMC Princess and focuses around her life and career in Hollywood. She often feels lonely and never quite knows who is trust worthy. She has friends and employers stab her in the back or use her to elevate their own fame. One friend, Riley, in particular had used her over and over and has sabotage several of her projects. Princess is able to grow and see who her true friends are and some relationships are meant to be cut. She does has a solid group of girlfriends, although they each have their own baggage especially Val.
For a debut novel/first time author, the writing in this book was so good! I loved it.
The only issue I had was that the characters felt very one dimensional, and lacked depth. Some characters I feel could’ve used more describing (for example, we find out our main character, Princess, has blonde hair for the first time on page 198!!!)
I also wish we spent more time with Win and less time on stupid John haha.
All that being said, I enjoyed this book a lot and never found myself not wanting to pick it back up. Will 100% read whether Pia Mia comes out with next <3
Hollywood living with a huge friend group. Princess moved from Guam to Hollywood to live her dream as a singer. Princess has a friend (or at least thinks is her friend) who wants everything she has and will do whatever it takes to take the spotlight away from Princess including her boyfriend.
This book was an ok read, as I believe it is the authors first novel. There were a lot of characters which I found a little difficult to remember who was who. I thought the name Princess was a bit childish for this being a Hollywood setting.
Would I recommend this book to you? I would because it wasn’t a bad book and I would say give the author a shot.
I was captivated by Princess's journey of self-discovery and resilience in 'Sand, Sequins and Silicone', rooting for her as she faces the challenges of fame and finds her own voice in the midst of the industry's chaos. Although the spice is subtle, the story is filled with heart and emotion, making it a compelling and engaging read throughout.
In summary, this captivating tale will resonate with fans of celebrity culture, romance, and music. Pia Mia's genuine voice and heartfelt storytelling make this novel a must-read for those interested in gaining an insider's perspective on fame's realities and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Princess's star is on the rise. Together with her friends Jessie, Maya and Val they enjoy the life of the rich and famous in Hollywood. . But all that glitters isn't gold and there are those that are jealous of Princess and her fame. They do everything they can to take her down. This was such a fun read. I love the glitz and glam. The backstabbing was painful to read about it. But I loved the tight knit circle Princess has with her friends. I highly recommend this debut novel and look forward to seeing what else Pia Mia writes.