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The Replacement: A Short Story
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26A Hollywood icon struggling to revive her career befriends a gifted newcomer with a secret agenda in a twisty short story about the true price of fame by a New York Times bestselling author.
Once Hollywood royalty, Veronica Van Arden has been upstaged by box office flops and tabloid gossip. But when she lands a role in a promising film, a comeback finally seems possible, especially with the support of her young and adoring costar, Sienna Vale. As Veronica weathers a new scandal, Sienna stays firmly by her side, a bright spot in Veronica’s days. But as Veronica welcomes her protégé into every part of her life, they both might find that the brightest lights cast the darkest shadows.
Once Hollywood royalty, Veronica Van Arden has been upstaged by box office flops and tabloid gossip. But when she lands a role in a promising film, a comeback finally seems possible, especially with the support of her young and adoring costar, Sienna Vale. As Veronica weathers a new scandal, Sienna stays firmly by her side, a bright spot in Veronica’s days. But as Veronica welcomes her protégé into every part of her life, they both might find that the brightest lights cast the darkest shadows.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 1, 2026
About the author
Liv Constantine
20 books11.2k followersLiv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine. Lynne and Valerie are New York Times and international bestselling authors with millions of copies sold worldwide. Winners of the 2025 Silver Falchion awards for Best Book and Best Suspense, their books have been translated into 29 languages, are available in 34 countries, and are in development for both television and film. Their books have been praised by The Washington Post, USA Today, The Sunday Times, People Magazine, and Good Morning America, among many others. Their debut novel, THE LAST MRS. PARRISH, is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection. Visit Liv at www.livconstantine.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews
May 19, 2026
All About Eve...
THE REPLACEMENT: A Short Story
by Liv Constantine
4 stars. What no one tells you about fame is that it doesn't make you happy. The promise of fame is seductive...
No one is immune to its siren song...
Veronica Van Arden thought fame would make her happy. That's why she worked so hard to attain it...
But, it's never enough...
If she could start over, she'd go to college, find a career, and stay far away from Hollywood...
Happiness is who you are...
Not what you are...
Today, Veronica is starting over with 102 days of sobriety under her belt, and she's ready to face the cameras again...
Without the drama of booze...
But, she still takes the occasional pill...
Late one night, Veronica got a butt-dialed phone call from her husband. She heard another woman in the background...
Next day...
A friend confirmed the affair between Veronica's husband and her BFF Dakota and has receipts in the form of pictures posted to social media...
Veronica confided the breakup of her marriage to her co-star Sienna Vale, and the two women become inseparable...
This short story was very much like All About Eve, a 1950 movie starring Bette Davis and Anne Baxter. It was a selection from this month's Amazon First Reads program. While this is not my kind of story, it was good for what it was. It just needed to be longer because the ending was a bit rushed and muddled.
THE REPLACEMENT: A Short Story
by Liv Constantine
4 stars. What no one tells you about fame is that it doesn't make you happy. The promise of fame is seductive...
No one is immune to its siren song...
Veronica Van Arden thought fame would make her happy. That's why she worked so hard to attain it...
But, it's never enough...
If she could start over, she'd go to college, find a career, and stay far away from Hollywood...
Happiness is who you are...
Not what you are...
Today, Veronica is starting over with 102 days of sobriety under her belt, and she's ready to face the cameras again...
Without the drama of booze...
But, she still takes the occasional pill...
Late one night, Veronica got a butt-dialed phone call from her husband. She heard another woman in the background...
Next day...
A friend confirmed the affair between Veronica's husband and her BFF Dakota and has receipts in the form of pictures posted to social media...
Veronica confided the breakup of her marriage to her co-star Sienna Vale, and the two women become inseparable...
This short story was very much like All About Eve, a 1950 movie starring Bette Davis and Anne Baxter. It was a selection from this month's Amazon First Reads program. While this is not my kind of story, it was good for what it was. It just needed to be longer because the ending was a bit rushed and muddled.
May 2, 2026
This was… interesting. It felt both too slow and too fast at the same time. About Hollywood scandal. The ending seemed thrown together. Not horrible, but not great.
Thank you to Amazon First Reads for the free copy.
Thank you to Amazon First Reads for the free copy.
May 10, 2026
3.75⭐️
An “All About Eve” martini with a twist… of “Sunset Boulevard.”
Amazon First Reads short story.
An “All About Eve” martini with a twist… of “Sunset Boulevard.”
Amazon First Reads short story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Book of the Month
Well, I spent 30 minutes reading this and $0, so I guess all I lost were 30 minutes.
This was predictable, cringey, and the only character that was interesting was Chloe, who was written out. Both MCs were dreadful. Which I guess was the point but, damn, this was just not good.
At least I didn’t pay for it 🥴
This was predictable, cringey, and the only character that was interesting was Chloe, who was written out. Both MCs were dreadful. Which I guess was the point but, damn, this was just not good.
At least I didn’t pay for it 🥴
May 2, 2026
Veronica is a Hollywood star. Her life is in turmoil. Her husband is having an affair with her best friend. She has a bit of an alcohol problem. And she’s cast in a new film, which more or less is considered a comeback for her. Starring opposite her is a new upstart, Sienna.
Her fatal flaw is that she trusts the wrong people. This leads to her downfall. She’s set up during filming to appear as doped up on drugs. This ends in her dismissal. She’s betrayed by Sierra, who ends up taking over her role in the film and wins an Oscar. And on top of that a death warrant is written on her career when an unspeakable secret is revealed to the public.
Told in the form of a short story. The Replacement is an entertaining tale.
Her fatal flaw is that she trusts the wrong people. This leads to her downfall. She’s set up during filming to appear as doped up on drugs. This ends in her dismissal. She’s betrayed by Sierra, who ends up taking over her role in the film and wins an Oscar. And on top of that a death warrant is written on her career when an unspeakable secret is revealed to the public.
Told in the form of a short story. The Replacement is an entertaining tale.
Review of advance copy
This one totally lost me
Review of advance copy
Currently reading novellas in anticipation of Kennedy Ryan's Score coming out on 5.18.
I picked this up because I got it as an Amazon Read First, and what can I say, this is another book that didn't need to be written. Perfect for people who have 20 minutes to spare!
I picked this up because I got it as an Amazon Read First, and what can I say, this is another book that didn't need to be written. Perfect for people who have 20 minutes to spare!
May 1, 2026
Full of typical Hollywood drama, twists and turns. Great short read.
May 1, 2026
Did not expect all those twists and turns
The twists and turns this one took were fantastic to read and unexpected! The only thing that could make it better was if there is a full novel coming with the back story!
The twists and turns this one took were fantastic to read and unexpected! The only thing that could make it better was if there is a full novel coming with the back story!
May 4, 2026
Twist after Twist
This was a really good little short story and I enjoyed it I was not expecting that ending at all
This was a really good little short story and I enjoyed it I was not expecting that ending at all
May 3, 2026
4 ⭐️
Hollywood drama, deception, and just the right amount of tension. For a short story, it really delivers. It’s quick-paced without feeling rushed, and everything ties together in the end. I didn’t finish it with a bunch of lingering questions like I usually do with shorter stories, which made it even better. Clean, sharp, and entertaining the whole way through. Definitely worth the read.
Hollywood drama, deception, and just the right amount of tension. For a short story, it really delivers. It’s quick-paced without feeling rushed, and everything ties together in the end. I didn’t finish it with a bunch of lingering questions like I usually do with shorter stories, which made it even better. Clean, sharp, and entertaining the whole way through. Definitely worth the read.
May 3, 2026
“Rule number one: Trust no one. The cameras are all on me now. And I’ll make sure they never call Cut.”
Very Liv Constantine! A devious short story that is layered with replacements. Absolutely could have been developed into a longer novel.
Very Liv Constantine! A devious short story that is layered with replacements. Absolutely could have been developed into a longer novel.
May 4, 2026
Short fuse....
Vengeance is sweet, but it can bite back. Caught by your own trap. Enjoyed the short but sweet tale of vengeance with a twist.
Vengeance is sweet, but it can bite back. Caught by your own trap. Enjoyed the short but sweet tale of vengeance with a twist.
May 4, 2026
Twisting story
TW: substance abuse, suicide, murder, infidelity
Interesting short story about the twists life can take. Nice little mystery/suspense story. Didn't resolve entirely and I feel like there were plot holes with the "supporting" character.
Free read from Amazon first picks.
TW: substance abuse, suicide, murder, infidelity
Interesting short story about the twists life can take. Nice little mystery/suspense story. Didn't resolve entirely and I feel like there were plot holes with the "supporting" character.
Free read from Amazon first picks.
May 17, 2026
Short story about Veronica, who is the actress star....and her co-star, Vienna. What is the connection and her the idea behind her being so enamored by Veronica. With a divorce coming up, Veronica befriends her, invites her into her home and then finds out the ulterior motive. Fast moving story can be read in one sitting.
May 2, 2026
This book is 48 pages long and is absolutely fabulous if you are craving a nice quick read.
Veronica is a Hollywood star who is trying to get her career on the right track again with her new movie. Co-starring in it with her is Sienna Vale an up and comer on her first film.
At 20 pages I was sure I had figured out this book but I was so wrong. At page 46 my jaw was still dropped.
A truly excellent read. Thankful this was in my May First Reads on Amazon list.
Veronica is a Hollywood star who is trying to get her career on the right track again with her new movie. Co-starring in it with her is Sienna Vale an up and comer on her first film.
At 20 pages I was sure I had figured out this book but I was so wrong. At page 46 my jaw was still dropped.
A truly excellent read. Thankful this was in my May First Reads on Amazon list.
May 3, 2026
Five stars
Amazing short story. This really blew me away! I had to re-read the last chapter to get a grasp on what it was spelling out. I'm sure that this one will stay with me for a while.
This is the first thing that I have read by this author, but definitely won't be the last. I highly recommend this one.
Amazing short story. This really blew me away! I had to re-read the last chapter to get a grasp on what it was spelling out. I'm sure that this one will stay with me for a while.
This is the first thing that I have read by this author, but definitely won't be the last. I highly recommend this one.
May 2, 2026
Fun little read!
May 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this easy read. It had a surprising end. I will definitely look at other books by this author.
May 5, 2026
3.5⭐️ Fun little short story easy read and surprising little twist at the end
May 3, 2026
This was a great short story! Probably the most enjoyable one I’ve ever read.
May 3, 2026
loved it
Please write more short stories! This one was perfect. Love how it all came together with a few twists at the end.
Please write more short stories! This one was perfect. Love how it all came together with a few twists at the end.
May 9, 2026
What a major twist and what was happening craziness! Was kind of confused at first, but then after I reread it, at the end I figured it out
May 9, 2026
Twist of a Story
Be careful who you befriend and know your enemies. Two actresses, two similar pasts, and two ways to the top in the movie industry. So who really wins?
Be careful who you befriend and know your enemies. Two actresses, two similar pasts, and two ways to the top in the movie industry. So who really wins?
Review of advance copy
This was part of Prime first reads this month and a short novella so I thought why not, let’s give it a go. I really enjoyed this quick read about a Hollywood actress trying to make a comeback after an addiction problem. Although it was short the twists at the end were excellent, I didn’t see them coming at all. Definitely recommend this whether you subscribe to Prime or not. 3.75 stars rounded up.
May 6, 2026
A 50 page book but you know what? Actually…. Wow? I didn’t think a book had time to get good within 50 pages, but for such a short read I think it was worth it and I thought it was great. I thought it was predictable cause a couple things were… but that wasn’t even the plot twist, so my mind changed. You hit a plot twist and think wow… just to hit another one right after.
May 9, 2026
This book didn’t work for me. It wasn’t long enough to fully flesh out the plot so the ending felt rushed. I even had to reread parts because it just was confusing.
Not horrible just not great.
Not horrible just not great.
May 8, 2026
Waaaay too many plot points for this to work as a short story. Whiplash near the end
May 4, 2026
Well, I kinda saw it.coming...
...but not completely. A very nice little short story. It was a bedtime read for me, quick. No spoilers here, just read it. First Reads bonus read.
...but not completely. A very nice little short story. It was a bedtime read for me, quick. No spoilers here, just read it. First Reads bonus read.
May 12, 2026
This is not the kind of book I'd typically read, but I was excited to give it a shot. With it being so short, I figured it would be an easy read and help me catch up on my reading goals. With only 48 pages, I didn't expect a super dense, detail oriented story, but expected a minimum of some cohesion. As expected, everything jumps right in. By the time I finished the story, I felt underwhelmed and confused. The plot/idea behind this could be a really good thriller if given a full length novel. Cutting it down to 48 pages felt so rushed that important pieces were possibly left out. I didn't mind reading it as it was quick and easy, but I don't feel like I necessarily gained much from it either. I think if you need something short and interesting to meet a goal or challenge, this is a good option, but be aware that it's got quite some plot holes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews