What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweet Valley High #85
Soap Star
When Jessica Wakefield's favorite soap opera, The Young and the Beautiful, announces that it's looking for a set of beautiful blond twins for a special week-long storyline, she's sure that she's just a step away from getting both an acting career and handsome Brandon Hunter-star of daytime TV!
When she and her twin sister, Elizabeth, actually get the parts, their lives change even more dramatically than either had expected! Jessica gets carried away with all the publicity about her supposed relationship with Brandon and dumps Sam, the boy she really loves. Will Jessica realize that she's just another starlet to the conceited Brandon in time to salvage her relationship with Sam?
When she and her twin sister, Elizabeth, actually get the parts, their lives change even more dramatically than either had expected! Jessica gets carried away with all the publicity about her supposed relationship with Brandon and dumps Sam, the boy she really loves. Will Jessica realize that she's just another starlet to the conceited Brandon in time to salvage her relationship with Sam?
156 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1992
32 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Francine Pascal
1,139 books1,844 followersFrancine Paula Pascal was an American author best known for her Sweet Valley series of young adult novels. Sweet Valley High, the backbone of the collection, was made into a television series, which led to several spin-offs, including The Unicorn Club and Sweet Valley University. Although most of these books were published in the 1980s and 1990s, they remained so popular that several titles were re-released decades later.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Read
June 6, 2024Soap Star
Jessica goes on and on to Lila about how the audition for “The Young and the Beautiful” (her favorite soap) and how she and Liz will be picked for the guest role of the twins. Then she’ll be ssure to get that new Jeep Wrangler. Her parents after all won’t want them to drive back and forth in something that’s not safe. Not only that she’ll get to meet Brandon (the lead actor) and he’ll fall instantly for her and take her to all the big time Hollywood events. But Liz says it’s just not her thing. She hates “The Young and the Beautiful”. No one on the show can act and to her there just like beauty contest. They don’t value anything but looks. She’ll be too busy spending time with Todd and submitting articles to see if she can actually get paid for them.
Amy is having a party at her place. Jessica before it starts tries to butter Liz up by telling her (her) eyes match her lue and they’d be perfet on film. In the car, Sam talks about a race that he’ll be leaving for in Stanta Barbara. Jessica invites herself along to check out the antique shops. Sam invites Liz but she says she has plans with Todd-although she really doesn’t want to be bothered with Jessica-. Everyone at the party can’t believe Liz doesn’t want to adution. Lila says she’d do it for the hot men. Terri says she’d do it it get the inside scoop on what goes on in the studio. Then they say that some actresses and actors on soaps make a lot of money (thousands). But Liz points out no amount was ever mentioned. It just said they’d get a stipend.
Todd arrives and he and Liz go some place private. Liz events to Todd about Jessica’s many tatics. Ne which was guilt -reminding her how she helped in the diary incident-. Todd says Liz has helped her too so they’re even. They then leave to go to his place. Lila gives Jessica some advice. Stop pressuring Liz and then do something sneaky. She tells her to write a fake letter that says it’s from a marketing research company about twins inviting her to come to their study. Only take her to the studio and once there she’ll agree to the audition. Jessica stays the night at Lila’s and they compose and mail the letter.
Liz gets the mail on Monday and sees the letter from “California Associaites”. It says it’s about a market group that wants to hold a discussion about the likes and dislikes of twins. All travel expenses will be paid for and an additional fifty dollars given. Jessica lets Liz “convince” her into going (even though she won’t even consider a trate. Jessica mentions if she goes with her to the discussion, Liz should go with her to the audion, but Liz says no chance). Liz has a change of heart and tells Todd at lunch, she’s decided to go out for the audition and she’ll tell Jessica after the discussion group.
When they get to LA (Surpise! Surprise!) the location is a movie studio. Liz still hasn’t caught on. Jessica says maybe they’ll film the discussion. Liz sees some other lond twins and thinks they’re in the right place. Liz starts to get a funny feeling when the receptionist directs them to the room and wishes them good luck. When they get to the room there are 20 sets of twins and one of the twins comments on the waiting being bad and how thick the tension is. Then a lady comes in room -with a horn shaped hairdo- and sequins. She says she’ll call there names, they’ll go in and read, and then they’ll get a call back. Then Liz realizes she’s been tricked yet again by jessica. Liz tries to get a word with Jessica in private, but she brushes her off. Liz tells her she’s not just going to roll over this time. So, now everyone in the room is looking at her. Liz goes to walk out but Jessica pleads with her to stay. It doesn’t work, Liz tells her she’ll wait ten minutes for her but if she’s not there she can find her own way back. The girls start to whisper and talk about them, but the Unicorn haired lady is impressed and tells them they got the roles of Tiffany and Heather. She thought it was there audition and the other girls wish they’d thought of it.
The lady says she’s the casting directior and her name is Natasha. Jessica will play Heather the demure one and Liz can play Tiffany the more fiery twin. She gives her the contracts and the script and invites her to a come to the set to get familiar with it. She also invites the twins to a cast luncheon the next day. Jessica agrees to come. Liz gives her the silent treatment all the way home and then tells her nothing she can say will make her take the role. She and Sam also have a fight because she’s too distracted to pay him any attention on their date and tells her maybe Liz is right. All she does is think of herself. He advises her to give up before it gets worse with Liz.
Jessica gets her parents to go to the La (and the luncheon) by saying she’ll be under the watch of Mr. Fowler. When people ask her where Liz is Jess says she’s not feeling well. Jessica is introduced to the cast. Right away Brandon is very attentive. Then they tell her about the plot line of Heather and Tiffany fighting over Brandon. Brandon says she’s the twin that will win of couse because she’s already stolen his heart (rolls eyes). After proving she’s way too into this guys life, she finds out he always likes water skiing and suba diving. She tries to tell him about when she was kidnapped but he just says that’s nice ands tarts to talk about himself again. But Jessica is just happy he’s paid attention to her all day. Bradon asks is she busy that night for a party at a singers mansion (Bill Lacey). He’s having a video release. So, she tells him yes.
Jessica gets a call from Brandon later and he says he’s tired up in a meeting and will send his driver for her. Bill is pretty nice. Brandon spends the majority of the party talking to other people and leaving Jessica by herself, but she understands that’s just how it is. He’s a big time celebrity after all. So, she amuses herself with Steve-who plays in Bill’s band. (Until Brandon comes back). To make up for not being able to stay with her he invites her to a movie premire the next day. She says she’ll have to be back in time for school and her parents will want to meet him. (They were a little reluctant about the party). But he says that’s ok. She tells him she’s having the time of her lfe and he says he’s glad.
Alice and Ned seem to like Brandon. He’s a gentleman. It’s all over school, because of the photos at the party about the party and the twins role. Jessica hasn’t told Natasha that Liz might not be interested. She’s still hoping she’ll change her mind. Sam pulls Jessica away from her crowd of admirers telling them about the premier and the party at the Dairi Burger. He asks her to go out with him but she says she can’t. She has homework to catch up on. He walks out after saying she’s turning into someone he doesn’t know anymore. Someone who cares more about fame. SMH SAM. If you didn’t ALREADY know that. Jessica watches him go and thinks what good if having a boyfriend if he can’t be supportive.
Jessica makes another attempt with Liz, but nothings changed. Jessica talks to Lila about Liz and Sam. Jessica says its like Sam’s jealous. Lila says well duh. But Jessica insists the thing with Brandon is all in fun and about the contacts. Tho she does admit she’s falling slightly for him. But she brushes if off and says she needs to concentrate on getting Liz to change her mind. Amy comes over and shows them a spread of student activities on the Oracle. Jessica then gets an idea because the spread is so good. Liz has always wanted to write for a big paper like the Times. So she goes home and types up a letter to the editor of the Times if he’d like a series of articles about what goes on (on) set. Then she adds some copies of Liz’s best work (including the spread). She asks Lila to conver for her so she can deliver the contracts and the letter to the Times.
Liz expresses her concerns to her mother, Todd, and Enid (and Hugh). Her mother says its up to her and she’ll support whatever she decides (after she’s told her how mind numbing soap dialogue is and how Jess expects her to do this because of the diary incident). She tells her friends her worries about Brandon (she suspects) only wanting to use Jessica. Then there’s Sam. But she says she also has good news. Her dad is considering getting them the jeep. Todd agrees to go with them to look at some at the dealership. Jessica doesn’t know about it because she’s been on another Planant with the soap stuff. So, they all go to the dealership and Liz helps negogiate a great deal. Jessica can’t be more thrilled when she sees the new car.
Mr. Grant (the publisher of the Times) calls and hires Liz a nice sum to turn in three articles. She realizes again what’s happened and confronts jessica. Only she knows she can’t turn this down so she agrees to do the show. Fascinated by what she’s learned on set she begins to take notes. Liz interviews the camera people, the techicinans, and the director (the behind the scenes people). Then she meets Brandon and the others. Branon tells Natasha to make sure they wear necklaces so he’ll know which is which (at least make sure jessica wears one). He stikes Liz as kinda rude. Then he tells Liz he hopes he’ll get an interview. She says he will but later. Then they tell them how filming will go (in the morning so they can get back to school), Brandon offers to run lines with Liz and Jessica and then therey told when blocking and filming will be. Also they’re told to stop by wardrobe and get there clothes for next week.
When Liz looks up Brandon’s already ywalked over with Jessica and she thinks she hopes she doesn’t get the guy because she doesn’t want him. Sunday’s rehearsal goes well. Monday they film. Liz tries to talk to jess about Sam but she just says he’s upset because she’s been so busy. When they go to do the first scene, (which has to do with Tiffany pretending to be Heather) Brandon bitches he isn’t ready foro that scene. HE’s ready for the restrautant scene and it’s not his fault they had to change it for school likds. Jessica hops to his defense. Liz says he’s suppose to be a professional. His ego continues to get worse until Liz thinks not even Bruce is that bad. Brandon keeps forgetting his lines but blames the twins and storms off to his dressing room. The director apologizes and says it happens everyday but please don’t put it in print. Liz says she will.
It takes six tries, but Liz still finds his performance flat and uninspiring. Jessica tho is still star struck as ever. She says probably just “an off day”. She’s excited because Brandon’s taking her to Sago. Liz again tries to bring up Sam, but Jessica tells her that’s what he gets for walking out on her. Then she says she’s falling for Brandon because he knows what life in the spotlight is like and can accept the damnds. Liz later tells Todd that she’s finding it hard to keep up with the show, school, and the articles, but she got to speak to the editor and he liked the first article and looks forward to the next two. It’ll be published Thursday and now she has enough money for her computer.
Weirdly Sam comes over in a Batman costume with flowers and whisk Jessica away (after kissing her passionately in front of everyone) to spend some alone time. OH KAAAY! Was this one of her fantasies or something? Sam takes her to the beach and demads to know what’s up. He kmows she’s been out with Brandon and says everyone is talking about she’s having an affair on him. She says it’s just publicty. He says he can take publicty but she’s making him look like a fool. Jessica manuevers her way out of talking to him further about their relationship. She’s just trying to wait and see what happens after her part is up. She goes on and on and on tho about her new career. Until he tells her he can’t take it anymore. So he tells her CHOOS(him or Brandon). She says Brandon and leaves him there stranded.
The twins finish their next to the last scene. The conversation turns to Brandon and Jess tells Liz about the fight she an Sam had. Natasha gives the twins good news that they might have more story lines for them if the contracts are renewed. Jess goes to tell Brandon but hears him talking to his co-star that he’s just been playing her for the publicty. Still, she convinces herself he can’t be talking about her. At an awards show, Jessica finally realizes how much of a fake Brandon is. He brushes her off all evening to be with others, acts phony in front of the cameras, and consistently talks about himself (only she realizes all the things he’s calimed to have done are from movie plots). She and Liz vow to get even with him by switching places and making him flub his lines even more so than usual. So, they do a lot of switches during filming, but then they’re called back to LA once they get home to reshoot because of Brandon. The show is live. The party scene where Jessica is supposed to look thrilled because Brandon choose her, Jessica tells Brandon she doesn’t choose him/ She’s in love with a guy named Sam and throws her drink in his face. After this she and Sam make up. Jessica thinks she blew it after this but instead the director blast Brandon and Mark out and then later calls and offers them parts as regulars. Jessica says they’ll get back with him. Liz also decides to not take any more articles for the Times and wait until the summer to write the articles as a part time job.
My Thoughts
As many books now in this series that Jessica has proven herself to be a master manipulator, I was just surprised that it took her so long to catch on to Brandon’s game. Then I just thought that I’m not sure if I could ever date a celebrity for this reason. I know they probably ALL aren’t this, but you’d always have to be weary and on your game that because they’re in the public eye and always the object of some woman’s desire that if they haven’t slipped up and stepped out they might. Or maybe that’s just my own insecurity rearing it’s head. It would always tho be a toss up-with a very large chance they wouldn’t be what you’ve fantasized them to be.
I also thought how hard it must be to be related to someone that you could never really trust a thing they said because they’d always be trying to run a scheme on you. I did want Liz to leave Jessica hanging in this one. I can see a career in soaps for Jess, but just for once I want Liz to stand up for herself and MEAN IT. She goes through book after book where she tells herself (and us) that she’s in no way gonna do it this time. And for a minute in this one she held out. Tho I have to admit that writing for the LA Times would be a very hard thing to turn down-being a writer myself-.
Rating: 6
Jessica goes on and on to Lila about how the audition for “The Young and the Beautiful” (her favorite soap) and how she and Liz will be picked for the guest role of the twins. Then she’ll be ssure to get that new Jeep Wrangler. Her parents after all won’t want them to drive back and forth in something that’s not safe. Not only that she’ll get to meet Brandon (the lead actor) and he’ll fall instantly for her and take her to all the big time Hollywood events. But Liz says it’s just not her thing. She hates “The Young and the Beautiful”. No one on the show can act and to her there just like beauty contest. They don’t value anything but looks. She’ll be too busy spending time with Todd and submitting articles to see if she can actually get paid for them.
Amy is having a party at her place. Jessica before it starts tries to butter Liz up by telling her (her) eyes match her lue and they’d be perfet on film. In the car, Sam talks about a race that he’ll be leaving for in Stanta Barbara. Jessica invites herself along to check out the antique shops. Sam invites Liz but she says she has plans with Todd-although she really doesn’t want to be bothered with Jessica-. Everyone at the party can’t believe Liz doesn’t want to adution. Lila says she’d do it for the hot men. Terri says she’d do it it get the inside scoop on what goes on in the studio. Then they say that some actresses and actors on soaps make a lot of money (thousands). But Liz points out no amount was ever mentioned. It just said they’d get a stipend.
Todd arrives and he and Liz go some place private. Liz events to Todd about Jessica’s many tatics. Ne which was guilt -reminding her how she helped in the diary incident-. Todd says Liz has helped her too so they’re even. They then leave to go to his place. Lila gives Jessica some advice. Stop pressuring Liz and then do something sneaky. She tells her to write a fake letter that says it’s from a marketing research company about twins inviting her to come to their study. Only take her to the studio and once there she’ll agree to the audition. Jessica stays the night at Lila’s and they compose and mail the letter.
Liz gets the mail on Monday and sees the letter from “California Associaites”. It says it’s about a market group that wants to hold a discussion about the likes and dislikes of twins. All travel expenses will be paid for and an additional fifty dollars given. Jessica lets Liz “convince” her into going (even though she won’t even consider a trate. Jessica mentions if she goes with her to the discussion, Liz should go with her to the audion, but Liz says no chance). Liz has a change of heart and tells Todd at lunch, she’s decided to go out for the audition and she’ll tell Jessica after the discussion group.
When they get to LA (Surpise! Surprise!) the location is a movie studio. Liz still hasn’t caught on. Jessica says maybe they’ll film the discussion. Liz sees some other lond twins and thinks they’re in the right place. Liz starts to get a funny feeling when the receptionist directs them to the room and wishes them good luck. When they get to the room there are 20 sets of twins and one of the twins comments on the waiting being bad and how thick the tension is. Then a lady comes in room -with a horn shaped hairdo- and sequins. She says she’ll call there names, they’ll go in and read, and then they’ll get a call back. Then Liz realizes she’s been tricked yet again by jessica. Liz tries to get a word with Jessica in private, but she brushes her off. Liz tells her she’s not just going to roll over this time. So, now everyone in the room is looking at her. Liz goes to walk out but Jessica pleads with her to stay. It doesn’t work, Liz tells her she’ll wait ten minutes for her but if she’s not there she can find her own way back. The girls start to whisper and talk about them, but the Unicorn haired lady is impressed and tells them they got the roles of Tiffany and Heather. She thought it was there audition and the other girls wish they’d thought of it.
The lady says she’s the casting directior and her name is Natasha. Jessica will play Heather the demure one and Liz can play Tiffany the more fiery twin. She gives her the contracts and the script and invites her to a come to the set to get familiar with it. She also invites the twins to a cast luncheon the next day. Jessica agrees to come. Liz gives her the silent treatment all the way home and then tells her nothing she can say will make her take the role. She and Sam also have a fight because she’s too distracted to pay him any attention on their date and tells her maybe Liz is right. All she does is think of herself. He advises her to give up before it gets worse with Liz.
Jessica gets her parents to go to the La (and the luncheon) by saying she’ll be under the watch of Mr. Fowler. When people ask her where Liz is Jess says she’s not feeling well. Jessica is introduced to the cast. Right away Brandon is very attentive. Then they tell her about the plot line of Heather and Tiffany fighting over Brandon. Brandon says she’s the twin that will win of couse because she’s already stolen his heart (rolls eyes). After proving she’s way too into this guys life, she finds out he always likes water skiing and suba diving. She tries to tell him about when she was kidnapped but he just says that’s nice ands tarts to talk about himself again. But Jessica is just happy he’s paid attention to her all day. Bradon asks is she busy that night for a party at a singers mansion (Bill Lacey). He’s having a video release. So, she tells him yes.
Jessica gets a call from Brandon later and he says he’s tired up in a meeting and will send his driver for her. Bill is pretty nice. Brandon spends the majority of the party talking to other people and leaving Jessica by herself, but she understands that’s just how it is. He’s a big time celebrity after all. So, she amuses herself with Steve-who plays in Bill’s band. (Until Brandon comes back). To make up for not being able to stay with her he invites her to a movie premire the next day. She says she’ll have to be back in time for school and her parents will want to meet him. (They were a little reluctant about the party). But he says that’s ok. She tells him she’s having the time of her lfe and he says he’s glad.
Alice and Ned seem to like Brandon. He’s a gentleman. It’s all over school, because of the photos at the party about the party and the twins role. Jessica hasn’t told Natasha that Liz might not be interested. She’s still hoping she’ll change her mind. Sam pulls Jessica away from her crowd of admirers telling them about the premier and the party at the Dairi Burger. He asks her to go out with him but she says she can’t. She has homework to catch up on. He walks out after saying she’s turning into someone he doesn’t know anymore. Someone who cares more about fame. SMH SAM. If you didn’t ALREADY know that. Jessica watches him go and thinks what good if having a boyfriend if he can’t be supportive.
Jessica makes another attempt with Liz, but nothings changed. Jessica talks to Lila about Liz and Sam. Jessica says its like Sam’s jealous. Lila says well duh. But Jessica insists the thing with Brandon is all in fun and about the contacts. Tho she does admit she’s falling slightly for him. But she brushes if off and says she needs to concentrate on getting Liz to change her mind. Amy comes over and shows them a spread of student activities on the Oracle. Jessica then gets an idea because the spread is so good. Liz has always wanted to write for a big paper like the Times. So she goes home and types up a letter to the editor of the Times if he’d like a series of articles about what goes on (on) set. Then she adds some copies of Liz’s best work (including the spread). She asks Lila to conver for her so she can deliver the contracts and the letter to the Times.
Liz expresses her concerns to her mother, Todd, and Enid (and Hugh). Her mother says its up to her and she’ll support whatever she decides (after she’s told her how mind numbing soap dialogue is and how Jess expects her to do this because of the diary incident). She tells her friends her worries about Brandon (she suspects) only wanting to use Jessica. Then there’s Sam. But she says she also has good news. Her dad is considering getting them the jeep. Todd agrees to go with them to look at some at the dealership. Jessica doesn’t know about it because she’s been on another Planant with the soap stuff. So, they all go to the dealership and Liz helps negogiate a great deal. Jessica can’t be more thrilled when she sees the new car.
Mr. Grant (the publisher of the Times) calls and hires Liz a nice sum to turn in three articles. She realizes again what’s happened and confronts jessica. Only she knows she can’t turn this down so she agrees to do the show. Fascinated by what she’s learned on set she begins to take notes. Liz interviews the camera people, the techicinans, and the director (the behind the scenes people). Then she meets Brandon and the others. Branon tells Natasha to make sure they wear necklaces so he’ll know which is which (at least make sure jessica wears one). He stikes Liz as kinda rude. Then he tells Liz he hopes he’ll get an interview. She says he will but later. Then they tell them how filming will go (in the morning so they can get back to school), Brandon offers to run lines with Liz and Jessica and then therey told when blocking and filming will be. Also they’re told to stop by wardrobe and get there clothes for next week.
When Liz looks up Brandon’s already ywalked over with Jessica and she thinks she hopes she doesn’t get the guy because she doesn’t want him. Sunday’s rehearsal goes well. Monday they film. Liz tries to talk to jess about Sam but she just says he’s upset because she’s been so busy. When they go to do the first scene, (which has to do with Tiffany pretending to be Heather) Brandon bitches he isn’t ready foro that scene. HE’s ready for the restrautant scene and it’s not his fault they had to change it for school likds. Jessica hops to his defense. Liz says he’s suppose to be a professional. His ego continues to get worse until Liz thinks not even Bruce is that bad. Brandon keeps forgetting his lines but blames the twins and storms off to his dressing room. The director apologizes and says it happens everyday but please don’t put it in print. Liz says she will.
It takes six tries, but Liz still finds his performance flat and uninspiring. Jessica tho is still star struck as ever. She says probably just “an off day”. She’s excited because Brandon’s taking her to Sago. Liz again tries to bring up Sam, but Jessica tells her that’s what he gets for walking out on her. Then she says she’s falling for Brandon because he knows what life in the spotlight is like and can accept the damnds. Liz later tells Todd that she’s finding it hard to keep up with the show, school, and the articles, but she got to speak to the editor and he liked the first article and looks forward to the next two. It’ll be published Thursday and now she has enough money for her computer.
Weirdly Sam comes over in a Batman costume with flowers and whisk Jessica away (after kissing her passionately in front of everyone) to spend some alone time. OH KAAAY! Was this one of her fantasies or something? Sam takes her to the beach and demads to know what’s up. He kmows she’s been out with Brandon and says everyone is talking about she’s having an affair on him. She says it’s just publicty. He says he can take publicty but she’s making him look like a fool. Jessica manuevers her way out of talking to him further about their relationship. She’s just trying to wait and see what happens after her part is up. She goes on and on and on tho about her new career. Until he tells her he can’t take it anymore. So he tells her CHOOS(him or Brandon). She says Brandon and leaves him there stranded.
The twins finish their next to the last scene. The conversation turns to Brandon and Jess tells Liz about the fight she an Sam had. Natasha gives the twins good news that they might have more story lines for them if the contracts are renewed. Jess goes to tell Brandon but hears him talking to his co-star that he’s just been playing her for the publicty. Still, she convinces herself he can’t be talking about her. At an awards show, Jessica finally realizes how much of a fake Brandon is. He brushes her off all evening to be with others, acts phony in front of the cameras, and consistently talks about himself (only she realizes all the things he’s calimed to have done are from movie plots). She and Liz vow to get even with him by switching places and making him flub his lines even more so than usual. So, they do a lot of switches during filming, but then they’re called back to LA once they get home to reshoot because of Brandon. The show is live. The party scene where Jessica is supposed to look thrilled because Brandon choose her, Jessica tells Brandon she doesn’t choose him/ She’s in love with a guy named Sam and throws her drink in his face. After this she and Sam make up. Jessica thinks she blew it after this but instead the director blast Brandon and Mark out and then later calls and offers them parts as regulars. Jessica says they’ll get back with him. Liz also decides to not take any more articles for the Times and wait until the summer to write the articles as a part time job.
My Thoughts
As many books now in this series that Jessica has proven herself to be a master manipulator, I was just surprised that it took her so long to catch on to Brandon’s game. Then I just thought that I’m not sure if I could ever date a celebrity for this reason. I know they probably ALL aren’t this, but you’d always have to be weary and on your game that because they’re in the public eye and always the object of some woman’s desire that if they haven’t slipped up and stepped out they might. Or maybe that’s just my own insecurity rearing it’s head. It would always tho be a toss up-with a very large chance they wouldn’t be what you’ve fantasized them to be.
I also thought how hard it must be to be related to someone that you could never really trust a thing they said because they’d always be trying to run a scheme on you. I did want Liz to leave Jessica hanging in this one. I can see a career in soaps for Jess, but just for once I want Liz to stand up for herself and MEAN IT. She goes through book after book where she tells herself (and us) that she’s in no way gonna do it this time. And for a minute in this one she held out. Tho I have to admit that writing for the LA Times would be a very hard thing to turn down-being a writer myself-.
Rating: 6
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
The twins land parts on a soap opera for a week. Drama ensues. Automatic 4 stars for that premise alone.
June 30, 2024
Good as I remember it! This series is awesome!
December 14, 2023
Classic sweet valley story with a Hollywood twist. Also rest in peace to the red spider fiat who has been upgraded to a Jeep!
February 22, 2008
The Plot: The A and B plot are so closely entwined, that it would make no sense at all to record them one by one, so here they are in a glorious mixture.
Jessica's favourite soap opera, The Young and the Beautiful are holding auditions for identical twins as they need a new love-interest tangle for the show's 'stud', Brandon Hunter. Naturally Jessica immediate figures that all she needs to do is to get Liz to agree to show up for the audition and they'll be hired on the spot! Unfortunately it doesn't work out quite that easily, as Liz doesn't want to have anything to do with the soap opera business at all, as it's demeaning to women - just like beauty pagents. For once I'm with Jess. I'm no fan of soap operas either, but I would JUMP at the chance to actually star in one! Seriously, how COOL would that be?! But I digress.
Jess (with the help of Lila) tricks Liz to show up to the audition, but she blows up in very un-Liz-more-like-Jess fashion, rages at Jess for tricking her and storms out. Jess is mortified, but soon regains her composure when she realizes that the casting director mistakes the scene for a well-planned out audition, and casts them as Heather and Tiffany - ironically casting Jess as the demure Heather, and Liz as the firery Tiffany based on their 'audition'. I've yet to hear of ANY show that'd cast actors after just ONE audition, and even without seeing any of the others perform. There's always at least ONE callback, but of course since we all know what the result would be anyway, I guess that'd just be wasted space.
Liz still wants nothing to do with the show, until Jess has the brilliant idea to contact the L.A. Times, pretending to be Liz and offer to write a series of 'Behind the scenes' articles of the show. They immediately call Liz back, to say they're very impressed by her writing, and would love to see her articles. With such a carrot, even Liz can no longer refuse, and the Wakefield-twins' week of stardom can start!
TYATB-heartthrob Brandon Hunter immediately singles out Jessica and throws all his charm upon her, and of course Jessica is happy to accept. However, in the first scene with him, we, the readers, are shown what a fake and arrogant sod he really is:
"You like to live on the edge," Jessica commented.
"Is there any other way to live?"
"None that I can think of," she agreed. "I've had a few death-defying experiences of my own. There was the time I was taken hostage by a drug smuggler, and--"
"That's very interesting, Jessie," Brandon said quickly. "Did I tell you that I climbed Mount Whitney in January?"
Obviously, nobody else is allowed to outshine him EVER! Jess gobbles it up though, and never dreams that he's not totally into her, especially as he takes her on one fascinating date after the other, allowing her to experience Life As A Star.
As the rehearsals and shooting take place, it becomes more and more obvious what a brat Brandon really is. He can't act, he can't remember his lines, and he blames it on everybody else. Liz sees through him right away of course, but Jess is totally oblivious to all his faults.
Sam is less than thrilled with Jess' trip to stardom though. He doesn't like reading about her in the tabloids, and feels left out and neglected. Usually I'd agree with him, but this is one case where I actually think he should just let her run with it. It's all of one week! How neglected can he have time to feel? I never thought I should say this, but in this book Todd is the sensible one, and Sam is the one to go totally overboard. Sure, Jess is completely starstruck, but that's who she is! Sam knew that when he started going out with her. He finally gives her an ultimatum - Brandon or him! Jessica does NOT take well to accusations (even ones based on fact) nor ultimatums, so she picks Brandon, and drives off in their new jeep, leaving Sam stranded on the beach.
However, the very next day Jess overhears Brandon talking to the producer about how he's using Jess for media attention and to raise the ratings, but that he can't wait for her to go back to high school, so he can dump her and go back to chasing older women instead. Jess is shocked, hurt and offended and does not intend to let him 'die in his sin' as we say in Danish, so she and Liz concucts a plan to bring him as off-kilter as at all possible for the last scene - never doing anything that will actually make the shot, but making sure to confuse and distract him as much as at all possible. However, they make such a good job of it that once Brandon watches the shots, he decides that they're awful! (read: he doesn't want to come across as a fool on national television) and they have to do them over, meaning that they shoot the scene LIVE! (AS IF!) Jess uses this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get back at Brandon AND tell Sam that she loves him on national television! Brandon is naturally enraged, and even the director isn't too pleased, until he hears what Brandon has been up to, after which he thinks it's a perfectly reasonable punishment, and is even more impressed by Liz and Jess' acting than ever before, and offers them to extend their contract.
Back home Sam had seen the episode and immediately forgives Jess, and they live happily ever after.
The List:
* What show uses only 4 hours to shoot an entire episode, which is meant to air THAT VERY SAME EVENING? I've yet to follow any show that didn't shoot months - or at least a week - in advance.
* Liz is out to buy a jeep for her and Jess (without Jess along too? That doesn't seem very nice! Even I'd be annoyed if I were Jess.) and immediately impresses the salesman with her knowledge of cars and no-bullshit attitude. I don't know that much about cars NOW, yet alone when I had had my license for a year at most!
* The most amazing outfit yet to have been described in the series belongs to the casting director: "The woman had the most amazing hairdo she had ever seen. It was twisted into a single, unicorn-type horn on the front of her head and wrapped in multicoloured ribbons. More ribbons dangled from her ears and blended with her blouse, which was also a kaleidoscope of ribbons. Her pants were skintight white leather, and her shoes were sequined. Sequins in the daytime!. Elizabeth resisted the impulse to bust out laughing." Yeah, I would have been hard pressed not to laugh too.
Jessica's favourite soap opera, The Young and the Beautiful are holding auditions for identical twins as they need a new love-interest tangle for the show's 'stud', Brandon Hunter. Naturally Jessica immediate figures that all she needs to do is to get Liz to agree to show up for the audition and they'll be hired on the spot! Unfortunately it doesn't work out quite that easily, as Liz doesn't want to have anything to do with the soap opera business at all, as it's demeaning to women - just like beauty pagents. For once I'm with Jess. I'm no fan of soap operas either, but I would JUMP at the chance to actually star in one! Seriously, how COOL would that be?! But I digress.
Jess (with the help of Lila) tricks Liz to show up to the audition, but she blows up in very un-Liz-more-like-Jess fashion, rages at Jess for tricking her and storms out. Jess is mortified, but soon regains her composure when she realizes that the casting director mistakes the scene for a well-planned out audition, and casts them as Heather and Tiffany - ironically casting Jess as the demure Heather, and Liz as the firery Tiffany based on their 'audition'. I've yet to hear of ANY show that'd cast actors after just ONE audition, and even without seeing any of the others perform. There's always at least ONE callback, but of course since we all know what the result would be anyway, I guess that'd just be wasted space.
Liz still wants nothing to do with the show, until Jess has the brilliant idea to contact the L.A. Times, pretending to be Liz and offer to write a series of 'Behind the scenes' articles of the show. They immediately call Liz back, to say they're very impressed by her writing, and would love to see her articles. With such a carrot, even Liz can no longer refuse, and the Wakefield-twins' week of stardom can start!
TYATB-heartthrob Brandon Hunter immediately singles out Jessica and throws all his charm upon her, and of course Jessica is happy to accept. However, in the first scene with him, we, the readers, are shown what a fake and arrogant sod he really is:
"You like to live on the edge," Jessica commented.
"Is there any other way to live?"
"None that I can think of," she agreed. "I've had a few death-defying experiences of my own. There was the time I was taken hostage by a drug smuggler, and--"
"That's very interesting, Jessie," Brandon said quickly. "Did I tell you that I climbed Mount Whitney in January?"
Obviously, nobody else is allowed to outshine him EVER! Jess gobbles it up though, and never dreams that he's not totally into her, especially as he takes her on one fascinating date after the other, allowing her to experience Life As A Star.
As the rehearsals and shooting take place, it becomes more and more obvious what a brat Brandon really is. He can't act, he can't remember his lines, and he blames it on everybody else. Liz sees through him right away of course, but Jess is totally oblivious to all his faults.
Sam is less than thrilled with Jess' trip to stardom though. He doesn't like reading about her in the tabloids, and feels left out and neglected. Usually I'd agree with him, but this is one case where I actually think he should just let her run with it. It's all of one week! How neglected can he have time to feel? I never thought I should say this, but in this book Todd is the sensible one, and Sam is the one to go totally overboard. Sure, Jess is completely starstruck, but that's who she is! Sam knew that when he started going out with her. He finally gives her an ultimatum - Brandon or him! Jessica does NOT take well to accusations (even ones based on fact) nor ultimatums, so she picks Brandon, and drives off in their new jeep, leaving Sam stranded on the beach.
However, the very next day Jess overhears Brandon talking to the producer about how he's using Jess for media attention and to raise the ratings, but that he can't wait for her to go back to high school, so he can dump her and go back to chasing older women instead. Jess is shocked, hurt and offended and does not intend to let him 'die in his sin' as we say in Danish, so she and Liz concucts a plan to bring him as off-kilter as at all possible for the last scene - never doing anything that will actually make the shot, but making sure to confuse and distract him as much as at all possible. However, they make such a good job of it that once Brandon watches the shots, he decides that they're awful! (read: he doesn't want to come across as a fool on national television) and they have to do them over, meaning that they shoot the scene LIVE! (AS IF!) Jess uses this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get back at Brandon AND tell Sam that she loves him on national television! Brandon is naturally enraged, and even the director isn't too pleased, until he hears what Brandon has been up to, after which he thinks it's a perfectly reasonable punishment, and is even more impressed by Liz and Jess' acting than ever before, and offers them to extend their contract.
Back home Sam had seen the episode and immediately forgives Jess, and they live happily ever after.
The List:
* What show uses only 4 hours to shoot an entire episode, which is meant to air THAT VERY SAME EVENING? I've yet to follow any show that didn't shoot months - or at least a week - in advance.
* Liz is out to buy a jeep for her and Jess (without Jess along too? That doesn't seem very nice! Even I'd be annoyed if I were Jess.) and immediately impresses the salesman with her knowledge of cars and no-bullshit attitude. I don't know that much about cars NOW, yet alone when I had had my license for a year at most!
* The most amazing outfit yet to have been described in the series belongs to the casting director: "The woman had the most amazing hairdo she had ever seen. It was twisted into a single, unicorn-type horn on the front of her head and wrapped in multicoloured ribbons. More ribbons dangled from her ears and blended with her blouse, which was also a kaleidoscope of ribbons. Her pants were skintight white leather, and her shoes were sequined. Sequins in the daytime!. Elizabeth resisted the impulse to bust out laughing." Yeah, I would have been hard pressed not to laugh too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2021
This is definitely one of those little-kid-daydream SVH books. Jessica's favorite soap opera is holding auditions for teenaged twins for a week long story arc, so when Liz says "no thanks", Jessica tricks her into showing up at the auditions with her, and Liz throws a giant shit fit, which the casting director thinks IS their audition and gives them the roles of Heather and Tiffany on the show. Jessica, There's more drama about Liz not wanting to do the show, but doing it anyway, and Jessica fighting with Sam over how much time she is spending with the 22 year old star of the show, who takes Jessica to house parties and movie premieres with tons of LA famous folks and Jessica loves it, even if the guy is an arrogant ass. Will Jessica let the fame go to her head? Will Sam ever forgive her? Will she pout if she gets a Jeep without sparkly purple trim? I actually liked this book- it was fun and stupid.
May 8, 2020
This is another one that I only read once, but it seems like I’ve read it countless times because it’s recapped in “Jessica’s Secret Diary 3”.
This one is actually really good, and I had a blast reading it. And once again, I’m reminded of what an amazing boyfriend Sam was, and I’m really bummed that he’ll be gone soon.
This one is actually really good, and I had a blast reading it. And once again, I’m reminded of what an amazing boyfriend Sam was, and I’m really bummed that he’ll be gone soon.
December 15, 2021
Jess brilliantly manipulates Liz into being on a TV soap, and she soon falls for the charm of heartthrob Brandon who squires her about LA (despite lovely BF Sam waiting not so patiently in SV)
Jess finally realises Brandon is using her, and the twins give him his comeuppance live on national TV
Jess finally realises Brandon is using her, and the twins give him his comeuppance live on national TV
February 6, 2021
Fun read
May 30, 2025
Exiting book
I love the book..will love to read it again. It's an exciting and good story line. The role between Jessica with Sam and Brandon.
I love the book..will love to read it again. It's an exciting and good story line. The role between Jessica with Sam and Brandon.
January 5, 2012
The twins decided to appear in the soap The Young and The Beautiful in order to buy a new jeep. This of course was successfully done with a whole lot of nudging from Jessica (read: manipulation). It resulted in them being casted in roles that's the exact opposites of their given stock personalities.
Meanwhile Jessica parades around like she owns the town (but then yes, in Pascal's realm that is basically the case) since she gets to be a soap star (albeit for only a week) plus she gets to date the slimy Brandon Hunter, the star of the show. What's ironic is that here's a guy who spends more time in front of the mirror compared to Jessica but of course she views him as a kindred soul. In the end, I do think Jessica got what was coming to her based on Brandon's treatment. How's that for getting a dose of her own medicine, eh?
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title: Soap Star (Sweet Valley High, #85)
Author: Francine Pascal
Reviewed By: Purplycookie
Meanwhile Jessica parades around like she owns the town (but then yes, in Pascal's realm that is basically the case) since she gets to be a soap star (albeit for only a week) plus she gets to date the slimy Brandon Hunter, the star of the show. What's ironic is that here's a guy who spends more time in front of the mirror compared to Jessica but of course she views him as a kindred soul. In the end, I do think Jessica got what was coming to her based on Brandon's treatment. How's that for getting a dose of her own medicine, eh?
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title: Soap Star (Sweet Valley High, #85)
Author: Francine Pascal
Reviewed By: Purplycookie
April 4, 2016
3 1/2 stars.
It was nice to have quite a few Wakefield twin focused books in a row, and this was yet another one, and it was again very enjoyable. Jessica was in top form and that’s always a lot of fun. The whole auditioning process was a bit hokey, but hey, it got us there. It was also nice to see the twins teaming up to get a little revenge of Brandon the douche.
It was nice to have quite a few Wakefield twin focused books in a row, and this was yet another one, and it was again very enjoyable. Jessica was in top form and that’s always a lot of fun. The whole auditioning process was a bit hokey, but hey, it got us there. It was also nice to see the twins teaming up to get a little revenge of Brandon the douche.
October 2, 2013
I was so obsessed with this series as a kid, and now I just laugh and laugh when I read it. It's still well written and entertaining, don't get me wrong; it's just that my own perception has changed so much.
October 24, 2010
Love, love, love the twins. Loved the adventure, loved the drama, loved the pre-90210 that was my Dynasty.
April 18, 2012
It was an okay book, not the best out of the series. Found myself getting really annoyed with the twins and how they are kind of "Mary Sue's" throughout the book.
June 21, 2013
I remember the cover but just not the story.
Read
April 26, 2015I couldn't figure out who the "heartthrob" on the cover reminded me of, he looks a bit like Sean Penn, but obviously no one would consider Sean Penn attractive...then I remembered - 1992.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews