Competing with the Star

Star #2

by Krysten Lindsay Hager

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2021

About the author

I write YA and contemporary novels with hope, humor and happily ever afters, as well as dealing with self-doubt and finding where you belong.

Keep up with Krysten on all the platforms:
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Reviews

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadley's life seems to be a lot better now that she's living in Grand Haven. She has several great new friends, she can see her grandparents and favorite aunt as often as she likes and she also has a boyfriend, Nick. Nick is a great guy, he's handsome and he's sweet. He and Hadley are really good friends as well and they can talk about anything. Their relationship isn't perfect though, because Hadly isn't the only girl who likes Nick. There are several other girls who would love to date him. One of them is former TV star Simone Hendrickson. How can Hadley compete with someone who's famous, who looks perfect and who used to be Nick's biggest crush?

Krysten Lindsay Hager's stories are always realistic. Everything that happens could have actually happened in real life. Things are never over the top and they don't have to be. She writes about friendship, first boyfriends and the good and bad sides of life in a beautiful way. Hadley is kind and caring and the same goes for Nick. He loves his grandfather very much and there's an amazing scene in a retirement home that brought tears to my eyes. There's a good balance between happy and sad moments which keeps the story genuine.

Hadley is a little bit insecure and dealing with friend and boyfriend trouble is tough. Especially since she hasn't had much time to decide where her loyalties lie because she's just moved to a new town. Believing either the guy you like or the girl you look up to isn't an easy decision and it was interesting to see what she would do. Sometimes it's a struggle to grow up, especially when there are so many new impressions and people to connect with. I liked the subject and Krysten Lindsay Hager's vivid way of writing makes the story come to life really well.

Competing With The Star is the second book in a series. I advise you to read Next Door To A Star first. It isn't a must, but it makes you understand the story a little bit better. It was fun to read more about the same characters. I love this series and highly recommend it to both teenagers and adults. For me Krysten Lindsay Hager's books always mean a wonderful trip down memory lane.

[Rachel Auer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate to do this. I really do. But the further I got into the book, the more I couldn't let myself not give this a 1 star.

First thing's first, I understand what it's like to be a teenager in love with a boy who you don't know if he likes you or not. But the way Hadley was questioning every 2 seconds whether he actually liked her or Simone or some other girl was driving me nuts. If a guy tells you he loves you, you believe him. You don't get happy for 1 second and then start questioning it before your next breath. You believe him till someone or something tells you otherwise, and then you question it. But Hadley would be like, "I love him!" and then he'd text her that he loved her, and she'd be unsure if she loved him enough to put it into writing.

Clearly, she was also not ready for a relationship if she can't handle the fact that he used to have other girlfriends. I get being jealous and comparing yourself to the previous relationships. That part made sense. But it didn't matter what her friends or aunt or boyfriend said, she could not get over the fact that he and Reagan used to date. But what was worse was that she couldn't get over the fact that he used to have a CRUSH on Simone. Not even a relationship. A simple crush. It was absolutely crazy.

And how could Hadley be convinced she loved a guy she didn't trust? This was before she found out Simone and Nick kissed. She was questioning everything before that.

I'm sorry, I just couldn't get past all the absurdity in this story. None of it felt real. And Hadley really felt like her own antagonist. Not Simone. I can't speak for the first book in the series, but this one just didn't make sense, and these two need to break up.

*I won this in a Goodreads giveaway*

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the feels! Krysten Lindsay Hager has a way of drawing me right back to my high school days with her writing--feelings and all. This book is a continuation of Next Door to a Star. Hadley is now settling in and a new boyfriend, Nick, really helps her feel like she belongs. What girl hasn't felt insecure at one time or another when trying to figure out if "he loves me, he loves me not?" Hadley is real. She has real struggles, real strengths, real reactions, and real emotions. Nick once had a crush on former TV star, Simone, and although Simone swears her friendship with Hadley means more to than anything, but oftentimes, actions speak louder than words and Simone is an actress...

Nick is a great boyfriend, especially for a first relationship, as he and Hadley have a lot in common. Many assumptions lead to drama and realizations as Hadley, Nick, and their friends try and navigate the confusing roads of teenage life. I love how this story seems to unfold like a TV show--easy to picture and imagine. The characters and situations are vibrant, almost leaping off the pages and I felt like I was either a fly on the wall or a silent friend, sitting smack in the thick of it. I love the dynamics and can't wait for more to the story!

Content: mild romance, one expletive, nothing else of note. Clean!

*I received a copy through HEA Book Tours in exchange for an honest review*

[Taylor Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Competing With the Star was a fun an entertaining read. I really enjoyed reading about Hadley trying to fit in, and experiencing her first real relationship. I've said this before, but I will say it again. Hager does an impeccable job capturing the emotions of this age group. Reading this novel made me feel like I was back into my teenage body, experiencing all of the emotions I felt in high school. Boys, friends, and enemies can surely make life complicated, especially when one of your friends is determined to ruin your relationship for you.

This novel was a definite 5 stars, and I couldn't put it down. I was in Santorini relaxing on the beach and all I could think about was what was going to happen next. I enjoyed this second novel in the series even more than the first. My favorite character was Nick. He is definitely a perfect book boyfriend. I hope that there is another novel in this series! I want more!

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadley is very happy with her life now that she's living in Grand Haven. She has found some great friends and enjoys being with her family. Hadley and her boyfriend Nick have been dating for a while and Hadley is glad she's found such a good guy. Nick is a handsome and popular boy and Hadley soon finds out that she has more competition than she thought. Hadley has been friends with Simone, a beautiful former TV star. However, Hadley finds out that Nick used to have a huge crush on Simone and rumors start to spread, who will she believe?

Hadley is such a sweet girl. She isn't used to having a group of friends and she finds it hard to stand up for herself. Not everyone in this group is nice and some girls can be incredibly hateful. I loved reading about the dynamics of these teenage boys and girls. Besides the fascinating teenage drama Competing With The Star also has a more serious side. Nick has a strong bond with his grandfather and he visits him often in the retirement home. Being close to my own grandmother as well reading about his visits sometimes brought tears to my eyes.

Competing With The Star is a story about the life of teenagers. It shows you how they survive in a world with insecurities, first loves and new friendships. Krysten Lindsay Hager perfectly captures the essence of what being a teenager is really like. Just by reading the story I would have thought Krysten Lindsay Hager to still be a teenager herself. I know she isn't and therefore I admire even more how she manages to write like she is one. I've loved The Star series ever since I read the first book Next Door to a Star and would definitely like to read more about Hadley and her friends.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Competing With the Star is the second book in the Star series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. It follows on from the first book, Next Door to a Star- so I recommend reading that book before starting on this one. It will give you all the background information, character introductions, and other important information which will enhance your reading experience of this book.
Something Ms. Hager does well is write from a teenage perspective- delving into all the issues, drama, and angst that plague our teenage years. But her story is also full of emotion, young love, heartache, jealousy, betrayal, assumptions, insecurities, rumours, and friendship- giving us a window into high school life.
Hadley Daniels ‘perfect’ life is about to get a bit of a shake-up…. Life in Grand Haven seemed to be the answer to all her prayers- so what could possibly go wrong? Dive in to find out.

Thank you, Krysten Lindsay Hager!

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager

Competing with the Star is the second book in the Star Series by Kristen Lindsay Hager. This is a fast paced sweet romance that I truly enjoyed reading. There’s the right amount of drama that kept me turning the pages. The characters are well developed and very relatable. Hadley is a young teen who has moved to a new town and ends up falling for a boy of her dreams. What will happen when she finds out her dream boyfriend likes her friend? Find out what happens next in this absolute must read. Im a huge fan of this author and I cant wait to read more

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This sweet YA Romance by Krysten Lindsay Hager, Competing with the Star is the second book in the series. As I said before Krysten is known for her YA romances and it is what she does best. It is full of drama and angst, insecurity and anxiety, jealousy, and high emotions makes life hard enough as a teenager but without confidence and trust self-doubt is a bad thing. Mean girls and bullies, lies and deceit, love, and betrayal and so much more will delight YA readers.

Just who should she believe?

[Karyn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Competing With The Star is the follow-up book to Next Door To The Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager. It is a sweet young adult romance that I really enjoyed (although I’m far from a young adult these days, lol). I had enjoyed Next Door To The Star but I must say that I enjoyed this book more than the first one.
Having moved next door to tv star Simone and becoming friends with her, Hadley is now struggling when she finds out that her boyfriend Nick used to be totally infatuated with Simone. She feels that she can’t compete with the beautiful former tv star. It’s her first ever boyfriend and she doesn’t know how to deal with it.
Added to the is the group of girls she now hangs around with. I mentioned in my review of the first book that every teenage girl should read the book. Well they should then follow it with this one. It’s such an accurate representation of how cliquey, bitchy and nasty teenage girls are, even when they are your friend, never mind them being your enemy.
I love Hadley’s character and see a lot of my teenage self in her. I never really felt that I fitted in with any group of girls and felt like an outsider at times. She’s a fantastic character that I’m sure a lot of teenage girls can relate to.
Another must read for all teenage girls.

[Kristyn - Reading to Unwind · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Hadley a teenager who is a sophomore in high school and is completely told from her point of view. Since she just moved recently into town she is trying to find her place at a new school with new friends. She also just got her first boyfriend Nick. We get to learn a lot about Hadley's friends and also the relationship that she has with each of them throughout the book.

I love that the author captured the teenage mind in the book. She did a great job with showing how as a teenager you are move conflicted regarding friendships. Friendships change throughout the years and also when situations pop up you see friends in different lights. When I was younger I felt I questioned my friends motives more then I question my friendships now. As you get older you see who is a true friend and also someone you can turn to in any situation. I think since Hadley is so young she really hasn't figure out how to use her gut yet and determine who is being a true friend.

I also think the author did a great job with conflicting thoughts and gaining self esteem in the book. I think it is hard to gain self esteem now a days since a lot of people want to get everyone's opinion plus everyone is comparing themselves to someone else. I feel this is something that you develop as your life goes on and towards the end of the book we can see Hadley maturing and gaining self esteem. She might not have all the answers by the end of the book, but she is making steps forward in her life. Sometimes getting to many perspectives on a situation doesn't help you need to figure stuff out on your own.

I really enjoyed Pilar as a character in the book. She is a little secondary compared to the Simone and Nick drama, but she turns out to be one of my favorite people in the book. Pilar has a lot going on in her life and she takes the time to really start a meaningful friendship with Hadley. Pilar has a strong family background and is a very strong individual. She really comes into her own when she begins to defend Hadley against the other girls. Sometimes you find deep meaningful friendships with people in the least likely of places.

I had no idea there was a previous book in the series until I wrote up my blog tour post. You don't need to read the first book to understand what is going on this book can be read as a stand alone book. Also, now thinking back regarding the first book in the series I bet I would understand some of the relationships between the characters a little better.

I would suggest this as a night time read, it is easy to pick up and put down. The story is pretty fast paced so you can also read it quickly over the weekend.

I received a copy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hadley moves to Grand Haven, she is not sure what to think, After all, she has to change everything about her life: home, school, friends....

One of her good friends cut contact with her little by little when she moved and so that has left her scarred. The girls at school go round in a group and son't seem to want to have Hadley around. The fight is on....but who will win Nick's heart?

Hadley is quite strong-willed and she does the best she can with what she has.

When she meets Nick, she can't believe he'd be interested in her and is sure he is interested in someone else. Simone is a former TV star and part of the group of girls who make her school life not great.

When Nick talks to her and only her one day, something unique happens in Hadley's life. She is loved by someone other than her parents.

Competing with the Star is the first novel by Krysten Lindsay Hager I have had the pleasure of reviewing. I absolutely loved it as it stirred up my own experiences of falling in love.

I identified with Hadley since I was bullied at school and pushed out of groups and my response was to try and relate to people as best I could in my quest to be included. I wasn't lucky enough to find love as a teen but I always believed I was capable of loving and of being loved.

Both Hadley and Nick were such real characters and Nick's grandfather's journey with Lewy body dementia was eye-opening and humbling, told in a respectful and sensitive way. I had heard of this condition before as found it mentioned in the synopsis of another book and immediately got online to find out more.

I always congratulate authors who raise awareness of a medical condition in their novels as I find it's something that rarely happens, even today. I immediately identify with the character with a medical condition since I live with various disabilities and naturally find empathy easy.

Competing with the Star is far from a slushy romance. It is real, gritty heartwarming sweet and heartbreaking. I was cheering Nick and Hadley on and wanted to start the book again after finishing it.

The ice cream parlor was somewhere I wanted to go and the town was interesting.

I am a fan of realistic romances and this reminded me of All the Bright Places which I am also currently listening to, because of the excellent depiction of sudden bonds formed in unexpected ways and places.

I think I have found a new favourite author and I cannot wait to review more books by Krysten Lindsay Hager.

Thanks to Krysten Lindsay Hager, Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 well-deserved stars.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadley Daniels has just moved to a new town away from her friends and is starting fresh. She has a new group of friends and one of them is former TV Star Simone , this has made Hadley's new friends a group of the popular kids and one guy has caught her eye - Nick . He and Hadley have moved from early friends to dating and now giving a relationship a go . This is hard for Hadley as his ex-girlfriend Regan is a stunner and it seems that everyone wants a bit of Nick including mean girl Morgan who in a way reminded me of Regina George from Mean Girls and Hadley was like newcomer Cady. As the story goes along, we get to catch glimpses of Nick and Hadley's blooming relationship as he takes her along to meet his Grandad in the rest home - during this time , Hadley sees Pilar - she hangs around with the same crowd as her but they haven't been close friends until now. As Nick becomes more serious with Hadley, she starts to hear rumours and things on how Nick used to be obsessed with Simone and how they should be together and it seems that Simone has her claws and her mind set on Nick. Just as Nick and Hadley get serious to the "I love you" point, Simone gets her way with Nick. Hurting Hadley, can Nick prove it was nothing or will Hadley believe Simone's side of the stories and follow the advice of friends before boys ? Or was this a ploy to get Hadley falling further away from Nick, so she could swoop in and have him for herself ? I really enjoyed this story as in a way it does ring true with many of us females feelings of what its like when our current beau still loves his ex or when others are after him or even worse when an ex tries to interfere in your relationship. It can be damaging to our self-esteem and leave us hurting, sometimes heartbroken or wondering are we good enough ?

Find out all this and more in Krysten Lindsay Hager's new book "Competing With the Star".

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review on www.novelgossip.com

Hadley is a typical teenage girl dealing with typical teenage girl problems and issues. At the beginning of the book she’s just started dating Nick. She’s new to town and while she seems to be fitting in just fine, she’s still insecure and self conscious about her place in the world and especially her place in her new high school with her new friends. She’s a sweet, naïve girl who made me think about the person I was in high school. It’s such a hard time, trying to figure out where you fit in all the while trying to navigate high school cliques.

Hadley is a relatable young woman and I think young readers would especially connect with her character. Some of her so called friends tend to play games mean girls style. There’s a lot of drama between her and her group of girlfriends, it reads like a YA soap opera. I don’t say that in a bad way, I like a soap opera myself and high school is a lot like a soap opera at times.

This is the second book in a series and while it was apparent that I was missing some backstory, I wasn’t lost or confused. You can definitely read this as a standalone. This was a nice, clean YA novel with nothing inappropriate whatsoever. It’s the type of book that I would be totally comfortable letting my daughters read when they’re teenagers. It centers around the sweet and cute love story between Hadley and Nick while it coveys a good message about loving and accepting yourself.

It was a light and easy read that I finished in almost one sitting with a good message that wasn’t overpowering or too sophisticated for YA readers. I appreciated the fact that it wasn’t too mature they way some YA books tend to be today.

[Wendy Wary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book in the series. Where I had trouble relating to the obsession about celebrities and trying to fit in to the popular group in the first book, it really built a foundation for book two of the series, where Hadley's character shined a lot brighter. Establishing a solid group of friends to rely on really helped Hadley shine through with more confidence and allowed the author to really show her kind and thoughtful nature, and she seemed to naturally help her newfound friends find their own footing to be themselves in the process, too. Where I felt like Hadley had come off kind of whiny in the first book, her portrayal in Competing With the Star was more relatable and showed her blossoming maturity. The second book almost makes me feel like I wasn't giving her enough credit in the first book, as I really started to love Hadley by the end of the second one. The romance that develops between Hadley and Nick in Competing With the Star is sweet and tender, wrapped in honesty and vulnerability that stands in contrast to the fakeness and passive-agressive rude behavior of some of the others in their larger friends group. I also loved seeing more development of the stories surrounding the main characters' relationships with their elderly family members, especially since that was one of my favorite things about the first novel. Although book two could certainly be read as a standalone, I kind of appreciated all the backstory that book one created for this book to really get the full picture of the characters.

[Lydia's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Motherhood, Books, and More Blog (#MBMB): http://bit.ly/1SBZzXs

I am in a YA-high lately and am truly loving it! I finished this novel a couple of days ago and now all I want to do is go back and read book 1 in the series and see where everything started! Ah! Krysten Lindsay Hager has gained a new fan here! She managed to portray perfectly all the teenage drama and feelings – I felt as if I was back in high school all over again! Fabulous!

In this blog I promote more family friendly-ish books (with an occasional smut, of course! I do read steamy books too!) and this YA novel is perfect for just that, young adults! The reason I say this is because there are some books out there that are categorized in this age group and I wouldn't really consider them age-appropriate. That is NOT the case with this book. Of course, if you're an adult like me and love reading YA books, you will certainly LOVE this one as well. Ms. Hager has a way with words that will hook you from the very first page and take you back in time to those teenage years. Insecurities, drama, back-stabbing – it's all there. Her realistic characters make it incredibly easy to connect with and love.

This book is a must, especially if you're in the mood for an easy read that will capture and keep your attention the entire time!

[Haniya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original Post: http://booknauthors.blogspot.com/2016...


I was excited to read this piece of amazingness! I really liked the first book! It was such a comfy summery read! The second book was even more amazing! I kept reading and reading and reading and just couldn't stop! 

This story revolves around Hadley aka my bae. Her problems are so damn relatable. After having her first real boyfriend, Strange things start happening. Simone is starting to put negative thoughts about Nick inside Hadley's mind. There is something that Nick is hiding too. OMG! Suspense was on point. The author seriously knows how to engulf the reader in her story. Friendship problems, betrayel, bonds break. This story is one hella amazing read.

I highly recommend this series! But this book can be read as a stand-alone too! Just go order it NOW! 

[B.K. Rivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Krysten did a great job getting the voice of a 15-year-old girl down. I felt like I was watching a teenage drama unfold, which, technically I was. The issues of trust and insecurities run throughout the entire book. And as a 15-year-old girl, the issues are spot on. Nick was great, he loves his family, especially his grandfather and his devotion to Hadley was really sweet. Then insert Simone, a girl we all love to dislike—strongly. Krysten did a great job portraying her as an insecure, manipulator with all the teenage angst of Regina George in MEAN GIRLS.


Even though Competing With the Star isn't something I would normally pick up, I would feel confident giving it to my teenage babysitter to read.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadley has girls who say not-so-nice things about her, celebrities who must outshine her, and a mind filled with insecurity. Nick is her boyfriend and he has many amazing qualities, but knowing that Simone—a teen star—wants him can place a rift between them. Romance and the bonds of friendship are tested as Hadley learns about whom to trust and the true qualities of herself and others. This novel had the feel of a spring/summer read. Hadley’s circle of friends and enemies pop out at the reader. Also, there’s always a question about Hadley and Nick’s romance and the status of her friendships that’ll have readers turning the pages. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is based on an ARC provided by the author and /or publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

This was an adorable read. The characters were well written. So much so that the heroine left me disgusted on more than one occasion. Which being high school I am sure it is more than accurate. I know it may come as a shock to you but I have not had to run to a hs classroom in many many eons. :O So kudos to an author that makes me believe in her characters so much I want to twist her heroines head off like a barbie doll. Really it was a nice story though barbie doll aside.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received this book on a read to review basis in exchange for an honest review.**
**Full review will be up on my blog**
I thought that this book was a really light, summery type book to read. While I felt disconnected at times, I blame that more on my mood than the book itself. I really liked reading about the relationships in this book and seeing how tough situations made friendships closer and people grow. The main thing I would complain about the book is that it was really short and I would have liked more length to be able to connect with the characters. I also didn't appreciate one of the "jokes" in the book as it had blind people as the punch line.

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

It's a perfect teenage drama. I loved the characters and the story. I found it to be a fun & entertaining read. Something to enjoy when you feel bored. It has the usual annoying teenage girls who don't make much sense but at the same time, their foolish little problems are somehow more important than we'll ever understand. All in all, it's a great book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It made me laugh and sometimes it made me cringe, and that means it did its job well as a YA novel. ;)

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story really encompasses the high school experience. Friendships and relationships aren't easy and some friendships aren't as great as they seem while others are hidden gems that take time to develop.(I absolutely LOVED this part of the story) I also loved that it was based in Michigan in a town not too far from my own. I didn't read the first story and it would have been very beneficial for the back story that is referred to a few times.

[Kelli Dart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the 2nd book in this series and I liked it just as much if not more than the 1st book. Hadley the main character is learning to navigate and balance life between high school, friends, and boys. She learns a lot about herself in this book. I love the lesson in this series and encourage others to read it regardless of age.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Competing With The Star is the second book in the Star series by Krysten Lindsay Hager.

I highly recommend this series! I really enjoyed this second book and felt I connected with the characters even more than when I read the first book, Next Door to a Star.

Hadley is at her new school with her new friends and her cute boyfriend, Nick. Life is the best it has been for her since she moved to Grand Haven. She and Nick have a great friendship and a great relationship as well and they can talk to each other about just about anything.

When Hadley finds out her boyfriend used to have a huge crush on her best friend Simone, Hadley’s whole world gets shaken up, and not necessarily in a good way! What could possibly go wrong when your best friend is a former TV star?

I really felt connected to this book and series as a whole. Even as an older adult, I could relate to how Hadley felt about that first relationship and the feelings of insecurity and if she was good enough or doing the right things. I could also relate to the friendships, and lack thereof, and how you don’t always know if your friends are who you think they are in the end.

YA contemporary is one of my favourite genres and I really feel this series would be a great addition to any young teens book collection and I highly recommend it for the 12-18 year old age range. I hope that someday Krysten writes a third book to let readers find out what happens between Hadley and Nick and the rest of the gang.

[Shelle Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadley has gotten in with the “In” crowd at her new high school. She had good friends and a great boyfriend and life was good, even if she had to deal with a few ‘mean girls’ along the way. While I was never friends with a tv star, I have to say that this book brought me back to high school romance with all its unknowns and insecurities. I imagine most teen girls would see themselves in this book somewhere.

I read the first book in this series, ‘Next Door To A Star’ and I admit that I was a little bit frustrated at hard all the girls tried to seem like something more than they were, though there too I was reminded of the seething pit of social rules governing high school relationships.This book is a fabulous sequel and shows tremendous growth for the group. I love that Hadley has a close group of friends and Nick was and is a favorite character for me.

There are some great lessons about friends ship and trust through out the story.

It isn’t necessary to read book 1 in the series to enjoy this story, but it would helpful with tracking the hierarchy of the kids’ relationships, plus it offers some great back ground on Hadley and her family.

5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley Dover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay Hager has done it again. I loved the first book in the Star Series, and “Competing with the Star” is even better. This book is great for young teenage girls who are looking to find their place in the world of high school. The characters are well developed and their stories are those that you could find in any high school in America.

Starting her sophomore year, Hadley finally feels like she has everything she ever wanted - a good group of friends and a boyfriend. Hadley had always felt ugly and belittled in school up until this year. Now, one of her best friends was a TV actress, Simone Henderson. And her boyfriend is well...perfect. Nick likes baseball and basketball which she does as well, and she can just be herself without all the pretending that other girls do.

Then, Hadley overhears a conversation in the bathroom about Simone and Nick. Her worst fears have reared an ugly head. Only nothing has really happened except now she doesn’t know what to feel. Should she feel betrayed, jealous, and feel lucky that she’s Nick’s girlfriend and not Simone.
Can Hadley come to terms with her own feelings? And how will things be with her and Nick after a misunderstanding involving Simone?

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Competing with the Star is the 2nd book in the Star Series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. You should read them in order, as this book picks up right where the first left off. We continue to follow the life of teenager Hadley Daniels. She has recently moved to a new town, and is figuring out where she fits in socially. Over the summer, she stayed with her grandparents, and made some new friends, but teen life is confusing. She and her crush Nick have decided to make things official, which should be great news. They have so much in common and find it easy to talk to each other. However, the insecurities caused by friends comments, and rumors are prying them apart. Add in a love triangle or two, and this story is packed full of drama. Some parts had me rolling my eyes, but then I tried to remember back to what it was like being a teenager, and its spot on. Hager really captured the feelings of teenagers, both boy and girl. I love that we got to see several characters weaknesses, and how they leaned on each other, discovering who their real friends are. I think this is a great coming of age story, geared toward tween and teens, but good enough to enjoy as an adult. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Tasha Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance with all the drama of being a teen, at school, with insecurity and a first boyfriend. I have to say that having read Competing With The Star, I am so glad that all that angst and drama is behind me.
I would have been comfortable with letting my daughter read this while she was still school age (About 12+ depending on the maturity of the reader) as there was nothing in it that would be inappropriate for a young reader to see. Of course, this is subjective but my daughter read a lot of age appropriate romance at that age and this is comparative.
The characters were a real mixed bag of personalities, attitudes and maturities. They were believable and most were relatable. The story follows Hadley as she embarks upon her first foray into the world of dating and experiences both, the good and sweet and the sly , jealous, spite of her peers. The plot does feel young, which is not something that I have read in a while, but for a younger reader who enjoys romances, this could be the perfect read.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads through a giveaway. This book is the second book to the series and though I have not read the first book I was still able to follow along just fine. I was drawn to the book by its cover art - I really liked how it looked and the story line sounded good.

This books is about Hadley who is a sophomore in high school and she just moved to a new town. I can relate to this book since I moved a lot as a teenager but even without that the author writes it so you can understand the struggle of trying to fit into a new school. In this book she has her first boyfriend and get to follow through all the ups and downs with that relationship plus her friendships she creates at her new school.

I really enjoyed this book with the way it was written and that it was so easy to follow. I was able to relate and see things from Hadley perspective. Feel her emotions and pain. I think this is a wonderful book for both teens and adults alike.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when life seems perfect...

Hager pens a sweet and realistic story in Competing with the Star. This story follows up from the book Next Door to a Star, which I read and liked. Poor Hadley, she is still living next door to a star, Simone Hendrickson, a TV star. Hadley has been living under her shadow and had been outcasted. Now, it's different for her, but is it really? It's a really good story about teenage (girl) angst and dealing with a he said/she said when it comes down to her boyfriend versus Simone. It is a very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. If you love a good realistic teenage romance, this book should be next on your list. It's a good story to follow and reminds people of how brutal teenage life can be, especially if we tried to block that out of our mind. Competing with the Star is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.