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The Starlets
One perfect island. Two rivals. A star-studded cast— but underneath the glitter, disaster is brewing.
Vivienne Rhodes thinks she’s finally landed her break playing Helen in Apex Pictures’ big-budget Troy epic, A Thousand Ships, an anticipated blockbuster meant to resurrect the failing studio. Naturally, she’s devastated when she arrives on the remote Italian island of Tavalli and finds herself cast as Cassandra—while her nemesis, the fiancée-stealing Lottie Lawrence, America’s supposed “sweetheart,” is headlining instead.
The tension on set, though, turns deadly when the ladies discover that members of the crew are using the production as a front for something decidedly illegal—and that they are willing to kill to keep their dealings under wraps. When the two women find themselves on the run and holding key evidence, Vivienne and Lottie frantically agree to work together to deliver the proof to Interpol, hoping to protect both their lives and their careers.
Staying one step ahead of corrupt cops and looming mobsters, the arch rivals flee across the seas. Their journey leads them into Monaco’s casinos, Grace Kelly’s palace, on a road trip through the Alps—even onto another film set, before a final showdown on Tavalli, where the lives of the entire cast and crew hang in the balance. Vivienne and Lottie finally have the chance to be real heroines—to save the day, the film, maybe even each other—but only if they can first figure out how to share the spotlight.
Vivienne Rhodes thinks she’s finally landed her break playing Helen in Apex Pictures’ big-budget Troy epic, A Thousand Ships, an anticipated blockbuster meant to resurrect the failing studio. Naturally, she’s devastated when she arrives on the remote Italian island of Tavalli and finds herself cast as Cassandra—while her nemesis, the fiancée-stealing Lottie Lawrence, America’s supposed “sweetheart,” is headlining instead.
The tension on set, though, turns deadly when the ladies discover that members of the crew are using the production as a front for something decidedly illegal—and that they are willing to kill to keep their dealings under wraps. When the two women find themselves on the run and holding key evidence, Vivienne and Lottie frantically agree to work together to deliver the proof to Interpol, hoping to protect both their lives and their careers.
Staying one step ahead of corrupt cops and looming mobsters, the arch rivals flee across the seas. Their journey leads them into Monaco’s casinos, Grace Kelly’s palace, on a road trip through the Alps—even onto another film set, before a final showdown on Tavalli, where the lives of the entire cast and crew hang in the balance. Vivienne and Lottie finally have the chance to be real heroines—to save the day, the film, maybe even each other—but only if they can first figure out how to share the spotlight.
Unknown Binding
First published November 12, 2024
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About the author
Lee Kelly
7 books439 followersLee Kelly is the author of CITY OF SAVAGES, a Publishers Weekly pick and a VOYA Magazine “Perfect Ten” selection, A CRIMINAL MAGIC, which was optioned and developed for a television series by Warner Bros., and WITH REGRETS. With Jennifer Thorne, Lee has also co-written THE ANTIQUITY AFFAIR, THE STARLETS, MY FAIR FRAUDS (forthcoming from Harper Muse, 2025) and THE MIDNIGHT SHOW (forthcoming from Crown, 2026).
Her short fiction and essays have appeared in CrimeReads, Electric Lit, and Tor.com, among other publications, and she holds a Masters in Fine Arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. An entertainment lawyer by trade, Lee has practiced law in Los Angeles and New York. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Pennsylvania, where you’ll find them engaged in one adventure or another.
Her short fiction and essays have appeared in CrimeReads, Electric Lit, and Tor.com, among other publications, and she holds a Masters in Fine Arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. An entertainment lawyer by trade, Lee has practiced law in Los Angeles and New York. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Pennsylvania, where you’ll find them engaged in one adventure or another.
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October 19, 2025
Reread September 2025
Part of my kill-my-tbr project, in which I'm reading all my physical, unread books, which number around one thousand!
This one is not unread, as I read it and enjoyed it last year. But I'm trying to decide whether to hold on to this one or give it away, so I'm giving it another read! I quite like Lee Kelly's work.
It was fun to reread this and reacquaint with some of the bravest actresses I've ever heard of! New rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 Going to donate it and send it on to its next home!
Original Review November 2024
In Brief: An exciting and sometimes funny story about a couple of actresses from the 1950s who try to get themselves seen, but only end up getting themselves in danger. The story is wild, with lots of turns. It was different from what I was expecting, and that made the story even more enjoyable for me.
Full Review:
In this business, women had to help women, or else nothing would ever change.
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. I have seen the affect where the author uses excerpts from "periodicals" help set the stage and act as transition into the next scene. I find that this affect creates varying results. But here, the language of the day is handled well, and the news of the day is included with the story details. Nice writing.
2. These characters are developing along such interesting lines! I honestly love Teddy, probably because he's the type I wouldn't normally enjoy this much!
3. The audiobook narrator, Gail Shalan, reads this rather large cast with wonderful variety. Her pitch is also just tense enough to aid in pulling me through the story.
4. The humor is smart, fun, and playful: Vivian Rhodes, calling her a dumb blonde. Again. "I'm not dumb!" Lottie tells herself, even her inner voice coming out petulant. "And I'm not even really blonde!"
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. The narrative turn revealed at the climax is compelling. It was both unexpected and it fits perfectly into the story Kelly and Thorne tell in this book. The ending and denouement were a little wiggly, though.
Rating: 🏆🏆🏆🏆 /5 dramatic awards
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Nov 22 '24
Format: Paperback; Audiobook, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🎬 Hollywood stories
👭🏽 women's friendships
💇♀️ women's coming of age
🚙 road trip!
👩🏼🦰 women's fiction
🕰 historical fiction
Thank you to the authors Lee Kelly and Jennifer Marie Thorne and publishers Harper Muse for a beautiful paperback copy, and to NetGalley for an advance audiobook copy of THE STARLETS. Read by Gail Shalan. All views are mine.
Part of my kill-my-tbr project, in which I'm reading all my physical, unread books, which number around one thousand!
This one is not unread, as I read it and enjoyed it last year. But I'm trying to decide whether to hold on to this one or give it away, so I'm giving it another read! I quite like Lee Kelly's work.
It was fun to reread this and reacquaint with some of the bravest actresses I've ever heard of! New rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 Going to donate it and send it on to its next home!
Original Review November 2024
In Brief: An exciting and sometimes funny story about a couple of actresses from the 1950s who try to get themselves seen, but only end up getting themselves in danger. The story is wild, with lots of turns. It was different from what I was expecting, and that made the story even more enjoyable for me.
Full Review:
In this business, women had to help women, or else nothing would ever change.
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. I have seen the affect where the author uses excerpts from "periodicals" help set the stage and act as transition into the next scene. I find that this affect creates varying results. But here, the language of the day is handled well, and the news of the day is included with the story details. Nice writing.
2. These characters are developing along such interesting lines! I honestly love Teddy, probably because he's the type I wouldn't normally enjoy this much!
3. The audiobook narrator, Gail Shalan, reads this rather large cast with wonderful variety. Her pitch is also just tense enough to aid in pulling me through the story.
4. The humor is smart, fun, and playful: Vivian Rhodes, calling her a dumb blonde. Again. "I'm not dumb!" Lottie tells herself, even her inner voice coming out petulant. "And I'm not even really blonde!"
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. The narrative turn revealed at the climax is compelling. It was both unexpected and it fits perfectly into the story Kelly and Thorne tell in this book. The ending and denouement were a little wiggly, though.
Rating: 🏆🏆🏆🏆 /5 dramatic awards
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Nov 22 '24
Format: Paperback; Audiobook, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🎬 Hollywood stories
👭🏽 women's friendships
💇♀️ women's coming of age
🚙 road trip!
👩🏼🦰 women's fiction
🕰 historical fiction
Thank you to the authors Lee Kelly and Jennifer Marie Thorne and publishers Harper Muse for a beautiful paperback copy, and to NetGalley for an advance audiobook copy of THE STARLETS. Read by Gail Shalan. All views are mine.
November 9, 2024
Vivienne Rhodes is a Hollywood actress, she’s arrives on the remote Italian Island of Tavelli and assumes she’s playing the leading role of Helen in Apex Picture's big-budget Troy epic, A Thousand Ships. Vivienne is furious when she discovers she’s been cast as Cassandra and her younger rival Lottie Lawrence is Helen, she stole Vivienne’s leading man Teddy Walters and been seen by the press swanning around with him.
The producer Jack Gallo calms her down, but the atmosphere on the set is still tense and it gets worse when Vivienne and Lottie discover members of the crew are using the production to hide illegal activity and they have the proof. Vivienne and Lottie have no choice to but flee, while trying to stay one step ahead of corrupt police and mobsters and not knowing who they can trust and are in danger of being killed. The duos first stop is Monaco, then Paris, the Alps and Rome and they want to deliver the proof to Interpol, hoping to protect both their lives and their careers.
Vivienne and Lottie finally have the chance to be real heroines, save the unsuspecting crew of A Thousand Ships but out smarting those who are on the take is hard and Vivienne and Lottie have to put on a lifesaving performance and so much more.
I received a copy of The Starlets by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Marie Thorne from Harper Muse and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. I must admit the fast paced narrative was much better than I thought it would be, set in 1958 and it’s a tale about making a film and glamorous movie stars, strange twists of fate and the mob, victories and failures and good versus evil.
I really liked the competition and the evolving and unlikely friendship between Vivienne and Lottie and both were strong and gutsy women. I highly recommend this light and easy to read historical mystery, the prefect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon and four stars from me.
The producer Jack Gallo calms her down, but the atmosphere on the set is still tense and it gets worse when Vivienne and Lottie discover members of the crew are using the production to hide illegal activity and they have the proof. Vivienne and Lottie have no choice to but flee, while trying to stay one step ahead of corrupt police and mobsters and not knowing who they can trust and are in danger of being killed. The duos first stop is Monaco, then Paris, the Alps and Rome and they want to deliver the proof to Interpol, hoping to protect both their lives and their careers.
Vivienne and Lottie finally have the chance to be real heroines, save the unsuspecting crew of A Thousand Ships but out smarting those who are on the take is hard and Vivienne and Lottie have to put on a lifesaving performance and so much more.
I received a copy of The Starlets by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Marie Thorne from Harper Muse and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. I must admit the fast paced narrative was much better than I thought it would be, set in 1958 and it’s a tale about making a film and glamorous movie stars, strange twists of fate and the mob, victories and failures and good versus evil.
I really liked the competition and the evolving and unlikely friendship between Vivienne and Lottie and both were strong and gutsy women. I highly recommend this light and easy to read historical mystery, the prefect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon and four stars from me.
June 30, 2025
3.75 Stars — THE STARLETS was a cute story about two 1950s actresses who end up in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game when they uncover illegal activity on the set of their latest picture. I loved the relationship between the two leading ladies, Vivienne and Lottie, enemies who had to overcome their bad blood in order to survive. Even though some parts were over the top, I enjoyed this fun, feel-good adventure story set on the beautiful Italian coast and beyond.
The audiobook was narrated by Gail Shalan, and she did fantastic job with the large cast of characters and the many different accents. I especially enjoyed how she captured those "Old Hollywood" voices. Very entertaining! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook. Thoughts are my own.
The audiobook was narrated by Gail Shalan, and she did fantastic job with the large cast of characters and the many different accents. I especially enjoyed how she captured those "Old Hollywood" voices. Very entertaining! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook. Thoughts are my own.
December 28, 2024
I’m not sure whether I am supposed to take this book seriously, but it wasn’t funny or clever. So I am assuming that it is not intended as satire. It starts out as a snapshot of old Hollywood, with a snarky rivalry between 2 starlets on a movie filming in Italy. Then a murder occurs and the enemies have to join forces to bring down the evil doers on the movie location. They go on the run scampering around Europe in a farcical and totally unbelievable manner. At the end they wind up back in Italy and the book takes a darker, but still unbelievable, turn.
The first part of the book had some promise, although it wasn’t very original. The rest of the book was more original, because no one else has thought of a premise this ridiculous. I’m really surprised that I kept reading, and I doubt that I would try either of these authors again. 2.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
The first part of the book had some promise, although it wasn’t very original. The rest of the book was more original, because no one else has thought of a premise this ridiculous. I’m really surprised that I kept reading, and I doubt that I would try either of these authors again. 2.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
November 4, 2024
3.5⭐
The Starlets is very much a book that falls outside my comfort zone, but I've been wanting to get more into historical novels and I'm happy I picked this one up! One thing I find with historical novels is I tend to get lost very easy but this was not the case for the Starlets. The plot was easy to follow, the characters were easy to tell apart with their personalities that I never got confused who's POV we were following even with only having the one narrator. Speaking of narrators; Gail Shalan did a great job with the book! I just loved the setting and the plot of the book, I loved the old movie sets and I always love a good murder mystery thrown in.
This is a book I will happily recommend as an intro to historical fiction.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Focus for an audio arc!! As always all opinions are my own!
The Starlets is very much a book that falls outside my comfort zone, but I've been wanting to get more into historical novels and I'm happy I picked this one up! One thing I find with historical novels is I tend to get lost very easy but this was not the case for the Starlets. The plot was easy to follow, the characters were easy to tell apart with their personalities that I never got confused who's POV we were following even with only having the one narrator. Speaking of narrators; Gail Shalan did a great job with the book! I just loved the setting and the plot of the book, I loved the old movie sets and I always love a good murder mystery thrown in.
This is a book I will happily recommend as an intro to historical fiction.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Focus for an audio arc!! As always all opinions are my own!
January 22, 2025
This was adorable, kind of like a "Scooby- Doo" mystery. Fans of thrillers with giant plot twists may not be as enchanted, but mystery readers who can accept a bit of camp for the sake of the plot. I really enjoyed the character of Lottie, her heart was in the right place even when it was to get detrimental. Great voice acting on this audiobook too.
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors Lee Kelly and Jennifer Marie Thorne, and HarperCollins Focus for my copy of this audiobook
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors Lee Kelly and Jennifer Marie Thorne, and HarperCollins Focus for my copy of this audiobook
November 15, 2024
The Starlets was a fantastic historical fiction adventure ride featuring two actresses who are each others nemeses, a cat and mouse chase, suspense and so much more!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Dual POV
Mystery
Atmosphere
When two enemies come together to survive
High stakes thriller moments
1950s movie glamor
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
The audio really brought the high stakes moments to life with even more tension and emotion.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Alternates between steady and fast
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
This is a novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, classic adventure stories, or any reader who likes books about strong women doing daring things.
Thank you Harper Muse for the skipped copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Dual POV
Mystery
Atmosphere
When two enemies come together to survive
High stakes thriller moments
1950s movie glamor
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
The audio really brought the high stakes moments to life with even more tension and emotion.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Alternates between steady and fast
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
This is a novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, classic adventure stories, or any reader who likes books about strong women doing daring things.
Thank you Harper Muse for the skipped copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
November 12, 2024
I always know I’m going to love a book after starting it and immediately telling my mom about what’s happened within the first few pages.
“Movies are the closest thing we have to magic. Every problem, complication, disaster solved in an hour and a half. Every hero deserving of love and redemption.”
Pitch me a book set anywhere between the years of 1950- present day… & say Hollywood and I’m there!
“Shouldn’t she understand by now that appearances are only masks, that they can hide a world of heartache and trouble?”
The book starts out with our girl Vivienne Rhodes on a ferry to Tavalli, a remote Italian island where she will be playing the leading role in a highly anticipated blockbuster hit. Arriving on the island she encounters, cast changes, enemies, an ex-lover, illegal activity that sets her and an unlikely counterpart on a adventure through Monaco, a road-trip through the Alps and a car chase through a studio set in Rome.
“Maybe friendship is it’s own rare treasure.”
The trope I never knew I needed… enemies to friendship! This was my first book by this duo and I’m looking forward to checking out their previous book The Antiquity Affair!
“It was hard to trust her completely after everything that had happened. But if one thing was clear, it was that in this business, women had to help women or nothing would ever change.”
Thank you Harper Muse
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
“Movies are the closest thing we have to magic. Every problem, complication, disaster solved in an hour and a half. Every hero deserving of love and redemption.”
Pitch me a book set anywhere between the years of 1950- present day… & say Hollywood and I’m there!
“Shouldn’t she understand by now that appearances are only masks, that they can hide a world of heartache and trouble?”
The book starts out with our girl Vivienne Rhodes on a ferry to Tavalli, a remote Italian island where she will be playing the leading role in a highly anticipated blockbuster hit. Arriving on the island she encounters, cast changes, enemies, an ex-lover, illegal activity that sets her and an unlikely counterpart on a adventure through Monaco, a road-trip through the Alps and a car chase through a studio set in Rome.
“Maybe friendship is it’s own rare treasure.”
The trope I never knew I needed… enemies to friendship! This was my first book by this duo and I’m looking forward to checking out their previous book The Antiquity Affair!
“It was hard to trust her completely after everything that had happened. But if one thing was clear, it was that in this business, women had to help women or nothing would ever change.”
Thank you Harper Muse
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
June 11, 2025
I finished the audiobook in a day and I had a nice time listening to it but really I don't know what to make of the story or how seriously to take it. A fun but forgettable book.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Harper Collins/Harper Muse and the authors for the ALC of the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐✨💫
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Harper Collins/Harper Muse and the authors for the ALC of the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐✨💫
June 25, 2025
Hollywood sets, exotic locations, and a set filled with tensions and drama. This was such a fun read.
Viv has just arrived on set and is already irritated. But when she learns she is not the leading lady but has been pushed aside for a supporting role by non-other than her arch-nemesis, Lottie. She is the starlet that stole her boyfriend and now has taken her lead role!
Lottie, our other POV, is just doing what the execs tell her to. Her relationship, her career decisions, the roles she takes - she's under contract so it never feels like she has a choice in what she does. She just feels lucky to be a part of this world of acting.
Of course, we learn pretty quickly that the stolen boyfriend and stolen role are not quite what it seems. Hollywood is never straight forward and we learn there are a lot of secrets and maneuvering. But the stand out here are the two main characters. At first fighting, they quickly learn that they are both in danger and have to lean on each other in order to keep going. Their over-the-top personalities but also the times they were forging real friendship were so good to read. Their wild adventure was fun and I liked how each actress got to show her skills and personality. It's nice when a book shows that women don't have to compete with each other - we're stronger when we raise each other up.
I did this as an audio book and the narrator was wonderful. Adventure, the twinkling lights of Hollywood, and two very fun main characters - I really enjoyed this read!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Viv has just arrived on set and is already irritated. But when she learns she is not the leading lady but has been pushed aside for a supporting role by non-other than her arch-nemesis, Lottie. She is the starlet that stole her boyfriend and now has taken her lead role!
Lottie, our other POV, is just doing what the execs tell her to. Her relationship, her career decisions, the roles she takes - she's under contract so it never feels like she has a choice in what she does. She just feels lucky to be a part of this world of acting.
Of course, we learn pretty quickly that the stolen boyfriend and stolen role are not quite what it seems. Hollywood is never straight forward and we learn there are a lot of secrets and maneuvering. But the stand out here are the two main characters. At first fighting, they quickly learn that they are both in danger and have to lean on each other in order to keep going. Their over-the-top personalities but also the times they were forging real friendship were so good to read. Their wild adventure was fun and I liked how each actress got to show her skills and personality. It's nice when a book shows that women don't have to compete with each other - we're stronger when we raise each other up.
I did this as an audio book and the narrator was wonderful. Adventure, the twinkling lights of Hollywood, and two very fun main characters - I really enjoyed this read!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
June 12, 2025
4.5 Stars rounded up. The Starlets is pure escapist gold — equal parts Hollywood scandal, jet-set adventure, and fierce female drama. From champagne-fueled chaos on the water to literal wine vans barreling through Europe (yes, really), this book delivers nonstop entertainment with a stylish edge.
I devoured the audiobook — the narration was vibrant and addictive — but the real treat is the physical copy, which comes with mock newspaper clippings that add a dazzling tabloid feel. It felt like stepping into a front-page scandal, and I loved every minute of it.
The rivalry between the main characters was deliciously tense, with just the right dose of glamour, secrets, and unexpected connection. There’s a hint of romance, but the real heart of the story is the chaotic, high-stakes friendship in the spotlight.
The only reason I’m not giving it a full 5 stars? The “drug” subplot didn’t land for me — it felt like a weaker thread in an otherwise dazzling narrative. Not bad, just not as sharp or compelling as the rest of the wild ride.
If you love celebrity drama, globe-hopping chaos, and stories that read like a Netflix binge in book form, The Starlets absolutely delivers. This should be a movie!
I devoured the audiobook — the narration was vibrant and addictive — but the real treat is the physical copy, which comes with mock newspaper clippings that add a dazzling tabloid feel. It felt like stepping into a front-page scandal, and I loved every minute of it.
The rivalry between the main characters was deliciously tense, with just the right dose of glamour, secrets, and unexpected connection. There’s a hint of romance, but the real heart of the story is the chaotic, high-stakes friendship in the spotlight.
The only reason I’m not giving it a full 5 stars? The “drug” subplot didn’t land for me — it felt like a weaker thread in an otherwise dazzling narrative. Not bad, just not as sharp or compelling as the rest of the wild ride.
If you love celebrity drama, globe-hopping chaos, and stories that read like a Netflix binge in book form, The Starlets absolutely delivers. This should be a movie!
June 6, 2024
/ Forget ‘enemies to lovers’; this is ‘enemies to sisters.’ This is a fun little adventure story about two rival movie stars forced together and running for their lives.
Thanks Net Galley and Harper Muse for this digital arc in exchange for my honest opinion which is not affiliated with any brand.
Thanks Net Galley and Harper Muse for this digital arc in exchange for my honest opinion which is not affiliated with any brand.
October 14, 2024
This was a light, fast read, but it was written large - if you know what I mean. Prominent characters, a large and interesting plot line—everything just screams old-time Hollywood Epic of the inexpensive kind!
I loved the enemies to best friends/sisters trope, and added in the fact that I was busy trying to figure out which Hollywood star of that generation the authors were describing; well, that just added the cherry to the top of my ice cream sundae!
At times, this book just screamed slap-stick comedy, and at other times, it shouted that it was an old-time Mafia movie. Murder mystery one minute, then slap-stick the next.
I really loved this book.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Harper Muse/Harper Collins, the authors Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thorne, and NetGalley.
I loved the enemies to best friends/sisters trope, and added in the fact that I was busy trying to figure out which Hollywood star of that generation the authors were describing; well, that just added the cherry to the top of my ice cream sundae!
At times, this book just screamed slap-stick comedy, and at other times, it shouted that it was an old-time Mafia movie. Murder mystery one minute, then slap-stick the next.
I really loved this book.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Harper Muse/Harper Collins, the authors Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thorne, and NetGalley.
December 10, 2024
Review to follow.
November 11, 2024
What an absolutely delightful, refreshing, new take on a novel!
First off…the year is 1958! So, I love it already!
Loved the way women dressed back in the day, and the men too!
Loved the overall “feel” in the air of that era! Brings back memories of my parents when they were young. ❤️
This one starts out with a lot of heat and high tension as two leading ladies arrive on set in a small Italian town for the same part!! Apparently they FORGOT to tell one of them that they were downgraded to another part. 🫣😮😩. If that isn’t bad enough, there is a love twist involving these women as well…so we are NOT off to a good start.
But, with some schmoozing and script revisions, it’s a go again, and filming is about to begin…
Until one of the actresses stumbles into something that she was not supposed to know/see…and everything begins to change…
And soon Vivienne (the well known leading lady) and Lottie ( the newcomer) are pretty much forced to work together in order to survive! 😮😮
And we get glimpses of all the beautiful countrysides that they see 👀 as they are running….
And as time goes on, could it be?? Might they actually begin TOLERATING each other?
This was a really sweet, special kind of book that elicits all kinds of feelings while reading it! From joy to anger, from peace to anxiety, from overall acceptance to absolute DEFIANCE!! And, I loved EVERY MINUTE of it!
If you have the opportunity to read this one please do! I can’t imagine you being disappointed!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsFocus and #HarperMuse for an ARC of the audiobook which is DUE TO BE RELEASED on Tuesday!
**** Look 👀 for it on 11/12/24! ****
5+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨💫💫💫 for me!
#TheStarlets by #LeeKelly and #JenniferThorne and narrated beautifully by #GailShalan.
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
First off…the year is 1958! So, I love it already!
Loved the way women dressed back in the day, and the men too!
Loved the overall “feel” in the air of that era! Brings back memories of my parents when they were young. ❤️
This one starts out with a lot of heat and high tension as two leading ladies arrive on set in a small Italian town for the same part!! Apparently they FORGOT to tell one of them that they were downgraded to another part. 🫣😮😩. If that isn’t bad enough, there is a love twist involving these women as well…so we are NOT off to a good start.
But, with some schmoozing and script revisions, it’s a go again, and filming is about to begin…
Until one of the actresses stumbles into something that she was not supposed to know/see…and everything begins to change…
And soon Vivienne (the well known leading lady) and Lottie ( the newcomer) are pretty much forced to work together in order to survive! 😮😮
And we get glimpses of all the beautiful countrysides that they see 👀 as they are running….
And as time goes on, could it be?? Might they actually begin TOLERATING each other?
This was a really sweet, special kind of book that elicits all kinds of feelings while reading it! From joy to anger, from peace to anxiety, from overall acceptance to absolute DEFIANCE!! And, I loved EVERY MINUTE of it!
If you have the opportunity to read this one please do! I can’t imagine you being disappointed!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsFocus and #HarperMuse for an ARC of the audiobook which is DUE TO BE RELEASED on Tuesday!
**** Look 👀 for it on 11/12/24! ****
5+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨💫💫💫 for me!
#TheStarlets by #LeeKelly and #JenniferThorne and narrated beautifully by #GailShalan.
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
November 30, 2024
Vivienne Rhodes is excited to star in a big-budget Troy epic, but her nemesis Lottie Lawrence steals her role. As tensions rise on set, they discover illegal activities happening behind the scenes. The two women must work together to gather evidence and escape dangerous situations. Their journey takes them across Europe, leading to a final showdown on an Italian island. In the end, they have the chance to be heroes if they can learn to work together.
This story was both fun and intriguing! It follows the journey of two women who, despite their differences, come together and learn more about each other. Their newfound friendship blossoms as they navigate through various situations. In a world where self-interest often prevails, these characters demonstrate the power of teamwork and building lasting bonds.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook, especially with one of my favorite narrators involved. The upbeat and mesmerizing narration truly brought the story to life.
The vivid descriptions of the environment made me feel like I was right there with the characters, fighting alongside them. The unraveling of events, the well-developed characters, and the satisfying outcome made this historical fiction a standout read.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery, fun, and entertainment, this book is perfect for you. I highly recommend the audiobook version, as the narration truly enhances the overall experience.
Thank you, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for the audio ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story was both fun and intriguing! It follows the journey of two women who, despite their differences, come together and learn more about each other. Their newfound friendship blossoms as they navigate through various situations. In a world where self-interest often prevails, these characters demonstrate the power of teamwork and building lasting bonds.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook, especially with one of my favorite narrators involved. The upbeat and mesmerizing narration truly brought the story to life.
The vivid descriptions of the environment made me feel like I was right there with the characters, fighting alongside them. The unraveling of events, the well-developed characters, and the satisfying outcome made this historical fiction a standout read.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery, fun, and entertainment, this book is perfect for you. I highly recommend the audiobook version, as the narration truly enhances the overall experience.
Thank you, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for the audio ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 7, 2024
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Variety, Confidential, Hollywood Reporter - these are some of the trade magazines that authors, Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne, use to announce noteworthy events that happen on and off the set of their new book, THE STARLETS. By mixing in real publications, locations and Hollywood icons with the fictional story, the authors give readers an authentic feeling
of old school movie magic. Because I read an ARC, it wasn’t possible to tell how the magazine headlines were set apart at the beginning of chapters but they could be a fun element.
Parts of the story are a frenetic race around Europe by the two leading ladies trying to stay alive and protect a mysterious item given to them by a dying man. Most of this story arc reminded me of a Lucy and Ethel escapade; hijinx personified! Two other storylines compete for attention: making a big box office movie and multiple romance or non-rom’s.
Other than the two starlets, character development was weak. It’s almost as if the relationships are purposely left to be mysterious. Descriptions are lacking color. In all the thousands of reviews I have written, I have never said that before but it needs to be said in this one. When I read about Hollywood movies, Italian Islands, Europe, etc., I want to know what color(s) the lush this or that is and what hues are cast by the various mosaic windows. More was needed and wanted.
.
Glitz and glam, giant egos, mysteries and murders - there’s something for everyone, all seasoned with the spices of the movie industry and THE STARLETS we love to hate📚
Read and reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
Variety, Confidential, Hollywood Reporter - these are some of the trade magazines that authors, Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne, use to announce noteworthy events that happen on and off the set of their new book, THE STARLETS. By mixing in real publications, locations and Hollywood icons with the fictional story, the authors give readers an authentic feeling
of old school movie magic. Because I read an ARC, it wasn’t possible to tell how the magazine headlines were set apart at the beginning of chapters but they could be a fun element.
Parts of the story are a frenetic race around Europe by the two leading ladies trying to stay alive and protect a mysterious item given to them by a dying man. Most of this story arc reminded me of a Lucy and Ethel escapade; hijinx personified! Two other storylines compete for attention: making a big box office movie and multiple romance or non-rom’s.
Other than the two starlets, character development was weak. It’s almost as if the relationships are purposely left to be mysterious. Descriptions are lacking color. In all the thousands of reviews I have written, I have never said that before but it needs to be said in this one. When I read about Hollywood movies, Italian Islands, Europe, etc., I want to know what color(s) the lush this or that is and what hues are cast by the various mosaic windows. More was needed and wanted.
.
Glitz and glam, giant egos, mysteries and murders - there’s something for everyone, all seasoned with the spices of the movie industry and THE STARLETS we love to hate📚
Read and reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
November 19, 2024
A story set in the 1950s involving glamorous movie stars would be enough to entice me. However, when you also include movie worthy baddies versus goodies pursuit throughout Europe - from Mediterranean islands, to Monaco, to the Alps - then all is set for a romping read.
The Starlets is a fun, fast paced story in the style of an old Hollywood movie where two female leads go from enemies to friends in order to solve the mystery. An old fashioned movie set with a good murder mystery thrown in is a sure fire winner in my view. The authors so cleverly achieved a balance between old Hollywood celebrity drama, to daring Mafia pursuits, to old fashioned comedy! They certainly captured the ‘feel’ from this era. It reads like a movie playing out in your mind's eye.
This is more than a historical fiction story. It is a classic adventure story of two women coming together as the drama unfolds. The Starlets is glamour, action and suspense all rolled into one. If this is your vibe then get ready for a fun and entertaining read.
‘Movies are the closest thing we have to magic. Every problem, complication, disaster solved in an hour and a half. Every hero deserving of love and redemption.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
The Starlets is a fun, fast paced story in the style of an old Hollywood movie where two female leads go from enemies to friends in order to solve the mystery. An old fashioned movie set with a good murder mystery thrown in is a sure fire winner in my view. The authors so cleverly achieved a balance between old Hollywood celebrity drama, to daring Mafia pursuits, to old fashioned comedy! They certainly captured the ‘feel’ from this era. It reads like a movie playing out in your mind's eye.
This is more than a historical fiction story. It is a classic adventure story of two women coming together as the drama unfolds. The Starlets is glamour, action and suspense all rolled into one. If this is your vibe then get ready for a fun and entertaining read.
‘Movies are the closest thing we have to magic. Every problem, complication, disaster solved in an hour and a half. Every hero deserving of love and redemption.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
November 23, 2024
A story about two women who are both struggling to be at the top of the acting industry. They've crossed paths, been enemies and are now both cast together in a blockbuster movie that should be the pinnacle of both their careers. But tensions run high on the set when they each realize the other is there. No one told them they would be doing this together and roles have been changed as well.
But even though that tension is high, there is something seditious happening on set as well. An underground plot that both ladies find themselves right in the middle of. Fleeing for their lives after a shootout, they are self tasked with unraveling this real world plot and trying to not only save their own lives, but the lives of people around them as well.
A great story that focuses on feminine insecurity and finding our own way in a world that really tries to steer us into opposition against ourselves and our own destinies. Vivienne and Lottie are both strong women that want to be successful, but each have their own individual traumas and experiences to navigate that they bring forward into their adult lives. Through the process of this story, they find comfort in supporting one another and developing that sisterly bond that women have done for centuries.
I loved the Hollywood atmosphere of the movie sets and behind the scenes; I loved the thrilling adventure and voyage that these two ladies embark on; and I loved the bonds that were developed through their shared experiences.
But even though that tension is high, there is something seditious happening on set as well. An underground plot that both ladies find themselves right in the middle of. Fleeing for their lives after a shootout, they are self tasked with unraveling this real world plot and trying to not only save their own lives, but the lives of people around them as well.
A great story that focuses on feminine insecurity and finding our own way in a world that really tries to steer us into opposition against ourselves and our own destinies. Vivienne and Lottie are both strong women that want to be successful, but each have their own individual traumas and experiences to navigate that they bring forward into their adult lives. Through the process of this story, they find comfort in supporting one another and developing that sisterly bond that women have done for centuries.
I loved the Hollywood atmosphere of the movie sets and behind the scenes; I loved the thrilling adventure and voyage that these two ladies embark on; and I loved the bonds that were developed through their shared experiences.
November 12, 2024
Lottie and Vivienne are arch enemies. Now Vivienne finds out that Lottie has been cast in her movie and has been given HER PART! Vivienne is the one supposed to play Helen of Troy and she is not going to let this slide.
Not only is there a battle between these two stars…a body has been discovered and these two ladies get caught up in a drug ring.
This is a unique tale that has some unique situations. I swear, I could just picture Lottie and Vivienne in some of their escapades. And believe me…they have quite a few experiences.
This is more of a 3.5 star read…rounded up, of course. There are parts that just tend to be a bit slow. And the voice for Lottie got on my nerves a bit. That being said, the narrator, Gail Shalan, had a lot of voices to do. Each one is very distinctive.
Need an old Hollywood romp through Europe…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.
Not only is there a battle between these two stars…a body has been discovered and these two ladies get caught up in a drug ring.
This is a unique tale that has some unique situations. I swear, I could just picture Lottie and Vivienne in some of their escapades. And believe me…they have quite a few experiences.
This is more of a 3.5 star read…rounded up, of course. There are parts that just tend to be a bit slow. And the voice for Lottie got on my nerves a bit. That being said, the narrator, Gail Shalan, had a lot of voices to do. Each one is very distinctive.
Need an old Hollywood romp through Europe…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.
November 18, 2024
I absolutely adored this book! I thought it was SO good! This was my 1st book by this duo and certainly will not be my last.
It's 1958, and two rival Oscar nominated actresses, Vivienne Rhodes and Lottie Lawrence cause high tensions on a movie set being filmed on the remote Italian island of Tavalli. When they individually stumble upon things they shouldn't have seen, they must work together to get the evidence they have to Interpol in Paris. Can they make the journey without ripping off each other's heads? Can they make it there alive?
Told in the POV of Vivienne and Lottie, this was a riveting read! It was captivating and fast-paced. It was full of mystery and adventure from Italy to Monaco to the French Alps and back to Italy. All the drama kept me fully invested. Vivienne and Lottie were great characters who had interesting back stories. I loved how the once sworn enemies became the best of friends. The ending was seriously perfection! This book was incredibly entertaining, and I REALLY enjoyed it! I would HIGHLY recommend it!
It's 1958, and two rival Oscar nominated actresses, Vivienne Rhodes and Lottie Lawrence cause high tensions on a movie set being filmed on the remote Italian island of Tavalli. When they individually stumble upon things they shouldn't have seen, they must work together to get the evidence they have to Interpol in Paris. Can they make the journey without ripping off each other's heads? Can they make it there alive?
Told in the POV of Vivienne and Lottie, this was a riveting read! It was captivating and fast-paced. It was full of mystery and adventure from Italy to Monaco to the French Alps and back to Italy. All the drama kept me fully invested. Vivienne and Lottie were great characters who had interesting back stories. I loved how the once sworn enemies became the best of friends. The ending was seriously perfection! This book was incredibly entertaining, and I REALLY enjoyed it! I would HIGHLY recommend it!
June 7, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Any novel with an old Hollywood pitch was always going to be sure to pique my interest and have my heart. A movie set on an Italian, picturesque island? Even better.
I enjoyed spending time in this novel, the atmosphere, and the ease of the narrative.
That being said, there were a few stylistic and narrative choices that didn't sit quite right with me - mainly that I think the novel was too short to carry the epic scope of its narrative!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this as a fun, summer read though! Let yourself be swept away by the glamour!
Any novel with an old Hollywood pitch was always going to be sure to pique my interest and have my heart. A movie set on an Italian, picturesque island? Even better.
I enjoyed spending time in this novel, the atmosphere, and the ease of the narrative.
That being said, there were a few stylistic and narrative choices that didn't sit quite right with me - mainly that I think the novel was too short to carry the epic scope of its narrative!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this as a fun, summer read though! Let yourself be swept away by the glamour!
December 8, 2024
Golden era Hollywood, European escapades, Italian drug lords, and Greek tragedies. I loved this book and the two lead characters. Both women had fully fleshed out background stories and growth throughout the book.
Some good twists and turns that kept me reading and the ending, although kind of quick, with a Hail Mary plan come to fruition, was a solid way to wrap up the story.
Some good twists and turns that kept me reading and the ending, although kind of quick, with a Hail Mary plan come to fruition, was a solid way to wrap up the story.
January 1, 2025
I had a lot of fun - I find stories set in Golden Age Hollywood can be very hit or miss for me, but this was a good caper with lots of screwball shenanigans - so it's bringing the best of the concept of the Golden Age to the book.
November 26, 2024
I am grateful to have received this as an ALC! Old Hollywood stories are always a favorite for me. The narrator was great, with a certain accent that went perfectly with the way I pictured the two FMCs.
Similar tropes from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo were used. Sadly, this book fell a little flat for me. Seeing the characters go around to all the different locations was fun; however, it seemed like NOTHING went their way. Eventually, this got exhausting.
Similar tropes from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo were used. Sadly, this book fell a little flat for me. Seeing the characters go around to all the different locations was fun; however, it seemed like NOTHING went their way. Eventually, this got exhausting.
January 13, 2025
I enjoyed The Starlets. It is a fast paced mystery, adventure with enemies to friends. It made me laugh one minute then be on the edge of my seat the next. I felt like I was running along side Viv and Lottie. What a great escape of a book! So fun!
November 9, 2024
Bbbbbbbboring
November 19, 2024
This was a fun, fast-paced story set in the golden age of Hollywood. It kept me on my toes, anxious to see what was going to happen next.
I love classic movies, so I really enjoyed all the nods to Hollywood movies and stars from that time period. I also loved how, as I read this book, it played out in my mind like one of these wonderful old movies.
I loved Vivienne and Lottie, and how their friendship grew. Their adventure through Europe as they fled the villains was exciting, intense, and at times quite funny. There is a scene involving Ben Hur and a race car that was so good.
This is a great read for movie buffs and fans of historical mysteries. If you’re either of those, grab a copy of The Starlets, a bowl of popcorn, and enjoy an entertaining and well-written read!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and Austenprose for a digital review copy. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
I love classic movies, so I really enjoyed all the nods to Hollywood movies and stars from that time period. I also loved how, as I read this book, it played out in my mind like one of these wonderful old movies.
I loved Vivienne and Lottie, and how their friendship grew. Their adventure through Europe as they fled the villains was exciting, intense, and at times quite funny. There is a scene involving Ben Hur and a race car that was so good.
This is a great read for movie buffs and fans of historical mysteries. If you’re either of those, grab a copy of The Starlets, a bowl of popcorn, and enjoy an entertaining and well-written read!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and Austenprose for a digital review copy. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
March 19, 2025
Thank you Bibliolifestyle and Harper Collins for the gifted review copy!
This was the most ridiculous, unserious historical fiction book I have ever read. There were a million things happening, and everything kept becoming more insane. The whole book gave me whiplash, dragging me around in so many different directions, and for what reason?!
This review will be full of spoilers here on out, so if you want the ridiculous play by play, keep reading. If not, you can read this book for yourself.
Let me break it down for you: it's 1958 and Vivienne Rhodes is heading to an island to film a movie. She gets there, realizes her archnemesis Lottie Lawrence is also in the film - and in Vivienne's promised role! 😱 < This is all fine and dandy. I'm vibing with the old Hollywood drama and movie sets. I don't expect this book to go in the direction it did based on the first few chapters.
Lottie discovers a dead body in a mysterious hangar holding props for the film. Yes, a dead body. On a film set. While this is happening, Vivienne is on the movie studio president's yacht. The yacht ends up getting hijacked?? And Vivienne has to swim to safety so she doesn't get shot. And behold! Lottie to the rescue on a stolen boat. < There is much more context here but this gives the jist of it.
Together, Vivienne and Lottie begin a journey to Monaco to have the one and only Grace Kelly save them and get them to Paris to alert Interpol of some illegal doings on the film set. < This does not actually happen and Lottie and Vivienne end up on this wild journey involving a wine truck and the Alps and posing as extras on a Rome film set... it's crazy, yall. And all this time Vivienne is carrying some very important film roll in her bra that can implicate whoever was doing illegal things on the film set.
Eventually, Lottie and Vivienne end up back on the island they're filming the movie on and are being blackmailed by the studio president to keep their mouths shut about his illegal drug dealings. < Not surprised in the least that the illegal activities are drugs, and he is hiding them in movie props to bring back to the US. But he will expose everyone's biggest secrets if they spill anything about what he's doing.
Lottie and Vivienne do not keep their mouths shut and tell all their costars about the drug dealings and their big adventure to try and get a film roll to Interpol. There was a snake in this group who told the studio president and he almost blows everybody up at 3am with a giant Trojan horse full of dynamite. < I am not joking.
In the end, the Navy rescues everyone and Vivienne throws the studio president off a cliff and all is well.
This was the most ridiculous, unserious historical fiction book I have ever read. There were a million things happening, and everything kept becoming more insane. The whole book gave me whiplash, dragging me around in so many different directions, and for what reason?!
This review will be full of spoilers here on out, so if you want the ridiculous play by play, keep reading. If not, you can read this book for yourself.
Let me break it down for you: it's 1958 and Vivienne Rhodes is heading to an island to film a movie. She gets there, realizes her archnemesis Lottie Lawrence is also in the film - and in Vivienne's promised role! 😱 < This is all fine and dandy. I'm vibing with the old Hollywood drama and movie sets. I don't expect this book to go in the direction it did based on the first few chapters.
Lottie discovers a dead body in a mysterious hangar holding props for the film. Yes, a dead body. On a film set. While this is happening, Vivienne is on the movie studio president's yacht. The yacht ends up getting hijacked?? And Vivienne has to swim to safety so she doesn't get shot. And behold! Lottie to the rescue on a stolen boat. < There is much more context here but this gives the jist of it.
Together, Vivienne and Lottie begin a journey to Monaco to have the one and only Grace Kelly save them and get them to Paris to alert Interpol of some illegal doings on the film set. < This does not actually happen and Lottie and Vivienne end up on this wild journey involving a wine truck and the Alps and posing as extras on a Rome film set... it's crazy, yall. And all this time Vivienne is carrying some very important film roll in her bra that can implicate whoever was doing illegal things on the film set.
Eventually, Lottie and Vivienne end up back on the island they're filming the movie on and are being blackmailed by the studio president to keep their mouths shut about his illegal drug dealings. < Not surprised in the least that the illegal activities are drugs, and he is hiding them in movie props to bring back to the US. But he will expose everyone's biggest secrets if they spill anything about what he's doing.
Lottie and Vivienne do not keep their mouths shut and tell all their costars about the drug dealings and their big adventure to try and get a film roll to Interpol. There was a snake in this group who told the studio president and he almost blows everybody up at 3am with a giant Trojan horse full of dynamite. < I am not joking.
In the end, the Navy rescues everyone and Vivienne throws the studio president off a cliff and all is well.
February 26, 2025
Jeez Lousie this book sent me on a wild game of cat and mouse. From the beginning paragraph to the last word that my eyes caressed, I was running on all cylinders trying to find out if Vivienne Rhodes and Lottie Lawrence would make it out of this pickle alive. There is one thing Hollywood hates is a messy actress. That is the thought that is always on Vivienne's mind. From the moment she steps foot on the island of Tavalli, messy is the only thing she wants to be. She discovers that her ex-fiancé is in the movie and the part that she was promised was given to his new love interest, Lottie. The awkwardness oozes from the pages. Viv is green with envy and all her acting prowess is now coming in handy. She needs to make this movie hers, she needs an Oscar, and that lowly Lottie needs to know her place. She already stole Teddy; she is not stealing this part from her.
When Viv and Lottie find themselves thrust together running for their lives. They finally take a real look at one another. Lottie grew up with a mother who was out for herself, living from the money they were able to steal. Viv is the total opposite. She is the daughter of two prominent actors who lived their lives ignoring her. Each bringing a unique skill to the table allows them to stay just one step ahead of the bad guys. Will their luck run out?
I loved this book. I was entertained, it had fantastic pacing, and I felt like I was scrambling for my life. The characters were spot on. Each of the leading ladies caught my attention. Each unique and loveable in their own way. The entertainment industry is a knock down drag out fight on the best of days. Fighting each other does not help. Coming together as one and helping other women say no and be true to themselves is a step in the right direction. Thank you to Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thorne, Harper Muse, and Austen Prose for my #gifted copy.
When Viv and Lottie find themselves thrust together running for their lives. They finally take a real look at one another. Lottie grew up with a mother who was out for herself, living from the money they were able to steal. Viv is the total opposite. She is the daughter of two prominent actors who lived their lives ignoring her. Each bringing a unique skill to the table allows them to stay just one step ahead of the bad guys. Will their luck run out?
I loved this book. I was entertained, it had fantastic pacing, and I felt like I was scrambling for my life. The characters were spot on. Each of the leading ladies caught my attention. Each unique and loveable in their own way. The entertainment industry is a knock down drag out fight on the best of days. Fighting each other does not help. Coming together as one and helping other women say no and be true to themselves is a step in the right direction. Thank you to Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thorne, Harper Muse, and Austen Prose for my #gifted copy.
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