Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Muse for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed this story about old Hollywood. Actresses Vivienne Rhodes and Lottie Lawrence have been employed to star in a big, budged Troy epic. It would be ok; except they do not like each other. When they discover some illegal activities on the movie set, the fun begins. They soon join together to figure out what is going on and how to catch the criminals. I liked the time and setting of this book-it takes place in 1958. I liked the name dropping of other movie stars. The story got more exciting as it went on. Recommend if you like mysteries about Hollywood, gangsters and casinos.

This read turned out to be more exciting than I expected. Vivienne and Lottie were the typical conceited stars. Both want to be the big star, not only will one be second fiddle but they both find themselves wrapped up in a crime drama. They are going to have to work together to stop the mobsters and get out alive.

A very well written wild ride. As i was reading it I was imagining it as a Hitchcock movie. Vividly. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I had a hard time with this one--I really wanted to like it and there were parts that I did, but I just wasn't drawn in enough to really enjoy it.

It's an intriguing plot: while filming a movie in Italy, two starlets from old Hollywood stumble across a mystery, get some enemies, and take off for an unexpected adventure around Europe while trying to find the culprits and save the movie.

It's a promising plot, but in reality: the story was all over the place, I did not believe in the relationship between Vivienne and Lottie, and the chase around Europe was hard to follow.

Book: The Starlets
Author: Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
Places Featured: Italy, Monaco, Europe
Review Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (it was fine)

The Starlets


This book screams old school, Hollywood. I love the 1950s, their style and especially all the glamour.

This was such a fun and fast-paced story. Two friends who were once enemies come together to solve a murder mystery. This one was full of drama, humor, and wit.

Vivienne and Lottie were both such great characters, I loved seeing the progression of their friendship. The twists and turns these two went through to get to Interpol kept me on the edge of my seat. It was full of high stakes, corrupt cops, and even mobsters.

I absolutely love that the authors provided discussion questions at the end. This would make for a perfect read for a book club. Highly recommended!

THE STARLETS
BY: LEE KELLY, AND JENNIFER MARIE THORNE

"Movies are the closest thing we have to magic. Every problem, complication, disaster solved in an
hour and a half. Every hero deserving of love and redemption."

I LOVE BOOKS ABOUT MOVIE STARS AND THIS ONE SET IN 1958, drew my attention. Vivienne Rhodes is beside herself when she arrives on the movie set in Tavelli, thinking that she has landed the starring role as Helen. The glare from the sun is burning her eyes, and she mentions that her sunglasses are inside her luggage, when she is informed that most of her role acting as Cassandra is going to be shot inside. She is supposed to be saving the studio, apex, that is making the movie called, 'A Thousand Ships,' in the starring role as Helen.

When Vivienne Rhodes finds out that Lottie Lawrence is going to be cast as Helen, she can't believe the same actress, her nemesis Lottie Lawrence her fiance stealing enemy has been cast as Helen. Vivienne thinks that Helen was supposed to be her role.

When the two women find out that their movie called 'A Thousand Ships,' is really a front for some illegal dealings, and they have the evidence that they travel all over the place in several different Countries running for their lives because it's in jeopardy they decide to put their differences aside to get the evidence to Interpol.

I loved everything about this story. I loved how Vivienne tried to rewrite her character Cassandra which she was promised that she could. I loved the behind the scenes witnessing the way films are made. Vivienne grew up with prominent parents in the industry who couldn't stand each other, so it's no surprise she was hurt by finding out about her boyfriend who started out as being cast together who she thinks that he is the real thing. Then she finds out that he took up with Lottie who she thinks slept her way to success. Vivienne is regal and doesn't want to play second fiddle to Lottie. As Vivienne tries to make adjustments to the script which she was promised she could, she is met with the opposite on the set, and told to stick to the script.

Lottie didn't seem like the bad person that Vivienne had made us believe in the beginning when Lottie is upset that the man that was with Vivienne and now with Lottie, didn't tell Vivienne about his romance with Lottie until she sees them together. Lottie goes looking for Vivienne trying to make peace by offering her a box of candy. Vivienne doesn't drop her negative feelings for Lottie.

I loved how there were references to other movies and stars that I recognized from that era. The main focus shifts when the two starlets are finding common ground as they literally are on the run with their lives, and others in the film are in danger. Will these two who had evolved into supporting each other in their desperate attempts in saving themselves be able to outrun the bad people on this cat and mouse chase?

I really enjoyed this well written historical fiction novel by the two talented Authors, by Lee Kelly and, Jennifer Marie Thorne. It's a fast paced reading experience that held my interests from the very beginning until the final pages. I really enjoyed the sisterhood that developed between Vivienne and Lottie. I loved the magazine articles interspersed throughout this wonderful novel. I hadn't heard of this writer team consisting of Lee Kelly, and Jennifer Marie Thorne before reading this. I'm going to read their prior novel since I really loved this. "THE STARLETS," is an excellently written entertaining thrilling reading experience. I think that anyone who picks up this historical novel will really enjoy it. This historical novel deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. I highly recommend this to those who feel nostalgic for older movies in that era. This was really suspenseful and I read it in one sitting.

Publication Date:: November 12, 2024! Available to Purchase Now! You'll Love it & You won't Regret it !

Thank you to Net Galley, Lee Kelly, and Jennifer Marie Thorne and Harper Muse for generously providing me with my wonderful Arc of "THE STARLETS," in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheStarlets #LeeKelly #JenniferMarieThorne #HarperMuse #NetGalley

If you’re looking for lighter, fast-paced historical fiction with Old Hollywood vibes featuring two plucky heroines, this would be a perfect choice!! 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 has a wonderful mix of celebrity drama, a fun game of cat and mouse, and old fashioned comedy that made this really hard to put down! This would be a great one to add to your holiday reading list because it just oozes 1950s glamour and entertainment!

Vivienne Rhodes is an actress at the top of her game, and she has just landed a breakout role as Helen of Troy. But when Vivienne arrives on the remote Italian island of Tavalli to begin filming, she discovers her arch-nemesis, Lottie Lawrence, has been cast as Helen. This burns Vivienne so much more because this part isn’t the first thing Lottie has stolen from Vivienne. When Vivienne and Lottie stumble across something they never should have seen, they end up on the run together across Europe in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Can they finally learn to work together to save their lives?

I really enjoyed the dual POVs of Vivienne and Lottie and watching them go from fierce rivals to the closest of friends. Each character had great back stories and the ending was perfection!! I was really happy to see that their rivalry didn’t dominate or bring down the book in any way, but added a fun twist. I enjoyed the little Easter eggs of real Hollywood celebrity names thrown in throughout the story. This was a fun adventure that I definitely recommend to anyone who loves this era!

A story about two women who are both struggling to be at the top of the acting industry. They've crossed paths, been enemies and are now both cast together in a blockbuster movie that should be the pinnacle of both their careers. But tensions run high on the set when they each realize the other is there. No one told them they would be doing this together and roles have been changed as well.

But even though that tension is high, there is something seditious happening on set as well. An underground plot that both ladies find themselves right in the middle of. Fleeing for their lives after a shootout, they are self tasked with unraveling this real world plot and trying to not only save their own lives, but the lives of people around them as well.

A great story that focuses on feminine insecurity and finding our own way in a world that really tries to steer us into opposition against ourselves and our own destinies. Vivienne and Lottie are both strong women that want to be successful, but each have their own individual traumas and experiences to navigate that they bring forward into their adult lives. Through the process of this story, they find comfort in supporting one another and developing that sisterly bond that women have done for centuries.

I loved the Hollywood atmosphere of the movie sets and behind the scenes; I loved the thrilling adventure and voyage that these two ladies embark on; and I loved the bonds that were developed through their shared experiences.

1958 and Vivienne Rhodes star of Hollywood arrives on a small Island to find her rolle of Helen of Troy ursurped by Lottie, a relative newcomer . Infuriated, and humiliated she recovers to act as if nothing is wrong, specially degrading when she finds Teddy her boyfriend seemingly now a couple with Lottie.

The story turns from Hollywood to gangster when crime, murder and drugs enter the scene and the two stars wary of each other at the beginning, know they have to join forces and use their wits to escape with their lives. A mad dash through Italy ending in Switzerland, trying to separate the good guys from the bad boys and also to salvage their careers.

Lots of Hollywood references and a story that kept one turning the pages. Lots of wry humour as well.

This book was hard for me to get into. It took a while for the story to get going. The characters were hard to connect with as well. This one was just OK for me. Thank you Netgalley for the review copy.

Gilded age Hollywood, Italy, an international crime spree, all things that pulled me in! I really enjoyed this book. I loved the development of Lottie and Vivs relationship, and the way they both became strong women throughout the book. This book had lots of elements that kept me turning the pages!

This was a fun, fast-paced story set in the golden age of Hollywood. It kept me on my toes, anxious to see what was going to happen next.

I love classic movies, so I really enjoyed all the nods to Hollywood movies and stars from that time period. I also loved how, as I read this book, it played out in my mind like one of these wonderful old movies.

I loved Vivienne and Lottie, and how their friendship grew. Their adventure through Europe as they fled the villains was exciting, intense, and at times quite funny. There is a scene involving Ben Hur and a race car that was so good.

This is a great read for movie buffs and fans of historical mysteries. If you’re either of those, grab a copy of The Starlets, a bowl of popcorn, and enjoy an entertaining and well-written read!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and Austenprose for a digital review copy. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

A great historical fiction book about two rival Hollywood stars on the run from dangerous criminals. It was such a fun one!

I read it in just 2-3 hours - I couldn’t put it down! I absolutely loved how it played out, and thought it was very easy to read, with a great storyline.

Was it a quick read? Absolutely. But it was full of depth too.

The characters themselves were flawed, and you could see it. But watching their growth, understanding, and adventures was intriguing. I absolutely loved following along, and it almost felt like a movie.

Also, all of the updates via newspapers/articles? They added so much and were a great addition!

A fun new read if you’re looking for a historical fiction with just a hint of thrill.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @jennmariethorne @leeykelly @harpermusebooks and @austenprose . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

A story set in the 1950s involving glamorous movie stars would be enough to entice me. However, when you also include movie worthy baddies versus goodies pursuit throughout Europe - from Mediterranean islands, to Monaco, to the Alps - then all is set for a romping read.

The Starlets is a fun, fast paced story in the style of an old Hollywood movie where two female leads go from enemies to friends in order to solve the mystery. An old fashioned movie set with a good murder mystery thrown in is a sure fire winner in my view. The authors so cleverly achieved a balance between old Hollywood celebrity drama, to daring Mafia pursuits, to old fashioned comedy! They certainly captured the ‘feel’ from this era. It reads like a movie playing out in your mind's eye.

This is more than a historical fiction story. It is a classic adventure story of two women coming together as the drama unfolds. The Starlets is glamour, action and suspense all rolled into one. If this is your vibe then get ready for a fun and entertaining read.

‘Movies are the closest thing we have to magic. Every problem, complication, disaster solved in an hour and a half. Every hero deserving of love and redemption.’




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Do you have a favorite epic movie from the golden age of Hollywood? Gone with the Wind is my favorite epic classic movie.

In the summer of 1958, Vivienne Rhodes, has traveled to the Italian island of Tavalli, to star in the new epic movie, A Thousand Ships, about Helen of Troy and the Trojan War. She is surprised to discover that she will not be the star, but her nemesis, Lottie Lawrence will be the star. Lottie “stole” Vivienne’s fiancé and Vivienne is still reeling from the heartbreak. Vivienne and Lottie inadvertently discover a murder on the island and are soon on the run. Will they be able to find help and solve this mystery?

My thoughts on this novel:
• The storyline moved very quickly and kept me on my toes. I really wanted to know what was going to happen.

• I loved all the nods to real Hollywood movies and stars from that time period. I love classic movies and old Hollywood.

• I enjoyed how the two women were enemies, but were able to put aside their differences, get to know each other, and work towards a common goal. They became friends by the end. I loved how their relationship developed.

• The characters were great. I loved Vivienne and Lottie, but the other characters on the set were fun and interesting as well. The villains were very dastardly.

• I liked the adventure too as the two women fled through Europe. There is a scene involving Ben Hur and a race car that I will never forget.

• There were great moments of humor in the book as well.

Overall, The Starlets by Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne was a fast-paced historical fiction novel set in the golden age of Hollywood with unforgettable characters. I loved it and highly recommend it!

3.5 stars rounded up
1958 - Hollywood starlet, Vivienne Rhodes, thinks she has finally landed her big break playing Helen of Troy in a big-budget epic called A Thousand Ships which is expected to be the blockbuster hit that turns around the fortunes of failing studio Apex Pictures. Vivienne, however, is devastated when she arrives on the remote Italian island of Tavalli to start filming and learns that changes to casting have been made and she is now playing Cassandra while her nemesis, Lottie Lawrence, has been given the leading role. Shortly after filming begins, the two arch rivals stumble into an illegal operation on set and find themselves on the run with key evidence trying desperately to contact someone at Interpol.

Alternating points-of-view between the two women, this was a light, fun read - a fast-paced European adventure combining the glamour of Old Hollywood with the thrill of a murder mystery and a frenetic running-for-their-lives chase across Europe that takes them to Monaco, across France to the Alps, to Rome's Cinecittà Studio and finally back to Tavalli where the lives of cast and crew are in grave danger.

The mystery is twisty and satisfying as is the unlikely development of an enemies to friends relationship between the two former rivals. The Starlets is an entertaining read with a plot that could easily have been an Old Hollywood movie - perfect for a fall or winter afternoon of reading while curled up on the couch!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Rival Hollywood actresses uncover a criminal plot

Vivienne Rhodes, daughter of LA royalty, is known for her looks, talent and athletic abilities. She is also ready for “the part”, one which will catapult her into the roster of Oscar winners, and after a recent heartbreak she thinks she just might have found it. She is set to star in Apex Pictures epic movie A Thousand Ships which is filming on the Mediterranean island of Tavalli near Corsica. She is stunned when she arrives to find on set not only the man who broke up with her months earlier, actor Teddy Walters (who is set to play Paris) but also Lottie Lawrence, the perky actress for whom she was dumped. Worse still, it has been decided that it will be Lottie rather than Vivienne who will portray Helen of Troy, with the role of soothsayer Cassandra earmarked for Vivienne. The new head of the beleaguered Apex studio, wealthy and handsome Jack Gallo, is able to persuade Vivienne that her role is every bit the major role that Lottie’s is, and she reluctantly agrees to stay…but only with the understanding that she will have significant input into making her part shine. Gallo is new to Hollywood and picture making, but cast and crew all hope he has the money and charm to restore the shaky finances of the company and make A Thousand Ships the most talked about picture in town. As the two leading actresses snipe at one another and the usual complement of lecherous men in power pursue their basest impulses, there is plenty of drama on the set in true Hollywood fashion. But things are about to get worse, as Vivienne and Lottie separately stumble upon proof of nefarious doings behind the scenes. They find themselves on the run, trying to stay alive and get the proof that a dying man handed to Vivienne into the hands of the authorities as they are pursued by nasty looking men (at least some of whom are police officers themselves). From Monaco to the Alps to Rome, with cameos by Frank Sinatra and Charlton Heston, can the two women elude their pursuers and find out what is going on back on Tavalli before they and the friends and co-workers they left behind meet a decidedly unglamorous end?
The Starlets is part historical fiction, part madcap mystery, and 100% entertaining. The two leading ladies are far more than just pretty faces; each has surmounted a less than ideal childhood and they soon find that they have more in common than either believed. Scrappy Lottie, who has had to claw her way up to reach her current level of success (though not by the ways the gossip rags would have people believe), and Vivienne whose seemingly storybook childhood was anything but ideal were both thrown into a manufactured relationship with Teddy, a common PR stunt at the time for studio players, and which turned out to have been even more of a lie than either woman knew. Glamorous locations and ambitious, talented women against the backdrop of the Golden Years of Hollywood, with more than a few real headliners popping in along the way….a great read for movie buffs and historical mysteries both. Readers of authors like Daisy Goodwin, Peter Blauner and Taylor Jenkins Reid should grab a copy of The Starlets, a big bowl of popcorn, and maybe even a glass of red wine before settling in to enjoy an engaging romp. Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me early access to this delightful novel of capers and crime.

I love the old Hollywood stories and this one had so much within the storyline! There was the glamours actresses, an exotic island with amazing set and something else happening behind the scenes. Vivienne might finally have gotten her front and center film, however when she gets to the filming set on the island of Tavalli, she finds that things are not as she was told. Her ex and his new love interest are there as well and things are about to get close and personal amongst her and Lottie. Filming is a disaster, it's hot on this island and there is nothing but tension and high tempers. When Vivianne and Lottie find themselves having to rely on each other for their lives after they both stumble upon scenes that were not part of the set, they must work to put their feelings for each other aside and trust each other to get the truth out meanwhile trying to get somewhere safe. As they fight to find someone not wrapped up in the corruption, they also learn about each other and how they are not so different after all. This was such a fast paced adventure and I loved the cameo of big name stars of that time, that were sprinkled throughout. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and Austenprose PR for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

3.5*...The Starlets is a fun look at 1950s Hollywood intertwined with an action-packed mystery. I enjoyed the characters and the details of their lives as competitive actresses in a rapidly-changing business. At first glance I was thinking this might be a type of historical fiction but the plot was more of a slapstick comedy. The audiobook lent to this feel with the narrator over utilizing stereotypical old actor-type voices and elocution. I think this was accurate for the book, but at times felt annoying within the flow of the story.
The mystery worked, however, and the way the characters worked together to solve it and get to know one another better was endearing.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this ARC. All opinions are mine.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was looking for books about Hollywood on NetGalley when this book popped up. It was the sort of book I needed after reading a lot of books with heavier topics. This was a very engaging book that I flew through, enjoying almost every second of it.

The first part of the book takes part on the set of a movie, one of those old Hollywood epics, in 1958. One of the things I liked about this book is its own distinct set of fictional characters, with the mention of real-life actors and movies and popular magazines and newspapers interspersed throughout. This lends the reader to find the situations more believable because they’re in the same sphere as movies like Ben-Hur, also filming in Europe at the same time, and a trip to Monaco, to visit Princess Grace, who was married two years prior.

However, this book isn’t just historical fiction, it’s also an action thriller/mystery! The two main characters, Lottie and Vivienne, stumble upon some shady dealings and nearly get caught. Soon, they’re on the run all over Europe. And as much as it’s life-in-danger, there are times when there’s comic relief, too. The two women think they are safe, yet time and time again, they discover they’re not so good at this stuff and that the people chasing them have caught up.

My favorite parts of the book where when the focus was on Vivienne, the Esther Williams-like actress who swam her way to stardom and is trying to break free from the typecasting. Her ability to swim plays a crucial part to the adventure, which I appreciated.

If you’re looking for an escape and enjoy an action-filled historical fiction book, and a love of the golden age of Hollywood, you might enjoy this book!