I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

this was a great psychological thriller, the characters were great and I enjoyed the plot going on. It was a wonderfully done story. I look forward to more from the author.

I was definitely drawn in from the first chapter and with the character as she tried to piece the mystery together, but the end felt rushed and a little out of nowhere.

A modern context for a mystery which is classically clever. The plot is strong and well paced but what I really liked was the writing style, which was smooth, well paced and with thoroughly believable dialogue.

C.G. Twiles has a done a stand-up job; creating a storyline, so realistic and relatable, focused on the stars of a singing/talent show. It almost felt as though I had a backstage pass to the newest reality show. I loved how the book begins at a point in the future; giving the reader a glimpse of where we are headed, but not knowing why. The twists and turns along the way, as well as the ending, were unexpected and entirely entertaining.

Piper Dunning won “ American Star” a decade ago, beating her closest competitor Hayden by just a million votes. Her career was on a path to stardom and all her dreams coming true when a set of one setback after another put an end to her career. She is now happily married and expecting her first child when she receives a call from an entertainment reporter doing a story on the ten year anniversary of her win. While Pipers’ dreams stalled, Hayden star skyrocketed, he has a multi platinum album, an Oscar and is starring in a s Broadway show. Piper jokes to the reporter that she would like tickets to the sold out show and to her surprise Hayden sends them.
While backstage she runs in to another face from her past, Nolan Ferrari, one of the judges from “ American Star” and he tells her they are bringing back the show and asks her to audition for one of the competitions judges. However both Hayden and Jojo who also was a contestant and now one of her closest friends are being considered. The three are once again competing. Piper at first is reluctant to expose herself to public scrutiny and intrusive media attention but the thought of the security the money could bring to her family changes her mind. Until she receives a letter telling her that all her misfortunes had been engineered by a secretive group and one of their members had cursed her so that they could reach their dreams. They are now threatening her new life- her husbands career and even her baby and the only way out is murder.
This was a fun read and I think some characters cannot very obviously represent personalities we all know and the cult sounds like one many of us have heard rumors about as well. In that way it reminded me of a Jackie Collins or Dominic Dunne novel in which part of the fun is guessing who the fictional characters real life counterparts resemble.
I definitely did not guess the “ who dun it”
In this one. This is available now! Thank you ton# netgalley and the publisher for the free ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you NetGalley for this one it was an enjoyable read. The book was full of twists and turns that just made you want to keep reading. I refuse to provide too much information when the book is a thriller but prepare for the ride of piper winning the talent show!

Thanks again!

Unfortunately, this book was just not that great for me. It borrowed from so many ideas in real life that were too close to feel unique and fun. The reading was drawn out and a bit boring for my taste.

Piper Dunner's dream of being a star faded into the background after winning season 7 of the American Star. What started as a quick rise to the top quickly turned into "Piper who?" when multiple destructive events happened that knocked her out of the limelight.

Years later, she has a chance to be in the spotlight again as a judge for American Star. When she begins receiving letters that are essentially threatening her if she doesn't back out...Piper has a decision to make...give in or fight back, even if fighting back might put her in harm's way.

Even though I figured out early on where part of this story was headed (mind you I said part, not all) this was a fast-paced, easy and fun read. This author has a knack for taking sub-genres of thrillers that don't usually work for or interest me and I end up really enjoying them. The Last Star Standing is a mind-twisting thrill ride that I'm sure will leave some heads spinning. Definitely recommend.

I sincerely appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this psychological thriller. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.

PIper had it all! Winning a televised talent show! Now, as she starts to build her new life with family, her past is coming back to haunt her! This book has so many twists and turns. Three times I thought I knew "who done it". Three times I was wrong! Very well written, definitely hooks you and doesn't let go! This author is one to follow!

Totally gripping read! I have read this authors previous books and enjoyed them just as much as this one. I would highly recommend reading this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of The Last Star Standing in exchange for my honest review.

What an interesting read! I always love books that have well written characters and The Last Star Standing is no exception to this!

I sympathized with Piper, and I was really enjoying reading her and getting to know her.

Good, solid, read!

I loved the twist at the end! That said, I thought Piper (rather, the author) went around and around the 'is this real? how can this be real?'' way too many times. Saggy middle sandwiched between an interesting premise and a satisfying conclusion!

This book was brilliant, I had never read this premise before so was intrigued. Not going to lie but it took me a while to get into it (hence deduction of a star) but once into it it was amazing. The ending was brilliant, didn't guess it.

Very well written and researched - could just see the characters in real life.

Definately will be looking out for more by this author.

I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.

When Piper won Season 7 of American Star, she thought her career would take off like a rocket. Unfortunately, a series of personal tragedies came between her and her dreams. Ten years later, she is married, pregnant, and is an audiobook narrator. When American Star starts planning a return, she is tapped as one of three potential new judges. With her bad luck far behind, could this finally be her big break?
It appears she has a good chance of winning this coveted role. Then a letter arrives that makes her question everything she knows. It implies that all of her bad luck wasn't a cruel twist of fate, but really someone with their own agenda. Now Piper has to decide if she believes in fate and curses and if what she has now is more important than a second chance at fame.
Lots of potential suspects and the steady increase of Piper's fear along with thinly veiled innuendos has her rethinking her time after American Star. She wasn't the only contestant to suffer professionally, and she is pretty sure she knows the only person who gained while others lost. I changed my mind a few times before deciding who I thought was the villain. I was right about the who but had no clue about the why.
I enjoyed this book, but I think someone who is more familiar or who enjoys this type of reality TV would really like it. There is a lot of Piper reliving her experiences on American Star, and to be honest, those parts just didn't interest me. I did like uncovering the mystery behind Piper's bad luck and what was going on now though.3.5 stars.

I love this story. The whole time of the book was stunning.

I dream and cry with Pip. I hated and loved.

After winning the iconic American Star talent show, she lives a nightmare when a lot of bad things happen. Then, after ten years, he finds someone to start a family ... but nothing is as it seems. It’s complicated and mysterious again. He sets out on a journey to discover what really happened. Are the curses that happened to her real?

We watched you ... We conceived your downfall.

I got this copy on netgalley.com in exchange for a fair review. The implementation date is April 23, 2021

Let me start by saying this was a fun, easy read. I struggled writing this review a little if I'm honest because whilst it was definitely an enjoyable book, I didn't feel particularly pulled in by either the story or the characters.

I found the pace of the book picked up towards the end when the plot began to unravel and there was definitely that element of excitement that for me was perhaps missing throughout. I took multiple guesses at who the culprit behind the letters was (really I had no clue!) and whilst the perp had made my guesses list, I was surprised to learn of the co-conspirator and their connection!

This is the first book I've read by C.G. Twiles and I would certainly be open to reading more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Muradal Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review 📖

“In three minutes, I’ll be a murderer. A famous one. Because the man I’m about to kill is very famous. Me, much less so.”

Wow, this psychological thriller was so fun! I was immediately drawn in from the first couple lines. I loved the unique premise of a supposed wronged talent show winner trying to figure out who was behind the mysterious letters and possibly threatening her new opportunity.

Told from Piper’s POV, we get a glimpse at her rise to fame while competing on American Star (think American Idol and America’s Got Talent) and what led her to orchestrate a murder.

The pacing, for me, was great overall; with a few parts that felt a little long.. then it continued to pick up, on a race to the jaw-dropping reveal! The conclusion left me feeling very satisfied. Add The Last Star Standing to your thriller tbr list - available on April 23!

4.5 stars, rounded up

Memorable Quote:
“For the record, Piper hadn’t mouthed ‘Nooooo’ but ‘Oooohhhh myyy” and the camera had “conveniently” cut away from the “myyy.” On such misinterpretations are kingdoms toppled and, in this case, thousands of fan fictions born.)"

The Last Star Standing by C.G. Twiles

Oh, this one had me from the first page and I could not put it down!

The book opens with Piper on her way to kill someone, and clearly it’s against her will. You can feel her desperation and anxiety.

Piper Dunner won season 7 of American Star (an American Idol like show), but never gained the fame and fortune she had been dreaming of due to a paralyzed vocal cord. She had experienced much loss in her life – she lost her host (and pet) in a fire, her mother passed away from cancer, her singing career stalled. But, Piper is happy now. Married to Firio, about the give birth to their first child and recording audio books brings her steady income.

Now, at the 10 year anniversary of the American Star season that Piper won, they are resurrecting the show and looking for a 3rd judge. The choices are Piper, Hayden (the runner up, but who has had far more success than Piper) and Jojo (who ended up in 6th place, but was an overall loveable person).

Then Piper starts getting threatening letters in the mail warning her of danger to her, her husband and her yet-to-be-born baby. I thought I knew who was behind the letters then *bam* the twist. And I was wrong. Oh, so good.

4.5/5 This book will be published on April 23rd

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Thank you #netgalley for the complimentary copy of #thelaststarstanding in exchange for an honest review.