Vivienne Rhodes thinks she finally landed the role of her life, Helen of Troy. When she arrived on set, she is devastated to find out her nemesis, Lottie Lawrence has been cast instead as Helen. To add on to that, the set turns deadly when the two witness illegal activity on set and are now on run for their lives.

This is an audiobook that had the impact akin to watching an action movie with high tension and a fast pace. Gail Shalan, the narrator, was fantastic! The characters were well developed through and despite the action and grew throughout the book. The time period of old Hollywood shone through and truly transported you to Italy in the late 1950’s. This is a binge worthy audiobook, highly recommend.

One of the best enemies to friends books I have read! Viv & Lottie have the ultimate miscommunicated enemies in cinema/Hollywood. Viv feels scorned by her ex who is a handsome wholesome actor himself, because he left her for Lottie. Lottie just wants to get along but can only take the cold shoulder for so long.
Things get twisted when both Viv & Lottie find themselves in different places of the same crime. They run into each other trying to escape their horrible situations just find out they are both running from the same thing. They keep trying to go to the police for help but they can’t trust them because they keep seeing the men chasing them there when they arrive. Running out of options their only hope is another cinema company coming a movie nearby in Rome. Here is where they are caught & brought back under house arrest until further notice.
Such a good mystery!! I could not put it down! I highly recommend!

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.

I did the audio after the print version and I really enjoyed the audio.

Vivienne Rhodes is excited to star in a big-budget Troy epic, but her nemesis Lottie Lawrence steals her role. As tensions rise on set, they discover illegal activities happening behind the scenes. The two women must work together to gather evidence and escape dangerous situations. Their journey takes them across Europe, leading to a final showdown on an Italian island. In the end, they have the chance to be heroes if they can learn to work together.

This story was both fun and intriguing! It follows the journey of two women who, despite their differences, come together and learn more about each other. Their newfound friendship blossoms as they navigate through various situations. In a world where self-interest often prevails, these characters demonstrate the power of teamwork and building lasting bonds.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook, especially with one of my favorite narrators involved. The upbeat and mesmerizing narration truly brought the story to life.

The vivid descriptions of the environment made me feel like I was right there with the characters, fighting alongside them. The unraveling of events, the well-developed characters, and the satisfying outcome made this historical fiction a standout read.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery, fun, and entertainment, this book is perfect for you. I highly recommend the audiobook version, as the narration truly enhances the overall experience.

Thank you, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for the audio ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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 (though that could be because I was sometimes distracted while listening to the audiobook).

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

This is a fun, quick read about two Hollywood actresses who are rivals and stuck working on the same movie set on a small Italian island. The fun really starts when they get thrown together after seeing illegal activity go down and they have to run for their lives. Their banter is just as entertaining as the plot, and there were twists that I didn’t see coming. The audiobook narrator was wonderful kept the pacing quick and enjoyable. Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Focus for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Although I enjoyed this audiobook, I think it could no with a good bit of editing or a thesaurus, as some of the dialogue was repetitive. Otherwise, an enjoyable book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Oh my goodness, this is such a fun, different novel. The story is about two enemy starlets with a man in between them. But they find themselves working on the same movie in co-starring roles. That alone could have made for an interesting book but this goes in a completely different direction. They find out that their set is a front for some really bad people and criminal activity. One of the starlets finds an actual body. The women find themselves stuck together on the run from these bad people who know that the actresses have found them out. Thus begins the real bulk of the book which follows them on the run across Italy and the Alps and through the set of the Ben Hur movie. There is danger constantly following them. I will leave the details to the readers to find for themselves because this book is a delight and I encourage everyone to give it a try. This was my first book by these authors but I will gladly look for their other works.

I would describe 'The Starlets' by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne as 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' meets 'To Catch a Thief.' Two actresses are placed in opposition of one another in 1950's Hollywood, but a thrown together on a madcap adventure on a remote Italian island when all hell breaks loose on the set of their latest film.

I found this to be an entertaining read, with great sense of place. I enjoyed both of the main characters, I do wish there had been more thoughtful discussion of their relationship initially, rather than just pitting them against one another, fighting over a man (0r so it seems).

Thank you to Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thorne and Haper Collins Focus for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am grateful to have received this as an ALC! Old Hollywood stories are always a favorite for me. The narrator was great, with a certain accent that went perfectly with the way I pictured the two FMCs.

Similar tropes from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo were used. Sadly, this book fell a little flat for me. Seeing the characters go around to all the different locations was fun; however, it seemed like NOTHING went their way. Eventually, this got exhausting.
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Thank you Harper Muse/Harper Collins, and Net Galley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

I enjoyed this historical fiction/ thriller. For me, I think it started a little slow... I didn't get caught up right away. BUT I'm glad I stuck with it.
Great read (listen). I am ready for the net from this author.

Thank you to the authors Lee Kelly and Jennifer Marie Thorne and publishers Harper Muse for a beautiful paperback copy, and to NetGalley for an advance audiobook copy of THE STARLETS. Read by Gail Shalan. All views are mine.

In this business, women had to help women or else nothing would ever change.

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. I have seen the affect where the author uses excerpts from "periodicals" help set the stage and act as transition into the next scene. I find that this affect creates varying results. But here, the language of the day is handled well, and the news of the day is included with the story details. Nice writing.

2. These characters are developing along such interesting lines! I honestly love Teddy, probably because he's the type I wouldn't normally enjoy this much!

3. The audiobook narrator, Gail Shalan, reads this rather large cast with wonderful variety. Her pitch is also just tense enough to aid in pulling me through the story.

4. The humor is smart, fun, and playful: Vivian Rhodes, calling her a dumb blonde. Again. "I'm not dumb!" Lottie tells herself, even her inner voice coming out petulant. "And I'm not even really blonde!"

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. The narrative turn revealed at the climax is compelling. It was both unexpected and it fits perfectly into the story Kelly and Thorne tell in this book. The ending and denouement were a little wiggly, though.

Rating: 🏆🏆🏆🏆 /5 dramatic awards
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Nov 22 '24
Format: Paperback; Audiobook, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🎬 Hollywood stories
👭🏽 women's friendships
💇‍♀️ women's coming of age
🚙 road trip!
👩🏼‍🦰 women's fiction
🕰 historical fiction

Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-audio version of this title in exchange for my review.

I was excited for this one, but it didn't' work for me. I felt like it needed more editing - both for word usage issues and for length. I didn't feel like the story really flowed, and parts seemed really repetative.

This was my first for this author. I might give her another try in the future, but this one was disappointing.

2 stars for 'it was ok' I probably won't recommend this one to anyone I know.

As someone who loves old Hollywood, I found it so easy to become absolutely absorbed into this novel which played like a movie in my mind. Its a mystery, a love triangle, and action-packed drama from start to finish. Between the book and the audiobook, I couldn't stop reading this one.  
Vivienne Rhodes senses she is on the cusp of reaching the pinnacle of her career by winning the lead part as Helen of Troy. But when she arrives on set in Italy to find out she's been cast as Cassandra, second fiddle to Helen, she is beyond furious to find out the role of Helen has been given to Lottie Lawrence, her nemesis who has stolen Teddy Walters, Vivienne's soulmate. Producer and president of the studio, soothes Vivienne's rile by promising her artistic freedom and dinner on his yacht. But a glamorous night of romance turns deadly and the ugly truth that the studio is a front for crime places Vivienne and Lottie in danger. What ensues is a chase across Europe that forces the two starlets to work together to survive, and it plays out better than any movie either could have hoped to star in. Lottie and Vivienne discover they have more in common than Teddy, and their friendship brings out the best in both of them. I enjoyed watching their friendship develop. I really loved this one! Besides the edge of your seat action, its funny, smart, heartwarming, and it reminds you what women can accomplish when they work together. Don't miss this one!

I started The Starlets and was instantly hooked—listening to about 25% in one sitting. By the end of the day, I was already halfway through.

Vivienne and Lottie, two glamorous film stars, are fierce rivals, and the tension between them is palpable. Lottie steals Vivienne’s ex, Jack, and to top it off, there’s a mix-up with the coveted leading role Vivienne was counting on—it’s Lottie’s now. The drama hits you right from the start!

As the story unfolds, Vivienne and Lottie find themselves entangled in far more than a simple rivalry. With close calls, a dead body, and bullets flying, the two are forced to team up to survive, seek help, and take down the bad guys. The action is relentless, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Lottie’s backstory is gradually revealed, adding depth to her character and proving there’s much more to her than meets the eye.

Overall, The Starlets is an incredibly entertaining read, and the audiobook format makes it even more engaging. Highly recommended for fans of action-packed drama!

Set in 1958, star Vivienne Rhodes think she’s finally made it as a star, and is excited about playing Helen of Troy in a new film. But upstart blonde bimbo Lottie Lawrence - American’s sweetheart - has been given that role to boost the popularity of the film. Not only has she been given the coveted role, but also Vivian’s fiancé. The film is being made by a newcomer owner to the film world, and he seems to have plenty of money to throw around everywhere. The friction between Lottie and Vivenne is intense, but all shifts when Lottie stumbles over a dead body, and questions surface as to who this new owner really is and what he is involved in. The starlets must join forces to solve the murder and figure out what’s going on - and stay alive in the process.

I listened to the audio of this one, and loved it! The narrator is excellent at voicing these women - Vivienne as the more mature woman and Lottie as the flighty airhead. I loved seeing Lottie’s growth - she’s quite spunky and is quick on her feet in pivoting and thinking creatively, which helps the ladies stay alive. Out now, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you Harper for the audio review copy of The Starlets, this is a fun, and well produced, audiobook and I loved the old Hollywood glamour and backdrop for what also became an entertaining romp (if you will allow that) with two actresses (frenemies) trying to outwit a criminal network. The plot is well written, capturing the voice of the main characters nicely (I thought the voice acting was solid as well), and well paced, I never felt bored listening to the story (even if there was a little suspension of belief involved in the plot). The main strength of the story is how well the authors developed the two main characters, the tension and spirited attitudes, and the building of an adventure that forced them to appreciate each other, work together, and to have to protect each other, their careers, and their own lives. The settings were captivating, the characterizations fun and memorable, and the plot was fun, engaging, and well paced.

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The character development was fun and the story was exciting though a bit spectacular. The FMCs were different and endearing in different ways. I loved the ending.

I loved this fantastic adventure and especially the two main characters, Vivian and Lottie. The friendship that developed from animosity, out of necessity, was so fun and I enjoyed seeing them appreciate and learn from one another's strengths. The cast of nefarious characters is perfection and the plotline is captivating. I listened to the audiobook and the narration, done by Gail Shalan, is absolutely fabulous. Loved every minute of it.

Title: The Starlets
Author: Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne
Narrated by: Gail Shalan
Publisher: Harper Muse
Length: Approximately 9 hours and 17 minutes
Source: Review Copy from Harper Muse & NetGalley. Thank you!

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:
• I read about half of this on audiobook and half in the physical book. I enjoyed both media formats and read this book quickly. The narrator was engaging.

• 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!